It’s no secret that I haven’t been enjoying Dr. Stone. It’s not a bad series, but it’s just very meh. Despite this, I’ve still tried to look forward to each weekly episode. ‘Maybe this is the episode that will change everything’, I tell myself; ‘maybe I’ll finally see what everyone loves about it’. Now, that didn’t quite happen, but I did enjoy this week’s episode enough that I didn’t have to force myself to look forward to next week’s. So, let’s jump in and see what happened to the stone gang!
Tsukasa delivers the killing blow to Senku, seemingly having won over science. Taiju and Yuzuriha work together to escape from Tsukasa with Senku’s body. They make another explosion and run as Tsukasa is disorientated. Once in the clear, they try to find some clues on how to revive Senku. Both believe that Senku would not sacrifice himself without a plan, nay, would ever sacrifice himself. Senku would always find an option where everyone survives. They find a small piece of stone on the back of his neck and use the revival fluid. Senku is back!
An odd opening: I don’t know if I was especially picky, but did anyone else notice how this episode started off on a really low animation point? The images just looked pretty rough, and there were some odd close ups like of Tsukasa’s nostrils. The animation only picked up when Tsukasa started imagining his life as Senku’s friend.
A life with you: Ahh the segment of Tsukasa imagining growing up with Senku, Taiju, and Yuzuriha was quite heart wrenching. You can see another girl with them, who could be his sister, happy and healthy, walking with them. It’s interesting to imagine what kind of person Tsukasa could have become if he had this life he dreamed of.
Yuzuriha & Taiju: I love tag teams in anime series and this week we got to see Yuzuriha and Taiju in action! Their quick thinking combined with Taiju’s strength and Yuzuriha’s dexterity made for a formidable couple. I have a feeling that even without Senku, the two of them could make it in Stone World!
Beautiful shots: As I say each week, Dr. Stone really excels in its landscape images. This week we got to see a stunning sunset, as well as a large wide view of Stone World with Mt Fuji in the background.
I had a lot of fun with this week’s episode, and I think that it has highlighted why I haven’t liked this series so far. Week after week I’ve complained about the dynamic between Senku and Taiju. I just don’t buy into it. It’s cheesy, bland, and bordering on cliche. But that’s not to say I don’t like these characters. I was excited seeing Taiju and Yuzuriha working together, not being overcome by their emotions but instead carrying on Senku’s will. I was moved seeing Taiju crying over Senku and reminiscing on their high school life. On the flip side, I laughed at the segments of Senku when he first woke up. I was impressed by how much work he did and how far he came with the resources at his disposal. I think Taiju and Senku are fantastic characters. But I just don’t like their dynamic and the scenes they have together.
This week’s Dr. Stone was definitely a step in the right direction. I really enjoyed the division between the time spent with Taiju/Yuzuriha and the scenes with Senku. While probably not their intention, it gave me a chance to appreciate the characters independently of one another. Maybe when they come back together next week, I’ll have a new appreciation for Taiju and Senku’s friendship. I’m sure you hope it will happen, just as much as I do – you won’t have to see complain about it for another review! I guess we’re in it for the long run with nineteen episodes to go.
NEXT TIME: Two Nations of the Stone World
The summer anime season is over. We had a few refreshing titles that kept us company through the hot months, but fall is bringing so many new titles and a few sequels we’ve been waiting for a long time.
