Can Inu Yasha defeat the power of his own sword? And can he do it without killing Kanna?
What They Say
Episode 11: Kanna's Gravestone
The Mirror Demon steals Tetsusaiga's demonic energy. Inuyasha counterattacks, despite enduring some fierce blows, but all of his attacks aimed at the Mirror Demon end up being taken by Kanna.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
Tetsusaiga's demonic energy has been stolen by Kanna's mirror demon; the crew has taken refuge in a cave to figure out how they are going to overcome this obstacle. Their planning is interrupted when the demon uses the red Tetsusaiga to destroy Miroku's barrier. Inu Yasha attempts to shield everyone and manages to succeed.
However, this protection comes with a dangerous price; the true Tetsusaiga has called out Inu Yasha's demonic side as a reserve energy store. It does not provide any offensive power, but it can shield Inu Yasha from most of the attacks. As the battle rages, Inu Yasha discovers that every wound the demon takes is reflected onto Kanna.
Pleas to Kanna to stop this unnecessary battle go unanswered. Inu Yasha eventually shatters the false Tetsusaiga and regains its full demonic power. Kanna stands silent while Naraku prepares to use her as a bomb. Kanna explodes but manages to give Kagome a final message. She tells Kagome about the sliver of light in the defiled Sacred Jewel.
It was interesting to see the return of Inu Yasha's demon side; it was a plot device they built up many seasons back but rarely revisited. Having it return now was logical and appropriate for the plot; it is one of the more interesting aspects of his half-demon nature, one I wish they could have worked into the story a bit more often.
Kanna's story comes to an end, but it is once again an ending difficult to connect with. Kanna has been the silent surveillance system for Naraku; we only saw a glimmer of emotion shortly after Kagura's death. At least with Kagura, you could sympathize with her helplessness; Kanna provided no means for the audience to connect with her.
In Summary:
This episode manages to provide some decent action with the return of some plot elements long forgotten. Remarkably, these elements are used in a manner that is logical and consistent with the story. We close out another character's story, but it is still misses the mark in making it an end that connects with the audience's emotions.
Features
Japanese 2.0 Language, English Subtitles
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