REVIEW: ‘Ninja Kamui’ Episode 3

Ninja Kamui Episode 3 continues to prove that the series is a playing field for excellence in action sequences. With ever-expanding lore, as we learn about Higan’s ties to the past and the AUZA corporation’s corrupt nature, the mystery’s intrigue builds. There’s plenty here to like, especially as a series that harkens back to an old-school Toonami feel. But in Episode 3, the series directed by Sunghoo Park steps too far into the past with the introduction of a reductive villain.

The warning signs are apparent in his first introduction. The episode begins with the requisite violence as instant bloodshed floods the screen. Unnamed characters escape only to be ambushed in their getaway vehicle. And the violence finds more ways to nauseate. This week, we’re privy to eyes that nearly burst from their sockets and blades that protrude from gaping mouths. It is not for the faint of heart. That said, the violence here begins to come across as violence for violence’s sake rather than for any narrative necessity. Yes, the world in which Higan exists is a merciless one. But it’s all starting to feel like edgelord propaganda rather than a show of substance.

This is exacerbated in the introduction of the aforementioned character, who gleefully witnesses the opening moments of carnage. A lieutenant of Yamaji, the clan master who ordered the hit on Higan, asks questions regarding the latter’s survival. Nameless but bursting with ill-concocted personality, the ninja already views Higan as a plaything to lust over. His opening line? “What a piece of a**” when he lays eyes on Higan. He refers to him that way again, followed by “what a piece of meat.” He licks the screen of his phone on which Higan’s face appears. The subtlety is non-existent. It’s loud and abundantly clear that this lecherous villain is queer-coded, and it’s almost startling how dated this feels.

Listen, be gay, do crimes. We love ourselves a modern gay villain or morally conflicted character. It’s necessary to show more than idealized, saintly LGBTQ+ representation in the media. But this feels straight out of the Hays Code of depictions of gay characters. It would be less of an issue if the rest of the series, so far, weren’t so hellaciously heteronormative. A family man protagonist mourning the loss of his wife and child seeking revenge who loves energy drinks, cars, and sh*t kicker boots being stalked by a gay villain who’s literally chomping on steak while drooling over him? Come on.

The rest of Ninja Kamui Episode 3 establishes other potential threats. There’s The Reaper, who’s not supposed to fight Higan. He appears in another opening sequence, facing off against another ninja who rejects The Reaper’s ideals, or lack thereof. The soon-to-be-dead man addresses the corruption of the organization they come from. He asks The Reaper how many of his former brethren he’s killed due to their exile. The rules of the ninja world are exacting and cruel, allowing for no wavering. Once they’re in it, they’re in it until they die from battle, old age, or their former comrades.

The other primary antagonist is the company AUZA, which takes more of Higan’s focus in Episode 3. Joining forces with Mike and Emma to launch their independent investigation, the three quickly realize how dangerous the company is. Their influence is apparent, spanning globally, with ties to the FBI. It’s why Mike must work with Higan in the first place. He admits to Higan that when all is said and done, he’ll have to target him next as it’s his job. But for now, they have a bigger, more prominent shared enemy.

One of the show’s most significant struggles in Episode 3 is balancing tone. The divide between the ninja side of the story and the investigational procedural elements is jarring. The jaunty score and playful attitude, when he praises the car Emma selected, fails to mesh with Higan’s trauma-induced nightmares over the loss of his family. There’s a way to strike the right balance of clashing, dissonant tones. Dealing in dark and gritty worlds with grieving characters doesn’t strip life of color and humor. But it requires finesse in storytelling and cohesion, which is lacking so far in Ninja Kamui.

But then the action starts back up, as it does in the final moments here. We stop caring about very real series hindrances — the poor writing, and dated characters Because the action, frankly, is gorgeous. The kinetic motion and the fluidity in the direction captures Higan’s complete action. There’s visual cohesion from muscles flexing to the follow-through and impact of the blow. There’s no questioning the talent in the direction. It’s the lackluster writing where the series suffers.

Ninja Kamui Episode 3 is easily the weakest installment of the series thus far. From a dated antagonist to beguiling tones, the series needs better control of the style of show it wants to be. Despite the intense action and the animation that bolsters it, it does very little to bury the simplistic writing that’s harming the overall effect. This over-the-top show isn’t lacking in restrain, but the final edit lacks polish.

Ninja Kamui is streaming now on Max, (formerly HBO Max).