REVIEW: ‘Urusei Yatsura’ Episode 5 – “The Glove of Love and Conflict”

Urusei Yatsura Episode 5 is a sci-fi romantic comedy based on the original manga and anime series created by Rumiko Takahashi. The series centers on girl-obsessed Ataru Moroboshi and the alien princess Lum who believes she is Ataru’s wife after he accidentally proposes to her. 

Urusei Yatsura is produced by David Production and directed by Hideya Takahashi and Yasuhiro Kimura, with scripts written by Yūko Kakihara. Character designs illustration by Naoyuki Asano, Takahiro Komei serves as series director, and Masaru Yokoyama composes the music. The leading voice cast consists of Summer Uesaka as Invader Lum, Hiroshi Kamiya as Ataru Moroboshi, Maaya Uchida as Shinobu, and Mamoru Miyano as Shutaro Mendo.

Urusei Yatsura Episode 5 shows that there may be more to Ataru than just being a lecherous flirt. Episode 5 shows a more admirable and chivalrous side to Ataru, which seemed nearly non-existent. While in the line to receive a ferocious fist to the face, Ataru steps in to protect her and takes the hit instead. When asked why Ataru said he would never allow a girl to be hit when he is present.

Ataru’s chivalrous behavior was shocking to see in Episode 5. From the start of the series, it seemed that all there was to Ataru was his lust for women. However, this moment gave me a newfound respect for Ataru. It is nice to see that the leading male character of the series has a moral compass and is not utterly superficial regarding women.

One thing about Urusei Yatsura is that it is a romantic comedy that knows how to keep things fresh. Urusei Yatsura seems to have found its rhythm with the storytelling. Every episode opens with a brief teaser that usually ends in a joke at Ataru’s expense. What follows is usually Ataru, Lum, and their friends end up involved in some supernatural mishap.

Between the supernatural and science-fiction hijinks, you never know what you might get in an episode of Urusei Yatsura. There is always something wacky going on in this series that is sure to be very entertaining. For example, in Episode 5, the priestess Sakura assists with exorcising a pair of possessed boxing gloves at Ataru’s school. But before Sakura can start her exorcism, the gloves end up on Ataru, which leads to a bunch of wacky situations with Ataru and Lum at the center. 

Urusei Yatsura Episode 5 also focuses more on Lum and her feelings. So throughout the series, Lum played the role of the jealous heroine. Whenever Ataru neglects her feelings and flirts with another girl, Lum becomes insanely jealous and shocks Ataru with her lightning powers. It is a wonder that she has chosen to stay beside Ataru despite his lecherous behavior towards other women.

But in Episode 5, Lum changes her behavior slightly as she becomes more fed up with Ataru neglecting her affection for him. I was glad to see this shift in Lum’s character, even if it s was short-lived. Lum is a unique and lovable character, but it can be hard to like when she continues to chase after a man who doesn’t give her the respect and affection she deserves. Nonetheless, I hope there is a chance we will see Lum stand up for her feelings more and make Ataru work for her affection.

Lastly, it might be brief, but Episode 5 confirms that the romantic feelings between Lum and Ataru are not just one-sided. The latter half of Episode 5 has one of the sweetest moments in the series to date. After Lum saves Ataru from eternal embarrassment following a failed prank on the latter, Ataru begins to see Lum in a different light. Lum’s generosity in coming to his aid touches Ataru and makes him step toward being more affectionate towards her. Granted, this might be short-lived, but it gives our leading couple some hope.

Urusei Yatsura Episode 5 is an excellent reminder that this anime is a romantic comedy that knows how to keep things fresh and entertaining. Episode 5 showed a deeper side to the male lead character, Ataru, and that he has a semi-decent moral compass. The episode wraps up with a short yet sweet moment between our main couple, giving hope for their relationship to blossom into something more. 

Urusei Yatsura exclusively streams weekly on HiDIVE.