Let me set the scene. It's roughly one in the morning (still early for me) and I come back into the bedroom with Pretty Soldier Sailormoon tapes in hand. I'm ready to get some more quotes for the interviews section and possibly some screen shots for Kyonpy. I pop in volume 12 of the first season (specifically episodes 045 - 046). And this is where my article comes into play.

Once I popped in the tape and pressed "play" on the VCR I found myself completely absorbed in the show. I was getting chills from the very beginning when Usagi-chan asked Rei-chan if she kissed Yuuichirou good-bye. Then they teleport to the D-Point where they face off with the DD Girls. I found myself on the edge of my seat and crying when Jupiter was killed. The chills up my spine returned as Mercury told the others that their offensive powers would be more important than hers. The music and still shots of them walking further into the distance, Moon watching over her shoulder as Venus leads her away made my chest tighten with emotion.

After all the soldiers were dead, Moon weeps in the snow praying it's all a dream. The spirits of her friends call to her and assure her she's not alone and she finds the strength to push herself forward. Oi! Then the battle with Endymion in the next episode and Sailor Moon giving up her last kiss with him out of respect for the other girls who died without kissing the boys they loved almost made me weep (but by this time I had calmed down a little from the last episode). Oh, and then battle with Beryl/Metallia and the Moonlight Densetsu (extended version) starts up. Wow!

I think the first season might just be my favorite. There are so many messages within and the theme of loneliness and friendship and those dear to you always being close by... that you're never truely alone. After all this time I am still moved by this anime. It amazes me how a show can be so powerful... even after more than five years ^_^

Submitted by: Tour Guide Bunny
Posted on: 10 / 16 / 2001