Tokyo Mew Mew Season 1 Episode 18 Midsummer Love! Ichigo's Heart A-Flutter
- August 3, 2002
As the scorching hot summer season arrives in Tokyo, it is time for some fun in the sun for the girls of Tokyo Mew Mew. However, Ichigo seems to be preoccupied with something as she cannot take her eyes off Ryo. She realizes that her heart is racing and she is developing feelings for him. Although she tries to keep her feelings a secret, her friends Kiki and Lettuce notice her odd behavior towards Ryo.
Meanwhile, Quiche and the alien trio continue their mission to capture the remaining Mew Aqua. Quiche devises a plan to use his powers to create a heatwave in Tokyo to lure out the Mew Mews. The plan works as the heat becomes unbearable, and the girls are forced to transform and go into action.
As the Mew Mews battle the aliens, Ichigo struggles to keep her feelings in check. However, as they fight, she sees Ryo risking his life to save her from harm, and her feelings become stronger. After the battle, she finally musters the courage to confess her love to Ryo, and he reciprocates her feelings.
The rest of the episode focuses on the budding romance between Ichigo and Ryo. Ichigo is delighted with Ryo's reciprocation, and she feels ecstatic to be able to express her love. However, she is also inexperienced with love and doesn't want to upset their dynamic as teammates and friends. Ryo puts her worries at ease, and the two of them enjoy their time together, going on dates, and sharing intimate moments.
As the episode comes to a close, Quiche gets closer to his mission to capture the remaining Mew Aqua. He devises a plan to infiltrate the Aquarium in the guise of a marine biologist to get his hands on the rare artifact. The preview for the next episode shows the Mew Mews on high alert as they try to stop the aliens from achieving their goals.
Overall, Midsummer Love! Ichigo's Heart A-Flutter is a lighthearted and enjoyable episode that provides a reprieve from the usual action and battle scenes. It showcases Ichigo's newfound feelings for Ryo and the challenges that come with navigating a new relationship. It also sets the stage for the upcoming conflicts that the Mew Mews will face in their quest to save the world.