10 Sailor Moon Usagi & Mamoru Moments That Made Fans Cringe Harder Than a Nephrite Scheme

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Naoko Takeuchi’s renowned shojo manga and anime series, titled Sailor Moon , revolves around the character Usagi Tsukino, along with her predestined affection for Mamoru Chiba. He appears in combat scenarios as a mysterious figure known as Tuxedo Mask to aid her.

In the comic book and animated series of “Sailor Moon,” Usagi and Mamoru share a romantic storyline that is deeply moving. However, the animated version occasionally strays from their journey, sometimes to comedic effect but other times in ways that are uncomfortable or simply don’t align with the original narrative. Some deviations are amusing and light-hearted, while others seem out of place and can even be awkward. The anime emphasizes Usagi’s childish behavior more than the manga does, which doesn’t exactly improve her relationship with Mamoru.

Usagi Compares Moonlight Knight to Tuxedo Mask

In Episode 3 of “Sailor Moon R,” Usagi encounters Moonlight Knight as a character. Since Mamoru’s memories are still sealed, he can’t join the Sailor Guardians in battle. However, a piece of his spirit will consistently lend a hand to Sailor Moon. Essentially, Moonlight Knight is an embodiment of Mamoru’s soul that always seeks out Usagi.

As an outsider looking in, it’s evident that the Sailor Moon fanbase harbors mixed feelings towards Moonlight Knight. A significant portion of this ambiguity stems from his haphazard character development, music, and backstory which often seem disjointed and perplexing. Moreover, it appears somewhat harsh for Usagi to draw comparisons between Moonlight Knight and Tuxedo Mask during their initial encounter, and later claiming he’s sweeter than Tuxedo Mask following their adventures in the Dark Kingdom saga. After all, they are one and the same individual, but at that moment, Usagi wasn’t privy to this information.

Usagi Forgets About Danger When She Has the Chance to Over-Romanticize

One of the funniest yet awkward moments from Season 1 occurs in Episode 19 titled “Usagi’s Joy: A Love Letter from Tuxedo Mask.” This episode is supposed to showcase Sailor Moon’s true feelings for Tuxedo Mask, as her infatuation has grown throughout the first 19 episodes. However, Nephrite, one of the Four Dark Kingdom Generals, capitalizes on this by pretending to be Tuxedo Mask himself.

In this rephrased version: Nephrite’s plan puts Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask together inside an elevator. Despite the potential peril, Sailor Moon is bubbling with enthusiasm over their romantic predicament. Meanwhile, Mamoru remains oblivious to all the commotion. The absurdity of the scene adds to its charm, contributing significantly to the episode’s appeal. Interestingly, this scenario echoes a finale from the Dark Kingdom arc, where Usagi and Mamoru found themselves in a similar predicament—trapped in an elevator on their way to D-Point.

Usagi Realizes the Hard Way That He Was Left Out of Luna’s Brain Wave

In the concluding phase of the Dark Kingdom storyline, Usagi, Mamoru, and their fellow Sailor Guardians are given a new life, but without recalling their past experiences. Luna and Artemis monitor them peacefully on Earth, allowing them to savor everyday life. However, when extraterrestrial beings from the Makai Tree invade Earth, causing havoc with Cardians, Luna triggers the return of Usagi and the other Sailor Guardians’ lost memories.

In Season 2, Episode 2 titled “For Love and Justice: Sailor Guardians Once Again,” the recently revived Usagi encounters Mamoru on the street and discards all caution. Without verifying if he’s undergone memory restoration, she impulsively embraces him. Mamoru, perceiving her as a stranger, feels awkward about the unexpected hug, but it’s mostly painful for Usagi because she longs for him.

Mamoru Is More of a Tsundere in the Anime Dark Kingdom Arc

In the initial appearance of Mamoru Chiba in Season 1’s premiere episode of “Sailor Moon,” titled “The Crybaby: Usagi’s Beautiful Transformation, ” he expresses disapproval towards Usagi. To him, her clumsiness, impulsiveness, and lack of accountability are evident. However, as the story unfolds, it’s clear that Mamoru’s initial dislike for her shortcomings might stem from his personal history – losing his parents at a young age, which forced him to mature and become self-reliant prematurely.

In the realm of anime, characters like Mamoru have consistently held a popular place in the hearts of viewers. While Mamoru in “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” may not embody the classic tsundere archetype entirely, the show does opt to portray him as one, predominantly during Season 1. The dynamic between Mamoru and Usagi often involves bickering and disapproval that can occasionally veer into harshness. It’s Usagi who usually dishes out the barbs, but Mamoru can be persistently critical. A particularly striking instance is when Mamoru berates and scolds Usagi for accidentally hitting him with her shoe, leading to her tears of frustration.

Mamoru Needs a Place to Stay When His House Explodes in a Hilarious Filler Episode

In the anime, Usagi frequently grapples with intense jealousy, which is sometimes used for humor. To be honest, this jealousy can be quite amusing and well-executed in a comedic sense. However, beyond the realm of slapstick and farcical situations, Usagi’s possessiveness becomes a bit tiresome and seems inconsistent with her character. After all, Usagi is supposed to be the embodiment of the Sailor Guardians, leading with empathy and forgiveness. Given the numerous storylines, years spent dating Mamoru, and the battles she’s fought alongside her comrades, it’s challenging to accept that she would harbor such suspicions towards her friends and significant other.

In Season 4, Episode 9 titled “Ninja Usagi’s Jealousy: Guard Mamoru,” Mamoru staying at Rei’s due to apartment repairs has Usagi fretting excessively about the possibility of him being unfaithful. The humor lies in her series of awkward blunders as she becomes increasingly anxious. Her over-the-top reactions, while amusing, are slightly disheartening.

Usagi & Mamoru Have an Odd Attempted Kiss Scene in the First Sailor Moon Movie

The initial Sailor Moon movie, titled “Sailor Moon R: The Movie, The Promise of the Rose,” commences with a comical yet awkward moment as Usagi and Mamoru walk through a garden. In anticipation, Usagi delicately positions herself for a kiss from Mamoru, who instead appears anxious and looks around furtively to ensure privacy. Upon noticing potential witnesses, Mamoru discretely departs without kissing her, which is somewhat unchivalrous. This scene was intended to elicit laughter. The manga, on the other hand, introduced humor in various creative ways.

The initial scene suggests two key elements of the movie: the villain’s flowery abilities and his pledge of a rose to Mamoru, as well as the final kiss in the film. While this sequence fits within the context, it feels unusual given the numerous emotional exchanges between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask during the Dark Kingdom storyline. It’s unexpected that Mamoru would behave so awkwardly after such heartfelt interactions. To add to the confusion, the Inner Sailor Guardians seem more like a Greek chorus, constantly observing Usagi and Mamoru, particularly when Usagi requests a kiss from Mamoru.

The opening scene shows two important parts of the movie – the villain’s flower powers and his promise of a rose to Mamoru, plus the final kiss. However, it feels strange because Mamoru usually acts confidently after so many emotional moments between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. Plus, the Inner Sailor Guardians act like they’re watching a play, making us wonder if they should be spying on Usagi and Mamoru when she asks for a kiss from him.

King Endymion Sends Visions to Mamoru in Season 2 of the ’90s Anime

In the ’90s anime adaptation of ‘Sailor Moon’, several episodes not present in the original manga were added as filler arcs. Simply because an episode isn’t found in ‘Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon’ doesn’t imply it lacks quality, but some of these fillers can be considered superfluous and don’t significantly enhance the viewing experience. For example, certain episodes serve more as additional content rather than integral parts of the storyline.

Towards the second part of Season 2, Mamoru starts having unusual dreams that make him feel he needs to end his relationship with Usagi for her protection. Instead of disclosing the reasons, he initiates the breakup in a heart-rending manner. Some viewers find the explanation behind Mamoru’s illusory visions insufficient, and consider this action uncharacteristic of him.

Rei’s Oddly Competitive Over Boys in the ’90s Anine

In the ’90s version of the Sailor Moon anime, Rei Hino appears more immature compared to her character in the manga. Contrasting this, in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Rei is portrayed as a composed, studious individual who values her friendships and maintains an elegant demeanor. She wouldn’t be the type to vie for a boy’s affection or act as awkwardly as she does around Mamoru, as depicted in the anime.

In the fifteenth episode of Season 1, titled “Usagi’s Anxiety: Rei’s First Date,” we see Rei persuading Mamoru to join her on a date. Despite her claimed dislike for Mamoru, Usagi is equally uncomfortable with the idea of him dating Rei. It’s clear to viewers that a romance between Rei and Mamoru would be unsuccessful and uncomfortable. Furthermore, the rivalry between Rei and Usagi over a boy seems contrived, particularly in a shojo anime centered around friendship.

Usagi Has Poor Communication Skills, & Mixed-Up Priorities

It’s not hard to imagine that Usagi would feel deeply hurt when Mamoru forgot their anniversary after so many years together. However, resorting to violence is never justified. In the 12th episode of Season 3, titled “Usagi in Tears: A Glass Slipper for My Birthday,” Mamoru failed to acknowledge her birthday since she hadn’t disclosed the date initially. As a result, Usagi struck him, an action she later regretted. To make amends, Mamoru bought Usagi a pair of glass slippers that she had desired, as they resembled the iconic item from the fairy tale “Cinderella.

In this central love story arc, Usagi and Mamoru’s destiny as soulmates who reconnect across multiple lifetimes is a consistent theme. The fairytale elements in this episode are intended to be humorous, and despite being near the midpoint of the series, Usagi still exhibits childish behavior.

Usagi’s Cruel to the Young Sailor Guardian

In the anime, Usagi and Mamoru’s most challenging relationship aspect revolves around Chibiusa, the youngest Sailor Guardian, who travels from the future into their time. The Tsukino family takes her in, but it’s Mamoru who seems best prepared to assume a parental role due to his emotional readiness. As a young girl, Chibiusa forms a strong bond with Mamoru, seeking the comfort of a parent figure nearby.

It’s reasonable to empathize with Chibiusa’s emotional demands and it’s possible that Usagi might behave towards Chibiusa more like an older sister. However, what seems hard to comprehend is why Usagi harbors resentment towards Chibiusa for being close to Mamoru. In fact, Usagi behaves as if Chibiusa is a rival for Mamoru’s affection, which appears immature and petty. While it’s not expected of Usagi to be a mother at such a young age, she doesn’t have to harbor resentment towards a child who simply wants to feel close to someone who is her parent in a sense. This situation highlights the anime’s tendency to exaggerate complex relationships from the manga for comedic purposes, which can shift the tone of the relationship slightly.

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2025-07-07 06:23