Norman

Isabella, a Great Villain

Geoff from Mother’s Basement kind of already did a great video about this topic that articulated a lot of what makes the one known as Mama great, but I think they are worth reiterating here. One of the most important reasons is because of the justification behind a lot of Isabella’s actions. Isabella sees as herself as a caretaker, indeed something like a mother. Because of this, in her eyes, all of the actions she takes to stop the kids in their quest to escape is justified. Whether it be locking Ray in a room or breaking Emma’s leg, she does this all because she cares.

This creates a very twisted sense of empathy where, on the one hand, you understand in a way why she does the things that she does: because she genuinely believes that all of the kids will be better off, but on the other hand, she is still to blame for all of the horrible things that she does to them.

Norman

…Well, that was unfortunate.

Seriously, though, I am definitely holding out for a possible Norman comeback in season two. Of course, the reason being is that unlock sister Crone, we never actually see Norman die, only that he goes off into a side room. Any manga readers out there: No spoilers, please and thank you.

Ray: The Son of Isabella

The last episode reveal that Ray is actually Isabella’s son was well timed, if nothing else. It definitely served to humanize and put into perspective a lot of her actions, even if they definitely were not acceptable whatsoever. I can imagine this being a source of contention for Ray later on in the story, assuming it goes where I think its going to go.

How did you guys feel about season one of The Promised Neverland? Let me know in the comments below. Also, if you would like to support The Aniwriter or are just feeling generous, consider donating on ko-fi or by using one of the affiliate links below:

If you can’t, or just don’t feel like it, no worries. Thank you all for reading, and goodbye, for now, friends!

Welcome, weebs, to Animated Observations

I’m a bit late on starting these for this season, but a lot of my work ethic has been sorely diminished by my inability to get any sleep whatsoever.

Part of the reason that I personally talk about shows in this one episode format is that it is interesting to see how much effort a show puts into drawing an audience in. That is the most important aspect of a first episode, after all. However, I think I can safely say that after watching The Promised Neverland that this is by far one of the best first episodes I have ever seen, and I promise you I do not say that lightly.

For those who are not aware, The Promised Neverland is a story about The Grace Field House, an orphanage run by a woman who all the kids refer to as “momma.” Emma, Norman, and Ray are the smartest kids in their family of 38, and one day find out something they weren’t supposed to. As one of the orphans Cindy is leaving, Norman and Emma find out that the reason the kids are being held there is to feed Demons.

Part of the reason that I said this is one of the best first episodes I have ever seen is because it has a lot of really good set-up for the story to come. One example of this is the way it builds up a lot of dramatic tension in the span of just twenty minutes. A lot of the credit for that can be owed to the music. When the kids go near the gate that momma tells them to never go near, the music gets creepier, alluding to the fate that is revealed at the end of the first episode.

There is also a scene where the creepy music picks up again, but instead of the kids being near the wall, the shots focus on the numbers that are on their backs, as well as when the kids are taking some kind of test in a dimly lit room. Both of these allude to the fact that the demons that momma is selling the kids to are looking for a certain “quality” kid, and that eventually they want to come back for higher quality kids.

Another great part of the set-up of The Promised Neverland is the way the three main characters, Norman, Emma, and Ray, are established quickly and effectively. The best example of this is during their game of tag. After playing a game of tag in which Norman wins fairly easily, the main three take a break and discuss their strengths. Emma is established as the most athletic of the group, Norman is the most intellectual of the three, and Ray is given the title of the best tactician.

There is honestly so much to talk about in regards to the show’s first episode that I think I might even do another post entirely to just so I can give it more praise. However, if you take away one thing from this post, it’s that, even if the rest of The Promised Neverland ends up being mediocre or bad, you owe it to yourself to watch at least the first episode.

What do you guys think of the first episode of The Promised Neverland? How does it compare to the other first episodes of the season? Let me know in the comments below. If you guys want to support The Aniwriter, or are just feeling generous, consider donating on Ko-fi or using one of my affiliate links to buy stuff: