[FFML][Ranma][Fanfic][DRAFT] Ranma 1/2: American TV Series (Episodes
1-3) [DRAFT]
Okay here's a draft of a theoretical live-action American TV version of
Ranma 1/2. Please Email me at: mailto:jimlazar@earthlink.net with
comments and/or criticisms.
[Ranma][Fanfic] Ranma 1/2: American TV Series (Episodes 1-3)
======================================================================
Ranma 1/2: American TV Series
Series information
Pilot - Here's Ranma! Take Him as She is
Episode 2 - Showdown at Takahashi High
Episode 3 - Cuno Doth Love Whom?
Additional Series Information
Ranma 1/2 characters and situations created by Rumiko Takahashi, used
without permission
Ranma 1/2 Copyright by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakan Inc., Kitty, Fuji,
Viz Communications, etc.
Ranma 1/2 American TV series created, written, and Copyright 1998 by
Jim Lazar
<Speech text in angle brackets are thought by character with a
voiceover.>
All other speech is in English unless otherwise noted.
NOTE: This is just an attempt by me to visualize what an American live
action sitcom television series based on Ranma 1/2 might be like. This
not likely to become a real show. Of course, if there is a producer
interested out there, please contact me. :)
P.S. Ranma fans please don't send Shampoo after me (actually that might
not be that bad) for some of the changes I did to bring Ranma 1/2 to
American Prime Time TV. Remember I'm just trying to picture what it
might be like.
Please don't skip ahead to the scripts of the episodes, various changes
to characters and places are described in the following section.
=======================================================================
FFML DRAFT - PLEASE DO NOT RE-DISTRIBUTE
[SERIES INFORMATION]
[CAST OF CHARACTERS]
PRIMARY CHARACTERS
Note: All primary characters know/learn about RANMA'S curse and are
introduced in first episode. They will also appear in most episodes.
AKANE TENDO
14 year old Japanese female. Short black hair. Well built, bit of a
tomboyish figure, athletic. Engaged to RANMA by parents (deceased).
Gets easily upset and angry. Youngest Tendo sister. Has many male
admirers. Very bad at cooking (tries too hard and 'adds' to the
recipes). Dresses a little conservative, longer dresses mostly,
occasionally jeans, yellow-white gi when working out. Even though she
is described as 'tomboyish' she doesn't dress like a tomboy, usually
looks very feminine.
RANMA SAOTOME (boy form)
14 year old Caucasian male martial artist. Black hair with pigtail.
Muscular and well built. Wears Chinese style clothing. Engaged to AKANE
by parents. Cursed to turn into GIRL-RANMA when splashed with cold
water. Son of NODOKA and John. Tends to talk first and think second.
Kind of a jock, but not into too many sports except martial arts.
Forgetful. Awkward around girls since he spent most of his life on the
road training with his Father. Identified as 'BOY-RANMA' in scripts.
RANMA SAOTOME (girl-form)
14 year old Caucasian female martial artist. Red hair with pigtail.
Attractive and well built, but not muscle-bound. Does not dress in
women's clothing, especially bras and panties (since she is really the
cursed form of BOY-RANMA). When splashed with HOT water turns back into
BOY-RANMA. Same personality as BOY-RANMA, but softens a bit and tends
to use her female form to gain advantage in various situations. Known
as 'pig-tailed girl' or 'pig-tailed goddess' by CUNO. Later in series
starts using the name 'RANKO' when in his girl form. Identified as
'GIRL-RANMA' in scripts.
JOHN SAOTOME
45-55 year old Caucasian male martial artist. Bald (or balding).
Somewhat overweight and out of shape, but still spry enough to spar
with Ranma. Always wears white handkerchief on head to hide baldness.
Cursed to turn into JOHN-PANDA when splashed with cold water. Wife of
NODOKA SAOTOME (took her name when he married her, occasional hints
from him and others that he might have been avoiding the law). Trained
to be martial artist along with SOUN TENDO under MASTER HAPPOSAI.
JOHN-PANDA
Cursed form of JOHN SAOTOME. Uses paw gestures to communicate. When
splashed with HOT water turns back into John Saotome. PANDA-SIGNS can
be used (sparingly) when JOHN-PANDA needs to communicate with more than
gestures. Note: JOHN-PANDA should be computer animated for series
unless a realistic panda suit can be made.
NABIKI TENDO
15 year old Japanese female. Short business-like black hair. Enjoys
making money and finds interesting ways to make money from RANMA and
his curse. Not looking for a rich husband...more interested in making
the money herself (even if sometimes she's a bit unethical about it).
Handles TENDO family finances. Is jealous of all the attention boys
lavish on AKANE. Except for her ruthless business nature, she is a
typical American teenage girl.
KASUMI TENDO
21 year old Japanese female. Long black hair. Oldest Tendo sister. Very
calm, beautiful, gentle. After her Mother's death KASUMI took over
running the household (with NABIKI handling financial matters).
Somewhat traditional Japanese woman. Great cook and homemaker. Became
younger sisters' guardian after their Father's death one year before TV
series starts. Seems to be able to calm a vicious beast with her smile
and calm manner, but also sometimes reveals a sarcastic sense of humor.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS (will not be seen in all shows)
THOMAS CUNO
15 year old Caucasian male martial artist. Slender, but athletic
looking. Dresses like old fashioned Japanese samurai, always carries a
wooden sword called a bokken (primary attack). Quotes Shakespeare and
poetry frequently, seems to be stuck in the 19th century, and imitates
Japanese customs partly due to his crush on AKANE (this is a source of
irritation to the Japanese characters). Has crushes on AKANE and
GIRL-RANMA (does not know about RANMA'S curse or mentally ignores the
obvious). Usually referred to as 'CUNO' in a less than favorable tone.
Introduced in episode 2.
KATRINA CUNO
14 year old Caucasian female martial gymnast. Blond hair? Sister of
THOMAS CUNO. Gymnast who usually runs around in tights and attacks with
gymnastic equipment (ribbon is primary attack). Not entirely mentally
stable, may have a mental illness (actually very likely to have a
mental illness). Has crush on BOY-RANMA and hates GIRL-RANMA (does not
know about RANMA'S curse). Introduced in Martial Arts Rhythmic
Gymnastics story.
RYOGA HIBIKI
14 year old Japanese male martial artist. Always wears yellow and black
bandana and caries bamboo umbrella (primary weapon). Gets lost easily
and will wander for days trying to find a place down the block. Has
crush on AKANE. Cursed to be small black piglet (P-CHAN) when splashed
with cold water, which he blames on RANMA (among other things he blames
RANMA for). Learns about RANMA'S curse during his intro story.
Introduced lost and wandering in episode 3.
P-CHAN
Small black piglet. Cursed form of RYOGA. Turns back into RYOGA when
splashed with HOT water. When in pig form, is pet of AKANE (she does
not know that P-CHAN is RYOGA). RANMA is only one to know about
P-CHAN'S curse and promised to not tell anyone (but he tries to keep
him away from sleeping with AKANE in pig form). Wears RYOGA'S yellow
and black bandana as a collar. Introduced in second episode of RYOGA'S
intro story. Will be performed on screen using a combination of trained
live piglets and animatronic puppet.
SHAMPOO
14-16 year old Chinese female martial artist. Has long blue/purple dyed
hair. Very beautiful and well-built. Speaks broken English at first
(gradually getting better) and refers to herself in the third-person.
Fights with bon-bori (primary weapon). Member of Chinese Amazon tribe.
Was defeated by GIRL-RANMA in China and pursues RANMA to USA (to settle
a kiss-of-death oath), where she is defeated by BOY-RANMA. By Amazon
law, SHAMPOO becomes RANMA'S fiancee. Tries various tricks and methods
to get RANMA to marry her. Learns about RANMA'S curse during her intro
story arc. Introduced in SHAMPOO intro story. Becomes cursed (as
SHAMPOO-CAT) later in series (CAT curse introduced in Cat-fu story).
SHAMPOO-CAT
Small white female cat with purple highlights (to resemble SHAMPOO'S
dyed hair). Cursed form of SHAMPOO. Turns back into SHAMPOO when
splashed with HOT water. RANMA fears SHAMPOO-CAT due to his cat phobia.
Will be performed on screen using trained live cats. Limited time on
screen.
COLOGNE
Ancient Chinese female martial artist/witch. Great-grandmother of
SHAMPOO. Says she's over 300 years old. Short and very wrinkled.
Carries old wood staff (primary weapon). Uses various spells and
magical items to get RANMA to marry SHAMPOO. Knows about RANMA'S curse.
Introduced in COLOGNE intro story.
MOUSSE
15 year old Chinese male martial artist. Has long black hair. Wears
long cloak. Uses tricks to attack (chains from sleeves, various blades
and knives, smoke bombs, etc.). Wears glasses, but tends to not wear
them often, leading him to mistake people and things. Hates RANMA
because MOUSSE is in love with SHAMPOO. Knows about RANMA'S curse.
Introduced in MOUSSE intro story. Becomes cursed (due to an accident on
his part) as MOUSSE-DUCK in MOUSSE circus story.
MOUSSE-DUCK
Small white male duck. Cursed form of MOUSSE. Turns back into MOUSSE
when splashed with HOT water. Like MOUSSE, MOUSSE-DUCK hides various
items in his wings for attacking. Will be performed on screen using
trained live ducks. Limited time on screen.
URSULA
14 year old Italian female martial artist. Wears a large spatula on her
back (primary weapon). Uses smaller sharp spatulas as well (like
throwing knives). Gourmet pizza chief. Played with RANMA when they were
kids (RANMA thought she was a boy at the time). Engaged to RANMA by
JOHN SAOTOME in exchange for a pizza cart, but was left behind by JOHN.
URSULA swore revenge on RANMA because of this and trained to battle
him. Tries to get RANMA to marry her after she finds out that RANMA and
AKANE aren't getting along. Doesn't dress as a boy as in Anime/Manga.
Introduced in URSULA intro story (probably in second season opener).
RANMA calls her 'U-chan' which is a Japanese term of affection. URSULA
calls RANMA 'Ran-chan'.
DOCTOR MAXWELL BEAN (DR. MAX)
Local Caucasian doctor (he is a medical doctor, but also studies and
practices various Asian medical arts). In early thirties. Treats RANMA
and AKANE'S injuries. Has a relationship with KASUMI, but not her
boyfriend (at least not that either of them will admit). Usually
referred too early in the series as treating wounds of RANMA.
Relationship with KASUMI is hinted at and suggested and becomes more
frequent as series goes on. AKANE had crush on DR. MAX while growing
up...but grows out of it during first season. Will make occasional
guest appearances. Called DR. MAX (since he has been their family
doctor for a long time) by the Tendos and Ranma (since that is what
Akane always calls him), usually called DR. BEAN by others.
CHARACTERS MENTIONED BUT NOT APPEARING (may show up later in series)
NODOKA SAOTOME
40-45 year old Japanese female. Mother of RANMA, wife of JOHN. Lives in
Japan. Doesn't know about RANMA'S and JOHN'S curses. Not referred to
too often, JOHN always avoids talking about her. Doesn't appear until
later in series (after about 4 years).
SOUN TENDO (Deceased)
Father of Tendo sisters. Died a year before series began. Trained with
JOHN SAOTOME as a martial artist under MASTER HAPPOSAI. Took death of
his wife hard.
MOTHER TENDO (Deceased)
Mother of Tendo sisters. Died 7 years before series began. Was
introduced to SOUN TENDO by NODOKA SAOTOME. Good cook (AKANE tries to
be a good cook to be like she remembers her Mother).
MASTER HAPPOSAI
Evil martial artist master who trained JOHN SAOTOME and SOUN TENDO. Has
weakness for women's underwear and collects them. Typical dirty old
man. Will not appear early in series (definitely not during first two
years), but may be referred to as needed as JOHN and SOUN'S MASTER
(with caution).
[PLACES]
SAN FRANCISCO
Most of the stories take place in San Francisco.
TENDO HOUSE AND TRAINING HALL
Located in western addition (?) area of San Francisco. House has some
Japanese styling (including a porch that looks out onto a koi pond, a
traditional Japanese style dining table and bathroom with Japanese
influences) but also has American influences. Tendo sisters each have a
room upstairs, SOUN'S room is upstairs. Bottom floor has living
room/dinning room and kitchen. The Tendo's moved to San Francisco
shortly after death of MOTHER TENDO. Garden and koi pond sits between
house and storefront style training hall/dojo.
DINNING ROOM
Between kitchen and porch, off to the side of living room (it's really
just part of the large living room). Traditional low Japanese table and
pillows are adjacent to the porch.
LIVING ROOM
The living room contains chairs, couch, and TV. RANMA and JOHN lay out
futons and sleep in the living room. Stairs to upstairs run up back
wall (against kitchen wall). Front door is down hallway.
KITCHEN
Typical kitchen.
BATHROOM
Combination American and Japanese styling. Large Japanese-type tub
(deep enough so women can sit in it with breasts covered), but toilet
and sink are in same room as tub. Large curtain separates tub from
sink/toilet area.
AKANE'S ROOM
Typical young teenage girls room. Sporting equipment (no swimming
equipment since AKANE can't swim), stuffed animals (a few stuffed pigs
can be seen as the series begins), pictures, and flowers are around the
walls. Window overlooks the garden below. There needs to be a bar or
some way for RANMA to hang upside down from the roof in front of the
window (gravity boots?). A wicker basket in the corner contains several
wooden swords that increase in number as the series progresses (as
AKANE takes them from CUNO). This becomes a little ongoing joke as more
and more of them appear (eventually leading to AKANE having the swords
all over the room and eventually the house).
NABIKI'S ROOM
Similar to AKANE'S room (in fact same room can be redressed for NABIKI
and KASUMI'S rooms). A computer is on the desk. Various other pieces of
business equipment and books are seen. Cameras, video cameras, and tape
records also are seen (for some of NABIKI'S intelligence gathering
hobbies).
KASUMI'S ROOM
Mostly Japanese style furnishings adorn the room. Lots of flowers and
cute stuffed animals are spread throughout the room.
FATHER'S ROOM
The Tendo sisters all treat the whole room as a shrine for their
parents since it currently houses personal shrines for both Tendo
parents. Eventually becomes RANMA and JOHN'S bedroom (after a season or
so). The shrines are moved to the training hall at that time.
GARDEN/PORCH
The porch connects to the house and is next the garden. Garden and koi
pond sits between the house and training hall (giving the impression of
a long lot between two roads with the house and training hall each on a
road). Cursed people frequently fall in Koi pond (KASUMI occasionally
is seen pulling clothing out of pond and washing them). RANMA and JOHN
work out in the morning in the garden (to avoid damage to training
hall) and often fall into the pond. Note: This set should be padded and
be big enough for the frequent battles that will take place in it.
TRAINING HALL/DOJO
Training hall looks like a storefront (glass windows to business street
are covered by Japanese paper panels most of the time), but has room
for training and activities (is also rented out for special events to
make money for Tendos). Family shrine is on a wall. Flying people
occasionally break the glass to the street, so some sort of 'road' in
front has to be accounted for.
STREET WITH FENCE
This street is seen frequently as AKANE and RANMA walk to and from
school. RANMA tends to walk on top of fence. Water fountain is located
along road (to provide water splashes and dunkings for cursed people).
A corner is needed. DR. MAX'S clinic is around the corner, front of
clinic will be used from time to time. Space needed for battles. Lawn
sprinklers are also commonly found along this street.
TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL
RANMA, AKANE, NABIKI, CUNO, and URSULA all go to this high school. Many
boys at school have crushes on AKANE and some have crushes on
GIRL-RANMA. A few girls chase BOY-RANMA (but only a few, since most
respect AKANE'S engagement to RANMA, even if AKNE doesn't accept it).
ENTRANCE PLAZA
This is a grassy area between the front doors and the fence around
school. Various trees line the paved walk from the street.
ATHLETIC FIELD
Multi use field (baseball/basketball/soccer) with an old outbuilding at
far end (contains athletic and gardening equipment). Various trees and
bushes are scattered around the area.
CLASSROOMS, HALLS
Various typical school classrooms and halls will be used.
EMPTY LOT
The empty lot is located down the street from Tendo house. Frequent
location for battles and challenges. It starts as an empty lot with
broken fences and litter. Over course of the series it slowly becomes
built up with benches, bleachers, food stands (ultimately becomes very
modern stadium/arena). Improvements are revealed after a while as being
the work of NABIKI, who has been taking bets and selling food and
tickets to RANMA'S various challenge matches. The lot also has old
water pipes all around the lot (easily broken during battles to spray
water on cursed people).
CAT CAFE
Chinese cafe/coffee bar owned by COLOGNE.
UCCHANS
Small pizza cart/stand owned by URSULA. Could be located in a shopping
mall's food court.
CUNO MANSION
This mansion is where CUNO and KATRINA live. CUNO has added some
Japanese styling and KATRINA fights for space for her gardening and
'pharmaceutical research' (mostly poisons and love potions).
JUSENKYO
Ancient martial arts training ground of cursed springs. This is seen
mostly in flashbacks as how the various cursed characters got their
curses by falling into cursed springs.
CHINESE AMAZON VILLAGE
This is an old village in China near Jusenkyo. The Chinese female
Amazons live here. Mostly women, but some men live there as husbands of
the women Amazons. Amazons tend to have names that sound like hygiene
products (SHAMPOO, HAIRSPRAY, MOOTHWASH).
[TITLES]
Opening song:
"Don't Make Me Wild Like You" (Ja Ja Uma ni Sasenaide) Translated into
English with same tune (okay to update, but basic melody and words
should be retained).
Visuals:
Animated opening sequence in Japanese anime style (ideally done by same
animators who did the Movies/OAVs). Characters resemble a cross between
original manga/anime characters and live actors who play them. It's
unlikely that the animation will change from season to season like the
anime.
Sequence:
Starts with 'RANMA 1/2' logo. GIRL-RANMA bursts through it chased by
CUNO (w/red roses), RYOGA (w/umbrella), and MOOSE. They chase her up a
hill passing a cable car. SHAMPOO (w/bon-bori) and URSULA (w/spatula)
and AKANE (w/mallet) jump off the cable car and join in the chase.
They pass Fisherman's Wharf heading west. AKANE swings her mallet at
GIRL-RANMA, but misses her. She hits a steaming pot of cooked crabs.
GIRL-RANMA is splashed with the hot water transforming her into
BOY-RANMA. A crab ends up attacked to his pigtail with it's claw and is
there for the rest of the title sequence. Cuno drops the roses and
takes out his wooden sword.
Reaching the Golden Gate Bridge BOY-RANMA leaps up and onto the cable.
At the top of the first tower KATRINA appears and tries to give
BOY-RANMA black roses. He hits them away and continues. Then KATRINA
hits AKANE with her ribbon and AKANE falls away from the tower towards
the roadway below. She drops her mallet in the process.
BOY-RANMA sees this and leaps after her, catching her in mid air and
landing perfectly on the cable on the other side of the bridge. He
continues running along the cable as she holds him tight. The others
chase him moving to his side (using the tower). He leaps across to the
original side and avoids them. At the other tower the pursuers switch
sides again. BOY-RANMA jumps to the other cable again.
At the end of the bridge (in Marin County, near the shore), KASUMI,
NABIKI, and JOHN are waiting in front of another 'RANMA 1/2' logo.
BOY-RANMA drops down beside them with AKANE by his side, she looks
grateful. The others stop pursuing him and fall into place around them.
A powerboat zooms by and splashes them all. All the cursed people
transform. As the titles finish GIRL-RANMA sadly stands soaked with
AKANE, NABIKI, KASUMI, JOHN-PANDA, MOUSSE-DUCK, SHAMPOO-CAT, P-CHAN,
KATRINA, CUNO, and URSULA all around him.
[END TITLES]
Ending songs:
Varied English translated RANMA tunes (can change over course of
series).
Visuals:
Outtakes, quick jokes, or collages of Anime episode that the live
action episode was based on.
[SCRIPT CONVENTIONS]
'BOY-RANMA' and 'GIRL-RANMA' are used in the descriptive parts of the
scripts to refer to RANMA in his boy and girl forms, respectively.
He/him and she/her are used in the descriptive parts as well, always
referring to the current state of the curse.
Usually in the spoken lines, those knowing about his curse refer him to
as 'RANMA'. Those not knowing about the curse either don't know her
name when RANMA is in female form or refer to GIRL-RANMA as 'RANKO'
after RANMA uses that name in the KATRINA introduction story.
JOHN-PANDA is referred to as such. Those knowing about his curse, will
call him by his real name. Others just think he's a normal panda. When
JOHN-PANDA is trying to talk or communicate, he uses a lot of gestures
and grunts. The 'spoken lines' of JOHN-PANDA usually indicate the
emotion or point JOHN-PANDA is trying to get across. The 'PANDA SIGNS'
may used when needed, although care should be taken no to over do them.
'KASUMI-SMILE' means that KASUMI 'smiles, tilts head to one side, and
places a hand on her cheek' and then usually says 'Oh my' softly. It
happens frequently enough that it needs to be mentioned and given a
formal name.
Transformation of cursed people can be done with camera angle changes,
quick cuts, or 'morfing'.
=======================================================================
[PILOT EPISODE - HERE'S RANMA! TAKE HIM AS SHE IS]
[PROLOGUE]
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - AERIAL SHOT - DAY
[A panoramic establishing shot of San Francisco.]
CUT TO:
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - POWELL STREET - DAY - LIGHT RAIN - WIDE SHOT
[Pedestrians walk down the busy street. A cable car passes the camera
and then GIRL-RANMA does a black flip from above the camera and lands
facing the camera in a battle stance. She is dragging a backpack in one
hand and wearing her red Chinese outfit.]
GIRL-RANMA: Yo, cut that out pop!
[JOHN-PANDA is racing at GIRL-RANMA. She dodges his attack, swings
around. GIRL-RANMA kicks JOHN-PANDA and he goes sliding down the wet
street to bump against the now stopped cable car. JOHN-PANDA leaps back
away from the cable car.]
[GIRL-RANMA throws some punches at JOHN-PANDA who ducks them. The
pedestrians in the area start to stare in amazement at JOHN-PANDA.]
Man#1: Is that a PANDA?
Woman#1: Gee, don't see that every day...
GIRL-RANMA: Your move pop...
[JOHN-PANDA throws several punches at GIRL-RANMA until she catches his
paw and flips JOHN-PANDA over her back and into a pile of crates and
boxes on the sidewalk.]
GIRL-RANMA: This whole thing sucks! How dare you and Mom arrange a
fiancee for me!
JOHN-PANDA: [Gesturing with paws.] Growl...growl...growl [Sounds like
a fatherly scolding.]
GIRL-RANMA: Save it!
[GIRL-RANMA tosses the backpack over her shoulder and turns away from
JOHN-PANDA.]
GIRL-RANMA: I'm going back to China!
[As GIRL-RANMA walks away towards the direction they came from
originally, JOHN-PANDA knocks her down with a paw and swings her over
his shoulder. Grabbing the fallen backpack, JOHN-PANDA starts to walk
away in the opposite direction that GIRL-RANMA was heading in.]
Man#1: Hey, should we help her?
Woman#1: [Mocking.] After you...my hero. [bats eyelashes.]
[The man just watches JOHN-PANDA walk away with GIRL-RANMA over his
shoulder.]
[TITLES]
[COMMERCIALS]
FADE IN
[SCENE 1]
INT. TENDO LIVING ROOM - DAY - LIGHT RAIN OUTSIDE
[NABIKI is curled up in front of the TV and doing homework (or looks
like it, she could be balancing the United States budget for all we can
see). KASUMI walks in studying a postcard with a generic picture of a
panda on it.]
KASUMI: Nabiki, will you please find Akane? I need to talk to you both
in the dinning room.
NABIKI: Sure Kasumi, what's up?
KASUMI: Oh, just some news on the Saotomes.
[NABIKI grins mischievously and gets up.]
[SCENE 2]
INT. TENDO TRAINING HALL - DAY - LIGHT RAIN OUTSIDE
[AKANE is dressed in her gi preparing to karate-chop a large cinder
block with a serious expression on her face. She has been working out
for a while, as shown by her sweating and many broken boards and cinder
blocks littered around the room.]
AKANE: Hiiii---yaaaa!!!!.
[She thrusts her hand down and easily pulverizes the block (not just
splitting it...it shatters into small pieces). NABIKI comes into the
training hall with a wet umbrella from the garden door and tosses a
towel to AKANE. AKANE wipes her hands off.]
NABIKI: There you go again, Akane. No wonder the boys all think you're
weird.
AKANE: [Wiping sweat off her forehead.] So? Not everybody thinks the
world revolves around boys, Nabiki!
NABIKI: No?? [Smug grin.] I guess what Kasumi has to tell us won't
interest you then.
[AKANE has a questioning look on her face as she follows NABIKI out the
door.]
[SCENE 3]
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM - DAY - LIGHT RAIN OUTSIDE
[KASUMI is kneeling at the low table as AKANE and NABIKI come in and
kneel across from her.]
AKANE: What's up Kasumi?
KASUMI: I've just received a postcard from China. It seems that Mr.
Saotome finally received word from his wife about Father's death.
[AKANE starts to get a look of horror on her face.]
NABIKI: Just now? It's been almost a year now.
KASUMI: Apparently he and Ranma have been on a training trip through
China and never told NODOKA where he could be reached.
NABIKI: [Grinning and looking at AKANE.] When do they arrive then?
AKANE: [Calmly.] I'm sure they won't be coming all this way. Kasumi is
more than capable of taking care of us by herself.
KASUMI: They may be here today or tomorrow.
AKANE: [Jumps to her feet.] What!!
NABIKI: Hmmmm, I guess then Ranma is coming to meet his fiancee.
[Grins.]
AKANE: [Yelling and angry.] Wait a minute! I never agreed to this
engagement!
KASUMI: Now Akane, don't get angry...
NABIKI: [To KASUMI.] Right sis, [Matter-of-factly.] Akane is always
angry.
KASUMI: You've known about this engagement ever since Father told you
on your tenth birthday.
AKANE: And I told him then that I wouldn't do it!
NABIKI: [Remembering.] Yes, I remember the repair costs.
KASUMI: Akane, Mother and Father were very traditional and were very
close to the Saotome family. They also felt that the Tendo Training
Hall needed a strong martial artist to run the school.
AKANE: I can run the dojo and teach just as well as any boy!
KASUMI: You may be right, but you've only been training seriously
since Father told you about your fiancee as a way to get out of the
engagement. Ranma has been training his whole life.
AKANE: Bet I can beat him with one hand tied behind my back.
NABIKI: I'd use both hands, or a large mallet, if I was you. [Grins.]
AKANE: [Yelling.] You're not helping me get out of this, Nabiki!
NABIKI: Why should I? Who knows, he might be cute! [Grins.]
AKANE: Then you marry him!
NABIKI: Sorry, I'm not going to marry anyone till I've made my first
10 million. [Thinks for a second.] Hmmm...Maybe 20 million.
KASUMI: Now calm down you two. Akane, no one is going to force you to
marry Ranma. But you should at least meet him and get to know him
before you go against our dearly departed parents wishes.
AKANE: [Looks shocked and then sad.] [Softly.] That's a dirty trick.
[Louder.] Okay, Kasumi, I'll meet him and give him a week to not make
me hate him.
KASUMI: [She gives one of her most charming smiles.] Well let's give
him a year. Mr. Saotome and Ranma will be staying here at least that
long to help with the Training Hall.
AKANE: Well, okay, for [Emphasizes.] YOU Kasumi.
NABIKI: I doubt he'll live that long around Akane's temper. [Grins.]
AKANE: Hey!
FADE TO:
[SCENE 4]
EXT. TENDO GARDEN - DAY
[Establishing shot of garden, the daylight is breaking through the
clouds. The rain has stopped.]
CUT TO:
INT. TENDO LIVING/DINNING ROOM - DAY
[NABIKI is back at the TV watching the news and her homework. AKANE is
sulking at the table and KASUMI is folding laundry nearby.]
NEWS ANNOUNCER: Several tourists reported seeing a large panda on
Powell Street this morning. Unconfirmed reports from witnesses say it
was fighting a young girl. The San Francisco Zoo released a statement
saying they had no panda at the zoo and don't know where it could have
come from. In other news...
[NABIKI seems to have noticed the report, but doesn't pay too much
attention. The doorbell is heard.]
NABIKI: [Jumping up.] Oh!!! That must be your fiancee, Akane!
[NABIKI runs towards the front door (OFF CAMERA). KASUMI and AKANE rise
and walk a few steps to the front door.]
AKANE: He's not my fiancee!
[The door is heard opening, followed by a growl, and a startled scream
from NABIKI. Footsteps are heard as NABIKI comes running back down the
hallway. Nabiki emerges from the hallway with a frightened look on her
face. Soon JOHN-PANDA with GIRL-RANMA slung over his shoulder walks in
and starts gesturing with his free paw as he sets GIRL-RANMA on her
feet in front of him. GIRL-RANMA is looking at the ground looking
embarrassed and looks like she wants to be anywhere but here.]
KASUMI: Hmmm, Mr. Saotome should shave more often.
NABIKI: Funny sis...it's a PANDA! [Glances at the TV briefly
remembering the news report.]
JOHN-PANDA: [Sounds like an order to GIRL-RANMA.] Growl...growl.
GIRL-RANMA: [Looks up from the floor awkwardly.] I'm Ranma
Saotome...sorry about this.
[The three Tendo sisters get an amazed look on their face (KASUMI just
a slightly altered grin and widened eyes, the other two very
pronounced).]
NABIKI: See, Akane. I told you he would be cute!
AKANE: So what?
KASUMI: [Looking closely at GIRL-RANMA suddenly.] Ummm, it looks like
our parents didn't know the Saotome family as well as they said. Ranma
is a girl!
AKANE and NABIKI: [In unison and looking at GIRL-RANMA'S chest.]
What!!!!!!!
KASUMI: ['KASUMI-Smile'.] Oh my.
TRANSITION TO:
[SCENE 5]
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM - DAY
[The Tendo sisters and GIRL-RANMA are kneeling around the table with
JOHN-PANDA behind GIRL-RANMA. Their backpack is to one side of
JOHN-PANDA.]
NABIKI: Gee some fiancee this is. Not even a guy. I know this is San
Francisco, but if Akane is coming out of the closet, she should do
it...not our parents!
AKANE: Cut it out Nabiki! He...she is our guest!
KASUMI: I still can't believe our parents thought she was a boy.
NABIKI: [Pointing to GIRL-RANMA'S chest.] Does this look like a boy to
you!
AKANE: [Smiling to GIRL-RANMA.] Hey, want to go to the training hall
and spar with me?
GIRL-RANMA: Huh?
AKANE: [Smiling.] I'm Akane, want to be friends?
[AKANE gets up and walks towards the garden. GIRL-RANMA smiles a bit,
gets up, and follows AKANE.]
NABIKI: Well she sure changed her attitude fast.
KASUMI: Probably just relieved she won't have to marry him...er...her
now. [Sighs.] I know father always wanted a son, but he usually was
able tell a boy from a girl.
NABIKI: His gender sense is a little suspect right now.
[NABIKI gets up and walks away.]
KASUMI: [To JOHN-PANDA.] Now what am I going to do with you? [Smiles
sweetly.] Tea?
[JOHN-PANDA nods rapidly. KASUMI calmly gets up to get some tea.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 6]
INT. TENDO TRAINING HALL - DAY
AKANE: You do kenpo, right?
GIRL-RANMA: I do a little of every martial arts style.
AKANE: Great, let's a have a little sparring match...I can always use
some practice. Just for fun.
GIRL-RANMA: Huh? I...
AKANE: Don't worry I won't hurt ya.
GIRL-RANMA: I'm not worried...but I don't like to fight girls.
AKANE: [Evil grin.] Ya...I prefer to beat up boys myself too. Let's
start.
[AKANE and GIRL-RANMA square off, and then AKANE rushes GIRL-RANMA with
a battle cry and throws a punch. GIRL-RANMA swings to the side and
avoids the punch. More punches and swings, jumps, and leaps follow, as
AKANE is unable to connect with GIRL-RANMA.]
AKANE: What's wrong? Swing at me?
[More punches and GIRL-RANMA avoids them.]
AKANE: [Thought voiceover.] <Why can't I hit her? Is she reading my
moves?>
[AKANE emits a loud battle cry and attacks GIRL-RANMA with a fast
attack. GIRL-RANMA does a flip over AKANE and ends up behind her as
AKANE punches a hole in the very new and undamaged looking wall.
GIRL-RANMA taps AKANE on the back of the head. AKANE has a amazed look
on her face as she turns around.]
GIRL-RANMA: [Grinning.] [LITTLE LAUGH.]
AKANE: [Amazed look turning into a smile.] [HAPPY LAUGH.] You're
pretty good.
GIRL-RANMA: I've been training a long time with my pop.
AKANE: [Turning to leave.] Well, I'm just glad you're a girl.
GIRL-RANMA: [Shocked.] Huh?
AKANE: It's just that I'd hate loose to a guy.
[AKANE walks out missing the sad and troubled look that comes over
GIRL-RANMA'S face.]
RANMA: Err...Actually...
[AKANE is gone and doesn't hear her.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 7]
INT. TENDO UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - OUTSIDE BATHROOM - DAY
[NABIKI is handing GIRL-RANMA a towel.]
NABIKI: Kasumi said you can stay upstairs in our father's room, but
we'll have to move our parents' shrines out first.
GIRL-RANMA: [A little awkwardly.] Err...I wouldn't want you to have to
do that...if you have a couple of futons we can sleep down in the
living room. We're used to sleeping out in the woods and deserts.
Anything with clean sheets is like heaven...actually anything with
sheets. [Grins.]
NABIKI: Oh okay. That's very considerate of you. You'd might as well
get cleaned up, Kasumi says you'll be staying at least until your
Father shows up and explains your being a girl.
GIRL-RANMA: [Smirks.] Ya, when he shows up. Thanks.
[GIRL-RANMA takes the towel and goes into the bathroom.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 8]
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM - DAY
[JOHN, in his white gi, and KASUMI are kneeling at the table having a
quiet discussion. A steaming kettle sits on the table with teacups.
AKANE walks through the dinning room from the kitchen and passes NABIKI
who is coming down the stairs.]
AKANE: [Softly to NABIKI.] Who's that?
NABIKI: [Softly to AKANE.] I don't know...maybe Ranma's dad? Let
Kasumi handle it.
[AKANE shrugs and walks up the stairs.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 9]
INT. TENDO BATHROOM -DAY
[GIRL-RANMA'S red outfit can be seen on the floor.]
[PAN BEHIND curtain to show BOY-RANMA soaking in a steaming tub.]
BOY-RANMA: What am I going to do? [Sighs.] Well, they'll find out
sooner or later. Might as well go out like this and explain.
[BOY-RANMA starts to rise from the tub.]
CUT TO:
INT. TENDO UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - OUTSIDE BATHROOM/BATHROOM - DAY
[AKANE starts undoing her gi and then opens the bathroom door. The
curtain is seen in the background.]
[PAN DOWN to show AKANE's legs as AKANE's top fall to the ground and
then her pants and undergarments. All we see is her legs as the curtain
is opened.]
[CUT to a head shot of a shocked BOY-RANMA staring at her.]
[CUT to a head shot of a shocked AKANE staring back.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 10]
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM - DAY
[KASUMI and JOHN are at the table, NABIKI is coming from the kitchen
with a snack in her mouth.]
KASUMI: But, what happened after you got to the training ground...?
AKANE: [OFF CAMERA.] [From upstairs, very loudly.] Aiiiieee!!!!!
[AKANE runs down the stairs, pulling her gi back on. She grabs the
dinning room table, lifts it over her head, and starts back to the
stairs, but stops when NABIKI speaks.]
NABIKI: What's the matter?
AKANE: [Yelling.] There's a naked boy in the bathroom! Some kind of
pervert!
NABIKI: What? I thought Ranma was taking a bath? I hope she's okay...
[NABIKI stops short as BOY-RANMA comes down the stairs in the same red
Chinese outfit GIRL-RANMA was wearing. Everyone stops and stares at
him.]
BOY-RANMA: Errr...I'm... [Pauses.] Ranma Saotome. I'm REALLY sorry
about this... [Bows head.]
NABIKI and AKANE both drop their mouths open, AKANE rests the table on
her head, and they stare at BOY-RANMA in amazement. KASUMI sighs.
KASUMI: [KASUMI-SMILE.] Oh my...
FADE OUT
[COMMERCIALS.]
FADE IN
[SCENE 11]
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM/EXT. TENDO GARDEN - DAY
[The three Tendo sisters are at the table, BOY-RANMA and JOHN are on
the opposite side, the garden can be seen behind them just outside the
open doors. AKANE is frowning and quite angry looking.]
JOHN: Let me introduce myself. [Bows head.] I'm John Saotome, and this
is my [With emphasis.] SON...
BOY-RANMA: [Bowing head.] Ranma.
NABIKI: Are you really that girl?
BOY-RANMA: [Looks depressed.] Yes.
NABIKI: So you're... [Pauses.] ...a cross dresser?
KASUMI chuckles a little at this statement.
BOY-RANMA: [Shocked.] No! I'm one hundred percent guy!
JOHN: More like fifty-fifty. Let me demonstrate.
[JOHN picks up BOY-RANMA and hops out to the porch and tosses BOY-RANMA
in to the koi pond in the garden. When the splash settles, GIRL-RANMA
gets out of the pond wearing the same red outfit BOY-RANMA was wearing.
The Tendo sisters just stare at GIRL-RANMA in shock. Akane is growing
visibly angrier.]
GIRL-RANMA: Whatcha do that for!
NABIKI: Now he's a girl!!!
JOHN: [Shakes his head and looks embarrassed and sad.] My own son, it
pains me to see you this way.
[GIRL-RANMA quickly grabs JOHN and tosses him into the koi pond,
instant JOHN-PANDA.]
GIRL-RANMA: Who are you to talk! My pop's a PANDA!
AKANE: [Shocked and angry.] What on earth is going on with these
two!?!!?
NABIKI: [Smirking.] I can't wait to hear this story...
KASUMI: Mr. Saotome was just starting to explain it to me when Akane
tried to kill Ranma...
AKANE: [Angrily.] I may still...
TRANSITION TO:
[SCENE 12]
INT. TENDO DINING ROOM - DAY
[BOY-RANMA and JOHN are back to their male forms and two empty kettles
can be seen on the side of the table.]
JOHN: It was three months ago while we were traveling through a remote
region of China that we came across the legendary training grounds of
Jusenkyo. Our guidebook said it was a great place to practice martial
arts skills.
BOY-RANMA: [Angry.] The guidebook was in CHINESE! And you couldn't
read it to save your hairy butt! OR should I say FURRY butt!
JOHN: Quiet boy...I'm telling our sad tale here...
DISSOLVE TO:
[SCENE 13]
FLASHBACK - EXT. JUSENKYO GATE - DAY
[BOY-RANMA and JOHN are both dressed in white gi both with backpacks on
their backs. They approach a valley filled with pools of water. Thin
rock plateaus of various heights rise between the pools of water. Tall
bamboo poles can also be seen sticking out of the ground around the
pools. An average sized Chinese-style building can be seen overlooking
the valley. They approach a Chinese style gate (looks like turnstiles
at a theme park) made out of bamboo. Small souvenir shops can bee seen
in a row, just inside the gate. A guide is standing at the gate, he is
Chinese, overweight, and wears a green uniform with red star on his
hat.]
JUSENKYO GUIDE: [In broken English.] Ah! Welcome to Jusenkyo
gentlemen! These be the famous training grounds of...
JOHN: Great! We've made it after all this traveling.
BOY-RANMA: Hope it's worth the trip! Let's go.
JUSENKYO GUIDE: Wait sirs. I have not finished my speech...
JOHN: No need, we're ready.
JUSENKYO GUIDE: You really should listen, but if you
insist...Admission is forty dollar each, American.
BOY-RANMA: Admission?
JOHN: I guess capitalism starting take hold in China after all. Here
you go. [JOHN hands over some very crumpled bills.]
JUSENKYO GUIDE: Welcome to Jusenkyo sirs. [Allows BOY-RANMA and JOHN
to pass.]
[BOY-RANMA and JOHN walk pass the souvenir stands and by a 'Pork-chop'
stand. A banner indicates they are having a big sale.]
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK - INT. JUSENKYO BETTING HOUSE - DAY
[In the building overlooking the training grounds, many Chinese people
are sitting looking down on the valley below. The camera pans to show
several racetrack-style betting windows. Bettors all have Chinese
accents.]
BETTOR#1: Hmmm, put $100 on the boy falling in first.
BETTOR#2: $200 on the man falling in first, headfirst!
BETTOR#3: $100 on the boy landing in the 'Spring of drowned
baby-kangaroo' and blaming the old man!
BETTOR#1: Give me a side bet of $50 on the man falling in the 'Spring
of drowned pretty-girl'. Been a long time for that one...it's due.
BETTOR#4: Okay, $400 on a trifecta...Man falls in first, into 'Spring
of drowned....'
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK - EXT. JUSENKYO TRAINING GROUNDS - DAY
[JOHN, BOY-RANMA, and the guide walks up to the edge of the pools.]
JUSENKYO GUIDE: Here the plateaus and bamboo poles provide excellent
platforms to test your balance and improve your landings. But, be very
careful not to fall...
JOHN: Enough talk! Are you ready Ranma!?
BOY-RANMA: Sure pop, let's do it!
[JOHN and Ranma leap up to the tops of some nearby poles and plateaus
and get set in their ready positions.]
JUSENKYO GUIDE: But sirs, you really should listen to what I have to
say...
[BOY-RANMA and JOHN leap at each other with battle cries and swing and
punch each other as they pass in mid air. Both land safely. They repeat
the attacks several times moving to different parts of the pools.]
JUSENKYO GUIDE: [Waving arms trying to gain their attention.]
Sirs...it REALLY bad if you fall in.
[Just as he finishes saying this, JOHN is hit hard by BOY-RANMA and
falls headfirst into a pool with a big splash. BOY-RANMA just manages
to land on a plateau and regain his balance.]
[Cheers can be heard coming from the betting house.]
JUSENKYO GUIDE: Oh, very bad luck. He fall into 'Spring of drowned
big-fat-panda'. Very sad story of panda who fell into that spring more
than two thousand year ago. Now he take body of panda. Too bad.
BOY-RANMA: Hey pop! Are we done already?
[Suddenly JOHN-PANDA leaps out of the pool and lands near BOY-RANMA.]
BOY-RANMA: Yaaaa! [Looks at JUSENKYO GUIDE.] What the heck is that!
JUSENKYO GUIDE: That your father.
BOY-RANMA: [Shocked.] What!?!?!?!
[Distracted by what the JUSENKYO GUIDE just said, BOY-RANMA doesn't see
JOHN-PANDA jump towards him and BOY-RANMA goes flying into another
spring.]
JUSENKYO GUIDE: [Shaking head sadly.] Why they not listen to my
speech. That very cursed 'Spring of drowned pretty-girl'. Very tragic
story of pretty girl who drowned there while out picking flowers over
900 year ago.
[The scene shifts to a close-up of the pool BOY-RANMA fell into. With a
splash GIRL-RANMA rises from the spring. She looks around looking
confused, then walks out of the spring. She shakes herself to try and
get dry. A puzzled look comes over her face. She looks down at her body
and gets a wide eyed look. With fear, she looks inside her wet gi and
screams at the sight of her female breasts. The camera doesn't see
anything...just the action and reaction. GIRL-RANMA screams, loudly.]
CUT TO:
FLASHBACK - INT. JUSENKYO BETTING HOUSE - DAY
[Some of the bettors are celebrating, some are ripping up their tickets
in disgust.]
BETTOR#4: Hey! I hit my trifecta! Man fell in first, into 'Spring of
drowned big-fat-panda', and then boy fell into 'Spring of drowned
pretty-girl'.
[Some of the guys around BETTOR#4 slap him on the back. More cheers...]
DISSOLVE TO:
[SCENE 14]
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM/GARDEN - DAY
[KASUMI is looking at BOY-RANMA and JOHN with sadness and tears in her
eye. NABIKI is just smirking. AKANE is looking away with a scowl.]
JOHN: And that's how we came to be cursed with these bodies.
BOY-RANMA: All because pop couldn't be bothered to buy an ENGLISH
guidebook!
[JOHN and BOY-RANMA start to fight on the patio.]
JOHN: You sound like a baby! A martial artist should be prepared to
lay down his life for the ART!
[As he finishes, he throws BOY-RANMA into the pond.]
GIRL-RANMA: [Yelling.] My life is one thing...
[GIRL-RANMA grabs a bucket and fills it with water from the pond and
tosses it on JOHN who turns into JOHN-PANDA with most of his clothes
still on or around him (this is important for the next
transformation).]
GIRL-RANMA: [Angry.] ...my manhood is another!
[KASUMI, AKANE, and NABIKI have joined them on the porch. KASUMI has a
large steaming kettle.]
KASUMI: ['KASUMI-Smile'.] Oh my. Cold water turns you into a panda
and... [Pours hot water over JOHN-PANDA.] ...hot water turns you back
to yourself.
[JOHN-PANDA transforms back into JOHN.]
JOHN: [Steam rising from his head.] It doesn't need to be quite that
hot, Kasumi dear.
KASUMI: [Walking over to GIRL-RANMA.] Cold water turns you into a girl
and hot water turns you back into a boy.
[KASUMI tries to pour the water over GIRL-RANMA who avoids the water.]
GIRL-RANMA: Hot water! Not boiling!
KASUMI: Sorry Ranma. Well now, your problem isn't that bad.
[KASUMI pulls GIRL-RANMA over and pulls AKANE in with her other arm.]
KASUMI: You two can still get married since Ranma is a boy after all.
AKANE: [Amazed and angry.] What! Me marry that cross dressing,
perverted, peeping tom?!?!?
GIRL-RANMA: I'm am not! Besides, you walked in on ME in the bathroom!
AKANE: How was I supposed to know a boy was in there! You were
supposed to be a girl!
GIRL-RANMA: [Turning head.] It's still rude to just walk into a
bathroom! By the way...I noticed you took a pretty good look at me,
too. [Pauses.] Besides...it's no big deal for me to see a naked girl. I
mean I've seen my own girl body plenty of times, right?
AKANE: [Angrily.] Ohhhhh...
GIRL-RANMA: [Turning away from AKANE, who is now off screen.] And I'm
better built, to boot! [Laughs.]
[AKANE has picked up the dinning table and smashes it down on
GIRL-RANMA, leaving GIRL-RANMA knocked out on the floor under the
table.]
JOHN: Now THAT he had coming.
FADE OUT
[COMMERCIALS]
[END CREDITS]
[END - PILOT EPISODE]
======================================================================
[EPISODE 2 - SHOWDOWN AT TAKAHASHI HIGH.]
[PROLOGUE]
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - AERIAL SHOT - MORNING
[The sun can be seen rising over the hills to the east of San
Francisco.]
CUT TO:
INT. TENDO LIVING ROOM/DINNING ROOM - MORNING
[GIRL-RANMA is laying on a futon aside another messed up futon. A cold
towel is on her forehead. KASUMI walks over and applies a fresh towel
as GIRL-RANMA starts to stir. NABIKI is sitting nearby at the table
finishing breakfast. GIRL-RANMA is dressed in a muscle T-shirt and
sweat shorts. The T-shirt has a Chinese design/logo on it that reads 'I
got cursed at the Legendary Jusenkyo Cursed Springs'.]
KASUMI: Take it easy Ranma. You got quite a blow.
GIRL-RANMA: [Groggy.] Huh?? That's okay...With my martial arts
training I can snap back fast from any blow.
KASUMI: You've been unconscious for over a day. It's Tuesday morning.
GIRL-RANMA: [Rising and rubbing head.] What? What the heck hit me
then?
KASUMI: Umm, well the dinning room table.
GIRL-RANMA: By itself?
KASUMI: No, I believe Akane was holding it at the time.
GIRL-RANMA: [Rubbing head.] She's stronger than she looks.
KASUMI: Please, don't think too badly about Akane. She's really a very
sweet girl, just a little violent sometimes.
GIRL-RANMA: [Rubbing head.] Ya I noticed.
KASUMI: Anyway Dr. Max [Eyes sparkle a bit.] came over and looked at
you and said you'd be okay. But, you should drop by his clinic on the
way to School today just to make sure.
GIRL-RANMA: School?
NABIKI: [From table.] Ya, books, tests, teachers, and such?
GIRL-RANMA: I know what school is! Just didn't really think about it.
I've been in and out of various schools between training trips with my
pop. Usually learn better by myself.
NABIKI: Well, if you're going to marry my sister [GIRL-RANMA blushes a
little and looks away.] you'd better be able to support a family and
that means going to high school and probably college.
KASUMI: Your father arranged it all yesterday. Better get upstairs and
take a HOT bath...You're registered as a BOY. [Grins.]
NABIKI: Unless you want to attend as a girl...I'm sure I've got a
dress that'll fit ya!!
GIRL-RANMA: [Yells.] Hey! I'm a guy...I don't wear dresses!!
[GIRL-RANMA gets up and starts up the stairs. As she walks up the
stairs we can see that her muscle T-shirt has another 'I got cursed at
the Legendary Jusenkyo Cursed Springs' logo on the back. Under the logo
are big words 'COLD WATER' with a red circle and slash around it.]
KASUMI: Make sure to knock first! [No acknowledgment from GIRL-RANMA
is seen-she didn't hear her.]
NABIKI: Good thing I didn't mention a bra. [Grins.]
KASUMI: [A little shocked, but grins a bit.] NABIKI!
CUT TO:
INT. TENDO HALLWAY - OUTSIDE BATHROOM - MORNING
[GIRL-RANMA has a towel in her hand and opens the door and she starts
to pull her clothes off. The door closes followed by AKANE'S screams
and then GIRL-RANMA'S screams.]
[TITLES]
[COMMERCIALS]
[SCENE 1]
INT. TENDO DINING ROOM - MORNING
[GIRL-RANMA is finishing eating some breakfast, a cold compress is on
her head. She is wearing her red Chinese outfit.]
NABIKI: [Coming down stairs dressed for school.] Ranma, you'll be
going to the same high school as Akane and me.
[NABIKI starts to leave and AKANE runs down the stairs, also dressed
for school. AKANE sees GIRL-RANMA and scowls.]
AKANE: Wait up Nabiki, I'll walk with you!
NABIKI: Akane, you should walk to school with Ranma and show him the
ropes. After all, he IS your fiancee.
[GIRL-RANMA and AKANE both look away from each other. NABIKI leaves as
AKANE and GIRL-RANMA start to argue.]
AKANE: Don't you mean 'SHE'.
GIRL-RANMA: [Angry.] Stop saying that! I'm a guy!
[GIRL-RANMA uses her fist and thumb to indicate herself. She indicates
her chest, which is female at the moment.]
AKANE: Not from where I'm standing. Look at yourself!
GIRL-RANMA: [Looking at her body.] I'm still a guy! No matter what
this curse did to my body!
[KASUMI comes out of the kitchen with a towel and steaming kettle. She
walks over to GIRL-RANMA. She pours it over her head.]
KASUMI: [As GIRL-RANMA changes to BOY-RANMA.] There you go, Ranma.
Now, you two better get to school or you'll be late for your first day.
[She hands BOY-RANMA a towel.]
BOY-RANMA: Okay, Kasumi. [Takes towel and starts to dry off.] By the
way, thanks for not making the water too hot.
KASUMI: You're welcome. [Smiles.]
AKANE: [Sighs.] Well, come on then. We'd better get going if we're not
going to be late.
[BOY-RANMA reluctantly follows AKANE out the front door.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 2]
EXT. STREET WITH FENCE - DAY - OVERCAST
[AKANE is walking on the sidewalk by the fence, BOY-RANMA is walking
along the top of the fence, keeping perfect balance. Both have
indifferent looks on their faces.]
AKANE: We're not getting married you know!
BOY-RANMA: Tell me something I don't know.
AKANE: Just don't go hanging around me in school.
BOY-RANMA: Don't worry, I can't stand tomboys like you!
[AKANE lifts her backpack to hit BOY-RANMA, but before she can, JOHN
comes running along the fence and spins BOY-RANMA around. BOY-RANMA
just manages to stay on the fence.]
BOY-RANMA: Pop! What are you...
JOHN: Ranma! You're in no position to be choosy about women! I'll tell
you only once...
[Just then BOY-RANMA sweeps JOHN'S feet from under him and JOHN falls
into the fountain by the fence, tuning him into JOHN-PANDA.]
JOHN-PANDA: [Angry.] Growl growl growl.
BOY-RANMA: What's wrong pop? Weren't you going to say something?
[With a chuckle BOY-RANMA follows AKANE down the street towards
school.]
BOY-RANMA: So where is Dr. Max's? Kasumi said he wanted to check my
head.
AKANE: For termites?
BOY-RANMA: No something about 'concussions due to repeated blows'. I
think it could be from you hitting me this morning, but I'm having
trouble remembering.
AKANE: [Frowns and lowers head a bit.] Oh...well it's just around the
corner. Hope it doesn't take long since I need to get to school a bit
early to... [She trails her sentence off.]
BOY-RANMA: To...?
AKANE: Never mind...
TRANSITION TO:
[SCENE 2]
EXT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - ENTRANCE PLAZA - DAY - OVERCAST
[AKANE and BOY-RANMA are walking towards front entrance plaza of
school.]
BOY-RANMA: I thought you didn't like boys?
AKANE: Huh?
BOY-RANMA: It's just that you didn't seem to hate that Dr. Max...
[Grins.]
AKANE: Huh? What's that supposed to mean?
BOY-RANMA: [A little playfully.] It's just that you seemed to get all
sweet and ladylike around him... [Smiles.]
AKANE: Mind your own business.
[BOY-RANMA grins at his perceived victory. The school entrance is now
in sight, there seems to be a large group of boys in front of the
doors. AKANE suddenly speeds up leaving BOY-RANMA behind.]
AKANE: As I said: I...HATE...BOYS!!!
[The group of boys start screaming AKANE'S name and running towards
her.]
BOY-RANMA: Huh?
[AKANE runs right at the approaching boys and starts using martial art
kicks and punches to knock them out of her way. BOY-RANMA just stands
still and stares in amazement. NABIKI is standing close to the
entrance.]
NABIKI: Don't worry about Akane, Ranma. This happens to her every
morning.
BOY-RANMA: Huh?
NABIKI: Just nod and get to class, smart boy.
[BOY-RANMA unconsciously nods. NABIKI turns and seems to be taking a
bet from a classmate and makes notes in her palm computer. NABIKI
slowly makes her way to the front entrance talking to various
spectators. AKANE continues her attacks and soon finishes with the last
ones.]
AKANE: Really! You'd think they'd get tired of attacking me every day!
They always loose!
CUNO: [Appearing from behind a tree.] He who defeats you in battle
must surely win your heart, my fair flower.
AKANE: [With a disgusted and hateful tone.] CUNO.
[CUNO flips a red rose into AKANE'S hand and then pulls out his bokken
(wooden sword) and brandishes it in front of him.]
CUNO: Now, might you fight with me?
BOY-RANMA: [Walking up beside AKANE.] Boy, you're popular with the
guys, aren't ya?
AKANE: Stay out of it...
CUNO: You there! [Points bokken at BOY-RANMA.] How dare you be so
familiar with my fair Akane! Of what relation are you to her!
BOY-RANMA: Ummm...I'm Ran...
CUNO: Hold! It is customary for one to give ones own name first. I am
Sophomore Thomas Cuno. President of the school fencing club. But my
peers call me the Blue Thunder of Takahashi High.
GIRL#1: [Standing next to NABIKI.] Blue Thunder?
NABIKI: News to me. Last I heard he was calling himself 'Gods gift to
Akane'. [Smirks.]
BOY-RANMA: I'm...huh...staying at the Tendo Training Hall.
CUNO: [Shocked.] Under the same roof as my dear Akane?!?! I shall
smite thee!
[CUNO swings his bokken at BOY-RANMA, but BOY-RANMA does a flip up and
over CUNO.]
BOY-RANMA: [In mid-flip.] I'm heir to the Saotome School of Anything
Goes Martial Arts...I am Ranma Saotome...and I accept your challenge.
[This last sentence said with a flourish of martial arts moves.]
[CUNO takes a number of swings at Ranma who avoids them easily. Finally
Ranma jumps right in front of CUNO'S face preventing CUNO from swinging
his bokken.]
BOY-RANMA: Let me get this perfectly straight... [Dodging CUNO'S moves
to keep right in front of his face.] AKANE... [A few drops of rain are
seen to drop from the sky as Ranma dodges CUNO'S blows.] MEANS... [More
rain drops and more dodges.] NOTHING...to me. [He finishes by hitting
Cuno flat handed in the head.]
[Suddenly the sky opens up and the rain pours heavily from the sky. In
a heartbeat BOY-RANMA turns into GIRL-RANMA. CUNO'S eyes widen and
GIRL-RANMA runs fast out of the school yard. AKANE runs after her. The
blow BOY-RANMA was inflicting when he transformed causes CUNO to
collapse suddenly.]
GIRL#1: What was that? He seemed to shrink...
NABIKI: Just a trick of the rain. [To CUNO.] Come on Cuno-baby, class
time.
CUNO: [Face down in a puddle.] No one runs from Thomas Cuno and lives.
For my honor I must find that cur and defeat him! [He jumps unsteadily
to his feet and runs after GIRL-RANMA and AKANE.]
NABIKI: [Sighs.] Come join us in the twenty-first century sometime,
Cuno.
CUT TO:
[SCENE 3]
EXT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - ATHLETIC FIELD/BEHIND OUTBUILDING - DAY -
RAINING
[GIRL-RANMA is sitting under a roof overhang of an outbuilding. She
pulls her pants off (her red shirt is long enough to cover her upper
thighs) and wrings them out. The rain starts to slow. AKANE walks
around the corner and spots GIRL-RANMA.]
AKANE: Maybe you should check the weather reports before heading
outside. [Grins slightly.]
GIRL-RANMA: What's the deal with that guy?
AKANE: Well Cuno has got it into his head that I am his girl, and
constantly wants to fight me to get me to date him. I always beat
him...somehow.
GIRL-RANMA: And all those boys who attacked you?
AKANE: [Sighs.] Cuno put them up to it. He gave a big speech at the
beginning of the school year. He said that to win my heart they must
first defeat me in combat.
GIRL-RANMA: Weird school.
AKANE: So for the past 6 weeks, I have had to fight my way through
that bunch of boys every morning. Fortunately, half of them have given
up already.
GIRL-RANMA: [Thought voiceover.] <She's fought those guys every
morning for six weeks? She's must be a better martial artist than I
thought.>
CUNO: [Off screen.] Saotome! Where have you fled to?!??!
AKANE: Stay here, I'll get rid of him...
GIRL-RANMA: I can handle him fine...
AKANE: Ya, maybe...but do you want him to know about your curse? I
don't think he noticed you transform back there. [Turns towards where
CUNO'S voice came from.]
GIRL-RANMA: Well...
CUT TO:
EXT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - ATHLETIC FIELD - DAY - RAINING
[CUNO is walking towards the outbuilding as AKANE appears and
approaches CUNO. The rain stops.]
AKANE: Alright Cuno. I challenge you!
CUNO: Ah, my flower has finally decided she want's my love.
AKANE: No! I just want you to leave me alone!
CUNO: If you beat me, I shall allow you to date me. [Raises his bokken
into the ready position.]
AKANE: [Angry.] And who said I WANT to date you?!?
[CUNO swings at AKANE. She easily ducks the swing and sweeps CUNO'S
feet sending him stumbling backwards. After CUNO lunges at her, AKANE
grabs CUNO'S bokken and flips him over her to land hard against a tree.
He swings around and forces her back a few steps. AKANE sidesteps
another bokken lunge and then grabs his arms and throws him over her
shoulder to land...]
CUT TO:
EXT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - ATHLETIC FIELD/BEHIND OUTBUILDING - DAY -
OVERCAST
[...to land on his head in front of GIRL-RANMA behind the outbuilding.]
GIRL-RANMA: [Softly.] Nice job Akane. [Shakes his head in disgust.]
CUNO: Have you seen a honorless boy with a pigtail who ran from
certain defeat at my hands.
[A shocked GIRL-RANMA shakes her head 'no'.]
CUNO: No doubt he feared my prowess! I say to thee, he is no man!
[GIRL-RANMA kicks CUNO in the stomach and he goes flying into the side
of the outbuilding. AKANE comes around the corner looking for CUNO and
sees this.]
CUNO: That hurt you know.
GIRL-RANMA: Good, want some more?
CUNO: Oh, what fate has sent to me. A beautiful flower of blazing red
fire.
GIRL-RANMA: Just leave me alone, Jerk! [She turns to leave.]
CUNO: Alas if I could. Join me here after school so that I may settle
with you properly.
[CUNO turns and walks away, a slight wobble in his steps. AKANE walks
up to GIRL-RANMA.]
AKANE: Oh, a formal challenge. Looks like CUNO hates you in both your
male and female forms. [Grins.]
GIRL-RANMA: [Scowls.] The feeling is mutual. Let's find some hot water
and get to class.
[They both walk off towards the school.]
FADE OUT
[COMMERCIALS]
FADE IN
[SCENE 4]
INT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - NABIKI/CUNO CLASSROOM - DAY
[CUNO is sitting at his desk, bent over with his head on the desk and
holding his stomach. NABIKI is sitting next to him.]
NABIKI: Cuno-baby, looks like you're old news around here. Ranma seems
to be a better martial artist that you.
CUNO: [Sitting up strait suddenly.] Never! That honorless cur Ranma
shall meet my revenge! Besides, this wound was given to be by a
beautiful redheaded pig-tail goddess in back of the school. What fire
she had.
NABIKI: Pig-tail goddess? [She gets a wide grin on her face.] Well,
isn't that worse? Getting beat by a girl?
CUNO: Never have I, the Blue Thunder, been defeated! [His eyes
suddenly glaze over and he almost faints.] Now back to the cur known as
Ranma Saotome. What do you know of him, he said he was staying at your
noble residence.
NABIKI: His father is an old friend of my parents, they will be
staying with us for a while.
CUNO: Surely you know something that will help me defeat that cur,
Ranma Saotome!
NABIKI: Hmmm, what's it worth to you?
CUNO: Any price would be worth it.
NABIKI: [Softly and patting her chest.] Oh be still my heart. [To
CUNO.] Okay two hundred. Cash.
CUNO: Done. [Slaps down two 100 dollar bills.]
NABIKI: Ok, next time you fight Ranma bring a bucket of water. He has
a little aversion to cold water. You'll probably see his true self.
CUNO: If you say so.
NABIKI: [Thought voice over.] <That'll show him who his 'pig-tail
goddess' is, I may even be able to charge Ranma for getting Cuno off
his girl-side's back>
CUNO: You are a good person.
NABIKI: As long as you pay well, I am. [Smiles.]
CUNO: So why is that braggart Saotome staying with your family anyway?
NABIKI: [Evil grin.] Oh, didn't I tell you already? He's ENGAGED to
Akane.
CUNO: What!!! I shall not allow such a thing!
NABIKI: It's all set, Cuno-baby. Our parents arranged it a long time
ago.
CUNO: Ranma Saotome, you will taste the wrath of the Blue Thunder of
Takahashi High!
CUNO gets up and runs out the door. A girl who is sitting behind NABIKI
leans forward.
GIRL#1: Nabiki, why did you give him that info for free? You could
have gotten at least another two hundred out of old moneybags.
NABIKI: [Grins knowingly.] Don't worry, with Cuno knowing that we can
make much more from him over time.
CUT TO:
[SCENE 5]
INT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - AKANE/RANMA CLASSROOM - DAY
['Study Hall' is written on the blackboard. Most of the students are
not studying. AKANE and BOY-RANMA are sitting next to each other.
Several boys and girls are around BOY-RANMA talking to him. AKANE is
reading a book trying to ignore them.]
BOY#1: You sure beat Cuno good this morning.
BOY-RANMA: If it didn't start raining he would have been in the
hospital. That jerk.
BOY#1: What does the rain have to do with it?
BOY-RANMA: Err...Well I don't like to hit people in the rain.
[AKANE snickers at this comment. A cute girl leans into BOY-RANMA.]
GIRL#2: [Sweetly.] So, Ranma. Do you have a girlfriend?
RANMA: Well...sort of...
AKANE: [Interrupting.] NO! He doesn't!
RANMA: No I guess I don't.
[Before GIRL#2 can ask anything else, CUNO crashes in the door and
tosses a bucketful of water at BOY-RANMA. BOY-RANMA just manages to get
out of the way of the water. Several other students are not as lucky.]
BOY-RANMA: What did you do that for?!
CUNO: I'm not sure, but NABIKI thought it would show your true self!
AKANE: [Angry.] NABIKI!
CUNO: Enough about that! Ranma Saotome how dare an unworthy cur such
as yourself claim Akane as your fiancee!
[Both BOY-RANMA and AKANE look shocked at this statement and then look
around nervously as their classmates start to react.]
GIRL#2: What! Akane, you're engaged?? To Ranma here?
GIRL#3: I thought we were friends! How could you not tell me!
BOY#1: [Standing up and screaming.] No, this can't be!
[BOY#1 takes a run for the open window, but is held back by several
other student.]
AKANE: No, it's not true...
BOY-RANMA: ...our parents set it up. We never...
CUNO: [Swinging his bokken at BOY-RANMA.] Enough, you will die now
Saotome for forcing your vile perversions on my sweet Akane!
AKANE: Gee, he already knows you pretty well. [Grins.]
[BOY-RANMA avoids the bokken and lands several jabs to CUNO'S side.
BOY-RANMA pivots causing CUNO to miss with a swing and crash into some
desks. Then BOY-RANMA gives CUNO a hard kick to the stomach and CUNO
flies out an open window (classroom is on second floor).]
BOY-RANMA: [Shrugs.] Too bad the window was open. [Smiling.] Okay!
Back to studying.
AKANE: Gladly. [Then gets an angry look on her face.] But, I may have
to have a talk with Nabiki later...
[But their classmates continue to gossip and ask questions about their
engagement.]
GIRL#3: Engaged to Ranma...you lucky girl. He's such a stud!
AKANE: He is not!
GIRL#2: Gee, it used to be enough to ask a guy if he had a girlfriend.
Now I have to ask if they are engaged too. [She sighs.]
TRANSITION TO:
[SCENE 6]
INT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - NABIKI/CUNO CLASSROOM - DAY
[CUNO is sitting at his desk with his head down on the desk again.
NABIKI is sitting next to him.]
NABIKI: Cuno-baby, when are you going to learn that Akane doesn't like
you? Also, I think Ranma is too good for you to beat.
CUNO: [Sitting bolt upright.] Never! Akane will be mine! And that
honorless cur Ranma shall meet my revenge!
NABIKI: Ya right. [Takes a sip of soda.]
CUNO: Akane is only mad at me because she thinks I have eyes for
another woman.
NABIKI: Oh, cheating on my sister now? Do tell.
CUNO: Alas, but while my heart belongs to Akane, my heart also pounds
for this beautiful redheaded pig-tail goddess I met this morning.
[NABIKI has just drank some soda and now gasps with amazement and spits
the soda out, covering CUNO with it.]
NABIKI: Now, look what you've made me do!
CUNO: [glaring at NABIKI.] I despise you!
NABIKI: Ooooo, I'm so scared.
CUNO: Do not mock me!
NABIKI: But it's so easy! [Grin.]
NABIKI: [Thought voice over.] <Cuno is chasing Akane AND Ranma's girl
side? Oh, this could prove to be very profitable.>
CUT TO:
[SCENE 7]
INT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - AKANE/RANMA CLASSROOM - DAY
[AKANE and some girls are talking in the corner, BOY-RANMA is talking
to some guys.]
BOY#2: So Ranma, you lucky guy, you've won Akane's heart.
BOY-RANMA: [Indifferent.] Ya right...
BOY#3: So tell me have you, you know, with her yet?
BOY-RANMA: What?
BOY#2: Have you scored with her?
BOY-RANMA: Why would I want to?
BOY#2: Well...she's a babe, she's beautiful, she's such a wonderful
girl...
BOY-RANMA: Gee, why don't you start a fan club for her then.
BOY#2: There's already one. I'm member number forty-eight.
BOY#3: Member number five here.
BOY-RANMA: Fan club? [Rolls his eyes.] I guess Cuno is number one?
BOY#3: Yup. Founder and self-appointed president as well. Although I
think he formed it just to keep track of and control his competition.
BOY-RANMA: [Thought voice over.] <Man what do all these guys see in
her? Well...> [Looking at AKANE laughing and smiling with her friends.]
<I guess she is kind of cute.>
AKANE notices him staring at her and looks away, blushing a bit.
CUT TO:
TRANSITION TO:
[SCENE 8]
EXT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - ATHLETIC FIELD - LATE AFTERNOON
[The sun can be seen starting to set through the scattered clouds.
GIRL-RANMA is waiting in the middle of the field.]
GIRL-RANMA: Where is that jerk? He's the one who set up this
challenge!
[CUNO appears and walks up to GIRL-RANMA, the sun behind him. His is
holding his right arm behind his back hiding something.]
GIRL-RANMA: So where's your stick?
CUNO: Thomas Cuno, the Blue Thunder of Takahashi High, has no need of
my noble blade, my fair flower of fire.
GIRL-RANMA: Pretty confident...
CUNO: Confident enough to give you this...
[With a fast movement of his arm, CUNO throws a bundle of red roses at
GIRL-RANMA, who catches them out of reflex.]
GIRL-RANMA: [Confused.] What's this???
CUNO: I love you. I shall not rest till thy heart beats in time with
mine own.
[CUNO turns and walks into the sunset. GIRL-RANMA just collapses onto
her knees and stares in amazement and horror at CUNO'S back. After
about 5 seconds, CUNO'S voice is heard coming out on nowhere in
particular.]
CUNO'S VOICE: [Voice over.] I love you. [Pause.] I love you. [Pause.] I
love you.
[GIRL-RANMA looks around to find where the voice is coming from. Then
suddenly he drops the roses and hits the paper wrapping around them
hard.]
[CLOSE-UP OF broken tape recorder that was hidden in the roses. CUNO'S
voice stops.]
FADE OUT
[COMMERCIALS]
[END CREDITS]
[END - EPISODE 2]
=======================================================================
[EPISODE 3 - CUNO DOTH LOVE WHOM?.]
[PROLOGUE]
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO - AERIAL SHOT - NIGHT
[The city lights glimmer in the darkness.]
CUT TO:
INT. TENDO LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
[BOY-RANMA is sleeping on a futon in his muscle-T (w/Jusenkyo logo-see
Episode 2) and shorts. JOHN is in his futon next to his.]
[BOY-RANMA is tossing and turning, obviously having a nightmare.]
BOY-RANMA: No...no...you can't....
DISSOLVE TO:
DREAM - EXT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - ATHLETIC FIELD - LATE AFTERNOON
[Flashback of previous episode's final scene as GIRL-RANMA is standing
on the field with the bundle of roses.]
CUNO: I love you. I shall not rest till your heart beats in time with
my own.
[CUNO turns and walks into the sunset. GIRL-RANMA just collapses onto
her knees and stares in amazement and horror at CUNO'S back.]
CUT TO:
INT. TENDO LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
BOY-RANMA: [Tossing and turning.] No...no...
CUT TO:
DREAM - INT. TENDO BATHROOM
[BOY-RANMA is in the hot bath soaking as a naked CUNO appears in front
of him, sitting in the tub with BOY-RANMA.]
CUNO: I love you!
BOY-RANMA: [Screams.] I'm a guy you moron!
CUNO: I would date you!
BOY-RANMA: Get out of here you pervert!
CUNO: I love you!
GIRL-RANMA: [Suddenly Ranma is a girl now, the water covers her
chest.] I'm a guy, can't you see that you twisted, perverted, manic
depressive, jerk!!! [Notices he's a girl now.] Damn! I didn't feel any
cold water!?!?
CUNO: I would marry you!
GIRL-RANMA: Over my dead body, jerk!
CUT TO:
DREAM - EXT. BEACH - SUNSET
[GIRL-RANMA is dressed in a flowing white dress. CUNO in his usual
samurai outfit. They are strolling down the beach, GIRL-RANMA is
snuggled up to CUNO'S arm.]
CUNO: Ah, what beauty you are, but alas, you make the sunset pale in
comparison.
GIRL-RANMA: [Lovingly.] Oh Cuno... [Suddenly shocked.] What?!?! Get
away from me you jerk!
CUNO: But, why my love??
GIRL-RANMA: [Very agitated.] I am not your love! I'm a guy!
CUT TO:
DREAM - INT. CHURCH - DAY
[GIRL-RANMA is dressed in a beautiful wedding dress and standing at the
alter next to CUNO, who is wearing a Japanese wedding tuxedo with his
bokken at his side. They are holding hands and both smiling.]
PRIEST: I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.
GIRL-RANMA: [Suddenly shocked.] What!
[CUNO leans in and proceeds to give GIRL-RANMA a long kiss.]
[As they part GIRL-RANMA is now BOY-RANMA. CUNO and BOY-RANMA look
lovingly into each others eyes.]
BOY-RANMA: I love you Cuno...my husband.
CUT TO:
DREAM - INT. TENDO LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
[BOY-RANMA sits bolt upright and starts to scream very loudly.]
[CUT TO: outside of Tendo house at night and the screaming is still
heard.]
[CUT TO: aerial shot of San Francisco at night with the screaming still
heard.]
[CUT TO: picture of Earth from space, with the screaming still heard.]
[TITLES] [BOY-RANMA'S screaming can be heard behind the theme music
during the normal title sequence.]
[COMMERCIALS]
[SCENE 1]
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM/GARDEN - MORNING
[BOY-RANMA, looking very tired, is munching on breakfast. AKANE is
sitting silently next to him, nibbling on her food. KASUMI is sitting
across the table from them both.]
KASUMI: Ranma, do you want to talk about last night?
BOY-RANMA: Not really. I'm sorry I woke you all up.
AKANE: You should be. We had the neighbors calling the police thinking
someone was being killed.
NABIKI: [Coming down the stairs.] I think they thought YOU were
killing someone, Akane. [Smirks.]
AKANE: They did not!
NABIKI: So, Ranma what was that dream about?
BOY-RANMA: [Looking very downcast.] Nothing...
NABIKI: Hmmm, let me guess. It had something to do with a wedding?
BOY-RANMA: [Surprised.] What??? How did ya know...
NABIKI: I heard you muttering in your sleep before the scream.
BOY-RANMA: It didn't happen, and could never happen! I'm one hundred
percent guy!!
KASUMI: Of course you are...Why else could you dream of marrying
Akane?
AKANE and BOY-RANMA: [At the same time.] What!?!? Never!!
AKANE: Well at least we agree it will never happen.
BOY-RANMA: It wasn't... [He stops and looks away and says softly.]
Even marrying that tomboy would be better than... [He shudders and says
a little louder.] Never mind...it doesn't matter. [Looks down at his
hands.]
[AKANE and NABIKI just look confused as JOHN comes out of nowhere and
kicks BOY-RANMA out into the garden. They exchange blows and BOY-RANMA
manages to throw JOHN into the koi pond, instant JOHN-PANDA.]
JOHN-PANDA: [Angry.] Growl...growl.
BOY-RANMA: Serves you right, that wasn't even a fair kick!
[JOHN-PANDA leaps from the pond and trades blows with BOY-RANMA,
finally managing to toss him against the back fence, when BOY-RANMA
hits it he bounces off and ends up in the koi pond, instant
GIRL-RANMA.]
GIRL-RANMA: Pop! Give it a rest, I had a rough night!
[Back in the dinning room, the Tendo sisters have watched this fight
with mild curiosity, but continue eating as JOHN-PANDA sits down at the
table. GIRL-RANMA grabs a towel and sits on the porch.]
KASUMI: Oh dear, Mr. Saotome won't be able to eat the regular
breakfast I prepared now.
[KASUMI reaches behind her and produces a basket of bamboo shoots and
leaves. She puts it in front of JOHN-PANDA.]
KASUMI: Here you go then.
[NABIKI and AKANE look shocked.]
AKANE: Where on earth did you find bamboo shoots and leaves?
KASUMI: Oh, there's this cute little pet store down on Geary street.
[JOHN-PANDA raises his eyes at the word 'pet' and grunts.]
KASUMI: Not that you're a pet, Mr. Saotome.
NABIKI: All the fur in the bathtub would tend to contradict that
statement, Kasumi. [Grins.]
[Meanwhile on the porch, GIRL-RANMA has removed her shirt and has the
towel draped over her chest. AKANE spots her and comes over with an
angry look on her face.]
AKANE: Ranma! What are you doing! Do you have no sense of female
modesty?
GIRL-RANMA: Nope...I'm a guy.
[NABIKI is seen taking pictures of GIRL-RANMA and AKANE during the
following exchange.]
AKANE: Well you have a girl's body right now, so cover up. What if the
neighbors saw ya!!
GIRL-RANMA: I'm sure they'd wonder what happened to the flat-chested
tomboy who used to live here.
[AKANE hits GIRL-RANMA over the head with a bokken.]
AKANE: [Angry in Japanese.] *Ranma no baka!!*
GIRL-RANMA: [Now face down on the grass.] I know Japanese you know...
AKANE: Fine then! [She walks back inside continuing to curse.] Jerk,
idiot, moron, cross-dresser, pervert!
GIRL-RANMA: [Still face down.] Me and my big mouth.
CUT TO:
[SCENE 2]
EXT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - ENTRANCE PLAZA - DAY
[AKANE and BOY-RANMA are heading towards the entrance, the group of
boys are out in front again. AKANE sees them and starts running.]
AKANE: Here, hold this.
[AKANE tosses her backpack to BOY-RANMA and starts battling the boys.]
BOY-RANMA: [Starting to walk towards the door.] Geezzz...Every day for
the past week, why do they bother? [Looking around.] Hmmmm, no Cuno
this morning. Good.
[As AKANE finishes her morning boy attack, BOY-RANMA has walked to the
front doors (smoothly avoiding any flying boys on the way). AKANE
starts in the door next to BOY-RANMA as CUNO appears from behind the
building corner (or tree).]
CUNO: Ah, my love! And that honorless cur Ran...oooof...
[As CUNO starts saying Ranma's name, both AKANE and Ranma karate kick
him in the stomach, sending him flying across the entry plaza to hit
the fence, headfirst.]
AKANE and BOY-RANMA: [At the same time.] Leave me alone.
[AKANE and BOY-RANMA turn and enter the building leaving a crumpled
CUNO behind them.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 3]
INT. CORNER DINNER - DAY
[NABIKI is sitting at a table in a typical dinner, many kids can be
seen sitting around. CUNO walks in, with bandages wrapped around his
head.]
NABIKI: It's about time, Cuno-baby. I'm going to have to charge you
for my waiting time.
CUNO: [Sitting down across from NABIKI.] It is enough that I honor you
with my god-like presence, Nabiki Tendo. Now, you said that you had
some more information for my noble eyes?
NABIKI: Hmm, I have some photographs that I'm sure you'd be interested
in.
CUNO: [Thoughtfully.] Ah, but I already have so many of my fair Akane.
Do I really need more? [Suddenly determined.] Yes I do!
NABIKI: Actually I have some of your OTHER love. The 'red haired
pig-tailed goddess' is what you call her I believe.
CUNO: You know my fiery pig-tail goddess! I must have them!
NABIKI: Fifty dollars apiece. I have ten in all.
[NABIKI lays out the ten photos on the table, CUNO'S eyes bulge out on
seeing them. The pictures show GIRL-RANMA in various posses, some a bit
daring.]
CUNO: Sold! [Slaps down five 100 dollar bills.] She's....so
uninhibited.
NABIKI: Almost like a guy, isn't she?
CUNO: What is her name. I must find her and lavish her with gifts!
NABIKI: [Thinking for a second.] I'm afraid I don't know her name, but
if you give your presents to Ranma, I'm sure she'll get them. [Grins.]
CUNO: What relation is my pig-tail goddess to that honorless cur,
Saotome???
NABIKI: You'll have to ask him...Oh, I have some more shots of Akane
too.
[AKANE lays out 10 more pictures of AKANE, mostly of her exercising.]
CUNO: [Slapping down more money.] Sold!
CUT TO:
[SCENE 4]
EXT. STREET WITH FENCE - DAY
[BOY-RANMA is walking home alone. Suddenly a stuffed panda with a
ribbon around it's neck flies out of nowhere and lands in BOY-RANMA'S
hands.]
BOY-RANMA: [Confused.] What is this?
CUNO: [Appearing from around a corner.] It's a panda of course.
BOY-RANMA: Trust me, I know what a panda looks like. But, why give it
me, you jerk!
CUNO: Quoth NABIKI Tendo 'Give your presents to Ranma, I'm sure your
pig-tail goddess will get them'. But, why, I know not. What is my fair
lady's relation to you?
BOY-RANMA: [Tossing panda back to CUNO.] Forget her, trust me.
CUNO: What?
BOY-RANMA: If I have anything to say about it, you'll never see her
again...
[BOY-RANMA walks around a corner and out of sight of CUNO. He then
get's splashed by a lawn sprinkler. GIRL-RANMA appears.]
CUNO: [OFF CAMERA.] What do you mean! Ranma Saotome come back...
[CUNO walks around the corner and spots GIRL-RANMA and stops speaking.]
CUNO: Ah, my pig-tail goddess, you have sought me out! Here, take this
as but a small token of my love.
[CUNO tosses the panda to GIRL-RANMA, who swings a few times at it,
reducing it to pieces.]
CUNO: Oh, what fire! [He grabs GIRL-RANMA is a hug.] I shall never let
you go!
[NABIKI comes out of nowhere and knocks CUNO over the head with a metal
kettle. CUNO falls down to the sidewalk. Then she pours hot water over
GIRL-RANMA'S head.]
NABIKI: I'll put that on your tab, Ranma.
BOY-RANMA: [Yelling.] Now do you get it idiot! So long. [He turns to
leave.]
CUNO: Hold Saotome! Where have you hidden my beautiful pig-tail
goddess???
[BOY-RANMA stops in his tracks. NABIKI gets a thoughtful look on her
face.]
NABIKI: He just won't get it until we spell it out. [She walks over to
CUNO.] Listen Cuno-baby, that 'pig-tail' girl...Her body and soul
belong to Ranma here. You know what I mean?
CUNO: [A look of anger and horror appears on his face.] Her body and
soul...Tyrant!
[CUNO takes a swing at BOY-RANMA with his sword and BOY-RANMA dodges
it.]
BOY-RANMA: Hey, knock it out!
CUNO: Enslaver of women!
[The battle moves down the street further.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 6]
EXT. EMPTY LOT - DAY
[AKANE is sitting in the empty lot reading a book under a tree.
Suddenly CUNO flies into the lot and hits the tree AKANE is reading
under.]
AKANE: [Startled.] What?
[CUNO gets up and moves away a bit and readies his bokken.]
CUNO: Not now my love. I have a rapscallion to deal with.
AKANE: [Angry.] Who's your love?
[AKANE smacks CUNO in the back, sending him flying forward...to be
stopped by BOY-RANMA'S fist has he enters the lot.]
CUNO: Ooooof [Wind gets knocked out of him.]
[As CUNO falls several of the pictures fly from his pockets. Ranma
picks up a few of them.]
BOY-RANMA: What are these!???
[Distracted BOY-RANMA doesn't see CUNO swing his bokken, the hit sends
BOY-RANMA into the tree AKANE is standing by.]
AKANE: Really, won't you two ever stop this?
Ranma is lying under the tree looking up at AKANE.
BOY-RANMA: [Cheerfully.] Hi AKANE!
AKANE: I think you should know that CUNO is pretty good with that
sword.
BOY-RANMA: Nothing I can't handle.
[BOY-RANMA jumps up and returns to the fight with CUNO. CUNO and Ranma
dodge each other's blows until suddenly CUNO swings close to AKANE.]
BOY-RANMA: [Looking at AKANE.] Out of the way!
AKANE: Eyes front, idiot!
[BOY-RANMA looks around and suddenly thrusts his foot up to CUNO in a
seemingly smooth arc. CUNO just stands still for a few seconds and then
crumbles to the ground.]
AKANE: Wow. I didn't even see his foot hit CUNO. He's fast.
[BOY-RANMA flips CUNO'S bokken up with his foot and catches it.]
BOY-RANMA: [Hands bokken to AKANE.] Here, add this to your collection.
[Looking a little smug.] Blue Thunder, ha! Didn't have much thunder in
my opinion.
AKANE: [Holding bokken over her shoulder.] What do you mean, you took
some hits too.
BOY-RANMA: Oh, that was nothing.
AKANE: Really? It doesn't hurt here? [She pokes BOY-RANMA in the
side.]
BOY-RANMA: Nope.
[BOY-RANMA doubles over suddenly with a gasp.]
AKANE: Not much thunder, huh? What distracted you during the fight
anyway?
[BOY-RANMA tries to hide the pictures from AKANE, but AKANE grabs them
away.]
AKANE: [Looking at pictures.] Why do you have pictures of me???
BOY-RANMA: Why do I...? Cuno had these! One guess who sold them to
him...
AKANE: NABIKI! [Angrily.] My own sister.
BOY-RANMA: She probably got more for my pictures anyway. [Flips up a
picture of GIRL-RANMA for AKANE to see.] Much more feminine!
AKANE: Raaannnmaa...!
FADE OUT
[COMMERCIALS]
FADE IN
[SCENE 7]
EXT. TENDO GARDEN - MORNING
[BOY-RANMA and JOHN are battling in the garden, doing pretty good
avoiding each others blows. KASUMI walks out onto the porch.]
KASUMI: Mr. Saotome...Ranma...Breakfast!
JOHN: [In mid kick.] Thank you KASUMI-dear!
[Taking advantage of the distraction BOY-RANMA spins JOHN around and
against one of the large rocks. JOHN almost manages to keep his
balance, but eventually falls into the koi pond, instant JOHN-PANDA.]
CUT TO:
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM - MORNING
[JOHN-PANDA is sitting at the table munching on some bamboo and leaves.
BOY-RANMA and AKANE are sitting together eating their breakfast. NABIKI
is across from them.]
AKANE: I'm telling you Nabiki, stop selling Cuno pictures of me!
BOY-RANMA: Ya, and of my girl side too!
NABIKI: I'm just making a little extra money.
AKANE: You're just making Cuno more obsessed over me...err...us!
NABIKI: Well I think it's cute that Cuno is in love with both you and
your fiancee! [Grins.]
AKANE: [At same time as BOY-RANMA.] He's not my fiancee!
BOY-RANMA: [At same time as AKANE.] Hey! I'm a guy!
NABIKI: Whatever.
[KASUMI comes out of the kitchen and puts some more food on the table.]
KASUMI: Now, Nabiki, please try to avoid getting Ranma and Akane
upset. I'm sure you can make money a little more honestly.
NABIKI: [Looks down.] I'll try sis.
AKANE: That I'd like to see...'Honest Business Woman Nabiki Tendo'.
BOY-RANMA: Ya, that will be the same day we get married.
[BOY-RANMA starts to laugh and AKANE joins in. Suddenly they both stop
and realize what they were laughing at.]
BOY-RANMA: Errr...or not.
[They turn their heads away from each other and cross their arms.]
AKANE: Not!
[After a few seconds of silence Kasumi reaches behind her and pulls a
book out.]
KASUMI: Akane, can you drop this book off at Dr. Max's on your way to
school?
AKANE: [Taking book.] Sure sis, so what are you up to? Gangrene?
KASUMI: Actually I'm up to head wounds.
AKANE: Need me to make some for you to practice on? [Glares at Ranma.]
KASUMI: Thanks for the thought, but I'm sure Ranma likes his head
where it is. [Smiles.]
CUT TO:
[SCENE 8]
EXT. STREET WITH FENCE IN FRONT OF DR. MAX'S CLINIC - DAY
[BOY-RANMA and AKANE come out DR. MAX'S clinic and head towards school.
BOY-RANMA hops onto the fence.]
BOY-RANMA: So, you like Dr. Max pretty well I guess.
AKANE: Ya...
BOY-RANMA: I'm sure that he likes you too.
AKANE: Yes...but I think he likes Kasumi better. He always gets so
mushy and silly when she visits him...which seems to be quite often.
BOY-RANMA: [Jumping down to walk next to AKANE.] Oh, they're a couple?
AKANE: Not that I know of. They just spend a lot of time together.
[Suddenly.] Hey, why are you being so nice?
BOY-RANMA: Because you're not hitting me with anything.
AKANE: Let me find something. [Grins mischievously.]
BOY-RANMA: No thanks...
AKANE: [Glancing at her watch.] Oh...we're going to be late for my
morning fight! Come on!
[AKANE starts running down the street fast, dragging BOY-RANMA behind
her. AKANE doesn't notice that she drags him through a lawn sprinkler,
turning him into GIRL-RANMA.]
GIRL-RANMA: AKANE! Wait!
[AKANE doesn't stop and continues to school dragging GIRL-RANMA by her
hand.]
CUT TO:
EXT. TAKAHASHI HIGH SCHOOL - ENTRANCE PLAZA - DAY
[AKANE drags GIRL-RANMA in to the plaza and takes up a battle stance
(expecting the usual morning battle). Suddenly she realizes that
GIRL-RANMA is a girl.]
AKANE: Hey! When did you...
GIRL-RANMA: I told you to wait!
[The group of boys walk up to AKANE and GIRL-RANMA. AKANE notices them
and regains her battle stance.]
AKANE: Okay, who's first today?
[She suddenly notices that a lot of them have tears in their eyes.]
BOY#1: Akane...we... [Stumbles on his words.] we shall no longer
challenge you.
BOY#2: Instead, we shall swallow our feelings for you...
BOY#1: ...and give our approval...
BOY#2: ...to your engagement to Ranma.
AKANE & GIRL-RANMA: What??
CUNO: [OFF CAMERA.] So then...You have all heard this rumor, this
falsehood...
[CUT TO: CUNO standing with his bokken in hand. Many bandages cover his
upper body, including most of his face (only his mouth and eyes can be
seen).]
CUNO: ...that Ranma Saotome defeated me! Sophomore Thomas Cuno does
not admit defeat!!
BOY#1: Cuno WAS the best and strongest fighter at Takahashi High!
BOY#2: IF Ranma has defeated Cuno AND you have chosen Ranma...then we
shall give you up.
[Most of the boys look devastated, many close to tears, some crying
profusely.]
CUNO: I, the Blue Thunder of Takahashi High, shall never give you up
my fair Akane! I shall defeat the coward, Ranma!
GIRL-RANMA: [Irritated.] Who are you calling a coward??? [Takes a few
steps towards CUNO.] Can't admit that you lost, huh?
AKANE: [Quietly to GIRL-RANMA.] Hey! Don't forget that you're a...
[CUNO suddenly spots GIRL-RANMA (even though she was in plain sight
throughout his tirade).]
CUNO: Ohhh, it is you! My lovely pig-tail goddess!
GIRL-RANMA: Huh?? [Looks down at her body.] Opps...
AKANE: [Shakes head.] You just can't remember, can you?
CUNO: [Grabbing GIRL-RANMA by the hands.] How I have longed to hold
you in my strong arms!
GIRL-RANMA: Wait as second! I thought you loved AKANE!
CUNO: Of course I do, who would not?
GIRL-RANMA: She's watching you know.
[Both GIRL-RANMA and CUNO look over at AKANE, who is NOT looking at
them.]
GIRL-RANMA: Hey, Akane! Look at us!
AKANE: [Softly as if she is sad.] Cuno...if you really love this
girl... [Looks back at CUNO and GIRL-RANMA and takes a few steps closer
to CUNO and GIRL-RANMA.] ...I won't stand in your way! You may have
her, I shall give up any claim to your heart. [Barely manages to keep a
smile off her face.]
GIRL-RANMA: Hey!
CUNO: Oh! Akane, how noble and touching. [Looks down at the ground.]
How can I leave you when you are so sad? [Looks up suddenly at
GIRL-RANMA.] But how can I not love the fire in my pig-tail goddess?
[Suddenly CUNO jumps towards GIRL-RANMA and AKANE.] I love you both!!
[GIRL-RANMA and AKANE both thrust a foot up to kick CUNO in the face.
CUNO falls down to the ground and doesn't get up.]
BOY#2: Akane, we shall now leave you. Give our congratulations to
Ranma!
AKANE: Err... [Cheerfully.] Sure when I see him next!
GIRL-RANMA: You're awfully cheerful suddenly.
AKANE: [Flashing a big grin.] Why not! I was getting tired of beating
up those boys every morning. Guess you being my fiancee came in handy
this time.
GIRL-RANMA: [Sarcastically.] I'm thrilled for you.
[AKANE walks towards the entrance, as GIRL-RANMA suddenly stops and
looks at AKANE.]
GIRL-RANMA: [Thought voice over.] <Gee, she's kind of cute when she
smiles.>
AKANE: [Turns back to call to GIRL-RANMA.] Hurry up, I'll find some
hot water.
GIRL-RANMA: Okay.
TRANSITION TO:
[SCENE 10]
EXT. STREET WITH FENCE IN FRONT OF DR. MAX'S CLINIC - DAY
[AKANE and BOY-RANMA are walking home and are almost in front of DR.
MAX'S clinic.]
AKANE: Since Dr. Max knows alot about Asian medicine, we should tell
him about your girl curse and have him examine you. He may be able to
find a way to turn you into a boy full-time.
BOY-RANMA: I don't know...he wouldn't have to do anything gross would
he...
AKANE: Probably just a normal physical.
BOY-RANMA: Normal boy-physical or normal girl-physical.
AKANE: Probably both. [Grins.]
BOY-RANMA: No way! Not in a million years!
AKANE: You really should get used to your female body you know.
BOY-RANMA: I'm not planning on keeping it long, thank you.
[AKANE suddenly stops and spots KASUMI going into DR. MAX'S clinic.
KASUMI has a package of food with her.]
BOY-RANMA: Hmmm, looks like Kasumi is visiting her boyfriend.
Akane: [Suddenly angry.] I told you she's NOT Dr. Max's boyfriend!
Boy-Ranma: Whatever.
[SCENE 11]
INT. TENDO TRAINING HALL - DAY
[AKANE is working out in the Training Hall, hitting a stuffed punching
doll that looks a lot like BOY-RANMA (it's wearing a red Chinese shirt
and has a black pig-tail). She gets quite worked up. Then BOY-RANMA
steps in front of it and AKANE stops in mid swing.]
AKANE: Hey! I'm practicing here!
BOY-RANMA: At least hitting this Ranma is less painful for me. [Puts
arm around stuffed doll, grins at it, and knocks the doll's pigtail off
it's shoulder.] He's pretty handsome, don't you think?
AKANE: [Angry.] What do you want?
BOY-RANMA: Just wondering why you're so mad all of a sudden.
AKANE: Nothing.
BOY-RANMA: It's about Dr. Max isn't it?
AKANE: No! [Throws a fast punch at BOY-RANMA'S head, which he avoids.]
BOY-RANMA: [Grinning.] Oh, that almost hit some air I blew out.
[AKANE throws several more punches and kicks with battle cries,
BOY-RANMA avoids them all.]
AKANE: Stand still so I can punch you out!
BOY-RANMA: Why are you always so angry?
AKANE: I'm not! [Throws some more punches.]
BOY-RANMA: Ok, but you know...You're cute when you smile.
[This totally stops AKANE in her tracks. She stops and stares at
BOY-RANMA, blinking once. Twice.]
AKANE: What?
[BOY-RANMA taps her on her forehead with a finger, causing AKANE to
fall backwards onto her butt. She just stares at BOY-RANMA.]
BOY-RANMA: Gotcha!
[BOY-RANMA turns to leave.]
AKANE: [Scowling as BOY-RANMA leaves.] That's...a dirty trick!
- CUT TO:
[SCENE 12]
INT. AKANE'S ROOM - NIGHT
[AKANE comes into her room toweling her hair dry. She is wearing her
PJs. She goes over to her desk and looks at a mirror.]
AKANE: Did he mean that?
[AKANE smiles into the mirror.]
BOY-RANMA: [OFF CAMERA.] Yo, trying to break the mirror?
[The scene pans to show BOY-RANMA hanging upside-down outside the
window (apparently by his feet).]
AKANE: [Startled, looks at BOY-RANMA.] What? How dare you look into my
room!
[AKANE throws a kick at BOY-RANMA who flies away from the window. A
splash is heard in the distance. AKANE grins once more into the
mirror.]
CUT TO:
EXT. TENDO GARDEN - NIGHT
[GIRL-RANMA is sitting in the pond.]
GIRL-RANMA: She is so UN-CUTE!
- CUT TO:
[SCENE 13]
INT. TENDO DINNING ROOM - NIGHT
[GIRL-RANMA is toweling off at the table. NABIKI is laying nearby
reading a magazine. GIRL-RANMA finds one of the pictures of AKANE in
her pants and begins to crumple it with a scowl on her face. Then she
stops and looks at it [CAMERA SHOWS CLOSE-UP OF PHOTO.]. She sighs and
then smoothes it out and dries it.]
GIRL-RANMA: I was hoping things would calm down after I beat Cuno.
NABIKI: [Looking up from her magazine.] Well, Cuno is the school's
strongest martial artist and you beat him pretty easily, so I'm sure no
one else is likely to challenge you.
GIRL-RANMA: Ya I guess so...it just seems like someone is always
attacking me for no reason.
NABIKI: Oh, I wish...The gambling revenues alone would put me through
college.
GIRL-RANMA: Well maybe my bad luck with people picking fights with me
won't follow me to San Francisco...
- CUT TO:
[SCENE 14]
EXT. DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS - NIGHT
[RYOGA is wandering down the street and stops a passing couple.
In-joke: Have Ranma 1/2 Anime episodes showing on overhead street
display.]
RYOGA: Excuse me. But where is Takahashi High School?
MAN#1: Sorry. I really don't know Las Vegas that well.
RYOGA: [Confused.] Las...Vegas??? [Looks around him.]
RYOGA continues walking down the casino filled street. Then stops in
front of a slot machine at the entrance to a casino.
RYOGA: Why can't I find San Francisco! Damn my luck!
RYOGA punches the slot machine hard and walks away. He doesn't notice
that the slot machine spins and comes up all sevens. Coins start to
spill out.
FADE OUT
[COMMERCIALS]
[END CREDITS]
[END - EPISODE 3]
=======================================================================
[RANMA 1/2: AMERICAN TV SERIES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION]
[PREMISE]
The show revolves around AKANE TENDO and RANMA SAOTOME. They have been
engaged to be married by their parents since they were 5 years old.
Neither of them are thrilled at this prospect, but don't outright
refuse it due to various factors. AKANE because she is showing respect
for her dead parents, RANMA because he believes in family honor and
can't go against his parents wishes, plus there is a history between
RANMA (when he was 4-6 years old) and MOTHER TENDO which is slowly
revealed as the series goes on.
RANMA has another little problem, he fell into a cursed spring during a
training trip to China and now turns into a girl when splashed with
cold water (GIRL-RANMA). Hot water turns him back into a boy
(BOY-RANMA). He is splashed with cold water at the worst times. RANMA'S
Father, JOHN, is also cursed to turn into a PANDA.
Various characters appear wanting to fight RANMA for some misdeed RANMA
did or did not do. AKANE attracts various suitors as the series
progresses. Even GIRL-RANMA has men chasing after her. RANMA ends up
with several more fiancees as the series progresses.
The humor is based around the love that slowly develops between RANMA
and AKANE, the unlikely battles that RANMA gets into, the various
fiancees chasing RANMA, and the curses that various characters have (a
pig, a cat, and a duck are the other main ones that show up).
Action sequences consist of martial arts battles, some simple
challenges, and also various 'unusual' martial arts contests occur
(Martial Arts Ping Pong, Marital Arts Pizza Making, Martial Arts
Skiing).
[DIFFERENCES FROM ANIME/MANGA]
Back story of RANMA and AKANE (they played together at ages 4-6) added
to provide a reason for AKANE to not completely negate the engagement
and to provide basis for AKANE'S parents arranging the marriage in the
first place.
SOUN TENDO died one year before series begins. This is to reduce large
cast list and to provide more reason for the engagement and the
Saotomes to move in.
Less RANMA hitting by AKANE (some will still be there). No shots into
orbit. Some hits will be just slaps. It'll be mentioned several times
that RANMA doesn't get hurt badly by the blows because of his martial
arts training. This is mainly to avoid any 'domestic abuse' backlash.
Of course, the frontal nudity will not be able to be used and any show
that requires/revolves around it may have to be skipped (although parts
of any Japanese episode/manga may be interwoven with other stories).
Episodes that rely on a Japanese setting may be hard to do. For
example: 'Bathhouse Battle' episode would be hard due to cultural
differences...not too many public baths in USA. Of course, the nudity
in that episode also prevents it from being adapted.
Mega-power attacks and highflying jumps will have to be toned down to
realistic limits that can be duplicated and done with live actors. This
will NOT become a 'Power Rangers' type kids show.
Comedy will still have slapstick quality of the original, but more
believable in modern American setting (somewhat like 'Home Improvement'
or 'Third Rock from the Sun').
Half hour sitcom format will be used (although the series could use a
one-hour comedy/drama format as well). This is really a love story
about AKANE and RANMA that keeps getting off the track by all the
martial art fights, fiancees, and misunderstandings. Call it a Martial
Arts, Love Comedy/Drama.
AKANE and RANMA will get married probably around 6 years into series
(after they begin college). This means that existing stories that rely
on them not being married have to be used before then. Some stories may
be held back if they can be adapted to a married AKANE and RANMA.
Since the live actors will age, the relationship has to evolve to avoid
becoming stagnant.
AKANE will also become a better Martial Artist than the anime/manga,
although not as good as RANMA. She becomes an even match for the others
as the years pass and her strength grows. RANMA eventually starts to
train with her.
Some names and nationalities are changed to give an American audience
something to identify with (an all Japanese cast would not work well).
[TIMELINE.]
The following is a rough timeline of stories and events covering the
first seven seasons of the live action Ranma 1/2 television sitcom.
Events and order of shows may change of course.
Season 1
Mostly introductions of main characters and some AKANE and RANMA fights
and indications of some feelings between them (although very slight
indications). Most stories will come from first two seasons of anime.
Basic stories will be shown in this order: Pilot; KUNO intro; RYOGA
intro; SHAMPOO intro (she stays around for a while before heading back
to China); Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics contest (Timed to be in
November sweeps); Another SHAMPOO story where she returns to China;
Takeout Race; Marital Arts Figure Skating; Cat-Fu/Shampoo returns
(February sweeps); COLOGNE intro (including Chestnuts); MOUSSE intro;
Phoenix pill battle (at beach as in manga); Breaking Point; The season
ender is 'RANMA and Juliet' expanded a bit (a two parter).
Season 2
UKYO introduced in season opener. AKANE and RANMA get a little closer,
but still fight. Mousse gets cursed as MOUSSE-DUCK. RANMA and JOHN move
into SOUN'S ROOM after a tearjerker episode about the death of the
Tendo parents. JOHN starts to train a few students (one turns out to be
training just to beat up RANMA). Spring of Drowned Man in USA episodes.
Ends with an evil figure awakening and seeking revenge against his
students (SOUN and GENMA), very little detail is seen about the figure.
Season 3
Happosai makes his reappearance, but is NOT allowed to stay at the
Tendos. He will make appearances every now and then. Hiru Shoten Ha is
learned by Ranma. Kodachi goes a little overboard during the season and
is put under 'observation' for awhile. Season ends with AKANE and RANMA
sharing a real kiss (up to this point they haven't).
Season 4
Opener is RANMA and GIRL-RANMA spirit story (but ends with GIRL-RANMA
spending several episodes as normal GIRL-RANMA outside of BOY-RANMA'S
body until something causes them to combine into a single body again).
NODOKA shows up from Japan during the split time and meets both (but is
not told about the curse since they think the split is permanent). Moko
Takabisha is learned by Ranma after Ryoga learns the Roaring Lion
Bullet. Sometime in the middle of season AKANE is badly hurt in a
battle and RANMA starts to train with her ("I just don't want to see
you hurt," is his reason). Still unaware of the curse NODOKA forces
RANMA and AKANE to wed. The aborted wedding ends the season (similar to
manga wedding). NODOKA learns of the curse 'during' the wedding.
Season 5
RANMA and AKANE'S senior year (the first four seasons covered the first
three high school years). NABIKI and CUNO are at college (but are close
and show up often enough). Having less to do around the house (NODOKA
is now living with them) KASUMI starts to go to college and is openly
dating DR. MAX. RANMA and AKANE are starting to get along a little
better, but still get interrupted when they try to further their
relationship. They do occasionally manage to get some kissing and
necking in. Ranma starts to accept his curse. Season ends with their
senior prom, where RANMA sort of tells AKANE he loves her (it's a bit
vague).
Season 6
AKANE goes to college with NABIKI and CUNO (who has given up on AKANE,
but not GIRL-RANMA.) RANMA hasn't done well in High School and didn't
make it in. He starts to get jealous of AKANE and imagines college men
hitting on her. He manages to get an assistant coaching position at the
college. No one is hitting on her, but he ends up attracting women (and
men to GIRL-RANMA). AKANE and RANMA get closer. The season ends with
RANMA and AKANE getting married (for real). They were forced into it so
the couple still is a little awkward.
Season 7
Ranma and Akane slowly get used to married life, able to use the
marriage to shake off most fiancees and other pursuers. They stop
fighting their feelings a few months into the marriage and 'consummate'
it (during sweeps of course).
The rest of season 7 and the series deal with their adaptation to
married life, children, RANMA'S curse (which is never cured), leaving
college, AKANE goes to work and RANMA runs the dojo.
It'll probably run to 20 seasons. :)
FFML DRAFT - PLEASE DO NOT RE-DISTRIBUTE
=======================================================================
Email me at: mailto:jimlazar@earthlink.net with comments, criticisms,
or if you want to join my pre-reader list.
http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlazar/anime
Revision 0.4
June 4, 1998
Okay, as much as I'd like to see this television series come to
American TV for real, I really have a hard time believing that it would
make it to prime time American TV. One of the best things about Ranma
1/2 is that it blends the relationship between Ranma and Akane so well
with all the absurd martial arts battles and fights.
Any live action Ranma series would have to evolve (I can't see 24 year
old adults still bickering and avoiding kissing as being realistic). I
debated actually marrying them in the first season, then having them
adapt to each other as the series progressed, but this would cause many
of the original stories to be unusable.
Some of the changes I made were done looking at it from a financial
point of view, that a studio would probably take if producing this
series. Soun was one of those items, having both Genma and Soun would
be a bit redundant and with the cast list being very large someone had
to go. If not Soun, Nabiki and/or Kasumi might have had to go to reduce
the cast list (and there was no way I was going to write them out).
"Thank you," Kasumi thanks me. "Here's your payment for keeping me in
the script," Nabiki thanks me and hands me a wad of cash.
I set it in San Francisco because of the large Asian population there
and the fact that I like San Francisco (I live near it). The
opportunity to have some interesting battles around the easily
recognizable city (when the budget allows for location shots) also
played in this decision.
The commercialized Jusenkyo evolved while I visited Disneyland.
The age changes were done to start Akane and Ranma as Freshmen and give
them more time to be awkward teenagers as they struggled through High
School and their relationship. Kasumi was aged upwards by two years to
make her more of a 'motherly' figure, and since she'd have to be a
little order in order to gain custody of her sisters after Soun's
death.
The changed names mostly were done with names that sounded similar to
the normal ones. I kept 'CUNO' and just changed the K to a C because it
sounds like it could be any nationality (I kind of picture the CUNOS as
being Russian/German). DR. MAX'S new name (DR. MAXWELL BEAN) is based
on his old one (TOFU is, of course, BEAN curd, ONO is Japanese for
AX-add add a 'M' and you get MAX).
I wasn't going to change RANMAS name, but with him not being Japanese
that would be a problem. So I had JOHN marry JAPANESE woman (NODOKA)
and take her last name (why mess with the last name too). This also
opens some possible stories involving why JOHN took NODOKA'S name
(fleeing the law?)
And the three lovely Tendo sisters names were left unchanged, of
course.
The pilot episode turned out to be so much like the original, that I
did the next two episodes to get an idea of the way the American TV
series would feel. These three episodes cover the events in the first 6
episodes of the Japanese Anime. It seems like a lot to cut out, but the
sooner Ryoga and Shampoo make their appearances the better for ratings.
I don't plan on doing all the other scripts as Fanfics. If you want to
see the rest, someone has to give me the money to produce the series
for real. :)
Revision 0.4 - FFML draft
--
Jim Lazar
E-Mail - mailto:jimlazar@earthlink.net
Home - http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlazar
FanFiction - http://home.earthlink.net/~jimlazar/anime
"You made Akane whose daughter?!?!"
"Genma's."
"Has she hit you with her mallet yet?"
"Several times, actually."