The Elusive Samurai episode 2 aired on Saturday wowing fans across the world with stellar animation production. While it may not come as much of a surprise to some after the staff did the same with episode 1, even a six-shot animation sequence by Yuusei Koumoto that went viral online, the staff for episode 2 told the fans, “Wait until you see this.”
Production Breakdown
Between taking inspiration from Studio Ghibli films and going absolutely line-crazy, The Elusive Samurai is a step above most in the animation and art departments this summer season. Series Assistant Director Yuusuke Kawakami was in charge of the storyboard and episode direction this week, with Yuuki Itou as animation director, and boy did they deliver.
The heavy lineart emphasis on Godaiin to make him look more demonic, in comparison to the very light lineart of the other characters in intense action situations, was a nice touch. One of my favorite cuts of the episode, despite not being talked about much, is the one below of Godaiin behind the dirt and dust kicked up from the tree he cut down.
The devil horns showcasing in the smoke then disappearing, just slightly, as his head emerges for a quick second shows that no detail was left unnoticed in this episode. Godaiin was evil to the core and the episode had to make sure you 100% fully empathize with Tokiyuki to take revenge for his brother.
This goes to show the writing for The Elusive Samurai is becoming a lot more appealing to me. This isn’t a moment of revenge that could lead Tokiyuki on the wayward path. Rather, it’s eliminating necessary evil to take back his homeland and establish a place of peace once again. Finally being able to catch a glimpse of his true ability as a samurai was only elevated that much more thanks in part to key animators such as Sou Miyazaki (see below).
The ability to showcase just how quick and serious Tokiyuki becomes once a fight, or chase, ensues without taking the lazy route with just some speed lines and still images once again proves that the staff for The Elusive Samurai is dead set on giving this series not just a proper adaptation, but the right one.
The heavy inspiration (maybe) taken from the Studio Ghibli films Princess Kaguya and The Boy and The Heron was all over social media for a reason. For a weekly anime to be put alongside two of some of the studio’s most iconic films is some high praise I’ve yet to see from any other series this season.
Production for an anime adaptation can bend to a director’s will, for better or worse, or can it be a chance for directors to let animators, and creative minds alike, shine. Kawakami’s loose handle on episode 2’s production gave the chance for the series to spotlight different styles of animation and artwork.
In return, the series became a massive trend among production enthusiasts and casual fans. Encouraging versatility in high-stakes anime episodes has only proven to be of benefit time and time again. Just look at the recent season of Jujutsu Kaisen and the different animation styles and artwork we were introduced to.
The Elusive Samurai is on a journey to be captivating in the most creative ways possible. The series has established itself as a bonified visual presence in the vast land of well-produced anime that are currently airing this summer.
Writing Breakdown
I think The Elusive Samurai is going to become one of those series where the writing gets better with each episode. The humor is still a little misplaced for me at times. When I see Tokiyuki dealing with the trauma he’s endured, I want to particularly see how he handles it, not how Suwa kind of pushes him to with a humorous twist.
I understand this time around that Suwa was trying to cheer Tokiyuki up in the midst of the rubble after learning his brother was beheaded, but other times that gigantic grin with angelic light behind him can become a little much at times.
That being said, the future is bright with The Elusive Samurai. I already love both Ayako and Kojirou as side characters to join Tokiyuki on this journey. They bring a little bit of light and positivity to a story that heavily bears the opposite. Even more so, we got to see they can both hold their own in combat, potentially making both of them close guards of Tokiyuki in the distant future.
Their introduction felt natural. It didn’t feel random at all and I immediately got hooked on both. Some of the animation in their fight against Godaiin was well done. And at no point did I ever once think I wouldn’t like either of them as well. I’ve said time and time again that a series can only go so far if the supporting characters aren’t well-written.
Godaiin was a nice secondary villain as Tokiyuki’s first stepping stone to reclaiming Kamakura. He’ll be forgotten the more the story progresses. But the thought of his brother being killed will stick with Tokiyuki forever.
Seeing a young boy falling victim to the unforgiving sharp edge of a traitor’s blade just for being born into a certain family has a level of disturbance to it that was amplified by the visual storytelling in episode 2. The tears at the beginning as his uncle betrays him. The look of all hope being lost in Kunitoki’s final moments to an unfortunate end came back around full circle as Tokiyuki accomplished his revenge in the same manner.
Even more so, the scene of Tokiyuki beheading Godaiin at the end being a callback to episode 1 and the ball rolling off the roof is some magnificent writing and storyboarding. We got a glimpse of the future ourselves before knowing what it was about. Reverse irony is difficult to pull off well in any form of writing but dammit did The Elusive Samurai nail it.
The writing for this series is nothing to scoff at. While the visual production is something to behold, the writing is standing hand-in-hand with it as well. I can definitely see this series becoming one where many people start the manga thanks to the anime adaptation.
The Elusive Samurai Episode 2 Wrap-Up
In what I consider a weak summer season, The Elusive Samurai is becoming one of very few that I’m looking forward to every week in both story and animation production. This week, the series delivered a spectacle of animation, artwork, coloring, painting, and so much more. And the best part is that I believe this is how the series will continue to look as well.
Episode 2 rating: 10/10
If you enjoyed The Elusive Samurai episode 2 then vote for the episode in our weekly poll! Episode 3 will be released on Saturday, July 20, on Crunchyroll.
Screenshots via Crunchyroll
©Fujino Omori, Toshi Aoi, Kodansha/Wistoria: Wand and Sword Production Committee
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