Episode 1122 was a high point before the show went on hiatus for a long time.
This episode is both a send-off and a celebration. Kapp gets the former and a chance to shine again at what he does best: hitting the ball hard. Of course, he does this amidst all the visual pomp and circumstance we enjoy from the film. Toei team in recent years. But it’s also a celebration of Kobe and Helmeppo, many of whom not only delivered a punch of their own, but also went on an emotional journey about who and what he wanted to protect. The desperate running on the Hive Titan’s arms highlights this, and his fear for the safety of his fellow Marines is special.
It’s easy to forget how important Kobe was to long-term audiences. Or at least, I forget easily until the series reminds me. Kobe is the first character Ruf (and we) encounter on this journey. His rise through the Navy ranks may not have occurred at the exact same time as Ruf’s emergence, but seeing the progress he’s made is just as impactful. The episode also cleverly juxtaposes Bryant and Kuzan as Garp’s protégés who chose different paths. Even the joy and sorrow experienced by Garp and Coby in the final moments of Aokiji standing in impassive silence are telling.
Another particularly important point in this week’s episode is the use of color. There are many great moments where characters turn monochromatic to indicate intent, emotion, or simply who they’re talking to. Kobe’s flashes of color against the dark void look fantastic. Although I will feel sad that there is nothing new one piece It was certainly a great climactic episode that brought it to a standstill for the next few months.
