What a disappointment. It was just bad...on so many levels. The only reason I can think of to explain the very high reviews is nostalgia. But if you're watching this for the first time, be forewarned. The story fails on the most fundamental levels. The harem aspects are poorly crafted and most of the screen time is devoted to the girls fighting amongst themselves.
It is as if the writers did not understand the basic importance of conflict at the heart of all great stories. Tenchi is forbidden from entering the family temple by his grandfather but he steals the keys and inadvertently releases a 700 year old demon. Despite this, he faces no repercussions from his grandfather - not even a lecture.
The horrific demon turns into a beautiful woman named Ryouko and begins living in the same house with Tenchi and his grandfather for no reason. Think of every manga, anime, movie or TV show you ever loved and imagine the protagonist and antagonist living together in the same house. This destroys any sense of conflict between them.
When the other women show up they add little to the drama or the harem. Space Princess Aeka, is a prudish, overly-formal woman who would make any guy uncomfortable in her presence. Her little sister, Sasami, is way too young for any appropriate relationship. Plus, they're both related to Tenchi! Then there's Mihoshi, the Space Police Officer who is utterly brainless and Washuu who is even older than the 700 year old Ryouko. Worst of all, there are very few scenes when they compete for Tenchi's affections.
The 6 OVA episodes were very tough to get through. I highly recommend "El Hazard: The Wanderers" or "To LOVE-Ru" (2008) instead. Each is 26 episodes of fantasy adventure with beautiful girls, smart and decent boys plus a whole lot of laughs.
