Set in 90's Japan, Yu Yu Hakusho is a fantasy for high school Punkers. Wildly popular, in the 1990's, as the manga by Weekly Shonen Jump, and the anime, broadcasted by Fuji Television; this action-packed horror-esq series had an entire generation of viewers embrace this story as an homage to their trifles growing up underprivileged. Not every Gen X student wanted to grow up to be a Detective or Policeman, but the theme of gangs and horror couldn't come at a better time, at the time.
Recently premiered was the Yu Yu Hakusho live mini-series, on Netflix. For many fans, this show was a great summary of the entire show, with popular villains, and major story arcs covered in just five one-hour-long episodes. One could argue that it was rushed, but if the fans remember how long it took to finish off each villain in every season, this mini-series would justify their homage and references to much of our relief.
The writing is just as choppy, although the plot is much smoother, in this mini-series. The character development feels almost filtered, compared to the anime. But, with the restriction of five episodes, we're left with the show being plot-driven. As for the character's attitude, maybe due to the times or for the sake of social impressions, Yu Yu Hakusho's mini-series is less quippy and cheerful. The pedantry of Botan's smart-mouthing and the romantic awkwardness of Yusuke's love interest are lost. That 90's charm of teenage angst is gone...
FOMO has never felt so real when the corny jokes and cute arguments were removed. But, in all honesty, times have changed. And, since we're being so bold, this show's theme has been outdated. Perhaps they should consider a full horror-themed Yu Yu Hakusho, and update the delinquent attitude? Many shows have been updated for their new adaptations, and the story isn't bad. We've seen such improvements in the early 2000's version of Cashern and Devilman Crybaby. So, maybe, Yusuke and the gang could do with an updo too?
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