Fushigi Yuugi Eikoden [4 episodes]

Alright, let’s dive into the world of Fushigi Yuugi Eikoden, specifically Episode 4. First off, a quick recap for those who might not remember: this is the third OVA of the Fushigi Yuugi series, set about 10-12 years after the original storyline. The Suzaku Warriors are reborn as kids, and Taka, Tasuki, and Chichiri are on a new mission. Oh, and there’s Mayo Sakaki, a new character who stumbles into the Universe of the Four Gods, the same book that started Miaka and Taka’s journey.

Now, let’s talk about Episode 4. From what I’ve gathered, this episode wraps up the Eikoden arc, but fans have mixed feelings about how it all went down. One thing that really stood out to viewers was the scene around the 7-minute mark where Mitsukake, one of the Suzaku Warriors, speaks through his reincarnated child body. People found this moment both funny and confusing—like, why is a kid suddenly sounding like an adult warrior? It’s a weird twist, but it’s classic Fushigi Yuugi chaos, right?

But here’s where things get messy. Some fans were thrown off by the sudden reversion of the reincarnated warriors back to their adult selves. Wait, didn’t they start as kids? Why are they adults now? Nuriko, in particular, growing up out of nowhere had people like, “WTF?!” One commenter even said, “I can’t accept that!” It feels like the writers wanted to tie up loose ends but didn’t quite explain the logic behind the age changes. Maybe it’s magic, maybe it’s destiny—who knows? But it left a lot of viewers scratching their heads.

Then there’s the drama with Mayo. She’s pregnant with Taka and Miaka’s baby, and her line, “Why did you bother? I’m not worth it,” had fans fuming. One person called her “selfish” and joked about throwing her back into the pool. Ouch. It’s clear that Mayo’s character didn’t resonate well with everyone. Some felt her arc was unnecessary, especially since the original series already had such strong leads in Miaka and Taka.

Hotohori’s story also got a shoutout for being the saddest. Even though he’s not the main focus here, his tragic fate from the original series still tugs at heartstrings. Fans couldn’t help but feel for him, even in this OVA.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the overall reception. A lot of people loved the original TV series, but they think the OVAs (including Eikoden) have been tarnishing its legacy. One commenter summed it up perfectly: “That was exhaustingly unnecessary. Loved the original TV series, everything afterwards steadily tarnished it episode by episode.” Ouch, that’s harsh, but it’s a common sentiment. The original had such a tight, emotional story, and the OVAs feel like they’re trying to milk the franchise without adding much depth.

Tasuki, ever the voice of reason, was out here asking the important questions. Fans appreciated his no-nonsense attitude, even if the plot around him was all over the place. He’s like the audience’s stand-in, going, “Wait, what’s happening now?”

Another point of confusion: the characters from the book who just disappear. Where did they go? The OVA doesn’t really explain, leaving fans to fill in the blanks. It’s frustrating when a story introduces elements and then drops them without resolution.

But hey, not everyone hated it. Some viewers thought the ending was “good enough,” even if it wasn’t perfect. The nostalgia factor probably plays a role here—fans who grew up with Fushigi Yuugi might be more forgiving, just happy to see their favorite characters again, even if the plot is messy.

Let’s talk about the themes. Rebirth and destiny are big here, which ties back to the original series. The idea that the Suzaku Warriors are reborn to fulfill their duties again is a nice callback, but the execution in Eikoden feels rushed. The original took time to develop each character’s journey, but here, it’s like they’re checking boxes to wrap things up quickly.

Mayo’s role is supposed to explore the idea of a new priestess, but her arc feels forced. She’s not as relatable as Miaka was—Miaka’s flaws made her endearing, but Mayo comes off as whiny and self-centered. Maybe if we’d spent more time with her, we’d care more, but in just four episodes, it’s hard to connect.

The animation style is also worth mentioning. It’s consistent with the original, which is a plus for fans of the classic look. The fight scenes are as over-the-top as ever, with Tasuki’s fan and Chichiri’s magic adding some excitement. But let’s be real—most of the drama here is emotional, not action-packed.

So, to wrap it up: Episode 4 of Fushigi Yuugi Eikoden is a mixed bag. It has some fun, nostalgic moments, but the plot twists (like the age reversals and disappearing characters) leave a lot to be desired. Fans who loved the original might find some closure here, but others will feel like it’s a unnecessary addition that doesn’t live up to the series’ legacy.

If you’re a die-hard Fushigi Yuugi fan, you’ll probably watch it just to see the characters again. But if you’re new to the series, maybe skip the OVAs and stick to the original TV show—it’s where the magic really happens.

In the end, Eikoden Episode 4 is a reminder that sometimes, less is more. The original series had a perfect ending, and trying to extend it with OVAs can risk diluting what made it great. But hey, at least we got to see Tasuki being Tasuki—always asking the important questions and keeping things interesting.

What do you think? Did you love or hate Episode 4? Let me know in the comments—let’s keep the Fushigi Yuugi discussion going!