Screenshot taken from: http://www.crunchyroll.com/sailor-moon-crystal/episode-12-act-12-enemy-queen-662733
Review:
Picking up from where it’s predecessor left off, this seems like the kind of episode that would lend itself well to some prolonged battle sequences. Sadly, that does not seem to be Saior Moon’s modus operandi, because while the characters could be considered “in battle” for pretty much the entire episode, there isn’t a lot of actual battling going on. Dialogue and backstory fill the spaces in between actual combat, although there is one particular character death that I was not expecting. Even still, this death sequence was fairly underwhelming, as the character simply stands in one spot gloating until their actual death. I suppose we could look at this as an issue of pride (the characters saw no need to be concerned with their situation, and paid for it with their life), but let’s face it: character deaths are always more exciting when they’re prefaced by some intense conflict.
This episode also takes the fight to the final frontier: the Dark Kingdom itself, bringing to a head the Usagi/Mamoru conflict as well as the Senshi/Knights conflict. Without saying too much, there are some unexpected events that happen during this portion of the show that are kind of sad (if not a bit expected, particularly if you were already a Sailor Moon fan). While the episode ends with what could be considered a shocking ending, it really isn’t if a) you’ve been paying attention through the whole series and b) you watch the previews for the next episode. Is there anything more frustrating in a show then when it spoils its own cliffhanger with the previews?
A Christian Perspective:
John 8:44 – You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (NIV)
This verse applies to Queen Beryl in this episode. At one point, she states that Endymion is dead; however, as far as I recall, Endymion was never declared dead anywhere in the series. As far as I understand it, he was well and alive, but under Queen Metalia’s power. Much like the devil, Queen Beryl used a lie to try and discourage Usagi from her fight. Let’s face it: the devil will say whatever he can to trip us up. “You really think you’re saved? Look at you! What makes you think you’re a Christian? All you do is screw up!” And on and on. I’m not shooting down the benefits of self-reflection, but it would not surprise me to find out that the devil plays on our weaknesses and insecurities to discourage our walk with Christ.
Another thing that can be seen in this episode is the result of love that is not godly. It would seem that the whole fall of the Moon kingdom started because Beryl loved Endymion, but of course Endymion loved Serenity. While I’m not clear on the details (I’m guessing somehow Metalia got ahold of Beryl and gave her power), it seems pretty clear that it was Beryl’s unrequited love for Endymion that sparked the whole uprising in the first place. I can’t think of a verse off hand that applies to this situation, but I’m sure we’ve all see the results of selfish love instead of selfless love at some point in our lives.
Content Guide:
Language: None
Alcohol/Drug Use: None
Nudity/Sex/Fanservice: Queen Beryl cleavage; Queen Serenity cleavage
Violence: The Sailor Senshi trade attacks with their foes; the Senshi are choked by Beryl’s hair; Sailor Moon is choked by another character; fighting in general; four characters are destroyed by dark energy; a character is slashed with a sword, and another impaled with the sword
Blood/Gore: The common flashback that suggests Edymion is struck by a sword, followed by red rose petals
Other: The seemingly magical attacks that the Senshi and their foes use; Sailor Moon is told to pray to something on the moon; the Senshi seem to hear dead characters speaking to them
Christian Anime Review 