Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 20: Recap & Review

Pretend Family

After the last epic episode, I didn’t expect this one to feature any real action. However, I was wrong. While a fight as dramatic as the one from the previous episode didn’t occur, the battles were impactful if for no other reason showing the power of Giyu and Shinobu. The first shocker of this episode was the survival of Rui. Tanjiro begins to succumb to his wounds and use of two breathing techniques. He loses his vision, can’t move and begins to hear loud ringing in his ears. On top of that Rui managed to decapitate himself before Tanjiro could. I don’t know how I feel about his survival. On it’s face it seem ridiculous, but at the same time it was unexpected. As is always the case, the main protagonist (Tanjiro) was never in danger of dying. Giyu’s appearance was predictable. However, that’s not an issue.

I may be the only swordslady among the pillars who can’t cut a demon’s head off. But anyone who creates poison that can kill demons can be quite amazing

Shinobu

Giyu congratulates Tanjiro for surviving so long. Rui attacks him with his threads, Giyu responds with Water Breathing’s eleventh form (there’s only suppose to be ten) that nullify the threads. He then easily decapitates Rui. Meanwhile, the Daughter runs through the woods, remembering how she ended up in the “pretend family.” She was chased by Demon Hunters, but was saved by Rui under the condition that she would join his “family.” She agrees, mostly out of desperation. The white skin is created by consuming Rui’s blood. She runs into Murata and traps him in a cocoon. The cocoon will fill with acidic fluid that will liquify those ensnared.

Enter, Shinobu. At this point I think she’s my favorite character. She has an odd demeanor. She has a smile that doesn’t feel quite genuine. This mask of kindness, is exposed by her actions and what she says. She offers her “friendship,” to the Daughter. In exchange she has some questions to ask. First, “how many people did she kill.” The Daughter lies and says “five.” Shinobu deduces that it must be at least eighty. She believes that if they are to become friends, the Daughter must be tortured for each of her victims. Understandable, the Daughter isn’t interested. Shinobu accepts that they won’t be friends and uses her Insect Breathing. Because of her physical weakness shes can’t decapitate demons. However, she has discovered wisteria-based poison that can kill demons. Shinobu also appears to have a lot of speed as well .

This episode was great. It does show that the twelve aren’t all powerful, but Tanjiro isn’t at there level yet. However, the twelve may not be ranked in a normal manner. I still think Rui’s ranking as “lower five” is odd. It’s implies that there are demons below him and Tanjiro almost beat him. What I mean is that the type of abilities they posses may make the match up different and they’re ranked based on more than just strength. We are also introduced to a new way to kill demons, wisteria poison. It makes perfect sense. I love the introduction of a new dynamic personality in Shinobu. I expect the next few episodes to focus on healing and furthering the story, which I’m looking forward to.


Reviews of the Other Episodes

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