REVIEW: ‘The Elusive Samurai’ Episode 2 — “The Gentle Uncle”

If there were any doubt left following its premiere, The Elusive Samurai Episode 2 confirms its status as a visual spectacle. Utilizing multiple animation methods and weaponizing shifting styles and visual genres to pull from, “The Gentle Uncle” is a feast for the eyes. With contemplative direction and delicate touches that bleed into furious, frenzied animation, it’s a definitive triumph for assistant director Yuusuke Kawakami and episode director Yuuki Itou. Each scene possesses its layer of depth and character-driven touchstones that amplify the drama and stakes of the series and Tokiyuki’s (Asaki Yuikawa) journey.

However, the animation doesn’t fully cover its tracks for its clumsier inclinations. Namely, the humor. Already predicted to be the most divisive aspect of the series, it comes to a head yet again in The Elusive Samurai Episode 2. There’s nothing wrong with broad humor and plenty of gag anime are perfectly suited for the giant head, bellowing characters that Yorishige (Yuichi Nakamura) represents. It doesn’t even need to be relegated to just gag anime — there are plenty of dramatic-based series that utilize comedy to great effect or at least utilize it to aid in alleviating the strain the characters are facing.

But goodness, there’s a time and place for such exploits. Yorishige, unfortunately, is irksome. It’s one thing for him to be introduced as this god-like imp who introduces himself to a more naive Tokiyuki. There’s a place for his rash decision-making to aid in Tokiyuki’s growth and desire to live, as evident at the end of Episode 1. But to insert those broad strokes of comedy in the midst of Tokiyuki having an emotional breakdown after learning of the brutal death of his brother at the hands of yet another trusted person in his life? Unnecessary and tonally jarring.

The comedy works better peppered throughout as Tokiyuki acclimates himself to Yorishige’s world and the number of would-be protectors he brings to stand with and serve Tokiyuki as he seeks revenge. But there’s too much palpable, visceral suffering taking place to make all of his obnoxious behavior work. Because The Elusive Samurai Episode 2 is brutal. We learn that Tokiyuki’s older brother was killed due to his uncle selling him out to Takauji Ashikaga’s rebellion forces. The writing is relentless, making sure we see his final moments, as Tokiyuki can only sweat the trauma out through nightmares until bodily manifests in him vomiting after learning the news.

This is a brutalist world and Tokiyuki’s naivety is being torn from him as he, with the help of Yorishige, looks to avenge his brother. He’s able to, with the help of his new friends, though it’s he who gets to deliver the final blow that both signals an act of catharsis as well as the death knell of his innocence. His free-spirited nature, which had him running away from duties and training, has now become a weapon.

It all sounds a bit grim, and there’s no doubt that the series is making sure to deliver real tension and stakes. We see the after-effects of Tokiyuki’s town being burned in just one of many stunning sequences; his home has turned to ash. But despite his misery, it’s not suffocating because the protagonist and the animation style allow for moments of color and vibrancy. We don’t need the over-the-top humor to help release the tension because that levity already exists in the story’s movement. It feels forced when the animation of Tokiyuki mid-battle is breathtaking enough to create that vessel of escapism.

And it’s there that the series finds its light on its feet footing because the animation is some of the best — if not the best — that the year has to offer so far. Single frames are injected with beauty and delicacy that help make the horror they face all the more startling. The Elusive Samurai Episode 2 displays refined chaos. There’s a purpose to every single shot, relying on movement and light to convey the necessary drama rather than trying to be hyper-realistic. A scene where the light hits Tokiyuki and Yorishige’s faces through the trees is just as noteworthy as how Godaiin’s evil nature and corruption are depicted.

These touch points help tie the major setpieces together with shifts in how characters are rendered. The lightness Tokiyuki emanates is starkly different than the rigged, heavy lines of Godaiin’s design, the smoke that follows him giving way to a demonic design. A moment of stillness that captures the sunset radiating off the ocean helps us transition into the more overt violence. But it’s in the dexteric, balletic moment that the series continues to shine, especially once Tokiyuki launches himself into battle.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 2 is visually breathtaking. Actively shifting styles and tones throughout the episode capture the waves of trauma and joy the characters feel in each frame. While the crude humor continues to the point of contention, here’s hoping that as the series continues, the writing grows to maintain a stronger balance of cohesive tonality while indulging in pockets of heightened humor.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 2 is out now on Crunchyroll.