ONE PIECE 2x8 Season Finale! | That Final Battle Was WILD! | Netflix

The introduction of Tony Tony Chopper was a make-or-break moment for the season, and the show successfully adapted him. The hosts emphasize that if Chopper hadn't worked, the entire latter half of the season would have fallen apart, comparing his importance to Yoda in Star Wars or Gollum in Lord of the Rings, and successfully avoiding a 'Jar Jar Binks' reception.

The hosts discuss how Chopper was introduced late in the season but 'had to work,' praising the voice acting, animation, and emotional vulnerability that made him 'adorable' and 'relatable.' They explicitly state, 'quite easily it could have been a Jar Binks situation.'

The finale's fight sequences, particularly the simultaneous battles and the combo moves, were highly praised for their creativity, choreography, and ability to convey the harrowing situation. The side-by-side fighting required perfect timing and execution from stunt performers.

One host notes, 'The fight scene in this finale was pretty cool. Like it was very creative between the choreography and uh the movement of the characters and employing their behavior and having it complement each other.' They specifically highlight the 'combo move' between Sanji and Luffy as 'so anime' and 'super fun.'

The season effectively developed secondary characters like Usopp and Chopper, allowing them to shine alongside Luffy. The emotional themes of hope, friendship, and family were powerfully conveyed, particularly through Dr. Hiriluk's message and the cherry blossom scene, which deeply moved the hosts.

The hosts appreciate 'being able to see the other characters' shine and the 'arc that we got with Usopp's character.' They describe the cherry blossom scene and the doctor's voiceover about hope as 'beautiful' and 'heart set to burst,' noting its importance in 'uplift[ing] and remind[ing] you of like who we are as humans.'

Netflix's significant budget allocation for the show, especially for CGI characters like Chopper, was evident and largely successful. While minor visual glitches were noted (e.g., Luffy's hat rotoscoping), the overall investment in sets, digital environments, and effects was praised.

The hosts observe, 'Netflix spent their money. Like you can see it... this is really expensive.' They explicitly mention that if Chopper 'had looked even remotely ropey at any point, fans would have been upset,' contrasting his successful CGI with 'the keying around [Luffy's] hat is just really ropey.'