Spectre

As the first season of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle reaches its midpoint, Syaoran sees the dark side of the bargain he struck with Yuko the Dimensional Witch. After defeating the evil magician Tambal, Syaoranpresents Sakura with another feather of memory. But she can't see him in the birthday party she recalls, only his empty chair. He can restore all her memories--except the ones of him--but his dedication to the quest never falters. When the group moves to the Country of Jade, they find themselves caught up in a 300-year-old mystery, involving a golden-haired princess and missing children. The original legend is retold in visuals that suggest stained glass windows, continuing the visual imagination that enriches this shojo (girl's) adventure. The only false note in the otherwise charming Tsubasa is the rabbit-like Mokona, whose grating voice and self-conscious cuteness rob dramatic moments of some of their punch. (Rated TV PG, suitable for ages 10 and older: violence) --Charles Solomon