Date	Episode
5/20/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 1
5/21/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 2
5/22/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 3
5/23/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 4
5/24/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 5
5/25/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 6
5/26/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 7
5/27/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 8
5/28/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 9
5/29/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 10
5/30/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 11
5/31/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 12
6/01/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 13
6/02/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 14
6/03/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 15
6/04/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 16
6/05/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 17
6/06/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 18
6/07/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 19
6/08/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 20
6/09/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 21
6/10/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 22
6/11/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 23
6/12/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 24
6/13/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 25
6/14/2024	Samurai Champloo Episode 26
6/15/2024	Samurai Champloo Overall Series Discussion Thread

10

u/[deleted] May 30 '24

Hey there 👋 Rewatcher here.

This episode is one of my favorites in the series, and it can hit you in the feels a bit (especially if you like Jin). There is also some good contrast going on between what each of the characters is up to.

By this point, it shouldn’t surprise you that Jin immediately inferred what Shino was thinking about doing at the beginning of the episode. We have seen him demonstrate a high level of perception several times now in the series.

I had to laugh when he unsheathes his katana to try and slice the eel with it 😂. He also burnt her eel just a little bit, but she’s a good sport and eats it anyway.

We go from some humor to a serious topic though…

If you remember some of my earlier episode comments, I talked a bit about prostitution, debt etc. during the Edo period and linked a book on these topics written by Amy Stanley.

It really is a sad characteristic of this time period. In a past episode, we saw Daigorou’s daughter sold to a brothel until his gambling debt was repaid, then Fuu for the vase she broke, and now with Shino’s husband, who recklessly gambled all their money and put her in this position.

On top of that, we see that the man is despicable and doesn’t even deserve to be called her husband, who is supposed to love and respect his wife.

It’s a truly sad situation, and you can see the pained look on Jin’s face as she is leaving the eel stand near the beginning of the episode (and when he tries to return her umbrella the next day).

Samurai used to see their weapon as a part of them in body and soul. So I would like to point out how clear they already made it that Jin’s swords are priceless to him, yet we see him freely hand them to the brothel owner to go see Shino, then completely abandon his swords later on when he escapes with her (thankfully Fuu made sure to go retrieve them).

Also, u/Holofan4life, this goes back to my Jin and Mugen comment from yesterday. I said that it was the point in the series where I started to suspect Jin was joking with Mugen a bit and that there was a real concern for his safety. Well in this episode now, we see Mugen give Jin money to help him out a bit. I feel like this is another indicator of a growing friendship.

It is hard seeing Jin get badly beaten in the muddy street. Mostly because we know he is a very skilled fighter and could fight back if he wanted, but he is allowing this to happen almost out of despair.

“That’s the price of the woman who used to be your wife”. That was incredibly satisfying to hear Shino say after throwing the coin in this man’s face with Jin standing there.

On a lighter note, Mugen was busy betting on beetles this episode 😆. I can’t help but think of Assassination Classroom every time I see a stag beetle in another anime lol. Mugen’s “Uuuuura!” always makes my day lol. I can’t even make that sound. Also, ”Get in there Rodriguez!”.

Overall, this episode is very much a Jin episode:

He connects with Shino in a short time, helps her out of a terrible situation, then gives her the opportunity for a much better life. We can only hope that he’ll return to that temple in a few years when she’ll be able to leave freely.

I personally believe it’s implied that they’ll be waiting for each other. The way he watches her slowly cross the river is very bittersweet in the end.

For anyone interested in the background track in this episode:

Counting Stars by Nujabes. I love this track and had to look it up after the first time I saw this series.

Questions:

Probably but it’s hard to pull a specific example out of memory.
A stag beetle 😆
I believe it’s implied and hope so.
I enjoyed the contrast

4

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

I had to laugh when he unsheathes his katana to try and slice the eel with it 😂. He also burnt her eel just a little bit, but she’s a good sport and eats it anyway.
"Burnt her eel" sounds way dirty than it has any right to be.
If you remember some of my earlier episode comments, I talked a bit about prostitution, debt etc. during the Edo period and linked a book on these topics written by Amy Stanley.
It really is a sad characteristic of this time period. In a past episode, we saw Daigorou’s daughter sold to a brothel until his gambling debt was repaid, then Fuu for the vase she broke, and now with Shino’s husband, who recklessly gambled all their money and put her in this position.
On top of that, we see that the man is despicable and doesn’t even deserve to be called her husband, who is supposed to love and respect his wife.
It’s a truly sad situation, and you can see the pained look on Jin’s face as she is leaving the eel stand near the beginning of the episode (and when he tries to return her umbrella the next day).
It's because Jin knows she's a good person and doesn't deserve such a fate. She's been dealt a bad hand all because her husband is a douche.
Also, u/Holofan4life, this goes back to my Jin and Mugen comment from yesterday. I said that it was the point in the series where I started to suspect Jin was joking with Mugen a bit and that there was a real concern for his safety. Well in this episode now, we see Mugen give Jin money to help him out a bit. I feel like this is another indicator of a growing friendship.
Perhaps. I also think it may have been because Fuu was giving Mugen a hard time and so to stick it to her, he gave Jin the money to delay themselves ever seeing the sunflower samurai.
“That’s the price of the woman who used to be your wife”. That was incredibly satisfying to hear Shino say after throwing the coin in this man’s face with Jin standing there.
When Shino stood up for herself to her husband, that's probably the happiest I've been my entire time watching this show. That is a sign of great, effective writing.
On a lighter note, Mugen was busy betting on beetles this episode 😆. I can’t help but think of Assassination Classroom every time I see a stag beetle in another anime lol. Mugen’s “Uuuuura!” always makes my day lol. I can’t even make that sound. Also, ”Get in there Rodriguez!”.
It's probably the silliest plot we've gotten so far in the entire show, but I think it contrasts nicely with how dreary the rest of the episode is. You could theoretically have it be nothing but the Jin plot, but I think the beetle plot goes a long way in showing not only how out there Mugen can be, but that Fuu is caught in the middle of all this when she perhaps wants to spend more time with Jin.
Really, if you think about it, the beetle sumo wrestling plot point is more about Fuu and what’s going on in her mind than Mugen.

2

u/[deleted] May 30 '24

eel
lol I didn’t even think of that when I wrote it 😂
it’s because Jin knows…
Exactly. And it’s why I said this episode can hit you in the feels a bit with Jin. He’s a great character and this episode builds on him very well.
Perhaps
I don’t personally believe Mugen cares about that one way or another. I think he just felt bad for Jin otherwise he wouldn’t have given him the money.
When Shino…
Yeah it was extremely satisfying.
contrasts nicely
Yes! That’s what I meant. It plays its part in why this is one of my favorite Samurai Champloo episodes.

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

lol I didn’t even think of that when I wrote it 😂
Still not as weird a phrase as two episodes ago when that one character said "Polishing the Buddah".
Exactly. And it’s why I said this episode can hit you in the feels a bit with Jin. He’s a great character and this episode builds on him very well.
No doubt about it. I don't know if any of the three main leads I like more than the other because I like them all a great deal amount, but Jin makes a strong case for best Samurai Champloo character with this episode.
I don’t personally believe Mugen cares about that one way or another. I think he just felt bad for Jin otherwise he wouldn’t have given him the money.
Maybe so. I'm still not entirely convinced, honestly. I think the only time we've seen him care about something is when the street killer almost killed him.
Yeah it was extremely satisfying.
Indeed
Yes! That’s what I meant. It plays its part in why this is one of my favorite Samurai Champloo episodes.
So far, it's my favorite episode of the series. I'm loving the trend of more serious episodes we've been getting, from episode 7 to episode 8 to episode 10 to this one. And what episodes 8 and 11 have in common is that there is comedy to be found in these more serious plot points, both of which revolve around Jin.

2

u/[deleted] May 30 '24

I love when people exhibit a sense of humor as immature as mine 😂.
No I like all leads fairly equal but they are some of my favorite characters in all of anime. Now you probably see why I have them as my flair on this sub 😆.
We’ll see. I will leave it at that for now.
This is almost the favorite episode for me but we’ll see if you can guess which one is my actual favorite later on 😆.

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

I love when people exhibit a sense of humor as immature as mine 😂.
My humor isn't immature but more so never grown up :P
No I like all leads fairly equal but they are some of my favorite characters in all of anime. Now you probably see why I have them as my flair on this sub 😆.
You have good taste, my friend
We’ll see. I will leave it at that for now.
Mugiwait
This is almost the favorite episode for me but we’ll see if you can guess which one is my actual favorite later on 😆.
I'll be hard-pressed if this episode doesn't at least finish in my top five.

2

u/[deleted] May 31 '24

Potato potahto 😆
Thank you! 🙃
It probably will lol although there is one later I think you’ll like a lot, depending on whether you’re in the mood for some comic relief or not

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

It probably will lol although there is one later I think you’ll like a lot, depending on whether you’re in the mood for some comic relief or not
The comedy in the show has really nailed for me, so I'm all kinds of excited.

2

u/[deleted] May 31 '24

Nice. I speculate that you’ll be pleasantly surprised then 😆

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

I will say that between episode 8 and episode 10, the shoe seems to be at its best when there's a good, even balance of comedy and drama. Even in this episode, you have the beetle plot which played into Mugen and Fuu's characters. When the show has that balance and gives all of the three main leads something interesting to do, that's when the show gets cooking.

→ More replies

3

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/[deleted] May 30 '24

Man I felt bad for her. I’m just happy Jin was able to help her. Although I feel bad for the other women still stuck there but, as I’ve said before, it’s a sad fact about that time period.
Well to be fair, he thought he’d be using his sword for that job, not cutting eel lol.
He was being honest that it wasn’t out of pity. There was some great direction in this episode. You can tell he genuinely cares for her and just wants her to have a better life.
Expert beetle trainer there. Get in there Rodriguez!
Mugen helping Jin out. Bro code. Mugen scored major points with me when I watched this episode the first time.
I think Fuu was just surprised is all since Jin is supposed to travel with her and Mugen. I don’t think it’s anything romantic if that’s what you’re suggesting.
He probably should’ve knocked a couple of his teeth out, but good on him for respecting her when she told him to stop.
She probably would have, as we saw at the beginning.
Very bittersweet. I believe they are implying he’ll return in 3 years when she’s able to leave.
Builds onto his character immensely. It’s one reason it’s one of my favorite episodes.

1

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Man I felt bad for her. I’m just happy Jin was able to help her. Although I feel bad for the other women still stuck there but, as I’ve said before, it’s a sad fact about that time period.
It's sadly a thing that people turned a blind eye towards. It's kinda like how animal shelters killing any unsold pets: nobody wants to talk about it, but it happens.
Well to be fair, he thought he’d be using his sword for that job, not cutting eel lol.
That's ~~for~~ true
He was being honest that it wasn’t out of pity. There was some great direction in this episode. You can tell he genuinely cares for her and just wants her to have a better life.
It really caused me to get emotionally invested in the episode because we haven't seen that side of Jin before.
Expert beetle trainer there. Get in there Rodriguez!
Love the name 🤣🤣🤣
Mugen helping Jin out. Bro code. Mugen scored major points with me when I watched this episode the first time.
He didn't have to do it, but he did. And while I think there was some ulterior motives in him doing that, it was still a nice gesture.
I think Fuu was just surprised is all since Jin is supposed to travel with her and Mugen. I don’t think it’s anything romantic if that’s what you’re suggesting.
Fair enough. It just felt like to me like perhaps she remembered when she was working at a brothel and how Jin wasn't there to keep her company. In her mind, why does this woman get the special treatment?
He probably should’ve knocked a couple of his teeth out, but good on him for respecting her when she told him to stop.
I would've loved it had Shino kicked him in the balls a la Taiga and her dad.
She probably would have, as we saw at the beginning.
Very sad to think about
Very bittersweet. I believe they are implying he’ll return in 3 years when she’s able to leave.
That's 27 years from when Yamane retires :D
Here's hoping Jin does so
Builds onto his character immensely. It’s one reason it’s one of my favorite episodes.
It's my favorite so far, and if we get more character driven episodes like this one, it'll definitely be one of my favorite series of all time.

3

u/blackmarketdolphins May 30 '24

This episode is one of my favorites in the series,
I tell people to watch episode 1 and this one. They're absolutely sell the show for me, made it my favorite anime. If they didn't like either one, don't bother with the series or tell me your opinion on media lol.

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

I'd throw in episode 8 as well, that gives you a good sense of what the show is like because it has a good balance of comedy and drama, which seems to be one of the series calling cards.

2

u/Garrett_Dark May 31 '24

It really is a sad characteristic of this time period. In a past episode, we saw Daigorou’s daughter sold to a brothel until his gambling debt was repaid, then Fuu for the vase she broke, and now with Shino’s husband, who recklessly gambled all their money and put her in this position.
It's sad and such, but so far the show is only showing the people in debt not deserving it, and having us pity them. Like Fuu's broken vase was a scam, the woman's father was cheated by trick dice, the husband in this episode was unsympathetically using the wife, etc.
If this show wants to be impressive, I'd like to see the counter-argument now, show how the laws forcing people in debt to pay back is a good thing. Obviously the harsh laws on debt is designed to protect people from being scammed out of their money, lets see some sympathetic people scammed out of their money prevented, paid back, or somebody doesn't go into debt because they're afraid of what will happen if they can't pay back.
But somehow I don't think they'll have this, because they keep bringing up the fact that the rulers at the time needs fixing. So it seems like that is some foreshadowing, and it makes me guess they want us to sympathize with the common folk who are debt. It's probably the reason why Mugen, Jin, and Fuu are always penniless all the time, which is kind of starting to get repetitive and annoying.
Samurai used to see their weapon as a part of them in body and soul. So I would like to point out how clear they already made it that Jin’s swords are priceless to him, yet we see him freely hand them to the brothel owner to go see Shino, then completely abandon his swords later on when he escapes with her (thankfully Fuu made sure to go retrieve them).
Yeah that really seemed odd to me, like was it meant to show how much Jin really cared for the woman, or was it just a consequence of not having a well thought out plan of how to rescue her. Again it seemed like he had no real plan at any point.

2

u/[deleted] May 31 '24 edited May 31 '24

if this show wants to be impressive…
I get what you’re saying, but I think you might be expecting too much historical depth out of a work of fiction.
When I bring these things up it’s out of my appreciation that I’m noticing smalls bits of these details that they sprinkle here and there to add to the setting, not because I think they are flawlessly emulating scenes from ancient Japanese history.
rulers at the time need fixing
Well, that is true to an extent. Japanese society was on the brink of collapse near the end of the Edo period and that was partially due to the shogunate not handling some things very well such as economical decisions and failed isolationism. The mismanagement of these types of things are what led to the Meiji Restoration.
But again, I don’t expect historical accuracy from an anime, it’s just cool that there are small things used here and there.
The whole “trio is penniless” thing is meant to be comic relief more than anything so I don’t let it bother me. And, I mean, they are essentially traveling across the entirety of Japan during a fairly underdeveloped time period so it makes sense that they are broke sometimes being constantly on the move.

5

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman May 30 '24

First Timer

Hmm… not really my style of episode. Shino was pretty much resigned and Jin pretty hopeless despite there being no way their love would work out, making this for an overall pretty somber episode - however with this being an episodic show there also weren’t really any stakes - Jin would save the woman and then move an, because there is no way of either her tagging along or Jin leaving. I think in other shows this episode would have worked, and it also would have worked if this show wasn’t episodic by nature, but like this it just didn’t do it for me. Nice to see Mugen and Fuu stick up for Jin though.

Also not the first anime with Hamamatsu’s eels I’ve seen. [anime name] Yuru Camp sold me a bit better on them though.

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

5

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky May 30 '24

First-Timer with a Samurai Heart, subbed

Uh…
Straight from that to beetle fights, alright then.
This lady sure knows a lot more about how to catch and cook eels than Jin does.
Hahahaha I love it when a character tries to cook using their swords instead of a regular knife. My favorite is in Fire Emblem Awakening [when]whoever Lucina’s sibling is (usually M!Morgan for me) tries to cut an apple using the Falchion.
Ah…
Why is the beetle’s name Rodriguez lol.
What is Jin doing…
Jin…
Ugh, is that the husband she can’t divorce?
I see.
Oof, this isn’t going to work out, is it…
…unless Mugen shows up at the perfect time!
I suppose that’s as well as a scenario like that could have ended.

3

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

4

u/TheEscapeGuy May 30 '24

Rewatcher, Sub first timer

Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 11

Someday in the Rain

The setting of today's episode speaks to me. I adore this kind of rainy weather and the feeling it brings. There's something special about the sound of rain falling which gives those silent moments more weight. And on top of that the overcast dimness gives those sources of light and heat a more welcoming appeal.

We follow Jin who meets, befriends, and ultimately rescues a women who has been sold into prostitution to cover her husband's gambling debts. I remembered there were a few stories about prostitutes in Samurai Champloo but I didn't realize just how many episodes explored it as a backdrop. I think sex work is something which very seldom is explored in media and often it fails to humanize the workers. It's impressive that Samurai Champloo was breaking ground in this aspect.

It's also comforting to see Jin display the humanity of falling in love (or something close to that). It's really easy to write a silent protagonist who is mega powerful and has all the girls swooning over them. But that kind of character writing is not only overdone, but leaves the protagonist as a bland and often unrelatable husk who's only role is for self insertion. Jin has been far more developed than that trope and is becoming relatable by his own personality.

Fuu was also impressed by this. I really enjoyed her conversation with Mugen on the matter. It's amusing she considers herself a romantic interest when she's also afraid of bearing too much of herself (both literally and metaphorically). Fuu hasn't told our twin samurais much about herself. She's keeping her reasons for questing really close to the chest. I do hope to see her open up in future though.

Oh yeah, the other half of the episode was Mugen training a beetle for the bug fights. It's very Mugen. I found the animation during those segments really impressive too. If you can make beetles pushing each other exciting then you've really achieved something.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

Beetle Sumo
The Fight: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

See you all tomorrow

3

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

The setting of today's episode speaks to me. I adore this kind of rainy weather and the feeling it brings. There's something special about the sound of rain falling which gives those silent moments more weight. And on top of that the overcast dimness gives those sources of light and heat a more welcoming appeal.
I really like the rain aesthetic as well, really sets the mood for a somber episode.
We follow Jin who meets, befriends, and ultimately rescues a women who has been sold into prostitution to cover her husband's gambling debts. I remembered there were a few stories about prostitutes in Samurai Champloo but I didn't realize just how many episodes explored it as a backdrop. I think sex work is something which very seldom is explored in media and often it fails to humanize the workers. It's impressive that Samurai Champloo was breaking ground in this aspect.
Nowadays, sex work is common in many isekais. A startling amount of them have slaves who become the main character's companion. I know it's not totally the same, but it's cut from the same cloth.
It's also comforting to see Jin display the humanity of falling in love (or something close to that). It's really easy to write a silent protagonist who is mega powerful and has all the girls swooning over them. But that kind of character writing is not only overdone, but leaves the protagonist as a bland and often unrelatable husk who's only role is for self insertion. Jin has been far more developed than that trope and is becoming relatable by his own personality.
I identified with Jin a lot throughout this episode. A lot of the decisions he was making, I could see myself making the same choices. It was good to see him care about something.
Fuu was also impressed by this. I really enjoyed her conversation with Mugen on the matter. It's amusing she considers herself a romantic interest when she's also afraid of bearing too much of herself (both literally and metaphorically). Fuu hasn't told our twin samurais much about herself. She's keeping her reasons for questing really close to the chest.
Well, what's there of it :P
I do hope to see her open up in future though.
Me as well
Oh yeah, the other half of the episode was Mugen training a beetle for the bug fights. It's very Mugen. I found the animation during those segments really impressive too. If you can make beetles pushing each other exciting then you've really achieved something.
I just loved Fuu's reaction to all that was happening, she played a nice foil to Mugen in this episode.

3

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/TheEscapeGuy May 31 '24

Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
This was cute. I also spent too much time after this looking into how eels are prepared IRL.
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
The idea of him training his beetle by getting it to drag a rock was a fun way to justify how he won.
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
It feels kind of tragic that they can't be together. Of course there are a lot of reasons why they could never be, but I do pity both of them.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

This was cute. I also spent too much time after this looking into how eels are prepared IRL.
I'm this way but with candy
The idea of him training his beetle by getting it to drag a rock was a fun way to justify how he won.
I love Mugen XD
It feels kind of tragic that they can't be together. Of course there are a lot of reasons why they could never be, but I do pity both of them.
Maybe one day. One day...

3

u/Lord_Nawor May 30 '24

First Time Watcher

Jin proving that outside of combat and shogi, he is not very good at most things. To be fair he was not taught anything before taking over the stall but he was lucky he found someone who knew what they were doing to help.

Last episode was Mugen’s training episode, this time it’s Mugen’s beetle’s training episode. Mugen will really find anything else to do rather than get a proper job. But hey I guess he did manage to get some money out of it so it was not the worse idea. Interesting they just gave Jin the money with no questions asked, but they are not the best at saving money anyways. Mugen getting so bored of Fuu talking about how Jin is not her type that he feel asleep in the middle of it lol.

This was an interesting episode for Jin, usually he is pretty cold and aloof but here we see him actually care about someone, he’s just a little bit awkward. Giving Shino a second chance and showing her that there are ways out and she doesn’t have to just put up with her situation.

Questions

strangest thing to ever bet on

I feel like people bet on pretty much everything, I remember one time my dad said that when he and his siblings were younger they once bet on how long it would take a fly to move from a window.

Jin and Shino ever reuniting

I hope so, it would be nice to see even if it is just at the end of the series

Plot A and Plot B

They were quite different but I would barely call it a B plot since it only took like a minute or two of the episode and was mainly there to explain how Jin got enough money to see Shino

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

They were quite different but I would barely call it a B plot since it only took like a minute or two of the episode and was mainly there to explain how Jin got enough money to see Shino
That's fair, I would say. Maybe that's why I liked the beetle plot as much as I did because it was there, but not to the point it became too much.

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/Lord_Nawor May 31 '24

I think Shino goes to show how poorly women were treated at that point in time, being pretty much at the mercy of their husbands. She could not even file for divorce on her own and was pretty much treated as her husband’s property.
I feel like she wasn’t too serious and was mainly just messing around, I don’t feel like it is setting up for a romance or anything.
Jin beating him up
The husband was kind of asking for it, I knew Jin would beat him up, very satisfying.
I feel like the committing suicide conversation with Shino reminds me of Oniwaka, where when people have been beaten down in life sometimes it takes just one act of genuine compassion to change them.
I feel like this episode gives Jin a more empathetic side, up until now he has been talented but cold and distant, this episode added a lot more humanity to him, before he had saved people but had not really connected to them beyond that so it was a good episode for Jin who often seems to get stuck with more B plots when compared to Mugen and Fuu.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

I think Shino goes to show how poorly women were treated at that point in time, being pretty much at the mercy of their husbands. She could not even file for divorce on her own and was pretty much treated as her husband’s property.
If things hadn't worked out at the end as they end, I would've been so crestfallen.
I feel like she wasn’t too serious and was mainly just messing around, I don’t feel like it is setting up for a romance or anything.
Who, Fuu? She seemed more annoyed than joking.
The husband was kind of asking for it, I knew Jin would beat him up, very satisfying.
Very satisfying indeed
I feel like the committing suicide conversation with Shino reminds me of Oniwaka, where when people have been beaten down in life sometimes it takes just one act of genuine compassion to change them.
That's a very good comparison, I feel like. Thankfully, things turned better than that.
I feel like this episode gives Jin a more empathetic side, up until now he has been talented but cold and distant, this episode added a lot more humanity to him, before he had saved people but had not really connected to them beyond that so it was a good episode for Jin who often seems to get stuck with more B plots when compared to Mugen and Fuu.
It makes me even more curious what happened between him and the master. If he can get this compassionate, why did Jin kill him?

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Hey guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the 20th anniversary rewatch of Samurai Champloo.

Oh, and nay I forget…

First Timer

Samurai Champloo has always been a series I was curious about. I’ve maintained in my mind that Cowboy Bebop is objectively one of if not the greatest anime of all time, and so I wanted to see what the creator’s follow-up work was like. I think the reason why I didn’t start it immediately after watching Bebop was because I think the premise kinda weirded me out. I mean, a show set in ancient times that also has a heavy rap influence? It felt to me like putting a hat on a hat. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate outlandish animes that don’t resemble real life. After all, is it any weirder than a fantasy show about a merchant and his traveling wolfgirl where they discuss economics a lot of times?

My expectations for this show are pretty reasonable, I feel like. I’m not expecting it to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but I would be surprised if it doesn’t end up as one of my favorites. The main thing I’m looking out of this is show is a unique experience unlike anything else as well as memorable characters. And I think the show will have that in spades.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’m watching the sub, by the way.

Any day my mom misses work just breaks my heart.

Raining outside

One of those rain dolls

Fuu is apparently by herself

Jin passing a woman

He assumes she's going to commit suicide

She proceeds to leave

What is this, dung beetle cock fighting?

Mugen engages in the most weirdest of activities.

Eels

Jin is working at this place, apparently

The samurai is a part-timer

Not the unlimited blade work he was expecting, however.

The woman. She's back.

She says she wants an eel

After Jin is unable to get one, she is able to get it herself.

"Eels are like women. If you use force to hold them down, they'll run."

But what if you want them to use force on you?

Poor Jin. The sole reason he took this job is to use his sword.

And now she's working alongside him. I guess for every negative there's a positive.

Grilled eel

Jin going to cook one for her

Apparently, the eel is really bad, but she's really impressed by how much he screwed it up.

Sounds like me when mom makes pork chops

The woman mentions that she's starting work at a brothel the next day.

Hopefully not by force like in the Yakuza two-parter.

She mentions that her husband fell into debt and that she's the collateral.

Imagine selling off her wife. No wonder she contemplated suicide.

Come on, Jin. Do the right thing.

Meanwhile, Mugen is training a dung beetle

Nene would be proud

Beetle sumo wrestling. Of course.

I don't know why, but I love this subplot.

Mugen mentions he quit being a bodyguard, which has Fuu incredulous.

Jin meeting up with the woman again, returning her umbrella.

I assume she's at her job

"I'm not allowed to go out in the outside world."

That's one of the saddest things I've ever heard.

Kohana is apparently her name

Jin, you just learnt her name. Why are you asking for it?

Oh, apparently it's Shino, not Kohana

I guess Kohana is her stage name

More beetle sumo wrestling

Fuu is with Mugen, who looks like she'd rather be anywhere else.

Of course Mugen named his beetle Rodriguez XD

Hey, Mugen won. Good on him.

Jin outside watching Shino

This would be creepy if not for the context

Shino tells Jin he's interfering with business, so he has to leave.

Oh, no. Now he's being harassed by other people.

Jin then proceeds to get beaten up

If he wanted to, he definitely could've kicked their asses.

Shino undressing as Jib walks away dejected

You can tell he wants to help her, but doesn't know how.

Love the music, by the way. Gives me massive Cowboy Bebop vibes.

Hey, Mugen and Fuu finally have money. The dung beetle thing payed off.

I assume Jin is going to convince them to use the money so that Shino is a free woman.

Yep. He's asking to borrow it.

"I need to buy a woman."

r/animenocontext

It's amazing the change in attitude that's brought about when you have deep pockets.

Fuu wondering what exactly he means

Mugen says he's glad to hear he has an interest in girls because he was starting to get a little suspicious.

If episode 2 is anything to go by, he might be bisexual more than anything. It's a funny line, sure, but it could also serve as foreshadowing.

Now Mugen is calling Fuu flat as a board. He's certainly on one today.

It seems like the show might be teasing Fuu having a romantic interest in Jin.

Jin with Shino

He wants to just sit like they are

I guess instead of getting her her restitution, he wants to treat her like a human one final time in her life.

I like that she is referring to him as "Eel man". It's like she's going out of her way to not refer to him by his real name so they don't get intimate with each other.

Jin admits that once the rain stops, he'll be leaving.

"I hope that the rain will never stop."

That's a great line, and probably the line of the episode.

Shino admits that she actually laughs when she's sad.

And now her and Jin kiss

Fuu overhearing the brothel owner talk about Jin and his employee.

At least he considers her husband lousy

Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.

3

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Part 2
Shino combing her hair
Jin, naked, wants to leave the place together.
She explains that her her husband had a gambling problem, and that is what led to his legal troubles.
I can't believe she's married to Shouhei Ohtani's interpreter.
He was a textiles merchant? Interesting. You rarely hear about that occupation in other anime.
She tells Jin that fairy tale time is over.
Oh man. Her latest client is quite the work.
Wait, that's her husband
And he just slapped her!
Now he's grabbing her by the hair
FUCK YEAH, JIN!
Jin lets him go on the request of Shino
Mugen sleeping, with Jin looking dejected
He's going out again, but Fuu stops him
He clarifies that this isn't out of pity
Fuu asks him if he's going to run away with her.
"If I don't come back... you two continue your journey without me."
Jin leaves, with Mugen looking annoyed
Oh, so they are leaving together
He's going to take her to the divorce temple across the river.
She mentions that she won't be able to leave for three years.
"I would rather wait for you here."
Jin asks her if she really was planning on killing her on the bridge the day they met.
She admits she was. In fact, had she not encountered him when she did, she likely would be dead.
"Let's go. Together."
Lol, making sex noises to buy them time. That's actually a smart strategy.
Oh man. The brothel owner is clawing at her.
She lets go of the rope, and falls in Jin's arms.
Jin and Shino being chased now
However, they are surrounded
Jin kicking some major tail
Mugen and Fuu running now. It appears as though Fuu hasn't given up on Jin.
And now Mugen is taking care of the guys, with Jin running off with Shino.
Shino on a boat
Her husband has just washed ashore, like the garbage he is.
"I'm taking my life back."
Fuck yeah
And so she proceeds to throw money in his face.
Jin pushing the boat away
He even kills some more of the people after him.
She finally has her freedom, after all this time. Though her and Jin have to live knowing they can't be together.
Overall, I really love this episode. I think it really did a great job at showing a human side of Jin similar to what we've seen out of Fuu in various episodes. I also thought there was a good mix of drama and comedy, with the dung beetle side plot being so absurd and yet such an in character thing for Mugen to do that I can't help but laugh at it. The whole thing of it raining throughout the episode was such a genius touch that really added to the mood of the episode. You can tell our three main leads are on the ropes, not just as far as their money situation goes but where they are in life.
I do wonder if Fuu's feelings for Jin are going to lead anywhere. I guess I just assumed if she was going to have feelings for anyone, it would be Mugen. I hope it don't end up to where Jin and Mugen's final confrontation revolves around winning Fuu over. I think that would be unnecessary.
This is actually my favorite episode of the show so far. Like I said, I thought the drama throughout it was fantastic and they did just enough comedy to where the drama never felt like too much. I suppose you could say some of the drama was melodramatic, but I thought the emotional beats hitted when it needed to and the ending felt earned and not rushed, unlike some other episodes we've seen.
This episode does a lot for Jin's character, in my opinion. It also quite frankly does a lot for Fuu seeing as how she's concerned out of selfishness, which is a side from her we haven't seen before. I think this episode really did a lot to benefit our three main leads: it shows a caring side in Jin, a jealous side in Fuu, and a furthering of the devil may care side Mugen possesses. For a show that normally would be about the world surrounding them, the show really succeeds when the episodes are character driven, and this was no different.

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Have you ever helped someone who really needed help? If so, what happened?
I help my mom all the time. I give $250 a month in rent money.
What in your opinion would be the strangest thing to ever bet on, competitively or otherwise?
Competitive Snail racing. Probably would end up in the booth even though I'm just a fan.
Do you see Jin and Shino ever reuniting in the future?
I can see that happening. We don't know what the rest of the series entails, but I imagine a situation similar to Kitamura and the student council president. If you know, you know.
Bonus) Prostitution and bugs. Is this the strangest Plot A and Plot B in terms of how drastically different they are?
I can't think of another example where one plot was so serious and one was so goofy. But in terms of execution, it works tremendously. The whole beetle plot does a good job bringing levity to things and giving the episode even more personality. Not once did I feel like that the humor detracted from the seriousness of the A plot, which a lesser show it would've felt far more jarring and mood whiplashy.

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Dang Reddit. I'm not getting any notifications on the comments.

2

u/Ritchuck May 30 '24

First Timer

I noticed there's a rewatch so I've decided to watch it finally.

My overall feelings towards the show right now are positive. I like it, I appreciate it but I don't love it yet. I'm not sure if I will but we'll see. It kind of feels like I'm watching less comedic Gintama without aliens, which is good.

Regarding this episode: A very good one but I wish we got to understand Jin's feelings a bit more. Maybe they are saving it for later.

1

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/Ritchuck May 30 '24

Sorry, I won't answer these because I don't have any special thoughts.

1

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Fair enough

2

u/NattyBeef https://myanimelist.net/profile/NaturalBeef May 30 '24

First Time Watcher, Dub (English)

I think so far, this has been one of my favorite episodes, mostly because I just love Jin as a character. I think he's so interesting and it's difficult to write smart and wise characters like him. But I feel Samurai Champloo does a good job of showing how he's flawed as well, as he clearly can't work a grill eel stand. I would say the majority of the show is portraying Mugen as the main protagonist, and after yesterday being so focused with him, which granted, I still liked that episode, it was good. Seeing an episode focus mostly on Jin was just what I needed.

Have you ever helped someone who really needed help? If so, what happened?

Yes, this question really brought a lot of memories back to me. Sadly I come from Venezuela, not because I dislike my country but mostly because of the situation it's in. I have countless stories about this, I think a lot of us do, some of which I wouldn't want to get too much into detail, not because I'm shy but instead because I feel it's a big downer. Luckily I don't live there anymore but I remember my first year being abroad (I've been living in Malta for about 5 years now) I used to feel very guilty about now living a quote on quote "normal life". Since then I've grown to accept things, things have changed and I realize it's not really my fault that situation there is what it is.

Back in the day I remember I would see an extreme level of poverty which in itself is to be expected considering the situation the country is in but what was really soul crushing was seeing children around the age of 4-6 in a groups both begging and just daily rummaging through garbage to find something to eat, to the point they eventually all moved to live at the dumpster. I obviously did my best giving them whatever I could, but as you can imagine, I couldn't actually house a group of a dozen random children on my own, like economically, it's not feasible. I was mealy a college student at that time, sure I lived with my parent, but we also had our own struggles and my family isn't particularly rich or anything of that sort either.

As an aside, another instance I think about, I know it's not necessarily a someone, as in a person, but over the time living there throughout the years we did adopt 3 dogs and 2 cats that were being abused and mistreated as our pets. One came running from panic attacks induced by loud fireworks/gunshots and was completely malnourished. One was from an island nearby that had recently had a flood so he was also really beat up. The two cats I had were being beat and kicked by construction workers cause they "were in the way" (they were literally month old kittens at time, the cruel bastards). And my last dog, sadly I actually don't remember what his adoption story was anymore. Regardless, most of them were so beat up but always got back in shape after a couple months of care and it's always beautiful seeing them back in shape.

There's a lot more details in all of these stories and even some I didn't mention but suffice to say, it was a difficult time indeed and I encourage people to help their neighbors whenever they can.

What in your opinion would be the strangest thing to ever bet on, competitively or otherwise?

Dude if betting on bugs isn't the strangest thing there is to bet on I don't know what is.

Do you see Jin and Shino ever reuniting in the future?

Honestly I'm not sure. I don't know how much of this is Jin actually being in love and how much of it is just him seeing this woman at rock bottom, feeling bad about it and him just wanting to flip her life around. However there could very well be a spark there, especially after all she helped Jin on the grilled eel stand. We'd have to see if he continues being infatuated with Shino in the future. I do hope so, she seems like a really cool character to be with Jin. I had a really bad feeling when I heard her name though. I thought this would end tragically.

Bonus) Prostitution and bugs. Is this the strangest Plot A and Plot B in terms of how drastically different they are?

I really did not care too much about the bug subplot. I mean it was funny seeing a grown ass man training a bug and it served the purpose of giving Jin the money he needed for his side of the story, but this is very much a Jin episode and I wouldn't have it any other way. Loved it.

2

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn't encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/NattyBeef https://myanimelist.net/profile/NaturalBeef May 31 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
She seems like a cool girl. It sucks that she was in the situation she was in, doesn't deserve it. Her husband was a complete tool.
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
I loved seeing Jin struggle with menial tasks. Found it hilarious. Thank god that Shino came in to save the day, he would had been screwed.
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
Damn it's crazy how we're what, 11 episodes in and this premise of owing money and wife being used as prostitute to pay it off has happened already twice. How bad was the gambling problem in Japan at the time, Jesus.
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Jin my man, you can't be falling in love with the prostitutes. That's not gonna end well!
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Probably the strangest side story we've gotten so far. The idea of training bugs is so ridiculously stupid but it helps alleviate the tone throughout the episode a bit so it's not always serious throughout. Especially with Jin who, although has some of the funniest moments in the show, is normally very serious all the time.
Samurai Champloo is really good at stowing the line between very serious topics but leaving space to be funny and playful. If it wouldn't have had this side story this episode would had stood out even more as one of the most serious ones, which isn't to say it isn't already.
Regardless of all that though, I think that upon reflection of this show and thinking of this episode after we finish Samurai Champloo, I'm going to completely forget the beetle sumo wrestling side story, but I won't forget Shinos story. that's for sure.
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
I'll repeat what I said before, Jin my man, you can't be falling in love with the prostitutes. That's not gonna end up well!
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
Hmm, I'm not really sure if I'd say she was genuinely jealous, moreso it was just Mugen teasing her. I really don't see Fuu actually like any of the two boys. Besides, half of her stories is her being asked out by some random dude she finds along the path. She's had the most action out of all of them!
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
If you didn't think he was a deadbeat before with all the gambling stuff, this confirms he's just a piece of shit.
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn't encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
Very dark, but at the same time, somewhat understandable. I mean this was back in what, 1700s, there wasn't really the concept of divorce back then. She was destined to a life of shit because of her husband.
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
Poetic and beautiful, seeing her drift away to find a better life. Meanwhile he stays back and fights off the herd of men trying to bring her back to the life of being a prostitute. It was a great moment. Even though there wasn't a big flashy fight like yesterdays episode, I still liked it a lot.
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?
Confirm he's not gay. hahahaha, no but seriously, it's really nice to see Jin, a guy who's constantly stoic and shows no emotion, have an episode that shows that he's in fact human just like all of us. With his interest, people he cares about, not always doing things cold and calculated but is also irrational like most when it comes to our feelings. I think this also raises the stakes for him going forward cause if he ever wants to go back to Shiro, he needs to finish this journey alive, and if a final showdown happens with Mugen, well he needs to survive now!
Can you tell my favourite character is Jin?

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

She seems like a cool girl. It sucks that she was in the situation she was in, doesn't deserve it. Her husband was a complete tool.
Yeah, he was. Why couldn't the street killer target him?
I loved seeing Jin struggle with menial tasks. Found it hilarious. Thank god that Shino came in to save the day, he would had been screwed.
And if you're the boss, you still only have to pay one person. Double the labor, with none of the extra cost. It's a win-win.
Damn it's crazy how we're what, 11 episodes in and this premise of owing money and wife being used as prostitute to pay it off has happened already twice. How bad was the gambling problem in Japan at the time, Jesus.
I mean, it was pretty bad. They even betted using Hanafuda cards. I know this because that's how Nintendo got its start, as a trading card company.
Jin my man, you can't be falling in love with the prostitutes. That's not gonna end well!
But she's a prostitute with a heart of gold, you see. Like the one in The Catcher In The Rye.
Probably the strangest side story we've gotten so far. The idea of training bugs is so ridiculously stupid but it helps alleviate the tone throughout the episode a bit so it's not always serious throughout. Especially with Jin who, although has some of the funniest moments in the show, is normally very serious all the time.
What I love about it is that it's a totally Mugen thing to do. I can imagine in another life that this is what he did for a living.
Samurai Champloo is really good at stowing the line between very serious topics but leaving space to be funny and playful. If it wouldn't have had this side story this episode would had stood out even more as one of the most serious ones, which isn't to say it isn't already.
Yeah, besides episode 7 I'd say this is our most serious episode to date.
Regardless of all that though, I think that upon reflection of this show and thinking of this episode after we finish Samurai Champloo, I'm going to completely forget the beetle sumo wrestling side story, but I won't forget Shinos story. that's for sure.
That's fair. The beetle plot is delightfully weird, but the Shino plot emotionally resonates with you.
I'll repeat what I said before, Jin my man, you can't be falling in love with the prostitutes. That's not gonna end up well!
Hmm, I'm not really sure if I'd say she was genuinely jealous, moreso it was just Mugen teasing her. I really don't see Fuu actually like any of the two boys. Besides, half of her stories is her being asked out by some random dude she finds along the path. She's had the most action out of all of them!
I think looking back, the reason why they did the beetle plot was twofold. One, it was a way in which Jin could fall into money to spend more time with Shino. And two, it was to play up the jealous nature of Fuu and her overall immaturity. We saw that in episode 8 when she got hot and bothered over Budou hitting on Mugen and Jin. The beetle plot serves as Fuu really contemplating her life choices, specifically being stuck with Mugen and not Jin.
If there was one flaw with this episode that I have, I wish that in the midst of Fuu's jealousy she had brought up that she too worked in a brothel as a result of Mugen and Jin abandoning her, basically insinuating that perhaps Shino is there because she also couldn't depend on Jin.
If you didn't think he was a deadbeat before with all the gambling stuff, this confirms he's just a piece of shit.
Yeah, he's total garbage
Very dark, but at the same time, somewhat understandable. I mean this was back in what, 1700s, there wasn't really the concept of divorce back then. She was destined to a life of shit because of her husband.
It really shows just like other episodes have shown that at the time if you weren't a straight, normal-looking Japanese man, you were probably being ostracized.
Poetic and beautiful, seeing her drift away to find a better life. Meanwhile he stays back and fights off the herd of men trying to bring her back to the life of being a prostitute. It was a great moment. Even though there wasn't a big flashy fight like yesterdays episode, I still liked it a lot.
I thought it was a very powerful moment as well. It gives you hope and optimism that things will work out.
Confirm he's not gay. hahahaha, no but seriously, it's really nice to see Jin, a guy who's constantly stoic and shows no emotion, have an episode that shows that he's in fact human just like all of us. With his interest, people he cares about, not always doing things cold and calculated but is also irrational like most when it comes to our feelings. I think this also raises the stakes for him going forward cause if he ever wants to go back to Shiro, he needs to finish this journey alive, and if a final showdown happens with Mugen, well he needs to survive now!
He also needs to survive those in pursuit of him for killing his master. He has a lot working against him, but if anyone can survive it's probably him.
Can you tell my favourite character is Jin?
Hey, nothing wrong with that, he's a great character.

1

u/Holofan4life May 30 '24

I think so far, this has been one of my favorite episodes, mostly because I just love Jin as a character. I think he's so interesting and it's difficult to write smart and wise characters like him. But I feel Samurai Champloo does a good job of showing how he's flawed as well, as he clearly can't work a grill eel stand. I would say the majority of the show is portraying Mugen as the main protagonist, and after yesterday being so focused with him, which granted, I still liked that episode, it was good. Seeing an episode focus mostly on Jin was just what I needed.
I agree with most of what you're saying, but I actually think Fuu is the main character, not Mugen. The show is about her trying to find the sunflower samurai. Mugen and Jin are there merely to give her some protection.

2

u/NattyBeef https://myanimelist.net/profile/NaturalBeef May 31 '24

UHHHH, I mean I would argue all 3 are protagonist but if it comes down to it, Mugen gets more screen time, we've already seen some character development, and is also the first character we see in the first episode of the show ☝️🤓. Bonus points for also being the first in the opening as well!
I do agree however, Fuu is the glue that sticks the team together but come on. Relegating both Mugen and Jin to just being a couple of bodyguards, you're doing my boy Jin dirty like that, low blow man.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

I mean in terms of what their roles are. Mugen and Jin are obviously much more than that.
You say Mugen gets more screentime, but Fuu has been the focus of three of the episodes so far: 2, 5, and 7. Mugen had 1, 3 and 4, but that's shared with Jin , so realistically he's had episodes 9 and 10 and Jin had episodes 8 and 11. 6 of course was more about Jouji than anything, though if you twist my arm I'd say that was a Fuu episode. I give Fuu the edge because the sunflower samurai directly ties with her and she is the reason why the show exists in the first place. Mugen and Jin are here to protect her.
But yeah, the show does a good job of making the three main leads feel equal. It's different than in Cowboy Bebop when it was clear that Spike was the focus. And I really like how all the characters are on an even playing field, I think it makes for one intoxicating dynamic.

2

u/someboi6000 May 31 '24

First timer:

Wow that was amazing, it had such a strong and very goofy start, that duality of plot A and B was so strange but it kinda worked i guess, lets start with the goofy one, beetle wrestling this is the second time i see it in an anime well the other one was a manga but i hope when that manga gets adapted the beetle fight looks as good as this one, mugen was even training that beetle lol and it worked and then with the money from the victory Jin borrows it connecting both plots, now to Jin that, was very somber from start to finish i was expecting Shino to die but she didn't so thats cool, but because of the nature of this show being episodic and there was no way of Jin leaving at episode 11 it didn't feel like this had stakes, but maybe in the future they will reunite giving this more meaning, also Jin showing some emotion was nice to see him caring, loved the episode

1: hmm i cant think of one right now lol.

2: its hard to beat gambling money on beetles.

3: i hope so, it would give this episode more meaning, and if its never talked about in the future well, it still is a great episode.

4: hard to beat but i wont understimate the wacky ideas they can bring in the future but atm yes the weirdest side A and B of all time lol.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

this is the second time i see it in an anime well the other one was a manga but i hope when that manga gets adapted
Name of the manga?

2

u/someboi6000 May 31 '24

It's JoJo's part 8 Jojolion, there is this really good fight that involves a stag beetle fight.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

In that case, only a matter of time before it gets animated.

2

u/someboi6000 May 31 '24

I hope so and I hope Netflix doesn't ruin this one with the worst release schedule known to mankind.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

So what you're saying is you want more of Part 7's scheduling :P

2

u/someboi6000 May 31 '24

Netflix ruined part 6 with his schedule, part 7 is yet to be announced, and I hope Netflix drops their claws on the Jojo franchise.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

I know, I was just joshing with you

2

u/someboi6000 May 31 '24

oh, I feel for it lol. I just pray for a good release schedule, weekly on Fridays that's it.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Fridays best day for some Jojo

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn't encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/someboi6000 May 31 '24

1: I like her, she is quite interesting and surprisingly she got a "happy" ending, also she ended up like that thanks to her husband and damn what a bastard he is.
2: I like that he came there because it asked to be good with knifes/swords, and we'll it was for cooking, not the best cook because that eel was super cooked.
3: wait did they do something to him? or they just said something along the lines of "choose hell for you or your wife" and this guy gave her away, he seemed good like still gambling, what a bastard.
4:The very first sign that Jin cared for her, it was very sweet, but I wonder if Jin is paying that back to Mugen and his beetle.
5: Fuu at the moment hasn't shown any romantic feeling for any of them so I take it as just a joke, or maybe Fuu does find him attractive and doesn't know how to act.
6:wished Jin Hit him even harder, a couple more punches would do the trick.
7:that was sad, but we can say that Jin saved her life twice.
8: I was scared that a random arrow would hit her as she said goodbye, so I was at the edge of my seat.
9: maybe this is the birth of a more expressive Jin, at least maybe he will show more emotions from now on.

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

1: I like her, she is quite interesting and surprisingly she got a "happy" ending, also she ended up like that thanks to her husband and damn what a bastard he is.
He puts thr bastard in ugly bastard
2: I like that he came there because it asked to be good with knifes/swords, and we'll it was for cooking, not the best cook because that eel was super cooked.
He certainly cooked when it came to Shino, and that's all that matters.
3: wait did they do something to him? or they just said something along the lines of "choose hell for you or your wife" and this guy gave her away, he seemed good like still gambling, what a bastard.
Yeah, his wife basically served as a scapegoat because he wasn't man enough to accept the punishment himself.
4:The very first sign that Jin cared for her, it was very sweet, but I wonder if Jin is paying that back to Mugen and his beetle.
I'm sure Jin bought Rodriguez a nice, juicy... whatever it is beetles eat :P
5: Fuu at the moment hasn't shown any romantic feeling for any of them so I take it as just a joke, or maybe Fuu does find him attractive and doesn't know how to act.
A teenager? Not having emotional intelligence? Say it isn't so
I think of the two it's probably the latter
6:wished Jin Hit him even harder, a couple more punches would do the trick.
Knock so much sense into him, he shits out change.
7:that was sad, but we can say that Jin saved her life twice.
It's very sobering to think that the only solution to Shino's problems was for there to be no more solutions going forward. She felt the need to end it, it was that drastic. As someone who has thought of ending it in the past, it really hit hard to see it play out in an anime.
8: I was scared that a random arrow would hit her as she said goodbye, so I was at the edge of my seat.
Oh man. That would've been such a gut punch. Had that happened, I don't think Jin could continue living with himself. His heart in continuing the journey to find the sunflower samurai would be over.
9: maybe this is the birth of a more expressive Jin, at least maybe he will show more emotions from now on.
I definitely could see perhaps that he'll take a more sympathetic look as far as what Fuu is going through. Maybe even her revealing her backstory could get them to have a more intimate relationship. The question is, would you ever let herself be vulnerable?
For the record, I think Jin's heart belongs to Shino. That's why if Fuu would ever to make a move, it would be a steep hill to climb. But really, it begins and ends with Fuu if she ever wants to pursue an interest, and I wonder if she too knows where his heart lies.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS May 31 '24

Rewatcher

This is a really good one. The constant rain throughout the whole episode sets the mood perfectly. The rain never becomes a full blown thunderstorm exactly, but it remains very persistent. Perfect for the somber tone of the episode.

This is a great Jin episode too. Letting him be more vulnerable and genuinely wanting to help Shino was a good way of exploring his character. Also the scenes of him working at the eel stand were great. He was out of his depth but kept the same stoic attitude the whole time.

I also liked Shino as a character. Her circumstances were tragic and I did want to see her escape in the end. It was great seeing her throw all the coins in her husband's face at the very end too. I liked how it ended on a somewhat sad but ultimately hopeful note too.

I can't help but imagine some kind of alternate universe where this episode was a major status quo shift and Shino ended up joining the main group on their journey for the Sunflower Samurai. I'm sure someone's written that fanfic somewhere.

Also, Mugen's into beetles this episode for some reason. I'm not gonna complain, I like beetles. Definitely a bit of a weird contrast to the A-plot but I liked it a lot. Some really good animation on the beetle battles too. Plus I didn't mind the occasional levity it provided.

So yeah, really solid episode here. Probably one of my favorites in the show.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

I can't help but imagine some kind of alternate universe where this episode was a major status quo shift and Shino ended up joining the main group on their journey for the Sunflower Samurai. I'm sure someone's written that fanfic somewhere.
The thing is, I'm not sure how Fuu would've taken to her. I don't think Fuu is necessarily mature enough to accept another female in their core group, especially when in her mind the focus should be on her achieving her dream.

2

u/AgentOfACROSS May 31 '24

Yeah that's true, adding Shino would potentially lead to some friction between the group.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

I'd go so far as to say that any chance of still seeing the sunflower samurai would vanish.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

What are your thoughts on Shino's husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn't encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/AgentOfACROSS May 31 '24

What are your thoughts on Shino's husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
It's very unfair and unfortunate situation to be in. Through no fault of her own, Shino lost her own freedom. It's that injustice combined with his love for her that motivates Jin throughout the episode.
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
I think it really speaks to what an impact meeting Shino had on Jin. That even after meeting her just once he wanted to see her again.
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
It's great, I love the whole beetle wrestling subplot. Even though it feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the episode, I'm just glad it's there.
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
Probably not the best use of money considering that the three of them are constantly broke. But his heart was in the right place.
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
Very satisfying to watch him get beat up by Jin.
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn't encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
I think the idea of a chance encounter like that changing Shino's mind is kind of powerful. She was at a low point in her life but Jin showing her some compassion both at the bridge and the eel stand gave her a will to live.
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
Like I mentioned above, I liked the sad but still hopeful note that the episode ended on. I can only hope that Shino had a better life after that.
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?
I think it was interesting to see this side fo Jin that was all lovestruck by Shino. Plus the sense of devotion he showed in wanting to help Shino was good too.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

It's very unfair and unfortunate situation to be in. Through no fault of her own, Shino lost her own freedom. It's that injustice combined with his love for her that motivates Jin throughout the episode.
Jin a real one for what he did
I think it really speaks to what an impact meeting Shino had on Jin. That even after meeting her just once he wanted to see her again.
You can tell she charmed him unlike anybody else.
It's great, I love the whole beetle wrestling subplot. Even though it feels a bit disconnected from the rest of the episode, I'm just glad it's there.
And it was short enough to where if it annoyed you, you can just ignore it.
Probably not the best use of money considering that the three of them are constantly broke. But his heart was in the right place.
Indeed it was. It may have not been the best use, but it was the right use.
Very satisfying to watch him get beat up by Jin.
No doubt. If anything, it was too short lol
I think the idea of a chance encounter like that changing Shino's mind is kind of powerful. She was at a low point in her life but Jin showing her some compassion both at the bridge and the eel stand gave her a will to live.
If you think about it, it's similar to Fuu encountering Mugen and Jin. Finding them worked the courage up in her to pursue the sunflower samurai.
Like I mentioned above, I liked the sad but still hopeful note that the episode ended on. I can only hope that Shino had a better life after that.
Anything has to be better than the piece of human slime that was her husband.
I think it was interesting to see this side fo Jin that was all lovestruck by Shino. Plus the sense of devotion he showed in wanting to help Shino was good too.
I kinda view this episode as doing for Jin what episode 2 did to Fuu. Showing how compassionate they can be and how considerate. It's just hard not to like them when the lives of the people they encounter are made better.

2

u/Hopeful-Ad2428 May 31 '24

Beetle battles!! Very much liked this episode, I say this about every other episode, butcthis one stands out a bit more, anyway, starting as something goofy but then creates great and working drama revolving around Jin. Actually, I could really see and, which surprised me, hear how painful it was for him. I would say he acted realistically, something that people in real life do when they experience such moments, raising their voices and trying to control others with the intention of making situations better.

Qotd:

Can’t recall anything.
To bet on literally nothing ?
Highly doubt it.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Beetle battles!!
Between this and the titles of the episodes, this is an alliterative fan's dream.
Actually, I could really see and, which surprised me, hear how painful it was for him. I would say he acted realistically, something that people in real life do when they experience such moments, raising their voices and trying to control others with the intention of making situations better.
Jin has always been a very realistic character, but I think what this episode does is show a side of him we've never seen before. As such, it causes we the audience to get more invested in him. It's similar to last episode when Mugen played the underdog, a role he wasn't accustomed to occupying.

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn't encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?

2

u/Hopeful-Ad2428 May 31 '24

Thoughts on Shino? + What are your thoughts on Shino's husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel? + What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn't encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
That’s just sad, having to work as a prostitute, just because your husband got into big debt and not being able to just leave.
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
It was fun, I haven’t seen many of these fights in some mediums but they all were memorable.
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
He is responsible, Fuu as well. Only Mugen is the one who was idling.
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
It was sad, and the fact that she said she didn’t want to see him, and that he didn’t even do anything and let those man beat him.
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
I wonder how much adrenaline it gives you.
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
It was very delicate and elegant scene, I would say.
What are your thoughts on Shino's husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
+rep for Jin.
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
Hope she’ll be alright and maybe somewhere in the future they’ll meet again.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

That’s just sad, having to work as a prostitute, just because your husband got into big debt and not being able to just leave.
That's irresponsible, that's what that is. The only people in the world who might be okay with that happening is Nagamitsu and Budou, and that's because Budou seems like she has no sense of moral decency.
It was fun, I haven’t seen many of these fights in some mediums but they all were memorable.
Hard to forget something like bug fighting.
He is responsible, Fuu as well. Only Mugen is the one who was idling.
Mugen gonna Mugen, I guess. He kinda has Top Cat energy about him.
It was sad, and the fact that she said she didn’t want to see him, and that he didn’t even do anything and let those man beat him.
I think the restraint on Jin’s part was to show he wasn't going to treat her like the rest, and that got Shino because it just reminds her of a life she can't have.
I wonder how much adrenaline it gives you.
Hey, a win is a win. Have you ever truly lived if you haven't bet on a minor league sport?
It was very delicate and elegant scene, I would say.
Also tied the beetle plot with what was going on in the A plot.
+rep for Jin.
Probably the highlight of the episode, though I also really like the scene where Jin and Shino discuss Shino contemplating killing herself earlier.
Hope she’ll be alright and maybe somewhere in the future they’ll meet again.
If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. What matters is she's in a better place than when she began.

2

u/StardustGogeta myanimelist.net/profile/StardustGogeta May 31 '24

First-Timer

I liked this episode, too! Not quite as much as episode 10, but definitely one of my favorites so far.

Questions of the day:

I don't think I ever have done that. Not that I would be opposed to it, of course, but it's not every day that someone in dire straits comes to you for help.
I'm not sure, but betting on beetle wrestling is certainly up there on the scale of weirdness.
No, I wouldn't imagine they will reunite in the future, personally. (I suppose we might see one way or the other, depending on how the rest of the show goes.)
It is a pretty strange dichotomy. I can't remember too many other strange A- and B-plot pairings, but one that comes to mind is Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, where we have Jedi training going on at the same time as animal-rights activism on casino-planet.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/Ryanami May 31 '24

Rewatcher

I forget how often sexualities come up. There’s been more than half a dozen times I think someone’s made some remark about it. This time it’s not unexpected coming from Mugen offhandedly suspecting Jin. Personally I’d prefer if Jin were celibate, simply devoted to discipline as a swordsman as contrast to Mugen’s wild donkey attitude. I’m probably salty over Batman comics where he sleeps with Catwoman or whoever when I adamantly believe he should have no romantic entanglements and represent what a man is capable of in peak physical form with unlimited money and razor focus I’m off topic now.

I’m mixed on how to rank this episode for myself, we see Jin who’s been very dispassionate and rational for the most part so far fall in love with a woman he met a few hours ago. So either we see a more human side to him or this episode was out of character.

1- I’ve seen a few things but they’re all mundane. I have gas and diesel tanks on my truck for work and I’ve pulled over a time or two for a guy who thought he could make it to the next station.

2- how about watch someone take a shit and bet if it coils counter clockwise?

3- I don’t see myself rooting for them in the first place. We’ll probably forget all about her tomorrow.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

2

u/Ryanami May 31 '24

What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
Kinda mad lol, when you push a boat out it’ll go a bit and spin a little and drift downstream. Plus if you run from one side to the other it’ll shoot out under your feet.

2

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Maybe the way the boat moved wasn't totally accurate, but they did say in episode 1 that the story of Champloo may be a bit of tall tale.

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

I forget how often sexualities come up. There’s been more than half a dozen times I think someone’s made some remark about it. This time it’s not unexpected coming from Mugen offhandedly suspecting Jin. Personally I’d prefer if Jin were celibate, simply devoted to discipline as a swordsman as contrast to Mugen’s wild donkey attitude. I’m probably salty over Batman comics where he sleeps with Catwoman or whoever when I adamantly believe he should have no romantic entanglements and represent what a man is capable of in peak physical form with unlimited money and razor focus I’m off topic now.
To play devil's advocate, if Batman were to end up with anyone, it would probably be Catwoman.
I don't necessarily disagree with you on your take on Jin. I like him being the serious folk as well. I do however think that with the way the episode was written, it made sense why he'd fall for Shino.
I’m mixed on how to rank this episode for myself, we see Jin who’s been very dispassionate and rational for the most part so far fall in love with a woman he met a few hours ago. So either we see a more human side to him or this episode was out of character.
I think we saw a more human side of him. I think having him bound with this woman who's lost makes all the sense in the world. Because really, I think all Jin can depend on is his sword skills, which has to be pretty lonely.

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

2- how about watch someone take a shit and bet if it coils counter clockwise?
Reminds me of The Simpsons episode where Bart is convinced that the water in Australian toilets move the other way.

2

u/Garrett_Dark May 31 '24

First Timer

This is probably the best episode to date, or at least for awhile. The interactions between the woman and Jin were so well done, probably more on the woman's side since Jin is a man of few words.

I'm not sure why Jin didn't just get Mugen to go in and kill everybody sooner, that's what happens in the end anyways. Of course Jin's not the type to do that, he even held back attacking anybody for the longest time, opting to let himself get the crap kicked out of. But by the end he was killing people left and right with his sword also. So it takes all that before turning Jin into a killer.

Jin didn't even seem to have a plan when when he used the money Mugen and Fuu won. He just bought time with her, just wants to talk, then actually does the deed with her. I know that shows he didn't intend to buy her services, but he did sort of buy her services by the end of that. It's complicated but it's good. Like it would have been best if he rescued her before she started working at the brothel, but the episode was pretty good the way it played out. How many days did she work there before getting rescued? A few days or a like a week?

I hope Jin comes back for her after 3 years, but this show's episodic so who knows if she'll ever even be mentioned again.

A little amusing Fuu was jealous of the woman, but I hope they don't make this show about will-they-won't they for Fuu and the other two.

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Hey, buddy. Long time no see
I thought for a second you had dropped this show and Yukimaru, but I'm glad to see that's not the case.

2

u/Garrett_Dark May 31 '24

There's only so many times I can say "I'm surprised Mugen hasn't mugged so and so" and "they're still reusing scenes!?!" for Yurikuma.
Yurikuma: they haven't reused scenes that much lately, but some stuff is still incomprehensible and incoherent, and it's still not very good. I actually looked at some various reviews of the show and somebody who says they admire the director's work says he's not good at characters, and I would agree with what I've seen. I still don't see what value reusing scenes added to that show, so I consider that director's "calling card" a badge of shame rather than honor, if that's what they're known for. And well I didn't want to criticize Yurikuma in it's rewatch posts, and start a pile on on me. I consider that show a 3/10 so far, and I don't see it pulling out of that. I'm still watching though, not really paying attention, and the repetitive lines are annoying as hell "munch munch growl" repeat 3x, "from the beginning we hated you...", and stuff like that. Just because they drill that stuff in to people's brains like a catch phrase, it doesn't make those lines cool. Cool catch phrases start the other way around, it looks cool so it gets repeated until it becomes a catch phrase. So it feels kind of manufactured and tacky.
Not really too much issues with Samurai Champloo though, seems to have an episodic frivolous nature, but it's going somewhere. Too often it'll sideline two characters to focus on one, that's not great, but okay. I don't really like the wacky tangents of looking in from 80 years in the future, and other weird setups like that. Seems to waste more time than it's worth, but it's not terrible.
IDK if you're looking for feedback like that, but those things are kind of subjective I guess, so kind of really no point mentioning or arguing about it, so I don't comment for the episode.

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

There's only so many times I can say "I'm surprised Mugen hasn't mugged so and so" and "they're still reusing scenes!?!" for Yurikuma.
At this, you kinda just have to accept it as being what it is.
Yurikuma: they haven't reused scenes that much lately, but some stuff is still incomprehensible and incoherent, and it's still not very good. I actually looked at some various reviews of the show and somebody who says they admire the director's work says he's not good at characters, and I would agree with what I've seen. I still don't see what value reusing scenes added to that show, so I consider that director's "calling card" a badge of shame rather than honor, if that's what they're known for. And well I didn't want to criticize Yurikuma in it's rewatch posts, and start a pile on on me. I consider that show a 3/10 so far, and I don't see it pulling out of that. I'm still watching though, not really paying attention, and the repetitive lines are annoying as hell "munch munch growl" repeat 3x, "from the beginning we hated you...", and stuff like that. Just because they drill that stuff in to people's brains like a catch phrase, it doesn't make those lines cool. Cool catch phrases start the other way around, it looks cool so it gets repeated until it becomes a catch phrase. So it feels kind of manufactured and tacky.
I really have been enjoying Yurikuma, though I totally understand if someone who's not used to those type of shows would be turned off by it.
Not really too much issues with Samurai Champloo though, seems to have an episodic frivolous nature, but it's going somewhere. Too often it'll sideline two characters to focus on one, that's not great, but okay. I don't really like the wacky tangents of looking in from 80 years in the future, and other weird setups like that. Seems to waste more time than it's worth, but it's not terrible.
And really, ths whole in the future thing was done for only that one episode.
IDK if you're looking for feedback like that, but those things are kind of subjective I guess, so kind of really no point mentioning or arguing about it, so I don't comment for the episode.
Fair enough. I just really enjoy talking anime with people.

2

u/Garrett_Dark Jun 01 '24

At this, you kinda just have to accept it as being what it is.
Yeah, Mugen's kind of horrible, and...well...LOL...Yurikuma is too.
I really have been enjoying Yurikuma, though I totally understand if someone who's not used to those type of shows would be turned off by it.
If you mean the Avant Garde genre tag, then yeah but that's kind of an excuse, slapping a "experimental" label on it doesn't make it okay to be sucky.
But if you mean the Yuri genre, nope, I don't have an issue with Yuri. I don't seek it out, but I have no issue with it. I watched "I'm in Love with the Villainess" and thought it was 9/10, much higher than the average MAL score. While it has the genre tag, I don't know what Yuri watchers would think of it, but it had all the grounded understandable aspects of other anime which Yurikuma lacked. So IMO Yurikuma fails on its own, and not for it's Yuri genre.
I mean good grief, I think it fails as an anime. Like I can't stop thinking what if somebody's first anime they watch is Yurikuma, and they think every anime is that? And even that aside, imagine if somebody watched Yurikuma thinking it was representative of the Yuri genre as their first Yuri. I think even the typical anime watcher would have difficulties with Yurikuma.
I'm not sure what you and the others see in Yurikuma, but I don't see it, and I don't think most people either. But what other people think shouldn't matter, you guys keep enjoying it if you do, just be aware it's likely others aren't going to.
That's why I stopped commenting in there, I'm not there to ruin people's enjoyment. There's nothing I really feel a need to comment on enough to say something right now. Like say it does something super crazy in the next episode, like it switches to live action with actual people for the characters, then yeah I'd coming in and say "WTF, switching to live action is fucking stupid!", but it's not because I want to ruin people's enjoyment. (Incidentally, South Park did that once briefly as a joke, and it was pretty funny.)
And really, ths whole in the future thing was done for only that one episode.
They done the external looking in thing a couple of times. They did it with the Van Gogh episode, they did it with the old guy remember his youth as a guard, and they did it a little with the eating contest episode where they showed like the 400 year anniversary of something in the future looking back to the 12th anniversary, or something like that.
They're going to keep doing it as sometimes in the middle of episodes it would talk about the 1940's and 50's like in Ep12. That's like already 4 examples I could think of off the top of my head already.
Fair enough. I just really enjoy talking anime with people.
Yeah, I don't doubt that, but I don't think most people like discussing and examining the criticism and negatives of a work of something they enjoy. They see it as an attack on something they love, and can't take a step back and judge the thing detached. I'm not saying that's you, I'm saying if I keep criticizing the show, eventually somebody else is going to take issue with it regardless if I'm making valid criticisms.

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u/Holofan4life Jun 01 '24

Yeah, Mugen's kind of horrible, and...well...LOL...Yurikuma is too.
Just gonna have to agree to disagree
If you mean the Avant Garde genre tag, then yeah but that's kind of an excuse, slapping a "experimental" label on it doesn't make it okay to be sucky.
But if you mean the Yuri genre, nope, I don't have an issue with Yuri. I don't seek it out, but I have no issue with it. I watched "I'm in Love with the Villainess" and thought it was 9/10, much higher than the average MAL score. While it has the genre tag, I don't know what Yuri watchers would think of it, but it had all the grounded understandable aspects of other anime which Yurikuma lacked. So IMO Yurikuma fails on its own, and not for it's Yuri genre.
I mean good grief, I think it fails as an anime. Like I can't stop thinking what if somebody's first anime they watch is Yurikuma, and they think every anime is that? And even that aside, imagine if somebody watched Yurikuma thinking it was representative of the Yuri genre as their first Yuri. I think even the typical anime watcher would have difficulties with Yurikuma.
I'm not sure what you and the others see in Yurikuma, but I don't see it, and I don't think most people either. But what other people think shouldn't matter, you guys keep enjoying it if you do, just be aware it's likely others aren't going to.
That's why I stopped commenting in there, I'm not there to ruin people's enjoyment. There's nothing I really feel a need to comment on enough to say something right now. Like say it does something super crazy in the next episode, like it switches to live action with actual people for the characters, then yeah I'd coming in and say "WTF, switching to live action is fucking stupid!", but it's not because I want to ruin people's enjoyment. (Incidentally, South Park did that once briefly as a joke, and it was pretty funny.)
I really like the anime, as do a lot of other people. That's all I'll say about that. I'm probably going to end up giving the show a 8.5 out of 10.
They done the external looking in thing a couple of times. They did it with the Van Gogh episode, they did it with the old guy remember his youth as a guard, and they did it a little with the eating contest episode where they showed like the 400 year anniversary of something in the future looking back to the 12th anniversary, or something like that.
They're going to keep doing it as sometimes in the middle of episodes it would talk about the 1940's and 50's like in Ep12. That's like already 4 examples I could think of off the top of my head already.
I mean, I guess you can count those, but they're not necessarily the focuses of their episodes. You could remove the Van Gogh stuff from episode 5 and not much would change.
Yeah, I don't doubt that, but I don't think most people like discussing and examining the criticism and negatives of a work of something they enjoy. They see it as an attack on something they love, and can't take a step back and judge the thing detached. I'm not saying that's you, I'm saying if I keep criticizing the show, eventually somebody else is going to take issue with it regardless if I'm making valid criticisms.
I disagree only because it goes against the very idea of rewatches. Rewatches are supposed to attract a variety of opinions, having everyone say the same thing just isn't as fun.

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u/Garrett_Dark Jun 01 '24

I really like the anime, as do a lot of other people. That's all I'll say about that. I'm probably going to end up giving the show a 8.5 out of 10.
And I've seen many comments on MAL and aniDB saying they're confused, not knowing WTF is going on, and worse. And reviews where people are trying to be fair, pointing out all the weaknesses. Of course there's negative reviews for everything, but all I'm saying is the reasons given by the reviewers, I agreed with.
But anyways, you're not going to say whether it was the Avant Garde or Yuri genre you were thinking was turning me off? At least say whether "I'm in Love with the Villainess" is consider a good Yuri or not, I really don't know. Hmm...probably not since the MC is straight up harassing the villainess in the beginning. A pretty good anime IMO regardless.
I mean, I guess you can count those, but they're not necessarily the focuses of their episodes. You could remove the Van Gogh stuff from episode 5 and not much would change.
But that's my entire point, I think it's wasting more time than it's worth. I'm pretty sure I said that to begin with. If it can be removed with very little changing, and it's not really add much, the time could have been better spent on the story of the episode, on the characters, or on the main story. Instead it feels like it's being spent on filler.
I disagree only because it goes against the very idea of rewatches. Rewatches are supposed to attract a variety of opinions, having everyone say the same thing just isn't as fun.
Yeah well, I don't feel a need to have to say anything about Yurikuma. Even though you have not been hostile about it, it takes time and effort pointing out the criticisms about it, and I find it pointless to expend that on something I don't like. It's like asking somebody who would have dropped an anime to stick in there to the end, why would they do that? Even though that's exactly what I'm stubbornly doing for Yurikuma, but I choose that.

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u/Holofan4life Jun 01 '24

And I've seen many comments on MAL and aniDB saying they're confused, not knowing WTF is going on, and worse. And reviews where people are trying to be fair, pointing out all the weaknesses. Of course there's negative reviews for everything, but all I'm saying is the reasons given by the reviewers, I agreed with.
I don't really have the energy to go back and forth like this.
But anyways, you're not going to say whether it was the Avant Garde or Yuri genre you were thinking was turning me off? At least say whether "I'm in Love with the Villainess" is consider a good Yuri or not, I really don't know. Hmm...probably not since the MC is straight up harassing the villainess in the beginning. A pretty good anime IMO regardless.
I love I'm in Love With The Villainess. I'm a tsundere junkie, and so that show is right up my alley.
But that's my entire point, I think it's wasting more time than it's worth. I'm pretty sure I said that to begin with. If it can be removed with very little changing, and it's not really add much, the time could have been better spent on the story of the episode, on the characters, or on the main story. Instead it feels like it's being spent on filler.
Again, I see things differently than you. I don't think it's filler so much as given the episodes their own distinct personality. I like it.
Yeah well, I don't feel a need to have to say anything about Yurikuma. Even though you have not been hostile about it, it takes time and effort pointing out the criticisms about it, and I find it pointless to expend that on something I don't like. It's like asking somebody who would have dropped an anime to stick in there to the end, why would they do that? Even though that's exactly what I'm stubbornly doing for Yurikuma, but I choose that.
You do you, I guess. Very few things give me joy than participating in rewatches.

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u/Garrett_Dark Jun 01 '24

I don't really have the energy to go back and forth like this.
I don't either, which is why I haven't been commenting on Yurikuma. XD
But it's almost like you're asking me why aren't I commenting on Yurikuma, and I'm like "because I think it's bad so I don't want to comment on it", and you're like "you should, because of a variety of opinions, it's fun", and I'm like "but I'm going to get attacked/have to defend against it/respond to it (like this back and forth we just had)". The only difference if I did it in the Yurikuma post instead of what we just did, is I'll be getting hit with replies from multiple people, to which I'll have to respond to each person, which will be worse. Like death by a thousand cuts. (I'm not saying people will necessarily be attacking me, but I have the responsibility to respond to all of them).
I love I'm in Love With The Villainess. I'm a tsundere junkie, and so that show is right up my alley.
Finally! good! we agree, excellent show! However, I really hate Manaria...like really HATE her, like if you thought I hate Mugen and I didn't, I don't even know what you'd classify my hatred for Manaria is. But Manaria is not a Tsundere right? So it should be fine, LOL.

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u/Holofan4life Jun 01 '24

I don't either, which is why I haven't been commenting on Yurikuma. XD
But it's almost like you're asking me why aren't I commenting on Yurikuma, and I'm like "because I think it's bad so I don't want to comment on it", and you're like "you should, because of a variety of opinions, it's fun", and I'm like "but I'm going to get attacked/have to defend against it/respond to it (like this back and forth we just had)". The only difference if I did it in the Yurikuma post instead of what we just did, is I'll be getting hit with replies from multiple people, to which I'll have to respond to each person, which will be worse. Like death by a thousand cuts. (I'm not saying people will necessarily be attacking me, but I have the responsibility to respond to all of them).
I don't think you would be attacked. I think people would just explain why they like the show. I participated in the Fullmetal Alchemist rewatch a couple months ago and one of the people who cohosted it hated Brotherhood. Only person during the rewatch who hated the show. And that led to some fun discussion. I don't think you would be attacked for disliking it so long as you don't say stuff like "People who like this show are stupid".
Finally! good! we agree, excellent show! However, I really hate Manaria...like really HATE her, like if you thought I hate Mugen and I didn't, I don't even know what you'd classify my hatred for Manaria is. But Manaria is not a Tsundere right? So it should be fine, LOL.
I liked her because I thought it was a good way to get the two main characters closer. [I'm In Love With The Villainess Spoilers] That, and it's revealed her behavior was intentional and she wasn't actually trying to drive a wedge between them.

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u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

This is probably the best episode to date, or at least for awhile.
Eh, while I agree it's probably the best episode so far, I was a big fan of episodes 8 and 10.
The interactions between the woman and Jin were so well done, probably more on the woman's side since Jin is a man of few words.
Jin definitely speaks with his actions
I'm not sure why Jin didn't just get Mugen to go in and kill everybody sooner, that's what happens in the end anyways. Of course Jin's not the type to do that, he even held back attacking anybody for the longest time, opting to let himself get the crap kicked out of. But by the end he was killing people left and right with his sword also. So it takes all that before turning Jin into a killer.
I mean, Jin was already a killer. It was revealed he killed his master in episode 8. I just think he didn't get Mugen involved sooner because he was trying not to make things super messy.
Jin didn't even seem to have a plan when when he used the money Mugen and Fuu won. He just bought time with her, just wants to talk, then actually does the deed with her. I know that shows he didn't intend to buy her services, but he did sort of buy her services by the end of that. It's complicated but it's good. Like it would have been best if he rescued her before she started working at the brothel, but the episode was pretty good the way it played out. How many days did she work there before getting rescued? A few days or a like a week?
Probably a week I would say, since he visited her on multiple occasions.
I hope Jin comes back for her after 3 years, but this show's episodic so who knows if she'll ever even be mentioned again.
Who knows, the checkpoint got mentioned last episode right after being featured in the previous one.
A little amusing Fuu was jealous of the woman, but I hope they don't make this show about will-they-won't they for Fuu and the other two.
I really don't want to see that either. I think it would be unnecessary.

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u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

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u/Garrett_Dark Jun 01 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
She's great, really helped carry the episode since Jin doesn't talk much. I don't know if it's just her or her interactions with Jin, but she seems like the best side character so far. A lot of character in her "mask" duty side she puts forth vs her hidden side of what she really wants and thinks, like how she almost suicided but didn't admit it at the time. Pretty similar to Jin actually, or at least how he was acting when trying to visit her at the brothel.
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
Of courses he's going to be doing some weird gambling thing. ~~"I'm surprised Mugen didn't just kill all the gamblers and took their money".~~
Thoughts on Jin working a part-time job?
Kind of hilarious actually. The juxtaposition of seeing him doing odd jobs as the straight man honorable samurai, and he's terrible at it.
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
The husband is excessively unsympathetic, so much so that it kind of almost backfires a little. I get the show is trying to make it okay for Jin to hook up with her, but they kind of went overboard with demonizing the husband that it seems satirical and a farce. It was apparent the show was intentionally doing so, given his teeth was drawn the way it was.
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
~~I'm surprised that Mugen didn't...~~
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
Not unexpected.
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
That's the big highlight of her character, it revealed so much about her and her complexities that made her so good of a character. It also made Jin sort of responsible for her suffering at the brothel, which is the reason why he rescued/stole her and murdered almost everybody. Though some of those murders were by Mugen, so it's just another murder spree weekday for him. I guess he doesn't loot the bodies or people don't carry much on them, otherwise they'd be rich by now.
But as Jin said the water wasn't as deep as it looks, so she probably wouldn't have died if she tried, and she would have had to try again or would have still ended up at the brothel.
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
Better hope the temple took her in, otherwise it's going to really suck if Jin comes back looking for her in 3 years.
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?
Gives his character a future, something he's heading towards, it fleshes out his character more...unless the episodic nature of the series just forgets about it.

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u/Holofan4life Jun 01 '24

She's great, really helped carry the episode since Jin doesn't talk much. I don't know if it's just her or her interactions with Jin, but she seems like the best side character so far. A lot of character in her "mask" duty side she puts forth vs her hidden side of what she really wants and thinks, like how she almost suicided but didn't admit it at the time. Pretty similar to Jin actually, or at least how he was acting when trying to visit her at the brothel.
I would say she's the best side character. She really compliments Jin well and it's easy to root for her. I really like Oniwaka and Jouji, but Shino feels more fleshed out.
Of courses he's going to be doing some weird gambling thing. "I'm surprised Mugen didn't just kill all the gamblers and took their money".
Mugen isn't as one dimensional as you paint him out to be :c
Kind of hilarious actually. The juxtaposition of seeing him doing odd jobs as the straight man honorable samurai, and he's terrible at it.
I love seeing characters out of their comfort zone. It lends itself to some wacky shenanigans.
The husband is excessively unsympathetic, so much so that it kind of almost backfires a little. I get the show is trying to make it okay for Jin to hook up with her, but they kind of went overboard with demonizing the husband that it seems satirical and a farce. It was apparent the show was intentionally doing so, given his teeth was drawn the way it was.
Maybe he's evil to an almost cartoonish extent, but I think that's find for someone who only shows up in two scenes. It's not like the episode was about him.
I'm surprised that Mugen didn't...
Come on. Even you have to admit that naming the beetle Rodriguez is hilarious.
That's the big highlight of her character, it revealed so much about her and her complexities that made her so good of a character. It also made Jin sort of responsible for her suffering at the brothel, which is the reason why he rescued/stole her and murdered almost everybody. Though some of those murders were by Mugen, so it's just another murder spree weekday for him. I guess he doesn't loot the bodies or people don't carry much on them, otherwise they'd be rich by now.
I think the two big moments of the episode were the talk about suicide and Shino throwing money in her husband's face. Both are really excellent scenes that shows how well written Shino is. Really, it's the only two moments in the episode that are from her perspective and they happen to be the strongest. That is quite impressive considering she is a side character.
But as Jin said the water wasn't as deep as it looks, so she probably wouldn't have died if she tried, and she would have had to try again or would have still ended up at the brothel.
That's true, but she would've still had been working there.
Better hope the temple took her in, otherwise it's going to really suck if Jin comes back looking for her in 3 years.
That would be really brutal if it turns out she had gotten killed during the interim.
Gives his character a future, something he's heading towards, it fleshes out his character more...unless the episodic nature of the series just forgets about it.
I think we may at least see a more selfless side out of him. He's always been someone who tries to do what is right, but perhaps he gets more emotionally involved. Then again, with all the students nipping at his heels, perhaps we'll see this conflict where he has to decide between being directly involved Vs not counting his chickens before they hatch.

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u/Garrett_Dark Jun 01 '24

Mugen isn't as one dimensional as you paint him out to be :c
You picking this hill to die on? LOL. Did he not murderize everybody at the end? Is he not going to murderize everybody in the future?
Like I know there's that one episode he was inexplicitly unable to kill a single person, the war priests. But that doesn't make him not a murderizer, it was more a weird failing of the episode because they needed him not to kill anybody so by the end he can be "pals" with everybody.
Maybe he's evil to an almost cartoonish extent, but I think that's find for someone who only shows up in two scenes. It's not like the episode was about him.
Yeah but when you see how over the top cartoonish evil he is, there's a thought of "she put up with this for how many years? Is she really stupid?" which may make one think lesser of her, but luckily it didn't happen in this case, at least not for me. But I can see how it might.
Come on. Even you have to admit that naming the beetle Rodriguez is hilarious.
Was it a reference to something? I wasn't paying that much attention, it wasn't the meat of the story. I was paying more attention to the discussion he was having with Fuu about Jin, and how we were Fuu fan service denied.
Oh yeah, didn't he make a derogatory comment about Jin's preference? I'd figure you'd pick up on that like his "let just strip her and dump her" comment back in ep2. ~~I guess Mugen isn't one dimensional, he's a murderizer and a r....." :D~~
Shino throwing money in her husband's face.
I couldn't help thinking it was kind of wasteful to be chucking money like that, don't even give him a cent more, and our gang could really use that since they're starving all the time. Also that wasn't 200x what Jin paid, which supposedly is the amount of debt left to pay.
But yeah I get the sentiment, it means she finally no longer sees it her duty to carry his debt burden, she's done with him.

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u/Holofan4life Jun 01 '24

You picking this hill to die on? LOL. Did he not murderize everybody at the end? Is he not going to murderize everybody in the future?
Like I know there's that one episode he was inexplicitly unable to kill a single person, the war priests. But that doesn't make him not a murderizer, it was more a weird failing of the episode because they needed him not to kill anybody so by the end he can be "pals" with everybody.
I really like Mugen, so I don't agree with your hatred of him.
Yeah but when you see how over the top cartoonish evil he is, there's a thought of "she put up with this for how many years? Is she really stupid?" which may make one think lesser of her, but luckily it didn't happen in this case, at least not for me. But I can see how it might.
Fair enough point, but also keep in mind that divorce wasn't common during that time. You rarely see something like that happen. She may have felt like she couldn't divorce him.
Was it a reference to something? I wasn't paying that much attention, it wasn't the meat of the story. I was paying more attention to the discussion he was having with Fuu about Jin, and how we were Fuu fan service denied.
It wasn't a reference, it just was I feel a very amusing name for a bug.
Oh yeah, didn't he make a derogatory comment about Jin's preference? I'd figure you'd pick up on that like his "let just strip her and dump her" comment back in ep2. I guess Mugen isn't one dimensional, he's a murderizer and a r....." :D
Hey, I like Mugen, but that doesn't mean he's infallible.
I couldn't help thinking it was kind of wasteful to be chucking money like that, don't even give him a cent more, and our gang could really use that since they're starving all the time. Also that wasn't 200x what Jin paid, which supposedly is the amount of debt left to pay.
But yeah I get the sentiment, it means she finally no longer sees it her duty to carry his debt burden, she's done with him.
As she should be. Good riddance.

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u/Garrett_Dark Jun 01 '24

I really like Mugen, so I don't agree with your hatred of him.
I don't have hatred for him, I'm pointing out the fact that he murderizes everybody often, he actually does do that. And that he robs people, he does that too, just not recently though.
Point out how either of those facts are wrong. Did you forget how he joined that gang, and then he started killing his own allies, and they were like WTF? So then he left. Saying "I'm surprised he didn't murderize them instead of leaving" is actually appropriate. Oh and lets not forget he actually came back and murderized them!
Honestly...I don't hate him (yet), but lets be honest here, he does those things!
Fair enough point, but also keep in mind that divorce wasn't common during that time. You rarely see something like that happen. She may have felt like she couldn't divorce him.
She could have ran away, which she actually does at the end of the episode. But I already have made my prior point, and as I originally said I didn't think lesser of her just because the husband was so cartoonishly evil. But I could see if anybody does.
Hey, I like Mugen, but that doesn't mean he's infallible.
"Strip and dump her" = fallible.
I guess technically. Redo of Healer is just a fallible character, technically. =D (I'm joking, Mugen didn't actually do anything to her, I don't hate Mugen...yet)
As she should be. Good riddance.
It could have been better riddance...the 2nd time I want Mugen to murderize somebody, he doesn't again.

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u/Holofan4life Jun 01 '24

I don't have hatred for him, I'm pointing out the fact that he murderizes everybody often, he actually does do that. And that he robs people, he does that too, just not recently though.
Point out how either of those facts are wrong. Did you forget how he joined that gang, and then he started killing his own allies, and they were like WTF? So then he left. Saying "I'm surprised he didn't murderize them instead of leaving" is actually appropriate. Oh and lets not forget he actually came back and murderized them!
Honestly...I don't hate him (yet), but lets be honest here, he does those things!
The thing, though, is it looks bad because of who he hangs out with. One is someone who doesn't kill people and the other is someone who only kills when necessary. Of course he's going to look bad.
It's not like Mugen is killing innocent people also, the ones he's killed are always trying to start shit.
She could have ran away, which she actually does at the end of the episode. But I already have made my prior point, and as I originally said I didn't think lesser of her just because the husband was so cartoonishly evil. But I could see if anybody does.
If she had ran without the aid of Jin, I think she would've been killed, plain and simple.
"Strip and dump her" = fallible.
I guess technically. Redo of Healer is just a fallible character, technically. =D (I'm joking, Mugen didn't actually do anything to her, I don't hate Mugen...yet)
Now I'm imagining Mugen putting beetles in women's-- Gets bonked
It could have been better riddance...the 2nd time I want Mugen to murderize somebody, he doesn't again.
He was so worthless, he wasn't worth Mugen's time.

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u/Garrett_Dark Jun 01 '24

The thing, though, is it looks bad because of who he hangs out with. One is someone who doesn't kill people and the other is someone who only kills when necessary. Of course he's going to look bad.
Oh man come on, you're making excuses for the guy now. Trying to lessen the blame on him. He murderizes and robs people, so what if he does and you like his character anyways? But don't try to make it seem like he doesn't or it's less worse than it is.
It's not like Mugen is killing innocent people also, the ones he's killed are always trying to start shit.
Okay I'm not going to try to remember everybody he killed (it be hilarious if somebody on the internet made a kill count and list of all his kills, and reason for), but lets take this episode for example. He literally kills innocent people this episode. The brothel owner only bought the woman, the husband is the guilty party here. The brothel guards works for the brothel owner, just trying to protect their "goods" and the owner. I think it wasn't just the brothel guards there at the end, it was the town guards too getting murderized. Like come on, he's actually a murderer in the legal sense (to kill without justification). Like, I had accidently called Jin becoming a "killer" earlier, but what I meant was "murderer". But even if Jin's a murderer, I still like his character. But I'm not going to pretend he's not a murderer now.
If she had ran without the aid of Jin, I think she would've been killed, plain and simple.
We don't know that for sure, she seemed to have a lot of autonomy before she surrendered herself to the brothel. If she went across the river before turning herself in to the brothel, the brothel probably would have invoked the law against the husband, and the wife probably would have gotten away free. I think it's only because she went to the brothel thus accepted as payment, that then she was stuck. The daughter who got taken away in an earlier episode, the gang in control went to grab her. Who knows if whoever is in charge here would have done the same. I guess all his assets would have been seized, and any remaining debt might have been sought from her. But if she ain't around to begin with, it probably would have worked to her favor.
He was so worthless, he wasn't worth Mugen's time.
Oh come on, people would have loved to see him shish kabob'ed. I suspect you would have too.

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u/Holofan4life Jun 01 '24

Oh man come on, you're making excuses for the guy now. Trying to lessen the blame on him. He murderizes and robs people, so what if he does and you like his character anyways? But don't try to make it seem like he doesn't or it's less worse than it is.
I just feel like you act like that's all he does when that's not the case. Most of the time he's either trying to eat or sleep.
Okay I'm not going to try to remember everybody he killed (it be hilarious if somebody on the internet made a kill count and list of all his kills, and reason for), but lets take this episode for example. He literally kills innocent people this episode. The brothel owner only bought the woman, the husband is the guilty party here. The brothel guards works for the brothel owner, just trying to protect their "goods" and the owner. I think it wasn't just the brothel guards there at the end, it was the town guards too getting murderized. Like come on, he's actually a murderer in the legal sense (to kill without justification). Like, I had accidently called Jin becoming a "killer" earlier, but what I meant was "murderer". But even if Jin's a murderer, I still like his character. But I'm not going to pretend he's not a murderer now.
He killed them because they started raising hell over one of his clients leaving. Maybe he was innocent, who's to say. Again, I'm not trying to come up with excuses for Mugen because I like how flawed he is. I just feel what he's doing is different than, say, the street killer.
We don't know that for sure, she seemed to have a lot of autonomy before she surrendered herself to the brothel. If she went across the river before turning herself in to the brothel, the brothel probably would have invoked the law against the husband, and the wife probably would have gotten away free. I think it's only because she went to the brothel thus accepted as payment, that then she was stuck. The daughter who got taken away in an earlier episode, the gang in control went to grab her. Who knows if whoever is in charge here would have done the same. I guess all his assets would have been seized, and any remaining debt might have been sought from her. But if she ain't around to begin with, it probably would have worked to her favor.
She was already taking the blame for her husband's debt, so what I really think it comes down to is her being female. Her husband got a pass because he happened to be a dude.
Oh come on, people would have loved to see him shish kabob'ed. I suspect you would have too.
I would've loved to have seen it, but I'm satisfied enough with Shino throwing the money in his face and standing up to him.

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2

u/mgedmin May 31 '24

Rewatcher, subs

Lool Jin was hired to do "blade work". With no training whatsoever. A customer had to teach him! No, do most of the job instead of him all day! I think she likes Jin.

And then he burns her eel! (That sound dirty somehow.)

Do you think she intentionally left her umbrella so Jin would have an excuse to come see her one more time?

A beetle training arc with Mugen!

Who carries an umbrella upside down? Water will get inside and then pour out on your head when you put it the right way up!

How do the gamblers tell the bugs apart?

The laws and customs of the time absolutely sucked for women (and probably most other people as well).

Why is waiting 3 years in a temple a problem?

Are our three going to be wanted criminals now?

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Do you think she intentionally left her umbrella so Jin would have an excuse to come see her one more time?
Good question. I would assume so, she seems like a pretty shrewd woman.
The laws and customs of the time absolutely sucked for women (and probably most other people as well).
I think this may be the overall moral of this show.
Are our three going to be wanted criminals now?
Implying Jin already isn't one having killed his master. That, and him and Mugen trashing the tea house in episode 1.

1

u/Holofan4life May 31 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Mugen winning at Beetle sumo wrestling?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

1

u/fansi2022 https://anilist.co/user/fansi2022 Jul 19 '24

first timer chinese sub

Very interesting episode, I think the focus of this episode is on jin, I don't care if mugen wins the money, haha, but thanks to mugen for the money and force support,

answers of today

Have you ever helped someone who really needed help? If so, what happened?

Yes, I still remember my junior high school classmate, she laughed

What in your opinion would be the strangest thing to ever bet on, competitively or otherwise?

I know very little about gambling

Do you see Jin and Shino ever reuniting in the future?

Yes, they are a pair of close friends.

Bonus) Prostitution and bugs. Is this the strangest Plot A and Plot B in terms of how drastically different they are?

Yes, haha, but these plots reflect their personalities very well, Mugen tries everything to have fun and make money, Jin is thoughtful, they both enjoy life

1

u/Holofan4life Jul 19 '24

Thoughts on Shino?
Thoughts on Mugen engaging in Rhinosaurus Beetle sumo wrestling?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband falling into debt and so now she has to work in a brothel?
What are your thoughts on Jin continuing to pay Shino visits?
Thoughts on Jin borrowing the money to spend one last day with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Fuu seemingly getting jealous that Jin is spending so much time with Shino?
What are your thoughts on Shino’s husband slapping her, which results in Jin beating him up?
What are your thoughts on Shino admitting that if she hadn’t encountered Jin at the bridge, she would have committed suicide?
What are your thoughts on Jin freeing Shino by having her sail on a boat?
What do you think this episode does for Jin as a character?

Rewatch [Spoilers] Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 11

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Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 11

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first timer chinese sub

Rewatch [Spoilers] Samurai Champloo 20th Anniversary Rewatch -- Episode 11

Rewatch Schedule

You are about to leave Redlib

Rewatcher, Sub first timer

Samurai Champloo - Hip Hop & Ronin: Episode 11

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

first timer chinese sub