Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc episode 1 recap and review: Fiery beginnings and flavorful bento boxes

At long last, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc is finally here!

The series that anime fans across the world have been waiting for since the release of the incredibly successful film, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, debuted yesterday, Oct. 10, on various platforms such as Funimation and Hulu, and fans have yet to stop talking about the amazing premiere that was given to us.

Naturally, we too have still been reeling in our excitement of the first episode which is why we’re here to both recap and review the premiere of the highly-anticipated arc! Check it out down below.

Warning: Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc spoilers are up ahead!

Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc episode 1 recap

As we know, episode 1 of the Mugen Train Arc was the formal introduction to the relentless and strong-willed Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, and his journey of learning everything there is to know about a mysterious train linked to the sudden disappearance of about 40 people.

The series starts extremely strong as audiences’ expectations of learning everything there is to know about this Hashira have, for the most part, already have been met. However, rather than learning more about Rengoku through a lengthy backstory or a mirage of flashbacks, we get to know all about the Flame Hashira through his cheerful nature and good-hearted actions.

We open the episode with this Hashira yelling “delicious” after every bite of his meal, which, in turn, lets the whole restaurant know that he is thoroughly enjoying the prepared meal as well as the hardworking hands that made the food. Such behavior informs us of just who this character is and proves he treats other human beings as he would want to be treated.

Shortly after, we see more of his remarkable integrity when he visits a local business run by an elderly person and her granddaughter. Here, Rengoku overhears a conversation about a demon plaguing the area and how the killings have affected their business.

Our Flame Hashira can easily ignore the discussion, carrying on with his mission, however, he takes initiative and reassures them that whatever comes their way he will be right there to stop it. Almost like a symbol of his will, he purchases all of the business’ bento boxes and ventures off to uncover the Mugen Train.

At face value, the series seems to be one that will certainly take its time to explain just what Rengoku was up to each day before boarding the train. However, after the Flame Hashira defeats the first demon plaguing the train with immense speed and then boards the mysterious Mugen Train, it’s unmistakably clear that the series is going in a completely different pace and direction, hence why the first episode ends with the appearance of Tanjiro Kamado and his pals, Hashibira Inosuke and Zenitsu Agatsuma. These are appearances many thought wouldn’t happen until the final episode of the series.

With this in mind, we can’t help but worry that Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc will simply echo the events seen in the film rather than expand on what viewers are desperate to find out about. Even still, being that this is only the first episode and being that we have learned so much about Rengoku already, we’re trusting that the remaining six episodes will take a deeper dive into the Hashira and his origins.

After all, it’s Demon Slayer; the anime has never ceased to amaze us before.

All in all, this episode does an exceptional job doing what all premieres should do: Make its audience want to watch the next episode. With this said, we are more than excited to see the remaining episodes of this arc and can’t wait for next Sunday’s episode!