REVIEW: ‘Shine On! Bakumatsu Bad Boys,’ Episode 8 – “Blitz! The Ikedaya Incident”

Shine On! Bakumatsu Bad Boys is produced by Geno Studio. Having uncovered multiple leads in the last episode, the Shinsengumi must now act on their new intel if they are to save Kyoto from attack. But can they act in time to thwart the threat in Shine On Bakumatsu Bad Boys Episode 8?

With multiple threats to investigate, the Shinsengumi split up their forces to cover more ground. While this decision serves practical purposes from a narrative standpoint, it also helps keep the energy throughout this episode as high as possible. Getting to bounce between the two parties makes it so the show has a convenient way to cut away from one group during a down moment, moving on to more exciting moments from their absent comrades.

Shine On Bakumatsu Bad Boys Episode 8 is certainly the most action-packed episode the series has delivered to date. With both groups running into trouble, the Shinsengumi has its hands full throughout this episode. This energy does a great job of pulling the viewer into the moment as the scenario unfolds.

This episode also brings with it an escalation in the light supernatural elements of the series. Prior to this episode, the only mystical aspects within the series were the swords utilized by several of the cast members. This episode sees the plot of the Masked Demons expand upon the mystical side of the series greatly, leaving me wondering where this thread will ultimately lead.

The final story piece in Shine On Bakumatsu Bad Boys Episode 8 has the potential to impact the course of the narrative significantly. I won’t spoil what it is, but I have to say I don’t love it. It feels like a moment that doesn’t work for the cast of the show. Rather, it seems like the sort of moment that occurs because it’s what a generic path for a given character might be expected to be, even though that path doesn’t make sense for this show’s particular characters or situation.

The visuals throughout the episode deliver on the story’s strong pace and intense moments well for the most part. While the action continues to deliver the quick, lethal style that the series has adhered to in the past, making this side of the episode shine, the aforementioned supernatural side of the story fairs less well on the visual front. While I can grasp why this aspect of the episode is presented the way it is, its look is far too generic and even a bit laughable, ruining what is supposed to be a significant moment for the plot.

When all is said and done, Shine On Bakumatsu Bad Boys Episode 8 is a bit of a mixed bag. While it manages to deliver on the tension and combat of its story, some of the visuals and narrative choices keep this episode back from being something truly exceptional.

Shine On! Bakumatsu Bad Boys Episode 8 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.