REVIEW: ‘Urusei Yatsura,’ Episode 8 – “Transfer Student Close Call”

Urusei Yatsura Episode 8 the 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 and character design and 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.

In Urusei Yatsura Episode 8, two new transfer students join Ataru’s school. One of the new students, to everyone’s surprise, is Lum. The other new student is a sweet pink-haired girl named Ran, who catches both Ataru’s and Lum’s attention. Meanwhile, Lum has a new adversary who has set sights on seducing and harming Ataru. Now it is up to Lum to save Ataru from an unfortunate fate.

At this point Urusei Yatsura, introduces a new character every episode. However, some might find an ever-growing cast of eccentric characters a little tiring. However, regularly introducing new characters works well for Urusei Yatsura. Introducing new characters each week works well for this series because the new characters typically serve a purpose to the overall plot of the episode. This continues to be the case in Urusei Yatsura Episode 8 with the inclusion of Lum’s childhood friend, Ran. 

Ran’s addition to the cast in Urusei Yatsura Episode 8 brings in a unique character unlike any of the previous ones we have seen. As a character, Ran is very dynamic and multifaceted. For example, externally, Ran looks like a sweet, timid, and innocent young high school. However, she also has a darker and more insidious side whenever she gets angry or jealous. Ran is also a very refreshing addition to the cast because she is different from the other female characters we have seen.

Ran has a few more layers than the other female characters in Urusei Yatsura. Additionally, Ran and Lum’s interactions were some of the best moments in this episode. It is fun watching Ran put on a sweet and innocent front around everyone else. Lum is the only one who knows how cunning, angry, and threatening Ran can be to get what she wants.

Additionally, Ran and Lum’s interactions were some of the best moments in this episode because Lum has her adversary now. We are used to seeing Lum use her access to alien technology and powers to get in the way of Ataru flirting with other girls. However, in Episode 8, we see the tables are turned on Lum now that Ran has appeared. For example, in this episode, Ran tries to get her revenge on Lum by using her kissing power to drain Ataru’s youthful spirit. Unfortunately for Ran, Lum manages to stay one step ahead of her schemes. 

Urusei Yatsura Episode 8 also peeks into Lum’s past love life before she met Ataru. Episode 8 reveals that Ran and Lum were in a love triangle with a boy named Rei, whom they both fell head over heels for when they were younger. Lum even took it as far as to get engaged to Rei. Lum and Rei’s engagement greatly strained Ran and Lum’s friendship.

Lum’s engagement sends Ran into a jealous rage and leads her to seek revenge by stealing Ataru from Lum. It is fascinating to hear more about Lum’s past before she came to Earth, specifically regarding her love life. I want to know what qualities she likes in a romantic partner. Especially someone she was engaged to previously, and why would she leave him for a lecherous flirt like Ataru?  And if the post-credits scene is any indication, we might meet Lum’s ex sooner than we think. 

Urusei Yatsura Episode 8 is hilarious and might be my favorite by far. The new character Ran makes quite an impression in this episode with her dynamic and multifaceted personality. Ran is refreshing to the cast and serves as an excellent adversary for Lum. Lum and Ran’s antics make the episode stand out amongst the rest. Episode 8 even gives a peak into Lum’s past love life, which will undoubtedly lead to more drama and laughs in the next episodes. Lastly, the ever-growing cast of characters might get dull for some people, but it seems to work exceptionally well for Urusei Yatsura. 

Urusei Yatsura exclusively streams weekly on HiDIVE.