Ep 10. The story of Tahomaru

Dororo season 1 episode 10, "The Story of Tahomaru," delves deep into the past of one of the show's most enigmatic characters. Tahomaru, the young lord who has crossed paths with protagonist Hyakkimaru multiple times throughout the series, has always been shrouded in mystery; while his actions have been antagonistic towards Hyakkimaru, his motivations have never been completely clear. This episode seeks to shed light on those motivations, beginning with Tahomaru's early childhood.

As a child, Tahomaru had a close relationship with his mother, Lady Ban. However, his father, Daigo Kagemitsu, was often absent due to his duties as a lord and warrior. This absence bred resentment in Tahomaru, who saw his father as placing his duties above his family. This resentment only deepened when Lady Ban became gravely ill and Daigo left to seek a cure, leaving Tahomaru to care for her alone. Despite his best efforts, Lady Ban eventually succumbed to her illness, leaving Tahomaru devastated and angry.

Years later, Tahomaru has become a capable warrior in his own right, taking on the duties of his father while Daigo becomes increasingly obsessed with his quest for power and immortality. Tahomaru, meanwhile, has his own ambitions to protect his people and build a better world, but he is continually stymied by his father's actions. When he learns of his father's pact with demons, which has robbed Hyakkimaru of his body parts, Tahomaru is horrified and begins to question his loyalty to his father.

Throughout the episode, flashbacks to Tahomaru's childhood are juxtaposed with scenes from the present day, where he struggles with his conflicting loyalties and his guilt over his complicity in his father's actions. Meanwhile, Hyakkimaru continues his quest to reclaim his stolen body parts, leading him back to Tahomaru and forcing the two to confront their complicated history. As the episode comes to a close, the rift between father and son deepens, and Tahomaru is forced to make a difficult decision that will have major consequences for both himself and his people.

Overall, "The Story of Tahomaru" is a gripping, emotional episode that fills in some of the gaps in this complex character's backstory while advancing the main plot. The themes of duty, loyalty, and family are at the forefront throughout, making for an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience.