REVIEW: ‘The Elusive Samurai’ Episode 3 — “A Forest Inhabited By A God”

In a way, The Elusive Samurai Episode 3 suggests that the series might’ve benefitted from simultaneously premiering the first three episodes. While they all work on their own together, they tell a total and complete story. We get into the rhythm of what will ultimately be the series’ forward trajectory, locking down our leading players and their roles. Tokiyuki (Asaki Yuikawa,) through Yorishige’s (Yuichi Nakamura) guidance, is supported by his new retainers, Kojiro (Mari Hino,) Ayako (Sayumi Suzushiro,) and Shinzuku (Hinaki Yano). Together, they seek a path to avenge Tokiyuki’s family while instilling him as the rightful leader.

Based on the manga series written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui, The Elusive Samurai Episode 3 is less tonally dissonant, though the humor still errs close to being too broad. There’s a lot of winking and nudging with certain jokes that play with audience expectations, such as a running gag of Yorishige digging holes to stop Tokiyuki from running away. But the comedy works better here than in Episode 2 since the tone is lighter. Tokiyuki isn’t so much on the brink of a (deserved) breakdown. Instead, he still acclimates to his new life at the Suwa Shrine.

It’s something that Yorishige understands, sharing his wisdom with the young lord’s retainers. While they see Tokiyuki as needlessly reluctant to make an effort, Yorishige shares that he’s never had any reason to train. He was raised to be a puppet leader, someone in a visual position of power but not someone meant to make any decisions of his own. So why would he believe he could do anything to enact change if it’s never been expected of him before?

While so much of The Elusive Samurai Episode 3 leans into Yorishige’s impish behavior, it also allows for one of his most insightful moments since Episode 1. Showing off his power, he stops the rain and wields it as a means to demonstrate to Tokiyuki that their side has plenty of support and that their plight isn’t a lost cause. The animation is spectacular and intricate, once again molding to the tone of the moment. By the end of the demonstration, Tokiyuki was ready to study and train, trusting Yorishige to lead him on the right path.

This leads “A Forest Inhabited By A God” to the main action sequence of the episode. Tokiyuki is training with Kojiro, Ayako, and Shizuku. While they don’t first agree on just how to train, it still leads them to the forest, where they encounter an ox demon. From here, the animation once again takes flight.

The group utilizes Tokiyuki’s strength in running and evasion to lead the monster to a high peak, allowing the others to prepare a trap for the rampaging beast. As has been the case from the start, the series shines brightest whenever Tokiyuki moves, capturing the ease and grace of his aversion and the joy he feels when evading capture.

His movements might be more based on fear this time around, but it doesn’t change the flow of the animation. The direction is dynamic, racing with Tokiyuki and keeping a grounded and airborne dual perspective. This gives the sequence greater depth and scope. And while they defeat the demon in the end, it’s bittersweet.

Shizuku mentions that the beast is a relic of time, a being that’s been alone for far too long, becoming a warped version of itself. The narrative implication is clear, a reminder of why Tokiyuki finding this group and having support is so instrumental to his success twofold, both for revenge and to maintain his humanity despite the horror he’s witnessed.

In The Elusive Samurai Episode 3, the show sticks to its best and most off-kilter attributes. From direct Dragon Ball Z references to an almost sitcom style of direction and transitions, half of the time, the tone is excessively silly. But then we’ll get a breathtaking shot of Tokiyuki sitting next to a golden lake and be reminded of this series’s beauty. Electric and possessing a singular tone, the series stumbles when switching between drama and comedy. Still, it remains one of the most visually innovative anime of the season.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 3 is out now on Crunchyroll.