Sengoku Basara S1 13 (OVA)
Content-wise, this is merely some side characters engaging in some machinations immediately before the big battle against Oda as depicted in episode 12. Appropriate content for a bonus episode, but not on the face of it terribly interesting in itself. However, this episode's direction is the most interesting out of the entirety of the season. The general standard of direction in the show has been competent but not especially noteworthy, a solid ground to show off wild action animation but not visually engaging outside of that. This episode featured much more interesting shot choices, a dynamic camera even in simple dialogue scenes, and stronger photography and overall aesthetic execution. It also has stronger non-action character art than anything previously. Though, strangely enough, it also has weaker non-action character art than anything previously. It's ambitious, but that ambition does lead to some inconsistency. Besides the couple moments of weak animation, there were some bewildering and nonsensical action cuts as well as an over-reliance on Dutch angles. Still, it made me sit up and take notice. The new characters of Chosokabe and Mori are efficiently and effectively characterized, and compelling enough that I hope to see more of them in season 2. This episode was storyboarded and directed by Shin Itagaki, and it's the best work I've seen him do. With the exception of Teekyuu, of course.