September 16, 2004
Samurai Champloo Episode 4
"Hellhounds for Hire (Part 2)"
This is the second episode in the two-part Yojimbo story. Mugen and Jin have gotten themselves firmly embroiled in a conflict between two yakuza clans (Jin trying to do good, and Mugen just being his normal self). Being on different sides of the conflict, it presents a good opportunity for the two swordsmen to go at it, though the bulk of the episode is devoted to the storyline.
With a few twists, this is a pretty standard story as you might find in Rurouni Kenshin or something like that. You've got the young kid who wants to be a man, but doesn't really get it. He learns valuable lessons about what it means to be strong, to protect others, etc. If you watch this sort of show, you probably have a good idea of what I mean.
Luckily, Samurai Champloo's unique presentation and high production values mean that even a standard, somewhat ho-hum story like this one, is still interesting.
Rating: B+
Posted by Kei at September 16, 2004 02:30 AM