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Tenchi Muyo

Ryo-Ohki

English Dubbed Version

Released: 1992 - 1999

Version: Video (Pioneer)

Approx. Rated: PG to R (depends on episode...read the review to find out more)

Length: Approx. 400 minutes

Yes, I went and watched ALL the OAVs for Tenchi Muyo, except one that detailed a Mihoshi adventure, which started the Pretty Sammy series. Unfortunately, Pioneer did not include that particular OAV in my set. I do not know why. Anyway, this review will attempt to let you know what Tenchi Muyo is all about. I will not review each of the 13 episodes. 

The first story arch occurs over the first 6 shows. Of course, I didn't really realize that there was a story here. The first 3 episodes are only loosely connected. They introduce the main characters. The 1st one brings in Ryoko, a "demon-girl" or something. The 2nd episode brings in Princess Ayeka and her sister, Sasami. They are from the planet Jurai. 

Ayeka is looking for her long lost fiancé and her sister is just along for the ride. Ayeka and Ryoko end up fighting over Tenchi. 

The 3rd episode introduces Ryo-Ohki, a rabbit that meows like a cat. And the 4th brings in Mihoshi, a Galaxy Police woman who is a real ditz. She is the daughter of the Chief of police or something and she's supposed to be an excellent investigator. Unfortunately, it's also chock full of nudity (fortunately it's not very detailed). 

Finally, in the 5th (or 6th) episode, we meet Washu, Ryoko's mom. We also meet Kagato, the enemy for the last two episodes of this story arch. he kidnaps Ryoko and Tenchi and his girlfriends go to the rescue.

Through these first 6 episodes, you learn more about Tenchi's origins, Jurai, and the complex relationships of those two topics and Ryoko. 

Finally we reach the 7th episode, known as the "Ryo-Ohki Special." I hated this show due to the nudity and a certain experiment of Washu's. ARGH! Do not watch this episode if you can possibly avoid it. The rest are quite good, for the most part.

The next 6 episodes are more of a life in Tenchi series. You get to know the characters better and also become a little confused by some of the weird stuff in them. Take the Sasami / Tsunami episode. This one is just weird. You'll have to see it to grasp all it has to say.

In the 10th episode, Ryo-Ohki ends up with a more human-bipedal form. This is an intriguing and cute development. 

The 11th brings in another villain. It's about time! Sheesh! His name is Dr. Clay and he is working for Queen Tokimi. Anyway, Clay wants to capture Washu and take her to the Queen. (Clay used to be a student of Washu's) Thus, Clay sends a robot of some kind down and it captures Ryoko (sound familiar?). Then the robot takes Ryoko's memory, a jewel of Ryoko's and then shape-shifts into her form as well.

I enjoyed this one somewhat as it made Ryoko much nicer, even if it wasn't really her. The 12th show has Washu confronting Dr. Clay and freeing the real Ryoko. There's a twist in this episode too which is quite odd...but I won't reveal it.

Finally we get to the last episode. In this one is Ayeka's mother and father and aunt. It's an okay show, but I got a little confused in it. Also, it has a pretty lame fight at the end between this guy that wants Ayeka and Tenchi.

The Good Stuff:

The Bad Stuff:

I like Tenchi Muyo, but it's not for everyone. It's a laid back comedy, rather than frantic. There's often some cat fighting and what not in them. Watch it if you enjoy Ayane's High Kick or just need something different for your comedy palate.