Tenchi Universe - Reviews

This is a perfect example of why I didn't care for Anime in the 90's. Spoilers to follow: There actually was a decent enough story but the episodic nature of the series meant that no immediate problems lasted longer than the episode. Yes, there was an arc which covered the whole last half of the series but problems like breaking down in space with no food are irrelevant by the end of the episode, even though the only food added was a single apple. When Ryoko wastes all the crew's money enjoying herself on a wild vacation while all the rest are starving, there is no repercussion. She was willing to let them all starve to death, not out of malicious hostility but just because, even her major crush Tenchi, didn't matter as much as a good time and we're supposed to believe they are in love? The breakdown may not have been Mihoshi's fa ult but she was asleep at her post so neglect is easily possible. Every repair is sabotaged by Mihoshi, not out of hostility but stupidity. With starvation a real possibility because of their stranded nature, spacing her seems a very viable option if only for self preservation. You've got a bounty hunter which hunts Ryoko (reasonable because she is a pirate) but more than half the time aids her foe for some sense of honor that only she is permitted to take her in or kill her. It is never explained why the hostility, especially when she seems too similar like maybe sisters or cousins? I endured this, not for enjoyment but to understand more of this pop culture phenomenon. I will never understand why this remake was created only 2 years after the original when the original was apparently considered a success. There are definitely enjoyable portions but they do not pull together for an enjoyable whole.

Do not watch this. It's too emotionally painful to endure and too wonderfully enjoyable to give a chance. I'm serious. The opening theme's lyrics are actually a warning to the viewer:

Get ready, love will leave you cryin'. It's gonna hurt you 'til your heart is dyin'. Can't escape it, ain't no use in tryin'. You're no exception, love will leave you crying too. 'Til you're a broken man, poor you. 😭

The only criticism I've got is that the first half of the series is rather dated in terms of performance. Like, either the actors were told to perform a particular(ly exaggerated) way or they were restricted to the original lip flaps (and pacing) like Final Fantasy X. It was bothersome, but clearly worth enduring.

Ah, forgot about another: The sound isn't balanced, so I've had to turn the volume up and down a bit as I watched, especially during action acenes. Wearing earphones probably would've resolved this problem, though.

If you're still wondering, Tenchi Universe is a very entertaining series composed of a wholesome harem wrapped in a slice of life steamed over a space adventure and hijinks with just the right amount of character sauce. So yeah, either don't watch it or get ready.