No one can stay away forever...

It's been a while and I will admit, I stopped posting because there hasn't been anything good to watch. The animes that I have seen have been mostly generic, cookie cutter products of overused tropes, plots, and cliches.

I usually give an anime three episodes to see if it can hook my attention. There have been some animes that have started off well, only to fall into dejavu land by episode two. Other animes have started off in a "meh" like fashion only to quickly improve and grow into something unique and charming.

ReZero comes to mind. This anime uses a plot that had become popular in the east: being sucked into a video game-like world. This is probably due to the overwhelming success of Sword Art Online. 

ReZero started off kinda "meh" as the main character was over the top, somewhat annoying, and fell into the "love at first sight" with the other protagonist trap by the end of episode 1. But his special ability of traveling back in time after death and having to redo everything way unique. As an added bonus, his friends would have no memory of the previous take and his curse mad him physically unable to tell them. Watching his emotion struggle and the progress of his maturity made the anime truly engaging. I even shed a tear at some parts.

Maybe I'm just a jade fan, but I expect more out of animes these days. With the end of Studio Ghibli and the last few years of mediocre madness and cliches I had to take a step back. I began reading more mangas and was pleasantly surprised when some of them became animes. Animes such as ReLife and The Disastrous life of Saiki K were fresh new takes on stale concepts. The cheap antics of perversion and meaningless over the top slapstick are left out for humor that is better developed, more intelligent, tongue in cheek, clever, and actually funny to people over the age of five.

I'm also seeing a resurgence of more serious animes that deal with tough life situations. 91 Days is a noir type anime where a man returns to seek revenge on the mob family that killed his parents and younger sister. He doesn't come in guns a blazing, but instead takes a more tactical approach to bring down each participant one by one.

Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans is another anime that looks at the human struggle as this unwanted group of young soldiers try to find a place where they belong. While IBO has plenty of cliches, it's told in a simplistic fashion and the characters are interesting to watch. (Plus, it's Gundam. GUNDAM! yes to all the robot fights/). Sometimes, simple is good.

With all that said, I will be starting up One Episode at a Time again. The format will be a little different as I will watch and review different animes other than Sailor Moon. I will also probably be doing more than one series at a time.

Thanks for reading and I hope you like what's coming soon.

Episode 19: Time Warp - Sailor Pluto (a.k.a. Animated akwardness)

I'm not gonna lie and say this episode was good. It was terrible, but it wasn't good either. From my perspective, this episode felt like a jumbled mess, which is sad because the original content is quite lovely and moving.

So lets take a look.

Pick up where episode 18 left off, Chibi-Usa confesses her origins and begs Sailor Moon for help. However, even though she had revealed her origins, she is still overly useless when it comes to giving out an real information, as we see when Artemis asks some more pressing questions.

Venus requests that Chibi-Usa take them to the future since they'll find more answers there and maybe even the kidnapped senshi. But Chibi-Usa's fears outweigh their pleading as she tells them that there is no way she could go back to that "scary place."

To Sailor Moon's dismay, Tuxedo Mask steps in again with hugs and soothings words to cal our pink hair antagonist. In these moments, Chibi-Usa boldly proclaims that she wants to spend the night at Mamoru's place.

Here we see the first of these "comical" reaction boxes that seem so very out of place in this particular style

As Mamoru readies Chibi-Usa for bed Mamoru asks a few more questions and gives some advice about not running away from one's problems. Now this is all well and good and would have been innocent and harmless if not for some disturbing and somewhat suggestive imagery.

You see, Maoru hovers over Chibi-Usa while the child is in bed and twice we see him as just this lurking black silhouette whose face is unnaturally close. Really? is it just me? Am I the only one with the problem of seeing Chibi-Usa in full blush, in Mamoru's bed, wearing one of his shirts, and then with Mamoru himself hovering over her speaking softly?

If that sounds like the intro to a sex scene, you wouldn't be 100% wrong.

Luckily, we are not exposed to pedophilia, but Usagi watches from beyond the room and can see that Chibi-Usa is obviously in love. She tells as much to Mamoru, and we get another akward comedy blip.

Now the next scene is a pretty well known one as it is the somewhat subtle way Naoko shows that Usagi and Mamoru's relationship just went up a level with Usagi spending the night. Usagi is expressing her weird uncertainty of Mamoru's relationship with Chibi-Usa, confesses her jealousy, and asks to sstay whileadmitting to being silly. Mamoru, for a moment, feels that Usagi is physically drifting away, almost fading into the moonlight, when he embraces her and we see them fall together to a more "comfortable" angle.

However, in this version, we see a lot of over dramatic animations and unnecessary backgrounds. Usagi's "fading" is more like a buzzing, distorted image we often see when television reception is bad. There are more black silhouettes and strange angle jumps. It looks awkward and sloppy, which is sad because scenes like this in anime have been done before and it has been done right. (Kare Kano is a prime example of this.)

Moving on, we jump over to Minako's house where Artemis and Luna are spending the night. Luna has a dream about a forbidden door back from their previous lives and how the Queen had called it forbidden and briefly talked about the lone senshi who guarded that place.

The scene changes again and we see our heroes by the clock tower and ready to time travel. Mid warp, they are separated and their presence is detected by the Black Moon. Emeraude lets it slip that dear old prince wants something, or much rather, someone, inside the Crystal Palace. She sends two of her own goons to run interference on our heroes

SCENE CHANGE! Sailor Moon and friends are in the space between times and we finally get to meet Sailor Pluto, who looks amazing! Pluto is just doing her job, eliminating all who come to this time space, and pulls off an unimpressive Dead Scream. Chibi-Usa shows up, jumps ten feet to grab onto Pluto to stop her and we see another drama buildup fall flat.

Pluto lets the group through as we see Crystal Tokyo all jacked up. People are decomposing in streets, there's a giant evil crystal giving  off some major negavibes, and Chibi-Usa swoons at the memory of being unaffected when all the people around her started to collapse.

Mamoru hears a voice and suggests that they leave this place. One choppy scene change later, they are at the castle gates where they are ambushed by Emeraude, Chiral, and Archiral. They are encased in stone and Moon Healing is not working. They get free when Mamoru hears the v
oice again and "prays" to break the stone. They get free, Venus and Tuxedo Mask destroy Chiral and Archiral, and Emerude escapes.

Wow, that's a lot. Finally we get iside the palace where they see Chibi-Usa's mom lying in crystal, Diana, and King Endymion.

So as you can see, a lot happened in this episode and the plot is advancing very nicely. However, I cannot forgive the choppy scene changes. There is no semblance of space and area in this  episode and it's confusing. Add then the strange animations in an attempt to set the atmosphere only to get awkward scenes and sometimes creepy imagery. maybe it's just me.

There are somethings that just don't translate well into animation I guess.

The writers haven't taken any more liberties in changing the story much and it's following the manga to a tee. If that's the case, I think I can expect the next episode to be very, very full.

Episode 18: Invasion (a.k.a.

If you've been following this blog for as long as I've been writing it (which actually isn't all that long) you know by now that Sailor Venus is my favorite character. You also know that I love her upgrade and how her role and personality are closer to the manga in this remake. So you can imagine how excited I was to watch this particular episode. 

I must say that I love the way this episodes starts. Things happen when Minako gets pissed off. After the abduction of Jupiter Minako is done dancing around and decides that they cannot continue to coddle Chibi-Usa. The time has come to see who this girl really is.

After retrieving a sample of a black moon crystal dropped by Petz, the three had to the Tsukino household where we see Chibi-Usa and Momo, another reoccurring manga character. But before the talk can happen Chibi-Usa catches sight of the earring and freaks out.


Meanwhile, on the ship of the Black Moon, there is a little discord between the Black Moon members. Rubeus, Esmeraude, and Saphir can't help but wonder why their prince is so obsessed with the silver crystal when he is already in possession of the powerful Malefic Black crystal. They know that Wiseman is the one leading their prince by the nose over this battle of the two crystals.

Then there's Calaveras, the last Sprctre sister, who vows to avenger her fallen sisters. So we know another fight is coming with the last Specrtre sister.

Back at Usagi's hose, Chibi-Usa is being uncooperative. At this point Usagi claims that if Chibi-Usa won't help them, they they cannot get along. So glad someone said it.

At school Naru notices that Usagi is feeling down. She tries to help when Umino shows them a DVD featuring Calaveras posing as a medium who can channel beings from another dimension. Usagi knows it's trick and she and Minako make a plan to expose Calaveras. Mamoru, a little unsure of himself, consults his generals for advice.

But the plan goes awry as Chibi-Usa makes off with Usagi's brooch and Minako is left to deal with Calaveras. Calaveras channels the spirit energy of her sisters, using the bodies of Naru, Asanuma, and Kotono We get to see Venus's Rolling Heart Vibration, (which looks cool btw), but there is no effect as the spirits lack physical bodies. Venus is in a bind.


Back to Usagi, she find Chibi-Usa who refuses to give the brooch back. Rubeus appears and so does Tuxedo Mask to protect his ladies. However, Rubeus is no push over and Tuxedo knows that in one shot, he'll loose. (self confidence much?) However, he hears a voice and we get to see Tuxedo's signature energy blast, the Smoking Bomber (It's okay. I laugh every time I hear it too.)

With this new power, he drives Rubeus back and Chibi-Usa returns Usagi's brooch. Usagi shows up just in time to help Venus out and on Moon Halation later, Calaveras is defeated.

Sailor Moon Asks Chibi-Usa planned to do with her crystal and Chibi-Usa finally confesses that she though she could use the crystals of the bast and the future, even though it's  It's only took three kidnappings and countless (assumed) casualties for her to ask for Sailor Moon's help to save the 30th century.

This episode was pretty cut and dry, and I like episodes that way. Venus's Rolling Heart Vibration was a treat and the Smoking Bomber wasn't as lame as it is in the manga. I do wish they would have been a little harder in Chibi-Usa, but I guess you can't change too many liberties with character personalities.

To sum up the whole Spectre Sister's chapter, I will admit that they were surprisingly weak by mini boss standards. The droids were tough, but they had numbers. The Spectre Sisters went down with very little resistance by Sailor Moon. Which makes we wonder if the battles between each sister and their respective senshi was just a futile effort on their part. Even with their new powers they still don't appear to be strong enough to handle the current threat.

I feel like Mercury and Mars stood a better chance of winning than Jupiter and Venus. To be fair, Jupiter did have a cold and Venus was fighting apparitions. Still, there seems to be HUGE power imbalance between Sailor Moon and the Senshi. But the formula goes that Sailor Moon always shows up late at the end or is the last one to attack and delivers the finishing blow.

Episode 17: Secret (a.k.a. How the senshi can't keep one.)

Episode 17, what can I truly say about this episode other. The last two episodes have been following a very distinct and predictable patter where you see a little more into the lives of our support characters and watch them overcome some kind of personal challenge before getting kidnapped.

I expected this episode to be no different. So was I right? Let's see.

Following on the heels of Mercury's abduction, we see that Usagi has once again fallen into a slump. Chibi-Usa attempts to cheer Usagi up in her usual tsundare manner.

She follows Usagi on her meet up with Mamaru, seeing an arcade for the first time. Elsewhere, Minako gets a notice of someone playing the Sailor V game and doing really well. She and Makoto rush over to the arcade  to see it's non other than Chibi-Usa. But it's not just the Sailor V game, but pretty much any game. However, all this does in manage to continue to raise suspicion about her. We also see that she and Usagi are pretty much on the same mental level, but we knew that already.

Mamoru makes more promises to reassure the pink haired brat and the girls head down to their HQ. Finding Ami and Rei have proved to be more difficult than anticipated and Minako admits that it has been difficult to read their enemy's moves. She does, finally, put two and two together that while Chibi-usa may not be their enemy, she certainly has a connection to the Dark Moon gang.

At this point in the show, one would think we'd keep our focus on Makoto, as we did in the previous episode with Ami, however, I quickly realized that there is a lot going on in this episode as we are nearing the halfway mark of the episode and we're only seen Makoto for a minute with little dialogue.

We suffer through some more Chibi-usa melancholy as she gets emotional over watching Usagi's happily-in-love parents. She of course end up with Mamoru and he gets another flash of Chibi-Usa's memories.

Like a good boyfriend, he calls Usagi to discuss his newest theories and speculations about the girl. Luna is there are well. Now this is where it gets stupid. I've already expressed how the senshi are TERRIBLE at keeping their secret identities and overall secret mission to keep the world safe, well, a SECRET! In the previous arc, the enemy was able to discern their identities fairly easily on several occasions. This episode is no different.

Enter Asanuma (you know, that guy we saw briefly in episode 15? Blond hair? One dimensional personality? Yeah, him.) he of course hears their ENTIRE conversation and even witnesses Luna talking. Confused, he tries to sort it out in his mind only to run into Makoto.

Now Makoto has a cold and it giving off electrical charges. They end up at Makoto's apartment. We see her parents dies in a plane accident and she has a house full of plants. We also learn that Asanuma is a jerk to allow a very sick person to still play hostess and make him tea when he should insist she go to bed and rest.


That aside, Asanuma pressed Maktoto to explain what he overheard, Maktoto is fully prepared to lie, but apparently Asanuma's innocent and earnest look wreaks havoc on her consciousness. (I say it's the fever, but that's just my opinion.) She reveals the truth, stopping short of flat out saying "I'm Sailor Jupiter and I fight demons and spacemen."

Asanuma says he wants to be strong, which is laughable for a guy like him. After a brief forehead kiss, Asanume leaves with teh promise to keep their secret and Makoto passes out on the floor.

And that is all the Makoto focus we're going to get for this episode. We are pass the halfway mark and it's time for teh Dark Moon to attack. Petz has the sick idea of infecting the peropl of the city with a virus and in their weakened state have her droids kill  and replace them.

I like how the UFO is parked right outside Makoto's apartment and Petz is able witness Makoto's rebellion. Usagi and Minako show up as well. Droids attack and the girls fight them off, but there are just so darn many! Jpiter breaks free and stupidly decides to take Petz on alone.

I say it's stupid because 1) she's sick, 2) we're seen how the Spectre Sisters are way stronger than your average monster, and 3) she actually believed she would win this fight. Of course, she looses and is caught in Petz's energy bubble. Sailor Moon's Princess Halation takes out Petz, but we all know that Jupter is as good as captured. When will they learn?

This episode was supposed to a Jupiter episode and it fell short in that. the focus was more on Chibi-Usa and Makoto's 5 minutes of fame felt like an after thought. It was like this in manga too. As though Naoko doesn't really know what to do with Jupiter's character.

They did do a good job on projecting Makoto as a weaker version of herself, which can be hard for someone like her. However, I am annoyed how Makoto and Asanuma's relationship is nevre really explained and it appears that Asanuma is falling for Makoto. Although, I think for Makoto, it's more of a motherly relationship on her end. (How did you two meet again?)

The plot itself did not advance, although we do see that Prince Demonde probably has some kind of sick crush or fetish for Chibi-Usa's mother/The Queen, so.... yeah.

Other questions that remain unanswered include:
- If Makoto's parents are dead, whi is paying for that nice apartment?
- Mamoru keeps brining Chibi-Usa home and letting her sleep over. Do his neighbors find that odd at all?
- When will Luna notice that people tend to notice talking cats and start to lower her voice when talking to Usagi?
- Will the senshi ever use the buddy system when fighting powerful baddies?
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Episode 16: Abduction (a.k.a. Exactly what you think)

I was really looking forward to this episode and was so glad when my expectations were met. The faster pacing of this arc is keeping me engaged even though I already know  what's going to happen. So let's get started.

This episode focuses on Sailor Mercury. Picking itself up at the end of episode 15, Sailor Moon see's Chibi-Usa trying to flee from the scene.

Angry, Sailor Moon confronts Chibi-Usa, asking her if the villains of the Dark Moon are her accomplices. Luna jumps to stop Sailor Moon, making or hero look like the bad guy.

Usagi rushes home alone and shuts herself up in her room, devastated, angry, and confused over Sailor Moon's abduction. She claims herself to be an awful person for loosing her cool. But to be fair, I believe that Usagi is justified in her anger. Her best friend was just taken before her very eyes and no one had to power to do anything about it.

Luna shows up at Mamoru's later that night and takes him to Chibi-Usa who is spending the evening at the park because she's too scared to go home and face Usagi's wrath. Mamoru takes her home and sets her up to rest. He does his best to cheer Chibi-Usa up and ends up tip-toeing around any important questions when she become too tight lipped. She reveals that she wants Sailor Moon to help her mother. This information is relayed back to Minako, Makoto, and Ami, via Luna, who are trying to gather more information at the secret base.

Mamoru takes Chibi-Usa home the next morning and Usagi becomes even more annoyed that they had spent the night together. Mamoru tries to cheer her up and calm her, but Usagi isn't having it. Even when he tries to kiss her, she is a bit reluctant. So far, in this episode, I have to say, I'm on Usagi's side.

Usually, I get annoyed with her bouts of melancholy and self pity, but her reaction to the situation is normal and justified. You can see in her eyes how upset she is and how annoyed she is because she can't do anything about it. Plus, eveyone seems to be taking Chibi-usa's side. Chibi-usa, who is a stranger and possible a danger to them all. Who is a girl supposed to feet about that?

You can see her frustration with Chibi-usa possibly having the answers to help them, but having everyone around her defend this troublesome stranger. I love it! This episode created some character for Usagi beyond her one dimensional personality. we can only hope she stays this way.

Back to the story, Ami is also trying to wrap her head around the situation before them. She too if frustrated at the lack of information they have.

We get a look at Ami tuning in with her element when a pipe breaks at school. While reporting it, she meets Berthier (Birdy in English) who later publicly challenges Ami to a chess match where the lives of Mars and Chibi-Usa are on the line.

It's also in this episode we look at Ami's past and background. We see how her father, a painter, divorces her mother and leaves her behind despite the good times they shared. Berthier uses these feelings in a physiological warfare during the chess match, creating a fear of being left alone and thus throwing Ami off her game.

An outburst from Usagi in the crowd brings her back to her senses and Ami wins the game. But Berthier isn't ready to give up, revealing that the whole thing was a trap. While the others fight the crowd, who turned out to be puppets, Ami gives chase to fight Berthier one-on-one. Using her talents, her mini computer, and a few matrix movies, Mercury is able to hold her own, but Berthier still proves to bee too much for her to handle and she too is captured in a bubble type prison.

Sailor Moon and Venus show up in time to stop Berthier from ironically drowning the senshi of water and vanquish her, but just like before, they cannot free Mercury from the prison. Rubeus shows up and take his second senshi back to the Dark Moon UFO-like base. To be continued...

This episode moved fast, and I liked it. We got to see Ami from another point of view. We observed her process information and internally struggle with her shortcomings. We saw her try to relax and think things through. We learned of her family and watch her cope with her feelings of abandonment; feelings she never bothered expressing or showing concern over.

The story is moving right along and it almost feels like a roller coaster of events and emotions. I like
the more mature handling of Usagi and Mamoru's relationship. We can see Usagi's turmoil and Ami's resolution. The senshi are remaining vigilant and fearless, living up to their positions as Sailor Moon's protector.

Best of all, Chibi-Usa is not always the main focus like she was in the original animation, allowing up to look more at the story and event. They are also keeping the flashback and back stories to a tasteful amount of time, using visuals to tell the story instead of just dialogue. I am loving this.

Can't wait till episode 17, where we'll be looking at my second favorite senshi, Sailor Jupiter.

Episode 15: Infiltration (a.k.a I think I was surprised)

This episode was full to say the least. My head was spinning at how many plot devices were introduced before the eyecatch. I'll save my overall opinion for the end, but lets just say that I  have few complaints.

This is the first of what is going to be a long string of Chibi-Usa episodes. There's no getting around it. She's pretty crucial to the Sailor Moon world and upcoming story line. It still doesn't make me like her more. So can Sailor Moon Crystal make me lesson my hatred for this brat? Can they use her in such a way that I don't feel like committing murder every time she's on screen? I doubt it, but I'll keep an open mind.

We pick up where we left off in the last episode. The writers and animators actually did a good job in hyping up the scene with Chibi-Usa looking like a pint-sized gang banger. All she had to do was turn the gun to the side and we would have had pure gold on our hands.

The gun is just a toy, but that doesn't stop Chibi-Usa from firing it and causing Usagi to pass out. Chibi-Usa, of course, runs off with trusty Luna P.

Before we go on, let me talk about the opening. The song is the same but the took the liberty of replacing the villains scene with our new villains, a nice shot of Sailor Pluto, and another of Chibi-Usa. While I am glad to see that they are keeping up with the events, I gotta say I'm a little sad. I was looking forward to a whole new opening sequence and maybe a new song, like in the old days. But I guess anime companies don't really do that too much nowadays. Maybe we'll get something new after this arc.

Moving on. In a distant galaxy, we see our new villains who, surprise surprise, are after the Silver Crystal. But while the Dark Kingdom wanted the crystal for its power, these guys just want to destroy it and restore their former glory.

(Another note. In the North American version, both the show and the comic, these guys were known as the Negamoon Clan. I will not be using that name.)

Prince Demande is head honcho and is asked by his redheaded follower, Rubeus, to allow him to handle the operation. Enter the Spectre Sisters. Koan mentions that someone near the crystal has the same fire power as herself.

We go back to Usagi and Mamoru. Usagi wants to find her pink haired assailant, stating that she may be a new enemy. But to Usagi's dismay, Mamoru is not 100% on board with the idea.

They find Chibi-Usa, sitting alone and pitiful on the swings. Mamoru tries to comfort her and gets a glimpse of an unknown crystal-like construction. Chibi-Usa on the other hand, eats up Mamoru's comforting gestures, making Usagi unnecessarily jealous.

The two take Chibi-Usa to Usagi's house where Chibi-Usa decides to observe Usagi and hypnotizes Usagi's family. Luna is able to stop Mamoru and Usagi from also being effected. Later, Luna sees that Chibi-Usa has a crystal that looks just like the Silver Crystal. She deems that the girl doesn't have any real hostile intent and that they should just observe for now.

The following day, the senshi are gathered while Usagi complains and they speculate on who Chibi-Usa could be. Luna appears and gifts the senshi with all new transformation items and communicators. The girls express their happiness as Chibi-Usa stalks them from across the street.

In this episode we get to meet some characters that made little to no appearance in the original show. There's Asanuma, Makoto's new buddy and Mamoru's underclassman. He's also an avid fan of Mamoru himself. Next up is Kotono Sarashina, the supernatural research club president at Rei's school and whom Rei will be assisting for the upcoming school fair where Rei will be a fortuneteller.

We get a particularly funny scene where Rei lets her trademark cool and composed demeanor slip as she spies a book on UFOs. She wonders if she's being influenced by Usagi and the others.

The day of the festival, Usagi tells Chibi-Usa not to follow her which is exactly what the little troublemaker does the moment Luna turns her back. At the festival, things aren't going so well. The rival club's fortuneteller is predicting the deaths of students and freaking everyone out. Rei  decides the best thing to do is to inform one of the sisters (her school is a private religious school btw) only to find that they have been possessed.

Upon finding a burning corpse the senshi assemble and show off their new transformations, which look about the same as the old ones. The enemy shows themselves and Koan (Katty in English) introduces herself and states that they want the Silver Crystal. Chibi-usa, who is watching from the shadows, clutches her own crystal protectively.

 The girls fight and notice the increase in power as taking out the minions is an easy task. Mars, who is super pissed off, throws out her Burning Mandela which is visually amazing. A collection of fireballs with what I think is a Tao symbol behind her. Unfortunately, it's not enough to stop Koan and Mars is captured in a fire bubble-like prison.

Sailor Mercury's Shine Aqua Illusion, is ineffective in breaking the prison and Sailor Moon's attack at Koan is reflected, bring in Tuxedo Mask to save her from... herself (sigh). Anyway, their powers combined bring out the Moon Rod (insert inappropriate joke here) which allows Sailor Moon to vanquish Koan.

Now usually, this is where the episode would with the senshi wearing intense looks and gazing at the sky, but no. It take a somewhat different turn.

Even though Koan has been defeated, her barrier still stands. Rubeus appears and under Prince Demande's order, abducts Sailor Mars. To be continued!

The episode ends on a cliff hanger and I'm not mad about it. This episode threw a lot of information at you and had a lot of different things going on all at the same time. But it was organized well. Score one for the writers!

The episode focused on Rei and we got a look at her school life. Chibi-Usa doesn't say much and is actually not as bratty as she was in the original animation, making her appear more serious and suspicious to those who don't know her true purpose. I like where this is headed and I like the kidnapping twist.

I will say that I am a tad disappointed that even though Mars acquired more power, she was still captured. I also have to wonder about her school. She's a Shinto priestess, attending what I assume to be a Catholic schools because the "sisters" are wearing western style habits. And yet, they allow the students to explore fortunetelling and paranormal activities. Is her school really a Catholic school? And it looks super expensive. But Rei lives in a Temple without her parents. Where does she get the money for school.

But that's a head cannon for another day. I have to say I'm looking forward to episode 16 where we focus on Sailor Mercury and maybe Chibi-Usa getting the third degree.

Episode 14 Conclusion and Commencement (a.k.a) The power of Christ compels you!

We are finally reaching the end of the Dark Kingdom story arc and man, have the writers taken some liberties. But I suppose it all worked in the end.

We are back at the north pole with Sailor Moon awakening to her princess powers. She pours all of her strength into defeating Metallia, only wavering for a moment. With her princess powers, Luna's prayers, and the final wishes of her dead comrades, she's able to shoot a lunar kamahamaya wave right into Metallia's face.

With her power exerted, her transformation brooch breaks and she collapses. It takes one of Mamoru's magical kisses to bring her back and the two share an embrace and vow to never be apart.

Ah, but then Sailor Moon finally asks the right question. "Where is everyone?" Despite the fact that she gave little thought to them, she now realizes that it's only her and dear old Mamo-chan in the frozen landscape.

Mamoru, upon seeing her panic, volunteers his services to find her friends. Somehow, he gained clairvoyance powers and is able to scan the earth just by touching it concentrating a bit. Because Usagi is holding his hand, she can see the earth as well.

The earth has taken it's toll from Metallia's attacks. plant life is dead, people are probably dead, and cities are in the beginning stages of ruin. After seeing all that, they finally locate the remaining senshi and the fact that they have sacrificed themselves in the fight to said their world.

Usagi is devastated, but her devastation is short lived when Luna contacts her from the moon and asks her to come there.

Using the newly formed moon stick, she and Mamoru transport to Moon Castle to see that the power of the crystal has restored the castle to its former glory.Now, Sailor Moon has the chance to become the new Queen of the moon.

Usagi declines, stating that her place is on earth with her family and the man she loves. Queen Selenety's hologram gives her blessing and Usagi is given a new brooch in which to harness the power of the Silver Crystal and become powerful enough to save the world.

The Moon Healing Escalation spell gains interplanetary range and the earth is healed. People start to wake up, plants begin to grow, and cities are restored.

As the episode nears its end, the senshi wake up back on earth and share a tearful reunion. The girls settle into peaceful days. That is, until Rei gets a glimpse of something in her sacred fire while meditating.

We end with Usagi and Mamoru meeting in the park and sharing a moment when suddenly a vortex opens up in the sky! In drops my second most hated character in all Sailor Moon-dom, Chibi-friggin-usa. The three share an awkward threesome before a heated introduction results in Chibi-Usa pointing a gun at Usagi's forehead.

So I'm done gushing about the art as they continue to step up their game. I'm super stoked that we get a look at Luna's human form while she's immersed in praying. This does however, go against the fact that Luna's human appearance was a projection given to her by Sailor Moon in accordance to a wish, and not so much as a result of hardcore prayer.

Speaking of prayer, it's crazy that it was the prayer of a cat and the dead senshi that ultimately won the day. In the five minutes of battle, it all came down to prayer to amplify the power of the Silver Crystal. Underlying message much?

I won't hash (again) about how the other senshi were kicked to the wayside to focus more on Usagi and Mamoru's "destined" relationship. But I will say how disappointed I was in the final fight. The writers and animators had done so well in making the fight sequences less stand-off-ish only to end with a stand-off.

My last qualm is the Moon Healing Escalation spell. Before it could only hit a sing target, then a city, now she can heal a whole planet? How far will they take it? The fact that it's being elevated so much will only make it more unbelievable when it fails. And it will fail.

And what about the people. No one is going to ask what the heck just happened? The streets are filled with people simultaneously back from the dead and no one will inquire further. But I guess with Dark Kingdom running about, they've gotten used to odd occurrences and the occasional memory loss.

Anyway, we are heading straight into the second story arc for Sailor Moon where we'll get to see Chibi-Usa make life a living hell for everyone around her with her secrets and lies and overall bad attitude. On the upside, you know that Sailor Pluto is coming!