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Ushio & Tora
Episode 35

by Lauren Orsini,

How would you rate episode 35 of
Ushio & Tora (TV 2) ?
Community score: 4.4

Let's get it out of the way because I know you're checking out this review just to see if I mentioned it: TRUMP. Yes, the H. A. M. M. R. institute scientists developed a be-all end-all superweapon named Trump that's designed to deal with the...foreign Hakumen threat that came...over the border...from China. It's a funny and completely unintentional moment in a super '90s anime, but it's worth mentioning because it's a reminder of the many ways that this decades-old story resonates so deeply with its viewers today. This episode appeals to our hearts, reminding us just why we feel that emotional pull toward so many of the characters.

Ushio & Tora would have been a very different anime if it had been fully adapted during or right after its mid-'90s manga run. It has so many different characters and events that with the longer, slower pace of '90s shows, it would be hard to keep them all straight in our heads. The modern adaptation, however, has made sure we never forget anyone, consistently bringing back the faces of both allies and enemies alike. These entities, in turn, have never forgotten any good deed of Ushio's. This comes back to save Ushio immensely this episode. Both Ushio and Tora are pretty much down for the count right now, so it's up to the many lives that they've touched all over Japan to quell the growing despair over the Hakumen. Amazingly, there was even a background character who helped Asako calm the people in the Hakumen shelter and reassure them that Ushio is the real deal—and yes, if you go back to episode 8 you will see him; talk about continuity! (Fast-forward to 10:09 for a glimpse.)

One character that especially stuck out this episode was something I don't always remember to give due credit to as a character—the Beast Spear itself. Since becoming shattered into a million pieces, the Beast Spear hasn't lost any of its power—it's just changed the form that power takes. Instead of offensive powers, it's now become fully defensive, protecting Ushio, piercing the Hiyou in people's heads that made them forget Ushio, and traveling through the sky like “shooting stars,” according to Asako, in order to disperse the typhoon that was making it impossible for anybody to see the Hakumen no Mono's true location. As three smart and spiritual women observed, the Beast Spear was originally forged by a man with hatred in his heart, and while it was in one piece, that was the only emotion it retained. Now in pieces, there's a strong hint that it's going to be reforged by somebody with more positive emotions. Until then, the shards are serving their master, and I mean, who wouldn't? This is the kind of kid who goes toward the final battle with a smile—because he's with his friends.

Ushio & Tora has a lot of heart on display this week. No matter how many decades go by, it's these emotions that will continue to resonate with modern viewers—long after the Trump reference is no longer relevant.

Rating: A

Ushio & Tora is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Lauren writes about geek careers at Otaku Journalist


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