In my review for the previous volume of "Arjuna," I noted that the series would do best to continue to build upon their characters and leave the mystic mojo in the background. Upon watching this volume, it seems they took my advice: the focus is here on the characters, pure and simple. The vague and fairly bland plot is put aside for the moment and instead we are treated to major revelations and interesting developments for several of the more interesting players in this drama, and really, I'm surprised at how well the groundwork was laid for these progressions without it catching my eye. So, here's a big shout out to the writers for listening to (my) voice of reason and working with the anime's strengths. (Yes, I realize that this show was actually produced a good three years ago and these story decisions were in no way influenced by me, but by damn I'm going to pretend my opinions mean something.)

As stated, the developments in this volume are mostly character-based, so really very little "plot" actually happens. The first episode is mostly another examination of the effects of Juna's new position on her and Tokio's relationship. However, this time we get answers a bit more solid, and I really enjoyed some of the sweeter moments that showed the characters actually working towards a closer bond, as opposed to the angsty sulking we've seen so far. The next three episodes all are mostly examinations of three of our side characters, with little bits of plot worked in. I noted in my last review that that character of Cindy was a character that was subtly winning me over with her quiet depth, and here she clinched her position as my fave of the cast. Her speech here about prenatal memories is both poignant and honestly frightening, and it also explores one of the more interesting notions about empathetic psychic powers that I had never thought of before. Now, I know I'm a little subjective since for the first time my politics mimic the show's politics, but that was by far the best episode this anime has been able to produce. Very cool.

No quip here. Cindy is that cool.	More low-quality, high-conflict plot from "Earth Maiden Arjuna!"

The third episode on the disk is a look into Tokio's family life. Now, I like Tokio so I was looking forward to it when the episode seemed to focus in on him. And really, it could have been good. The groundwork had been laid just two episodes earlier, the basic idea was okay, and as we see in the next episode, it lays down some Very Important Plot that the remaining episodes will probably center around. And yet, a lot of it hinges on a very well-worn cliché: tense relationships between a father and son but we, as an objective viewer, can see they are really very similar. And what's more, it relies on the Raaja mythos that are still ridiculously unclear, and keep in mind, people, that we're over the halfway mark. Are the Raaja symbolic manifestations of the hurting Earth that only Juna can see, or are they just invisible demons serving pollution (and if the first is right, then how are they able to do major physical damage in action sequences)? And why is Juna shooting them now without any shuns when earlier in the series Chris was insinuating that a pacifist option was the right way? Frankly, I worry that the creators don't even know.

Episode numero quarto is just swell as well. Yet again it takes a character and gives us a little insight into their motivations and inner-workings. Sure, this particular Major Revelation is better fit for a Lifetime movie special staring Nancy McKeon, but somehow it fits with the show's tone. Also, it provides a little hint at why the character constantly spouts out memorized key points from the Greenpeace Mission Statement, and the reason is surprisingly realistic. And what's more, the Tokio/Juna relationship is progressed AND it gives me the first cliffhanger that really caught my attention (though I do wonder if the direction the plot has decided to take will keep hold of it).

The DVD presentation is the exact same as the past two volumes, with all it's blahness intact. I've finally figured out why the menu's music annoys me so much though: it's remarkably similar to the soundtrack for an extraordinarily terrible kiddie anime called "Strange Dawn" (it was so bad that Bandai stopped the American releases after two volumes). However, I suppose if you don't have that negative association, then it will be a neutral factor. For me, however... ?

In the cosmetics department, it's third verse, same as the first. There's still too much CGI, but pretty pictures all around. However, I should note that around the third episode of the disc, the OP seems rejuvenated. I don't know why; the music of the accompanying images are different, or maybe both. Whatever the changes, it's for the better, and it was a nice pick-me-up after an emotionally draining episode. (I watched the disk in marathon style). However, I have issues with the live-action video clip that comes with the ED, merely on the basis that it exposes how truly horrid most REAL Japanese school uniforms truly are.

I have to say, of the episodes of this series so far, this group really stood out from the pack. Great character moments happened for nearly everyone, and even for those that didn't get their own episodes, there are some nice developments on the backburner (witness the family dinner scene with Saiyuri). It's still a lot of eye candy, and above all the love-the-Earth messages, the show really does seem to just want to have fun. Maybe one day it will. And, plot-wise, the show is still a little fuzzy on the details, but if they do end up churning out a good story in the last volume then all shall be forgiven. If.

Distributor: Bandai Entertainment
Creator: Shoji Kawamori / Satelight
Released: 2001

Video Quality: A
Audio Quality: A-
Presentation: B
Content: A-
Overall: A-