sailor moon: part ten

Kunzite turns a final human into a youma. Sailor Moon comes up with a plan to convince the Dark Kingdom that she is breaking away from the Sailor Scouts so she can join the Dark Kingdom with Endymion. So Kunzite turns a tabloid photographer, Nana Asahina, into a youma to gather information. Their plan backfires in the end and Kunzite gets way. After this, however. the portal to the Dark Kingdom secret hideout is discovered and the Sailor Soldiers go there to bring the fight to Queen Beryl. Kunzite catches them and sends them to the Chaotic World of Multiple Dimensions. While trapped there Usagi finds her mother, Queen Serenity, who tells her the rest of her past and of the war with the Dark Kingdom. The Sailor Soldiers escape and Sailor Moon finally defeats Kunzite.

From here the Sailor Soldiers use the Sailor Teleport to reach the Dark Kingdom base. They go up against the DD Girls, of which there are five. The DD Girls use an illusion of Tuxedo Mask to trick Sailor Moon. When her friends keep preventing her from falling for it they use one of Motoki to trick Sailor Jupiter. Sailor Jupiter attacks and takes out two of the DD Girls, dying in the process. Everyone is stunned by her death but they move forward. Ami takes on the DD Girls next, when they try to use an illusion of Urawa. She destroys their ability to make illusions and dies. Venus then falls when she takes out one DD Girl. Mars is left to fight two of them and dies taking them out. Sailor Moon is devastated by the loss of her friends but their spirits come to her and give her the courage to move forward. She finds Queen Beryl, who reveals a fully brainwashed Mamoru. Usagi and Mamoru fight, but then Usagi shows him the music box. Mamoru comes to his senses and he and Queen Beryl fight, killing each other. Sailor Moon is left all alone. As Queen Beryl dies she calls out to Queen Metalia, asking to be infused with her power so she can destroy Sailor Moon. Queen Metalia complies and transforms Queen Beryl. The new Queen Beryl faces off against Sailor Moon, who transforms into Princess Serenity and, alongside the souls of her friends, unleashes the full power of the Silver Crystal. Princess Serenity defeats Queen Beryl completely and as she dies she makes a wish that she and her friends will wake up tomorrow to a normal day. Usagi's wish is granted. She and her friends return to their normal life with no memories of anything that has transpired. This makes Luna sad, but Artemis points out that all that needs to happen is the Sailor Soldiers need to meet again.

My favorite episode is a tie between "The Sailor Warriors Die! The Tragic Final Battle" and "Usagi's Everlasting Wish! A New Reincarnation". Watching the Sailor Scouts sacrifice themselves for Usagi, Mamoru killing Queen Beryl, Usagi unleashing the Silver Crystal's power, and everyone's reincarnation.

The Episodes:

Is Usagi Going it Alone? The Sailor Warriors get into a Big Fight - Season 1, Episode 43

Synopsis - Usagi comes up with a plan to infiltrate the Dark Kingdom by pretending to break with the Sailor Scouts.

Youma: Oniwa Bandana (bandana)

Usagi's Awakening! A Message from the Distant Past - Season 1, Episode 44

Synopsis - The Sailor Soldiers find the secret hideout. Usagi learns about her past.

The Sailor Warriors Die! The Tragic Final Battle - Season 1, Episode 45

Synopsis - The Sailor Warriors face off against the DD Girls as they try to reach Queen Beryl.

First Time: Sailor Teleport, the DD Girls

Usagi's Everlasting Wish! A New Reincarnation - Season 1, Episode 46

Synopsis - Usagi faces off against Queen Beryl and a completely brainwashed Mamoru.

sailor moon: part nine

Things move along very quickly as we reach the end. The Sailor Soldiers go up against a youma created by Kunzite. He turns figure skaters Janelyn and Misha into monsters in the hopes of finding Sailor Moon, who was a great figure skater in her previous life. However, Usagi is a klutz in this life so this plan doesn't really work out. Kunzite does trap the Sailor Soldiers, but Endymion gets caught in the trap so he helps them escape. Sailor Moon heals the figure skaters and life returns to normal. Usagi and her family go away for a small trip to some hot springs. Endymion is drawn to the lake as there is an ancient monster trapped in it. He releases the monster but is unable to control it. Sailor Moon helps him to heal the monster and send her on to the after life.

Endymion's next plan involves the seven Great Youma. Urawa reaches out to Ami, who stands up to Endymion and is able to release the human hosts that Endymion has already trapped. Sailor Moon is finally able to heal Endymion but Queen Beryl whisks Mamoru away so she can brainwash him again. After this an old friend from Mina's past, Katarina, who knows that Mina is Sailor Venus, shows up. Kunzite has turned her into a youma in the hopes that she can find out the identity of Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon heals Katarina, and Mina finds closure from her past.

Favorite episode? "The Legendary Lake Monster! Usagi's Family Ties". The plot involving the monster is a bit difficult to follow and doesn't make much sense, but the episode does reinforce the point that Mamoru isn't completely corrupted.

The episodes:

Paired with a Monster?! Ice Queen Mako - Season 1, Episode 39

Synopsis - Kunzite's new plan involves figure skaters. Only he traps Endymion, who is forced to help the Sailor Soldiers in order to survive.

Youma: Zoyrin (Janelyn) Geller (Misha) (figure skaters)

The Legendary Lake Monster! Usagi's Family Ties - Season 1, Episode 40

Synopsis - Usagi's family takes a trip to a lake with a legend of a monster. Endymion wakes the monster but when things don't go as planned he has to team up with Sailor Moon to defeat the monster.

I Won't Run From Love Anymore! Ami and Mamoru's Showdown - Season 1, Episode 41

Synopsis - Endymion decides to reawaken the seven Great Youma's and Ami stands up to him.

Sailor Venus' Past, Minako's Tragic Love - Season 1, Episode 42

Synopsis - A woman from Mina's past, Katarina, arrives in the hopes of finding out Sailor Moon's identity so she can tell Kunzite.

sailor moon: part eight

The trilogy I mentioned in the previous Sailor Moon post wraps up. Usagi's memories of the Silver Millennium begin to return. Queen Beryl takes Tuxedo Mask away so she can begin the brainwashing process on him. She also kills Zoisite for directly disobeying her orders and attacking Tuxedo Mask when she explicitly stated she wanted him alive.

Usagi is devastated that Mamoru has been taken away. Mina takes it upon herself to cheer up her new friend. She starts by taking Usagi to get her hair done. Only problem is the hairstylist, Kariko, and her assistants have been turned into a monster by Kunzite. He has given them a sample of Sailor Moon's hair so they can find the sailor soldier in her human identity. Kariko mistakes Mina for Sailor Moon after she accidentally gets some of Usagi's hair on herself. This leads to a fight between Sailor Moon and a transformed Kariko. Usagi is losing the fight when a red rose is thrown. The rose turns to black and Usagi looks up to see Mamoru. However he has no memory of being Mamoru or Tuxedo Mask - he is Endymion of the Dark Kingdom. While he does help Sailor Moon, he makes it very clear they are enemies and his only interest in the getting the silver crystal.

Usagi and her friends have more run-ins with Kunzite and Endymion, who refuse to work together and go out of their way to thwart each other, as Kunzite tries to defeat Sailor Moon and Endymion tries to take the silver crystal. First is a "princess seminar" run by Countess Rose (who has also been turned into a monster by Kunzite) then a Moon Princess skiing contest run by Saeko (again, who has also been turned into a monster by Kunzite). When Usgai goes up against Saeko, Endymion's rose does briefly turn red but it immediately goes back to black again.

Favorite episode is, of course, "Memories Return! Usagi and Mamoru's Past" but if we ignore that little trilogy of episodes I would pick "Usagi is Confused! Is Tuxedo Mask Evil?" because it shows Usagi's heartbreak, Mina's attempts at being friends with her fellow sailor scouts and assimilating into their group, and an evil Tuxedo Mask.

The episodes:

Memories Return! Usagi and Mamoru's Past - Season 1, Episode 35

Synopsis - Usagi's memories begin to come back and Queen Beryl takes control of Mamoru.

Usagi is Confused! Is Tuxedo Mask Evil? - Season 1, Episode 36

Synopsis - Usagi mourns the loss of Tuxedo Mask just for him to return as Endymion of the Dark Kingdom.

Youma: Mitsaumi (hair styling tools)

Mina's Transformation Introduced: Venus Power Makeup

Aim to be a Princess? Usagi's Weird Training - Season 1, Episode 37

Synopsis - Usagi learns of a princess seminar and seeks to join, only for it to be a Dark Kingdom plot.

Youma: Shakoukai (wax & seashells)

The Snow! The Mountains! Our Friendship! And of Course, a Monster, Too - Season 1,Episode 38

Synopsis - The girls learn of a skiing competition, that also turns out to be a Dark Kingdom plot.

Youma: Blizzar (blizzard)

sailor moon: part seven

Okay, big reveals here.

Zoisite continues his hunt for the final rainbow crystal. A young girl is his target and the Sailor Scouts work to stop him - only for all of them to realize that the girl's cat, Rhett Butler, is the carrier of the rainbow crystal. Meanwhile Rhett Butler is in love with Luna and off having an adventure with her. After this adventure is over with Zoisite changes the black crystal so it will turn any human into a monster. He resolves to use it on Naru. Meanwhile Usagi is trying to convince Naru to date Umino, who is imitating Tuxedo Mask (as Tuxedo Umino Mask) in an attempt to be cool. Usagi makes Naru take Umino to a Red Man show. While there Zoisite tries to use the crystal on Naru but instead uses its powers on Red Man, transforming him into a monster. Zoisite tells Sailor Moon in exchange for the yellow crystal he will cease his attack. Tuxedo Mask shows up and in the confusion that follows Zoisite takes the crystal and escapes while Sailor Moon heals Red Man.

After this a plot is hatched by Zoisite and Kunzite to get the remaining crystals. They have Zoisite dress up as Sailor Moon in an attempt to lure out Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon. It works and the four Sailor Scouts become trapped by Kunzite while Tuxedo Mask faces off against Zoisite. When Tuxedo Mask's mask gets knocked off in the fight Queen Beryl recognizes him. Sailor Venus shows up to save Tuxedo Mask and the Sailor Soldiers. Queen Beryl calls a retreat. The next day, Queen Beryl decrees that Tuxedo Mask must be taken alive. Zoisite contacts Tuxedo Mask and asks him to meet him at the Starlight Tower. Usagi runs into Mamoru and follows him. Because of this both of them fall into Zoisite's trap, ending up in the elevator at Starlight Tower with a massive fireball coming at them right after Kunzite steals all seven rainbow crystals. Meanwhile the other Sailor Soldiers meet Minako for the first time as everyone tries to figure out where Usagi is. They all head for the Starlight Tower. Back to Usagi and Mamoru, Usagi transforms into Sailor Moon, saving them. Zoisite is displeased and Mamoru transforms into Tuxedo Mask. When Zoisite tries to kill Sailor Moon, Tuxedo Mask sacrifices himself for her. The other Sailor Soldiers arrive too late. Sailor Moon starts to cry and the rainbow crystals disappear in front of Kunzite and reappear with Sailor Moon, turning into the Silver Crystal as she turns into the Moon Princess.

It is hard to pick a favorite episode. For the record, "Loved and Chased! Luna's Worst Day Ever" is absolutely hilarious. However, I'm going to have to go with the appearance of Sailor Venus in "The Last Sailor Warrior, Sailor Venus Appears" and the major plot reveals in "The Sparkling Silver Crystal? The Moon Princess Appears". I know that this is actually two episodes, but they, along with the next episode ("Memories Return! Usagi and Mamoru's Past") really kind of form a trilogy that is hard to beat. But if it wasn't for these three episodes it would have definitely been Luna's episode. There is nothing more hilarious than Zoisite and the rats. Well, there is Rei asking Mamoru on a date... and An getting peed on... and Usagi's dining room fight scene...

The episodes:

Loved and Chased! Luna's Worst Day Ever - Season 1, Episode 31

Synopsis - Rhett Butler, carrier of the final rainbow crystal, falls in love with Luna.

The Great Youma: Bakene (monster cat)

Rainbow Crystal: Purple (Tuxedo Mask's possession)

Umino's Resolve! I'll Protect Naru - Season 1, Episode 32

Synopsis - Usagi convinces Naru to give Umino a chance. They head to a Red Man show for their first date only for Zoisite to show up, wishing to turn Naru into a monster while Unimo is imitating Tuxedo Mask.

Youma: Akan (Super Red Man)

Rainbow Crystal: Yellow (now in Zoisite's possession)

The Last Sailor Warrior, Sailor Venus Appears - Season 1, Episode 33

Synopsis - Kunsite and Zoisite concoct a plan to steal ththe remaining rainbow crystals by pretending to be Sailor Moon. Sailor V/Venus appears.

Sailor Soldier Introduced: Sailor V/Venus/Minako Aino (though her name isn't revealed until the next episode), Artemis

Mina's Attack Introduced: Crescent Beam

The Sparkling Silver Crystal? The Moon Princess Appears - Season 1, Episode 34

Synopsis - Zoisite asks Mamoru to meet. Usagi follows and after Zoisite tries to kill them she transforms into Sailor Moon and Mamoru transforms into Tuxedo Mask.

First Time: The Silver Crystal

sailor moon: part six

The sailor soldiers try to come to terms with Nephrite's death, Usagi tries to comfort Naru (and she enlists Umino to help her) even though she knows there is nothing she can do, and Zoisite continues his search for the rainbow crystals.

First Zoisite goes after a priest while Usagi and Umino are trying to distract Naru. As Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask fight the monster they grow closer. Then Zoisite goes after Urawa, a boy who can see the future and who is also in love with Ami. After that he targets Yumeni, an artist who wishes to paint Mamoru and Usagi as lovers. This draws Mamoru and Usagi closer, despite Mamoru's relationship with Rei. Umino also starts to discover feelings for Naru, which confuses him since he thought he was in love with Usagi. Then Zoisite targets Reika, who is Motoki's girlfriend. Reika is considering going to Africa to study but she worries about Motoki. This causes a bit of a love triangle - or, more aptly, square - as Usagi and Makoto both have feelings for Motoki and feel conflicted about his potential heartbreak. Then Yuichiro arrives right as Zoisite targets (Rei's) Grandpa.

My favorite episode is "Grandpa Goes Crazy, Rei's in Jeopardy". Grandpa always cracks me up and Yuichiro is probably my most favorite supporting character. I enjoy watching his relationship with Rei unfold - and I love Grandpa's horror at being unable to stop it! Plus Usagi makes a fool of herself trying to get Rei to hook up with Yuichiro, which is also hilarious.

The episodes:

Bring a Smile to Naru's Face! Usagi's Friendship - Season 1, Episode 26

Synopsis - Usagi enlists Umino's help and they try to help Naru recover from her heartbreak. Meanwhile Zoisitem, in search of the next rainbow crystal, attacks a priest.

The Great Youma: Boxy (winged boxer)

Rainbow Crystal: Orange (Tuxedo Mask's possession) 

Love for Ami?! A Boy Who Can Predict the Future - Season 1, Episode 27

Synopsis - Urawa is a boy who can predict the future - and he is in love with Ami. Zoisite realizes he carries a rainbow crystal.

The Great Youma: Bunbo (Swiss army knife)

Rainbow Crystal: Yellow (Ami's possession)

Illustrations of Love, are Usagi and Mamoru Getting Closer? - Season 1, Episode 28

The Great Youma: Vena (winged artist)

Rainbow Crystal: Green (Zoisite's possession)

Total Chaos! The Messy Square Relationship - Season 1, Episode 29

The Great Youma: Rikokayder (scientist)

Rainbow Crystal: Blue/Green (Zoisite's possession)

Grandpa Goes Crazy, Rei's in Jeopardy - Season 1, Episode 30

The Great Youma: Jijii (demon)

Rainbow Crystal: Blue (Zoisite's possession)

Supporting Cast Introduced: Yuichiro

sailor moon: part five

After another failed attempt to gather energy from Hiromi (an anime artist), Nephrite decides that whoever finds the Silver Crystal wins. Zoisite is furious, as finding the Silver Crystal is his job. Nephrite creates the Black Crystal to find the Silver Crystal and tries to use Naru to help him, as she is in love with him. However, Nephrite begins to realize he might have feelings for Naru as well. Zoisite also notices this and uses it against Nephrite. He has Naru kidnapped in an attempt to bribe the Black Crystal away from Nephrite. His plan fails, but later his youma target Naru and Nephrite dies saving her.

After this attempts to gather energy are abandoned and instead the focus moves to finding the Silver Crystal. Everyone discovers that to obtain the Silver Crystal first the seven Rainbow Crystals must be gathered. They are trapped inside of innocent humans on Earth. By removing the Rainbow Crystal the human is turned into a monster. The first human Zoisite does this to, Crane Game Joe, is being followed by a young girl named Makoto. Makoto is in love with Crane Game Joe and is determined to protect him. As events unfold it is revealed that Makoto is Sailor Jupiter, the fourth sailor solider.

Favorite episode? "Naru's Cry! Nephrite Dies for Love". (Sorry Sailor Jupiter). I know Nephrite is a total jerk who uses Naru unabashedly - plus he is way too old for her - but I am a total sucker for a redemption story. #sorrynotsorry

The episodes:

Protect the Children's Dreams! Friendship Linked by Anime - Season 1, Episode 21

Synopsis - Nephrite targets Hiromi, an anime artist who fears her friend Kazuko is surpassing her.

Nephrite's Youma: Castor and Pollux (twins)

Nephrite's Constellation: Gemini

Nephrite's Stars: Castor and Pollux

Romance Under the Moon! Usagi's First Kiss - Season 1, Episode 22

Synopsis - The famed Princess of the Diamond Kingdom is coming to town and everyone wonders if she is the missing princess and if she has the silver crystal

Nephrite's Youma: Nephrite

Dark Kingdom Introduced: Kunzite

Wish Upon a Shooting Star! Naru's Pure Love - Season 1, Episode 23

Synopsis - Naru is in love with Mr Sanjoin, Nephrite's human alias. Nephrite seeks to use Naru because of this but finds himself saving her from Zoisite's Youma.

Zoisite's Youma: Yasha (crone)

Item Introduced: The Black Crystal

Naru's Cry! Nephrite Dies for Love - Season 1, Episode 24

Synopsis - Zoisite tries to use Naru to manipulate Nephrite into giving him the Black Crystal. After a run in with Zoisite's youmas, Nephrite dies protecting Naru.

Zoisite's Youmas: Grape, Housenka, Suzuran (plants)

Jupiter, the Brawny Girl in Love- Season 1, Episode 25

Synopsis - After the fall of Nephrite the Dark Kingdom focuses on finding the Silver Crystal by looking for the seven Rainbow Crystals which are hidden inside of innocent humans. A new girl, Makoto, moves to town and falls in love with Zoisite's first victim.

The Great Youma: Geisein (arcade)

Rainbow Crystal: Red (Zoisite's possession)

Sailor Solider Introduced: Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter

Mako's Transformation Introduced: Jupiter Power Makeup

Mako's Attacks Introduced: Supreme Thunder

New Weapon Introduced: Crescent Moon Wand

Crescent Moon Wand Attack: Moon Healing Escalation (Refresh)

sailor moon: part four

Nephrite continues possessing objects with his Youma. He selects a teacher of Usagi, Ami, and Naru's - Miss Akiyama. Miss Akiyama is getting married and has designed her own dress. In her hunt for the perfect fabric Nephrite finds her and implants his Youma in her fabric. Meanwhile there is a wedding dress competition going on, which the possessed Miss Akiyama crashes. The sailor scouts have to show up and stop her.

Then, Nephrite goes after an up and coming photographer, Shinokawa, planting his Youma in Shinokawa's camera. Usagi ends up stopping this monster on her own as Rei, Ami, and Luna have been captured by it. Shingo's best friend, Mika, is Nephrite's next target. She is a doll maker, and Nephrite uses the new doll she is making to gather her energy.

After this Nephrite decides to change his game by going after Sailor Moon alone, under the guise of Tuxedo Mask. However, Naru figures out that Nephrite is Tuxedo Mask and he attacks her, thinking she is Sailor Moon. Sailor Moon shows up and saves her friend, Tuxedo Mask shows up and saves Sailor Moon, then Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury show up and save Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon. However, while Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask are alone he starts to confess part of why he is always trying to save her.

After this the sailor soldiers take a break by going on vacation at a haunted hotel. Only at the hotel is a young girl whose father is able to hypnotize her into creating a psychic manifestation that attacks people. When the girl and her father lose control the sailor soldiers destroy the psychic manifestation and have a fun vacation.

Favorite episode? Probably "Shingo's Innocent Love! A Sorrowful French Doll". First of all, possessed dolls are creepy. Second of all, possessed dolls are creepy. Third of all, it's a pretty good story line.

The episodes:

Dream of a White Dress! Usagi Becomes a Bride - Season 1, Episode 16

Synopsis - Usagi and Ami's teacher, Miss Akiyama, is getting married. She wishes to design her own wedding dress. At the same a wedding dress competition is going on. Nephrite takes advantage of both of these situations.

Nephrite's Youma: Widow (spider)

Nephrite's Star: Vega

Nephrite's Constellation: Lyra

Is Usagi a Model? The Focus of the Monster Camera - Season 1, Episode 17

Synopsis - Usagi and some of her friends are chosen to model for a famous photographer, but Nephrite has turned his camera into a monster.

Nephrite's Youma: Cameran (photographer/camera)

Nephrite's Star: Sirius

(Nephrite's Constellation: Canis Major)

Shingo's Innocent Love! A Sorrowful French Doll - Season 1, Episode 18

Synopsis - Shingo has a falling out with his best friend Mika that Usagi tries to help him solve. Meanwhile, Nephrite has targeted Mika.

Nephrite's Youma: Jumo (marionette doll)

Nephrite's Star: Orpheus

Constellation: Lyre

Usagi is Thrilled! Tuxedo Mask's Love Letter - Season 1, Episode 19

Synopsis - Determined to defeat Sailor Moon, Nephrite sends everyone love letters from Tuxedo Mask to lure her out.

Monster: The constellation Leo come to life

Nephrite's Star: Regulus

Nephrite's Constellation: Leo

Tuxedo Mask's Transformation Introduced

The Summer! The Ocean! Our Youth! And a Ghost, Too - Season 1, Episode 20

Synopsis - The girls take a break from things by going to the ocean. Only the hotel they picked is haunted.

Monster: Sakiko's ghost

sailor moon: part three

So quite a bit happened here. I feel like now that Mercury and Mars have joined Sailor Moon things are really moving along.

First, since there has been no activity from the Dark Kingdom lately Ami suggests everyone investigate anything strange starting with the amusement park Dreamland. People seem to be going missing from there but the park counts the same number of people leaving as entering. Everyone agrees and goes to the park. While there they bump into Mamoru, which Usagi notes is odd. The investigation shows that people are going missing there - and that the Dark Kingdom is behind it. The Sailor Scouts put a stop to things and release all of the abducted people, who were asleep.

Then Jadeite is contacted by Tetis, one of Queen Beryl's Youma's. She has a plan to steal lots of energy from lovers with a fake cruise ship. She also seems to be in love with Jadeite, but he does not return her feelings. They go ahead with their plan. Meanwhile, Rei wins tickets for the cruise ship but refuses to take Usagi (who wants to go) with her. Instead she asks Ami. Jealous, Usagi uses the transformation pen to turn into a reporter and sneak on board the ship. While on board the true nature of the cruise is revealed and the Sailor Soldiers save everyone. Tetis is destroyed and Jadeite is punished for this.

Because of his string of failures Jadeite is given one final chance to stop the Sailor Scouts. This story was different from the others because it focused solely on the fight between Jadeite and the Sailor Scouts. During the fight Tuxedo Mask is wounded and disappears, leaving everyone to fear he is dead. The Sailor Scouts defeat Jadeite and Tuxedo Mask reappears. Meanwhile Jadeite is called before Queen Beryl for his defeat. He offers the identities of the Sailor Soldiers, which he discovered during the fight, but Queen Beryl refuses to listen to him. He is sentenced to Eternal Sleep.

Nephrite takes over the fight, and Zoisite is introduced as another general who is jealous of him. Unlike Jadeite who creates his Youma's from dirt, gives them human form, and uses them to steal energy from multiple targets at once Nephrite implants his Youma inside an object of one person. The person then uses that object over and over with their energy building up as they rapidly become possessed. Finally their energy is released - and so is the Youma. Nephrite also uses the stars and constellations to help him select his victims.

First he attacks Naru's friend Rui Saionji, who is a rising tennis star. Then he attacks Ami's friend Mr Kunitachi, the caretaker of a garden that is about to be demolished. Both plans involve the take over of the person possessed then the unleashing of a monster to be destroyed by the Sailor Scouts.

My favorite episode? Definitely "Usagi is Frantic! Rei's First Date". Upon hearing of the soon destruction of the park Rei decides she needs a date to take there. They bump into Mamoru who is talking to Motoki - turns out they go to college together. Rei decides that Mamoru is who she needs to date and proceeds to pump Motoki for information. She then sets her plan into motion of accidentally bumping into Mamoru to score that date. Why is this my favorite? Because everything that could go wrong does - and Usagi notices Rei's odd behavior and asks Umino out on a date so she can spy on Rei and Mamoru together. This episode is hilarious from start to finish and is, in my opinion, one of the best episodes of Sailor Moon ever. In my eyes only one episode in season five beats it for comedy. 

The episodes:

Usagi vs. Rei? A Nightmare in Dreamland - Season 1, Episode 11

Synopsis - Unsure where the Dark Kingdom is going to strike next, Usagi and company decide to investigate reports of missing people at Dreamland.

Jadeite's Youma: Moolyd (doll)

First Combined Attack: Fire Soul/Moon Tiara Action

I Want a Boyfriend, Too! A Trap on a Luxury Cruise Ship - Season 1, Episode 12

Synopsis - A cruise ship is catering to lovers and everyone wants to go. Rei wins tickets and opts to take Ami, instead of Usagi, with her but things are not as they seem as Jadeite and Queen Beryl's servant Tetis team up.

Queen Beryl's Youma: Tetis (water)

Girl Power! The End of Jadeite - Season 1, Episode 13

Synopsis - Jadeite is given the ultimatum of destroy the Sailor Soldiers or be punished to eternal sleep.

Dark Kingdom Last Appearance: Jadeite

A Powerful New Enemy! Nephrite's Evil Crest - Season 1, Episode 14

Synopsis - Nephrite begins his attacks - but he doesn't target groups of people. Instead he uses the stars and constellations to pick individuals - starting with Naru's childhood friend.

Dark Kingdom Introduced: Nephrite, Zoisite

Nephrite's Youma: Tesuni (tennis)

Usagi is Frantic! Rei's First Date - Season 1, Episode 15

Synopsis - Ami tells her friends about a park that is closing. Determined to bring a boyfriend there before this happens, Rei asks Mamoru out on a date - causing Usagi to ask Umino out on one so she can spy on them.

Nephrite's Youma: Tesuni (plants)

sailor moon: part two

So where are things at? They actually moved along pretty rapidly. Usagi has two more episodes by herself, then things change with the introduction of two more Sailor Soldiers.

A plan of Jadeite's to steal energy though sound waves is accidentally foiled at a music studio when a tape with the energy stealing sound is mistaken for someone else's work. This story is actually slightly different because no one's energy is being stolen, instead the monster Kurene spends the entire episode trying to get the tape back only to be defeated in the end by Sailor Moon

Then Usagi and Naru decide to become superstars, but things don't go as planned and fighting between them causes Naru to team up with Umino instead and Usagi to strike out on her own. The Cinderella Caravan comes to town looking for new future superstars, but it's actually a lie. The Caravan tells everyone that they are future superstars but in actuality it is a plot to steal energy. Here Usagi faces off against Derela to stop her and save everyone.

After this Usagi finally gets some help. She meets Ami Mizuno, a genius at her school, who Luna thinks is the enemy. However, Ami is actually Sailor Mercury and after Luna helps her transform for the first time she helps Usagi defeat a teacher at her cram school who is actually the monster Garoben.

Ami and Usagi have one more mission alone together. Clocks at a store are causing people to rush around, convinced they are late for everything. These clocks are actually stealing their energy. Usagi and her family fall under their spell, and Ami must help Usagi stop the monster Ramua.

Finally something is going on at the Hikawa Shrine. People who leave by the 6 o'clock bus are disappearing. Shrine Maiden Rei Hino, who is psychic, is trying to figure out what is going on since people are blaming her grandfather, but she is having a hard time with her ability right now. Ami and Usagi observe the bus disappear into a black hole. The next day Usagi gets on the bus, trying to stop it from disappearing. Meanwhile, Rei realizes that her grandfather's new helper (who is actually Jadeite) is the source of the evil. Rei and Usagi fight the monster Kigaan and Rei, transformed as Sailor Mars, defeats her.

Which episode was my favorite? It is a toss up between "Is the Genius Girl a Monster? Brainwashing School of Terror" and "Cursed Buses! Fire Warrior Mars Appears." Both have good story lines and both see a new Sailor Soldier introduced to the group. If I have to pick between the two of them then Mars wins because she is my favorite.

The episodes:

Protect the Melody of Love! Usagi is a Cupid - Season 1, Episode 6

Synopsis - Usagi helps a young pianist who is in love and tormented by a monster.

Jadeite's Youma: Kurene (vampire bat)

Usagi Learns a Lesson! The Road to Stardom is Tough - Season 1, Episode 7

Synopsis - The Cinderella Caravan comes to town looking for people who want to be superstars so Jadeite can steal their energy.

Jadeite's Youma: Derella (glass)

Is the Genius Girl a Monster? Brainwashing School of Terror - Season 1, Episode 8

Synopsis - Luna suspects Ami Mizuno of being an enemy but she is actually Sailor Mercury.

Sailor Soldiers Introduced: Ami Mizuno/Sailor Mercury

Jadeite's Youma: Garoben (plant)

Ami's Transformation Introduced: Mercury Power Makeup

Ami's Attacks Introduced: Bubble Spray

First Time: The Sailor V Game at the Arcade is a communication device that Luna uses to contact someone

Usagi's Misfortune! Watch Out for the Rushing Clocks - Season 1, Episode 9

Synopsis - Usagi falls under the spell of a cursed clock, which is the latest of Jadeite's schemes to steal energy.

Jadeite's Youma: Ramua (space/time)

First Time: Sailor Mercury's Supercomputer

Cursed Buses! Fire Warrior Mars Appears - Season 1, Episode 10

Synopsis - Usagi and Ami investigate a shrine that people are going missing at and Luna finds Sailor Mars.

Sailor Soldiers Introduced: Rei Hino/Sailor Mars

Supporting Cast Introduced: Grandpa Hino, Phobos, Deimos

Jadeite's Youma: Kigaan (crow/raven)

Rei's Transformation Introduced: Mars Power Makeup

Rei's Attacks Introduced: Fire Soul

First Time: Rei's psychic abilities

sailor moon: part one

I really thought that I would be back to blogging regularly by now, but no such luck. Which really sucks since I've been wanting to get back to The X-Files for forever now. However, I find myself currently watching Sailor Moon by request. Which is fine. I like Sailor Moon.

So, what I am going to do here is, aside from a synopsis, mention when main characters are introduced, detail who the main bad guy is, name their monster for each episode (as well as the monster's theme), and touch base on the overall story line - as well as anything else I feel is relevant. So, let's begin.

The story so far:

Usagi discovers a black cat with a crescent shape on her head on the way to school. At school we meet her best friend Naru as well as Umino - who is in love with Usagi. After school Usagi meets Mamoru for the first time - and the two of them instantly clash. Later on, Luna, the cat from before, tells Usagi that she is actually Sailor Moon and it is her job to fight the forces of evil and help Luna in her quest to find the missing Moon Princess. Usagi transforms into Sailor Moon and fights her first Youma (monster), Morga, who is disguised as her best friend Naru's mom - and is attacking Naru. Tuxedo Mask makes his first appearance here helping Sailor Moon when she becomes overwhelmed (and Sailor Moon promptly falls in love with Tuxedo Mask). Morga turns to dust when she is defeated. We also find out that the evil forces are being led by Queen Beryl, who is currently tasking Jadeite with stealing human energy to fulfill their dark purpose. This starts Usagi's career as Sailor Moon.

Next, she fights against Bam (who is also one of Jadeite's monsters) who is pretending to be a fortune teller, but is actually possessing people who come to her for their future to be read. Umino fell under her sway before Sailor Moon saved him. We also meet Motoki, who Usagi is in love with.

Then she fights against Flowa who is helping Jadeite steal energy from people who write in to a non-existent radio show that Jadeite controls. Both Naru and Miss Haruna are being drained of energy after their letters are read on the radio show. After defeating Flowa she faces off against Jadeite himself but is quickly defeated. Tuxedo Mask again comes to her aid but the powerful Jadeite leaves instead of fighting two opponents. This episode also has a moment of foreshadowing when Naru and Usagi are talking about future boyfriends and Usagi promptly bumps into Mamoru.

The following plot has Jadeite controlling a gym and stealing energy from people who are trying to lose weight. Once again Naru and Miss Haruna are two of his targets and once again Sailor Moon stops him.

Finally, she fights against Iguara, who is using fake animals called Chanelas, to steal energy from people. Her younger brother Shingo is being controlled by this monster. She stops this plot as well.

My favorite episode of these five is "Mysterious Sleeping Illness, Protect the Girls' Hearts in Love" for a few reasons. First, it is amusing how many times Miss Haruna and Naru (especially Naru) are attacked by the enemy. Second, we have our first moment of foreshadowing that Usagi and Mamoru, not Usagi and Motoki, are going to end up together. Third, this episode really embodies what Sailor Moon is all about. Sailor Moon introduces herself as a warrior for love and justice, and this episode is all about love (with love letters not delivered) and justice (for those are being taken advantage of for their love).

The episodes:

Crybaby Usagi's Magnificent Transformation - Season 1, Episode 1

Synposis - Usagi Tsukino discovers from the cat Luna that not only is she Sailor Moon, she must also fight monsters who are seeking to steal energy from humanity. She also joins Luna on her quest to find the Moon Princess.

Sailor Soldiers Introduced: Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon, Luna, Tuxedo Mask

Supporting Cast Introduced: Gurio Umino, Naru Osaka, Mamoru Chiba, Ikuko Tsukino, Shingo Tsukino, Mayumi Osaka, Miss Haruna

Dark Kingdom Introduced: Queen Beryl, Jadeite

Jadeite's Youma: Morga (Jewelry/disguised as Mayumi)

Usagi's Transformation Introduced: Moon Prism Power Make Up

Usagi's Attacks Introduced: Moon Tiara Action (she also hears Naru's voice when she is in danger - though this ability has no name)

Places Introduced: School, the Arcade

Mentioned: Sailor V

Punish Them! The House of Fortune is the Monster Mansion - Season 1, Episode 2

Synopsis - Everyone is going to see a new fortune teller who is actually one of Jadeite's minions.

Supporting Cast Introduced: Kenji Tsukino, Motoki Furuhata

Jadeite's Youma: Bam (Tarot Cards/Fortune Teller)

Mentioned: Silver Crystal

Mysterious Sleeping Illness, Protect the Girls' Heats in Love - Season 1, Episode 3

Synopsis - Everyone is writing love letters in to a non-existent radio show that is actually being controlled by Jadeite.

Jadeite's Youma: Flowa (Flower/DJ)

First Time: Moon Power Disguise Pen, Sailor Moon and Jadeite fight

Foreshadowing: Usagi & Mamoru's future relationship

Usagi Will Teach You How to Lose Weight - Season 1, Episode 4

Synopsis - Jadeite takes over a gym so he can steal energy from people.

Jadeite's Youma: None, he was just controlling three men

A Monster's Scent! Chanela Steals Love - Season 1, Episode 5

Synopsis - Everyone becomes obsessed with owning Chanelas, only the Chanelas are hypnotizing people and stealing their energy.

Usagi's Attacks Introduced: Moon Tiara Stardust

Jadeite's Youma: Iguara (Lizard/Pet Store Employee)