The essential episodes of DearS

Watch these 12 in order and you've got DearS — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · July 10, 2004 · 25m

   I Want to Nibble Sweetly7.0

   Crossing over a bridge, an unidentified box truck overturns at the sight of a stray cat in the road, spilling a human capsule from its cargo (which shows Exposition). On his way back from school, Takeya encounters and rescues a mysterious Dears from being run over by a delivery truck. After proclaiming servility to him, and then shortly fainting, he takes her to his apartment where she is washed, clothed, fed melonpan and given the name Ren. Meanwhile back at the bridge, Rubi and Khi discover the lost capsule.

2. 02

   S01E02 · Top rated · July 17, 2004 · 25m

   I Wonder If Its Small7.0

   After a nightmarish and erratic morning, Neneko mistakenly discovers Ren during an unexpected visit, and examining the situation, assigns Takeya the job of teaching her Japanese. He indifferently teaches her nothing and eventually falls asleep, during which time Ren telepathically learns all the material and gains the ability to speak the language, though in a slightly broken manner. In this more fluent condition, Neneko and Takeya bring Ren to a mall to shop for new clothes. Elsewhere, Miu finishes up her admission to Koharu High with Khi.

3. 03

   S01E03 · Top rated · July 24, 2004 · 25m

   Ball! Ball!7.0

   Miu acquaints with her assigned homestay, an elderly couple she warmheartedly calls her grandparents. Meanwhile, after being scolded by Takeya for her nakedness, Ren decides to clean the apartment by defenestrating his furniture and trash; Neneko empathetically awarding her yesterdays shopping change in return. Xaki instructs Nia to apprehend Ren. The following morning Ren visits the market, and drawn by the scent of melonpan, buys a bag of it; Nia botching her capture and leaving absentmindedly. Ren affectionately visits Takeya at school, causing an uproar that settles when she is believed to be a substitute for Miu. Tired and confused, Takeya and Ren retreat home.

4. 04

   S01E04 · Top rated · July 31, 2004 · 25m

   Wipe Your Mouth7.0

   Ren begins her first day of school and assimilates quite nicely; she is well respected and admired by everyone. When Miu arrives, only to learn of her replacement, she charges Ren; refusing to coincide with her as the student diplomat. In response, the school holds three duels: a 100 yard dash, a liberal arts test and a cookoff. While Miu effectively wins 3-1, she mournfully forfeits the last challenge. Nevertheless, the principle asks both girls to stay; Miu vowing to watch Ren attentively.

5. 05

   S01E05 · Top rated · August 7, 2004 · 25m

   Partners?7.0

   Detached and confused about Ren, Takeya grows increasingly rash towards her. Miu helps to explain the situation and supervises her after class. That night, Khi visits Miu to collect information on Ren while, back at the apartment, uncontrollably aroused by her body, and sensing this, Ren straddles a distraught Takeya.

6. 06

   S01E06 · Top rated · August 14, 2004 · 25m

   I Am Frustrated7.0

   Takeya stops Ren from sexually advancing, calling it too soon. Slightly awkward from this, he distances himself from her for most of the day. Miu invites herself to reform Ren by showing her to cook and gaily decorating the apartment. As Takeya throws out the flashy new room additions, he is hastily tackled by his stepsister, Natsuki Ikuhara.

7. 07

   S01E07 · Top rated · August 21, 2004 · 25m

   Pervert...7.0

   Takeya, Natsuki, Neneko and Ren spend time walking around an amusement park, then return home. When Natsuki misunderstands Ren and Takeya's cohabitation, she becomes aggressively jealous toward Ren and tries to drive her off. Both girls eventually makeup, but not before Harumi arrives to ferociously pickup her daughter. At an airport, relations patched, Neneko, Takeya and Ren bid goodbye to Harumi and Natsuki as they depart to catch a flight. Miu summons Khi and tells him she has plans to drop out of school.

8. 08

   S01E08 · Top rated · August 28, 2004 · 25m

   M, My Ball ......7.0

   In a flashback a man lies on a floor grossly hemorrhaging as Miu desperately tries but fails to stop it. Back in school, Miu, still feeling inferior to and jealous of Ren, challenges her to another contest; a Dears game called Palaga. During the game, Miu and Takeya fall into a water well, and unable to immediately leave, sit and talk about the Dears enslavement and Miu's past; the man from the previous sequence being her ex-master who was gunned down. Overcoming her past, and discovering the well is in the back of her homestay, Miu flies them both out; Takeya met by an overjoyed Ren.

9. 09

   S01E09 · Top rated · September 4, 2004 · 25m

   It Hurt A Little7.0

   Walking back from school with Ren and Neneko, it is revealed that Takeya's fear of aliens stems from watching science-fiction horror films as a child. That afternoon, Neneko has Ren and Miu model a costume wardrobe she has; politely refusing to model any herself. Takeya's sharp opinion to this offends Neneko who leaves; Takeya unapologetic. The following day, although Neneko seems casual and unhurt, Takeya has a guilty conscience, and by the end of the day, apologizes for his rudeness.

10. 10

    S01E10 · Season 1 peak · September 11, 2004 · 25m

    We'll Have An Orgy-Nii8.0

    While browsing the market, Miu participates in a lottery and, unknowingly rigged for her, wins the top prize; four tickets to a newly opening bathhouse. She invites Takeya, Ren and Neneko who all agree to go; Nia following. During the stay, when separated into unisexual baths, Ren goes searching for Takeya; Nia flying through a high window and passing out from the fall. With Yoshimine distracting the commotion, the group escapes the building. Seen aboard an incoming flight is Harumi and Natsuki.

11. 11

    S01E11 · Top rated · September 18, 2004 · 25m

    Do You Want To Experience It?7.0

    During school, Khi visits Miu to inform her that Ren's confirmation ceremony is to be annulled. After two embarrassing incidents, Takeya distances himself from her; being asked by Yoshimine to fetch class textbooks. Ren goes to collect the material but goes into the wrong room; meeting Hirofumi. Talking out her sexual interests, Hirofumi feels led on and embraces Ren; interrupted by Takeya who finds her. Coming back from work to Khi and Miu, he is informed that Ren is to be recalled. As Takeya sits in shock, Xaki locates Ren in the market.

12. 12

    S01E12 · Series finale · September 25, 2004 · 25m

    Furthermore It Was Hot7.0

    In the apartment, Khi explains to Takeya in detail the reason for the recall. Back at the market, Xaki gives chase to Ren but is dissuaded when a mob of storekeepers come to her aid. As Ren returns and settles home, confused and indecisive, Takeya divorces ownership of her; Khi scheduling to pick her up the next day. At school, as Ren gives her farewells, she eludes Khi and is pursued by Xaki once more. Upset at this, the entire school assembles to help; Yoshihime motorcycling Takeya to Ren. Following a scuffle with Xaki, Takeya emphatically changes his mind and makes it his final decision to be Ren's master.