The Elusive Samurai – Season 1 Episode 11 Recap & Review

Samurais Who are Eager to Die & An Elusive Samurai

Episode 11 of The Elusive Samurai begins with Tokiyuki and his friends arriving at the Shinano Farming Village. He and his friends discuss Shinano’s Barley harvesting festivity. Then, a man named Yonemaru torments one of the Shinano residents. He demands them to hand over the second stock of crops. 

We learn Yonemaru works for Kiyohara, he’s Shinano’s Provincial Official. Sadamune stands next to Kiyohara. He reminds Kiyohara that only the first rice crop can be taxed. Kiyohara tells Sadamune that the old Kamakura Shogunate made that rule. Additionally, Kiyohara argues the emperor gave him his current position so he can do as he pleases. 

One of the Shinano residents begs for their barley back. Kiyohara orders his men to kill this individual. Later, Yorishige tells Tokiyuki that Hoshina built an army to fight Kiyohara. Yorishige lists why Hoshina’s army will fail and Moritaka states why they can’t send reinforcements to assist Hoshina’s group.

Yorishige wants Tokiyuki and his friends to travel to Kawanaka to convince Hoshina to stop and help them escape danger. Kojiro doesn’t like this idea but Yorishige explains why it’d be beneficial. Tokiyuki, Genba, Kojiro, and Fubuki converse in the woods. Tokiyuki explains why Ayako and Shizuku can’t accompany them on this journey. 

After some back and forth between Tokiyuki and Genba, we see our heroes observing Hoshina and his forces’s base at Kawanaka. Tokiyuki converses with one of the generals and this man leads him and the others to Hoshina. He and the others meet Hoshina. Hoshina tells them he’s willing to die rather than submit to Kiyohara. 

Kojiro tries motivating Tokiyuki to convince Hoshina and the others to step down. Tokiyuki refuses. He’s terrified to confront Hoshina and his men since they’re so prideful. Then, Shinomiya, one of Hoshina’s neighbors, greets Tokiyuki and his friends. Tokiyuki hands Shinomiya a document from the Suwa Grand Shrine. 

Shinomiya reads it and understands their wishes. He tells Tokiyuki and his friends where it’d be best for him and the others to take Hoshina and his group. Shinomiya promises to support Tokiyuki and his friends. He’s willing to gather more people if they need more assistance. 

Kiyohara and Sukefusa observe Hoshina’s army in the distance. Kiyohara’s army attacks and some of Hoshina’s forces fall in battle. Genba supports Hoshina’s forces by enveloping the area in smoke. He burned some barley to let this happen. This makes matters fair for Hoshina and Kiyohara’s side. 

Kojiro intervenes in one of Hoshina’s men’s fights. Tokiyuki observes Kojiro from afar and hopes Kojiro’s brave act will make Hoshina consider withdrawing from this battle. Hoshina shares a few words on the battlefield. Tokiyuki confronts Hoshina and tells him it’d be best for them to retreat. 

Tokiyuki and Hoshina discuss their situation later in front of everyone. Hoshina’s not willing to back away from the fight. Tokiyuki tries persuading Hoshina to do so, but his efforts prove futile. Shinomiya steps in and tries reasoning with Hoshina. Afterwards, Hoshina listens to Shinomiya’s words, and Hoshina yields. 

He promises to go North to develop a comeback strategy. Meanwhile, Kiyohara punishes Yonemaru for his pitiful actions on the battlefield. Sukefusa arrives and tells Kiyohara that Hoshina and his forces may retreat soon. Kiyohara’s not satisfied with that. He wants to murder Hoshina, Tokiyuki, and their allies to attain eternal peace. 

Then, we cut away to Tokiyuki and Kojiro discussing the former’s success. Tokiyuki and Kojiro spot Yonemaru and his forces behind them. The episode ends with Tokiyuki and Kojiro fleeing the scene.

The Episode Review

Tokiyuki displays admirable leadership in this week’s chapter of The Elusive Samurai. His stand-off with Hoshina is a great example of that. From his striking words to his funny physical techniques, fans will enjoy seeing Tokiyuki put this prideful man in his place. While submitting to people isn’t great, sometimes it’s for the best. 

The chapter’s visuals took a nosedive midway through though. Kojiro’s CGI character model may hamper fans’ immersion in the episode. This is unfortunate since Kojiro’s actions in that scenario were admirable. Episode 11 also introduced us to another crude official-like character concerning Kiyohara. 

Unlike prior people of his kind, this fellow doesn’t have any exceptional battle skills. While this is a nice way to differentiate Kiyohara from other army leaders, some may argue that Kiyohara’s character feels like a downgrade. Nevertheless, we’re excited to see what route the author takes with this story arc. 

But all in all, this was an enjoyable chapter of The Elusive Samurai.