This past Saturday on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, one of the best written animated programs of the early 2000’s returned to TV and seemed none the worse for wear. Samurai 
Jack lost no time in showing why it was one of the most awarded animated programs on TV during its four year run.
Samurai Jack tells the story of a young samurai warrior in feudal Japan whose father had acquired a magical sword that he used to defeat a shape-shifting demon named Aku. The young prince used the sword to battle the demon again, however; before the final killing blow could be struck, Aku opened up a time portal and threw the warrior into the future where he (Aku) rules the land.
When we last saw Jack 13 years ago , he was determined to find a way to get back to the past so that he could defeat Aku and undo all the evil he saw around him. And 13 years ago we, the viewer, felt Jack would ultimately be successful in his quest because he was singularly focused on his task. Well, I’m here to tell you the past years have changed Jack and not always for the better.
The Jack we see in this episode is more sober and very tired of the fight. Many years have passed, but he realizes now that he doesn’t age – “Time has no effect on him.” With this realization comes a sadder one of hope and faith being lost, for Jack has lost his magic sword and with it the only way to defeat Aku even if he is able to return to his own time. We see Jack have a psychotic episode knowing the lives that have been lost because he was unable to defeat Aku in his own time period and now has no means to do so.
Meanwhile, Aku now has seven daughters who have been training their entire lives for the 
sole purpose of destroying Jack. But one of the seven, Ashi, is special. She reminded me, in a way, of River Song, who was raised to kill the Doctor (Who), but ended up as his greatest supporter. Do I know that’s going to be Ashi’s fate? No I don’t, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened.
As always, executive producer, Genndy Tartakovsky has done a splendid job in shepherding us through the emotional baggage Jack is carrying. Jack’s journey will end during this series run and you don’t want to miss it.
Samurai Jack is on Saturday Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. This is a series worth putting on your viewing calendar.
