⚸ In the name of the Moon
you'll be punishedSailor Moon Crystal: Episode 7 Review
by Mikari
Usagi wakes up in Mamoru's apartment and they talk about their reasons to want the silver crystal. As expected, the dream about Usagi's past life did come up, Mamoru holds on to it as a clue to his past. I liked the detail of Usagi being surprised at herself for not recognizing Mamoru as Tuxedo Mask. At least the new anime acknowledges how obvious their identities are at times... Even if it goes back to pretending they have great disguises soon after.
In terms of when Usaig and Mamoru learn of each other's identities, even though Crystal has been entertaining, I prefer the original. The episode where they're forced to transform after being trapped together is much more dramatic.
It is revealed that Metalia, known in the original as simply the Negaverse, was released by Beryl from Earth's North Pole long ago. This makes me wonder if it's connected to the story that appears in the RPG Sailor Moon: Another Story, where Beryl had been in love with past prince Mamoru. Although she mostly seems interesting in ruling the world.
With all the modern elements that have been out into the series, such as Ami's awesome tablet computer (not just "tablet" look at the software, it's a mix) I'm surprised they have a plot involving a DVD rental. I'm not talking about the lack of Blurays, but about the existence of a rental shop in the Internet era. None the less, this is supposed to be close to the manga, and back then it would have been normal. The DVDs are brainwashing people and making them search for Sailor Moon, whom they don't realize is Usagi, even when she's in front of them.
The girls had gone their separate ways after school. We learn that the arcade machine Luna uses also has a DVD player. Looks like those machines are built to evolve at convenience. The girls are reunited except for Usagi, who transforms and heals the brainwashed people with the crescent moon wand. She is captured by Zoicite and the other Sailors plus Tuxedo Mask get beat up trying to save her.
At the last second, Sailor V arrives, now wearing her classic Venus Sailor outfit, but still without the tiara, instead with a crescent moon on her forehead. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, but obviously they'll make it out of the fight.
Judging by the preview, it looks like Venus knows more about the past lives, so they'll probably be talking about that as well as elaborating on Venus in the next episode. I'm looking forward to seeing Artemis.
I'm hoping that now that the five inner senshi are reunited they will get some character development as they did in the original. Overall their personalities feel quieter. Makoto's past crush was brought up, but she's hasn't been staring at guys dreamily and spacing out while sighing "what a hunk." Rei and Usagi haven't had any sisterly arguments, but at this point, with how different Rei is, I'm not even expecting it. They're all a bit downplayed for the most part, even Usagi who has quickly become more capable, where as in the original she had her funny crybaby moments every now and then. I guess it is to be expected that their personalities don't quite stand out yet, since there has only been seven episodes and there are less episodes in the series overall. I'm going to be optimistic and wait for more character development. Even if the girls (especially Rei) are different, I want to be able to get to know them like I know their counterparts from the original anime.
