Taking a shortcut to the ocean results in Mugen running into some characters from his past. He’s not too happy to see them, as when they were chums before, they kinda left him to be executed. He gives Mukuro a second chance, only to be betrayed again. In a rage, Jin lays the smackdown on Mukuro. However, this time there is more than meets the eye, as it is really the trembling Kozan and her slimy new boyfriend behind the recent betrayal. The many layers make for an onion of an episode.
Back when Samurai Champloo was wallowing in its rut of complete suckage, I predicted that it would pull itself up much the same way Chrno Crusade did. Quite frankly, I’m so glad I stuck with this series, because the ascent has been swift and dramatic (in spite of that recap hiccup). With each episode that comes out now, I cannot shake how simply Cowboy Bebop this series is, if that term can be used as an adjective. Episode 14 was especially beautiful, with that music during the flashback. Simply brilliant. Learning more about Mugen’s past was intriguing because of all the unexplained images that are flashed. What led to Mugen’s being stranded on the island in such a wounded state? Who are those weird feathery fellows that Mugen sees as he sinks in the water? What exactly was Mugen in the past? I am eagerly anticipating Jin’s backstory, because if it has the kind of richness that these two episodes had, I’ll… I’ll… well, ok I’m not sure what I’ll do. One of the things I love about Champloo is the way it sneaks in quick images that you sometimes have to rewind to catch. Not only am I glad that Momo-chan hasn’t been fired, I’m happy the series is so rewatchable. The ending was pretty kickass, too.
The teamwork and friendship that has developed between the three characters is engrossing. It’s funny that after so much time was devoted to Fuu in the early part of the series, her section of the story is actually the weakest of the three. I’m willing to bet that this may change once the story of the sunflower samurai is explained. I want this DVD and the OST too >_<.
7 Comments
Excellent post! Same here, I was also pretty suprised to see how quickly Champloo has switched from just a mediocre show to something great. And for the whole pre-occupation with the ’sunflower samurai’, it simply isn’t as good as the stories of Mugen and Jin.
If I had a quibble, it would be that Momo-chan needs more screen time
PS: Love that onion metaphor, but . . . orange you glad I didn’t say . . . *throws hands in air* . . . I’m no match for the pun-mastah XD
Your gold standard comment about FMA 37 was pretty good though =). Alchemy jokes hooooooo!
~Ohoho, domo domo domo
By the way, for Samurai Champloo, d’you know if any other subs have been released? The last Champloo episode I’ve seen is episode 14, but that was around 2 weeks ago . . . o_<
I haven’t seen any other subs released yet, although the raw for 15 came out last week.
this episode was pretty cool i liked when mugen abliverated the guy at the end while playing that cool music
Just found out that the song is “Obokuri Eeumi“, by Ikue Asazaki. Also see here.
This was a really good episode and very touching. Thanks for the song link Kabitzin! I was about to ask if you knew what it was or where it was from!