The latest episode of Season 3 of Sailor Moon Crystal, “Act 36, Infinity 10: Infinite - Upper Atmosphere” is bursting with action, drama and emotion, and its cliffhanger ending is certain to leave fans wanting more.
This week’s installment opens with a downgraded Sailor Moon and the Outer Senshi watching in horror as Mistress 9 gathers power from the stolen souls of Chibiusa and Sailors Mars, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter, ultimately causing the central tower of Mugen Academy to explode. Sailor Moon recognizes that although Mistress 9 has taken over Hotaru’s body, “That’s not Hotaru anymore.”
The Outers take the initiative, activating their Talismans in order contain the evil energy of Mistress 9 and Pharaoh 90 in a protective spherical barrier. Meanwhile, as Mistress 9 attempts to burst forth from her corporeal body (Hotaru’s body), Hotaru’s spirit fights against her, saying “This body is still mine. I won’t let you control it.” Her assertion is followed by some rather unsettling images of Mistress 9’s distorted form, eyes bulging and roiling in their sockets. The gruesome look of these moments is a bit of a stylistic departure for Sailor Moon, but it’s nicely executed and works well to up the tension.
Her strength fading, Hotaru vows to protect the souls of Chibiusa and the incapacitated Sailor Guardians. Puzzled by will to fight and protect others, Hotaru recognizes a deeper power, a stronger self, which persists within her. As she struggles, we see a shadowy apparition of Sailor Saturn. Hotaru returns the souls of the Inner Senshi to their bodies, and they awaken before a tearful and grateful Sailor Moon. Hotaru vanishes from the scene of the battle, only to reappear moments later in Mamoru’s apartment, where she revives Chibiusa.
Meanwhile, Mistress 9 transforms from a fabulously attired villainess to a giant purple blob monster, causing the apparition of Hotaru to fade from Chibiusa’s vision. Just before she vanishes, Hotaru tells her friend she loves her. Though devastated, Chibiusa dries her tears and resolves to join Sailor Moon in her fight. Mamoru transforms into Tuxedo Mask and follows her to Mugen.
Each of the Inner Senshi launch an attack at the mutated Mistress 9, but their efforts have little effect. Suddenly, Chibi Moon arrives and unleashes a strike that causes the creature to vanish. (Since when do her attacks actually do anything?!) The other girls are hugely relieved to see her, and vow to make the most of the opportunity Hotaru’s sacrifice has given them.
As the battle continues, Monster Mistress 9 reappears to attack the Outer Senshi, and with the band all back together Usagi’s again able to upgrade into Super Sailor Moon. This time, her power-up comes with a bonus -- Chibiusa becomes Super Sailor Chibi Moon. There’s no new or joint transformation sequence to mark the occasion though, unfortunately for Chibiusa fans.
Time to put an end to Mistress 9, right? “Let’s combine our power!” our bun-headed heroines shout, crossing their heart-topped rods together. Oh boy, oh boy, this is gonna be… wait, it’s over?! Not even the rain-soaked Mamoru fanservice in the end credits can ease the pain of this cliffhanger!
Sailor Moon Crystal Season 3 continues to do a lot of things right. The animation is really on point this episode; there’s lots of wallpaper and screensaver fodder to be had here. The quality of the English subtitles also seems to have improved this week. Season 3 has managed to make Chibiusa not only tolerable, but likeable and sympathetic, no small feat for a long-divisive character. However, the Uranus / Neptune relationship remains underdeveloped at this point, and is an aspect of the ‘Infinity’ storyline many fans had hoped to see in more depth and detail in this season of Crystal.
While you wait for next week’s episode, check out more of iDigitalTimes’ Sailor Moon Crystal news and recaps!
Episodes of Sailor Moon Crystal premiere Mondays on Hulu, Crunchyroll and Viz.com.
