And so ends Dr.STONE, at least until next year when the announced 2nd season comes out. Its been a series of highs and lows, but one I ultimately enjoyed, and this episode is no different. As we get one more heartwarming moment of humanity, some comedy and a teaser of what is to come. Lets dive in!
Starting off, this episode was actually a nice look back at the season and all that was accomplished. Of course some of it was just raw montage’s of what happened. But most of it was presented in an organic way. Such as instead of raw flashbacks, we just cut to shots of the actual creations themselves. From the ramen stand or the forges, etc etc. Another good example of this was the juxtaposition between when the astronauts were making the record. Showing Senku and crew making a record player in the present, mimicking their bonds through the milenia. For what has partially a recap episode, it was nicely put together and felt more like a look back at how far we had come. Now though, let’s move on to the meat.
First up, the record. I have seen some complaints about this record, in how ridiculous it is. How Byakuya had to predict Senku would be the one to listen to it, etc etc. To me that’s ridiculous, it’s quite obvious that it was just pointless hope on his part. Hope that his son would one day survive and listen to his last words. That minor complaint aside, I thought it was a well done moment to end on. Not only was the song itself not half bad, but once again we got that glimpse into the past. Letting the villagers see a world they could never dream of, for only a moment. That shot of human wonder and excitement at the possibilities that exist and are still yet to be discovered. It was a good time.
I don’t want to spoil to much about the review, as I have started writing it now. So I will actually be doing my best to keep this post short. A small preview though, I think it is a fantastic thing that Season 2 has already been announced. As one of the biggest fears/issues with these kinds of shows like Dr.STONE is how the story is incomplete. For instance Tsukasa is undefeated and remains at large. Senku has no idea what caused the stone effect or really anything at all about this new world. Yet here we are at the finale, closing out at the start of another huge arc. So the assurance that a second season is coming actually helps assuage a lot of my fears in regards to the story itself.
As a small preview for that final review though, how was this final episode? For me, it summed up all of the most important things that make up Dr.STONE. The human elements, the science, the stills and the occasional bit of comedy. All hitting at just the right times to keep my engaged. No, its not a particularly ambitious series, but it is a very human one. Celebrating our species and our achievements. For some of the more cynical, perhaps there isn’t anything worth celebrating. From how corporate culture works, to guns to social issues, perhaps this rubs them the wrong way. But for me, Dr.STONE is a feel good non-battle battle shounen that’s worth a watch when you want some wacky fun. And if you want a more detailed explanation as to why, wait for the full review next week. I’ll see ya then!
