English Dub Review: Hell’s Paradise: “The Samurai and the Woman”

Overview: Gabimaru (Alejandro Saab) and Sagiri (Marisa Duran) learn more about each other and themselves as they understand the dangers that Shinsenkyo presents. Also, criminal Nurugai (Cassie Ewulu) contemplates the importance of her life, escorted by her trusty and caring Asaemon Tenza (Ben Balmaceda).  

Our Take: The more that’s learned about the island, the more exciting dangers present themselves for Gabimaru and Sagiri. Decaying bodies of former left to rot becoming deadly plant life speak to the quantity of threat, but, potentially, the quality in their skills. Beyond the new developments regarding the island, a new interesting partnership begins. 

Toma and Chobei set a precedent for relatable Asaemon and prisoner duos. Tenza and Nurugai’s chemistry builds on that with their own dynamic. Nurugai’s guilt over her tribe’s demise coupled with the weight of being Sanka’s sole surviving member presents yet another complex moral quandary for a character. 

Tenza’s simple nature is the perfect simplification to her question. He’s the kind litmus test she needs, making her will to live the easiest and smartest decision in the world. They have a cute chemistry in the good they see in one another. However, they’re certainly not the only ones. 

The highlight of Gabimaru and Sagiri’s relationship has been how they learn from each other. Those changes continue to present themselves in proactive ways, such as his newfound attentiveness towards enemies. His compassion and recognition of her strength is indicative of his growth, something that many men haven’t done towards her, making it all the more impactful. 

For Sagiri, her inspiration serves as an excellent confidence booster. Especially in wanting to learn properly through trial and tribulation, as realized from Gabimaru. 

Women’s gender conforming roles serve as a harsh hurdle for Sagiri to overcome. It’s especially challenging in how it shapes the relationship with her father and how her peers view her, like Genji.  Their cold, condescending attitude, masked as a misguided sense of chivalry drives home the societal cruelty of her situation. 

With all that in mind, it makes her firm stance against those norms so inspiring. Especially in the lessons she and Gabimaru take from each other, continuously adding onto their meaningful friendship. Suffice to say, I didn’t bat an eye at Genji being chomped like a cheeseburger. I’m much more interested in how Sagiri combats the freaky-deaky giant having disarmed Genji so effortlessly. And, of course, how she and her new bestie truly come into their own.