REVIEW: ‘The Elusive Samurai’ Episode 9 — “My Buddha”

For the most part, The Elusive Samurai Episode 9 is a success. This, in large part, is due once again to a singular, standout moment of action and the endless charm of its protagonist, Tokiyuki (Asaki Yuikawa). While it has become increasingly apparent throughout the first season that the story and tone can’t live up to the staggering animation, “My Buddha” wrestles down most of its worst impulses, delivering a thrilling and shockingly emotional episode.

The main action is between Tokiyuki and Shokan (Hiroki Tōchi,) whose ideologies are diametrically opposed. Episode 8 ends on a cliffhanger, and we see the final results of the fight in Episode 9. Tokiyuki, aided by Fubuki (Kikunosuke Toya), slices the inside of Shokan’s forearm, one of the few places unguarded by armor. With this critical hit, Tokiyuki must maintain his distance and allow Shokan to succumb to blood loss.

Their fight is one of the few instances in The Elusive Samurai where the playfulness works well in highlighting the horror. Forgoing crude expulsions of humor, “My Buddha” instead leans entirely on the conflicting styles of Shokan and Tokiyuki, the latter’s youth and innocence highlighted against Shokan’s war-riddled depravity. As has become customary for the character, Tokiyuki is particularly gleeful while giving chase, as Shokan stumbles after him, actively losing composure and conscience. The direction visualizes that joy, and the character design leans in on how Tokiyuki is light on his feet as he nearly skips with anticipation.

Sure, a man is heavily bleeding out in front of him, but how else can he survive the unimaginable terrors he’s faced rather than turn it into a game? It makes Shokan realize that Tokiyuki is somehow avoiding stepping in Shokan’s blood, which is all the more impactful. While Tokiyuki enacts violence in The Elusive Samurai Episode 9, he’s doing his best not to be touched by it. This, plus the direction of Tokiyuki as he races around the claustrophobic, blood-soaked room, makes for one of the best moments in the episode.

From the phoenix-inspired imagery of flight to the dizzying spell of the camera as we glide low along the floor with Tokiyuki, this fight encompasses the best aspects of the series. This is driven home when Shokan flips the script right before losing consciousness, questioning Tokiyuki’s humanity. To Shokan, to be human in this world is to be cruel. So his assessment of Tokiyuki, that “someone who can laugh so purely in this hellhole can’t be human,” makes sense.

This is just one of three intense fight scenes in The Elusive Samurai Episode 9. Fubuki, Ayako, and Kojiro all have standout moments that solidify why they’re formidable warriors in their own right. The way the direction and staging highlight how Ayaka and Kojiro wield their strength despite their diminutive figures against larger opponents is particularly excellent. It allows a realistic depiction of how they can win against such a seemingly unbeatable foe. Even Genba gets a shining moment as he races into battle with the rest of the Suwa clan, who arrive just in time when Sadamune appears.

It’s a lot of plot to suddenly push through, stacking characters on top of one another to build a climactic moment before abruptly diffusing it. Sadamune’s immediate departure, at the very least, indicates that, despite Yorishige’s aloof demeanor, he has a formidable army. However, the best moment from Yorishige’s appearance is an unexpectedly sincere and touching one, as he immediately embraces Tokiyuki, thankful he’s alive. So much of the tonal dissonance of the series is due to Yorishige, but the writing knows when to lean into its heart, which, barring the premiere, is most evident in this brief but impactful moment.

The series continues to tear through tone, genre, styles, and formatting to the point where it nearly loses cohesion. While we see Tokiyuki and his retainers beginning to work together as a real team, we must also be reminded of why we care. This comes through interpersonal relationships and subtle, heartfelt expressions. Sure, Yorishige turns back into the clown after this sweet exchange, but the moment doesn’t lose any impact because of it.

Yet again, The Elusive Samurai is aided by its score—especially in the closing moments. Leaning on classical flourishes, it lends itself to the emotionality of the moment. The series is often a mess of ideas and creative indulgences, but its strengths shine through with noteworthy impact.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 9 triumphs because it confidently marryes its many stylistic impulses. The tone works because it allows the playfulness to draw out the horror rather than clumsily trying to distract from it. While the story remains thin, the animation and creative team deliver must-see moments.

The Elusive Samurai Episode 9 is out now on Crunchyroll.