Oh god that’s right. I think the version I watched had a different translation, it was like “You love me right?” “yeah” “why?” “because i feel alive around you” or something like that (he literally uses the word “ogenki” which is as fucking vague as it gets)
Nope not clingy and insecure in her relationship at all
I know how fans of the show interpret this scene and that it doesn’t make them uncomfortable but as for me, it makes me acutely aware that Classics in general (including this episode) was written by men who had a different approach when it comes to the UsaMamo relationship than Naoko did. But if you contrast this scene with its manga counterpart (and I don’t even mean the wedding) it’s obvious that they still tried to convey Mamoru as more emotionally distant (male) than the over-emotional Usagi (clearly connotated female), his teary-eyed response aside. And I don’t talk about their cute moments in Classics, because they are there, but the general way their relationship was portrayed and how, in terms of gender stereotypes, Classics often re-enforced them whereas Naoko tried to subvert them (and succeeded).
In the 90s anime, most of Mamoru’s struggles and characterisation was finished after the break-up arc. From then on, he was a solid character and (even with his goofy moments) presented as a mature person - he was financially independent, had a car and a motorcycle, his own apartment, he was already a student, had ties to the high society (Edwards from the S season) and several girls fawning over him. He was laid back (especially when dealing with Usagi and Chibi-Usa, seldom jealous, the voice of reason, etc. All of his goofy moments aside, he was portrayed as male characters usually are. Yes, Usagi saves him several times but even in battle, with his cane and roses hitting the target when no other Senshi could, he appeared to be more capable.
This is such a contrast to the UsaMamo dynamic in the manga. Yes, he was also shown to be very smart and had this air of mystery in the first arc but by the BM arc, it became clear that he struggled with his powerlessness and his insecurites were only resolved in the Dream arc. In the manga, both Usagi and Mamoru were shown to be insecure and felt unworthy of their partner. Usagi was a badass fighter from the beginning while he struggled and only, step by step, acquired his first attack and his Golden Crystal. He was also admitting to be jealous when Usagi became close to Haruka and mirrored Usagi’s own insecurities about his closeness to Michiru.
In the manga, no other girl really shows an interest in Mamoru (Beryl was more interested in Endymion), in Classics, though? Rei, Ann, Emeraude tries to flirt with him, just like Mimette, then we have Saori (also, the weird ball youma in the very same episode) and Fish Eye. All of it shows how attractive and desirable Mamoru is and her friends tellling her that she has to try/work/study harder to become worthy of him. In the manga, it’s Usagi who draws in more people. And I don’t mean specifically romantically, but they recognise her pure heart and aura which make her stand out, e.g. Haruka and Seiya. All her flaws aside, Naoko showed Usagi as the more desirable one, instead of Mamoru even though he has so much going for him at the first look (physical appearance, intellect, etc). Usagi was created to show young girls that, even with all their flaws and insecurities, it’s not them who have to become desirable for the guy, but that the guy (no matter how great) is lucky to have them.
Back to episode 200: In the scene, where all the Senshi come back to life, Mamoru’s appearance has the most impact on her so, overwhelmed by feelings, SHE flies over to HIM. She is still naked at this point and while I know that Usagi’s nudity isn’t sexual, it’s still a stark contrast when he’s in full armour. He’s neither in his civilian clothes he wore before Galaxia’s attack, nor in his Tuxedo Mask costume in which he died. He waits, until she comes to him and then holds her with only one arm (the other carries Chibi-Chibi), saying: “You did great, Usako.” But this praise isn’t any different from what the Senshi already told Usagi at this point.
In the manga, HE comes to HER, grasping for her hands first (they are both fully clothed). He then kisses her hand, a sign of utter respect and admiration and tells her: “We’re all here, thanks to your power.” He acknowledges that he and all the Senshi are only alive thanks to Usagi. MangaMamoru was always more in awe of his girlfriend and that’s why the very last sentences of the manga are spoken by him, once again telling the reader that Usagi/Sailor Moon is the brightest star.
The dialogue from above, I know people see it as cute, with her playing coy and, therefore, not as serious. But because Usagi was shown in every season to be insecure when it comes to his feelings, and the whole Stars season played with that (the viewer might know that something happened to Mamoru, but Usagi assumed that he lost interest in her), it re-enforces the idea that their relationship isn’t very balanced at this point, unlike in the manga, where not only did they reach a point in their relationship where they diffused all tension about their own insecurites, jealousy and feelings of unworthiness, but where they, from the first arc to the very last page, subverted common gender stereotypes.
The last words of Mamoru in the 90s anime?
“It feels wonderful to be with you.”
The very last words of Mamoru in the manga?
“Even if someday we are gone and new stars continue to be born, Sailor Moon, you will always live eternally. For all of eternity, you will always be the most beautiful, shining star.” (translation from MissDream)
