TENCHI MUYO SPECIAL

Coming on the heels of the successful six episode TENCHI MUYO OVA is another delightful piece of work starring the familiar characters of TENCHI MUYO. This special, like much of the original series, is driven by character interaction rather than outside influences. What this brings is a story that contains a wealth of interesting character development that lies outside of the typical action adventure formula seen so often in science fiction anime. The TENCHI MUYO SPECIAL will be a joy to watch for fans of the original series altough viewers who haven't seen the previous episodes would be well advised to do so before watching the special lest they find themselves rather confused and wondering such things as "why did the small grey rabbit turn into a giant spaceship?"

Director Hayashi Hiroki and character designer Kajishima Masaki are seen are in rare form. The direction of the TENCHI MUYO SPECIAL is just as good if not better than that of the original series. The character designs as well have matured, gaining even greater depth of emotion. The designs themselves have been refined without ever loosing the charm and character of the original series.

The TENCHI MUYO SPECIAL begins soon after the sixth episode of the original series. Tenchi and friends, along with the scientist Washu, have returned to Tenchi's grandfather's shrine. As the story begins, Ryoko and Aeka are still in fierce competition for Tenchi. After a rather discouraging encounter with Tenchi in the bathroom, Ryoko heads downstairs to find Mihoshi and Sasami absorbed in manga that the had borrowed from Grandfather's library. Upon inquiring, Ryoko is told that it is Shojo manga they are reading. Shojo manga is a type of manga aimed at a female audience often containing romantic fantasies. Sasami, however, seems to be under the impression that Shojo manga is some sort of instruction manual in the conducting of an early romance. Not knowing any better Ryoko seizes on this idea and dives into Grandfathers collection determined to find a way to win Tenchi's heart. Aeka soon becomes aware of Ryoko's plan and decides to do a little research on her own. As a result, for the rest of the special the viewers, and Tenchi, are treated to many of the most hilarious and ridiculous cliches of shojo manga.

Tenchi Muyo! Special: The Night Before The Carnival. Pioneer, PILA-1184A, CAV, Original Japanese Dialogue / Dubbed / Subtitled, 45 min., $39.95.

CHARACTER GUIDE

TENCHI

Voice actor Kikuchi Masami plays the roll of the often bewildered Tenchi. Being the object Ryoko, Aeka, and Mihoshi's romantic intentions, Tenchi's life is seldom dull. And with Ryoko and Mihoshi acting out scenes from shojo manga stories, Tenchi's life has become even more confusing and surreal. On top of this, Tenchi has to contend with Washu and her strange experiments all aimed at discovering the secret power that allowed Techi to defeat her former student Kagato. Tenchi's roll in all of this seems to be that of helpless victim, iften too confused to make heads or tails of what is going on around him. Still, Tenchi perseveres, which is quite an accomplishment considering his peculiar circumstances.

RYOKO

Voice actress Origasa Ai puts in a fantastic performance as Ryoko. The role of Ryoko has become even more difficult as Origasa Ai has to play Ryoko while she plays the role of shojo manga heroine. Something very different from her usual mischievous nature. Ryoko has matured quite a bit from the series, she seems stronger and more secure in her feelings for Tenchi. Coming close to loosing him in battle with Kagato seems to have given her the strength to express emotions to him in no uncertain terms. However, Tenchi is not yet ready to respond to her in manner that Ryoko most desires so she turns to the pages of shojo manga to help her win Tenchi over.

AEKA

Voice actress Takada Yumi plays a more mature Aeka than in the series. Perhaps it was the near loss of Tenchi or her reunion with her brother but Aeka is a changed women. No longer quite the innocent young lady she was before, Aeka possesses a hint of sly cunning and a wickedness that makes her all the more desirable. Aeka has developed the most of any of the characters. In the beginning of the series, she was a fragile young girl, now she has grown into a dynamic young woman. Aekas desire for Tenchi leaves her at odds with many of her companions, Ryoko, Washu, and Mohoshi. However, where the more insecure Aeka of the first series might shrink at the thought of using deceit and treachery to surpass her rivals, the more mature Aeka of the Special is got going to let anyone stand between her and Tenchi.

MIHOSHI

Voice actress Mizutani Yuuko plays the role of ditzy Mihoshi to the hilt. Unlike the other characters, Mihoshi hasn't changed a bit. She is just as dippy, as scatterbrained, as emotional and as spunky as she ever was. Satisfied just to be helpful to Tenchi's grandfather and be around Tenchi, Mihoshi spends much of her thwarting Ryoko and Aeka's romantic intentions quite accidentally. Mihoshi's role is much the same as Tenchi's, that of a bewildered and good nature observer in the midst of a great deal of sillyness.

SASAMI

Voice actress Yokohama Chisa plays the role of Aeka's younger sister Sasami. Of all the characters who have feelings toward Tenchi, Sasami's are the most innocent. She is a young girl who sees Tenchi as no more than a big brother. Since she isn't directly involved in any of the romantic intrigue surrounding Tenchi, she is free to watch as all of the others engaged in their various schemes.

GRANDFATHER

Voice actor Aono Takeshi plays the part of Tenchi's grandfather. This role in the special is much like that of Sasami's. Being an observer, grandfather isn't really involved in Ryoko and Aeka's scheming. However, he does still engaged in a bit of meddling.

WASHU

Voice actress Kobayashi Yuuko plays the role of the greatest scientific genius in the universe trapped in the body of a cute redheaded elementary school kid. Washu is indeed a unique character, well over 20,000 years old she has stayed youthful in appearance. Her scientific curiosity leads Washu into some very strange situations as she tries to learn the secrets of Tenchi's power. It is not clear where Washu's scientific interest leave off and her personal interest begin but it is safe to say that Washu wants Tenchi for more than just his body.

Richard Steele