The original Sailor Moon series (1992-1997) included 200 episodes, which means that for most of the show Usagi Tsukino and Sailor Moon were one and the same. It is all the more curious to go to the very beginning of the story, when the then fourteen-year-old protagonist is granted her magical powers.
The recipe for the show's success was right there: from the start, there is a combination of the most mundane and daily experiences of a student (Usagi oversleeps, fails a test, would rather stop by a video arcade than go home) and the magical and supernatural events that are yet to be explained, but include talking cats and horrible demons. The contrast is also visual: some of the most striking imagery is that of the Dark Kingdom, suitably Gothic in its style. In comparison, the transformation sequence - Usagi turning into Sailor Moon - is made out of light, stars, ribbons, and a fresh manicure.
Much of what is seen in the first episode grounds the heroine - we meet Usagi's mother, younger brother, best friend Naru, classmate Umino - but will not have a lasting presence. Yet, Usagi also encounters Mamoru Chiba (and the conflict between the two is immediate), while Sailor Moon meets Tuxedo Mask (who is supportive and charming), thus establishing one of the core plot-lines of the series.
There is a promise of romance, there is adventure, there is mystery. There is a fascination with jewellery and empowerment; both being key themes for the show. There is a fair bit of complaining and screaming, with 'crybaby' Usagi coming in sharp contrast with Luna, the little black cat who is now the girl's companion. Luna has limited patience and a no-nonsense attitude. She is here on a mission, after all.
Structurally, the first episode establishes the 'monster of the week' pattern. In terms of its atmosphere and imagery, the instalment is true to the rest of the series; seeing it again feels like coming home.
The recipe for the show's success was right there: from the start, there is a combination of the most mundane and daily experiences of a student (Usagi oversleeps, fails a test, would rather stop by a video arcade than go home) and the magical and supernatural events that are yet to be explained, but include talking cats and horrible demons. The contrast is also visual: some of the most striking imagery is that of the Dark Kingdom, suitably Gothic in its style. In comparison, the transformation sequence - Usagi turning into Sailor Moon - is made out of light, stars, ribbons, and a fresh manicure.
Much of what is seen in the first episode grounds the heroine - we meet Usagi's mother, younger brother, best friend Naru, classmate Umino - but will not have a lasting presence. Yet, Usagi also encounters Mamoru Chiba (and the conflict between the two is immediate), while Sailor Moon meets Tuxedo Mask (who is supportive and charming), thus establishing one of the core plot-lines of the series.
There is a promise of romance, there is adventure, there is mystery. There is a fascination with jewellery and empowerment; both being key themes for the show. There is a fair bit of complaining and screaming, with 'crybaby' Usagi coming in sharp contrast with Luna, the little black cat who is now the girl's companion. Luna has limited patience and a no-nonsense attitude. She is here on a mission, after all.
Structurally, the first episode establishes the 'monster of the week' pattern. In terms of its atmosphere and imagery, the instalment is true to the rest of the series; seeing it again feels like coming home.