Wow.

Just wow.

This episode.

The everything.

So freaking perfect.

First of all, let’s get an error(?) from last episode that needs to be addressed.

For some reason, we see Minako in her Sailor V outfit in just this shot.  In every other scene…

So, main points to take away:

Artemis’ voice is DEEEEEEEP.

It’s a “good animation” episode, though not without its hiccups.  There were a lot of awkward slow-pan scenes used to fill up time.  Also, animation quality on faces suffers the “further” the characters are.  This is pretty consistent with the rest of the series, but it’s still terrible.

Minako’s characterization was PERFECT.  She immediately sets herself apart from the rest of the senshi and we see how she’s burdened by a completely different kind of loneliness – most significantly, the fact that she alone is fully awakened.

The scene between Mamoru and Usagi at the park was spot on, and the added scene between Luna and Artemis actually added some character development for Luna, if just a bit.

Everything about Minako’s henshin scene was brilliant.  First of all: no transformation command.  Just her holding up her pen.  The silence of it really sold her quiet determination and loneliness.

Second:

Third:

Transforming with the crescent moon insignia really helps sell the illusion, no matter how ultimately spoiled it is.

Fourth:

Let’s compare the planet in the background to the Moon Pride version.

Pointless galaxies in the background aside, I actually like the change made here.  In the episode version, Venus has a more dull, moon-like glow, and it could be easy to mistake for the moon.  I don’t know if you’ve looked at any pictures of the planet Venus recently, but it looks a LOT like the moon… just yellower.

The showdown between Minako and Kunzite was done well.  I liked that Minako knew about Kunzite’s true nature even when Kunzite himself did not.  And despite it, she was perfectly willing to kill him.  That’s dedication to the mission right there.

This shot:

During Kunzite’s attack, Jupiter jumps in to rescue Minako because, well, she’s the princess and needs to be protected.  I just thought that was a great minor detail.

About the only real complaint I have is that Tuxedo Mask CLEARLY displays supernatural leaping ability.  It kind of lessens the effect of him being an ordinary human.

Lastly, DAT CLIFFHANGER.  DAT TWO WEEK WAIT.

GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!