The Zatoichi television series is just as good as the film series that preceded it. In fact many may prefer the television series.
Since each episode is reduced to 45 minutes, you get to the climatic fight a lot sooner, and since the plot has to be simplified to accommodate less characters, the films are easier to follow.
Season 3 of the Zatoichi TV series opens with these 2 exciting episodes.
REMASTERED FOR SUPERIOR PICTURE QUALITY
Episode 1. THE 100 RYO LOVE
A traveling female medicine seller helps Ichi out when his sandal strap breaks on the road. Ichi returns the favor when thieves attempt to rob her and they continue to travel together. Will Ichi discover the deadly secret she is hiding before it is too late?
Episode 2. SPRING ARRIVES FOR THE EYELESS DARUMA
A blind man slain mistakenly by a trio of bounty asks Ichi to deliver a gift of 5 ryo to his daughter, whom he had abandoned 10 years earlier with a carnival type troupe. When their main act of a blindfolded expert who avoids shuriken suddenly leaves, Ichi is called upon to replace him and save the show. Meanwhile the town’s boss is looking to make the female knife thrower his woman, and it leads to a bloody showdown.
Starring: KATSU Shintaro
1978 - JAPANESE with OPTIONAL ENGLISH SUBTITLES - COLOR - FULL SCREEN - 94 MINUTES