REVIEW: ‘The Elusive Samurai’ Episode 5

The Elusive Samurai Episode 5 doesn’t quite shake the rusty animated elements of Episode 4 but is a marked improvement. It fails to reach the highs of the first two episodes but introduces a new character who looks to shake up the established dynamic between Tokiyuki (Asaki Yuikawa) and his retainers. It’s solid with whiplash-inducing comedy and some playful details, though it lacks the spark it arrived with.

The biggest hurdle is the continuation of the showdown between Tokiyuki and Sadumune (Yutaka Aoyama. The Elusive Samurai Episode 5 melds the 2D and 3D elements better, making for a smoother and more dynamic effect. It’s also a narrative reminder of Tokiyuki’s agility as he wins against Sadamune in a last-ditch effort. His skill remains tailored to his strengths in being able to run away from any threat, though it does little to temper Sadamune’s plight. Sadamune, angry at being bested, arrives at the temple with an Imperial Command that will force them to relocate.

Yorishige (Yuichi Nakamura) has a plan for this, enlisting Genba, a notorious thief, to aid them. Yorishige tells Tokiyuki that while his sense of justice is all well and good, sometimes people in positions of power need to seek out those of grayer moralities to triumph. Enter Genba, a boy who’s been taught only to trust fear and money. When hired, he asks for a lucrative sum but is faced with Tokiyuki’s naivety, who believes that just being asked for money is selfless.

Genba is a fun little character, aided by the voice work of Aoi Yūki (Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries), who imbues the character with a dry, sardonic delivery. He’s also given one of the funniest character introductions of the series, even if he isn’t present for it. As Tokiyuki and his team walk to the town to find him, his name inspires instant fear as everyone runs for their homes. The comedy in The Elusive Samurai is often hit or miss, but it works splendidly in Episode 5. This sequence, in particular, shines as we hear a barrage of doors slamming shut, with even the livestock in the community tending to take cover in fear of Genba’s tantrums.

How Genba challenges Tokiyuki allows for humor and growth for the protagonist. His strengths and weaknesses have been made apparent. He’s physically weak but exceptionally gifted at running away and evading capture. The Elusive Samurai Episode 5 puts that to the test, as Genba only takes the job of stealing the Imperial Command if Tokiyuki joins him. It’s a high-stress scenario as Tokiyuki trails Genba into the palace, where more significant threats lie.

It’s also where we learn the truth about Genba’s abilities, as he can mask himself as whoever he pleases. He even turns into Sadamune to lure his men away from the palace doors they intend to infiltrate. It ends on a cliffhanger as Genba transforms into Tokiyuki himself, asking him how he can trust anyone when he’s already been betrayed by so many. It’s a valid question, especially as Tokiyuki continues to be influenced by those around him.

While The Elusive Samurai Episode 5 settles into a patient pacing despite its outlandish humor, it does deliver some striking visuals. The details of the costumes and how they move continue to impress, especially with vibrant color stories that allow each character to stand out. There are layers to the costumes and the settings that make them dynamic, flourishing with movement. We see this in how the palace is captured at night, the shadows and moonlit paths manifesting potential threats we don’t yet see.

The score by Akiyuki Tateyama and GEMBI also does some heavy lifting. Straightforward scenes, such as when Yorishige discusses his plans to deal with the Imperial Command, are laced with tension due to a score that emulates the music of a horror movie. These touches help strengthen the serviceable episode while setting up a bigger moment.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 5 has strong moments but doesn’t live up to the high bar it set itself. That said, Genba is a fun addition to the cast, and the ending sets up necessary tension to drive the plot forward as Tokiyuki must decide if he’s willing to trust people in his inner circle.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 5 is out now on Crunchyroll.