Jack is Back

I can die happy now. Why? Because Samurai Jack is coming back!

A few days ago, Adult Swim on Cartoon Network announced that it is bringing back the award winning series, Samurai Jack for another season. In case you don't know, Samurai Jack was a show on Cartoon Network about a samurai warrior who was sent into the future by the evil demon, Aku, who now rules the world. Throughout the series, Jack tries to get back to past in order to prevent this future from ever happening. Unfortunately, Samurai Jack was canceled after four seasons and never came to a conclusive ending. 

Now, after nearly 15 years since its initial release. Jack might actually have the satisfying ending it deserves. But, will it be as good as it once was before? There are a few things that Adult Swim must get right.

1) They need the original creator. 

Check! Indeed, Gerry Tartakovsky, the original creator, writer, director, and producer will be back to finish what he started.

2) They need to keep the show in its same style.

This is probably the most important thing they can do to make sure this show does well. The original series was well known for its amazingly simple, yet beautiful style. The wonderful cut out style environments and characters were what made the show so visually appealing.

(after an entire episode focused on these five bounty hunter's plan to kill the samurai, Jack shows up at the very end of the episode, and doesn't say a word.) 

3) They need to keep the same storytelling style. 

With 52 existing episodes there are probably only a handful that are "essential plot episodes," where Jack makes progress to his goal. These other "filler episodes" serve in that they show Jack's struggles on his journey. It's very much along the lines of a Star Trek episode where almost every episode is self contained and can be watched out of order. This makes it a slower paced show, which can be hard for a fast paced culture to enjoy, but I think it is what makes this show so great. It makes you feel that you're watching the entire journey, and not just snippets of action.

4) They need as many of the original voices as possible.

Phil Lamarr must return as Jack. There are some episodes where Jack barely talks or not at all, but when he does, it's because he has something important to say. Mako Iwamatsu, the voice of Aku unfortunately died in 2006, but if anyone is to take his place, it must be Greg Baldwin, Mako's understudy who took over his role as Iroh after he died mid-production. 

If they can get these four things down, I think they will make something that is truly worth watching. 

So get pumped! The legend continues next year...