Tenchi Universe Introducing Kiyone... and filler!     Studio: AIC Format: 26 Episodes Released: 4/2/1995 to 9/24/1995 by Face - September 7, 2003 Tenchi Masaki lives a simple life out in rural Japan. He spends his days cleaning up his Grandfather's Shinto Shrine, and training with his wooden sword. One day, on the way to school, his life is changed, forever, as two space ships come hurling down from the sky and crash into the forest. He hurries over to see if anyone is hurt, and gets involved in a Galaxy Police investigation of Ryoko, the space pirate. Soon the whole gang comes to Earth. All that Tenchi wants is some peace and quiet, but now he has been accused of plotting the overthrow of Jurai, and is a wanted fugitive throughout the universe. Can Tenchi and the gang make it through this in one piece? The first of the many Tenchi spin-offs, Tenchi Universe is, at heart, Tenchi Muyo retold in a different fashion from the original, and by no means is it less advantageous. All of the usual lovable, clashing characters are there, and a new character has been thrown into the bunch - Kiyone, the contra positive of Mihoshi, but by no means independent of her. Kiyone is the band-aid needed to patch up the missing holes that were present in Tenchi Muyo! One characteristic of this show, which I appreciated, was that Tenchi Universe does not take itself too seriously. The show is presented just how it should be - lightly, while at the same time dealing with the typical serious issues always present when Tenchi is involved. One most notable difference when compared to Tenchi Muyo is the increase in filler episodes, though; I was not surprised, considering the circumstances. Unlike the first two Tenchi Muyo OVAs, Tenchi Universe incorporates a plot outside the realm of Earth. For a large part of the second half of the show, the gang sets out to the decadence of space where they attempt to clear their names for crimes they have been accused of. Action is a constant theme while they are in space, and it never lets you down. The majority of the action, as well as a large part of the series, are focused around Ryoko, and her past. Tenchi Universe is a noteworthy addition to the Tenchi series, but by no means is it another Tenchi Muyo. There were several problems plaguing the show, mainly the beginning. There were several episodes in the first half that attributed absolutely nothing to the series. They aren't even considered fillers in my book; they are more along the lines of complete wastes of space. Furthermore, like other Tenchi series, the plot isn't introduced until the latter part of the show. I constantly felt as if I was watching random episodes that weren't going to amount to anything. Generally speaking, Tenchi Universe is perfect for everyone; a show mixed in with a plethora of comedy, jam-packed action, and Tenchi romance is undoubtedly a KO with almost any anime fan. * * 1/2 (Average) Updated: August 14, 2009