Ep 7. XCVII

Jack is back! After a long hiatus, the beloved animated series Samurai Jack returned for a highly anticipated fifth season in 2017. Following Jack, a samurai warrior who is thrown into the future and must navigate a dystopian world to defeat the evil Aku, Samurai Jack takes viewers on an action-packed ride through different time periods and dimensions.

In season 5 episode 7, titled "XCVII," Jack continues his attempt to find a way back to the past and defeat Aku. But he quickly finds himself facing a new challenge when he encounters a group of highly skilled female assassins who have been hired by Aku to take him down. In order to survive, Jack must fight them off one by one while also grappling with the emotional toll of his centuries-long battle against evil.

As the episode begins, Jack finds himself stranded in a snowy wasteland with no food or supplies. He is weak and vulnerable, having just narrowly escaped his last battle with Aku's minions. But as he wanders through the snow, he suddenly hears the sound of approaching footsteps. Moments later, he finds himself surrounded by a group of cloaked figures with weapons drawn.

At first, Jack tries to negotiate with the women, telling them that he is on a quest to defeat Aku and that they should not interfere. But the women show no mercy, attacking him with swift and deadly force. Jack is forced to use all of his training and skill to fend off their attacks, dodging their blows and retaliating with his own.

As the fight continues, it becomes clear that these women are not ordinary assassins. They move with a fluid grace and precision that Jack has never seen before, each one seeming to anticipate his every move. But despite their skill, Jack is determined to emerge victorious, knowing that his mission to defeat Aku depends on it.

Throughout the episode, we see flashbacks to Jack's childhood and early training as a warrior. We see him learning the ways of the samurai from his father, and we witness his first encounter with Aku, who transforms himself into a giant monster and attacks Jack's village. These flashbacks serve to deepen our understanding of Jack's character and the trauma he has endured over the centuries.

As the battle between Jack and the assassins rages on, we see the toll it takes on Jack's body and mind. He begins to question whether it is even possible for him to defeat Aku, and whether his quest for vengeance is worth the sacrifices he has made. But ultimately, he finds the strength to push through his doubts and emerge victorious.

The episode ends with Jack resting in a cave, battered and bruised but alive. He reflects on his journey so far and the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that the road ahead will be long and hard. But he is determined to persevere, knowing that only by defeating Aku can he find peace and justice.

Overall, "XCVII" is a thrilling and emotional episode of Samurai Jack, showcasing the series' stunning animation and poignant storytelling. It sets the stage for the final showdown between Jack and Aku, one that fans had been waiting years to see.