⭐Naruto Episodes 92-94: Watch Along & Analysis

To lend context to my recommendations from the last episode(which hopefully were read this time around) I am working on a personalized Naruto watch order (kind of like how people have different watch orders for the Star Wars Movies). It mostly has to do with rearranging certain backstories but some elements are more intricate. For example, as a prologue I have shippuden episodes 460, 480-483, and the first half of 257. The first is basically a short story that is supposed to tell the theme of the show (war), as well as foreshadowing some specific things like the Tsukuyomi. The next part is a really interesting set of really well animated filler episodes that are basically a series of short stories about all the major characters when they were younger. First it establishes the main characters in really interesting ways(for example Sakura is presented as a very self conscious person which makes her initial hesitation in battle very understandable). Second it sets up a bunch of really fun subversions for the series proper. Sasuke’s is about him and Itachi which leads you to initially believe he is trying to avenge Itachi rather than what actually happens. And Kakashi’s is about him making friends but also affirming that he will never break the rules, which foreshadows the bell test as well as… other things. The last one is part of a filler recap before the final arc of the series. The episodes are just a recap arc but the first ten minutes of the first episode is really compelling. They show the origin of Naruto and Sasuke's childhood rivalry which starts off happy go lucky until the Uchiha massacre. By putting it at the beginning of the series you set up both Naruto and Sasuke’s character arcs as well as their personal dynamic for the rest of the entire series. Basically the idea is that by changing the order in specific ways you can maximize the experience the show will give you. With shows like One Piece or Fairy Tail it is pretty straight forward but with stuff like Star Wars and Naruto you can be a bit more flexible with the rules. I haven’t tested it so it might be a little too complicated for reactions but I figure you would enjoy the concept regardless.

In my opinion Kabuto is a pretty interesting character and his role evolves greatly as the series goes on. Also, to clarify Kabuto has been with Orochimaru since before he started taking the chunin exams.

Thank you for the Sakura speech. It was very cathartic. Anyways here is the comment you missed: This isn’t relevant till the end of the first series but so you’re aware many people will recommend you watch shippuden episodes 119-120 during the break between naruto and naruto shippuden because those episodes were shown in the manga in between the two series(why they didn’t do that for the anime I don’t know). Personally I would also recommend watching shippuden episodes 127-128 right before episodes119-120(and the rest of Shippuden). (I would also include the first hokage's backstory before both of these, but unfortunately you can't do that without making an edited video). Functionally it would serve the same purpose as the other two episodes and would give a bit more buildup for certain events. But it's not the canonical placement of them and will introduce you to certain things a bit sooner than you otherwise would, so just do whatever you think is best. Also, regardless of what order you watch it in, I recommend stopping at 19:36 (hulu version) on episode 128 for reasons I can’t discuss until much much later. You won’t be missing anything I just think removing it will make a later scene slightly more impactful. (edit: I have been going back and forth on this last point so again do what you think is best)

I am going to repost my comments from last week here just to make sure they get read.

Just a heads up. episode 97 is filler, so you can basically skip it, it adds literally nothing. 98, 99 and 100 are canon, but from 101 to 106 are filler, so you can basically skip them too.

A lot I would say for the other two, but it's all spoilers. Glad Tat's caught up and I'm excited to see how you guys feel after the next batch of episodes.

Denver Gray

The first episode, as far as Orochimaru's guards are concerned, Orochimaru is technically the Head Ninja of an entire village(Sound). What that actually means, in this case, will be explored further later on, but just something to keep in mind. Also, regarding Naruto intros, they tend to be a good mix of plot-related spotlights, thematic imagery that isn't necessarily visually accurate, and a lot of requisite shots of main or featured characters, often doing things that aren't even related to the ongoing plot at all. So while you can definitely learn a lot about the current episodes and the characters from the intros, it's good to remember that not everything in them is 100% accurate.

Denver Gray