Commentary: ‘Blue Eye Samurai’ Redefines The Antihero

Protagonists have evolved a lot over the years. People tend to think of them as the hero of the story. Audiences like to root for a good guy going up against malevolent forces working against him or her. The antihero challenges this notion as it introduces dark and flawed elements into the protagonist’s character. Men like this have risen the form of The Sporanos‘ Tony Soprano, Breaking Bad‘s Walter White, and Mad Men‘s Don Draper. But Blue Eye Samurai adds multiple layers of complexity to its protagonist, making her much more nuanced than those listed above.

The animated series takes place in Japan during late 1800s — when the country was closed off to outside influence. Men from the Western world still visit the country and try to exploit it. One such man fathered a daughter who was viewed as inferior because of her blue eyes. This girl, Mizu (Maya Erskine), grew up under difficult circumstances and swore revenge upon the man who fathered her. She is so driven to accomplish this that she is willing to abandon all honor to achieve it.

There’s a running theme throughout the story as to whether or not the main character is a good person. It’s clear that she sympathizes with those who are victims. There are even moments when she appears honorable and willing to do the right thing. But she is quick to point out that she is not a samurai. These are warriors who are driven by honor. But she is not interested in honor, only revenge, so she commits multiple questionable acts throughout. A great example of this: she spares a boy’s life when her instincts were to kill him. This decision comes back to haunt her as the boy alerts her presence to the authorities. When given a second chance, she takes the opportunity to kill him, just adding to the debate about her being a real antihero.

Blue Eye Samurai is now streaming on Netflix.