Characters 9/10
My two favorite characters would have to be Mihoshi and Kiyone. Seriously, these two characters are so funny that I would love it if they got their own spin-off show. What makes them so funny is they have completely opposite personalities; Mihoshi is a clumsy airhead and Kiyone is a hard working career woman who constantly has to clean up after the mess Mihoshi makes. They play off each other perfectly and I love this running joke how Kiyone is always complaining how unlucky she is to have a partner like Mihoshi.
Another great comedy duo are Aeka and Ryouko. A lot of the show's drama comes from the love triangle between Aeka, Ryouko, and Tenchi and with Aeka and Ryouko always competing for Tenchi's affection. However, Ryouko is a funny character on her own being a selfish, alcoholic, sleazy space pirate.
Ironically, Tenchi himself would be the show's most boring character. He's your typical nice-guy protagonist and he really doesn't do anything memorable until the final episode. Also, Tenchi seems to be so ignorant of Aeka and Ryouko's intentions that I'm seriously starting to think he may be gay.
Story 7/10
Similar to most romantic comedies, Tenchi Muyou! is a more character driven than story driven show thus every episode typically involves Tenchi and his harem going on some wacky adventure. For example, there's an episode where they go to a summer festival together and another where Mihoshi and Kiyone get part-time jobs. Not really anymore to say.
Art 7/10
Some things I liked about the art and animation in the show was how the alien characters all look mostly human, but with some noticeable differences like colorful and outrageous hairstyles. However, one character whose clearly an alien is Ryo-Ohki who looks like a cross between a rabbit and a cat with his big feet, long legs, and whiskers.
As for the animation, some of the best examples would have to be when Ryouko and Aeka are using their alien powers, including throwing energy blasts at each other and projecting force fields, and Ryo-Ohki's transformation into a spaceship.
Overall 7/10
I can see why many anime fans in America have nostalgia for Tenchi Muyou, it is a great example of an anime romantic comedy and harem anime. However, I only gave it a 7 out of 10 because while I did laugh a lot while watching Tenchi Muyou I was never rolling on the floor laughing and I found the story to be rather predictable.
However, I still recommend Tenchi Muyou to anyone wanting to watch a funny comedy.
