One Piece [Season 14 Episode 1124]

One Piece Episode 1124 Review: A Triumphant Return with High Stakes and New Voices

After a grueling six-month hiatus—the longest in One Piece history—Episode 1124, titled “Completely Surrounded! The Operation to Escape Egghead,” marks the explosive return of the Straw Hat Pirates. Fans were treated to not just one, but two episodes back-to-back, a rare and thrilling move that set the stage for the climax of the Egghead Arc. And boy, did it deliver.

The Plot: A Desperate Escape Plan

The episode picks up right where the previous one left off, with Luffy and his crew surrounded by the Marines on Egghead Island. Luffy, ever the chaotic negotiator, attempts to strong-arm the Five Elders into letting them leave—only to be hilariously (and predictably) shut down by Robin before he spills too much. Meanwhile, Lucci’s betrayal comes to light as he leaks critical intel to the Marines, leading to Kizaru’s arrival and an all-out assault on the Straw Hats.

The pacing is tight, balancing humor, tension, and action perfectly. Fans on MyAnimeList praised the episode for its “stellar animation and perfect pacing,” with one user noting, “TOEI actually cooked. The additional scenes enhanced the story without feeling out of place.”

The Voice Actor Shake-Up: Franky’s New Sound

One of the biggest talking points among fans is Franky’s new voice actor, Subaru Kimura, replacing the beloved Kazuki Yao, who retired due to health reasons. Reactions are mixed—some fans are struggling to adjust, while others appreciate the fresh take.

• The Critics: “That’s not Franky anymore! Why couldn’t they find someone who sounds like the original?”
• The Supporters: “The new VA isn’t trying to impersonate Yao, and that’s a good thing. It’ll grow on us.”

Personally, I think Kimura brings a deeper, more mature tone to Franky, which fits his character’s age and role as the crew’s shipwright. It’s different, but change isn’t always bad—just ask Brook’s skeleton jokes.

Standout Moments

1. Luffy vs. The Five Elders: Luffy’s phone call with the Elders is peak comedy. His sheer audacity—introducing himself like he’s ordering takeout—had fans in stitches. Usopp’s running commentary (“He’s really doing this?!”) only made it better.
2. Nami’s Protective Side: When York mocks Ohara, Nami shuts her down instantly. It’s a small but powerful moment that reminds us why the Straw Hats’ bond is unbreakable.
3. Kizaru’s Arrival: The Admiral’s entrance is as flashy as ever, and the tension between him and Sentomaru hints at an emotional showdown ahead.

Fan Reactions: The Good, The Bad, and The Hilarious

The episode sparked lively discussions across forums, with fans dissecting every frame. Here’s a taste:

• On the Animation: “The quality has jumped up immensely. The show is back to watchable quality, thankfully.”
• On the Hiatus: “What was the point of a six-month break if we’re still getting one chapter per episode?” (Ouch.)
• On the Ending Song: “Drum & Bass ED with Bonney? I fricking love it!”

And of course, the meme-worthy moments: “Ain’t no way Seraphim Boa is also in love with Luffy. His rizz is crazy.”

Final Verdict: A Strong Comeback

Episode 1124 proves that One Piece hasn’t lost its magic. The animation is crisp, the humor lands, and the stakes feel higher than ever. While Franky’s new voice will take some getting used to, the episode’s strengths far outweigh any growing pains.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Great return for One Piece. The Straw Hats are still showing their strength and confidence.”

With Egghead’s escape plan in motion and Kizaru on the warpath, the next episode promises even more chaos. Buckle up, pirates—this arc is far from over.

Rating: 9/10 – “Superrrrrrrrrrr!” (Franky would approve.)