Naruto Shippuden Episode 55 Review

Naruto Shippuden episode 55 is really an explanatory episode where they really break down the technical aspects of the anime—you know, all those bat shit crazy techniques that pop up throughout the series. Sweet of them to do this after years and years. What else haven’t they told us? Next thing you know, Sakura will become useful, Naruto will swear off ramen, and Sasuke will be gay. As it currently stands, why did they even bother doing this? Not everything in fiction needs an explanation, and sometimes explanations simply detract from content. At least they made a point of not explaining certain things, conveniently using Naruto’s idiocy as an excuse.

Have you ever wondered why some of the more stereotypical jocks tend to be a bit on the dim side? The way they make crude jokes and guffaw at each other’s base and predictable wit? Naruto Shippuden episode 55 certainly succeeds in painting Naruto as the typical self-congratulatory, thick-skulled, physically endowed jock. We always knew he was an idiot, but we rooted for him anyways. Now he just seems like a conceited dumbass.

The method for discerning individual chakra affinity strikingly reminds me of Hunter X Hunter. I wouldn’t say it is a rip, but there just always has to be some cheese shortcut to realize a character’s potential. But what the hell, at least they don’t get to waste an entire episode or five based on figuring out Naruto’s affinity.

I don’t know if Naruto Shippuden episode 55 was filler or not—I do not believe so, but since I haven’t read the manga, there is no way I can be sure. Either way I am expecting, and dreading, the day they launch into another filler arc that will likely take a season or more to finish.

-Clave