Just a few questions regarding the second series. This has probably all 
been discussed numerous times before on this list, but as I am a newcomer 
here, and because I wish to read more than a couple of "unsubscribe" 
notices...

  When are 12 and 13 going to be released in English?

  Are 12 and 13 even out in Japan yet? Has anyone here seen them? I don't 
mind spoilers, honestly... ^_^

  And I realize everyone here has probably already voiced their opinions 
by now, but if anyone doesn't mind repeating, I'd like to hear some 
people's responses to the overall quality of the second series (or a 
summary of the general consensus). Some people I know seem to like the 
new episodes, and I think they're okay, with occasionally very funny or 
well-executed scenes. I especially enjoyed the opening sequence of episode 11 
(Tokimi, 
Clay, etc.), but thought the rest of it was worthless. Zero, a supposedly 
ruthless assassin, is reduced to a simpering ninny when coming near Tenchi. 
It also doesn't reflect very well on the new writers' handling of Ryouko, 
either, since they're her borrowed emotions. Come ON, where's the 
kick-ass Ryouko we all know and love?
  Maybe I'm just spoiled by the sheer brilliance of the first series - I 
try to forget episodes 1-7, and come to the conclusion that the second 
series is okay by itself, and even the wince-inducing bits are redeemed 
by some amount of poignant character revelation: the relentless poo-poo 
and pee-pee gags of #8 give way to an interesting revelation by Washu, 
even though it seems irrelevant to the plot, and is immediately derailed 
by a lame, inconclusive ending that isn't followed up on in #9, and... er...

  Well, maybe it's not even very good in its own right. Cripes, I dunno. 
Thoughts? 

  Sorry for wasting everyone's time like this, just some things I wanted 
to get off my chest in this forum...