On it’s surface the plot is a basic anime revenge story but it’s told in really mature way. The characters are some of the deepest most will developed characters I’ve ever seen in ( the first season) an anime. It’s also probably the most feminist (action) anime I’ve watched. It deals heavily with the place of women in feudal Japan and the women navigating it are great complex characters. The other main character is a disabled guy who while funny isn’t played for jokes and is incredibly resourceful.
My only complaint with the show is sometimes the art is a little weird and there’s a couple of scenes where the plot armor is a little heavy. Seriously give it a watch.
I really enjoyed it. I have the same complaints as you, especially the plot armor. The scene with the claw guys where Mizu is being crushed by the door is pretty egregious.
It’s definitely the best Netflix animated thing I’ve seen for a long time. I hope it gets another season.