Why Samurai Jack is Worth Watching | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Samurai Jack is Worth Watching

Four good reasons to watch the tragic and comedic action show.

458
Why Samurai Jack is Worth Watching
comicbook.com

Samurai Jack is an amazing show for its time. The show premiered on Cartoon Network in the early 2000s and it has quickly named itself as being one of the greatest shows of all time. The show has won 4 Emmy awards and has been nominated for countless Annies. The show is directed by Gennedy Tartakovsky, creator of Dexter's Laboratory and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

The show features its protagonist, a nameless samurai who is from feudal Asia. His father used a magic katana to defeat an evil and powerful shapeshifting demon, Aku, and imprisoned it in a stump of wood. The demon escapes however during a solar eclipse and wreaks havoc amongst his home village. During that time, the samurai is young and spends his adolescent years learning combative techniques and martial arts to defeat this powerful demon. When he confronted Aku, the demon tore open a portal in time and flung him into the future with the anticipation that he will face him again in the future. The samurai was given the name, Jack, by three people who used the word as a slang when he arrived in the future.

With the synopsis of the plot mentioned above, I highly recommended that you watch this show. Some of you reading this article might have seen this show in your youth while others might have no idea about it. The 5th and final season premiered back in March 2017 and is currently ongoing. With the premiere of its last episodes, the show it reaching its conclusion. Therefore, it is important to get caught up with the previous 4 seasons. Here are 4 good reasons to watch Samurai Jack

1. The Cinematography.

The Cinematography of Samurai Jack is quite amazing and simple. Much of it contains little to no dialogue in its episodes and has scenic landscapes to display its setting with little to no music. When prompted Genndy Tartakovsky said that Samurai Jack's influence draws from samurai films and manga adaptions from movies like 47 Ronin to combat scenes like 300 as featured in Jack and the Spartans.

2. The References

Samurai Jack features a on of references. In the second episode, there is a desolate city that he travels to that feature Townsville from the Powerpuff Girls. In the episode where Jack returns to his homeland, there is a flashback where he encounters a rogue samurai and his child, alluding to Lone Wolf and Cub, a popular manga in the 1970s about a Ronin and his Son. There are other references to the movie and graphic novel 300 in the episode Jack and the Spartans and Alice in Wonderland where a rabbit steals Jack's clothes. There are even references to a video game Space Ace where

3. The Humor

There are a few recurring gags to this series such as Jack's ineptitude of technology; where he did not know how to use a ballpoint pen and had to think when pressing the 'Up' button to use the elevator. Jack even drove a motorcycle in reverse when he was being chased by a pack of hunters. There are comical elements such as jack tickling a sumo wrestler with his hair when he was being pinned in an arena.

4. Of course... the failures and close calls.

Jack frequently is close to ending his journey and stepping back in time, but before he can do that, something always happens, whether it is Aku materializing out of nowhere to destroy the portal, Jack hesitating to save people in need before the portal collapses, or someone knocking him out before he kills Aku. There are a lot of moments in the show that makes the viewer internally scream, "Aww man that was so close."

Samurai Jack is quite amazing and is definitely worth watching. It evokes a large and diverse range of action, comedy, and tragedy. Perhaps Jack will destroy Aku in the final season.



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24058
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10045
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7287
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments