Samurai Jack : Favorite episode?

Favorite episode?

Maybe there's an older thread like this, but I don't feel like searching for it. Anyone?

MineI've only gotten through season 1 (admittedly, every episode I've seen has been while stoned, and believe methis show is great while high)

It's funny, so many times we're like, "Oh god! This is the best episode so far!"then the next episode would be like, "Wowthat was even better than the one we previously thought."

So far thoughthe best overall experience was the episode about those amazing archers who rely purely on sound. The part where Jack blindfolds himself and the pure sound/image montage is one of the most amazing things I've seen/heard in a cartoon. Good thing I was watching this in my friend's amazing surround sound home theatre. Of course, the archers destroying everyone at the beginning was amazing.

Other episode highlights include Jack fighting in space (the explosions + 3d glasses are amazingly trippy!)and the season finale (ep 13) is quite possibly one of the best season finales I can ever remember.

I love how you never actually see Jack at all in the ep, but just see him through other people's fantasized realities. They give Aku some character development, build on his insecurities, and Aku is simply hilarious in this episode.

The ending of this episode is perfect, and a possible foreshadowing on his this story will end.

I can't wait to get into season 2, but as of nowI don't know how they can out-do season 1.

Re: Favorite episode?

There were many good episodes, but I think Jack and the Hounted House as the best for me.

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Re: Favorite episode?

Here's my favorite episode for each Season:

Season 1: Jack vs. Mad Jack
Season 2: Jack and The Ultra Robots
Season 3: Jack and the Zombies
Season 4: Princess and the Bounty Hunters

Re: Favorite episode?

No way

the best episode is by far Samurai vs Ninja

Re: Favorite episode?

I agree with Jack and The Ultra Robots. The episode actually felt like the enemy posed some sort of threat.

Re: Favorite episode?

I had many favorites, but the one that surprised and elated me most was the one where Jack came upon a scientist who was trying to create armor strong enough to combat a group of thuggish robots who were terrorizing his people. Their own armor was too strong and they were too powerful for an ordinary warrior to overcome.

After Jack is fitted with a cybersuit, he goes off to battle these robots, only to find that the scientist's best efforts are not good enough.

In a move that surprised me and actually ellicited tears from me, Jack prayed to his ancestors to help make his blade powerful enough to penetrate their hide. They heard him and responded in a scene of great mythological symbolism. My own thoughts echoed the words of the last robot to fall, just before his two halves separated:

"Unbelievable."

Samurai Jack was the best American television animation of its time, and nothing since it can compare to or replace it. It was cinematic, poignant, intelligent and deeply felt. It was even spiritual, something that even live action American television rarely aspires to. And because its spirituality was alternative to the main, yet deeply felt and real, it was ballsy on top of all of that. Especially given the political atmosphere of fear and hate in which it existed.

I and my young son miss this show deeply.

Re: Favorite episode?

The Ultrarobots episode (described above) was clearly influenced by the film "Shogun Assassin" which was a japanese/american production which was made but cobbling together parts of The japanese "Babycart" series of films.

It featured three "Masters of Death" assassins each with a specialized weapon and wore outfits similar to the robots (all black with large straw rainhat).
In one Samurai jack flashback to his childhood you see him witness Lone Wolf and the babycart battling enemies while crossing a bridge.

This was my joint favourite episode along with Jack vs the Shinobi Ninja, and Jack battling the minions of Set.

Best battles in the series are Jack vs the gardian of the portal, Jack vs the zombies and the wonderful "Winter Battle" in the seasons episode where the opponent and his weapon are built up for about 10 mins and Jack defeats him in about 2 seconds (very similar to some scenes in Kurosawa movies).

Roy 72.

Make it twenty minutes

Re: Favorite episode?

Jack and the Zombies
Samurai Jack and the Spartans

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Re: Favorite episode?

I just saw Jack vs. Aku of season 4, and I think this is now my new favorite.

What I expected to see was an all out action frenzy.

What I got was an extremely well humored and self reflexively funny episode that actually builds up good chemistry between Jack and Aku and really added to their characters. I died laughing at Aku attempting to give directions to Jack about where they'll battle then actually offering him a ride there.

The part where Jack is about to attack Aku, then Aku says, "You really want to do that? You know what's going to happen. You'll slice me, I'll turn into a bat and say something like I'LL BE BACK SAMURAI JACK!"

Right there, the show was completely making fun of itself and I really appreciated it for doing that. Then you later realize that despite how evil Aku is, he is also completely childish. But someone said, "Maybe being childish is part of being evil."

Might I add that the ending of that episode is the best ending of that show since Jack as the chicken.

This episode was extremely smart, built up the characters and was just flat out hilarious.

Re: Favorite episode?

One of my favorites is the one with the Shaolin Temple; I thought that it was incredibly well-animated, and the ultimate warrior guarding the portal was really good. My favorite humor episode was when Aku gathers the children to tell them a story, and ends up ripping off every fairy tale (even The Shining).

Proud member of the OOTP and the Spiderman 3 AntiTroll Alliance fight3.gif

Favorite episode: 'Aku's Fairy Tales' (1.13)

That episode was "Aku's Fairy Tales" (1.13)
http://www.tv.com/samurai-jack/xiii-akus-fairy-tales/episode/95302/summary.html?tag=ep_list;title;12

Re: Favorite episode?

I can't believe no one has mentioned Jack Learns to Jump Good (for just awesomeness), Jack and the Rave (for the best soundtrack ever) and Jack Versus Aku (for pure comedy value)

Re: Favorite episode?

My favorite episode wouldhave to be jack and the rave. It sort of gives a message of how when out of control, raves can be a bad. Plus i really the music produced by it, then again maybe it's just the techno freak in me.

Re: Favorite episode?

definatly episode 11: jack and the scotsman

Thats what's so illogical about the smurfswhat's the point of living if you don't have a d***?

Re: Favorite episode?

I have two favorite episodes: Jack and the Lava Monster (somebody cried? I did) and The Princess and the Bounty Hunters (the final surrender of the princess is one os the most memorable scenes that i have ever seen).

Re: Favorite episode?

Jack vs. Aku Definitely HILARIOUS!
"Yes, it is Ihow very observant of you"

Jack and the Rave, definitely wicked as well
"Music-maker man! Your beats are bad."
"That's right, they're bad!"
"Not Bad-good, bad-bad!"

Jack remembers the Past and The Aku-Infection were very sentimental and made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

And any episode with the scotsman!

Re: Favorite episode?

the 3 blind archers

the episode when aku's minion summoned the dead warriors

or jack and the spartans

Sig

Re: Favorite episode?

Jack and the Zombies
any episode with the Scotsman
Jack vs the 3 Blind Archers
and finally Jack
Jack and the Travelling Creatures = my favorite simply due to the fact that seeing how bad-ass future Jack can use the Time Portal.

Re: Favorite episode?

One of the best episodes in the entire series is the Tale of X-9. Great atmosphere, score, and story.

Re: Favorite episode?

My favorite is either the first one with the scotsman or The one with the rave.

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Re: Favorite episode?

My most favourite episode is probably The Princess and the Bounty Hunters purely because of the epic finale. The entire episode is seen from the Bounter Hunters' point of view as they tell their plans to capture the Samurai, mixed with great and humorous story-telling; then we only see Jack himself for a grand total of about 30 seconds before he cuts them all down instantly and effortlessly. Pure class.

And there are many other great episodes as well. Infact I like alot of them as much as this one but for different reasons. But I just cannot deny the epic finale this episode had.

Re: Favorite episode?

Episode 14: Jump Good - Though, more of a side story of his epic quest, it's still one of the most memorable for its comedic action. The phrase 'jump good' is even mentioned in 1 or 2 later episodes.

Re: Favorite episode?

Jack and the Rave is my fave; and I also like the one where he fights himself b/c it symbolizes conquering the anger we have inside ourselves.

Also another good one I haven't seen anyone mention yet is the one on Season 2 where Jack is hunted by a couple of Lion Men. They are supposed to be the best hunters in the world and are hired by Aku to hunt Jack; they actually do catch Jack, but release him after they realize Aku's intentions b/c they keep honor first in their pursuits. This episode was really good, too.

And I also like one from season 3 where that big rabbit looking thing follows Jack, and annoys him, and those bounty hunters are about to kill Jack, but then the rabbit turns into a monster and kills the bounty hunters.

And one more I like is the one where that wanna be samurai bullies people, and Jack beats the mess out of him, while at the same time teaching him what a true samurai is.

So, I guess these are my top 5 favorite. =)

You mean you're not gonna beg again? Cause you do it so well! Hard Candy

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Re: Favorite episode?

The Tale of X9 is one of my favourite episodes love it

Re: Favorite episode?

The Princess and the Bounty Hunters is a great episode..i also love the Blind Archers, the one with the Portal Guardian, Jacks Tales, the Ultra Robots, the Ninja Robot one ect.

Re: Favorite episode?

i had never seen the "Seasons" episode until recently..wow, definitely one the best..the Spring goddess sequence is some of the best stuff ive seen on Jack

Re: Favorite episode?

Some of the ones that haven't been mentioned yet:

"Jack's Sandals" - Not my favourite, but the highlight of the episode was the beautiful Japanese house in the midst of a sprawling, futuristic, dystopian city. The episode also had some laugh out loud moments (watch out for Jack in high heels).

"Jack is naked" - Many people thought it was stupid, but I think it's a masterpiece. I think the animators were dropping acid at the time, lol.

"The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful" - Fun episode with some nice animation and good fight scenes. The highlight of this episode is definitely the cameo by Quick Draw McGraw and Baba Looey.

"Chicken Jack" - Just like "Jack and the Smackback", but funnier and more interesting.

"Scotsman saves Jack I & II" - Because it's got thr Scotsman in it, and watching Jack in an admiral's outfit and talking like a teenager is hilarious. The Sirens at the end were cool too.

"Jack and the Farting Dragon" - Even I think this one is dumb. But it's an amusing, and very very trippy episode.

"Young Jack in Africa" - Another episode with spectacular animation


Only the dead have seen the end of war. Plato

Re: Favorite episode?

Wow, there are just soo many good ones. Some of the top of my head:

- Jack and the Three Blind Archers
- Jack and the Ultra Robots
- Tale of X9 (the music in this episode is seriously amazing - I'm not kidding; I teared up)
- Anyone including the Scotsman

There are sooo many other great ones, I just don't remember them at the moment. I have to rewatch all of them again. This is, hands down, the best cartoon series I've ever seen.

____________
'Stabbed in the gut? No problem. Slap a bandaid on it.'

Might be easier to ask which is my least favorite episode :P

It'd be impossible to come up with an unassailable choice for favorite episode, I have too many which are too close to choose between.

However, I'm a big fan of the Jack and the Spartans episode. In many ways that had the most emotional pull for me, the ending had a touch of Mad Max - the warrior came out of nowhere and helped a people to safety before disappearing back onto his own adventure.

This is hardly a complete list but I also loved the minimalism in the Three Blind Archers, the flashbacks and bad-assery in the Ultra Robots, the revelations in the Monks, the chase in The Hunters, the fighting parallels in Chicken Jack, the funky beats and fights in the Rave, the wild west in Good, Bad, and Beautiful, the horror references of Zombies, the final scene of Traveling Creatures, the horror of Haunted House, the fun and anime of Labyrinth, the beauty of Ninja, the awesome robot-fighting of Mondo Bot, the passion of X9, the great childhood of Young Jack, and if I might say I really really thought that Four Seasons of Death should have been the last episode in Season 4 - it would have been a perfect way to end the series (at least until the movie came out), it perfectly captured the cycle within the show and the last season had a mixed feel to its message that was hard to fully understand.

Re: Favorite episode?

It's a toss-up with four in my mind:

Jack v. the Zombies:
A truly chilling episode. He's almost overwhelmed, at the end loses his sword, and we discover a new 'power' of the weaponit can't hurt the pure of heart. When the fire went outliterallyin Aku's eyes, was a great HA! moment.

Jack and the Lava Monster
My roomie and I were totally gob-smacked by this one when it first aired. When he won't fight for the sake of fighting, and hears the vikings story then simply gets up, and draws his sword. The only way to save the vikingis to kill him. That was a rough episode. I'm an adult man, and that choked me up.

The Aku Infection
I loved it when he's almost out of hope, there's the dog from the first episode "Don't give up Jack." Showing all the characters he's helped, and drawing inspiration from others was a very cool homage.

Jack v. the Ultrabots
First, I wish it had been Dexter, rather than Extor; would have been a cool crossover. Otherwise, again, he has to draw on his ancestors, and a nice amp up in power from Susanoo and Raiden to end the fight. Unbelievable indeed.

Re: Favorite episode?

Oh boy! Another tough poll. I rather not choose any single episode as this series is my ALL-TIME favorite toon series. Then again,

Best Action - Jack and the Ultra-robots / Jack and the Spartans

Spookiest Episode - Jack and the Haunted House

Funniest Episode - Jack and the Creature / Jack and the Scotsman, Part 2

Special Mention - Birth of Evil 1 & 2 / Seasons of Death

And last but not the least, 'Tale of X9'. It reminded me of Sin City, Max Payne (VG) & a bit of Hitman 2 : Silent Assassin (VG). The monologues were just, just amazing. A simple story, presented in such an awesome manner. Felt a bit uneasy at the end too.

Though am not a big fan of the '300' movie, 'Jack and the Spartans' might be one of the top three episodes that I will ever choose.

In the past four days, watched EVERY single episode again, and how sad and angry I am now to realize (again) that for some reason (blame it on Genndy or Cartoon Network), such an awesome series ended without a finale.

flameangry.gif Better to Reign in Hell than to Serve in Heaven flameangry.gif

Re: Favorite episode?

So many awesome episodes of this amazing show, so many memories.

Some of my favorites:

*The Princess and the Bounty Hunters - world's greatest bounty hunters team up and
devise a master plan to take down Jack, but it's not enough to last more than a second against him.

*Lava Giant - wow man I get goosebumps just by thinking about it, when giant strikes
Jack down and is like 'get up, this can't be the end!' where Jack responds 'don't you
worry warrior, I have only begun to fight!' simply epic.

*Jack and the Hunters - Jack gets ultimately defeated, showing that he is far from
invincible, but Hunters value thrill of the hunt and honor above everything else
and let him go - 'Run free, Samurai Jack, run free.'

*Episodes with Scotsman, as pointed are some of the funniest, i like when they compete
on the island who gets to row the boat lol

Re: Favorite episode?

-Tale of X9, brilliant! Absolutely Brilliant!
-Jack is Naked. Funny as hell!

Re: Favorite episode?

Yes, the Tale of X9 is my favorite episode for it's vision of Jack through someone else's eyes: his bounty hunter's. Plus the soundtrack is the BEST music from the series!

JLT
http://mythicalmicrocosms.blogspot.com/

Re: Favorite episode?

I know it's been mentioned a couple of times, but it should be mentioned a lot more. Jack vs the ninja was RIDICULOUS. The build up to the finale was decent, but had nothing on the epic duel between light and darkness. The directing and the animation was extraordinary. The way the light constantly shifted, magnifying the contrast between black and white. It was awe inspiring.

Re: Favorite episode?

Keep the threads on SJ alive, people :(

In wine there's wisdom, in beer there's freedom, in water there's Bacteria

Re: Favorite episode?

I just watched Season 1 on Netflix and there was a clear standout episode: Jack vs, the Lava Monster. It had beautiful cinematography, an excellent story arc, and powerful emotion.
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