Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers ‒ Episode 7
Samurai Troopers Episode 7: Plot Rails and Emotional Detours
Episode 7 of Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers takes viewers on a winding journey, grappling with complex themes while occasionally stumbling on its own narrative ambitions. The episode attempts to delve into intergenerational trauma, parental abuse, and forgiveness, but its execution proves somewhat uneven, leaving the reviewer with mixed feelings.
Jun's Swift Rehabilitation
The episode swiftly resolves the cliffhanger from the previous week, where UllyJun made a surprising return as an adult. Instead of dedicating an episode to exploring his shut-in status, the narrative breezes past his issues. A brief encounter with Nasti and some shared artistic appreciation are all it takes for Jun to overcome his funk and guide the Troopers toward their next objective. While the reviewer expresses relief at the avoidance of potentially insensitive jokes, the abruptness of Jun's transformation feels jarring, diminishing the impact of his reintroduction.
Ujihara and the Weight of the Past
The core of the episode revolves around Musashi and Yamato confronting their feelings about Ujihara, the headmaster of their former orphanage. This storyline proves challenging for the reviewer, who generally struggles with narratives that seek to redeem or empathize with abusive parental figures. However, the reviewer acknowledges the series' attempt to explore the connective trauma of generations and the expectations that previous generations place on later ones.
The revelation that all the human Troopers originated from this orphanage adds another layer to the characters' struggles with expectations and past abuse. This plotline also runs parallel to Gai's ongoing paternal struggles, highlighting the complexities of father-son relationships. The episode posits a compelling idea: how shared trauma and expectations can shape individuals, especially those who have experienced abuse in their upbringing.
The Mirror's Magical Absolution
The episode introduces a magical element to explain Ujihara's abusive behavior: he was being subliminally mind-controlled by a magical mirror. This revelation absolves Ujihara of personal responsibility for his actions, providing Musashi with an easy out for compartmentalizing his feelings.
The reviewer criticizes this magical solution, arguing that it avoids grappling with the complex origins of abuse and how it intertwines with memories of survivors. Furthermore, it diminishes Musashi's emotional journey, transforming it into a less satisfying arc. The reviewer feels that the show missed an opportunity to explore the nuances of abusive relationships and the challenges of forgiving those who have caused harm.
Music and Uneven Execution
The episode utilizes the song "Yume wo Shinjite" as a storytelling motif, which the reviewer appreciates. However, the reviewer notes that the subtitles misspell the song's name, which detracts from the moment's impact. Despite this misstep, the overall musical score, particularly during the fight scenes, is praised as being exceptionally cool and engaging.
Despite its strengths in music and its conceptual richness, the reviewer ultimately feels that the episode's uneven execution detracts from its overall impact. The handling of Jun's character, coupled with the swerves in Ujihara's storyline, leaves the reviewer feeling jerked around. The episode's potential is evident, but its failure to fully explore the complexities of its themes leaves the reviewer somewhat disappointed.
Overall Impression
While Episode 7 of Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers presents intriguing themes and incorporates effective musical cues, its narrative missteps and uneven execution prevent it from reaching its full potential. The episode's handling of Jun's character feels rushed, and the magical explanation for Ujihara's abusive behavior undermines the exploration of complex trauma. The reviewer remains engaged with the series but expresses a desire for more consistent and nuanced storytelling.
