English Dub Review: The Elusive Samurai “My Uncle”
Overview
Tokiyuki’s uncle, Yasuie Hojo, is still alive! Once a key figure at the heart of the Kamakura Shogunate, Yasuie survives the fall of Kamakura. Afterward, he travels throughout the Tohoku region, continuing to fight alongside the remaining Hojo loyalists. But after suffering defeat after defeat, he eventually finds his way to Suwa.
Our Take
Picking up from the previous episode, the latest installment reunites Tokiyuki with his uncle Yasuie, who proves to be a clever and resourceful ally. His survival and continued support of the rebellion make him an especially interesting character, while his similarities to Tokiyuki suggest where some of the young warrior’s rebellious spirit may come from. Meanwhile, the appearance of the formidable Tengu shinobi raises the stakes as Tokiyuki and the Elusive Warriors prepare for their next move.
The rest of the proceedings also gives Genba some much-needed development, as he begins questioning whether his usual tricks are enough to handle the challenges ahead. Fubuki encourages him to develop more dangerous techniques, though I hope Genba doesn’t completely lose the mischievous personality that makes him so entertaining. His mysterious refusal to show his real face only makes me more curious, too.
Overall, this was a strong episode that balances character development with some helpful historical context without becoming too overwhelming. Yasuie is an entertaining addition to the cast; the Tengu already seem like a serious threat, and I’m especially looking forward to seeing how Genba continues to grow. Some scenes may even have you reaching for the subtitles thanks to the random, cartoonishly written messages plastered across Yasuie’s forehead. With the story moving toward Kyoto, things are definitely starting to get more interesting.
