But Sunrise promised us crossdressing traps…
Episode 22: Naraku: The trap of darkness
(奈落 闇の罠 Naraku yami no wana)
Chapters covered: Second half of 534 through the end of 539
There were some things I liked this week and some things I didn't. First of all, chapter 537 and 538 were adapted to the point where they were practically changed. The end result was rather well-animated claw battle between Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, but how Inuyasha loses his grip on Tessaiga is a considerable departure from canon. Rather than Narakua and his tentacles being the one to pry it from his hands and removing Inuyasha from the fight, it is instead Sesshoumaru who rather effortlessly knocks it away onto the fleshy cliff and continues the fight. I could continue to remark on this destruction of canon, but I'll not waste my breath. Just reread 537 and 538 and you'll see what I'm talking about.
On the bright side, Shippou vs. Jaken was hilarious and the dialogue with Kohaku perhaps even moreseo. Furthermore, I wasn't expecting the death of Magatsuhi (539) to be covered this week. I'm not sure how this will ultimately affect pacing. Also, remember that 558 has the content of 2 chapters.
Next week should at least get us through 544.