"If you can't stand the heat, find some shade"

Based on the manga by Kosuke Fujishima (who also created Oh My Goddess!), You're Under Arrest is an entertaining light police comedy. Volume 1 and 2 are great introductions to this beloved 1990's Anime. The show aired from October 1996 to September 1997 and produced 51 episodes, 21 OVA episodes, 1 Movie along with 3 spinoff series. All of the Anime was produced at Studio Deen and the American Distribution is through AnimEigo.
The Bokuto Police Station was a quiet station until the day that day Natsumi Tsujimoto came to work and was teamed up with Miyuki Kobayakawa. Natsumi is the rough and tumble type of woman and Miyuki is the demure gear-head that can soup up any kind of vehicle, including a very small scooter that Miyuki manages to defy physics with. The Ladies manage to make being a traffic police officer in Tokyo fun and exciting.

Volume 1

File 1
"And So They Meet": This is the beginning of a dynamic friendship with the introduction of the two Officers, Miyuki and Natsumi. Natsumi realizes that she is going to be late to her first day on the job. She takes drastic measures and begins to take the traffic laws into her own hands and ride her scooter through places that she should not be. The make her day even better she is spotted by a cop. The chase is on. It so happens that the cop chasing her is going to be her new partner. This first episode does a fine job of setting the tone of the series raises the bar for all the others to follow.

File 2
"Tokyo Typhoon Rally": A Typhoon is moving in on Tokyo and to make things even more interesting there is a crazed driver who likes to come on and push his luck with the Police. There is a good amount of action in this episode along with a little slice of life to lighten things up. There are a few of the main cast that is give more development in this one and a feeling of the personal relationships are hinted at.

File 3
"Love's Highway Stars": This episode proved the constant unrequited love interest between Miyuki and Ken, the big tough guy or teddy bear at the station. Miyuki heads off to a school reunion. Ken with the prodding of Natsumi heads off to confess his love. Of course Natsumi had the wrong hotel and ends up taking Ken in the wrong direction. This ends up putting strain on the fragile relationship and makes for a humours show.

File 4
"On the Road Again": Natsumi is offered a high profile position away from Bokuto Station. She is not sure but everyone is behind her pushing to take it. She makes the move and soon realizes what she really wants. This one is one of the weaker episodes, but is still very fun to watch.

Volume 2

File 5
"A Beauty to be Reckoned With – Her Name is Aoi" All I can really say about this one is that it is by far the funniest of these two Volumes. There are a few things that happen that you would never get to enjoy in American anime. This one is a must see.

File 6
"Inspector Arizuke – The King of Hades" Bokuto Station is visited by tough inspector. The dysfunctional station is put to the teat. There is the typical jokes and the even more typical save that happens for the station, but it is still very delightful.

File 7
"Strike Man-Defender of Justice" This episode introduces the vigilante Strike Man to the series. He is a little over the top but is a development of a strong dynamic between the Police and Strike man that will lead to more fun down the line.

File 8
"Big Duel of Lucky Yoriko": Yoriko finished first in her class, but it was through luck. Her roommate is a debutante who wants to be the top in everything and has not forgiven her for lucking into the top spot. Yoriko is challenged to a competition that should end this issue, but some people prove that Karma is mightier than talent.

Overall

I find Your Under Arrest to be interesting because it is a true dichotomy. On one had it comes across as a show for younger viewers but manages to through in issues and story lines that requires an older perspective. The series does a wonderful job of providing a light and witty story. The animation is surprisingly strong for this TV production. It is not flashy, but the cars and action look great for 1996 and 1997.

ComicsOnline gives Your Under Arrest Volumes 1 & 2, 4 out of 5 Japanese Drifts