Bushido (episode)
"Bushido" is the fifty-third televised episode of the series Gargoyles, and the fortieth episode of Season 2. It originally aired on February 20, 1996.
| Crew | With the Voice Talent Of |
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Contents
[hide]Summary
Main Plot
Avalon brings the four travellers to the small village of Ishimura in Japan, where a large clan of gargoyles live with some human villagers. The Ishimuran businessman, Taro, teams up with the gargoyle Yama in planning and constructing an amusement park for the clan to live in , and be slowly revealed to humans. The gargoyles, including Goliath, Angela, and Bronx, are abducted by a band of hired ninjas from Ishimura during the day and brought to the park. Taro tells the gargoyles that they can choose to leave anytime, but that he had invited a group of children to meet them. He begins to escort Goliath, Angela, and Bronx out, but then traps them and chains them up, and he keeps the others from leaving. Elisa and Hiroshi figure out where the gargoyles have been taken and release them, and Yama challenges Taro after he realizes that the businessman was planning to use the park for personal gain. The clan escapes back to Ishimura, and Taro is humiliated in front of the press.
Subplots
The gargoyles and humans of Ishimura decide to start teaching Bushido to the younger generations once again.
Yama feels that he has betrayed his clan, and he starts a quest for redemption in Gargoyles: Bad Guys.
The Story
Previously on Gargoyles
- Recaps: ("City of Stone" Part One, "Awakening: Part One", "Awakening: Part Two", "Awakening: Part Five")
Act One
A wealthy businessman sips a drink inside the restaurant, adorned with oni masks in a quant little village as people outside go about their evening business. But, hidden in the shadows behind a bank, two men are up to no good. A heavyset criminal is concerned about an alarm, but his partner wielding a crowbar shrugs it off, telling him, "these country bumpkins are no match for us." He breaks the door open and they sneak inside.
Not far from the village, Goliath pulls the skiff onto the beach of a small lake. Taking a look at a nearby temple, Elisa Maza deduces they are in Japan. Bronx catches a scent in the air and excitedly starts barking. He doesn't wait for his companions as he runs off, with Angela in full pursuit before Goliath and Elisa follow.
The two crooks emerge from the back of the bank carrying large sacks full of cash. The tall thin one tells his partner how easy it was before they run face first into a large male gargoyle, eyes glowing white. The gargoyle tells them that their loot doesn't belong to them. "I don't know what you are," the thief says, but the gargoyle retorts back, knowing exactly what they are. The thieves attempt to escape, but run into two more gargoyles, a smaller male and a female. "Yes, I know," the male says, "we're terrifying." The crooks back off, but the gargoyle leader has them boxed in as several more gargoyles arrive, landing on the rooftops. The businessman leans in the restaurant's doorframe, watching with a satisfied smirk. "The monsters are everywhere!" the thin thief cries before swinging his bag at the leader . . . who catches it with little effort before swinging his tail and knocking the taller thief flat on his back. The shorter thief pulls a knife and swings it at the smaller male gargoyle, slashing the sleeve of his kimono before he's easily dispatched. The female gargoyle then restrains the thief with a barrel to the laughter of the watching crowd, human and gargoyle alike. As a local constable cuffs the two thieves and takes them into custody, the heavyset thief asks what kind of town is this? "A peaceful, happy one," the constable replies. But the smaller male gargoyle watches this, grimly telling the businessman that he's grown tired of this. The businessman approaches the gargoyle, Yama, and assures him not to worry, "after tonight, all this will change."
The gargoyle leader is surprised to see Bronx, who leaps up to lick his face. "Where did you come from?" he asks, and receives his answer when Goliath, Angela, and Elisa step out of the shadows. "I had given up hope of meeting other gargoyles," the leader says before respectfully welcoming them to Ishimura and introducing himself as Kai. Goliath returns the bow as he introduces himself and his companions. The other gargoyles of the Ishimura Clan and the villagers approach their new visitors with awe. Elisa is surprised to see a village of humans and gargoyles living together. Kai tells her this has been the case for many generations. "It's the best kept secret in Japan!" But Yama looks grim and asks the businessman if this will disrupt their plans, but the human tells him, "the more the merrier." Kai invites the travelers to tour Ishimura and visit their home. "The honor is ours," Goliath replies.
As sunrise approaches, Kai shows them around the temple, showing them the murals depicting gargoyles and humans fighting together since at least the Feudal era. Their clan had lived in Ishimura for centuries and fought alongside samurai. When peace came over the land, their ancestors settled in this land to teach Bushido: the way of the warrior. They have no students now, but Bushido has given them a code of honor that allowed them to live in peace with their neighbors throughout the centuries. Yama, on the other hand, sounds more bitter about remaining here cut off from the rest of the world. Angela listens to Yama, both unconvinced and unimpressed. But Kai reminds Yama that they took an oath to defend this village, and they have survived while other gargoyles have not. Yama is unconvinced and points out their visitors, and Goliath can't help but add that humans betrayed his clan and very few survived. Kai cuts the conversation short as dawn nears, and the two leaders climb the outer wall of the temple. Goliath perches and readies a fearsome pose to greet the Sun but is stunned when he sees the Ishimuran gargoyles posing inwards, towards the temple. "I have always greeted the dawn facing out – in the direction from which trouble may come." Kai enlightens Goliath that it is their custom to face in towards their home as a bond of trust with their human protectors . . . who begin to arrive, bowing respectfully: among them are the constable, the businessman, and Elisa clad in a green kimono. "Until sunset, my friends." Kai says. "Until sunset, Elisa," Goliath adds, not quite sure how he feels about this particular custom. The Sun rises and the gargoyles enter their Stone Sleep.
Elisa looks around, pleased. This is her kind of town. After she enters the temple, a ninja appears and knocks the constable, Hiroshi, out. Two more ninjas appear and knock out two more Ishimurans. Elisa taps one ninja on the shoulder from behind before punching that ninja in the face. The two other ninjas attack her from opposite sides, one launching into a flying kick, but the detective ducks and one ninja collides with the other. That ninja attempts to redirect his attack, but Elisa throws him into a wall. Suddenly, a tranquilizer is fired from inside the temple, hitting Elisa in the arm. She clutches her arm as the businessman emerges, his gun slipping back into the sleeve of his jacket. "You must be tired from your exertion. How about a nice nap?" he says as Elisa collapses to the ground unconscious. She awakens hours later and the gargoyles are missing – all of them. She runs towards Hiroshi and asks what happened to them, but all he can reason is how their "failure has betrayed them."
At an unknown location, the gargoyles awaken at dusk. They are shocked to find out they are no longer in Ishimura, but beneath a large dome surrounded by faux castles, cathedrals, and other structures. "Where in the world are we?" Kai wonders.
Act Two
"What sorcery is this?" Goliath asks, stunned at their new location. They're still on the temple and Kai ponders if someone had moved it while they slept. "Not quite," the businessman says as he emerges, explaining that they duplicated the temple down to the last rock. "Taro, what is happening? Why are we not at home?" Taro begins to outright lie, "explaining" how the villagers had begun to view them as a burden; fearing for the clan's safety, Taro brought them here and sadly the villagers didn't even put up a fight. Yama supports Taro's actions believing the villagers had always taken them for granted. Kai can't believe this, they shared an oath of honor with the villagers. But Yama doesn't believe this, arguing the villagers know nothing of Bushido. Taro interrupts the argument by asking to show them around. The gargoyles leap down from the walls and follow, while Angela and Goliath share a look of suspicion without exchanging a word.
Taro begins his tour by showing them a Giant Animatronic Gargoyle at the entrance of the dome. "WELCOME, MY FRIENDS, TO THE HOME OF THE NOBLE GARGOYLES" it says as it waves. Taro explains that he built this park as a tribute to gargoyles where the clan can live and safely be introduced to the entire human race – a few at a time. Kai is still not on board with this, they have remained a secret hidden for centuries. Taro explains that perhaps its their secret that is a problem and not humanity. Goliath is beyond skeptical, "and you will solve this problem by charging admission?" Taro doesn't respond to him but plays on his history with Kai: "you've known me since I was a boy, you tried to teach me Bushido before I left for the city; I know I was a poor student," which disarms Kai, whose suspicion vanishes and he sees the young boy he once knew. Taro then tells Kai that he inspired him to create this park as a place to teach Bushido to the world. He then assures them they are free to leave any time, but he invited a group of children to visit the park before dawn and he wants them to at least see their faces so they can understand his dream. Kai agrees that he and the clan will look around the park as they consider their decision. Angela acknowledges that some of what Taro says makes sense, but she doesn't trust him and nor does Goliath as Elisa would never voluntarily allow them to be taken. Goliath now believes their mission from Avalon was to look after Kai and his clan.
As Taro walks through the park with his unmasked ninjas, one asks if the gargoyles will go along with the plan. Taro is hopeful, but if they prove unmanageable they are prepared. Yama arrives and Taro greets him warmly, telling the gargoyle he was most convincing. Yama is confident the other gargoyles will listen – especially when they meet the children.
Back at the temple, Hiroshi can't believe Taro was involved with the abduction, having grown up in Ishimura. Elisa assures Hiroshi that Taro was behind the raid. She explains that if they find him, they'll find the gargoyles. She searches for information on a computer with access to many public records. A result soon comes up, and Hiroshi explains that Taro bought a big piece of land to the east, where a large dome was recently built. He still doesn't understand why Taro would bring the gargoyles there. Elisa considers his questions as she requests that he get them a car.
Within the dome, the gargoyles explore the park, Sora emerging from a replica of Notre Dame Cathedral, while she finds the park an interesting place to visit, she is not sure she would like to live there. Goliath and Angela explore the life-sized replica of Castle Wyvern, Bronx is not enjoying this visit and neither is Angela, finding it unsettling. Goliath warns Kai that revealing themselves to the human world is a dangerous step. Yama butts in and tells Goliath that it's not his business if his clan wants a better life. But Goliath tries to convince him that, in this theme park, humans will gawk at them or worse. Yama rebuts that they cannot hope to be accepted in the world if they are afraid to show themselves. Goliath angrily slams a fist down on the knock-off castle's parapet, breaking a part of it off. As he does so, he tells Yama to do so on their own terms, not in this cheap amusement park. Yama then reveals that he approved the plans for this park, much to Kai's surprise. Goliath accuses Yama of being a threat to his own clan's safety. Kai attempts to separate them but Yama refuses to be insulted by an outsider and lunges at Goliath, violently attacking him. "Gargoyle must not fight gargoyle!" Kai cries as the two's momentum throws them off the castle wall. Goliath slams into the ground as Yama attempts to flee only to be attacked by an enraged Angela. She slams into him from above, punching him in the back of the head, slamming him into the ground near her rookery father. Taro quickly interrupts, telling them that violence is not an honorable solution. Goliath agrees, obviously it is time for he, Angela, and Bronx to leave. Taro thinks that would be best, and Goliath is surprised that he is letting them go. Yama gets to his feet as he and Angela snarl and growl at one another, both willing to keep the conflict going. Goliath pulls Angela away, reminding her that the Ishimura gargoyles are free to choose their own path and so must they. Kai asks Goliath to tell the villagers that the clan will decide their fate together. Goliath shakes his hand, advising them to choose wisely.
Taro leads Goliath, Angela, and Bronx to a foyer before deciding that now isn't the time for them to leave. He exits the foyer and presses a red button on a remote control. The doors to the foyer shut and the gargoyles find themselves unable to break through the glass. Knockout gas begins to fill the foyer. The gargoyles cough and Goliath, realizing it is a trap, roars in anger before passing out. "Sorry, but I cannot let anything interfere with my press conference," Taro says. "By the time you wake up, you'll be world famous!"
Act Three
Taro has moved the three unconscious gargoyles to a dungeon within the faux-Castle Wyvern and chained them to the wall. "They're going to be mad when they wake up," his ninja tells him as the bars slam to the ground. "I certainly hope so," Taro smirks, "a few angry gargoyles will make a most exciting attraction."
Outside the dome, a cameraman and a couple of reporters wait by their van. The woman reporter hopes this is worth getting them out before dawn. The jeep Hiroshi acquired pulls up and Elisa leans out the window and asks what's going on. The reporter tells her that a new amusement park is opening, and that something incredible is supposed to happen at sunrise. Elisa and Hiroshi quickly put two and two together.
Taro stands in front of the giant animatronic gargoyle, at a podium adjusting the microphone when he is distracted by Yama asking Kai to reconsider. Kai tells Yama that since he planned it, he may stay but Kai will do what is right for the clan. Kai informs Taro that he must leave, he wishes Taro well with the park but he is sworn to protect Ishimura and must return there. Taro tells Kai that now is not a convenient time to leave, subtly turning over the head of a small gargoyle statue on the podium, but Kai insists he's going. Yama urges Taro to just let Kai leave, the others will not be so stubborn. Taro, however, grows agitated; Kai is the leader and if he leaves, so will all the other gargoyles. Kai then informs Taro that the clan is already gathering to come with him. Taro slips the tranquilizer gun from his sleeve and shoots the gargoyle leader in the chest, knocking him out. Taro insists they stay, to Yama's shock. Yama snaps that this wasn't necessary, but Taro assures the gargoyle that Kai won't be out long before pulling out a cellphone and ordering security measures activated.
Outside, Hiroshi asks if this is the only way as Elisa rigs a block of wood to press down on the gas pedal of the jeep. "There's no time to be subtle," she explains, as the car rams through the gate. The two humans enter to find the Ishimuran gargoyles being fired on by automated cannons emerging from the attractions. As an older member of the clan is shot out of the sky, another catches them before they crash land. Elisa is surprised by the idea of a gargoyle theme park as Hiroshi observes that not everything is going to Taro's plan. They follow an unmasked ninja inside the faux-castle to a control room. Hiroshi knocks the ninja out with a roundhouse kick before deactivating the cannons. Elisa spots Goliath on a monitor and then the two head down to the dungeon, releasing them from their chains. Before Goliath can thank her, Elisa warns Goliath that reporters are outside ready to make the gargoyles all tv stars. "NO!" Goliath cries out.
Taro finishes donning modern samurai armor before ordering the press be let inside. Yama is furious that Taro lied about the children, too. "Hey, nobody ever got rich off Bushido", Taro says mocking his collaborator. Yama roars with fury, but Taro is unimpressed as one of his ninja points a tranquilizer gun at the angry gargoyle. Before the ninja can fire, Bronx rushes in growling and pins the ninja to the ground. Taro goes to pick up the tranquilizer gun, but Goliath stops him with his foot before digging his talons into Taro's breastplate and lifting the businessman off of the ground while Hiroshi runs to Kai's aid. "No manners", Taro sneers before pulling a pair of electrified fans from his belt and delivering a jolt of electricity to the big gargoyle. Angela and Elisa rush to his side while Taro taunts them with his fans, challenging another to attack him. Back on his feet, Goliath growls, accepting the challenge only for Yama to come between them – this is his fight, not Goliath's. Yama approaches, but Taro hurls an electrical bolt at him, knocking him down. Goliath is ready to intervene, but Yama insists that Bushido demands he face Taro alone. "Bushido's not kind to you, Yama," Taro smirks with amused contempt. Yama pounces and Taro dodges, jolting Yama in the back as the world travelers watch. Yama gets to his feet as Taro brings both fans down on him, jolting him. But Yama fights the pain and grabs Taro's wrists, forcing the fans into contact with one another causing them to explode, knocking Taro back to the ground. Kai regains consciousness, surprised that Goliath came back. Goliath tells him that they were never allowed to leave. But Elisa urges them to leave now and compare notes later. Goliath promises they will meet back in Ishimura. Angela asks about Taro, but Yama plans to deal with him. He tells everyone to go; he'll be right behind them.
The gargoyles glide away from the dome as Elisa and Hiroshi open the doors and usher the reporters in. The reports see a samurai helmet on the ground and Taro, held in the arms of the giant animatronic gargoyle. Taro, spots them and attempts to preserve what little remains of his dignity as he welcomes them to "this unique entertainment environment." The female reporter asks what all the noise was. Taro tells them it was gargoyles, that the park features real gargoyles who turn to stone during the day and come alive at night. The male reporter scoffs at the very idea. Seizing an opportunity to put this whole thing to rest, Elisa darts in front of the reporter saying she's seen them, they're even bigger than the statue – a hundred feet tall! Hiroshi joins in claiming they can turn invisible as Elisa tells the reporters that there are thousands of them surrounding them even now. The female reporter is amused, saying they must have watched too many cartoons. Taro accuses them of lying, promising that the gargoyles were there but they escaped. The animatronic gargoyle activates, dropping an unamused Taro as it welcomes them all to the home of the noble gargoyles. The reporters laugh as they begin to leave. Taro cries that he can take them to the gargoyles – they'd be stone now, but will awaken again at night. The reporters are no longer amused by this as the male reporter tells Taro that, even for a publicity stunt, this is terrible. Taro runs after them, failing still to convince them that the gargoyles are real.
Some time later, the stone forms of Goliath, Angela, and Bronx stand upon the skiff while Elisa bids farewell. Hiroshi tells them that starting today the villagers will renew their study of Bushido and their covenant with the gargoyles. Elisa is glad to see that it's possible for gargoyles to trust some humans. "It may not be much, but it's a start" she says as the skiff disappears into the mists.
Featured Characters and First Appearances
| Gargoyles | Humans |
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Quotes
- "Here we face in, towards our home. It is a bond of trust with our human protectors." - Kai
- "Until sunset, Elisa." - Goliath
- "And you will solve this problem by charging admission?" - Goliath
- "Then perhaps humans are not the only threat to your clan's safety." - Goliath
- "Gargoyle must not fight gargoyle!" - Kai
- "There are reporters outside who are ready to make you all TV stars."
- "NO!" - Elisa and Goliath
Continuity
The Ishimura Clan is introduced, and Yama is banished from the clan at the end of the episode. Yama reappears as a member of the Redemption Squad in the spin-off series Gargoyles: Bad Guys. Yama's next appearance is in the first issue of that series, "Strangers", although his full introduction is in the second issue, "The Lost".
Tidbits
The production team briefly considered having the inhabitants of Ishimura speak in Japanese (with English subtitles) before Goliath and his friends arrived, but finally abandoned the idea as too expensive. [1]
Among the settings in Taro's theme park are not only the Ishimura temple, but also Notre Dame Cathedral and Castle Wyvern (although in the latter's case, there may have been intentions for it to be a model of Edinburgh Castle). [2]
The Ishimura gargoyles are partly modelled upon the tengu, a race of winged beings in Japanese legend that sometimes taught humans bushido, matching the series policy of linking gargoyles to various legends (as found in "M.I.A.", ""The Hound of Ulster", and "The Green"). The tengu were also portrayed in Japanese legend as mischievous tricksters with magical abilities, traits that sound more evocative of Oberon's Children and certainly do not fit the Ishimura Clan at all – but legends have a way of distorting the truth. This source of inspiration became explicit for the first time in "Strangers", when Robyn Canmore referred to Yama as a tengu, followed by Dingo's realization in "The Lost" that "tengu" is Japanese for "gargoyle".
Toon Disney/Disney XD Edits
During the scene where Elisa and Hiroshi rig the jeep to ram into Taro's dome, the close-up of Elisa jamming the gas pedal was removed from the episode.
DVD Release
Links
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