. I don't know if he is the one to blame for the bad subplot with the generals and the changes regarding Beryl's death, but it is partially a problem with the script writer as well.
Yuji Kobayashi (who also worked on Suite Precure which had terrible writing) is to blame for that, he said this:
We know how it is going to end.” I’m borrowing the words from Producer Umezawa here. The previous anime was produced almost simultaneously with the manga and even the staff working on it didn’t know for sure which direction it was going to head towards.
This time the original work is already completed. We already know about all the settings, the ending and the revelation. We are given an advantage because we knowing for sure that (the story) ” will turn out like this in the end” and start from the opposite direction.
For example we are able to write everything with a feel of “destiny”, adding memory fragments of the Silver Millennium in the first scene of Act 1, Usagi and Mamoru feeling something during their first encounter. And just like showing at the end of Act 1 that Ami will appear in Act 2, we added scenes that led to the next episode in the end of each one. Takeuchi-sensei has also done so in her work, it’s also integrated in episodes where there was a cliffhanger. What kind of relationship this leads to, what will happen next…we were able to plant in hints like those because we already know the answer.
Also, it was decided that the current anime will be based on the manga. The number of episodes will also follow the original work, making it a “dense” story. On the flip side, we are already having our hands full by depicting the main story. The previous anime aired weekly and did not have the original story in stock. Fillers were added between each chapter, which featured more about each character and stories about their daily lives. The five went out together and had many experiences…However, we don’t have that kind of space to add in episodes that end within one act. Instead, we are seeking to strengthen the characters that are featured in each episode by fleshing out their connections and dialogues. When reading the original work in manga format, the reader can decide and adjust their own pace. For example, if there is a scene where a new character appears, or a part where the characters were interaction it’s very easy (for a reader) to slow down, or go back, but the viewer can’t control the flow of time in animation, which is an audiovisual medium. Even if we are to follow the manga exactly as it is there will be circumstances that will not leave any impressions. If we want to have the viewer’s focus on a specific character or emotion, a certain amount of exaggerations are a must. Therefore, we are paying specific amount of attention towards the connections between each character this time and strengthened the way they encountered or their dialogues in their respective episodes.
Moreover, we have made vast changes in how the Shittenou are treated this time. You know, in the manga they were quickly defeated after they made their debut. Many big fans of the manga or the musicals may already know, the four were deeply involved with the 4 Senshi in their past lives. From the standpoint of already knowing the end, this can’t be separated from the story’s “worldview” (general setting). If they are just wiped out in split seconds, it would be difficult to make the Guardians except for Usagi to stand out (in the story). If there was enough space regarding the number of episodes, I wanted to write the episodes of the interactions between each other in their past lives. But I tried to do what I could to flesh out (this concept) here and there so please look forward to it in future acts. By the way, the Shittenou were named after minerals and gemstones, which have their meanings just like flower languages. Each type of gemstone has many symbolisms attached to them, some are referenced in the portrayals of the Shittenou in their past lives. I would be happy if people would notice.
Basically, besides once again listing off bad excuses as to why Crystal season 1 was so bad, he had no idea how to characterize the girls properly, his way of "fleshing them out" was giving them bland love interests, four of whom
did get wiped out in split seconds.
I don't recall Season 3 feeling like a "loli fest" to me though...
