Jack’s will to survive is pushed to its absolute limits after a deadly, unseen foe launches a relentless surprise attack.
The episode starts with bringing Aku back for the first time this season. Once again actor Greg Baldwin steps up to replace the late great Mako, just as he did in the Avatar: The Last Airbender series. He does a fantastic job in the role. Also, its revealed Aku has started to duplicate himself to serve as his therapist. Apparently the fact Jack hasn’t aged and is still being a nuisance to him is just too much for him to handle. It’s very comedic compared to what follows but it’s a bit of needed lightheartedness in an otherwise dark and action packed episode.
The main focus is the Daughters of Aku catch up with Jack and blindsiding him mercilessly. It’s intense and they try to make sure he doesn’t have a moment to regroup and resupply. This is a battle the likes of which Jack has never before experienced. It’s a brutal match which keeps the audience invested for the entire episode. In the middle of it all, as Jack finds himself having to hide to save his life and is confronted again by another hallucination. This time it’s a reflection of himself and it almost sounds like it’s egging him on to commit suicide and join his family in the afterlife. The creative team is not pulling their punches with the adult content this season.
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These factors alone would make the episode top notch but their is also one more redeeming quality to it. The art showcased is some of the best in the entire series utilizing new settings and atmospheres. The phenomenal art effects are demonstrated by slowing down the animation in the rain to showcase Jack sensing his surroundings. The moment is breathtaking and a sight to behold.
There is also a parallel story being told of a white wolf fighting off a pack of alien beasts. A fantastic use of symbolism to help make this an unforgettable episode. This is a perfect episodes from its start to its ending and is the definitive proof fans should not miss one moment of the new season of Samurai Jack.
