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One Piece
Episode 1134

by Grant Jones,

How would you rate episode 1134 of
One Piece (TV 1999) ?
Community score: 4.4

op1134.png
© Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation

Episode 1134 of One Piece at last brings Kuma's flashback to its inevitable - and agonizing - conclusion.

We've known this was coming for a long time, yet it still hurts something fierce. This is a great example of the way delivery matters more than simple knowledge. The ending of Kuma becoming a ruthless servant of the World Government is a plot point that has been “spoiled” for decades. But how you tell a story, how you let its particulars fall into place, can have more impact than the actual events themselves. The agony comes from knowing this has a tragic end - and in fact, knowing the how too! We know the outcome of Vegapunk's surgeries and that when Kuma walks away from Bonney, that is the last time he will see her.

But it still hits you right in the gut.

The fact that it remains impactful is a testament to Oda's storytelling and the Toei team's efforts to bring this tale to life. The careful pacing and framing of these events, from the half-chanced glimpses and tearful goodbyes to the somber dances and looks of shocked disbelief from around the world at Kuma's transformation, are all handled beautifully. Kuma's flashback illustrates one of the many unique strengths that this series has over others: the ability to hint at an idea and wait to deliver on it for decades. Even if they didn't stick the landing, it would be an impressive effort. The fact that it works so well is a grand triumph.

I normally might quibble about a few bits here or there, but I honestly can't think of any negatives in this week's episode. I also may have been distracted by seeing Nico Yeehawbin in her full Miss All Sunday regalia once again and have giant pulsing hearts for pupils - forgive me, I am only human.

Rating:

One Piece is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

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