In this third episode, Boruto takes a step away from the spotlight and the focus is instead on his classmates Shikadai and Metal Lee. As the title suggests, most of the episode is spent introducing Metal, but both characters get some shine thanks to several meaningful scenes that pack a lot of charm into a short amount of time. This, in addition to more varied scenes and a welcome dose of humor, make for a big improvement over episode two, and help get Boruto back on the right foot.
This episode begins with another lesson at The Academy, this time on shurikens. Some students seem to already have the hang of it, but none more so than Metal Lee who quickly strikes two bullseyes with ease. He winds up for a third throw, but loses his concentration when he notices his classmates watching him. This lack of focus causes more trouble for Metal and his classmates as the episode goes on, resulting in a scene where Shikadai chastises Metal for not having better control of his emotions. Metal holds back tears as he walks away, leaving Shikadai scratching his head wondering what went wrong.
These scenes are short, but I was amazed by how much work they did in fleshing out these characters. With just a few actions the show conveys Metal’s entire struggle without the unnecessary repetition seen in episode two. Shikadai’s criticism is reminiscent of his father’s brutal honesty, lacking emotion even if the intention is good. The following scene where Shikamaru explains that getting in trouble is just part of becoming a strong ninja shows a deeper connection between the father and son, but Temari steals the scene with her own brand of parenting: butting in to call them both weak and sending them away without dinner.
The next day Shikadai sets out to apologize, but Metal has no interest in words and quickly attacks Shikadai. Boruto and Inojin come to Shikadai’s aid, and Boruto’s eye power quickly detects the same dark aura that had taken over Denki in the first episode. Realizing something's not right, the three team up to take down Metal, combining their powers in an entertaining fight that ends with Metal overexerting himself, but ultimately breaking out of his cursed state. In the end, everyone is able to forgive, but this time around the resolution is much more believable thanks to the vastly improved characterization.
After a disappointing second episode, this episode was a relief. It gives us some insight into the supporting cast, while hinting that something bigger is coming. Additionally, it revives some of the exaggerated humor that was so integral to the early episodes of Naruto. Nearly every detail is improved from the previous episode, reassuring me that Boruto may yet prove to be a worthy successor to the Naruto throne.
The Verdict
Episode three finds success by setting Boruto aside and giving us a deeper look into the lives of Shikadai and Metal Lee. Both character’s struggles are defined concisely and the resulting story is both fun and meaningful, with a final battle that screams classic Naruto.
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