Summary: >

One day when Tenchi was walking home from school when he happened upon an accident. The accident wasn't your typical car wreck however, and at the scene Tenchi met a strange girl. Soon after both of them are pursued by a strange mecha warrior. Oddly enough it turns out the girl he was protecting, Ryoko; is a space pirate, and the mecha warrior is none other than a galaxy police officer... although a rather ditsy one. Soon Tenchi finds himself in the company of many other strange people such as the two princesses from a planet known as Jurai. There's also the mad scientist Washu, and no less that TWO galaxy police officers: Mihoshi and Kyone.

Tenchi however has a lineage which actually stretches to Jurai's royal family, as he is said to be a descendant of Yousho - a legendary warrior. But then things seem to be amiss on the planet Jurai, leading to Tenchi and his band becoming outlaws. It seems that Tenchi's destiny is to learn more about his roots, and set things strait on Jurai once and for all.

Thoughts: >

This series was released as "Tenchi Universe" is the TV incarnation of the Tenchi series. Most notably there were major character differences between the TV and OVA series. For instance Ryoko was a creation of Washu in the OVA (technically making her Ryoko's mother), while in the TV series, Ryoko is just a space pirate with no relation to Washu. There's a long list of differences between the series, but many fans of the anime find this to be a drawback and often confusing.

The TV series is much more strait forward than the OVA series. Plots are often wrapped up more tightly from episode to episode, however the overall theme stretches out far longer simply due to its size. Personally I found the TV series to be more polished than the OVA, and the story was more climactic as well. Not to mention that the TV series actually has a very good ending, while the OVA is left hanging.

People who are fans of the OVA series shouldn't be disappointed by Tenchi Universe, although there's always some nitpickers who have a few complaints. For those wanting to watch the TV series OR the OVA, I would recommend the TV series due to the fact that there is more to watch, a bit more character development, and it has a nice ending to it. Overall, a cool show.

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