Dr. Stone Season 4 Episode 1: A Rollicking Ride

It’s no secret that the world of Dr. Stone always breaks the mold and brings the difficulty of how to revive humanity after the tragedy that happened or, in fact, how to entertain ourselves with science. That format of education and entertainment intermingled with drama and comedy has sustained audiences through fight, creation, and conquest. But after two hardcore seasons of battles with stones and other survival tests, it appears that the creators thought it was time for a change of pace, and boy, did they go all in on that.

The entire first episode of Season 4 strongly exhales of relaxation, looking like a vacation episode. It’s not an entirely complete departure from the high-stakes drama, but a glimpse that this show can turn even a game of poker and dice into an epic adventure. And it is in some ways that it is impossible to forget that, while being funny and goofy, it manages to include the finer points of science in its delivery.

The Calm After The Storm

More Like Calm After The Storm Before The Next Storm

The previous two seasons of Dr. Stone has been full of fights, treachery, and risks. Be it from their battles against Tsukasa’s Empire of Might to undertaking a quest for constructing the Kingdom of Science, all stages of Senku’s journey have not lacked dramatic battles. This episode, however, is a break to let the characters, and the viewers, take a deep breath and get ready for what comes next.

It shifts the focus from saving the world to something more grounded (yet delightfully absurd): While it can be described best as a strategic debate, a strategic discussion has become a game of bluffing at the poker table. The risks remain high still; as if they reach America too late, they might have to wait a whole extra year, but they are not mortal anymore, so this change of pace seems invigorating.

A Poker Game to Decide the Fate of Science

Maybe It Was Already Rigged From The Start?

This episode’s main conflict is the one between Senku and Ryusui on the proper course to take to North America. Ryusui, as a representative of luxury and safe traveling, is right to recommend such a longer but safe route, so we thought, but every time he comes on screen, we see a softer and kinder side to him; he cares so much about his friends and crew; it’s very heartwarming. Senku, on the other hand, thinking logically as always, suggests that they take the fastest route, which, in his defense, is more appropriate, as winter is going to be upon them soon, and they need to get there as soon as possible.

This is the kind of thinking Senku, the efficiency-obsessed genius, suggests, because he wants to get it over with faster. The solution? A game of poker to put an end to the disagreement—yes, yes, it’s weird and insane, but hey, the episode was a nice change of pace and funny as heck!. Of course, Senku goes scientific on Ryusui by using the lacquer to signify the cards, making the game very clear; again, he does not shy away from anything regarding his passion for science. It was funny to watch Ryusui’s exaggerated expressions of surprise and amazement while Senku remained in his cool, satisfied attitude, which made for a light-hearted episode. Of course, we can’t forget how amazing and funny Kohaku and Gen’s interactions were. Fans can’t help but laugh and fall in love with Kohaku at the same time.

A Casino at Sea

Science, Fun, Liquor and Everything in Between

After successfully choosing their path through a match of poker itself, if that was possible, the crew decides to turn their ship into a casino. A game of dice, card tables, and Francois operating a bar that would put any Michelin star restaurant to shame is all that the floating casino is about, and this symbolizes how far the Kingdom of Science has advanced. The episode is all fun and bonding, which seems to highlight the essence of Dr. Stone other than saving the world. It’s also about those who keep those lofty goals in sight and make them happen.

Also, it is impossible not to laugh at Chrome’s training to become a gambler or at Suika when the little cutie tries to mimic successful grown-up women. As always, the essential and fun aspect of the show has always been quite impressive, and this particular episode will make a perfect example. Whether it’s the process of lacquer or the rules of probability, the show does a great job of making science look breezy and fun without being in any way didactic about how awesome science is.

A Refreshing Chapter in the Dr. Stone Saga

It’s Non-Stop Action From Here On Out

Season 4, Episode 1 isn’t just a standalone delight—it’s the exact kind of beginning that we need to kick off these future adventures. The concepts of Ryusui’s leadership, Senku’s creativity, and the team’s chemistry will definitely be a good sign for the upcoming arcs. The crew is all set to start their journey to America, and it is obvious that chances of the conflict escalating this time again are high. However, for the moment, this is refreshing, and the comedic opening allows all the tension to be set aside—for the time being.

Science and engineering involve problem-solving, and this simple break reminds one that it’s also OK to have some fun doing it. Since the story sets the Kingdom of Science on its course to conquer new challenges, this comical prologue is a lovely reminder of why Dr. Stone is a cut above the rest of the anime series. If you are here for science, the humor, or the heart, then this episode has all of them and much more in great proportions.

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Based on Riichiro Inagaki’s shonen manga, the Dr. Stone anime takes place thousands of years after a cataclysmic event turned humanity into stone. Awakening in a Stone Age-style world, Senku sets out to speedrun humanity’s growth through the power of science.

Release Date

July 5, 2019

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Main Genre

Anime

Seasons

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3

Studio

TMS Entertainment

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Japanese Title

Dr. Stone

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Based On

Manga

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Creator

Riichiro Inagaki

Number of Episodes

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58

MyAnimeList Score

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8.28 (Season 1)

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