English Dub Review: The Elusive Samurai “Longing for Sea Bream!”
Overview
It is the first year of the Kenmu era (1334), in Suwa, Shinano province. Tokiyuki, now fully accustomed to life in Suwa, is reminded of meals from his days in Kamakura during a casual conversation. He recalls how much he loved eating freshly caught sea bream fish from Yuigahama, seasoned with wasabi and soy sauce from Izu.
Our Take
Picking up one year after the events of Season One, The Elusive Samurai returns with Tokiyuki now more accustomed to life in Suwa, though memories of his former home in Kamakura still linger. A simple craving for sea bream leads to an unexpectedly elaborate fishing expedition, giving the Elusive Warriors another opportunity to showcase their trademark humor and chaotic charm. Beneath the lighthearted opening, however, the episode quickly establishes that the political situation has become far more complicated, with Kamakura now under Ashikaga control and several new factions beginning to emerge.
The premiere wastes little time introducing the Kanto Hisashiban, a new group of warriors who immediately make an impression with their colorful personalities and formidable abilities. Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the Emperor, the Ashikaga clan, and the remnants of the Hōjō forces suggest that Tokiyuki’s struggle to reclaim his home will be anything but simple. While the episode contains plenty of exposition to bring viewers back up to speed after the two-year wait, it remains surprisingly engaging, balancing political developments with the series’ trademark comedy and eccentric characters. The opening live-action segment and other experimental visual touches also give the premiere a distinctive presentation that feels consistent with the show’s willingness to take creative risks.
Overall, this was a solid return while expanding its scope for the story ahead. The animation and visual direction remain striking, with the expressive character animation, grotesque imagery, and inventive presentation continuing to give the series its unique identity. Some viewers may find the amount of information and rapid shifts between characters and storylines overwhelming, especially compared with the more focused portions of Season 1, but the premiere succeeds at reestablishing the cast while introducing plenty of intriguing new faces and conflicts. After a two-year wait, it’s good to have Tokiyuki and his wonderfully chaotic companions back, and if this opening episode is any indication, the road ahead is going to be anything but peaceful.
