Rurouni Kenshin [Season 2 Episode 20]

Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 20: A Flashback Worth Remembering?

Introduction
Rurouni Kenshin has always been a series that balances action, emotion, and historical intrigue with finesse. Season 2, titled Kyoto Disturbance, ramps up the stakes as Kenshin Himura faces challenges that test his vow to never kill again. However, Episode 20, titled Revival of the Shinko Style, The Killing Sword Which Heralds a Storm, takes a detour from the main plot—and fans have a lot to say about it.

The Episode in a Nutshell

This episode is a flashback, recounting Kenshin’s days as a wandering swordsman before he settled at the Kamiya dojo. The story revolves around a mysterious Western doctor named Elder, who treats patients for free, and a corrupt physician who kills those who can’t pay. Kenshin, ever the protector, steps in to defend Elder, leading to a clash with a foreign swordsman.

While the premise sounds engaging, the execution has divided fans. Some appreciate the slower pace and deeper dive into Kenshin’s past, while others feel it disrupts the momentum of the Kyoto Arc.

What Fans Are Saying

1. “Kenshin Being Kenshin”

Many fans loved seeing Kenshin in his element—protecting the weak without hesitation. One commenter noted:

“Kenshin took the fight this episode like child’s play. It’s amusing to watch, though I wish they’d beaten some sense into those thugs.”

The episode reinforces why Kenshin is such a beloved protagonist: his unwavering moral compass and effortless badassery.

2. The “Obvious” Twist

A recurring theme in the discussions is how blatantly obvious it was that Dr. Elder was a woman. Fans had fun poking at the show’s attempt at mystery:

“It was beyond obvious that Dr. Elder was a girl. (At least to me.) Storytime from Ken is always appreciated, though.”

Some even joked about the lack of subtlety, comparing her disguise to “a poorly hidden secret in a shounen anime.”

3. Filler or Canon?

The biggest debate revolves around whether this episode is filler or not. While it adapts a side story from the Restoration manga (a 2012 spin-off), many fans didn’t expect it to appear in the anime. Reactions ranged from:

“This feels like filler, but at least it’s decent filler.”
to
“Why are we getting flashbacks now? I just want the Kyoto Arc!”

Interestingly, some fans defended the episode, pointing out that the original 1996 anime had way worse filler.

4. The Villain Problem

The antagonist—a corrupt doctor—was universally despised, but not in a “love-to-hate” way. More like a “why is this guy even here?” way. One fan summed it up:

“The other doctor who killed patients who couldn’t pay made me feel sick. F* that dude.”

The lack of a compelling villain made the conflict feel shallow compared to Kenshin’s usual foes.

5. The Pacing Issue

With the Kyoto Arc looming, some fans felt this episode killed the hype:

“We’re about to start the Kyoto Arc, and they drop this? Feels like a weird choice.”

Others, however, saw it as a calm before the storm:

“After the emotionally intense last few episodes, it’s nice to get a slower-paced flashback.”

Final Verdict: Worth Watching?

If you’re a die-hard Rurouni Kenshin fan, this episode offers a charming, if unnecessary, glimpse into Kenshin’s past. The interactions are sweet, the action is smooth, and the setting—Yokohama during the Meiji era—is visually rich.

But if you’re here for the Kyoto Arc, this might feel like an unwanted pit stop. As one fan put it:

“It’s a nice episode, but I’d rather be watching Kenshin fight Shishio.”

Rating: 7/10 – A solid but skippable detour.

What’s Next?

With Episode 20 out of the way, the stage is (hopefully) set for the Kyoto Arc to begin in earnest. Will Kenshin’s vow be tested? Will Shishio finally make his move? Fans are waiting with bated breath—and a little impatience.

Until then, oro your way through this flashback and enjoy the ride!

What did you think of Episode 20? Love it or hate it? Drop your thoughts below!