REVIEW: ‘The Elusive Samurai’ Episode 12 — “Hang In There, Tokiyuki, Until The Day You Retake Kamakura”

Despite the battle that rages on, very little happens in The Elusive Samurai Episode 12. It would’ve been perfectly serviceable as a mid to late-season installment, but as a finale, it falls flat. Overall, it speaks to the wild inconsistency of the series, which desperately needed an entire season to tell the story better. Episode 12 treads water despite a few notable action sequences, offering not so much an ending but a placeholder. It’s fine but forgettable, and considering the high note on which the series began, the lackluster finish is more notable.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 12 stars with our first and only appearance of Yorishige (Yuichi Nakamura) in the finale, as he prays and looks through his foresight to ensure that Tokiyuki (Asaki Yuikawa) will be safe. He believes that Tokiyuki will survive but also knows not to underestimate the foes they’re up against. However, this setup ends up being a bit misleading, with Tokiyuki hardly getting a moment to shine. Instead, it’s Kojiro (Mari Hino) who gets the hero moment.

Kojiro, moving on his own accord after Tokiyuki’s approval, engages in battle against the opposing forces more formidable opponent, Yohemaru. As is often demonstrated in the series, Episode 12 highlights how imposing these forces are due largely to the Elusive Warrior’s age and size. Kojiro is a child, small despite his ferocious energy in battle. The direction makes a point to show this, and the narrative, refreshingly, makes sure to hone in on just how Kojiro would fight a foe who is more than double his size while on horseback where the opposition’s weight can determine the winner.

The horseback sequences, however, continue to be a significant and jarring pitfall to the series composition. The use of CGI isn’t inherently wrong, but in The Elusive Samurai, it cheapens the entire aesthetic. And it’s always most notable in pivotal action sequences that require a level of grace the CGI fails to demonstrate. In theory, the fight between Kojiro and Yohemaru works. Kojiro’s spirited defense and how he learns to use his blade despite his diminutive size prioritizes the series’ attention to what it means to pursue constant growth. Kojiro longs to be a great warrior, and we see how and why he might achieve as much.

But it all just slightly falls apart in execution. Because it’s clunky, and the scene needed seamless editing and framing. What does work, however, is the stakes. Because there are moments in Episode 12 where the threat to Kojiro’s life is immense. And, considering the darkness that the series enjoys wading into, it wouldn’t be out of character to kill off a major player so early in the story.

The message is clear as Tokiyuki and co rally the warriors to run away from the intruding army, rescuing their people in the process. Tokiyuki’s goal as a leader is to inspire other samurai to want to live rather than die. It’s a beautiful build-off of Episode 11. The final two episodes make sure to highlight Tokiyuki’s mix of naivety and wisdom as he begins to demonstrate his burgeoning understanding of what it means to be a leader. He’s already inspiring others and has loyal retainers willing to follow him regardless of his plan.

And yet, despite this little bit of closure, Episode 12 still feels like a throwaway. Specific moments are significant, but by the time the credits hit, there is a bit of a “is this it” mentality. There are no real answers or paths to new and exciting adventures. Simply put, the promise is that Tokiyuki will continue on his path to try to avenge his family and justify himself as a leader of others. The humor is often a divisive part of the series, and while it works plenty, it also cheapens the effect of the ending here.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 12 would be serviceable if it were a mid-season installment. As a finale, it flounders. With no considerable resolution for its characters, the finale falters despite some standout action sequences. It’s entertainment at the moment but forgettable instantly after.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 12 is out now on Crunchyroll.