Shadow The Hedgehog: Dark Beginnings Episode 3 (review)

 

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The "Shadow the Hedgehog" anime continues to impress, not only with its stunning animation but also with its compelling storytelling. Fans of the black blur are treated to a visually beautiful, yet darkly optimistic episode, reminiscent of the complex narratives found in the Gundam series, with a J-rock-inspired soundtrack to match.

In this episode, Shadow and Team Dark successfully infiltrate a heavily guarded base, finally securing their rocket. As they prepare for takeoff, Rouge playfully teases Shadow about his past, hinting that G.U.N. may have had a hand in shaping it. Shadow acknowledges that G.U.N. is not his enemy, but Omega seems to disagree, taking down multiple rockets targeting the team. One rocket slips through, but Shadow effortlessly deflects it, sending it back toward the G.U.N. agents with a burst of his trademark attitude.

When even more rockets are launched at TeamDark, Shadow calmly activates Chaos Control, deflecting each one and clearing the path for the team to board the ship. Just as more ships appear on the horizon, G.U.N. Commander Abraham steps in, ordering his forces to stand down and allow Shadow to head into space. Rouge reveals Shadow’s mission, to which the Commander groans, remarking that he would have given Shadow a rocket in repayment for saving the world from Black Doom.

Wait—so the good ending of Shadow the Hedgehog is canon? The Commander and Rouge exchange banter, referencing Shadow's past and reinforcing the mutual respect between them. In space, Shadow reflects on Maria and his past, but ultimately sets aside his personal struggles, declaring, “A threat is on the ARK. I must eliminate it.” Shadow is ready to put aside his history and ego to save the world once again.