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by Lisa Klassen |
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Episode One: "Sakura's Rival"
After seasoned Card Captor Sakura dreams about a strange boy, the vision manifests in the flesh at school as a
new exchange student named Li Showron, who won't stop staring at the increasingly unnerved Sakura. At recess Li
uses a Lasin board to discover that Sakura has possession of the Clow Cards, magical spirits capable of spells.
He demands them, and when she refuses to hand the cards over they struggle. Sakura's brother Tori breaks up the
tussle, but it marks the start of Sakura and Li's friction filled association. At home Sakura learns from Kero -
a round, winged lion who serves as guardian of the Clow Cards - that Li is a descendant of Clow Reed, creator of
the Clow Cards. Sakura wonders if this relation entitles him to the cards, but Kero cryptically explains that's
not how it works. Before any further discoveries, a violent electrical storm signals the manifestation of the
Thunder Card. Sakura and Kero go to capture it, but they can't do it without help from Li, who's on the scene to
attempt a card capture of his own.
Episode Two: "Time and Again"
When the previous day's events repeat themselves Sakura and Li are the only ones to notice. It's the work of
the Time Clow Card, which Li tells Sakura must be in the clock tower. But when Sakura tries to capture it, the Time
Card plays tricks with her. Again, it's only Sakura and Li working together that brings about the re-capture of the
Time Card - Sakura uses the Shield Card to protect them from the power of time while Li traps the Time Card between
two pillars of lightning. However, this time the card floats into Li's hand rather than Sakura's, much to her
chagrin.
Episode Three: "The Cave"
Sakura goes on an overnight trip to the beach with her class. But once there eerie suspicions about a dark cave
perk Sakura and Li's interest. As children begin disappearing, Li uses the Lasin board to find out if a Clow Card
is responsible for the havoc. The Erase Clow Card is loose, but it's not long before Sakura recaptures it, rescuing
Li himself from vanishing like the others. The next day no one except Sakura and Li seems to remember anything.
The episode ends in classic style as Sakura tells Li she's not trying to compete with him and he retorts with saying
that there's nothing at which she can beat him, which leads to a heated game of volleyball between the two.
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"Cardcaptors" is the North American version of the Japanese "Card Captor Sakura," based on the manga by Clamp.
Nelvana, the Canadian production company that developed "Cardcaptors," made the decision to start the series from
episode 8 of the original Japanese series, thereby establishing a male central character, Li, to draw in a wider
demographic. They did not, however, craft a beginning to accompany this decision, the series just, well … starts.
The original audience, then, with a working knowledge of the premise has been alienated in an attempt to gather a
larger mass of watchers. Episode 2, "Time and Again," is an alteration of "Card Captor Sakura" episode 12:
"Sakura's Never-Ending Day" and episode 3 is drawn from "Sakura's" episode 17: "Sakura's Scaaary Test of Courage."
This practice of leaping about for the exciting parts makes for a choppy storyline; while "Cardcaptors" is
inarguably more action-packed, it is far less fluid than the original and virtually excises Sakura's background,
essentially bucking the strong female heroine's story to the margins - her character defining reluctance to become
a Card Captor, her mounting confidence once she decides to assume the responsibility, her giddy romance with her
older brother's friend ... all supplanted with ample dollops of action.
Not that starting the series eight episodes in is intrinsically detrimental to the series. Li and Sakura's
tension and competitiveness make for some of the more interesting aspects of the original series. Time and time
again the two unite as unwilling allies, learning to respect each other's talents and abilities. But neglecting
Sakura's complexities undercuts this relationship. There's great potential for growth and development in this
series, if Nelvana, who are spending about $100,000 per episode, can only rise to the challenge of shaping Sakura
into a whole character.
The cash is wasted on "Cardcaptors'" voice cast. Sakura is one of Carly McKillip's first voice acting roles;
and it shows. Madison's voice (Maggie Blue O'Hara of "Monster Rancher") sounds like she escaped from "Clueless."
Kero's voice (Matt Hill of "Ronin Warriors" and "Please Save My Earth") is so consciously tough and cool he ends
up sounding like a Disney character. Rhys Huber as Li is good, though, and the voice of Sakura's dad (Brian Drummond)
is excellent. Drummond is one of the few experienced voice talents on this show, a veteran of "Escaflowne," "Gundam
Wing," "Monster Rancher" and "Dragonball Z," he really knows his stuff. However, Drummond's talent is mostly wasted
in the small role of Sakura's father.
The animation, on the other hand, is beyond reproach. (See review of "Card Captor Sakura")
Again, having Li in the picture enhances the overall picture as the addition of Li's ornate Lasin board and sword means
more, varied weaponry and battle tactics, adding flavor to the mix. However, Nelvana's removal of copious references to
Japanese culture robs the series of a certain ineffable beauty.
This isn't a bad series, certainly no worse than a lot of other animated series out there. There's no nudity,
no real violence and lots of action, making it ideal for older children. While it may be a disappointment to fans
of the original, "Cardcaptors" has enough action and artistry to dazzle casual fans.
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