Reviews- One Piece eps 5 - 8

 

Just two weeks after debuting on Netflix, the notoriously reluctant -to- renew  streamer has actually granted this show a second season. Looking at the analytics its easy to see why- the show was Netflix’s number one in eighty-four countries beating recent high water marks such as season four of Stranger Things or the first series of Wednesday. Of course it does have the benefit of already being a globally recognised brand and has potential beyond that too when you consider its more accessible than either of those other shows especially to younger viewers. What it’s success may also open up is a rich seam of manga adaptations perhaps taking some of the territory currently occupied by comic interpretations? Is this a sea change? Well let’s not get ahead of ourselves but I’m pleased that a series I like has actually been renewed by Netflix for a change after the Lockwood and Co debacle. Mind you the figures do show what it takes to get that elusive renewal. Popularity in a handful of places- even if they are the US and the UK- is just not enough. Nothing less than a global reach will do.

The second half of the season rolls ongoing plots together to create what seems essentially like a long adventure movie replete with action and some more focussed character material. By the time we reach the last episode the background of each of the main five characters has been fulfillingly explored. These flashbacks, which in some series seem awkward or take from the momentum, are very well placed, and provide a real understanding of these people that, theoretically at least, we will be following for some time.

One of the most satisfying aspects of this season is that, unlike the standard middle dip of most, One Piece keeps going and doesn’t have a bad episode, Even the slightly drawn out second part has it moments. Episodes five to eight are terrific, so much so that I binge watched them over one evening and in this case that does work. The cliffhangers and plot threads dovetail skilfully and for all the dismissals of some who say this is `just` a teen drama these later instalments reach of a wider audience.

Especially rewarding is Nami’s story. Her cool demeanour and secretive calls to someone are all revealed to be not what we think and this unfurls in the final two episodes. She is on a lone personal mission which is the opposite of selfish and in fact has involved a lot of sacrifice. It turns out to be an emotional story that brings Emily Rudd’s acting skills to the fore. In a show where shouting is almost the default level her quieter, mysterious performance cuts through. Rather like sundry Batman or Spiderman screen adaptations it shows how a comic book story can provide just as many emotional beats as it can actions thrills.

What makes the final two episodes even better is the insight into Arlong’s motivation. This fishman leader justifies his actions with a passionately strong speech about how his people have been exploited by humans and denied their place and their heritage. The best antagonists don’t think they are evil of course and this is a great demonstration of this. Under a tonne of prosthetics, McKinley Belcher III manages to bring character to these words and the combination lifts him above your run of the mill villain. The fact that he is match for our heroes and almost anyone in combat also makes him a powerful force. A little less impressive is the manner in which Buggy has suddenly become a comedic character when he presented real danger in episode two.

Talking of memorable characters, we also meet Zeff a former pirate now running the famed floating restaurant Baraties. Played by Craig Fairbrass he starts of a gruff kitchen tyrant but is wilier than that in rewarding story arc. In the same episode we also encounter master swordsman Mihawk who shows Zoro he has a lot of learn after they battle on the quayside. In this episode we are also introduced to the Straw Hats; fifth member a chef called Sanji. That is a chef who is also a whizz at marital arts which means there is soon a rivalry over skills with Zoro and also plenty of good food! Both he and also Usopp broaden out the crew with more humour and in the case of the latter tall tales. There’s a neat twist too in that when Usopp – who has spent the previous episodes boasting of his imagined victories- does best one of the fishmen warriors nobody is there to see it.

What I also like is the series’ belief in optimism that things can be improved. Though we’re in a fantastical scenario – and I have no idea when or even where it is all meant to be set- like the best fantasy stories it’s about us, about humanity. Luffy’s goofy positivity acts as a magnet to the people who join his crew and he never doubts them, even Nomi when she appears – to him and the viewer – to betray the crew and even her own home village.

Like villains, heroes can be watered down quickly so its good to see that the season’s second half underscores Luffy’s kindness, his ambition and his skills in motivating his crewmates. For a show seemingly built on action, there is a satisfying amount of dialogue too and for the younger audience a focus on doing the right thing. Luffy’s connection with Garp also has a surprising twist that at first, I wasn’t sure about but does make sense.

One Piece also has a great aesthetic from the always different logo styles on the title sequence to the sweeping action and the world building. The digital effects are well rendered and in the battles there is a good number of extras. The production has an epic sweep which is perhaps not surprising if each episode cost $17million as rumoured. Looks like money well spent.