Dr. Stone: Season 1, Episode 1 “Stone World” [Series Premiere] – Recap, Review (with Spoilers)

Dr. Stone is an odd comedy which sets an interesting foundation, but it’s hard to say what it’s long term potential might be.

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Network
Crunchyroll
Creator(s)		Riichiro Inagaki
Director(s)		Shinya Iino
Writer(s)		Kido Yuuichirou
Air Date		7/5/2019
Genre(s)		Sci-Fi, Comedy, Adventure
Good If You Like		Buddy Comedies Featuring Two Complete Opposites
Isn’t For You If You		Don’t Like When One Friend Is A Sarcastic Ass & The Other One Simple
Introduced This Episode
Senku	Kobayashi Yuusuke
Taiju	Ichinose Kana
Yuzuriha	Furukawa Makoto

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The Introduction

Sometime in or around the year 2038, a green wave engulfs the planet Earth and turns humans and birds into stone. After 3700 years, one of the first humans to emerge from the stone is Senku. From what it appears, Senku is a scientist. A slightly mad, highly sarcastic, and definitely patronizing, scientist. But, one who is smart enough to survive despite mother nature taking the world back over.

However, that won’t be for long. Senku, after 6 months, is joined by his friend Taiju, someone who lacks intellect but is kind and strong, and they use their strengths to compensate for the other’s weakness. This leads to, after a year, not only the making of wine and survival, but also the formula to undo the petrification which has plagued humanity. Leaving the only thing to ask: Who should be the third person awakened?

Other Noteworthy Facts & Moments

• When Taiju awakens, it is October 5^th, 5738

Highlights

It Could Become Interesting

Episode 1, “Stone World” is strictly about introducing Senku, Taiju, and Taiju’s love interest Yuzuriha. However, going by previews, it seems between battles over Senku’s tech, as well as others who will emerge from a petrified state, things can get interesting. There are no guarantees, but there is a possibility.

On The Fence

There Isn’t Much Of A Hook

Unfortunately, Dr. Stone is a 24 episode anime which means either we’re currently at the high point or it’ll be spotty. Which makes the fact episode 1 doesn’t blow you away a bit scary since pilot should be what sets the tone and is what the show builds off of. So as much as the foundation is decently built, I can’t say this Dexter/ Dee Dee, Pinky/ The Brain, or any other smart/ dumb combination you can think of, can really go the distance and maintain a sense of quality.

Yet, again, there is hope that as tribes form and there are fights over Senku’s inventions, and others come up with their own offensive and defensive measures, something awesome could come from this. Especially considering some of the character designs make Senku and Taiju’s potential foes look formidable. Making it so if peace does come, it won’t be easy and will either call for death of treaties after all-out wars.

First Impression: Mixed (Stick Around)

Generally speaking, most shows, particularly in their first season, take anywhere from 3 episodes to reaching the halfway mark to prove whether they are good or not. Which is why the first episode has to be so good for that shows off its potential. For me, Dr. Stone’s first episode was lukewarm, and the main reason I want to continue is because it appears to have promise. Yet, how many 24 episode animes have we watched which repeatedly created a sense of hope in previews that was never reached? I’m sure we all can name a few.

But, despite some apprehension, I say this is worth sticking to. While the personalities of Senku and Taiju feel like they stem from a classic 90s cartoon, just with far less slapstick comedy, there seems to be far more to this show than them as a comedic duo. Which, to me, is what’ll keep you around all the way till the season finale.

Here is hoping I’m right.

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