After 13 long years, Samurai Jack has finally returned to wrap up the story of everyone’s favourite time-displaced samurai warrior. When we last saw Jack back in 2004, he was still stuck in the distant future ruled by the shape-shifting demon Aku, desperately trying to find a way back to the past to stop Aku from ever taking over. Now, in season five, 50 more years have passed, and Jack is weathered, weary, and haunted by his failure to defeat Aku. But the spark of hope still remains, and this final season chronicles Jack’s last epic quest for victory.
I have to say, the first few episodes of Samurai Jack season 5 took my breath away. Right from the opening scene, you can feel the darkness and maturity that hangs over this revived series. The bright colours and quirky humour that defined so much of the original seasons are gone, replaced by muted grays and moody atmospheres. Jack himself barely speaks, a far cry from the upbeat hero he once was. He wanders like a ronin through dystopian cities and barren wastelands, the weight of his quest etched on his face.
The first half of the season focuses on Jack’s inner turmoil, his fraying psyche becoming his own worst enemy. There are some truly harrowing moments, like when Jack confronts the haunting visions of his father and past self-accusing him of failure. Jack has slipped into madness and despair, his honour and purpose lost. It’s a darker, grittier take I wasn’t expecting, closer to a graphic novel than a cartoon.
“It’s a darker, grittier take I wasn’t expecting, closer to a graphic novel than a cartoon.”
Of course, this wouldn’t be Samurai Jack without some crazy action sequences. The Daughters of Aku, seven deadly assassins sent by the demon himself to finally kill Jack after all these years, make for some next-level adversaries. Their confrontations with Jack are fast and furious, kinetic fight scenes where every frame feels like a stylized painting. The movement and visuals are just breathtaking to watch, seeing Jack take on seven foes at once in a burning temple or on a speeding train.
The first half of Samurai Jack season 5 is a visual and emotional feast, though I’ll admit the back half doesn’t quite keep up the momentum. After Jack overcomes his inner demons and regains his sense of purpose, the show falls back into more familiar monster-of-the-week territory. The offbeat humour also returns with episodes like Jack getting swallowed by a giant alien creature or hijinks ensuing when he’s forced to team up with an assassin.
While fun, these episodes feel like they are treading water, delaying the final showdown between Jack and Aku. The pacing is uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed to wrap things up. For example, the revelation of how Jack lost his sword, which had been built up all season, was glossed over rather quickly. I really wanted more time to dive into those big plot points.
“Samurai Jack remains one of the most unique, gorgeous, and masterfully-told animated sagas of our time.”
However, there is one element in the second half of the season that ends up stealing the show – the introduction of Ashi. One of Aku’s daughters, Ashi initially tries to kill Jack but, over time, comes to see the truth as they are forced to work together. Their budding relationship opens up the story and Jack’s character in a way we’ve never seen before.
Ashi is fierce yet vulnerable, brainwashed by Aku but retaining her humanity underneath. Her emotional journey from assassin to ally rivals Jack’s, as she comes to appreciate beauty and community through Jack’s influence. It’s immensely moving to watch her confront her past and choose a new path forward, thanks to Jack’s kindness and wisdom.
Their unlikely bond pushes Jack in new directions, too. After 50 years of being a lone wolf, he finally opens up to friendship and even love. The pair have fantastic chemistry (that bathhouse scene, am I right?) and high stakes when Aku threatens to take Ashi from Jack.
“Seeing Jack’s allies from across the land and time rally together for one final assault on Aku’s lair gave me chills.”
This final confrontation between Jack and Aku was always going to be the make-or-break moment of the season. After so many years, it needed to feel epic and impactful. On that front, I’d say it largely delivered. Seeing Jack’s allies from across the land and time come together for one final assault on Aku’s lair gave me chills. And, of course, Jack delivering that final sword blow to Aku in slow motion was extremely cathartic after everything that led up to that moment.
The end itself is bittersweet though. Ashi and Jack’s happiness together is short-lived, as Aku’s death eventually wipes her out. It’s a heartbreaking ending, although I understand the logic. Jack’s duty meant that he could never settle down in peace while the past still haunted Aku. Still, after all he and Ashi have been through, it hurts to see them part so soon.
But that’s the thing about Jack – his quest has always meant sacrifice. After everything he’s lost over the years, his future, his family, and even his hope at times, he perseveres because that’s what heroes do. So, although sad, it feels like the only way Jack’s story can end. He must walk the earth alone, with the memories of those he has saved to light his way forward.
I found Samurai Jack season 5 to be a worthy conclusion to this epic saga. It expanded the world and characters in bold new directions while still retaining the heart and visual splendour that made the original series so special. The early episodes, in particular, are just astonishing in their style and maturity.
While not perfect (few things are), it was still very satisfying to see Jack’s journey come full circle after all these years. Samurai Jack remains one of the most unique, gorgeous, and masterfully-told animated sagas of our time. I’m glad it finally received the finale that fans had been dreaming of for over a decade. This final season is a gift that reminds us why we fell in love with Samurai Jack‘s world to begin with.
