I was really, really not into this episode. As much as I love Beryl, when Beryl is my favorite part, something is wrong.
I’m all for UsaMamo. The beginning part when she bumps into him? That was adorable and I was laughing.
But I don’t like when the focus on UsaMamo takes away from the rest of the girls, and that’s something I think Crystal is guilty of. Not only in this episode, but especially in this episode.
I reread the Manga act for comparision, and I find it doesn’t really give Crystal any excuses. The manga is, if anything, even faster paced,, but while it doesn’t have all the character of the other versions, it does pack a lot into small moments. This act, for instance, had a focus on Ami. She’s the one Luna shows the base to, she’s the one who notices what’s happening to people. Crystal made everyone do these things together, and I think it’s weaker for it.
I’ve been so sure that Crystal wasn’t dropping the ball on character. But I think they really, really are. The girls get their intro episodes, and they’re done. And Rei doesn’t even get that. (God Crystal’s choice to declaw Rei bothers me so much. I need my grumpy uncooperative fire princess.) The girls are lacking so many little character moments. (Come on at least give Rei grumpy resting face.)
Crystal has stretched out a lot of scenes, which is great. But they’re choosing so many of the wrong scenes. Give some to the girls, my god.
SittingOverHereDreaming 