No, skipping episode 907 of One Piece is strongly discouraged, especially for new or first-time viewers. While it might seem like a slower-paced episode, it lays crucial groundwork for the Wano Country arc’s climax and deepens the understanding of vital character motivations and relationships.
Understanding the Significance of Episode 907
Episode 907, titled “Approaching! The Queen and the Plague Bullet!”, primarily focuses on the events happening in the Udon Prisoner Mine and the Flower Capital in Wano. Although lacking large-scale action sequences, it’s a critical episode for several reasons:
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Character Development: The episode showcases the internal struggles of key characters like Hyogoro and strengthens the bond between Luffy and the prisoners. It also provides further insight into the strategies and ambitions of the Beast Pirates, particularly Queen.
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Plot Advancement: Episode 907 directly leads into the escalation of events that define the latter half of the Wano arc. Crucial pieces of information are revealed that directly impact Luffy’s strategy and the alliance’s overall plan.
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Worldbuilding: The episode offers further glimpses into the culture and living conditions of the people of Wano, deepening the emotional investment in their liberation. Understanding this context is vital for appreciating the impact of the upcoming battles.
Therefore, skipping it would create gaps in understanding and diminish the emotional resonance of future events. This is especially true as the Wano arc’s narrative complexity requires viewers to be fully informed.
Delving Deeper: Answering Your Burning Questions
Let’s address some common concerns and misconceptions about skipping episode 907 and other similar episodes in One Piece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 FAQs to help you better navigate the complex world of One Piece pacing:
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Is episode 907 considered a “filler” episode? No, episode 907 is not filler. It contains canon material directly from the manga and contributes significantly to the overall story arc. The pacing might be slower compared to more action-packed episodes, but it is integral to the narrative.
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What exactly happens in episode 907 that is so important? The episode depicts the increasing desperation of the Udon prisoners under Queen’s harsh rule. It showcases Queen experimenting with the “Plague Rounds” on prisoners who attempt to escape, highlighting his cruelty and the dire situation Luffy is facing. Furthermore, we see the increasing loyalty of the prisoners to Luffy as he gains their trust and prepares them for battle. There’s also significant development related to the Okobore Town storyline.
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I’ve heard the One Piece anime has pacing issues. Does episode 907 contribute to this? The pacing can be a valid concern for some viewers. Episode 907, like other episodes within the Wano arc, does sometimes extend scenes and dialogues beyond their equivalent length in the manga. This contributes to the overall perception of slow pacing, but it doesn’t mean the content is unimportant.
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If I’m really pressed for time, what parts of episode 907 are the absolute must-watch moments? If you are truly pressed for time, focus on the scenes involving: Queen and the Plague Rounds, Luffy’s continued training and inspirational speeches to the prisoners, and any scenes revealing updates from other parts of Wano (like the Flower Capital). However, watching the entire episode is still recommended.
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How does episode 907 connect to future episodes in the Wano arc? Episode 907 sets the stage for the prison rebellion and the eventual clash against Queen and the Beast Pirates. The desperation and loyalty seen in the episode are crucial motivators for the prisoners when the fighting begins. Furthermore, the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of Queen’s Plague Rounds plays a significant role later on.
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Are there any alternative sources to get the same information presented in episode 907? Yes, you can read the corresponding chapters in the One Piece manga. However, the anime provides visual and auditory enhancements that enrich the experience and may offer a deeper emotional impact. You could also find detailed summaries online, but be wary of spoilers.
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Does skipping episode 907 impact the understanding of specific character arcs? Absolutely. The character arc of Hyogoro, specifically, is greatly affected. Seeing his resilience and the respect he gains from Luffy during the events of Udon is vital for understanding his actions later in the war. Luffy’s leadership development is also showcased as he inspires those around him.
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Are there any potential benefits to skipping episode 907? The only potential benefit would be saving time. However, the drawbacks significantly outweigh this advantage, making it an ill-advised decision.
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Is episode 907 better or worse than other “slow-paced” episodes in One Piece? It’s subjective, but generally, it is considered to be less egregious than some other slow-paced episodes. It still contains valuable information, while some other episodes might dedicate excessive time to recaps or less consequential moments.
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How can I improve my viewing experience to better handle slower-paced episodes like 907? Consider watching the episode at a slightly faster playback speed (1.25x or 1.5x) if available. You can also watch with a friend or in a group to make the experience more engaging. Additionally, avoid distractions and focus on the story to appreciate the nuances of the narrative.
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If the anime stretches out the manga content, why not just read the manga exclusively? Reading the manga is a perfectly valid option. However, the anime adds value through its voice acting, animation, music, and overall presentation. Many fans enjoy both mediums for their respective strengths. The anime also sometimes adds small, well-integrated scenes that enhance the experience.
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What is the overall consensus among One Piece fans regarding skipping episodes during the Wano arc? The overwhelming consensus is that skipping episodes is generally not recommended, especially on a first viewing. While acknowledging the pacing issues, most fans agree that understanding the context and character developments is crucial for enjoying the overall arc. Certain episodes might be less impactful than others, but even those contribute to the overall atmosphere and understanding of the world.
Final Verdict: Is Skipping Episode 907 Worth It?
While the pacing of One Piece can be a point of contention, skipping episode 907 presents more disadvantages than advantages. The episode, although slower-paced, is far from filler and contributes significantly to the overall narrative, character development, and worldbuilding of the Wano Country arc. New viewers, in particular, should avoid skipping it to fully appreciate the unfolding events and emotional depth of the story. While there may be instances where skipping less essential episodes is acceptable for returning viewers, episode 907 does not fall into that category. Embrace the full One Piece experience, even with its pacing quirks, and you will be rewarded with a richer and more satisfying journey.