REVIEW: ‘Ranma 1/2’ Episode 10 — “Kiss Of Death”

The last of our main opening credits ensemble joins the fray in Ranma 1/2 Episode 10. Enter here, Shampoo (Rei Sakuma), yet another character intent on battling — or, in this case, killing — Ranma. Who doesn’t want to battle or kill Ranma at this juncture?

Before Shampoo’s introduction, “Kiss of Death” busies itself with the final moments of Ranma (Megumi Hayashibara and Kappei Yamaguchi) and Ryoga’s (Koichi Yamadera) battle against Azusa Shiratori (Aoi Yuuki) and Mikado Sanzenin (Mamoru Miyano) on the rink. The series is reliably consistent in tone and quality for all of its chaos. It’s another fun ride that speaks to the series’ inherent lunacy while grounding it with moments of charm and heart.

Ryoga taking Akane’s (Noriko Hidaka) place continues to set him and Ranma up for failure as the two still can’t work together. That is largely the main plot for the first half of Ranma 1/2 Episode 10, as the two try, fail, and try again to make their teamwork, well, work. But Ryoga’s affection for Akane and his need for her to validate him drives a wedge between their chances for success. It’s refreshing to see Ranma call him out for it. Ranma tells Ryoga frankly that his desire for Akane’s approval is why he’ll never beat Ranma in a fight.

Ryoga’s shock and mortification at this moment are satisfying and hilariously animated as the color zaps itself from his face and the surrounding setting. He’s struck to the core, but it doesn’t resolve immediately. Ryoga’s character animation, on the whole, is hilarious, as the animators lean into his exaggerated expressions.

And while Ryoga isn’t immediately over Akane or ready to work efficiently with Ranma, the moment does embolden him in the fight as he refuses to lose. This is especially true with the pressing threat of cold water below him, which would turn him into his pig form right before Akane’s eyes.

The final moments of the battle in Ranma 1/2 Episode 10 are superb and hilarious. Ryoga channels all of his strength to move the ice that’s been torn in two, defeating Azusa and Mikado. While the fight lasts a little too long, it allows for some fantastic action animation and strong character-driven and visual comedy. But the episode’s highlight is after the battle when Akane chews the two out for fighting rather than working together. She falls into the water below the now-destroyed ice rink, and Ryoga and Akane dive after her in a fit of panic.

It’s a small beat, but it demonstrates how integral the right voice actor is to roles. Megumi Hayashibara’s delivery of “you sure about this” as the two swan into the water is hilariously dry. After spending so much time avoiding being splashed with cold water, it takes only an instance for Ryoga to throw caution to the wind. It’s pure luck that Akane doesn’t learn the truth then.

Due to how long the ice battle lasts, by the time Shampoo appears, it’s a breath of fresh air. It also allows for a new, sillier dynamic as we realize the history between the two. The two met in China while Ranma was in his girl form. Defeated by him in battle, Shampoo arrives in Japan while following the law of the Chinese Amazons that says she must pursue her opponent to the ends of the earth to kill them. The one thing saving Ranma, momentarily, is that she’s only ever seen him in his girl form.

The episode dives into a zippy and energized flashback that shows their past and how, ever since the defeat, she’s followed him from China to Japan. Her introduction has her literally tearing through a wall while Ranma desperately tries to hide. The dynamic is fun and ridiculous, made more so when she arrives at the door of the dojo. Due to circumstance, he accidentally knocks Shampoo out, which means he’s also her target in his male form, offering him no escape.

Shampoo’s design contrasts the other characters with vibrant colors — most notably purple. And, for all of its chaos, Ranma 1/2 Episode 10 is a friendly reminder of the softer artistry the series possesses. While the fight sequences soar due to the elastic, illogical movements of the characters, the animation is just as wonderful in its quieter moments. For instance, the architecture of Akane’s home and the warm lighting of the exteriors are impressive. Despite the intensity level, the series is never harsh in both story and presentation.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 10 introduces a significant new opponent as the ice battle dies down. It might not have the same infectious pacing as previous installments, but it’s nonetheless engaging viewing.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 10 is out now on Netflix.