Episode 1: “Departure × And × Friends”
Air Date: October 2, 2011
Written by: Atsushi Maekawa
Directed by: Hiroshi Kōjina
Summary:
In the premiere episode of Hunter x Hunter, we are introduced to a world where Hunters, elite individuals capable of tracking down secret treasures, rare beasts, or even other people, exist. The story kicks off with a young boy named Gon Freecss, who dreams of following in his father’s footsteps to become a legendary Hunter.
Key Plot Points:
- Introduction of Gon Freecss:
- Gon lives on Whale Island with his aunt Mito. He is determined to become a Hunter after learning that his father, Ging Freecss, is a renowned Hunter who left him in Mito’s care.
- Gon’s primary motivation is to find his father and understand why he chose his Hunter life over being with his son.
- Setting the Scene:
- The episode beautifully sets the tone with vibrant landscapes of Whale Island, showcasing Gon’s connection to nature and his exceptional abilities, such as communicating with animals.
- The world of Hunters is hinted at, piquing curiosity about the vast and dangerous journey that lies ahead.
- Main Events:
- Gon’s determination leads him to participate in the Hunter Exam, a perilous test that many fail.
- We see Gon demonstrating his fishing skills to catch the Lord of the Lake, proving his worthiness to his aunt and convincing her to let him take the Hunter Exam.
- Gon departs Whale Island with Mito’s reluctant blessing, filled with hope and anticipation for the adventures ahead.
- Character Introductions:
- Gon Freecss: A kind-hearted and determined boy with a strong sense of adventure and a natural affinity with animals.
- Mito Freecss: Gon’s caring and protective aunt, who is reluctant to let Gon pursue the dangerous path of a Hunter.
Highlights:
- Action Scenes:
- Gon’s impressive feat of catching the Lord of the Lake is a standout moment, showcasing his physical prowess and determination.
- Emotional Moments:
- The heartfelt farewell between Gon and Mito highlights the deep bond they share, adding an emotional layer to Gon’s departure.
- Humor:
- Gon’s interactions with the animals on Whale Island add a touch of light-heartedness to the episode.
Quotes:
- “I’ll catch the Lord of the Lake to prove it!” – Gon
- “I’ll become a Hunter, find my dad, and ask him why he chose to be a Hunter over being with me.” – Gon
Themes and Motifs:
- Adventure and Discovery: The episode sets the stage for a grand adventure, emphasizing the excitement and unknowns of the journey ahead.
- Family and Sacrifice: Gon’s quest is driven by his desire to understand his father’s choices, underscoring themes of family and personal sacrifice.
My Thoughts:
The first episode of Hunter Hunter was absolutely incredible. I’ve already played the card game a little bit and it’s really fun, but being able to reference the actual characters in the actual anime or manga is really really cool. Gon, Leorio and Kurapika, the main characters all immediately are inserted into the plot as the hunters are sailing out together for the initial hunters exam.
Ironically, I’m familiar with these three specific characters from the card game and how they work and fight against each other, so when Leorio started fighting Kurapika I thought it would follow exactly how the game is played. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that Gon, the bestfriend at heart and kindhearted soul would ultimately bring everyone together as a team and proved what they were capable of together was greater than any of them individually.
I’m very interested to see how these characters developed throughout the season and what the ultimate goal is.
Watch HunterxHunter Season 1 Episode 1
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