Well, I’ve now finished the first series of Sailor Moon. That’s nearly 50 episodes, and I’m still honestly not quite sure what I think about it. Still, I’ll try my best to write down my impressions here. Be warned, there may be spoilers!
I’m happy to say, the series did pick up another serious story arc or two, for which I’m thankful. While a good portion of the episodes were still simple filler fun, there has been a bit more serious material there. The revelation between Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon of their secret identities was well done, as was the revelation of the Moon Princess. I also enjoyed the new seriousness of Usagi’s character…while it lasted. Some of the rapid mood shifts that followed felt forced, as did her quite sudden romantic feelings for Mamoru (Tuxedo Mask). She’d had a crush on TM himself, but before that moment she rather disliked the man behind the mask. I suppose part of it could be explained by the newly discovered memory of their romance in another life, but I would have liked a bit more time for it to develop, rather than the rush job we got.
The series finale was both impressive and slightly disappointing. The final battles were fun and refreshing, though they held a sad note due to the losses taken. Jupiter put on an impressive show of raw power, Mercury made a couple remarkably clever last second improvisations, Venus pulled off a kickass pointblank shot between her enemy’s eyes, and Mars gets bonus points for sheer tenacity. Even Sailor Moon got in a good shot or two, though mostly she just cried and got her ass handed to her (which was oddly satisfying. Serves her right for whining all the time!). The ending though, was a bit forced. Parts of it were a bit too predictable, while the rest was just plain confusing. We were bluntly told that one thing would happen, but instead something else did…with little to no explanation as to the how or why. It was the “how” that really bothered me. I know most people don’t feel the need for their animes to explain how everything works for them, but personally I like a bit more explanation and a little less confusion.
In the end, I find myself torn. Sailor Moon remains entertaining, but it has numerous faults. There is too much filler, the characters aren’t well developed enough, plot points are often rushed instead of being given the time they need and deserve, and far too many liberties are taken (why the hell are bad things always happening to Usagi’s friend Naru? I swear that girl is a walking plot device! And whatever happened to Usagi’s transformation broach? The thing is supposedly what transformers her, but she never wears it anymore!). It’s fun, but I’m not sure it really lives up to all the hype surrounding it. Maybe it’s just because this is an older series, and I’m used to newer series with better funding (meaning better animation and writing) and with more mature audiences in mind. I plan to keep watching now that I’m into Sailor Moon R, and I’m sincerely hoping that this new series will show some improvement over the last. The fact is that, despite it’s faults, Sailor Moon is still a good series. The characters could use more development, but they’re all still very likable. The plot may be a bit rushed, but it’s still unique and interesting. And as for the liberties taken and unanswered questions, well, I’m used to approaching anime (and TV in general) with the understanding that not everything will make sense. 
