Tsukishima Jinbei is a warrior who's determined to follow in his father's footsteps and win every battle he gets involved in. After leaving his homeland in the Tsugara Domain to join the Mushibugyo - a group of brave men who risk their lives to protect the peace in Edo - he's tasked with helping them to exterminate the giant bugs that run rampant in the city... They may talk about rampaging giant insects, but for the first 5 or 10 minutes of this episode you'd be forgiven for thinking it was all about potential love interest Oharu's impressive rack. There's certainly a fair amount of Gainaxing going on, and Jinbei's enjoying every minute of it. Eventually, though, Hungry Giant Spider turns its attention to Oharu, and Jinbei swings into action. After spending some time explaining his backstory to the first person who'll listen to him. (Uh, hullo?? Rampaging Hungry Giant Spider is waiting for your attention...) Yes, it's this season's entry in the olde-fashioned shounen action genre. I'll be upfront and honest here and admit that that's not a genre I have a hell of a lot of interest in, unless it goes out of its way to do something different - and Mushibugyo, on evidence so far, doesn't. Ready supply of enemies? Check. Varied group of allies with backstories to explore? Check (and resident cutie Hibachi gets the focus next week). Lead male who must prove himself to be the best at his niche vocation of choice? Check. Personal interest in any of this? ::crickets chirping:: THE GOOD: Gory and visceral in places - the bugs are not pleasant to encounter. Some nice character designs, and decent production values overall. THE BAD: Generically generic, and of no interest outside its niche. Of which I'm not a part. That'll be another one-and-done, then. I'll admit I'm maybe being unfair, but I'm getting to the stage in my fandom where I don't see the point in continuing with stuff that just doesn't grab me. Next... Mushibugyo is streamed by Crunchyroll.
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