REVIEW: ‘Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon,’ Episode 27 – “The Silver-Scale Curse”

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon (Yashahime) is a fantasy/adventure anime from Sunrise. As Towa, Moroha, and Setsuna continue their search for the mystical root, Yashahime Episode 27 treats viewers to a glimpse into the past to clarify some of the details about how the feudal world came to be in the state it is in.

One of the aspects of Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon I have enjoyed is the pace and way the series has revealed its backstory. Taking moments such as the forest fire that separated Towa and Setsuna in their youth, and returning to it repeatedly, each time revealing a new layer to the event, the story compels the viewer to question every truth they may believe they know. It also makes episodes like Yashahime Episode 27 much more interesting than they might otherwise be. This slow-burn reveal of the show’s history keeps the past as interesting as the present.

The primary focus of this episode’s pilgrimage into the past is Towa and Setuna’s mother Rin and how she found herself sealed in the Tree of Ages. Through this focus, we learn more about the parts played by many of the older cast members in the events that unfolded between this series and the show’s predecessor Inuyasha. These moments are thoroughly enlightening. Some of the characters are given more nuance through further explanations of their actions and motives. This is especially true for Towa and Setsuna’s father, Sesshomaru. This enigmatic figure’s actions have at times felt rather contradictory and the further revealing of details surrounding him helps shed light on the character.

Through its exploration of the past, Yashahime  Episode 27 makes some surprising revelations about Riku as well. I won’t spoil what it is, but it changes the young man’s path significantly going forward in the series. I find myself curious as to what path Riku will follow with the repercussions of this week’s reveals forcing him to change his plans.

The only complaint one might level against this entry in the series is how little it does with its primary protagonists. The time spent with Towa, Setsuna, and Moroha amounts to little more than setting up for next week’s story. While this might disappoint some, I think that the quality of the backstory we got is more than worth letting the trio simmer on the backburner for an episode.

The visual delivery of Yashahime Episode 27 does a great job of keeping where and when the story’s events are taking place clear. By opening many of the episode’s jaunts to the past with familiar footage before expanding on what’s already been revealed, the viewer’s perspective is always kept up on what point in time the story is expanding on.

When all is said and done, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Episode 27 delivers an interesting look at the tale’s backstory and how it informs the events that are currently unfolding. Despite so much being revealed it feels obvious that there are yet more secrets for the viewer to learn.

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon Episode 27 is streaming on Funimation and Crunchyroll.