My strongest reaction to Nabiki's death is that Ranma now cannot
ever, ever be redeemed.

Interesting reaction there, Thomas.  I originally agreed with you...then I
thought about it.

See Nabiki from Ranma's POV.  She's a threat, one that wants to kill him.
She's proved to be one of the biggest threats to him as a person, and to his
relationship with Akane.  He was recently nearly killed, and Nabiki's flight
to him was probably an admission of guilt.  Ranma's choice is clear - kill
or be killed.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not on Ranma's side.  The guy is a sick, twisted,
animal that should be shot.  But he can be redeemed, I think, but I'm just
not sure how.

One other thing, I get the feeling that Akane's reaction to
that last sparring session will be pivotal.

I continue to believe that, if the "good guys" win at all, they will
do so through Akane's actions.  If she doesn't turn against him, I
don't think Ranma will ever be stopped.

I think Akane's changing attitudes is what to watch for.  Her reaction to
the last sparring session was a symptom of that, and if I believe anyone is
the real protagonist of this story, it's Akane.  She's becoming much less
innocent, and I think that may be what is needed to save or doom Ranma.

Thomas Schmidt (Who also didn't think you'd go through with it)

--
Christopher "God-boy" Angel (who saw it coming)
cja124@mail.usask.ca
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Pagoda/7040/