Summary
Netflix's One Piece adaptation is well-received due to its colorful cast, inventive visuals, and faithfulness to the source material.
In One Piece, the ship known as the Going Merry is more than just a vessel - it possesses consciousness and holds great significance throughout the series. The eventual heartbreaking end of the Going Merry will undoubtedly be one of the most poignant moments, and allowing it to speak during season 2 may diminish its emotional impact.
Netflix's adaptation of One Piece, despite being in its first season, hints at a heartbreaking event that fans may have to wait until season 4 to see in live-action form. One Piece, known for being the best-selling manga series and a popular anime, has a dedicated fan base, which puts pressure on Netflix to deliver a compelling rendition of the story and its characters. Surprisingly, One Piece is Netflix's most well-received anime adaptation, largely due to its vibrant cast, visually stunning imagery, and faithfulness to the source material.
Similar to previous adaptations, the live-action series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy (played by Iñaki Godoy) and his mismatched crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they travel the world in search of the legendary treasure known as One Piece. Determined to become the "King of the Pirates," the enthusiastic Luffy eventually becomes the captain of the Going Merry, a brand-new ship given to the Straw Hats in the fourth episode. As the series progresses, Luffy casually mentions that the Going Merry "speaks" to him, metaphorically speaking. However, this seemingly innocuous comment actually foreshadows a tragic moment in the One Piece story.
The Going Merry "Talking" References A Future One Piece Tragedy
The Going Merry is not just a means of transportation for the Straw Hats, but also a vital character and a crucial member of the crew in One Piece. In the anime, the Going Merry is portrayed as a sentient ship, capable of performing extraordinary feats to ensure the safety of the Straw Hat Pirates during their journey. When live-action Luffy mentions that the Going Merry spoke to him, it is a playful reference to the ship's consciousness and the poignant moment when it finally communicates with the crew.
In one of the most heartbreaking scenes in One Piece, the Going Merry suffers irreparable damage and starts to collapse under its own weight. With no hope of repair, the ship's fate is sealed, presenting the Straw Hats with a heart-wrenching decision: allow the Going Merry to sink into the depths of the ocean or join it in its watery grave. Accepting its inevitable demise, the Going Merry bids farewell to the crew with an apology, expressing its desire to take them further on their journey. The ship's death is deeply tragic, considering its unwavering presence for the crew throughout the series.
Will Going Merry Talk In One Piece Season 2?
Introduced in episode 4 of One Piece season 1, the Going Merry has not been prominently featured so far. The fourth episode signifies the midpoint of the 8-episode first season. While Netflix's One Piece has made some alterations to the original material to suit its format and narrative, it has still stayed more loyal compared to other anime adaptations. While the possibility of the Going Merry speaking in One Piece season 2 cannot be ruled out, this revelation may diminish the emotional impact of the ship's eventual downfall. Therefore, it would be wise for One Piece to refrain from having a talking Going Merry in its second season.