Adapting anime-only filler might seem like an odd thing for Netflix’sOne Pieceseason 2 to do, but one scene deserves to be included in live-action. The bane of many an anime fan’s existence, filler is the catch-all term used when a series based on a manga adds new scenes that were not present in the source material. This can take the form of a select few subtle inclusions, or can involve entirely new storylines stretching across dozens of episodes.
Compared to other long-running anime series likeNarutoandBleach,One Piece’s use of filleris relatively restrained, but anime-exclusive content can still be found in all corners of the show. Netflix’s live-actionOne Piece, of course, faces a Herculean task simply adapting Eiichiro Oda’s core story without worrying about filler. Nevertheless,One Pieceseason 2’s Loguetown arc would benefit hugely if it makes time for a poignant scene that was created especially for the anime.
One Piece Season 2 Should Include The Loguetown Bar Scene From The Anime
Because Sometimes Filler Just Works
The big beats ofOne Piece’s Loguetown arc include Smoker’s arrival, Zoro buying new swords, Luffy almost getting executed by Buggy’s alliance ofOne Piecevillains, and the spine-chilling debut of Luffy’s father, Monkey D. Dragon. Audiences can reasonably expect all of these moments to feature in Netflix’s live-actionOne Piecewhen season 2 airs. As well as those iconic scenes, however,One Piece’s anime embellished the manga’s Loguetown arc in several places, and most notably with the original character Raoul.
Raoul carries a special significance, despite not being officially canon.
A bartender by trade, Raoul is old enough to recall the original Pirate King, Gold Roger, drinking in his establishment years prior. Upon meeting Luffy, Raoul is visibly shaken by the youngster’s resolve and similarities to Roger, and the two characters share a touching exchange. After closing his bar,Raoul shows genuine faith in Luffy’s ambitious quest, validating the protagonist’s voyage onto the Grand Line.
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Othercharacters inOne Piecehave compared Luffy to Roger, but Raoul carries a special significance, despite not being officially canon. Loguetown not only represents the beginning of the Great Pirate Era, but also marks the starting point for the Grand Line and the route towards the One Piece itself. When one of the few people in Loguetown old enough to remember Roger draws a comparison between the Pirate King and Monkey D. Luffy, that means something, and begins the next chapter ofOne Pieceon an emotive and powerful note to foreshadow Luffy’s future and further Roger parallels to come.
Netflix’s One Piece Has Already Acknowledged How Similar Luffy Is To Gold Roger
The Luffy-Roger Comparison Is A Central Tenet Of One Piece
Raoul is, in fairness, not the firstOne Piececharacter to notice similarities between Luffy and Gold Roger - even within Netflix’s live-action adaptation. InOne Pieceseason 1 alone, both Red-Leg Zeff and Monkey D. Garp made the same connection. Red-Leg Zeff expressed his firm belief that Luffy possessed the spirit and determination to take Roger’s place as Pirate King, whereasGarp noted how Luffy and Roger would laugh in the same hearty and carefree way.
Raoul, however, is unique enough to warrant inclusion inOne Pieceseason 2’s Loguetownsequences. As Sanji’s mentor and Luffy’s grandfather, respectively, both Zeff and Garp possess a vested interest in Luffy’s success, even if Garp would rather that success came as a marine, not a pirate. Raoul carries no ties to Luffy or the Straw Hat Pirates, no skin in the game whatsoever - just a vague memory of the great Gold Roger. For that reason, Raoul taking Luffy’s Pirate King claim seriously, and in Loguetown of all places, says something about the two pirates thatOne Pieceseason 1 did not.
One Piece’s Loguetown Episodes Could Give Us Some Important Gold Roger Flashbacks
The More Roger, The Better
The other benefit ofOne Pieceseason 2 adapting Loguetown’s bar sequence with Raoul is the opportunity for flashbacks starring Gold Roger himself. Emulating the anime and manga,One Pieceseason 1 showed only brief glimpses of Roger, usually midway through being executed. Delving into Raoul’s memories would offer a rare chance for a Roger flashback where the Pirate King is in his prime years.
Raoul and his bar offer the perfect compromise.
AsOne Piece’s story progresses,Roger’s role in history becomes increasingly more relevant, making the character not just the man who kick-started Luffy’s adventure, but a crucial through-line for the entire series. Showing slightly more of Roger inOne Pieceseason 2 would help to keep him involved in the narrative, and rather than reusing season 1’s footage of Roger’s body and head about to part ways, Luffy visiting Raoul’s bar can facilitate brand-new Roger flashbacks.
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It’s far too early to show Gold Roger in full swing, fighting enemies and sailing the seas (although live-actionOne Piececould get there eventually). Raoul and his bar offer the perfect compromise by revealing a younger Roger, while still saving the reveal of his abilities and introductions to crew members for a future episode.
One Piece
Cast
One Piece follows young pirate Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew as they embark on a daring quest for treasure. Released in 2023, the film brings the adventurous world of the popular manga to life, capturing Luffy’s relentless pursuit of the legendary One Piece treasure.
