Ranma 1/2 – Season 1 Episode 12 Recap, Review & Ending Explained

Shampoo Cleans

Episode 12 of Ranma 1/2 begins with Ranma asking Akane what happened between her and Shampoo.

What’s wrong with Akane? Does Ryoga tell Ranma what Shampoo did to Akane?

Akane explains what happened and walks away from Ranma. She doesn’t know who Ranma is. Ranma thinks Akane’s developed amnesia. Akane’s friends arrive. They want to know how Akane’s fight with Shampoo went. Akane tells them it was an easy brawl but Ranma thinks otherwise.

She tells Ranma that she doesn’t know who he is. Akane’s friends inform Akane about her connection with Ranma. Akane ponders and Ranma takes P-chan (Ryoga) somewhere. He pours water on P-chan so he can turn into Ryoga. Ryoga tells Ranma that he saw Shampoo leap over Akane. 

However, he doesn’t know what attack Shampoo used to wipe Akane’s memory.

What’s the Xi Fa Shiang Gao Shiatsu technique? What does Tofu need from Ranma?

Ranma takes Akane to Dr. Tofu’s office. Tofu examines Akane. He tells Ranma that Shampoo used the Xi Fa Shiang Gao Shiatsu technique on her. Tofu says the technique involves the user pressing shiatsu points on their opponent’s head using shampoo.

He says the technique can wipe away a person’s memory. He tells Ranma he’ll need shampoo to discover a cure. Ranma departs with Akane to find Shampoo. Shampoo arrives at Tofu’s place. Tofu says Shampoo is his new assistant and will live here for a while. 

What happens when Akane and Ranma return home? What type of shampoo does Ranma need to restore Akane’s memory?

Later, Akane arrives home. Akane greets Kasumi and Nabiki. Nabiki and Kasumi can’t believe Akane doesn’t recognize Ranma. Shampoo hugs Ranma seconds later. Akane attacks Ranma and wonders why she did that. 

Shampoo tries using her technique on Akane again but Ranma steals her shampoo. He takes Akane to the restroom to wash her hair with it. Akane attacks Ranma. Tofu arrives and tells Ranma he must perform the technique using the 119 shampoo blend. 

Tofu tells Ranma he has a recipe book for it. However, Tofu accidentally rips the book up after Kasumi compliments him.

Does Shampoo have the 119 shampoo blend? How does Ranma plan to get it from her?

Kasumi and Nabiki confront Ranma at night. Ranma tells the girls he’s heading to a Chinese pharmacy to buy the 119 shampoo blend. Ranma departs. Ranma spots Shampoo hanging from a tree. He notices she has the 119 shampoo blend and chases her. Ranma tells Shampoo he’ll grant her a specific wish if she gives him the 119 shampoo blend.

Shampoo wants Ranma to kill Female Ranma for her. Ranma meets with Ryoga. The former reveals he accepted Shampoo’s request. However, Ranma agreed to half-kill Female Ranma. Ranma asks Ryoga to beat him senseless but Ryoga fails. Soun and Genma arrive.

They beat up Ranma. Akane notices the thrashing and asks them to stop. 

How does Ranma 1/2 Season 1 end?

Ranma explains what’s happening to Akane and tells her she isn’t cute. Akane starts remembering who he is. Ranma says the same line to Akane numerous times. Akane ponders this remark for several seconds and slaps Ranma in retaliation. Shampoo arrives and learns Akane’s memories have returned. 

She tries to kill Akane but Ranma stops her. Ranma grabs a bucket of water and pours it on himself. He becomes a girl again. Ranma tells Shampoo that Male Ranma was a disguise. Shampoo grabs Ranma but stops herself from hitting her. 

Shampoo cries. Then, Shampoo bids farewell to Ranma and leaves. Ranma and Ryoga discuss this situation on the roof. Ryoga tells Ranma to turn into a guy and stop Shampoo. Ranma tells Ryoga to stay quiet.

Ranma 1/2 Season 1 ends with Ranma admitting it’d be a waste to let Shampoo go. 

The Episode Review

Ranma 1/2 leaves fans on a depressing note, as far as Shampoo is concerned. Although Shampoo semi-ruined Ranma and Akane’s relationship, seeing Shampoo depart from the area in tears is upsetting. Hopefully, Season 2 will start with Ranma trying to convince Shampoo to stay. 

At the same time, one may question why it took Ranma this long to reveal the truth to Shampoo in this fashion. Most problems could’ve been avoided if he had approached Shampoo about his alternate persona earlier in the narrative. Nonetheless, it was nice seeing Ranma perform humble acts for Akane’s sake. 

This shows how much Ranma truly cares about Akane’s well-being. While some may not like how Akane’s memories are restored, others won’t mind how it’s done. But all in all, this was an enjoyable way to wrap up Ranma 1/2 Season 1.