How Samurai Jack Mastered The Art of “Nothing”

Samurai Jack mastered visual storytelling throughout every episode all the way through season 5. The best Samurai Jack episodes are true pieces of art that gave adult swim and Cartoon Network a show worth bragging about. Now that it finally has an ending and its theme is etched into everyones head, its time to look at what it did best. Samurai Jack was a show that no company will be able to replicate on television again.

[@Nerdstalgic]

Is Cartoon Network still as great as it was during the original samurai jack days? Also shout out to digg for bringing the show life a couple years ago!

[@johndex]

Dexter's laboratory

[@Max_Le_Groom]

*N O !*

[@bradsw206]

It's great but in a different way.

[@mikeball1129]

Flapjack or chowder next

[@thetruej7872]

It's okay. Better than what Nickelodeon is doing.

[@svetlinsvilenov8739]

This show started before i started learning english. Due to its visual guide on the story i understood 98% of what was happening, not needing the language. It's a masterpiece in my eyes

[@vinny5638]

that's so cool to me, the wordless nature of its exposition really transcends language.

[@Boromir_vlogs]

That's why I couldn't watch Star Wars. I loved it...but...too much politics maaan. Jack Samurai had me hooked on though. I couldn't understand much audio vise, but visually it was a great story.

[@drishtikonbyajaykumar5310]

True for me also.

[@nemonixniemann]

It also was a masterpiece on your eyes, right?

[@huunnchohancho6045]

Masterpiece bro well said greatest cartoon to ever be on TV

[@wizardBoy7]

This show really is minimalistic, the protag doesn’t even have a name! “They call me Jack.”

[@Kirealta]

Jack, Jack Off.

[@dragonare715]

@@Kirealta Master, Master Baiter

[@tbotalpha8133]

It's not even his real name. It's some future-slang that a bunch of jive-talking aliens said to him, soon after he arrived in the evil future. We never actually learned Jack's real, Japanese name.

[@literallyunfunny]

​@@dragonare715 Hugh. Hugh Jass.

[@eaglehood224]

@@literallyunfunny Hugh, Hugh Mungus.

[@luciouscharlesbandal4872]

The only time there was a lot of dialogue was when Jack is with the Scotsman And I didn't mind it one bit

[@guythat779]

It wasn't dialogue as much as it was a one sided flurry

[@TaggedByTim]

I never really noticed how little was ever said throughout the show.

[@IndiBrony]

It's like a showcase of when some quiet introvert meets a loud, bombastic extrovert. Where a lot of visual media uses silence as a break from the noise, Samulrai Jack uses noise as a break from the silence.

[@JohnSmith-lt1ck]

I think it’s every moment with the Scotsman. You guys remember what happened when he met Aku?

[@Akhifusa]

The funky sah moo rai was also full of dialogue (or monologue) as well

[@DrDune]

can you imagine being the creator of something and then coming across a homage like this to it. which in and of its self is art.

[@woopwoop60]

How gay of you

[@ohhxcake5434]

Randy Buja yes yes

[@evshrug]

I’d be flattered to think I made an impression to be remembered almost two decades later.

[@evshrug]

I can only hope my children remember me by the time they turn 20 😅

[@newchangeunlisted_viewer5594]

I personally love video essays like this, if I was in the scenario you stated, I'd love it

[@MeloettaMarmalade]

Samurai Jack is one of the coolest and most aesthetically pleasing shows ever made

[@josesosa3337]

Glad fans remember it.

[@razkable]

im glad its one of a kind

[@spoonmast3r214]

Yes indeed

[@samuraijackoff5354]

You’re one of the coolest and most aesthetically pleasing person I met

[@monsterdrinkingtax2072]

Yes,it is,man,can't wait for Primal.

[@iwanttobelieve2]

Samurai Jack made me fall in love with animation in a way no other cartoons had done before.

[@spoonmast3r214]

Same

[@jbark678]

Same

[@TheHighHorse]

Have you seen Samurai Champloo?

[@iwanttobelieve2]

@@TheHighHorse yeah. I started watching it after I finished with Cowboy Bepop. I'm 5 episodes in. I'm really digging it.

[@unpopops]

Top 5

[@cordeliachase601]

This show was awesome! The protagonist was just so calm, intelligent and self aware which made him like-able.

[@kaexewires7531]

I really love silent characters, i just don't know why but they got jack the perfect personality imo.

[@curtandrewsjr.8163]

For girls that grew up with this show, Jack was probably their first boyfriend lol

[@iainhaukka6553]

But he was also stubborn and simple-minded, which gave him plenty of opportunities for failure and conflict, some of which were funny. And we learn about these qualities in such straightforward, memorable ways. Really just a brilliant character.

[@daniishere1009]

@@iainhaukka6553 When Jack was stubborn? He was naive but when he was stubborn?

[@popopop984]

@@daniishere1009 His inner selves looked really stubborn in the clips I remember. Those were past versions of himself in my perspective

[@rileymcmead]

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - Leonardo da Vinci

[@Chubby_Lemon]

Ass ass ass ass ass - Big Sean

[@TheChazz1225]

"Simplicity is the final achievement... that emerges as the crowning reward of art." - Frederic Chopin

[@hadikhusaini5925]

​@@TheChazz1225 guess I'll think like a simpleminded person to be sophisticated guys

[@gseric4721]

The 3 archers, man, I'll never forget watching that episode as a kid. It was just unbelievable to me that Jack was able to do all of that.

[@cosmic-ev2tg7zz4h]

Me too, that episode is something else

[@gseric4721]

@Arsh Anwari ooh I forgot about that one. It's been almost a decade since I've seen that episode

[@potatobug5136]

Shinobi episode too. I just love how gendy uses those colors

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

Hahaha I just watched that episode yesterday. Gave me chills....

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

My favorite episode is probably the minions of set episode. Nothing like running away from some demons set on killing you at night time at some Egyptian ruins

[@hmudara]

Samurai Jack made me fall in love with not just animation but more importantly the importance of a great soundtrack.

[@huunnchohancho6045]

Greatest most special cartoon ever bro everything was amazing to watch

[@kevin080592]

well for me.. that's when I started to get deeper and more inspired about samurai culture

[@Thespeedrap]

I agree but nothing beats Samurai Champloo that's even better.

[@aaronkasarion8144]

I love the tower episode. It made me appreciate sound design more.

[@TBDubbs]

This show is severely under appreciated. Art in animation at its finest

[@robertross45]

Steven Universe is an excellent example of art in animation. The Art Nuveau backdrops blend well with the crystal theme. Not to mention that it is an excellent show with a rich backstory.

[@Exelius]

I think it's the opposite, it's terribly overrated, just like they did in this review ... Samurai Jack was a slow, boring and frustrating show to watch just because it was all style and no subtance nor real plot or development

[@justinpillai5713]

Jack was a badass that’s all the show needed especially to kids which was the main demographic

[@fallsaturn3567]

I love this show because it's so easy to watch. You don't really need to know what happens in the previous episodes, you can watch them in whatever order you want. Not to mention that the animation and style is fantastic, and the show doesn't take itself too seriously.

[@yousefsh7949]

@@Exelius did you even watch season 5 bro

[@daveF1993]

Samurai jack might have been one of best animated shows ever made. Every episode was so unique from the rest and tied into the bigger quest perfectly. At times you felt hope for Jack and at other you felt his grueling struggle. I’ll rewatch it 100 times over

[@darkknight5942]

I've only ever watched like 2 or 3 episodes of samurai jack. I was too young to understand it. I think it's time to watch it.

[@nothanks7263]

doo eeet

[@infamousshinkicker6924]

There are only 62 episodes of Samurai Jack and I can't wait to watch all of them. I will also watch every episode of Ed Edd & Eddy (69 episodes) and Courage The Cowardly Dog (52 episodes) since these 3 were my favorite and still are.

[@sebastianfeuerstein9306]

Yeah, me too. In fact, I never understood the cartoons at CN like Ed, Edd n Eddy, Dexter's Laboratory, KND, Billy and Mandy, Class of 3000 etc... when I was Kid so I think I should re-watch them

[@1LaCroix1]

Dew it.

[@vokuhila6913]

You should also watch flapjack, there were a bunch of adult themes and jokes I didn’t understand as a kid that I understand now which just made it better

[@robYT_]

Samurai Jack doesn't jump in your face until you acknowledge it, it just sits in the corner and lets you look at it if you want to or not which is sadly rare nowadays.

[@theedgewater2917]

OIIII JACK ME LADDIE ME WIFE DIVORCED ME AND TOOK ALL THE KIDS ACK ACK ACK ACK

[@gamgam_Meru]

Quite agreeable!

[@zigzoinks5493]

I AM THE SAM MOO RAI!

[@charliepie1212]

Counterpoint: Jack jump good.

[@D4RKDJBJ]

rob you just described my personality tho 😭😭

[@nkululekojali922]

A show made entirely by filler episodes, but it works.

[@mawinstallation6626]

Lmao yes Like the first 10 episodes are kinda important and then you can just jump to the final season

[@TheDarkPacific]

True. But those " fillers" solidify Jack as a badass

[@robotmaster4515]

Perfect example of how filler doesn't always mean bad.

[@ozanbarsaydemir6009]

Kinda like adventure time

[@victort.4868]

Space dandy

[@OxfordCommaEducation]

Tartakovsky's Clone Wars was the single greatest viewing experience of my childhood.

[@Oreca2005]

Fjorgyn hmmm yeah but window and everyone else just looks broken

[@pooler57]

@@michaelrosenwald1667 Not as good as Samurai Jack tho

[@adamblaknovski279]

"Oh look THEY'RE blind, oh whatever should I do..?"

[@brednbudder]

as petty as it is to correct, it is still so annoying that people confuse these.

[@m.e.h.8304]

Adam Blaknovski that's the kind of thing you would hear in a cartoon that makes you feel dumber the more you watch it Which is unfortunately most cartoons nowadays

[@redneckzen]

@@brednbudder you're correct, but so is Adam Blaknovski: Being a critic -- being a credible critic -- requires mastery of the language and being detailed oriented when crafting your message. Great essay, otherwise. The author brought back many pleasant memories and makes me want to re-watch the series. Again.

[@pussinboots838]

@@NAN551 nah, it was great althroughout the video. Typos aren't a gauge for a quality, besides said protagonist might as well say that because it's a homophone.

[@michaellatner975]

That quote feels like the daredevil one that had 5 assassins vs one blind man "Oh no, 5 assassins wearing night vision goggles in the dark vs One blind man, whatever will i do?" *flips light switch on*

[@Newidhan]

I personally loved the episode where he finds the ruins of his home and has flashbacks. There's Jack says like 4 words that whole episode, everything, all the emotion is conveyed through the visuals and his expressions. It's brilliant

[@skully366]

Yes!

[@mathews2774]

Which one was it?

[@gileee]

That episode was scary to me as a kid

[@-unbreakeblecow488]

@@gileee same, it stuck with me for years, still one of my oldest memories to this days, whenever I think about it , it sadness me, It felt so bad that Jack had a life and was sent into an unforseen adventure with the purpose of killing aku only to get sent into the future and basically lose anything...Samurai Jack, a brilliant damned show!

[@theprojectofgamers]

@@mathews2774 Season 2 Episode 6 XIX

[@trash.justtrash177]

When I around 8 years old we had a party at home and at around 12 pm all the adults got very loud (drunk) so I went to my room and turned on the tv and Samurai Jack was on and the peacefulness I felt watching that has stuck with me to this day

[@stainedgoldflare6139]

Damn. Glad to see that you could find peace within your room.

[@1zbossz]

I can imagine how you felt !

[@Bell_Matt]

Are you Latino? Sounds like a Latino party.

[@CoffeeSuccubus]

Gendy literally had this show treated with love. The characters, the scenery, the dialogue, everything... Every scene in samurai jack can literally be a desktop background But the silence. Holy shit.

[@mechajay3358]

_"Gotta get back"_ _"Back to the past"_ *_"Samurai Jack!"_* This show was nothing like any other during it's time.

[@Frankenstein110]

"Watcha!"

[@Frankenstein110]

@Brittany Bennett Well that might be because they were both created by Genndy Tartakovsky. But I think Samurai Jack is truely something unique. Haven't seen an animated show with that little dialogue since Tom & Jerry.

[@alecwelch1898]

It's crazy to consider that the show's minimalistic flair even extends to its ridiculously simple (and catchy) theme song.

[@addieb1314]

I am 24 now and NEVER knew that's what dude was saying

[@Nnothingg-]

I have been mentioned

[@shalomadepoju7475]

Jack never flew in your face. He only jumped good. (yes, that was a reference)

[@slicky5282]

You killed your reference by saying its reference...

[@shalomadepoju7475]

@@slicky5282 lol... I figured

[@redneckzen]

Excellent! I just watched that episode today. It was GOOD. ;)

[@ryangranato5010]

@@slicky5282 No, he helped me understand that he was referencing something. I still dont know what, but I value his last addition to the comment

[@nigelis2345]

@@ryangranato5010 It was an episode Jack Jumps Good.

[@altrimnell]

I was in my early 20's when Samurai Jack originally aired. I was too struck by the simplistic beauty of that AMZING little show. You made a connection that I never would and am eternally indebted to you for it. I lost my father to cancer when I was turning 19, he raised me on the Disney classics because of his love of their beauty. My father was a simple working class blue collar Joe that encompassed more grace and nobility than all the Hollywood elite have collectively. Keep doing what you do, I LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!!!

[@maksimlozanoski]

I was 6 when I first watched it hahaha, still the best cartoon ever tho.

[@samuraijack2236]

This comment made me tear up and I just Thank You for sharing such a meaningful story and profound commentary on where real beauty and meaning is found. I used the name SamuraiJack for my gamertag in 2016 and 7 years later I still feel as if there was/ is some cosmic consciousness that chose that name for me as it has taught me so much.

[@jalenwilson3036]

This minimalist style is why I love Primal so much.

[@wordscribbler1871]

LONG AGO in a distant land, I - AKU! The shapeshifting master of darkness, unleeeashed an UNSPEEEAAKABLE EEEVVIL! But ... ... a foolish samuraaai waaaarrior ... ... wieeelding a magic sword ... STEPPED FORTH to oppose me! Before the FINAL BLOW was STRUCK, I tore open a portal in time... ...and FLUNG him into the future! Where myyyyy eeeeeviiiiil is laaaaaaaaw! Noooooow, the fool seeeeks to retuuuurn to the paaast and UUUUNDOOO the FUUUUTUURE thaaaaaaaat iiiiis Aaaaaaakuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu............

[@angelasarabia6613]

Gotta get back, back to the past Samurai Jack.. WATCH OUT!

[@Joshu2121a]

I heard the sword slashes.

[@MartyMcfly720]

I said this perfectly in akus voice and I haven’t heard the theme song in like 10 years. Goes to show you how memorable it was

[@tklyfe]

cartoons those days were so educational and worth watching.

[@christyanthonypillai8891]

I know this by memory.

[@TurbanTrap]

Saw The 3 archers episode again after watching this video.

[@azndudefromhabbo]

Where can I watch it?

[@funnymeme1847]

chris b online

[@jorgecuza9848]

@@funnymeme1847 kisscartoon

[@Oreca2005]

Jorge Cuza yeah rip kiss anime

[@MapleovBacon]

I watched that episode again, It was definitely worth it.

[@victorunbea8451]

my boy Jack mastered Ultra Instinct before it was cool

[@marxjevilanddimentio9184]

He didn't masterd ultra instinct He is ultra instinct

[@sanjivinsmoke2719]

@@marxjevilanddimentio9184 true

[@novakastmusic]

@@marxjevilanddimentio9184 Expert language

[@marxjevilanddimentio9184]

@@novakastmusic What do you means

[@vinodford1448]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RelaxWeDieAnyhow]

Took me 18 years to finally realize the gibberish the scottish guy was spittin was him roastin Jack.

[@NestorCustodio]

Samurai Jack is the only Western show I can think of with the confidence to present the viewer with an establishing shot, then suddenly cease *all action* for a few moments of quiet contemplation before moving on. Cutting to black in order to *show* us something takes a lot of trust in your audience. Several seconds of silence at the height of an intense duel is an incredibly effective tool, but few directors let their work breathe like that.

[@Ash-ye8xu]

I love the way you described it. Beautiful and so true.

[@Ash-ye8xu]

@BMO that's a lot of assumptions to make about someone dude. You okay?

[@CreamyPesto505]

@BMO da fuq?

[@yaboideez7825]

@BMO damn, so special 😂😂😂 you could have just called him a weeahoo or whatever it's called

[@mophead3078]

Walking, walking, walking, still walking, walking. -Duck Dodgers

[@ShadowGirlie]

samurai quack lol

[@NatetheNerdy]

Robots? ROBOTS?! ROOOBOOOOOTTSSS!!!!!!

[@thebigidea9659]

Another cn legend

[@mcurran6505]

Frog, frog, 🐸 Walking, walking, Wind, 🍃 Cricket, cricket, Drop. 💧

[@patrickhuber8630]

Gennady is an genius. I love his work

[@macsnafu]

The 3 Blind Archers episode is definitely one of my favorite Samurai Jack episodes. It reminded me of the first Archie Goodwin and Walt Simonson Manhunter comic book story, The Himalayan Incident, where Manhunter goes up against the legendary blind Zen Archers of Pendrang. And then I discovered that Gendy had also been inspired by that self-same story for his SJ episode.

[@bencarlson4300]

That’s probably a top 10 episode from any show for me

[@BroseidonLive]

Haven’t seen this show in forever, so hearing Aku voiced by Mako (aka Uncle Iroh) brought me so much happiness!

[@littlearies3862]

I know, right?

[@TXD1315]

BroseidonSm4sh it’s on Hulu

[@Macabrellian]

The entire series is free to watch on Adult Swim's website. c:

[@lucapeyrefitte6899]

It also brings the tears

[@MrJJandJim]

I didn't realize that! That's awesome! Thanks!

[@doesntMetter1]

The episodes with the 3 archers, the one when he turned into chicken, the episode with the Anubis dogs and Ra and the episode with the Straw-hat robots stick with me to this day.

[@Buttington_Headerson]

I will never forget my first viewing of this show. Man. Time has passed me by.

[@withercat]

it really says a lot about the show that an episode described as 'the one when he turned into chicken' is a very good and amazing episode

[@warriorscholar41]

Lu Lu, sweet thing

[@Murlokck]

The one where he became the hunted!!

[@alexpirvuloiu742]

How about the spartans ?

[@Gurtington]

That light and dark fight vs. The assassisn as stuck with me for my ENTIRE LIFE since I first saw it as a kid. It's just absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Those are the only words I can think of describe that episode.

[@CarlyneDTQTonPod]

This is still in my Top 5 all time favorite animated cartoon series 1. Batman The Animated Series (90s era) 2. Samurai Jack 3. X-Men (90s era) 4. Animaniacs 5. Dexter’s Laboratory

[@kajusbilius2276]

avatar? adventure time? Shiiku x Kanojo: Tenshi no Kousoku-hen?

[@CarlyneDTQTonPod]

Kajus Bilius Meh 😕 Sorry

[@nikitamalikov6683]

I have got to watch batman the animated series if it surpasses both Samurai Jack and A:TLA

[@kajusbilius2276]

@@CarlyneDTQTonPod tf do you mean "meh"? the third one (Shiiku x Kanojo: Tenshi no Kousoku-hen) is regarded as a modern classic and it's a sin not to watch at least once in your lifetime!

[@CarlyneDTQTonPod]

Kajus Bilius what are you cussing for? I just gave my own preference and said sorry if one felt any offense. Relax

[@boxxboy13]

The feeling you explain in this is the same feeling I get when playing Shadow of the Colossus. Makes you feel strangely empty but is hauntingly beautiful

[@Sparkbomber]

Similar, yes. It is a gorgeous game, and does use minimalism well too. As does its predecessor Ico.

[@omniscientomnipresent5500]

I think the way the colossus and the objects merge by their colors with everything might be for a reason

[@zoltanmeszaros4684]

@BAS You my man in the "zone". but i got the same feelings in stalker.

[@stan5794]

shadow of the colossus is amazing

[@GreenLeaf5656]

I think I was too young to appreciate this show when I was flipping through channels late at night 10 years ago. But this puts it into perspective

[@PrettyDamnDandy]

The blind archers episode was the only one I vividly remember watching as a kid (I was a dumb kid and neglected watching this show because I thought it was "boring") and seeing it again a year back when I binged the series to watch s5 really made me appreciate the small details and their importance in media. This show is an inspirational gem and I hope it's not forgotten anytime soon.

[@AshnSilvercorp]

"30 minutes or its free? I'd like an E X T R A T H I C C samurai animation!"

[@tapelkei1922]

This channel is CRIMINALY underated. I hope you continue to make content on yt!

[@quizz5459]

It's rising, don't worry.

[@Taidanakami]

He's already got a really popular gaming news channel, but this is a super fresh change of pace and I hope he sticks with it.

[@Vividersnake]

Lazy Bones what’s the channel name?

[@vos7619]

@@Taidanakami what's the channel?

[@snydecontempt]

@Wyatt Schmidt I think you mean Cleaningprincegaming

[@reynaldoreyes5002]

Samurai Jack is one of those shows I feel like everyone should watch the first few seasons were great and then when they came back with the final season it was like the show never left the air. The whole series was great as a whole and even though I would love to see more of it I think it’s better if the story just ends as it is

[@ceilingsintheireyes6288]

reynaldo reyes agreed. It’s a masterpiece and the final comeback season did nothing to diminish that. No need to milk it and risk tainting it’s legacy now. It was perfect.

[@Xannyphantom905]

it could've ended better. and considering how well the last season was, nothing would've been wrong with continuing the show

[@vidcas1711]

The last season was also very meme-able, as many iconic things occurred

[@kaoset1237]

Agreed. As a good thing knows when to end. So it can be remembered

[@BayScrilla510]

​@@Xannyphantom905 I thought it ended great imo.

[@_Woody_]

Like Samurai Jack or not. Had a friend calling it's style generic... Yeah right, such moments tell you exactly who has any clue in what they are talking about and who does not xD

[@georgesracingcar7701]

He probably only says that because you see minimalism used EVERYWHERE on the internet’s biggest websites. He’s gotten tired, but this minimalism is unique.

[@ivanlrodriguez]

I'm not sad for this show ending. The reason? Not even in a hundred lifetimes I could gain enough perspective to get over it. Like Jack, it does not age, like the devil, it is wise, like the universe, it is endless. Nerdstalgic, I must say...You, my man, you are inspiring. Astounding job!

[@firekeeperoftheshrine2926]

I'm glad he mentioned the three blind archers because out of all the episodes I watched as a kid that is the only one I can vividly remember every detail of the episode and it's branded in my memory thanks for making me remember again love the videos

[@internetdinosaur8810]

For real. The deer scraping the snow for the grass is stuck in my memory forever

[@TheaTheGenius]

Hell yeah. That was an amazing episode. That one, and the seasons of death. The spring section remained stuck in my head forever. The visuals and music were just mesmerizing.

[@gibillanmagnificul1160]

the only one i remember from childhood is the one where jack is defeated by the guardian of the portal

[@ShinkuDragon]

that one and the white vs black ninja episode are 2 i remember most vividly, because even for samurai jack they were so different from everything i had ever seen.

[@jamiefiagbenu7862]

SAME!

[@feathertopDT]

I WISH they released the full soundtrack

[@viewer1338]

Man this is a show that is burried deep in my memories

[@richardwhite1369]

"If this isn't 300 brought to life, I don't know what is" Zack Snyder has left the chat

[@PrettyDamnDandy]

Credit where it's due 300's visual aesthetic (Snyder's aesthetic really) is very unique when compared to most of Hollywood though I would argue the excess of slo mo in that film doesn't perfectly encapsulate the energy of the graphic novel

[@Buttington_Headerson]

PrettyDamnDandy Could be re-edited

[@urmama54]

@@PrettyDamnDandy uhm, how does pieces of paper have energy?

[@Wreddit_Regal]

Most memorable line for me: "You fly?" "No, just jump high"

[@joshuabuzzbeetheartist8516]

Nah the most memorable moments Aku:I knew u knew that I knew you knew that I knew you knew

[@nick_a91]

@@joshuabuzzbeetheartist8516 favorite part of that scene was the smug, almost maddened look in Jack's eyes

[@ATMTech]

How do you get such an iconic line wrong?? Its "jump good"

[@kaexewires7531]

@@joshuabuzzbeetheartist8516 STRANGE, ISN'T IT???

[@LordTyph]

'Jump high' ...I think we found the Aku mole.

[@alolamanalo]

As a kid I really wasn’t a fan of shows or movies with little to no dialogue, but despite that Samurai Jack caught my attention and ended up being my favorite show. Episodes like the pilot and three blind archers were the ones that stuck out to me the most and the ones I best remembered when I rewatched the show before season 5 aired. To this day Samurai Jack is still my favorite, and I’m happy I can appreciate it even more now that I’m older.

[@MikeGrahamDSM]

I will never forget the Blind Archers episode as a kid and my mind is forever blown.

[@abalister8]

Honestly I gotta say my favorite episode is “Jack and the Bounty Hunters” which barely has our titular character in it. The entire episode is just an escalation to the when he finally does arrive.

[@TaggedByTim]

That's a good one. To see a foe that isn't aku or some weird other god-like being push jack to his limits was amazing.

[@ZlatkoTheGod]

@@TaggedByTim Uuuuuh I don't think you remember the episode right my friend, he didn't even break a sweat, he literally defeated all of them in the time it takes for a drop of water to fall from a branch the entire episode was an exercise in showing how far above the bounty hunters Jack was.

[@TaggedByTim]

@@ZlatkoTheGod I'm talking about the one with the tiger hunter people? The ones that chase jack for the entire episode and then let him go for being the best prey. So maybe i should have clarified a bit more, my b

[@ZlatkoTheGod]

@@TaggedByTim 's a'ight my dude, I don't even think I remember that one, I should probably just go rewatch the entire thing.

[@gamefreaknitro]

Samurai Jack really makes you FEEL like nothing

[@quizz5459]

epic

[@_-Lx-_]

It has a little something for everyone

[@seotd2425]

Nope you are nitpicking and biased I win bye, bye

[@dafunktrunk]

Holy shit, the dunkey fans are here! Where the fuck is Knack 2 on Cartoon Network Reggie!? Fuck NINTENDOE!!

[@kawaiiofbananaaa8090]

What is this? Bubsy Remastered?

[@ivobo6227]

This honestly is one of the best animation productions ever in history. Its pure awesomeness and makes you wiser by each episode you watch.

[@lilkillervamps]

Anime: wait that's illegal

[@SlewedBoot25934]

Shut the fuck up

[@user-hp6sy1ti9e]

@@SlewedBoot25934 chill

[@nightmarekhazix4419]

@@SlewedBoot25934 it's true you dipshit animal. Watch your crige lazy writing and production shit

[@curtandrewsjr.8163]

Yeah anime has the need to explain everything that’s going on sometimes. Especially JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure

[@paxhumana2015]

@@nightmarekhazix4419 , please go do humanity a huge favor and play chicken with a speeding train, okay? The harsh truth is that, in Japan, ALL animation is considered as anime, regardless of its national origin, period, full stop. Any Japanese citizen will tell you as such.

[@CubeBizz]

3:46 unfortunate freeze timing LOL

[@EddieLacefield]

Nipple

[@draconiandraco]

Less is more.

[@DansEarway]

reminiscent of soupah bowl 2004

[@kaexewires7531]

@@EddieLacefield Well... this is REALLY awkward...

[@kaexewires7531]

@@EddieLacefield there's just one nipple, but less nipples, are more...

[@sunspotsolarflare5914]

I adore your videos. I can’t believe how lucky I am to be subscribed to you before you blow up. Your video essays are so amazing. This video in particular has a lot of personality. I’m excited to watch you continue to build the brand of your channel!

[@mikec2845]

This.

[@shimp9824]

he’s gotten better over the years, his video essays used to mind numbing.

[@Tigerhawk01]

@@shimp9824 Does he have another channel? I have an inkling but I'm not 100% sure.

[@nullset560]

@@shimp9824 the channel only has content for 4 weeks?

[@grkeren5487]

How did i go from searching for Wall-E earth scene to this masterpiece of a video about a masterpiece of a animation

[@AlexNV75]

This is what makes primal an amazing show, the characters can’t even talk! Love Genndy

[@aTotalDerp]

Quickly becoming my favorite channel

[@quizz5459]

Good :)

[@ceilingsintheireyes6288]

> video about genius of Samurai Jack > description says “5 best episodes” > immediately shows clip of Jack and the Three Blind Archers > *like*

[@praxis22]

I'm glad you mentioned the archers, that episode is a masterpiece. In the original sense.

[@Dracotyr]

Three Blind Archers was the first episode of the show I ever saw. Late one night after I was sent to bed as a child I discovered Samurai Jack and instantly loved it. It was unlike anything I had ever watched and is still largely untouched in its unique execution in my eyes.

[@Stiggandr1]

Lulu Sweet Thing. My favorite episode. Jack was actually the silent antagonist in this one.

[@fabiatpc]

Stiggandr1 awesome episode! It reminds me Frank Miller’s “Sin City”

[@bratcoa932]

I felt sooooo much empathy for the "bad guy". That episode was a master piece.

[@thedudewhomadethisvideo]

Same with the bounty hunter episode

[@Chubby_Lemon]

@@thedudewhomadethisvideo bounty hunter one is my favourite, all that tense build up for a 15 second pay off that's super satisfying. wait no, that's sex

[@thetruej7872]

2000s animation were just as great as 90s animation

[@Nickman826]

It was better and the 2010s is better still

[@spadegreen34]

Nicolas Young yeah we're definitely making progress it's just harder to find the gems it seems or at least they're less abundant

[@jibcano1777]

@@spadegreen34 adult swim is loaded with them

[@BRBingeDrinker]

+Jalen Payton Like.. In terms of just animation or the entire show. Animation for sure, but the newer shows are hot garbage. Almost every single one. There are okay shows, but nothing to write about.

[@_-Lx-_]

Every generation has some gems and turds, it's the networks themselves who are going through problems

[@chickletpudding]

It always left me feeling empty - just always wanted him to get home

[@RemusNeo]

That tower episode was phenomenal.

[@OmegaChase1002]

stop, you're making me want to binge watch all the stuff i liked as a kid.

[@sajinkahnalt]

The three blind archers... Gosh what a wild ride that was

[@joshuathomas2012]

This has to be one of the most unique shows ever made. The story and all the references , the music and off course the visuals. Amazing work, but so underrated.

[@roscojenkins7451]

This show was never in my repertoire growing up. I watched this video 6 months ago and decided to give the show a watch. But not just me. I am currently watching 1 to 3 episodes a night with my four and a half year old daughter. We both love it! Thanks for the video, my dude!

[@twinshades4085]

If all movie fights were like jacks No talking No disputes Just visual delight

[@luciouscharlesbandal4872]

Like Michael Bay's?

[@TaggedByTim]

@Antoine NeVe **Tell me intensifies**

[@xHumzaa]

samurai jack literally gave me hope that western animation can also be as good as anime since most shows are now just things for kids to watch, samurai jack brings me hope that western animation can be amazing, thanks for making a vid about samurai jack u amazing

[@credinzel6996]

First we have to underpay our animators by... a lot. Maybe over work them, make sure their yearly salary is around 9600 dollars, then we'd be prepared.

[@credinzel6996]

@@mr.serious707 Animators must rise up.

[@xHumzaa]

Well I didn't mean it like that lol

[@scipio8182]

If you like Genndy Tartakovsky animation style you should give star wars clone wars 2003 a try. Probably one of the best things in the entire star wars franchise

[@dame3323]

Avatar is pretty dope

[@shrutishrivastava4484]

that was one of the best videos I have seen on youtube. Thank you for that.

[@paultoner6318]

Thank you for a cerebral and exciting appreciation of this amazing set of animations. 🙏

[@TheSmaugBaggins]

Samurai Jack honestly encapsulates the Japanese concept of Ma. Good video man keep it up been really enjoying the content you put out.

[@razkable]

I wouldn't love it if even 4 cartoons I watched were mostly silent but everyone once in a while its nice to have something different from the constant noise of other shows....its like all shows I watch..its different but in a good way ...

[@sebastianfeuerstein9306]

What's the concept of Ma?

[@TotalNigelFargothDeath]

@@sebastianfeuerstein9306 Where there is clutter, even valuable things lose their value. Where there is too much, nothing stands out. The essence of Japanese aesthetic is a concept called 'MA' (pronounced "maah") - the pure, and indeed essential, void between all "things." Japanese Kanji character for MA A total lack of clutter, MA is like a holder within which things can exist, stand out and have meaning. MA is the emptiness full of possibilities, like a promise yet to be fulfilled. google exists, ya know?

[@sebastianfeuerstein9306]

@@TotalNigelFargothDeath Wow, I had no idea that google exists, thanks man 👏🏼

[@TotalNigelFargothDeath]

@@sebastianfeuerstein9306 No problem man, some of us are just forgetful.

[@gv327]

Samurai Jack is one of my favorite animated shows. I loved how it was all art and "minimal" dialogue. When their was dialogue, you got to here the great Mako play the voice of the antagonist.

[@bruhjustanothermalaysian8117]

I love how he divided video by cutting it in half

[@Chubby_Lemon]

9:10 right until he chopped off his head lol

[@bennygerow]

There are so many episodes that have long scenes and battles that have no script at all, just sound effects and music or ambient sound. It's like nothing I ever saw before, and I fell in love with this show more with every single one. 4:46 this is a perfect example, but it's also a very special episode. Thank you for highlighting it because it needs to be seen to be appreciated. Words cannot do it justice. It's truly that good!

[@ilovechips1327]

This helped me understand why I loved this cartoon so much.

[@bronosx2246]

genndy tartakovsky is the very definition of show don't tell.

[@theseerllama]

this show inspired so much of my own creative passions and ideas, i can only dream of making something half as good as it is

[@TRSndNSN]

I love your wrap-ups, bring a a good sense of completion to every video

[@LamnOfficial]

Omg you reminded me of the blind archers completely! Last time I saw that episode was so long ago, it almost feels like a fever dream. Props for a great vid and an impeccable analysis

[@TXD1315]

plushii its on Hulu

[@Macabrellian]

The entire series is free to watch on Adult Swim's website. c:

[@essem6366]

It'd be cool if you made a video about the evolution of different general animation styles and trends over the last couple decades

[@DEVINdevdev]

This brings back the FEELS. big up for making this video!

[@Chimikami]

I really enjoy your reviews and explanations of tv writing, directing, producing, etc. It truly shows the passion you have for this genre and for this industry. I’m glad I found your channel.

[@dashingdreww1185]

That black and white sword fight was so badass! Never seen anything like that in a “kids cartoon “ before

[@rustytoyota]

I am very impressed with your channel. It's quality content on shows nobody talks about anymore. Keep it up my dude.

[@NoTrauma]

Really spot on. I remember watching the show as a kid and getting stuck to the TV screen, mesmerized. The new series was a mature closure of such a beloved childhood show, truly a piece of genius art that will remain stuck to its viewers for years to come.

[@eyeln9ne696]

I'm so glad to see you cover this. Awesome job.🤘

[@5uperM]

Basically: Show, don't tell.

[@abilinc]

if you enjoyed this show as a kid, you were ahead of the curve

[@wesleygarrett5542]

Incredible insight and a fantastic breakdown. Very well done; you just got a new subscriber.

[@drewjr14]

This whole video needs an Oscar. 🥺 I miss jack and my childhood

[@Violinrocker12]

This show was so ahead of its time. The art is amazing.

[@milesmaker4167]

Every show you covered has hit me, I have very fond memories of watching all of them. Love the content!

[@PetrichorBlue]

This video and narration is god tier. good stuff

[@therealdonchelios]

Outstanding work my friend. Samurai Jack was incredible. Great subject matter choice.