#14.1.20

I've had one, yes.

As for the actual episode, we’re getting into territory where it’s extremely obvious how heavily the 90s anime departed from the manga. Here, Tuxedo Mask makes a public declaration on TV that he’s looking for the Silver Crystal, because he’s desperate to find it and notes that, he actually doesn’t have any powers like the Sailor Soldiers do, which might explain the absence of roses and stuff. I imagine he’ll gain some as the de facto Sailor Earth and that’s actually super sick, given his like only tricks in the 90s anime were roses and an extending wand, the possibility of him actually developing like proper moves is really cool. Also he reveals to Usagi this episode that he knows she’s Sailor Moon, and likewise reveals himself to be Tuxedo Mask, and on one hand I’m kinda glad they didn’t waste loads of time keeping up this supposed “mystery”, but on the other this is like the first time I’ve felt a bit bothered by Crystal’s pacing, given that Usagi and Mamoru learning the other’s identity is like, such a key moment, one that’s extremely meaningful for their romantic relationship as well, so placing it so early feels a bit I guess, rushed? But then this might not mean they’re gonna immediately start dating and loving each other very very much so maybe it’ll end up a bit more interesting in the long run. We’ll see.

Also, like right before or after Mamoru’s all “I have no powers”, Usagi says something to the effect of “I'm the leader of the team but I'm weak, I know I have to protect everyone but I can't" which is another line that felt a bit unearned this early in the story. They sort of rationalise it, it’s basically doubt now that she’s just become the leader thanks to the Moon Stick (it’s still called that, neato) but the people around her can use like fire and lightning and shit, but idk, it still feels like, we’ve not really seen a lot of Usagi being particularly insecure, or feeling like she can’t protect people. Another area in which I wanna give the 90s anime that slight edge over Crystal. But again it’s not like, a massive deal, so.

Also Usagi actually like hallucinates Sailor V in the Sailor V game telling her to do her best, right, and if that’s Minako’s voice, I am really into it already, she sounds amazing. With that, all the recasts this arc are done and I just wanna say, delightful showing all around, there are 2 that I’m not quite as sure about but they’re both growing on me, and the rest just all sound great, phenomenal job on that one Crystal, can’t wait to hear what the upcoming Sailor Soldiers have in store for us. The episode actually ends on a Minako tease but the preview suggests, and also the title of the next episode tells us, that it’s not quite her time yet, but hey.

Also, we’ve got our first attack from Zoisite this episode, who disguises as a woman to use the powers of TV to hypnotise the masses and search for the Silver Crystal, which is a really Jadeite strategy to use, I think I prefer the 90s way more forward and direct Zoisite. But it’s the Four Kings who cares. Also he’s able to recognise Ami, Rei and Mako before they transform which makes me wonder if they’re sort of just, quietly dropping the “people don’t recognise the Sailor Soldiers” plot point? And then the general populace being unable to recognise the Sailor Soldiers in civilian form is like a Clark Kent/Superman type deal, I guess. Fine with me. Also, like all of those characters seem to uh, fly, here, not much, but they’re definitely like off of the ground and staying there, without gaining or losing height, for noticeable periods of time so, that’s a thing. I’ll take it, makes it easier to believe they’re supposed to be capable of defending planets and princesses and stuff.