Ep 1. XCII

In the first episode of the highly-anticipated fifth season of Samurai Jack, entitled "XCII", we find the titular samurai in a state of despair. Having already spent years trapped in a dystopian future world ruled by the demonic Aku, Jack's attempts to vanquish his eternal foe have been fruitless. In fact, the situation has only grown worse, as not only has Aku become nearly indestructible but Jack himself is plagued by his own inner demons.

The episode wastes no time in setting this dire tone, as Jack is seen racing through a dark and desolate wasteland, battling various mechanical drones and monsters in a futile attempt to find some shred of hope. We see glimpses of Jack's past, including flashbacks to his early training and visions of his deceased father, as well as snatches of inner monologue that reveal just how haunted and desperate Jack has become.

Eventually, Jack collapses in exhaustion and despair, having seemingly given up all hope of defeating Aku. It is at this lowest point that he begins to see bright and vivid visions of a mysterious woman who appears to offer him some kind of guidance or salvation. As he becomes increasingly fascinated and drawn to her, Jack soon realizes that she is more than just a figment of his imagination.

Without giving too much away, it's safe to say that the introduction of this enigmatic woman sets the stage for what promises to be the most complex and emotionally impactful season of Samurai Jack yet. While previous seasons have certainly dealt with heavy themes and challenging storytelling, season 5 looks to be diving even deeper into Jack's inner turmoil and exploring the complicated nature of heroism and sacrifice.

From a stylistic standpoint, "XCII" is every bit as gorgeous and cinematic as fans of the show have come to expect. The animation is fluid and dynamic, with the action sequences expertly choreographed and lit to convey the mood and tone of each scene. There's a real sense of weight and stakes to everything that's happening onscreen, as though every battle Jack fights and every obstacle he faces truly matters in the grand scheme of things.

Despite this heavy and often dark tone, there are still moments of levity and humor sprinkled throughout the episode. These lighter moments help to break up the tension and ensure that the show never becomes too dour or self-serious. At the same time, they're never so over-the-top or corny as to detract from the overall feeling of gravity and importance that permeates every scene.

All in all, "XCII" is a powerful and engrossing season opener that sets the stage for what promises to be a truly spectacular final season of Samurai Jack. Fans of the show will undoubtedly be thrilled with the return of their favorite characters, while newcomers will find plenty to love in the show's expert blend of action, drama, and humor. Above all else, "XCII" reaffirms the show's status as one of the greatest animated series of all time, and leaves us eagerly anticipating what's to come next.