Tenchi Muyou!

Tenchi Universe is a 26 episode series loosely based off of the original OVA Tenchi series, very loosely. It was directed by Hiroshi Negishi (relatively unknown) and produced by the ever pandering company that is Anime International Corporation (AIC). As a big fan of the OVA series, of course the tv series had much to live up to.

Compared to the entrancing beginning that the OVA had or anything else for that matter, the TV series is mostly just filler side-story nonsense focusing around the strange group of women that end up surrounding the main character Tenchi. Sure, the harem is in full swing, but the ... unique character backgrounds and mystery surrounding a certain family is sort of still there. However, what made the OVA so worth watching and what makes the viewer enjoy each of the unique characteristics of each woman, Tenchi Universe just homes in on pandering to the audience with nonsense panty and boob shots with almost zero story throughout the anime. This is an unfortunate set back to the series for those that truly enjoyed the original. It is not until near of the end of the series (Jurai space arc) where Tenchi Universe finally gets fun. Too bad there is so much filler and side-arc nonsense along the way.

The characters make Tenchi fun, but their reasoning behind their actions and feelings are almost absent, and they just continue to pander as opposed to the OVA which actually created circumstances and choices the characters make to their ultimate decision in the end. How can a 26 episode TV series fall so short compared to a 6 episode OVA?

Naturally, the Tenchi Universe does not look or holds up all that well in terms of animation or in comparison to the fantastic appeal of the OVA. Music is still pretty decent and representative of its time. So, in laments terms, Tenchi Universe falls into the nostalgia category to many fans. Then why not just watch the OVA series instead?

In short, Tenchi Universe in very boring and pandering to the audience. There is little to no content until the group goes to space which is unacceptable for a 26 episode series. Tenchi Universe fall dreadfully into the Ronin Warriors category of, “just because something was on Toonami in the past, does not mean it is good at all.” Go watch the Tenchi OVA, not Universe.