Ninja Kamui started with promising potential but the following episodes failed to deliver any substantial or cohesive storytelling. The show clearly draws inspiration from films like War starring Jason Statham and Jet Li directed by Phillip Atwell and Ninja Assassin directed by James McTeigue exploring themes of secrecy revenge and clan conflict. Episode 6 introduces battle suits seemingly drawing from more Western influences. This isnt necessarily a negative as long as the show remains true to its own vision. Ultimately connecting with the audience is paramountwhether through engaging characters straightforward action or imaginative storytelling. Unfortunately Ninja Kamui seems to struggle with all of this especially for a 2024 original. The storyline is unconvincing and disjointed with characters appearing to fulfill mere quotas without any discernible personality or depth. The script juggles numerous complex elementsfrom secret arts and clandestine organizations to international politics and mechaswithout adequately resolving any of them. For example the secret arts remain murky until the end leaving us confused about the criteria for choosing the chosen one. Similarly the AUZA subplot feels bafflingly irrelevant. My frustration is compounded by the shows tendency to hand opportunities to Higan without requiring him to earn them or make significant decisions. It often feels like he is being spoonfed chances to shine turning him into more of a circus performer than a skilled ninja. The fight choreography which was supposed to be a highlight falls flat after a strong first episode leaving the subsequent sequences underwhelming. The grand finale fails to recapture the energy of the premiere. Character handlingor mishandlingis another major issue. Emmas death in Episodes 3 to 9 feels shockingly irrelevant serving only to shock rather than add meaningful weight to the story. Her character is barely present making her death feel like an afterthought. Zais role is similarly disappointing his arc is abruptly abandoned despite the shows focus on his journey to understand the essence of being a ninja. The forced romantic subplots between Joseph and Dilly and Mikes awkward feelings for Emma also feel out of place. The script often lacks intelligence as evidenced by moments like Emma deploying her ninjadroids to protect her bulletproof car from gunfire rather than neutralizing surrounding threats. On a more personal note I found Logans rugged appearance more captivating compared to Higans generic design. The Boss Ninja from the first episode was also welldesigned exuding the menacing presence intended. The opening sequence particularly the ambush on Logans family was welldirected and remains a highlight of the season with subtle foreshadowing that cleverly hints at impending tragedy. Beyond these aspects the show lacks redeeming qualities and falls short in terms of exposure setting characterization and thematic consistency. Apart from the first episode it barely meets the minimum criteria for a favorable review even falling short of Mars of Destruction which despite its flaws at least exhibited some direction and identity. /