The Elusive Samurai [Season 1 Episode 2]

The Elusive Samurai – Season 1, Episode 2: A Masterclass in Contrasts

“The Gentle Uncle”—the second episode of The Elusive Samurai—delivers a whirlwind of emotions, blending brutal historical drama with moments of absurd comedy. It’s a rollercoaster that leaves fans both exhilarated and conflicted, and after diving into the online discourse, it’s clear this episode has sparked some heated debates.

A Tale of Betrayal and Revenge

The episode opens with a gut-wrenching scene: Tokiyuki’s older brother, Kunitoki, is betrayed and beheaded by their uncle, Muneshige. The brutality of the act is unflinching, a stark reminder of the show’s willingness to delve into dark territory. Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to praise the raw intensity of this moment, with one user calling it “a scene straight out of Vinland Saga”—high praise for a series still finding its footing.

What follows is Tokiyuki’s visceral reaction—a scream of pure anguish that cements his trauma. The animation here is breathtaking, with fluid motion and expressive detail that makes every emotion land. As one fan put it, “That scream was an Oscar-worthy performance in anime form.”

But the episode doesn’t linger in despair for long. Enter Suwa Yorishige, the eccentric priest whose comedic antics provide a jarring tonal shift. Some viewers loved his charisma, calling him “the perfect balance of weird and wise.” Others, however, found the humor grating, especially when juxtaposed with the episode’s darker themes. “The comedy feels like it’s from a different show,” complained one Reddit user, while another countered, “If you can’t handle tonal whiplash, maybe historical revenge stories aren’t for you.”

Animation That Steals the Show

If there’s one thing everyone agrees on, it’s the animation. Studio CloverWorks (known for Spy x Family and Wonder Egg Priority) flexes its muscles here, delivering fight sequences that are nothing short of spectacular. Tokiyuki’s evasion skills are showcased in a dazzling display of agility, with one fan gushing, “The way he dodges attacks is like watching a ballet of violence.”

The color palette is another standout, blending vibrant hues with the grim reality of feudal Japan. One Twitter user noted, “The contrast between the bright visuals and the dark story is genius—it’s like the show is laughing in the face of tragedy.”

The Divisive Comedy

The humor in The Elusive Samurai is, without a doubt, its most polarizing aspect. Some fans adore the absurdity—like Yorishige’s failed attempt to kiss Tokiyuki’s cheek, which had one viewer “laughing so hard I choked on my ramen.” Others, however, feel the jokes undercut the gravity of the story. “A kid just lost his brother, and we’re supposed to laugh at a priest’s antics?” questioned a frustrated MyAnimeList commenter.

The debate over tone isn’t new in anime (just look at Demon Slayer), but The Elusive Samurai takes it to another level. As one fan astutely observed, “This is the most unserious ‘serious show’ out there.”

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch with Caveats

Episode 2 of The Elusive Samurai is a bold, visually stunning installment that refuses to play it safe. It’s a show that demands your attention—whether you’re here for the jaw-dropping animation, the gripping revenge plot, or even the bizarre comedy.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s over-the-top… and I can’t stop watching.”

If you’re looking for a historical anime that defies expectations, this is it. Just be prepared for the whiplash.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A chaotic masterpiece in the making.