Learning from mistakes is a necessary part of life. After the diminish in content with the second season of Samurai Jack, the creative team behind the show must have received some kind of negative feedback about their work. How else can such improvement in overall quality moving forward be described?
Story
The season starts off slow with the only episode which is comedic in tone. Afterwards, everything is action oriented and even offers more call backs to Jack’s training and experience. This is probably from the positive reactions to the episode Jack remembers the Past, resulting in Jack reflecting on his time studying in Egypt, and meeting descendants of the Shaolin Monks he trained with. There is a lot of pay off for those who enjoy looking easter eggs in series.
Speaking of reflecting on the past, the pinnacle of this season is the first two part episode, Birth of Evil. It tells the story of how Aku was born and how the magic sword was created to defeat him. The overall content of the two part episode was so good it scored the show an Emmy.
The best episodes to come out of this season of course includes Birth of Evil. Episodes also worth mentioning is Jack and the Zombies which features an intense battle for Jack against an army of three undead, and Jack and the Haunted House, which features a very uniquely visual style to it.
Art
The design department also came back in full force this season. They decided to incorporate different homages to other classic pieces of animation. Quick Draw and Baba Looey from Hanna-Barbera guest star in one episode and other tributes include Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro and Daisuke Jigen from Lupin The Third.
There was also an improvement in original designs. In Jack and the Traveling Creatures, Jack encounters beasts and monsters which would put some Star Wars aliens to shame. There also is a brief glimpse into the future of Jack as a conquering hero which may be seen in the upcoming fifth season.
Music
The music for the third season aided in enhancing the action scenes throughout. Intense moment such as in Jack, the Monks, and the Ancient Master’s Son where the music sounds like a pounding heart. There are also a few insert songs which are catchy and coincide with the characters. Sadly the Scotsman didn’t come back so their wasn’t a return of bagpipe music.
Conclusion
This season offered more action, more creative animation, and less comedy. It swelled to the highs in excellence and was rewarded for its work. All in all, a great improvement moving forward.
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What are some of your favorite memories from Samurai Jack season three? Leave a comment below and let us know.
