DIRTY PAIR
A blast from the past (emphasis on blast)
Review by: Craig "Darth Fat" Norris
Length: 26 episodes
Genre: Action, sci-fi
Watched: 1-26, subbed
As much as I love anime, I must own up to being woefully ill-versed in older series, i.e. anything 10 or more years old. So, in my continuing efforts to better myself, I checked out this classic title, wondering how anime was done in the good old days. Turns out it was done pretty well.
Plot synopsis: In 2141, when situations on planets under the jurisdiction of the United Galactica call for immediate intervention, the Worlds Welfare Work Association (3WA for short) is called upon to dispatch trouble consultants. These highly trained and well-equipped agents can handle any situation, no matter how desperate. Their two most elite agents are Kei and Yuri, known as the Lovely Angels. Unfortunately, their success often comes at a high monetary cost, as destruction seems to follow them around like their own shadows. Due to their penchant for annihilation of property, they have come to be known by another, far less glorious nickname: The Dirty Pair.
Artwork: It's from the eighties, so it's very dated. Upon watching this series, it is very evident just how far animation has come in the nearly 20 years since its original creation. Still, the visuals aren't harsh on the eyes, and the ability to look back on an older series is actually quite refreshing and gratifying. I must admit, watching a series without a speck of CG took some getting used to, but it wasn't that hard.
Music: It's from the eighties, so it's very dated. However, some might consider that a good thing (ed. note: *coughStancogh*). As the soundtrack is chock-full of hair band style riffs that evoke tremendous nostalgia for when "sex, drugs, and rock and roll" was more than just a tired slogan. The opening theme is particularly indicative of the decade in which the score was produced, and is sure to please fans of Motley Crue, Kiss, Poison, or any other eighties band that could have made a fortune selling their hair to a wig shop. Granted, this music won't appeal to everyone, but I thought it was fantastic.
Characters: Since all the episodes are self-contained, the only ones who show up in all of them are Kei and Yuri. And they are just that: characters. They really can't be described separately, as one seems noticeably incomplete without the other. They undoubtedly have the skills to successfully complete their assignments, even though they wind up causing much unneeded destruction in the process. When they're not on the job, they have typical female pursuits, like shopping, eating, and trying to get a boyfriend. They both have quick tempers, so there is sometimes animosity between them, but they always patch things up before they get out of hand. When they need help on their missions, they turn to Mughi, their giant pet cat (though he looks more like a bear), and Nanmo, their mobile computer. As the spotlight is almost constantly shining on Kei and Yuri, their characters are actually developed pretty well, and by the second half of the series they are clearly defined.
Plot: As stated before, the series is episodic, with no clear beginning or end. So, whatever order you want to see the episodes in will be fine. Instead of no running plotline acting as a hindrance, it actually works in the series' favor. Since each episode is action-packed as it is, they should be taken in small doses to avoid getting jaded. The main focus is the action, but the episodes also mix in liberal amounts of humor, so they never get bogged down with too much drama.
CHICKS!: Kei and Yuri are quite a pair, indeed. Plus, there's no secret about their availability. They both have about the same figure (which is lithe and gorgeous), and they both wear very revealing outfits on the job, showcasing lots of leg and cleavage. Kei has short red hair and is more tanned than Yuri, who has long blue hair and is a little more feminine than Kei. They seem to be inseparable from one another, so you likely couldn't have one without dealing with the other. Plus, there could be a way to have both, so that's a very big plus. Let's hope that Kei and Yuri are as dirty as their nickname implies.
Overall: If this series were redone with current animation technology, it would be a surefire blockbuster. As it stands now, it is still very enjoyable, and serves as a very clear window into where anime has been, and where it has gone in the past 20 years. So, if you're growing tired of animators needlessly flexing their CG muscles, and enjoy eighties rock, explosions, and hot girls in tight clothes with big guns, Dirty Pair is right up your alley.
IN A NUTSHELL:
+ Eighties rock soundtrack
+ Lots of fun
- Noticeably dated production values
- Not a whole lot of substance
Rating: 8/10
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