This week’s episode started with a literal bang. Our trio are racing through history, first securing food and shelter and now creating gunpowder and explosives. But as we have been told by countless Spider-man films: with great power, comes great responsibility. Our trio will have to handle their weapons of science with care and with a level head. 

Japanese Original Episode Title: 狼煙をあげろ

Plot

The trio successful concocts gunpowder, but by doing so have made a mini explosion. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but there is a lot of smoke. The smoke ends up being a double-edged sword. On the one hand, other people in the forest have made their presence known by making smoke signals of their own – yay. On the nay side, Tsukasa can easily pinpoint their location. Taiju leaves the group to find wood to strengthen the smoke signal, and while he is away, Tsukasa appears. He takes Yuzuriha hostage and forces the recipe for the miracle water out of Senku. It’s clear that he doesn’t want to harm Senku, but what’s even more clear is that he will anyway to ensure his perfect world comes to fruition. 

Episode Highlights

Taiju: We always knew Taiju was a good guy (he has an unwavering belief and support for his friend Senku) and we also saw he made clothes for Yuzuriha so she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable after being depetrified (even if I’m not a fan of his fashion choices). This week, Taiju once again showed respect and love towards Yuzuriha, deciding not to confess to her. Taiju recognized that Yuzuriha may feel cornered and even pressured to accept his confession, and if she did not, it would be uncomfortable between them. Taiju may not have the scientific brains of Senku, but he certainly has some emotional intellect and a good heart. 

Haircut: Oh gosh, Yuzuriha looks even cuter with shorter hair. While definitely not the way you want to get your hair cut, it definitely suits her! 

More baby Senku: Can we all take a moment to appreciate how adorable Senku was as a kid? But as cute as he is, the segment was particularly touching in showing how Senku has had constant support for his gifts and himself throughout his life from his father and his friends. It’s another point that divides him and Tsukasa. Where Senku was loved and encouraged, it seems Tsukasa was isolated.

Comments

Finally, a bit of a sizzle has been introduced to a series I was finding bland. These short scenes for each of the characters have done far more to show their personalities than the last three episodes put together. I’m finally getting a sense of who Taiju and Senku are outside of strongman and braniac. Their support and trust in one another was never in doubt, but I needed more from them; something that wasn’t stereotypical like the undying friendship between shonen protagonists. Taiju is unfolding as someone with a genuinely good heart and Senku as someone dedicated and motivated towards his goals. I’d like a little more, but for now, it’s better than it was. 

Yuzuriha, on the other hand, has cemented herself as my favorite character. As I hadn’t been getting much from Senku and Taiju, truth be told, I had written her off as a bland heroine. But I’m so SO glad that I was wrong. She’s smart, fearless, and can certainly hold her own against a fearsome opponent. Out of all the characters we’ve seen so far, I’m the most intrigued by Yusuriha, and I can’t wait to see how much more she’ll grow during the series.

This week’s episode showed us that there are more people out there in Stone World. However, as we’re just starting to scratch the surface of our three heroes, I don’t think introducing more characters at this stage is the right direction to go. Let’s hope the group stays isolated for just a little while more, so we can get more of a feel for who they are. 

Fire Starter

We’re finally getting a chance to learn more about each of the characters. But with new characters on the horizon, I’m unsure if it’ll be enough. Will the series turn into a muddy mess of one-dimensional characters, or will some actual interesting character arcs be introduced? Only time will tell. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait 3700 years for it. 

NEXT TIME:  Stone World The Beginning

Dr. Stone

Summer 2019 | Anime Info | Simulcast