In Season 1, Episode 4 of the Netflix series One Piece, titled “The Pirates Are Coming,” the narrative continues the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy), Nami (Emily Rudd), and Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu). Zoro wakes up and attempts several times to escape the well. His failures force him to relive his memories of Shimotsuki Village, where Shimotsuki Koushirou (Nathan Castle) and his daughter, Shimotsuki Kuina (Audrey Cymone), inspired him to become the greatest swordsman in the world. However, Kuina died after falling down the stairs, prompting the young Zoro (Maximilian Lee Piazza) to train harder to achieve his goal. Soon, Zoro escapes the well after reliving his childhood memory, sparking his motivation to continue his life’s dream and mission to be the greatest swordsman in the world.
Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson) brings Koby (Morgan Davies), Helmeppo (Aidan Scott), and the Marines to Kaya’s (Celeste Loots) mansion. However, Kuro dissuades the Marines by using his false identity as a loyal butler and hands over an unconscious Luffy to the Marines to drive them away. Later, Zoro saves Luffy from the Marines, and the two return to the mansion to resume their fight against Kuro (Alexander Maniatis) and the Black Cat Pirates. At Kaya’s home, Kaya and Nami hide from Kuro, who mocks Kaya as a spoiled rich child and antagonizes her due to Kuro’s hatred of being a butler long enough to steal her family’s wealth. Nevertheless, the combined efforts and bravery of Luffy, Nami, Zoro, and Usopp help save Kaya and defeat the Black Cat Pirates, forcing Kuro to escape the island and return to his life of piracy.
As a reward and gratitude for being saved, Kaya buys a ship with a sheep’s head as its figurehead, which Merry helped design for Luffy and his friends to use. In honor of Kaya’s lawyer, Merry, Luffy names the ship the Going Merry. Usopp joins Luffy and his friends after accepting Luffy’s invitation because of his desire to become a pirate like his father. As the group sets sail, Vice-Admiral Garp (Vincent Regan), whom Luffy revealed to his friends as his grandfather Monkey D. Garp, gives chase to stop his grandson from becoming a pirate and to protect him from the wrath of the World Government.
Usopp: The Fourth Member and the Sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates
In One Piece Season 1, Episode 4, Director Emma Sullivan, writers Tiffany Greshler & Tom Hyndman, and the legendary Eiichiro Oda delivered an engaging story adaptation. The Syrup Village Arc is a crucial segment in the early stages of the One Piece narrative, with the introduction of significant characters, establishing thematic elements, and providing insights into the world-building that underpins the series.
The episode adeptly captures the essence of the original manga’s storytelling, emphasizing the character development of Roronoa Zoro and his poignant recollections of his past in Shimotsuki Village. Zoro’s journey to become the greatest swordsman is deeply rooted in his childhood memories, particularly his encounter with Shimotsuki Koushirou and the tragic death of his friend Kuina. These elements are fundamental to Zoro’s character arc, highlighting the emotional depth and motivation that drive him.
Moreover, the episode delves into the dynamics of the Syrup Village Arc, where the Straw Hat Pirates, led by Monkey D. Luffy, encounter Usopp, a charismatic storyteller who dreams of becoming a brave warrior across the sea. Usopp’s role in this arc extends beyond mere comic relief; it foreshadows his later significance in the overall narrative. His joining of Luffy’s crew is done so by his desire to emulate his father, Yasopp, a member of the Red-Haired Pirates. This aspiration adds a layer of complexity to Usopp’s character, linking his dreams to the broader theme of familial connections within the world of piracy.
The narrative also explores the challenges faced by the Straw Hat Pirates as they confront the villainous Captain Kuro and the Black Cat Pirates. Kaya’s involvement in the plot, her struggle against Kuro’s manipulation, and the subsequent resolution underscore themes of friendship, bravery, and the fight against injustice—a recurring motif throughout the One Piece series.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Going Merry, Kaya’s gift to the Straw Hat Pirates, symbolizes the crew’s progression of building a bond between the characters. The ship, designed by Merry, becomes an integral part of the crew’s journey, reinforcing the importance of camaraderie and shared goals in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Season 1, Episode 4 of One Piece successfully translates the Syrup Village Arc from the manga, capturing the essence of Oda’s storytelling. The episode showcases the individual growth of characters like Zoro and Usopp, setting the stage for the overarching themes of friendship, determination, and the pursuit of dreams that define the One Piece saga. Director Emma Sullivan, Writers Tiffany Greshler & Tom Hyndman, and Eiichiro Oda have collaboratively delivered an episode that contributes meaningfully to the larger narrative of the series.
Rating: 9/10