The Going Merry: A One Piece Review Podcast

The crew works to get over the departure of one of their crew members while simultaneously in denial of the departure of another. Water 7 is going from a lovely quaint city to one of the most dramatic and mysterious locations that we have been to yet. CP9 is here and their motives are still unknown. The straw hats are in the middle of something, but what is coming? Next Week: Episodes 242-246

It was actually a different quote but i didnt want to use that particular expletive in the title of the episode. We are back this week talking about possibly the most serious episodes in one piece to this point. Water 7 is just beginning but Luffy is getting hit hard with lessons on what it means to be a captain. Speaking of captain, Captain Usopp makes some quick decisions and life changes. It's a bold strategy Cotton. Let's see if it pays off for em. Next Week: Episodes 237-241

We are complete again! Welcome back Whitney! But also welcome back to our friend Annabelle and huge thank you for joining us this week. We have finally arrived. It is time for Water 7!!!! One of the most beautiful locations in the world of One Piece, but also one of Oda's best story lines in the world of One Piece. A lot of people acting strange in these episodes and it is time to get all of the information and start unwinding it. Not only that, but the crew has an unwelcome visit from one of the most powerful authorities in the Marines! Next Week: Episodes 232-236

Luffy barges on to these episodes with a new hair style. He needs something to take the attention away from some of the questionable decisions he has made on Long Ring Long Island. We will all forgive him though...do you know why? He has the power of Afro. Atleast something coming out of this arc is memorable. Next Week: Episodes 226-231 226 is partial filler. The cannon part of the episode does not start until about 19:30

We made the same reference twice in a week. It happened. call it. Time of death? Ok maybe thats a little dark BUT nothing dark happens in these episodes so it balances out. We have reached the Davy Back Games!!!! Luffy got the crew in another pickles and ends up leaving them a man short. Hey....sounds just like us!!! Next Week's Episodes: 214-219

Our friend Garrett has caught up and joined us this week to wrap up the Sky Island Arc!! Thank you for your time Garrett! We get a nice book end from Robin as she continues to lean more and more information about the past. Another connection between Luffy and Roger is causing Whitney to keep notes in her detective book. Luffy tries to have a pirate mindset with a little bit of theft, but the execution just isnt there...especially when people have cannons. and rubber bands. ON TO WATER 7!!!!!!! Next Week: Episodes 207-213

The full crew is back this week as we begin wrapping up the sky island story. The flashback ends which leads to an emotional resolution of the battle in the present day. The bell has been wrung and now it is time to see the effects of the battle of Upperyard. Next Week: Episodes 193-195

Amanda is back this week as we jump into a fantastic flashback and see what really happened with Noland the Liar. While the plot of the present day didnt necessarily move along greatly, these episodes definitely had their ups! Due to closing in on the end of the are splitting the last 7 episodes up more evenly. Instead of doing 5 and 2 we are going to be doing 4 and 3. Next Week: Episodes 189-192

We are missing a crew member but we must sail on! Finally Luffy and Eneru face off. The initial confrontation does not seem to be going in the direction that Eneru wanted it to. On the other side, Whitney gains a new appreciation for a character that she has disliked for a while now!! Next Week: Episodes 184-188

We are back reviewing the Sky Island Arc. This might be the most off the rails we've gotten though. Not a lot happened in the episodes, but a lot happened in this episode!!! Derek makes a shocking decision at the end of this episode that he still kind of regrets as he is typing this out. HEY! No ragrets... Shoutout to our friend Mad Trivia John for having us on this week. You can find him on your podcast platforms by searching for The Mad Trivia Podcast. Next Week: Episodes 179-183

Considering we are reviewing the are reviewing a show about pirates and the title of this episode is what it is, I promise that is not where we are going. This time...We are in agreeance on a lot in this set of episodes and it is kind of weird. While a lot of different things happened in these episodes, not a lot of plot was furthered. Now youre curious on how we as individuals and as a team handle that fact... Next Week: Episodes 174-178

We have some controversy this week between different characters and different scenes. I dont know that there has been this much disagreement for a while on episodes. We are half way through Sky Island and the crew has their groups. Now it just comes down to if they can stick to their groups! Next Week: Episodes 169-173

Amanda is back with us after a brief hiatus last week! She comes back just in time for absolutely nothing!!! While we do get a lot of build up toward the story going forward, there is a lot of drawn out scenes in these episodes. There is a lot of mystery though. What is this land? What is Mantra? How are all of these people hitting others without touching? Would going OOOOOOHHUOHUOHUOHHHHHHH made Nami's swing more graceful? Next Week: Episodes 164-168

The Going Merry has docked at Skypiea. Kinda. There's not really a dock there. Actually, Im not really sure what is holding the Merry there. Definitely not a giant crab. We get a special MVPiece nomination from an outside source. Our crew is also a little light today due to one of our hosts being out of the country, BUT we got an amazing visit from a friend that is a great addition to our subtraction. We went off the rails multiple times but dammit it is just a big circle! Next Week: Episodes 159-163

We are back this week discussing the Straw Hats finally making their way to Sky Island! We just met a lot of new characters that are going to be around for a long time as well is more about the authority structure in the world of One Piece. Some things are easy to remember and others...not so much. Only Skypeia lies ahead. What will the people look like? What will the city look like? I wonder if they know what steak tastes like?... Next Week: Episodes 154-158

We are entering the Sky Island Arc this week!! It was a wake up call after getting comfortable in one spot for so long and now it is on to learning a whole new group of characters. It's a new place and new rules of the world are given. Our new crew member shows us a little bit of what she brings to the table and Luffy makes some questionable decisions that have us all scratching our heads. Time to see if the dreams and beliefs payoff next week!!! Next Week: Episodes 149-153

We are wrapping the Alabasta Arc this week with the return of our friend Annabelle! Thank you again Annabelle for joining us this week. A lot happened here, but also not a lot happened here. We ge a new face from the Marines that brings some steam to Smoker's life as well as a new Straw Hat Crew member!!!! 2 different characters make touching sacrifices this week to help the Straw Hats succeed in their mission to help Vivi free her nation from Crocodile. We also went through a tier list of some of the characters from this arc. You can find that tiermaker on tiermaker.com and search "Going Merry Alabasta Arc". On to a new arc next week!!! Next Week: Episodes 144-148

We are back after a brief break last week and we are finally at the Luffy v. Crocodile fight! Not only is Luffy approaching this with a different fighting style, but also showing off his battle intelligence. We get more hints at a background on Miss All Sunday along with a showcase of her intellect. We are climaxing right now and it is amazing. Next week we get the wrap up of the Alabasta Arc! Next Week: Episodes 126-130

Im just gonna say it, this MVPiece came out of nowhere, but isnt that what this podcast is about. Throwing you off the game in any way we can with the random rants we get into. Bewbs and Moons and Santa having to buy his milk and cookies from Sandradee. The Alabasta Arc is getting closer and closer to its close. Something is building, but in the mean time, a majority of the straw hat crew is wrapping up their fights! Next Week: Episodes 121-125 Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok: @goingmerrypod Let us know your thoughts on our podcast and on One Piece! We'd love to hear from you!

Luffy struggles to get out of the kiddy pool but gets help from an unlikely source. The hero returns and once again makes his way to the front runner for the MVPiece award. After Usopp's 2 seconds of non glory we finally get our first fight as we get closer to the end of the Alabasta Arc. It's Chopper an Usopp v. Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas. Not only that, but Sanji and Mr. 2 are just getting warmed up! Next Week's Episodes: 116-120 REMINDER!!!!! Next week the new opening starts so if you dont want spoilers, dont watch until after youve seen episode 130.

SWEEEET CAROLINE! BA BA BA! I had it in the title. I couldnt not continue it somewhere! We are finally learning more and more about the strategic brilliance of Crocodile as well as his powers along with Miss All Sunday's powers. Amanda thinks she is onto something in the near future. We also get an interesting team up in this episode that is surprisingly running at a 100% efficiency together. A FANTASTIC cliff hanger leads us into the beginning of the final battle in the civil war of Alabasta. Tensions rise as we get closer and closer to the end of the Alabasta arc! Next Weeks Episodes: 111-115

We are here to skip the last filler of the Alabasta Arc. The rest of the Baroque Works agents reveal themselves as we get a wicked scene with the boss, Mr. 0. Luffy whips out some of his character depth to help Vivi grow. We also have a new member of the Will of D (if is wasnt mentioned last week and we just missed it). Tensions continue to rise as our Straws are finally in the same building as the head of Baroque Works! Next Week: Episodes 106-110

We are back reviewing the anime after 2 Months off reviewing the live action! While these episodes did not have the quickness of pace that the anime did, there were definitely events that remind us the true characters of the Straw Hats! The mysterious Ace is in town and we find out his connection to Luffy. Smoker is on their tail, but he is also sensing that something is going on in the country of Alabasta that is more than meets the eye! Next Weeks Episodes: 100-101, 103-105 98, 99, and 102 are all filler episodes. 101 is partial filler.

We wrap up our review of the Live Action One Piece this week with Episode 8! We had 2 very special guests joining us this week, Mad Trivia John from the Mad Trivia Podcast as well as a returning guest, Annabelle from the Variant Vendetta Podcast. Make sure to check out the show and thoughts overall, more anime comparisons, and the question that is on everyone's mind; Would watching the live action be a replacement for watching the first 45 episodes of the One Piece anime? Next week, it is back to continue our anime review!!!! It's been so long *Says in Peggy Carter voice* Next Week: One Piece Episodes 93-97

Massive thank you to our friend Emmy from the Abingers Podcast for joining us. The Going Merry hosts are all massive fans of the Abingers so having Keith on a couple weeks ago and Emmy on this week was fantastic. Now Brandon just needs to get off his ass. The scene that Derek has been waiting for is finally here and again, he breaks the rules of the MVPiece. When will he learn? We are approaching the climax of the Live Action and this build up is all about Nami and her past. Next Week's Episode: Live Action Episode 8

Thank you to our friends Garrett and Brandy for joining us this week to review Episode 6 of the Live Action! Definitely some changes in this episode that are different from the anime! We are breaking this episode down from the outside looking in as well as the inside looking out. Derek went for the double up on MVPiece but his ground was shaky so it didnt take. We are looking forward next week as the live action gets to the pinnacle of the East Blue arc!!! Next Week's Episode: Live Action Episode 7

Very oversized thank you to our friend Keith aka FilmKritter for joining us this week. He is also a host of the Abingers Podcast as well as of the Gamma Analysis with our friend Smash Trivia John that has made appearances in the past. This episode was absolutely full of action and we got introduced to some of our favorite characters from the anime. We have talked about him a lot already on the show, the much anticipated arrival of Sanji to the live action screen. What an episode and what a guest to have on this week! Next Week's Episode: Live Action Episode 6

The Marines are on the island as the tension continues to build between the Black Cat Pirates and the Straw Hats. With the Straws all separated, they most come together to finish off Kuro and his 2 crewmates. Massive bomb drop in this episode and we also get a surprise visit from Big Silver Dick. Pleasure to have you on with us! Next Week: Live Action Episode 5

The 3 "friends" have reached Syrup Village and come across a strange individual that has an very rich friend. Nami must confront pre-consumptions about people living many different styles of life. Zoro hunts for more booze, and Luffy has his eye on a sheep. Not a lot of action in this episode, but a lot of scenes had our eyes and ears captured. We are really looking forward to seeing what this episode is building to and how the ending of this show may impact a large fork from where the anime headed. Next Week: Live Action Episode 4

Big thank you to our friend Tom for joining us this week on the Going Merry. It was great having you on with us! Luffy Nami and Zoro have been taken hostage by the Buggy Pirates. I feel like hostage means that there will be a ransom or some sort of blackmail involved and thats not really the case? map maybe? kinda? maybe captive is a better word. Either way, Luffy is going up against his first opponent that is also a devil fruit user. We had a lot of fun looking at these characters, breaking these scenes down, and looking forward to what comes ahead! Next week: Live Action Episode 3

We are finally here! The Live Action has arrived and already there is a lot of hype surrounding it. Big thank you to our friend Matt from the Variant Vendetta podcast for joining us this week. Both Amanda and Whitney absolutely are loving the live action, and while Derek is loving it too, he has some small things bugging him. There are definitely some changes that were done. Let us know what you are thinking of the live action so far! Make sure to give Matt and Annabelle's podcast a follow @VariantVendetta on Twitter and Instagram and you can also find them on all major podcast platforms. Next Week's Episode:

So quickly after leaving Drum Kingdom, we are alrady getting a ton of build up as we make landfall on Alabasta. We are finally getting a look at some of the top foes that Baroque works has to offer, not to mention adding a new crew member in the process! Tension rises as Mr 2 and Crocodile demonstrate what they can do while Miss All Sunday, Mr 1, Miss Double Finger, Mr. 4, and Miss Merry Christmas all remain a mystery for the Straw Hats. All this build up just to take a 2 month break as we start our review of the live action next week! Next Week: Live Action Episode 1

We are getting close and closer to the release of the live action!! The straw hats are continuing their adventure on Drum Island with some heavy episodes this week. It seriously is amazing that a cartoon can make you feel so much emotion. There was every kind of emotion in these episodes for sure. It seems like the outcome of this arc has been kind of spoiled, but none the less, the journey is the important part! Next Week's Episodes: 88-92

The Straw Hats have arrived at Drum Island. Nami is being a total attention hog in these episodes. Amanda sems to know something that the rest of us do not know. We have a new villain and while he is absolutely ridiculous, he's also leaving an effect. Hints were dropped at more devil fruit information in these episodes. Sounds like we are going to be taken to Devil Fruit School soon! Also, Derek announces that at this point in the show, we have officially met his favorite Straw Hat crew member and top 2 character in all of One Piece. I guess he is going to leave us hanging with that! Next Week's Episodes: 83-87

These episodes had their moments both good and bad. There is 1 character in particular that is an absolute gem. Derek finally busts a small gasket over a scene in One Piece. We have now had a proper chance to evaluate the new Boroque Works agents introduced at Little Garden. We head to the next island as our 3 hosts eagerly await the arrival of the Live Action hitting Netflix on August 31st. Next Weeks Episodes: 78-82

The Straw Hats arrived at a new location in these episodes. Last week, Miss All Sunday warned the crew of the dangers they faced ahead. Do they live up to her warnings? Boroque Works is on the scene again and we meet some new agents who are extremely mysterious. Also, one of the most beloved characters in all of One Piece makes his arrival in a very sugar hangovery sort of way. I really hope you enjoyed this weeks episodes. Let us know your thoughts! Next Week's Episodes: 73-77

Thank you to our friend Annabelle for joining us again this week! It’s always fantastic to have you on! We watched the first 6 episodes of the Alabasta Arc tis week and these were some excellent episodes. A lot of fun and a lot of action. We definitely debated a lot in this episode and went off the rails quite a bit toward the end. This episode could end up leading to a change on the podcast in the future. These debates have lasting effects, just like Laboon does on our hearts. Next Weeks Episodes: 68-72 Episodes 68 and 69 are partial filler. I believe it is mostly due to the many small flashbacks.

We are wrapping up the East Blue Arc in this episode! It is time to move on to The Grand Line, but not before we look back on some of our favorite characters and stories from this arc. We got to know a lot of people over the last few months of reviewing and there are definitely some that still have question marks. We are excited to see what happens next week as this entire arc has been about the build up to The Grand Line and WE ARE HERE!!!! Next Week's Episodes: 62-67

Thank you to Smash Trivia John for joining us again all the way over from the Gamma Analysis Podcast! We had a great time in these episodes getting to meet some new characters and learning more about the world of One Piece. Whitney found more eye candy and John is frustrated with his. Tension is building as it looks to be 3 Devil Fruit users converging on the same spot for the first time in our watch through. We also got a chance to learn more about Gold Roger and the way that he left this world. While the episodes might have started off slow, the meat of these episodes were pleasing. Next Weeks Episodes: 52, 53, 61. Episodes 54-60 are straight filler so we are not reviewing those. Feel free to watch if you are just wanting some fun that has no impact on the characters or story. Episode 61 is partial filler. The beginning of the episode is the end of the filler arc. 13 minutes in is where the canon starts.

We are wrapping up the Arlong Park arc and have gotten to the point of the 45 episode challenge that was issued in our introduction episode. We had some more emotional points in these episodes and a lot of excellent quotes. Now it is time to enter the last smaller arc before wrapping up the East Blue and head into the Grand Line. Next Weeks Episodes: 46-51

These episodes were just plain all over the place in a good way. There were several very emotional and tough scenes to watch and also several scenes that make you laugh every time. The tension continues to build in Arlong Park as the Straw Hats enter the fight. Nami's backstory hits its peak. John Travolta makes his appearance. Emily Rudd has a hell of a bar to live up to when the live action comes around. Next Weeks Episodes: 41-45

We are joined this week by our good friend Annabelle and it was an absolute pleasure to have her with us. These episodes hit as we get introduced to some major One Piece world building and start diving in to the backstory on one of the most disliked characters on this particular podcast. We also get introduced to a new island and some new characters. Zoro also just cant help but turn heads at any point in time. We also discuss the newly released trailer of the live action One Piece show hitting in August! This was a great set of episodes and we had a lot of fun reviewing them! Next Weeks Episodes: 36-40

This was a really solid set of episodes and a wrap up to possibly the best arc we have had so far. Whitney misses her man, Nami is back on screen, and Derek goes off on a mini rant about a certain character. Amanda also has a special surprise toward the end of the episode that I am dying to try. Is Luffy different these episodes or is it just the possibility that we are seeing him in a different light than previously? We have hit the magic number 30. This is where Oda's writing starts to change and building for the long haul. This was a solid arc, but the next arc is the one that changes a lot of peoples minds and shows how deep this fun cartoon show can actually be.

Huge shoutout to Smash Trivia John from the Gamma Analysis Podcast for joining us this week. This set of episodes might be the best set of 5 that we have done so far. A lot of action and solid dialog to go along with some excellent gags. We meet one of the most dominant forces in the One Piece world as well as someone new for Luffy to throw hands with. 2 new bits we are going to be running on a regular basis including a last minute namination. Next Weeks Episodes: 26-30

The podcast has a new favorite character as we dive into a new flashback episode this week. Voices get heard on some much disliked characters by the host. We have made it to a new location and it is time to learn a whole new set of characters and side characters. This is going to be a fun arc to dive into as we get closer and closer to the next benchmarks in our binge, episodes 30 and 45. Enjoy the characters, enjoy the episodes, enjoy our voices as we continue to dive in to the building of the One Piece world and the Straw Hat Crew. Next Week's Episodes: 21-25

Finally we are in one place during the full 5 episodes. A lot of action in these episodes and Captain Kuro establishes something different in the show. Luffy continues to do Luffy things and we see an old friend in a flashback. Make sure to vote for the MVPiece for these episodes on our Twitter @goingmerrypod! Next weeks episodes: 16-20

We are breaking down One Piece Episodes 6-10! lot of good fights to wrap up Orange Town and plenty of new characters introduced in Syrup Village. One character that doesnt know how to do his common job very well has a lot of resemblance to a certain celebrity. Derek seems to have some sort of frustrations toward one of the new characters. prepare to get slapped in the face with whatever it is. it's there. and it slaps.

The adventure to find the One Piece has begun! We meet Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Whitney's new crush, Coby! We are talking spoiled Marine brats, red haired individuals that freak out the Loch Ness Monster, and the clown that haunts your dreams at night. A lot happened in these episodes for being short and we have a lot of world building to discuss. Hear our thoughts as our main characters embark on an incredible journey and we are introduced to A WHOLE NEW WOOOOORLD *sings in an Ariel voice*. Did I spell that right? eh. itll buff out. Dont miss the highly debated discussion of who our first MVPiece is going to be! Episodes to watch for next week: 6-10

THE CHALLENGE HAS BEEN ISSUED! Watch the first 45 episodes of One Piece with 3 friends as we dive into the world of pirates and adventure. In this first episode we just discuss thoughts and expectations going in to the show. There is a reason the challenge is 45 episodes long. A very specific time line that shapes the show into what it is today, going on 25 years on the air. 3 friends. 5 episodes a week. 1 podcast. One Piece. The episodes for next weeks podcast episodes are 1-5. Be ready! Enjoy them. The website with a filler list referred to in this episode is https://www.animefillerlist.com/shows/one-piece