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As you might have noticed, I can't just watch a show any more than I can just read a book. I have to critique it and think about it. Sailor Moon has been no exception. Any show that can make me cry and spend that much $$$ for tapes has me set. Yet, the question must invariably be-- why? The most particular idea is (obviously) the characters,... but even more so is the story/plot/theme. The characters are merely tools one uses to place a point across.

I. Good vs. Evil- Yes, cheesy and stereotypical but it's true. This is known as a "universal theme" (ie. an idea that applies no matter where you are). The idea that in the end good overcomes evil and that there is always a continuing battle between light and dark. It's that simple, I don't feel I need to expand anymore than that.

II. The idea all people have good in them- In the whole series Usagi seems to be the one who points this out. How many times do "I believe in you" occur? A lot, I'll tell you that! Everyone has a "star seed" in them... a brightness that has a shine (although it may not be as bright as others ;-) ). Another idea that is simple and to the point....

III. Sacrifice and belief- Yes, Yes another universal theme. The fight with Nehelenia showed each of the senshi sacrificing themselves in some way, most predominantly Jupiter who was hammered to save Usagi. Then, my favorite topics... the starlights come along. Uasgi sacrifices her happiness to let Mamoru go to the US. Venus sacrifices her chance at becoming an idol for the team. The three lights sacrifice their former selves to become recreated... then eventually destroyed. Galaxia sacrificed herself to seal chaos. Seiya sacrificed himself for Usagi, both body and love. The starlights did the same... and the most moving scence(s) are the sacrafice of the senshi. First, the sacrifice of princess Fireball to save them all. Second, the inner scouts (Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus) died to save "those who were important" because they "believed". Next, you have the outer senshi... a twisted and moving tale. Saturn and Neptune sacrifice their souls and their partners to gain the power (they thought would) defeat galaxia. Soon, they sacrificed themselves, dying thier last moments touching hands. (Yes, I'm straight, but stil that was a touching, tear-jerking scene). all the sacrifice because they believe in Usagi. I guess I'm almost paraphrasing star Fighter form the movie. He asked Usagi why Uranus and Neptune fought like that, then turned it around to understanding why-- they all believed in her, just as she did. In the end their sacrifice and belief would enable her to defeat Galaxia and bring peace.