Samurai Jack: Season 03 (2002)

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Season three of the animated action series Samurai Jack covers chapters "XXXVII" through "LII" in the ongoing saga of the titular protagonist's journey through time and space in pursuit of the evil, shape-shifting sorcerer Aku. The season begins with a two-part episode, subtitled "The Birth of Evil," said birth bringing Samurai Jack into battle alongside mythical gods Odin, Ra, and Rama (talk about cultural diversification!); in the course of events, the viewer is apprised of the origin of the omnipotent Aku. In a later two-parter, a latter-day strongman, the Scotsman, rescues Jack when the latter loses his memory. Other season highlights include chapter "XLVIII" (aka "Jack vs. Aku"), with hero and villain divesting themselves of all lifesaving accoutrements to have it out mano a mano -- and with nary a word spoken between them as the action unfolds. Even less reliant upon dialogue is chapter "XLIX" (aka "Seasons of Death") -- no one can accuse Samurai Jack of being a typical TV cartoon talkfest! The season ends with chapter "LII" (aka "Jack and the Baby"), the centerpiece of which is a retelling of the traditional Japanese folk tale Peach Boy. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi