REVIEW: ‘The Elusive Samurai’ Episode 6 — “Steal the Imperial Command from Ogasawara’s Residence at Night”

Credit where credit is due; there’s simply no guessing, just where The Elusive Samurai Episode 6 takes us. Up until now, the series has struggled with its ability to blend action and comedy, and the emotional weight of the world sat on Tokiyuki’s (Asaki Yuikawa) shoulders. But in “Steal the Imperial Command from Ogasawara’s Residence at Night,” director Yōko Kikuchi and writer Rino Yamazaki find a happy medium that consists of pure tonal chaos. Somehow, by embracing every tone, Episode 6 delivers cohesion. A messy cohesion, at least.

Tokiyuki is still following Genba (Aoi Yūki) through their infiltration of the Ogasawara residence. Turning it into an elaborate game of tag, The Elusive Samurai Episode 6 once again delivers on its namesake as we watch the dexterity Tokiyuki possesses. Every primary adversary possesses some accentuated ability, which comes up again with one of Sadamune’s retainers, Ichikawa Sukefusa. Ichikawa’s intense hearing allows him to find where Genba and Tokiyuki are running to after grabbing the Imperial Command and setting the compound ablaze. This adds a level of difficulty to their escape as they must deal both with Ichikawa’s superhuman hearing working in tandem with Sadamune’s superior sight.

This life-or-death stakes version of tag and hide-and-seek makes up the bulk of the narrative. It both allows for some beautifully kinetic action sequences and character building for Genba and Tokiyuki. Genba, realizing the threats they’re up against, is about to cut his losses and run, leaving Tokiyuki to fend for himself. However, that plan is stumped when Tokiyuki protects Genba from one of Sadamune’s arrows, injuring himself in the process.

Despite all of the betrayal that Tokiyuki has faced and the immeasurable loss suffered due to it, he himself has never betrayed anyone who trusted him. That purity of spirit, along with his evasion tactics, is what Yorishige (Yuichi Nakamura) celebrates. He believes that the version of Tokiyuki will rise above the current shogun and emperor and lead a rebellion against them. It’s this version of him that clearly, ultimately, gains Genba’s trust, too, as he agrees to be one of his retainers.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 6 refuses that to be its only standout moment, however. And while the image of the fields lit purple with flames delivers high-impact animation, the sequence between Takauji and the emperor’s son steals breath away. Yorishige informs Tokiyuki that Takauji (Katsuyuki Konishi) can’t be assassinated. The episode then pivots to the prince’s attempt on Takauji’s life to prove the point, and the sequence dizzies in gruesome bloodshed and grotesque imagery. Takauji’s power is immense and terrifying, no matter the manpower up against him.

Takauji’s display of his strength allows the animators to blend different styles together, creating something deeply unsettling. Aided by the score from composers Gembi and Akiyuki Tateyama, the scene grows increasingly horrific. Takauji’s fight against the prince allows for the former to kill of the latter men, each blow of his sword lobbing off the heads of soldiers even as they’re directed at the prince. His destructive fighting is highlighted by eerie animation that depicts blood spilling through shadowy imagery, everything heightened and more devastating. The Elusive Samurai continues to utilize unusual and striking color stories, each frame and composition displaying an innate level of drama.

However, perhaps more frightening is how the people of Kyoto aid and support Takauji’s killing due to his charisma. It’s this power that Yorishige warns Tokiyuki about. And it’s made evident as we watch the people of Kyoto trample on the bodies and severed limbs of their soldiers in a rush to meet Takauji. For all of its lighthearted humor and proclivity for silliness, The Elusive Samurai understands when and where to reinforce the severity of the situation Tokyuki and Yorishige face.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 6 succeeds due to electrifying animation that finally manages to blend the humor and the carnage. The stakes have always been evident since the devastating premiere, but Episode 6 cements Takauji’s considerable abilities as he further severs his ties to humanity.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 6 is out now on Crunchyroll.