REVIEW: ‘Ranma 1/2’ Episode 9 — “I’ll Never Let Go”

As we enter our first three-part arc, MAPPA’s Ranma 1/2 Episode 9 ups the ante on the absurdity and romance. Introduced in Episode 8, Ranma (Megumi Hayashibara and Kappei Yamaguchi) and Akane’s (Noriko Hidaka) most recent adversaries, Azusa Shiratori (Aoi Yuuki) and Mikado Sanzenin (Mamoru Miyano), arrive for their battle over who gets to keep Charlotte (also known as P-Chan, who is in actuality Ryoga). It’s an abundantly silly installment that leans into the heightened reality of this world where any competition has only a small grip on reality. But despite the hectic plot that sees the two pairs duking it out on the ice, there’s some genuine heart as Ranma continues to realize and act on his burgeoning feelings for Akane.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 9 trims any narrative fat by immediately bringing us to the competition. Kicking things off with the requisite gag of Ryoga being turned into his pig form while seeking out Akane’s affections, the episode is a relentless joke machine. While Ranma still fumbles with his balance on the ice, it doesn’t deter his determination. He and Akane are ready to enter the “martial skating” competition, confident in their ability to win despite their less-than-stable skating abilities.

Ranma 1/2 mins a lot of comedy by escalating ordinary scenes or interactions. It’s not just a skating competition but a physical, hand-to-hand, skate-to-skate battle. There’s a packed crowd watching it all play out, with running commentary and increasingly hellacious challenges. However, the most significant set piece happens when Mikado and Azusa execute their famous move, which targets the opposing team. The goal is to drive a wedge between the partners by forcing one half of them to let go of the other as they both face potential injury.

But, of course, Ranma is no ordinary opponent. While he and Akane are violently spun around in endless circles, he’s unrelenting in his decision to keep hold of Akane. And, when they are finally let go, he moves to shift their positions, bearing the full brunt of the fall and impact of the wall behind them. Once again, the series hones in on Ranma’s character growth while delivering impossibly ridiculous scenarios and overly caffeinated action sequences.

Ranma spends most of Ranma 1/2 Episode 9 trying to protect Akane in some way. First, he simply wishes to keep Mikado away from kissing her. Then, it’s to prevent any injury as the ice skating competition gets increasingly dangerous. The latter is further punctuated by the arrival of Ryoga in his human form. Due to Ranma’s fall, Akane is trying to get him to sit out the rest of the competition, now in his girl form. But Ranma refuses and prioritizes Akane, telling her he’ll skate with Ryoga instead.

While the two share hilarious moments, they don’t make for a harmonious team, teeing us up for the third act of this battle. However, Episode 9 solidifies Ranma’s growing feelings for Akane, even if he can’t entirely place them. He tells her she isn’t cute but then declares in front of everyone that he’s her fiance and if anyone tries to mess with her, they’re dead. Akane can defend herself, no doubt, and the show doesn’t question her abilities. This is simply meant to demonstrate the change in Ranma from his introduction. He cares now.

The heartfelt moments don’t detract from the silliness. While “I’ll Never Let Go” doesn’t allow for the same level of animation as previous installments, it has fun with form. An easy gag where the lights are cut on the ice rink provides a Looney Tunes-style visual where Ranma and Akane’s eyes blink in the dark. The facial expressions on Mikado are, in particular, superb as they capture the strain in his lifts during their battle and his exasperation with Azusa.

It also highlights its love for physical comedy and the illogical reason behind many decisions. The crowd isn’t angered at the girl Ranma participating. They grow angry because they think her and Ryoga’s costumes are boring, enlisting the help of the school design club to dress them more fittingly. Director Parako Shinohara plays up the absurdity of these moments even when the action is relatively static.

The shift between Ranma’s boy and girl form makes for some formidable comedy in Ranma 1/2 Episode 9. While it’s been evident in the past, the personality shift between forms is hilariously on display. Ranma is much more feral and quick to lash out in girl form. Ranma in his boy form might be easy to goad into competition and grows frustrated by those around him, but girl Ranma is hilariously ready to fight.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 9 doesn’t hit the same highs as Episode 8 but is undoubtedly yet another fun and engaging installment. As part two of this mini-arc, it wonderfully executes the set-up for the landing.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 9 is out now on Netflix.