Finally Got Back...Back to the Past...

16 years.

I cannot believe that it's been that long since we first saw Samurai Jack.
...Well, most of you, anyway. I actually didn't see it until 2007, after Aku's original voice actor, the Master of Voices, Mako, passed away in 2006, which hit me more because of Avatar than Samurai Jack. But when I saw it for the first time, I was blown away. Great action, a distinctive and wholly original art style, and memorable characters that has lasted a whole generation.

I got back into it once I saw do his 4th Admirable Animation, which was his top 10 favorite episodes of Samurai Jack, which is to him what Code Lyoko is to me. Before the final season aired on [adult swim], I noticed that WatchMojo.com also did their own list, so I thought it would be good to compare the two lists to see the differences between a YouTube fan and a YouTube critic's opinion of Genndy Tartakovsky's greatest work yet. Some of the episodes are on both sides but on opposite ranking, so I'll only say my opinion on each one once. And at the end, I'll give a list of my own!

Watch out!

#10
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode XXI: Jack and the Farting Dragon
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Episode XXXV: Jack and the Haunted House
A humorous pick for Mr. Enter is matched by a haunting pick from WatchMojo.com, and both have a lot to offer. Any episode that has the word "fart" in is is guaranteed to be a very silly episode, no matter what happens in it. But this one also had plenty of other emotions besides just laughing your ass off, which is what this show is famous for. Likewise, you expect to be scared as hell when a haunted house is mentioned. But this was horrifying in a special kind of way, internally as well as visually. But it also had a very heartwarming ending that made the horror all worth it.
Also, I still never would have gotten that Dragon's Lair/Space Ace joke if I hadn't Googled it. Stupid upbringing.

#9
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode XLVIII: Jack Vs. Aku
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Episode XXV: Jack and the Spartans
The titles of both of these would lead you to think that both are climactic final clashes, but there's more than that. For starters, Jack Vs. Aku is far from a finale since it is nowhere near as serious as it would be. Our hero and villain play off each other so well that you can forgive the episode for not being the final showdown it was supposedly billed as. Also, we got a great futuristic retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae just before Gerard Butler and Frank Miller stole the show (or silver screen) in 300 (GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT, WATCHMOJO.COM!). My reason I like this version better? Everyone lives in the end and the story is still told so dramatically it's just amazing.

#8
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode XI: Jack and the Scotsman
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Episode XIV: Jack Learns to Jump Good
These two were not that far apart, but still have quite a few differences. The Scotsman was a perfect foil to Jack, being all loud and rude while Jack was quiet and honorable. Also, I love that he's basically John DiMaggio doing a Scottish Bender for Phil LaMarr doing a Japanese Hermes. XIV was a great way to start off Season 2 with a fresh light tone, but still with sad moments like Aku being just the biggest troll out there and the ape-man's backstory. Damn, still can't believe they got away with that.

#7
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode VIII: Jack vs. Mad Jack
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Episode L: Tale of X-9
Talk about facing your inner demons. This episode remains a series highlight, which is cool since it's a very early episode. We all called it when Jack's hallucinations in Season 5 looked more and more like this guy until the eventual climax. Not to mention he was defeated pretty much the exact same way as before.
Tale of X-9. Now this is how you do a bittersweet ending, as well as an amazing homage to John Wick. IDK how much this related to Cowboy Bebop myself, since a lot more show had a similar style to it, but it is still a gripping and eventful tale. The tone of the episode, especially its ending really hammers in just how craptastic Aku's world is.

#6
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode XXXV: Jack and the Haunted House
WatchMojo.com's Pick: The Premiere Movie
Mr. Enter would go on to make a separate Admirable animation on this one alone, so that should say what a treat this one was. And, man, what a way to kick off a new series! All three parts (I: The Beginning, II: The Samurai Called Jack, III: The First Fight) manage to perfectly set the tone for the series, adopting cues from several genres all in one very clever package that let us know exactly what would be in store for us and for our then-new hero.


#5
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode XXIII: Jack vs. Demongo the Soul Collector
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Episode XXIII: Jack vs. Demongo the Soul Collector
This is a rare instance if ever there was one. As you can see, this episode ranks the same for both Mr. Enter and WatchMojo.

What can I say about this guy that isn't just worshiping him? Demongo was undoubtedly one of the most well-designed, well-received and popular characters in all of Samurai Jack. His raspy voice, crazy cool figure (he does kinda look like a lava lamp, thank you, Mr. Enter!), and his ability to summon warrior's spirits over and over with seemingly no limit made him not only a terrifying villain as he whittled Jack down, but also a damn cool character. When he showed up out of the blue at Da Samurai's bar in Season 5, I fell out of my chair, I was so thrilled. Even if it was kind of pointless. And we kinda never learned how he came back. Eh, who cares, Demongo rulez.
   
Plus, Aku's line at the end is just too damn good.


#4
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode X: Jack and the Lava Monster
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Episode XXX: Jack and the Zombies
Mr. Enter's claim of the ending of some episodes being why the ones he likes are so good is in full force for both of these episodes. Both have fierce fights and a thrilling climax, but Jack and the Zombies is more action-packed with the suspense and horror escalating when Aku gets Jack's sword while Jack and the Lava Monster is surprisingly somber, especially at the end with the Lava Monster's story and his defeat. Bottom line, both are great and highlights of this amazing show.

#3
Mr. Enter's Pick: The Premiere Movie
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Episode XI: Jack and the Scotsman
I honestly don't know which is better, the setting up of the entire series, or the introduction of its third most recognizable character. Both are amazing in their own rights, and I have to say I loved how the Scotsman went out in Season 5 the way he went in: being a loud-mouthed full-of-insults hell of a guy. And damn, he and his wife got BUSY with Flora and her HUNDREDS of sister. Also, I'll get to Mr. Enter's honorable #11, Jack and the Three Blind Archers soon enough. But yeah, the set-up, especially the part with no dialogue which became a staple for this show, are a great tool to show us what's in store.

#2
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode XXV: Jack and the Spartans
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Samurai vs. Ninja
Growing up with Naruto as opposed to Samurai Jack, I personally felt that The Ninja was the third best Samurai Jack villain overall, since he is a perfect aesthetic foil to our hero. Light and darkness coming into combat is always a great idea, no matter what you're doing, and the minimalist art style of the show comes into full display here, and it is honestly one of, if not the most artistically beautiful episode of the entire series.
And Jack and the Spartans...this is how you should have done it, Phantom Menace! And that ending...it makes you feel things...

#1
Mr. Enter's Pick: Episode XIX: Jack Remembers the Past
WatchMojo.com's Pick: Episode XXXVII & XXXVIII: The Birth of Evil
They say a hero is only good as his villain, and Aku is truly one hell of a villain. Honestly, the only guy I know who nails the "supreme incarnation of darkness" as good as Aku is Makuta. (He even has AKU in his name, just take out the M-T-A!) Making a weapon out of the light of the human soul to combat a being of pure darkness is a truly amazing idea. The Emmy that this episode won was well-earned and much deserved.
And as with any time travel story ever, Jack had to find his way back home, and I felt many things when I saw his story.
- Hey, you said to Ashi that there was never a girl! Then who was that kiss from, wise guy?
- Don't those idiot bullies know that he's the emperor's kid? They must be stupid beyond compare!
- Who was that guy who inspired Jack to learn the sword? A friend of his father?
All in all, though, great episodes from both angles, and a great entry into a great show.

After all of this, I think I need a new deviation of my Top 10 Samurai Jack episodes...right after I finish Ash's birthday present. IT IS May 22 after all!

Anyway...

-JeremyX signing off!