The youth are so easily corruptible.
What They Say:
“Act.23 Covert Maneuvers – Wiseman -”
Sailor Moon and the others continue their search for Tuxedo Mask and Chibi-Usa. But Wiseman’s covert maneuvers had already begun
The Review
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
We pick up where we left off, with the guardians begging Pluto to be given free reign to search for Mamoru and Chibi-usa in the void of space-time. She reluctantly agrees and the group sets off. Stumbling around the empty windy expanses they eventually stumble across Luna-P and nothing else. Beyond the winds of time lies the demesne of Wiseman and his new tool, a corrupt and finally grown up Chibi-usa.
The two remaining members of the terrorist organization suddenly realize that they never knew Wiseman’s plan and by now it’s too late. Wiseman completely mind wipes Saphir and Demande, turning them into unquestioning puppets. Added to the puppet list is the captured Mamoru, who is even more complacent as to be catatonic. The former Chibi-usa has no problem watching the world burn now that she has her father all to herself. This is one serious Oedipus complex she has, and whether that’s the intention of the author or not that’s what it is. I’m hoping the intention was to disturb us, so mission accomplished. What the hell is wrong with this family?
The guardians return an exhausted Usagi to their own time to regroup. Usagi is more than a little surprised to wake up in her own bed with her mother thinking she took a tumble off the bars at gym class. I find it amusing her friends had no problem not only lying to her mother but giving her false memories as well. The respite is short lived as something causes an upset in the space time continuum which leads to the whole group transforming and heading back out. (Full length transformations for everyone, because they spent the time animating those transformations so they’re going to use them!)
Evil Chibi-usa has arrived at the Crystal castle in the future to try to claim the power of the Queen. The gang arrives to see her for the first time, and the editing of the reaction from Usagi is hilarious. Of course there are checks in place to prevent her from trying to claim the power, that check being the Queen herself whose still asleep but semi-concious. After being unceremoniously magically tossed on her butt outside the palace, Chibi-usa finally declares herself the Black Lady, chosen queen of Nemesis.
In Summary:
Sailor Moon Crystal is still going through the motions. The guardians continue to be Usagi’s cheer squad and not good for much else. Uneven pacing aside there are no real major complaints here about the presentation, I no longer expect this show to attempt anything beyond the bare minimum at this point. We see what has become of Chibi-usa now corrupted by dark power. There are some deep seated psychological issues arising from a 900 years of being a spoiled and coddled child. Who knew? I know this is all going to end in forgiveness of her, but the brat does not deserve it.
Episode Grade: C +
Streamed by: Crunchyroll, Hulu, etc.
Review Equipment: 27” iMac running OS 10.10.3, via Safari 8.0.4, FIOS 15/5 Mbps connection. Your milage may vary.
