Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers ‒ Episode 5
A Farewell to Ryusei: Episode 5 of Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers
Episode 5 of Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers delivers a heavy blow, confirming a suspicion many viewers likely harbored: Ryusei's time was limited. His mentor role, coupled with the telltale signs of an anime coughing disease and the prominent display of the Crest of Fire, all pointed towards a sacrificial fate. While predictable, his departure still carries emotional weight, a testament to the character's cool demeanor and effective role in guiding the team.
Stakes Raised, Sacrifices Made
The episode amps up the tension with the arrival of Ramaga, the formidable demon lord. Ryusei's demise isn't a random event; it's a direct consequence of his battle against Ramaga, who poisoned him. The narrative confirms that simply defeating a lesser demon wouldn't cure Ryusei, as the curse was inflicted by the big boss himself. Adding insult to injury, the curse transforms Ryusei into a demon, forcing him to confront his fellow Troopers. The episode unfolds in stages, showcasing the series' accelerating pace.
Flashbacks and Foreshadowing
Despite the emotional impact of Ryusei's departure, the episode suffers from some structural issues. To amplify the emotional resonance, the writers employ flashbacks, showcasing Ryusei's endearing interactions with his teammates. However, these flashbacks feel somewhat belated, as viewers are only now privy to these formative moments. The series' Hyperbolic-Time-Chamber-esque training realm, which condenses significant growth into montages, further exacerbates this issue. The need to revisit unseen moments to solidify Ryusei's positive relationships feels a bit clunky.
The irony is that Ryusei's characterization as the cool, supportive mentor already established his importance to the team. The added flashbacks, while heartwarming, occasionally feel like overkill. The exception is his connection with Gai, where Ryusei reassures the former demon of his inherent humanity.
"Samurai Heart" and Missed Opportunities
The flashback featuring Ryusei and Gai gains further significance with the inclusion of "Samurai Heart," the second opening theme from the original Samurai Troopers. The use of this iconic song is a powerful moment, a well-executed reveal. However, the episode could have benefited from a more balanced approach, gradually building up the relationship between Ryusei and Gai instead of relying solely on a last-minute flashback to deliver the emotional punch.
Shion's Role and Generational Clashes
Despite the awkwardness surrounding the flashbacks, the episode's drama largely succeeds. The writers throw in a brief fake-out with Shion, hinting at his potential replacement of Ryusei on the team. The series' central theme of generational conflict takes center stage, exploring Ryusei's appointment as the new team leader by Ryo, his struggles to live up to that legacy, and his ultimate act of self-sacrifice. The episode cleverly mirrors Ryusei's initial fight against the demonic Gai, creating an arc-wrapping parallel that reinforces the question of humanity versus demonism. This thematic resonance elevates the episode beyond mere sentimentality.
Gai's Burden and the Ultimate Betrayal
The twist of fate, where Ryusei is ultimately killed by Gai using the sacred sword in an attempt to purify him, adds another layer of tragedy. While Ryusei's death was anticipated, the manner in which it occurs is surprisingly impactful. This leaves both Gai and Shion with heavy burdens to bear in the coming episodes. The revelations surrounding Ryo, who is revealed to be Ramaga, introduce a new dimension to the series' exploration of generations, legacy, and Gai's origins. This plot twist suggests that Yoroi-Shinden has the potential to consistently deliver compelling narratives.
Despite its flaws, Episode 5 manages to evoke genuine emotion, even with a predictable character death. This achievement underscores the series' strengths.
