"One Piece Episode of Merry: The Tale of One More Friend" is a 2013 TV special that retells one of the most heart-wrenching and memorable moments in One Piece: the farewell to the beloved Going Merry. Adapted from the iconic "Water 7" and "Enies Lobby" arcs, the special aims to condense dozens of episodes into a streamlined narrative, focusing on the ship that became a cherished crew member.
Strengths:
The special shines in its portrayal of the emotional bond between the Straw Hat Pirates and their first ship. The tragic yet beautiful farewell to the Going Merry is brought to life with powerful animation and a moving soundtrack. The updated visuals offer a refreshing take on classic scenes, with fluid animation and vibrant colors that elevate the emotional impact. The expressions of grief, determination, and nostalgia are vividly portrayed, capturing the essence of Eiichiro Oda's original story.
The voice acting is stellar, particularly from Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Kazuya Nakai (Zoro), and Ikue Otani (Chopper). The cast delivers heart-wrenching performances that convey the crew's anguish and love for their ship. The special also effectively uses flashbacks to remind viewers of the adventures shared aboard the Merry, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia.
Weaknesses:
While the special succeeds in delivering the emotional core of the story, it suffers from the constraints of condensing a lengthy saga into a 100-minute runtime. The pacing feels rushed, and key plot points are glossed over, reducing the buildup that made the original arcs so impactful. Characters who played significant roles, like Franky and the Galley-La Company, are sidelined, resulting in a less nuanced narrative.
Additionally, some fans may feel the streamlined approach loses the sense of gradual tension and development that the original episodes captured so well. The emotional weight of Merry's farewell hits hard but would resonate deeper with those familiar with the entire saga. Newcomers may struggle to grasp the depth of the bond without the context provided by the full arcs.
Conclusion:
"One Piece Episode of Merry" is a heartfelt and visually stunning tribute to a beloved chapter in the Straw Hat Pirates' journey. It successfully captures the bittersweet farewell and reminds fans why the Going Merry was more than just a ship. While the special's condensed format limits the emotional buildup and sacrifices character depth, it remains a touching homage to the Straw Hats' first true friend. Longtime fans will find themselves wiping away tears, while newcomers may be left wanting more context. Nonetheless, it's a nostalgic and tear-jerking ride worth taking.
RATING 5/10 I THINK IS A WASTE OF TIME.
