Ep 4. Hand of God

In Berserk season 1 episode 4, titled "Hand of God," the story delves deeper into the past of the protagonist, Guts, and his relationship with his former leader, Griffith. The episode mainly focuses on the aftermath of the previous episode's events, where the band of mercenaries known as the Band of the Hawk successfully conquered a fortress.

The opening scene of the episode sets the tone with beautiful aerial shots of the fortress, now deserted and filled with death and destruction. It is a reminder of the horrors of war and the consequences that come with it. Guts, along with a small group, are tasked with clearing the debris from the battle, including the bodies of the enemy soldiers. The scene is gruesome and harrowing, and we see how it affects Guts emotionally.

As the Band of the Hawk celebrates their victory, Guts seeks solace in a nearby church, where he coincidentally runs into a woman from his past named Collette. She is shocked to see him alive and well, as she thought he died in battle. Their conversation serves to provide more insight into Guts' backstory and his relationship with Griffith.

Meanwhile, Griffith is visited by a nobleman who offers him a position in his army. Griffith's ambition and desire for power are evident as he refuses the offer, stating that he intends to build his own kingdom. The nobleman is skeptical and threatens Griffith, but the latter is unfazed and confident in his abilities.

The episode's climax comes when the Band of the Hawk is ambushed while on their way to their next mission. Guts is separated from the group and must fend off a group of enemy soldiers by himself. The fight scene is intense and showcases Guts' fighting abilities. However, he is eventually overpowered and defeated, only to be saved by the timely intervention of Griffith.

The episode ends with Guts questioning why Griffith risked his life to save him, to which Griffith simply responds that he cannot afford to lose Guts and that he has big plans for him in the future.

Overall, "Hand of God" is a great episode that further develops the characters and their relationships. The themes of ambition, loyalty, and the horrors of war are explored in depth, and the fight scenes are well-choreographed and exciting. Fans of the series will surely enjoy this episode, while newcomers will find it a great introduction to the world of Berserk.