REVIEW: ‘Ranma 1/2’ Episode 8 — “Darling Charlotte”

Through its biggest laughs and sweetest interactions, Ranma 1/2 Episode 8 is the series best yet. Despite acting on some repetitive beats — Ranma (Megumi Hayashibara and Kappei Yamaguchi) and Akane (Noriko Hidaka) meet new people, and a challenge is set — “Darling Charlotte” continues to elevate those key components. It can’t be stressed enough just how funny this show is and the endless, dynamic energy it continually infuses into every eccentric storyline. But for all of its frenzied absurdism, the show finds pockets of sincerity that instantly imbue it with a necessary warmth. It’s silly but lovable.

Following the trend of its previous installments, Ranma 1/2 Episode 8 finds Ranma and Akane set up against a pair of adversaries. In this case, it’s Azusa Shiratori (Aoi Yuuki) and Mikado Sanzenin (Mamoru Miyano), two figure skaters. The problem begins when, while skating at a local rink, Ryoga, in his pig form, is stolen by Azusa, who has a propensity for cute things. She names Ryoga “Charlotte” and whisks him away, panicking Akane. Ranma and Akane him quickly, but Azusa is reluctant to let him go, challenging Akane to a figure skating, marital arts hybrid battle.

Akane agrees, incensed, though it’s Ranma who messes things up after declaring his battle against Mikado after Mikado tries to kiss Akane. It’s one of the more definite moments of jealousy from Ranma, who spends most of Episode 8 flustered. First by his jealousy and then by his inability to ice skate.

Bothered by this fact, he splashes himself with cold water, telling Akane it would be too embarrassing to be taught in his boy form. Dryly, Akane informs him that it’s just as uncomfortable as a girl. It’s one of those subtle moments that helps blur the expectations put on gender. This is especially true for a series so committed to the differences that Ranma faces while in his boy or girl form.

While he believes that his pride can’t handle the shame of not being able to skate in his male form, he takes a more significant emotional blow later because of his girl form. While struggling to keep his balance, Mikado rushes in for his moment of heroism, picking Ranma up in the process. When he puts him down, he kisses him, not knowing Ranma’s true identity.

Ranma is, of course, miserable over this, rushing to dive headfirst into hot water to challenge Mikado to a fight. A fight that he wins despite his inability to balance and, through sheer force of will, furious at the kiss he suffered. The animation at this moment heightens the hilarity as Ranma is drawn amidst a whirling spiral of red to visualize his anger. In contrast, the rest of the animation stays the same. The stark difference makes the moment more comical, and his frustration and embarrassment are apparent.

Initially, the worry is that his main concern is the fact that it was a man who kissed him. But the episode goes for the unexpected instead. His main concern is that it was his first kiss, something he’s relentlessly teased about. It’s a strong moment for the character, humbling for all the teasing he throws Akane’s way. But it also greater endears us to him. He’s still just a teenager trying to figure things out, just as susceptible to embarrassment and awkwardness as anyone else, no matter his fighting prowess.

This revelation also leads to the most charming moment of Ranma 1/2 Episode 8. Ranma, trying to prove to Akane that she lets her guard down just as much as he does, accidentally makes it look like he is going in to kiss her. It’s unassumingly sweet, even as both frame it as a challenge to get past their inherent awkwardness. Both clearly like the other, but neither are ready to accept it. And, just as Ranma is about to, in his own endearingly backward way, both their families interject, annoyed at how long it’s taking the two of them.

It’s a terrific ending to a consistently hilarious episode. That necessary sweetness grounds the story and its reliable comedy. Ranma 1/2 Episode 8 doubles down on one of the series’ most significant aspects. Individual jokes always go farther and go on longer than we expected. This is clear in the first interaction between Ranma, Akane, Azusa, and Mikado. To get Mikado’s attention, Azusa starts tapping him on the shoulder and hitting him lightly. Soon, she’s pelting him with kitchenware, culminating in carrying an entire table over her head. Pushing the comedy beyond our expectations creates great comedic tension as we wait to see how the writing will push the particular gag.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 8 is the perfect blend of comedy and sincerity. Their bond grows as Ranma and Akane continue to face rampant nonsense from people who seek to challenge them in ridiculous battles. Ending with genuine, heartfelt sweetness, it reaffirms that the series is more than just good jokes.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 8 is out now on Netflix.