Ep 2. XCIII

After premiering his much-anticipated comeback to the world of animation with a fifth season more than a decade after its original 2001-2004 run, Genndy Tartakovsky's award-winning cartoon Samurai Jack continues to captivate audiences, old and new alike. The second episode of season 5, titled "XCIII", picks up right where things left off in the first one, which introduced us to a new, darker version of the world and its titular hero.

As the opening sequence reminds us, Jack (voiced by Phil LaMarr) has been flung endlessly through time, unable to return to his own era and to defeat his archenemy, the shape-shifting demon Aku (now voiced by Greg Baldwin, filling in for the late Mako). Scarred by years of struggle and doubt, Jack's character arc has taken a more melancholic turn: he's a lost samurai with no home, family or hope, tormented by visions of loved ones he might never see again.

In "XCIII", the focus returns to Jack's present predicament, as he wanders through a dark, twisted forest, hunted by a group of insectoid assassins. The opening chase sequence sets the tone for the entire episode: a frantic, brutal and very stylish battle filled with acrobatics, sword fights, and dynamic camerawork. As before, Tartakovsky's visual storytelling is the standout feature of the series: the use of colors, shapes, and sound effects is breathtakingly inventive, creating a unique blend of western and eastern aesthetics.

Throughout the episode, we see more of the obstacles and dangers that Jack faces in this new world. The assassins, whose designs are both intimidating and creepy, are not the only threat: there are also mechanized drones, hidden traps, and twisted mutated creatures lurking in every corner. Jack, armed only with his sword and wits, becomes a survivalist, adapting to every situation in order to stay alive.

But "XCIII" is not just a showcase of action scenes. It also deepens the saga's mythos, exploring more supernatural elements and philosophical themes. For example, Jack meets a strange creature called the Omen, voiced by legendary actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg. The Omen is a mystical being who can hear every possible outcome of every possible action, a sort of oracle who can guide Jack's decisions. However, as with many such characters, the Omen has an enigmatic, cryptic dialogue, leaving Jack and the viewers with more questions than answers.

Similarly, the episode introduces a new group of characters: a trio of young girls with magical powers, who live in a hidden village in the forest. These girls, who are based on a concept by famous animator Craig McCracken (The Powerpuff Girls), are an interesting addition to the show's already diverse cast: they are resourceful, brave, and supportive of each other, providing a contrast to the bleakness of Jack's journey. They also hint at a potential ally for Jack in his quest to find a way back to his own time.

All of these elements are set against a backdrop of stunning visuals and haunting music, composed by Tyler Bates (Guardians of the Galaxy) and Joanne Higginbottom. The designs of the new locations, such as the Omen's temple or the girls' village, are strikingly original, blending natural forms with futuristic technology. The animation is fluid and dynamic, with a sharp attention to detail: from the way Jack's beard moves to the way the bugs' eyes react to light.

As the episode reaches its climax, it manages to keep the tension high while also hinting at new possibilities. A twist near the end shakes up Jack's understanding of his situation, while also raising the stakes for future episodes. At the same time, the episode ends on a note of hope, a hint that Jack's journey might not be as hopeless as it seems.

Overall, "XCIII" is a strong follow-up to the impressive season premiere, showcasing the strengths of Tartakovsky's creative vision and the depth of Jack's character. From the fast-paced action to the surreal imagery to the underlying themes of identity and honor, this episode reminds us why Samurai Jack remains a groundbreaking animated series.