The live action adaptation of One Piece, the popular Shonen manga, set off with strong winds in the sails. Does it keep that same energy through the rest of the season though? Good news for fans is, the series is shaping up to be pretty damn good when it comes to quality. So, time to dig into what One Piece got right in Episode 2, “The Man in the Straw Hat”.
This article will remain spoiler-free for any who don’t watch the show or read the manga. Instead, we focus only on the episode (there will be a full season review later). That said, these reviews are being written by a massive fan of the source material with the most unbiased view possible. So, have no fear of spoilers or finding out some life-changing plot twist, and enjoy the world of One Piece!
What Happens in “The Man in the Straw Hat” episode?
Episode Two, The Man in the Straw Hat, sees the newly formed Straw Hat Pirates heading toward Orange Town. This small town is just another port on the way to the Grand Line. They’re quickly stopped by a strange gas bomb that knocks them all out. Luffy quickly swallows the map to the Grand Line. The crew come face to face with Buggy the Clown and his pirate crew. They’re the ones who are holding the citizens of Orange Town hostage, and responsible for wrecking the village.
The crew have to figure out a way to fight Buggy, meanwhile flashbacks to Luffy’s childhood with Shanks happen, giving insight to how Luffy got the Straw Hat. When Shanks was due to leave Windmill Village, Luffy was particularly upset, and in turn captured by the mountain bandit. While Shanks’ crew fought off the bandits (with the entire crew getting awesome moments) the leader reaches a boat. He takes off with Luffy to the sea, the child fighting back the entire way.
Shanks Saves Luffy
One of the formative parts of Luffy’s backstory is portrayed beautifully here in live action. When the mountain bandit takes him out to sea in a life boat, Shanks quickly chases them out. Not before they’re attacked by a massive sea serpent though. The King of the Coast circles the boat before knocking Luffy and the bandit in, quickly devouring the bandit as Luffy begins to sink. The power of his Devil Fruit means the sea rejects him, and he’s incredibly weak while being unable to swim.
Luffy escapes drowning at the last possible moment thanks to Shanks, who pulls him up onto the boat. Not before the King of the Coast attacks though, and takes Shanks’ arm in the process. Despite this, he gives the King of the Coast a look and uses an unknown (to new watchers) power to make the giant serpent flee. Now safe, he promises Luffy he’s okay and not to worry about his arm, bringing the child back to Windmill Village safely. This entire sequence is fantastic, with great acting from Shanks’ actor Peter Gadiot.
Buggy the Clown!
This episode’s villain, Buggy is a menace to Orange Town, which he destroys before taking the Straw Hats captive. While Luffy stays for torture in front of the captive residents of Orange Town, the others stay in the green room. This gives some nice time for Zoro and Nami to bond a little, with some insight into Zoro’s newfound trust in Luffy. Buggy takes the spotlight of the episode though, as the Genius Jester makes a mark in his debut.
Jeff Ward is taking obvious delight in playing the character, nailing the vibe of menace toward normal citizens. Then there are the points where his jokes fall flat and the clown’s true nature slips through. He’s really just an idiot, followed by even more idiots, and is constantly failing despite all of his theatrics. The reveal of his Chop-Chop Fruit powers is fantastic. His head flying off from a Gum-Gum Pistol before wisecracking to the poor kid he lands on is hilarious. The joy and maniacal glee Ward shows as Buggy is amazing, perfectly capturing an integral character of One Piece.
Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates
Peter Gadiot really gets a chance to shine in the episode, but so does the crew. Getting a chance to see Yasopp, Lucky Roux, and Ben Beckman in action along with Shanks was awesome. The little trick shot Yasopp pulls off is fantastic, and only gives a hint of the talent involved in the Red-Hair Pirates. Also, Lucky Roux’s little “If you’re lucky!” exchange when they is hilarious.
But damn the scene of Shanks giving Luffy his Straw Hat was just everything that One Piece is about. Those dreams of being greater than your heroes, with a desire to surpass them by leaps and bounds, is essential point of the story. Shanks gives the straw hat to Luffy as sign of a pact they make. Luffy is still honoring it to this day when he fights Shanks’ former crew mate, Buggy the Clown.
Straw Hats Work Together
The standout scene of the episode was definitely the three Straw Hat members forming a plan to take down Buggy. Showing off his Chop-Chop Festival move was awesome, while the swirling body parts made a terrifying sight. One awesome detail is in how each Straw Hat takes down parts of Buggy’s body to put them in the trunks by the end. Luffy of course uses his powers to grab and throw them, Nami knocks them away, while Zoro… straight up stabs them.
Seriously, they’ve set Zoro up so far as ruthless and it’s awesome to see the brutality of the infamous Pirate Hunter. Even better is it gives a sign that Buggy isn’t unbeatable, and has weaknesses. Other than sea water, of course. Also, big shout out for pulling off mini-Buggy and the Gum-Gum Bazooka, giving a manga-faithful end to the infamous battle despite numerous changes.
Who is Garp?
First thing to say about Garp’s appearance in the live action adaptation- the hat is fabulous. The Vice Admiral of the Marines is everything his character is in the manga with the gravitas and stature to pull it off. Everyone is a little surprised by the Scottish accent sure, but it works for the character’s commanding nature. What new fans will learn is that Garp is a hero of the Navy, and has power that should make any pirate fear his name.
Also, Garp feeding his Transponder Snail lettuce is absolutely adorable. His interrogation of Koby is a fantastic introduction that shows he considers justice to be based on values, not rules.
Final Thoughts
The second episode of One Piece live action, The Man in the Straw Hat, continues a fantastic adventure. The introduction of Buggy and more powers lends everything an even more ridiculous edge, but it still manages to keep the camp and seriousness balance needed to pull it all off. One Piece live action finishes episode two strong, with the characters coming to mesh even better on screen than the first. Check out our review of episode three to continue on with the season!
9/10
One Piece Live Action serial is available to stream on Netflix in the United States.
