Adult Swim's adaptation of Anthony Bourdain and Joel Rose's graphic novel, Get Jiro, offers a blood-soaked, action-packed take on a future Los Angeles where culinary ambition fuels violent conflict. The series, which premiered on Adult Swim and HBO Max, initially shines when it centers on the intricate world of haute cuisine and the chefs who inhabit it. However, midway through its 10-episode season, the show pivots to incorporate material from a prequel, diluting its strengths with genre tropes.
In its early episodes, Get Jiro blends the stylish action of John Wick with the culinary focus of Delicious in Dungeon. The narrative introduces Jiro, a mysterious newcomer whose flawless omakase draws the ire of the city's powerful restaurateurs. The showrunners, Alessandro Tanaka and Brian Gatewood, skillfully establish Jiro's character and the high stakes of this culinary underworld. Vivid scenes depict chefs engaged in violent rivalries, such as a ruthless head chef drowning an underling in hollandaise and a vegan rival seducing Jiro with a fresh tomato. These early moments are rich with cooking references and absurd, yet compelling, scenarios.
Humorous sequences, like a chase involving mercenary food truck operators and an assassin whose weapons are baked into baguettes, highlight the series' initial promise. The supporting characters, including the villains Bob and Rose, are well-developed and relatable, adding depth to Jiro's journey as he navigates complex relationships through shared meals. The series also succeeds by introducing original elements not present in the comics, such as aspiring family restaurants, a dedicated health inspector, and Jiro's eager apprentice, which help bring the cyberpunk version of Los Angeles to life.
The show's narrative takes a significant turn when it begins incorporating elements from Get Jiro: Blood and Sushi. This shift introduces flashbacks exploring Jiro's connections to Japan's criminal underworld, moving the focus away from the food that initially made the series engaging. The introduction of Jiro's psychopathic brother, Ichi, and his associated storylines, feels underdeveloped and leans heavily on familiar crime drama tropes. While the visual style of the cyberpunk Tokyo is striking, this latter half of the season sacrifices substance for style.
Despite these narrative stumbles, moments of culinary brilliance still surface, including a scene where Chef Bob reflects on the pursuit of perfection. Ultimately, Get Jiro shines brightest when its narrative is grounded in the world of food and its cultural impact. While the series successfully adapts Bourdain's unique vision, a more cohesive focus on its culinary core could have elevated it to truly exceptional status. The season finale teases future adventures, leaving the door open for a potential second season to refine its recipe.