REVIEW: ‘Ranma 1/2’ Episode 3 — “Because There’s Someone He Likes”

Like its lead protagonist, Ranma 1/2 Episode 3, and the series itself, is light on its feet. The series continues to deliver engaging visuals that maintain the balance between the original while updating it for current viewers. There’s a notable grace in the framing that excellently captures Ranma’s (Megumi Hayashibara and Kappei Yamaguchi) balletic, floating on air style movements while never halting the abrasive humor lobbed our way. And, even amid all the hijinks and hilarious new ways in which Ranma can suddenly change forms, “Because There’s Someone He Likes” also includes some character growth.

It would be easy for Ranma 1/2 to ignore character-driven elements for the sake of comedy. Episode 3 has a lot of gags; the series itself is a joke machine for how often it has us laughing aloud. But despite the absurdity of the premise, its characters, and the anything-goes style logic that injects the series with delightful silliness, it still makes us begin to care about these characters. Most notably Ranma and Akane (Noriko Hidaka). Both are rough around the edges. They’re believable as teenagers who don’t quite know how to act around one another. Ranma even succumbs to stereotypical, boyish antics to try to lift Akane’s spirits.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 3 picks up on the stories from Episode 2. Namely, series immediate MVP Tatewaki (Tomokazu Sugita), who is consumed by his crush on Ranma. It’s made even worse still, though, when Akane’s sister, Nabiki, asks if this means he’s over Akane. Tatewaki is distraught at the idea. While the rest of the school has given up on their daily pursuits of Akane, Tatewaki doesn’t want to let go of that thread of hope just yet. He’s content to love girl-Ranma and Akane, even if both continue to beat him. The poor guy doesn’t even realize that the girl he holds — who transforms into boy Ranma while still being held — is the same person. He’s facing an uphill battle.

Nabiki (Minami Takayama) and Tatewaki make for a great background dynamic. She’s willing to profit from Tatewaki’s infatuation by selling him photos of Ranma and Akane. Three episodes in, these characters already have strong and distinctive personalities for both newcomers and those who’ve either watched the original or read the manga. It helps ground the heightened humor.

And the humor abounds in Ranma 1/2 Episode 3. Breezy and off-kilter, the series leans into visual comedy and some superb line deliveries by the voice actors. By default, Genba (Chō), in his panda form, is hilarious, and more so because of Dr. Tofu’s (Toshiyuki Morikawa) pure acceptance of him and his admittance of being Ranma’s father. His nonchalantly answering the phone while the panda makes for a superb and effective sight gag. Dr. Tofu and his office offer much comedy, especially in the back half.

While it’s been made clear that Akane has a crush on Tofu, we learn Tofu, in turn, likes her eldest sister, Kasumi (Kikuko Inoue.) This lends itself to some hilarious physical comedy as Tofu while trying to help Ranma with an injury, snapping his neck and otherwise injuring him further. Kasumi doesn’t get to see the version of Tofu that Akane does, believing him to be bumbling and ridiculous rather than poised and helpful. It offers some fun and ever-shifting dynamics to play with.

It’s especially true as, later, because of this interaction, Ranma offers himself as a sparring partner to help alleviate Akane’s frustrations. They’re not yet friends, but they’re growing on one another. Their movements are captured with satisfying fluidity as she lashes out angrily while he maintains composure. It visually represents a give-and-take as both learn more about the other.

But again, beyond the easy laughs, it all works well because of the impressive artistry and score that brings them together into something cohesive. The lighting, in particular, is gorgeous, clearly depicting certain times of day and moods that the atmosphere wishes to capture. The sunset settings allow a sense of whimsy to inject itself into the otherwise jaunty pacing. The unexpected color stories only increase the appeal as it never feels too predictable or visually stale. Every frame allows for something unexpected.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 3 is yet another winner in a series that understands how to meld its energized tone with quieter moments and beautiful animation. Ranma and Akane might only be starting to warm to each other, but the writing and artistry have us already invested.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 3 is out now on Netflix.