One Piece's aspirations are well-aligned with its intended audience, making it a satisfying homage. While there are occasional instances where the essence of certain scenes or characters are missed, it remains an enjoyable action comedy with delightful cartoonish elements. Disregarding its source material, it offers a pleasurable viewing experience for casual fans and serves as a captivating entry point for newcomers.
In Emma Sullivan's second and final episode of the series, an intriguing approach to hiring directors is showcased. Each short story arc spans two episodes, allowing the same director to oversee both. This installment also introduces writers Tiffany Greshler and Tom Hyndman to the series, further enhancing its inventive structure that goes above and beyond the typical anime adaptation.
Episode 4: "The Pirates Are Coming" continues the suspenseful saga that unfolded in the previous episode. Kaya, a wealthy heiress, finds herself under the guardianship of her loyal butler, Klahadore. However, a startling revelation exposes Klahadore as the treacherous pirate Captain Kuro in disguise. Kuro ruthlessly murdered Merry, a beloved friend of Kaya's, and incapacitated Zoro before hiding their bodies in a well. This installment shines a spotlight on Zoro, delving into his past as he regains consciousness and escapes his perilous predicament.
In the meantime, Usopp faces the arduous task of persuading Kaya to acknowledge the imminent danger she is in. Kuro eventually discards his pretense and threatens to end their lives. Moreover, the persistent pursuit of the Marines places Luffy in jeopardy as he endeavors to assist his comrades. The narrative culminates in a breathtaking sequence of action-packed encounters that showcase the crew's distinctive and remarkable abilities.
Episode four of the series delves into the early life of Roronoa Zoro, similar to how Episode 2 explored Luffy's backstory. However, Netflix's portrayal of Zoro has had mixed reviews. While he remains intimidating and harsh, the live-action adaptation seems to lack his sense of humor and love for a good fight. His character comes across as excessively grumpy. The flashbacks in this episode provide some explanation for his demeanor, but it would be more enjoyable if he showed some occasional laughter. Zoro's duels with Kuina are well-executed, demonstrating their spirited rivalry. The commitment to outdo each other remains true to the original anime without any alterations in the adaptation. Unfortunately, the outcome of Kuina's fate is both tragic and arbitrary, but it sheds light on Zoro's determination. However, the live-action adaptation has not fully explored his ambition, as he seems reluctant to discuss his goal of becoming the "greatest swordsman." This aspect will likely be addressed later in the series, making its establishment in this episode important.
One aspect of the series that has sparked debate is the visual effects (VFX). Adapting a inherently silly source material with real actors requires modern studios to employ advanced technology. Some CGI elements stand out and effectively capture the impact of Luffy's powerful punches or the absurdity of Buggy's floating limbs. However, Captain Kuro's superhuman speed, which is his main fighting technique, appears comical due to the chosen visual effect. In any other work, his movements would be considered strange and unusual. However, in the context of One Piece, where everything is meant to look silly and bizarre, it is not meant as an insult to say that the visual effects appear ridiculous. The concern of many fans was whether the otherworldly aspects of the franchise would be faithfully captured in the live-action adaptation. Thankfully, the VFX team has shown their willingness and love for the silliness of the original material, providing reassurance to the fans.
Narratively, One Piece has unfolded over a span of a few days, creating an immersive experience that resembles a captivating montage of semi-connected adventures. One cannot help but ponder whether the series would have been even more captivating if it had been structured as a greatest-hits event. While the scenes unfold simultaneously, each episode manages to evoke the excitement of a new and thrilling escapade. Even at the halfway point, the series continues to thrive or flounder depending on its ability to capture the hearts of its dedicated fanbase. For newcomers, it offers an exhilarating introduction to the world of these madcap pirates, enticing them to embark on a remarkable journey. However, it is worth noting that the anime itself is unquestionably superior, providing fans with countless captivating moments. In this particular episode, we are treated to the first of many humorous instances highlighting Zoro's abysmal sense of direction. These subtle yet delightful details effortlessly establish the series as a heartfelt tribute to its enamored audience.
The Straw Hats possess both their ship and a skilled sharpshooter, while the story progresses at a faster pace than the original anime, it still manages to have a significant impact. This anime-inspired swashbuckler provides ample enjoyment and stands out in a genre that Hollywood no longer produces frequently. With its endearing cartoon-like elements, it becomes even more entertaining. One Piece should not only be recognized as a rare and satisfactory anime adaptation but also as a tribute to the accomplishments of its source material.
