Episode 19: "Unholy Union"

I missed the showing this time around (can't get used to this schedule change ), but here's the discussion thread in case you did remember to catch it... In tonight's ep, Fuu meets up with a young woman who is actually a Christian in hiding (since Christians were persecuted in Japan at this time). Through her, she discovers that her father is a Christian as well, and may be on an island where Christians are taking refuge.

Meanwhile, Jin and Mugen fight a strange man claiming to be some famous prophet (with some funny results).

Anyway, I'm disappointed with CN's treatment of this show. I enjoyed it when I watched it all the way through in Japanese and thought it would be a success when it aired here. Instead, the show (which turned out to have a good dub) is barely promoted and moved around to a more obscure midweek timeslot. It also seems that people in general (not just here) aren't interested in this series, but what can you do...

For what it's worth, I am very interested in the series, and I too am disappointed that AS moved the show to weekdays and a timeslot that's bad for my schedule. (Perhaps you saw my post complaining about the switch.)

Fortunately, I'm collecting the series, but I know there are a lot of people out there who don't have cash the collect the DVDs (or access to illegal anime Bit Torrents) for whom AS is the only way they would get to see this great show.

Nice episode. We learn more about the "Sunflower" Samurai, as well as some historical events in Japan.

I enjoyed Mugen's realization that Fuu has a pet squirrel. Or actually, it was Jin who informed him.

I'm definitely a fan of the show - probably my favorite "new episodes" show CN is broadcasting. It's got quality production all around, and the stories are a nice mix of fun and serious - like Cowboy Bebop. Plus, the hip-hop spin is a perfect addition.

I'm not sure why SamCha is not as popular. It's not science fiction or fantasy, which seems to be 95% of the market. And it doesn't feature teen heroes (unless you count Fuu), which some think are necessary to get that market.

I hesitate at putting this show as one of my top 10-15 favorites, because I want to see how it ends. Not that the ending shoudl define the show, but I've got a personal trepidation that SamCha might end in a depressing, violent way (even if it's done well). I'm hoping it doesn't end on a downer, since I enjoy the character dynamics. But we'll see.

Looking back on this episode, it reminded me of a book.

It was about a young teen who was befriended by a rogue in ancient Japan.

Christianity had been infiltrating the land and the protagonists had converted.

It gets kind of fuzzy from here on out because it's been a long time since I read it. The eventual end is that the rogue gets revenge on a lord for killing his parents for converting. Then he commits seppuku.

The combined use of guns and christianity as western influences are nice to note in a samurai anime.

i loved this eppisode. but i had no idea that christains were so strongly persecuted in japan. also when momo attached himself to mugen's face, i started laughing so very hard.

Sorry for the lack of interest, Shredder...but Samurai Champloo is one of my favorites. I love this show...and enjoy watching it immensely. The problem is, I mainly TiVo the episodes and pick up watching them a day or two after they air, so most of my comments are for "outdated" episodes that have already been discussed. I hear what you're saying about CN treatment of the show...there hasnt been much attention given to it. I can understand why, however, with their newly produced shows (Robot Chicken, etc.) and of course Fullmetal Alchemist's popularity. A shame though, in my opinion....