Saber Marionette J is one of those shows that is just good, clean fun (at this stage of the game, anyway). There are some shows that just can't be beat for slapstick humor.

The series takes place in the distant future, where mankind has reverted back to a midevil-type lifestyle, except for the fact that there are no females. Rather than having a wild land of rabid, murderous homosexual biker gangs in tight clothing (AKA Ai no Kusabi), they seem to be like what every civilization is like WITH women. The reason? A bunch of female androids known as "marionettes" that carry out every whim and desire of the guys that run things. Every nerd's fantasy.

Poverty-stricken peddler Otaru is just falling on hard times thanks to Hanagata, his "friend" (a rich jerk who keeps annoying the crud out of him), he accidentally awakens a marionette named "Lime" (who just happens to have the voice of Megumi Hayashibara... YAY!!). She's different from the other marionettes in that she not only has a will of her own, she gets mad and acts just like a real human! Then, when Otaru unwittingly unlocks another marionette named Cherry (who instantly falls in love with him), things really get complicated.

These first few episodes take their time to set up the characters and general plot of the series, so they move somewhat slowly, but hints of what's to come are all over the place. The series has its share of misses as well as hits... some of the humor is just boring. However, it's still a load of fun overall.

The English presentation is very well-done, with good translations and subtitles, although the credits look very cheap. Overall, Saber Marionette J is a great package,and makes for wonderful family entertainment.