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I found out on Reddit that this episode had a different director. Apparently this director will not have any more involvement in the show, and he is also credited with “ruining” episode four of Gurren Lagann.
It felt like the original plot was lost in favor of edgy jump cuts, pans, and experimental animation that had not been previously shown. Which is fine to switch it up, but not if it affects the story negatively.
Given the past cour’s attention to detail and respect for its characters, I could not focus on what was happening in this episode. We were not allowed to see the expressions on Hyakkimaru or Dororo’s faces, and there was this persistent awkwardness of their motivations.
Clearly, Hyakkimaru is being corrupted by the darkness within his spirit. That is nothing new however, there has been abundant foreshadowing and Biwamaru gives cryptic warnings every time he runs into the pair. Dororo had been getting fed up and needed a catalyst to motivate her to find her father’s fortune, but not like this. It came out of left field that she would be this upset over a random podunk village.
Sure, they had been kind to her but at what expense does that kindness nullify their actions? They murdered an entire convent with children and lied to gain sympathy. Using this sympathy, Sabame and his villagers systematically isolated and murdered countless other travelers all for their gain. Dororo blames herself for the destruction of the village, but they were their own undoing.
Maimai-onba’s baby flew into the lookout tower and knocked into the torch, causing the thatch roofing to light up like a tinderbox. And where was Maimai-onba? In the ocean, hiding as her husband and their community burned to the ground. The demon had a sinister smile in last week’s episode when Sabame vowed to protect them, which (unsurprisingly) foreshadowed that he was being used. The oni exploited his love for his people and the dire circumstances surrounding them.
The only good thing I see coming out of this is that Dororo may have an idea of what type of community she would like to build in the future. I don’t think the little lady will be tempted by these otherworldly forces, especially after seeing the effects firsthand.
Hyakkimaru received a body part this episode, although I didn’t expect it to be his spine. I’m surprised he has been able to function thus far, with spools of thread and twine holding up his core. I also have no clue when he had the time to make an interim prosthetic leg and tour the destruction of the village with Dororo before they went their separate ways.
Again, the pacing was super off.
Hyakkimaru was so lost in grief over his familial ties he failed to notice Dororo was no longer there. We received a random training montage with Tahomaru and his charges. No doubt the two brothers will fight once more, although once Hyakki receives his eyes he may feel differently about revenge. If he could see the enemies he faces, it would scare him. Hyakkimaru would have to rely on his intuition rather than seeing the make of a person’s soul. Things would become less white and red, so to speak.
Ah, I wish I could say I enjoyed this episode but I didn’t. I’m not one who cares about animation quality usually but my gosh did it ruin this week’s tale…
How do you think Itachi got the second half of the map? How will Hyakkimaru find Dororo? Do you think it was the village’s fault they are suffering, or the dynamic duos? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more anime episode reviews!
See you back here next Monday for another one!
次の巻: Dropping Expectations for an Anime Series
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