When Sailor Moon’s transformation brooch is shattered, she’s left powerless.
Can she find a new power within?
Its time for Hanami, the Japanese festival of getting shitfaced on sake while watching the cherry blossoms fall!
Though it doesnt shine as brightly now, its still powerful.
The Moon Stick is apparently lost, but with this power-up comes the Cutie Moon Rod!
So, with her new swag, Usagi unleashes some Moon Princess Halation on Leshy and saves her friends!
You know its going to be a big episode when they go to the really good animation house.
I am always up for some Queen Serenity and some Silver Millennium tie-ins.
Ad content continues below
Leshy is possibly my favorite Cardian of the lot.
So, props to our friend Leshy.
No other cardian, youma, or recurring villain up to this point can make that claim.
So, right on, Leshy.
You go, girl!
Usagi actually answering Reis digs at her with that hot mustard prank was priceless.
I laughed my ass off when she zipped him into the sleeping bag.
It was a little mean, but she made it up to him later.
I really do love those two as a couple.
They make far more sense together than I think anyone would have suspected.
And then theres Haruna once again being completely inappropriate by hanging out with her students off the clock.
Ever think about that?
She doesnt last very long as she gets attacked herself, but she was on the right track.
Oh, and anyone else notice that little cameo from Amis gardener friend from last season?
This episode also offers a little background on Ail and An.
But now for the meat and potatoes of this review: the power-up.
Its nice that the writers didnt drag their feet on the whole failing powers idea.
And onward we go!
Sure, they have some plot relevance, but not really.
Sailor Moon to Super Sailor Moon is an upgrade that makes plenty of sense.
This particular power-up, however, I am rather torn on.
I do like the interior of the brooch, though.
Okay, look, I dont have any problems with the Cutie Moon Rod in theory.
Its just that, well…
I really, really, really loved the Moon Stick.
Not so much its name.
No, what I loved about the Moon Stick was its design.
It was simple, elegant, ergonomic, and it has an air about it that is very…
I know Ive been using the term mythic a lot lately, but here it really applies.
Its a crescent moon on a handle.
It juxtaposes the imagery of the celestial with the hand, the universal symbol of human intelligence and ingenuity.
The Moon Stick is the perfect symbolic representation of cosmic powers channeled through human will.
It represents Usagis princess form and a tie to the Silver Millennium.
And its just traded in for an upgrade for the sake of merchandising.
We dont even get any confirmation on what exactly happened to it.
I know this sounds dramatic, but it feels a little disrespectful.
And yet, having said all of that, this episode is still pretty damn great.
It was a solid story that was at turns moving, poignant, and funny.
And on top of all that, it boasts solid action sequences that are beautifully and dynamically animated.
Not too shabby, Sailor Moon.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5
