~ By Jordan

Like Tenchi Muyo, and Tenchi Universe Tenchi in Tokyo has little to nothing to do with the previous stories. This kinda makes it hard to keep the background stroies strait, and sometimes has you asking, "I thought Tenchi allready fought that guy," or "Didn't they go their seperate ways?" Either way, Tenchi in Tokyo finds our characters still living together, until 5 minutes into the first episode ofcoarse. At that point Tenchi chooses to go to Toyko to find out how to run a shrine better by a friend of his grandfather. While there, Tenchi attends Toyko University, and begins to meet new friends, and at the same time a girl named Sakuya grows eyes for our favorite Tenchi. (it must be the cologne. ^_^ ) but during all of this Ayeka, Ryoko, and the rest of the girls are constantly trying to go and see Tenchi, and in the process make all kinds of trouble. The main story follows, this evil little girl named Yugi, who is bent on splitting up all the characters, and destroying Tenchi and his friends. Altho i'm not to sure why? Then at one point and time, She becomes friends with Sasami for some wierd episodes. A mediocer story line, that could use alittle more explaining, and the ending should have really been changed. It kind of made the entire series not worth getting into in my opinion, But alas I am a 100 % Tenchi fan.

The thing that changed the most was the animation. The characters look cuter, and more "cartoonier". (if that is a real word.) I believe Tenchi looks alittle better, at least he dresses better in this series. As for the girls, with the exception of Sakuya, all the girls wear the same outfits in allmost every episode. Altho I must say, Ryoko also looks a lot better in this series, especially in that black kimono. Overall, the characters animation is very well done. But opinions may very. Setting animation is very detailed, and looks very nice with the cartoony Tenchi characters.

What was the strong point of the other Tenchi series' was the great cast of characters. Some of that great chemistry is lost in Tenchi in Tokyo. By splitting the characters apart, Tenchi loses his comedy relief, and the girls kinda lose thier perkiness. in a way this is also a huge downfall. Don't get me wrong, the characters are still great, but when they aren't together, they just lose something. I think the writers of this series wanted to focus more on Sakuya, which they do, and try and develope a relationship between her and Tenchi. There are reasons for this, and in the end, it is the one thing that gives some sentimental value to this series.

The Music in Tenchi in Tokyo plays a very small role in this series. There is absolutly no J-Pop in the dub. As for the instramental music, I believe there is only one song that penetrates the emotions. What else than the sad theme. (Sorry, I'm not too sure of the name.) As for the rest of the instramental, it can all be classified as filler music, thats bouncy, and usually happy, but really nothing special. If there is one pleasent thing, it is the voice acting. Same great cast as the other series', and if you paid attention, Sakuya's voice is a familiar voice from the past series', as well as movies.

The main entertainment value is the comedy between characters. The sad part is that there isn't too much interaction between Tenchi and the girls. Insted, Tenchi in Tokyo relies on Fighting Monsters, who are created by -Evil Villen-, with a Sailor Moon style. The monsters are goofy, and annoying, which makes it better when they are destroyed. The main interest focus's on Tenchi and Sakuya getting together, against the wishes of the other girls ofcoarse. And in the end, when you think your ready for something epic, and important, your given a 2 second pause, and then a "What the F*$%!!!!" Tenchi fans may get something out of this series, but Others should be warned to stear clear of this one.

BACK TO ORCHARD PARK ANIME!