REVIEW: ‘The Elusive Samurai’ Episode 10 — “Children in Winter”

Adopting a slice-of-life cadence and tone, The Elusive Samurai Episode 10 is a delightful reprieve from the recent action and bloodshed. Both indulgent yet purposeful to the story it’s telling, Tokiyuki (Asaki Yuikawa), his attendants, and Yorishige (Yuichi Nakamura) get some peace while the writing leans heavily into comedy due to the expected antics of Yorishige. But despite the stripped-down story, the visual language of the episode remains rich and textured, especially in a key sequence that demonstrates the inherent spirituality of the landscape Tokiyuki races across.

Yorishige is still suffering from a momentary disconnect from his spiritual foresight. This proved a major hurdle for him, evident in Episode 9 through his genuine concern and relief at seeing Tokiyuki alive and unharmed. His abilities are what give him his mental fortitude and ability to have such confidence in Tokiyuki’s promise despite his young age and the horrors he’s witnessed. The Elusive Samurai Episode 10 pivots away from the gravity of the situation and instead focuses on the comedy.

Similarly to Episode 9, The Elusive Samurai Episode 10 perfectly blends tones. This is easier, however, considering its contrasting, down-to-earth moments are less severe. While we get hints of what’s happening outside of the Suwa compound, we are mostly bound to these vignette storylines with Tokiyuki as his retainers look on. Essentially, Tokiyuki learns of Yorishige’s predicament and swears to help him. However, Yorishige’s requests grow increasingly absurd over time until Tokiyuki’s retainers question his sanity.

It’s a lighthearted comedy that builds nicely on what we know about these characters. From Genba stoking the flames to Yorishige believing an eccentric lord is a good thing that inspires greater trust to Tokiyuki’s humiliation, it aligns with what we’ve learned about them. It’s why the episode makes for such a solid character-building installment. Despite the constant forward momentum of the storyline, it’s easy to lose the core of why we should care. Episodes like this ensure that we remain attached to the heroes while recognizing their youth.

This element ensures that two critical moments land with visual and narrative potency. The first is his meeting with Shizuku, who allows him to witness the creatures who reside in Suwa’s divine territory. The animation here is, as always, breathtaking. Set against the snowy background, the golden creatures are striking. Directed by Riharu Funakubo, the moment expertly captures the tranquility of the interaction as Tokiyuki becomes lost in the experience. It reminds us that the series doesn’t need action sequences to deliver visually arresting sequences; the backgrounds and creature details are just as stunning.

The second instance where Tokiyuki’s youthfulness comes into play is when Yorishige strikes up a snowball fight with him. It’s brief but sweet, a critical reminder that this character, no matter the humor and, sometimes, forced levity, isn’t without the weight he’s burdened with.

This is especially necessary after departing the enemy’s camp. Takauji’s depravity is seen only in pieces throughout the series thus far. However, whenever we see him, we’re reminded that his full power is immense and terrifying, especially when picturing his full might against Tokiyuki, no matter how strong our young hero has become. The Elusive Samurai Episode 10 reinforces this idea as Takauji is visited by his younger brother, Tadayoshi. Takauji wants Tadayoshi to help defend Kamakura, where he believes Tokiyuki will strike.

We witness their closeness, but it’s not long before Tadayoshi realizes something is wrong with his brother. In another beautifully yet understatedly animated sequence, we watch as Tadayoshi refuses to enter a room Takauji invites him into. Takauji is thrilled with his portrait of Buddha. But where he sees divinity, Tadayoshi sees devouring. It’s not a picture of Buddha but a threat against peace, with the portrait of the figure getting consumed by dark swaths of paint behind it.

The vibrancy of the previous moment as they sit outside, basking in the sun with their bold clothing, is stamped out by the shadowy, looming threat of the painting that resides indoors. It’s yet another example of how Takauji is not as human as he may seem, no matter his outward appearance.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 10 acts as the calm before the storm and is a breath of fresh air because of it. With gorgeously understated visuals and a potent mix of comedy and horror, it helps bring fun to a series committed to toeing the line between humor and darkness.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 10 is out now on Crunchyroll.