Forum SettingsEpisode Information
Forums
New
What did you think of this episode?
DO NOT discuss the source material beyond this episode. If you want to discuss future events or theories, please use separate threads.
DO NOT ask where to watch/download this episode or give links to copyrighted, non-fair use material.
DO NOT troll/bait/harass/abuse other users for liking or disliking the series/characters.
DO read the Anime Discussion Rules and Site & Forum Guidelines.
Pages (3) « 1 [2] 3 »
Jun 12, 2020 6:05 AM

Offline
May 2012
6867
Good start

I hope the rest of the episodes are as good as this 1
Jun 14, 2020 3:05 AM

Offline
Dec 2018
71
LukaZone said:
Can anyone explain to me why the main protagonist freaked out when hebsaw the watches? Feel like I missed the twist.


Seeing the watches triggered the realization that they were all working together in order to con him right from the start. The chance meeting, the police raid, and even the previous jobs -all of them a set-up to get him on the team.
If I could be an expert in just one arcane,
and madness inducing field of study,
it would be you.
Jun 14, 2020 2:00 PM

Offline
Aug 2015
346
What a fantastic start! I'm hooked already. The only hitch was the English but once they dropped that and went full Japanese, everything was perfect. Absolutely love the art style.
Jun 15, 2020 2:03 PM

Offline
Jan 2018
150
welcum2savage said:
I don't understand what the old woman had to do with the rest of the con. Someone pls explain i dont see the point of her in the plan.


You'll understand when you watch the later episodes

Jun 20, 2020 12:24 AM

Offline
Aug 2014
411
First look did give me Tiger & Bunny vibes. Always a treat to watch a show about con artists. Usually they're villainous or just for comedic relief, this one feels like they'll get all the cherries on top.

Very excited!
Jun 26, 2020 9:33 AM

Offline
Dec 2015
3213
Mixed feelings from episode 1 and 2. (Though later in episode 2 it got better.) For episode 1 I liked the cool (french?) guy that went to the US. And the setting with the main and how he tricked the old lady. But then it suddenly felt rushed with the watch and him remembering something and running away. I woulw have liked that a bit slower.

Guess they needed "action" in the episode.
Jun 27, 2020 12:10 AM
Offline
Mar 2016
53
Sad moment when it said “Switching back to Japanese for convenience” Should have said “put your subtitles back on, we not speaking English anymore stupid”
Jun 27, 2020 8:32 AM

Offline
Jun 2013
3514
These are the type of series that the anime industry needs to start adapting! Every season, we get the regular shounens, isekais, moes, sports, idols, etc. series and honestly, they're trite and rarely engaging. This is right up my alley.

I enjoyed the episode from start to finish. I remember seeing the trailer and was immediately sold. This was probably one of my most anticipated series for 2020.
臭い-
Jul 1, 2020 10:32 AM

Offline
Nov 2010
240
It was complete trash. Sasuga netflix.
Jul 2, 2020 10:01 AM

Offline
May 2015
3227
Not bad! Looking forward to the future scams and all the goodness that comes with a theme like this. Hope it doesn't disappoint.
Jul 8, 2020 10:42 AM

Offline
Oct 2018
762
don't miss this series it is really Good.
“You can always die. It's living that takes real courage." - Himura Kenshin”

.
Jul 8, 2020 6:28 PM
Offline
Mar 2013
3
still waiting for the rest of the episodes to come out, I'm so ready
Jul 8, 2020 8:57 PM
Offline
Sep 2019
250
microbiome said:
still waiting for the rest of the episodes to come out, I'm so ready

Have you already seen the first 14?
Or only episode 1?
Because the 1st 14 are already out
Jul 9, 2020 12:15 AM
Offline
Oct 2017
8
can someone explaine the hand watch thing!?
it messes me up
Jul 9, 2020 1:02 AM
Offline
Apr 2016
532
Splashed said:
can someone explaine the hand watch thing!?
it messes me up


It was just a hint to say the two characters are friends
Jul 12, 2020 9:46 PM
Offline
Oct 2017
8
Franck_Nicolas said:
Splashed said:
can someone explaine the hand watch thing!?
it messes me up


It was just a hint to say the two characters are friends

hmmmmmm makes sense
thx
Jul 20, 2020 2:13 AM

Offline
Feb 2020
975
This was great. The characters so far are interesting, the colors were bright and refreshing, and it seems to be a good introduction to the series. I don’t know what to expect at all for following episodes, and I kinda love that! Great outro choice as well, and overall good soundtrack. I also like how Laurent was introduced speaking English to make it clear that he's foreign and doesn't speak japanese, but switched back to Japanese as to not inconvenience the Japanese viewers. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the french accent and not just, well, "engrish even though hes not japanese".

Looking foward to watching the next few episodes that are out!
Jul 30, 2020 11:38 PM

Offline
Jul 2016
819
I like this anime so far! The fluid & bright animation, the music, and the action. I can't wait to see more!
Aug 1, 2020 2:57 PM
Offline
Mar 2013
3
YutakaYamadafan said:
microbiome said:
still waiting for the rest of the episodes to come out, I'm so ready

Have you already seen the first 14?
Or only episode 1?
Because the 1st 14 are already out


watched the first 14 - thanks! If I remember correctly, I think the rest is coming out on August 20th? Something like that.
Aug 22, 2020 2:22 AM

Offline
Mar 2018
815
This is brilliant! I get it why Wit wanted to make something different and this is very different from their usual stuff. Lots and lots of colours, a very different style, rather light-hearted, jazzy and cool. This is great because it is different yet interesting. Hope the rest is also great!
Aug 25, 2020 2:48 PM
Obscure Anime Ma
Offline
Jan 2017
123
I love the long con. I think the show has potential for some unique story telling since the premise is being a con. The color are bright and popping and the animation/art style look top notch. I’m not disappointed with taking this risk.
Aug 30, 2020 11:59 PM
Offline
Oct 2019
4330
Well that was fun. The con man got conned the entire episode and didn't even realize it until the end (well, except for the smaller con that was just part of the long con... Lol). Most people really enjoy storytelling like that. I sure do. Think of the Oceans movies with Pitt, Clooney, Damon, and Julia Roberts, among others.

If the rest of the series is anything like that I'm in!

Wonder why he was hanging upside down from the Hollywood sign though. And Abbie Jones...drool, especially since now we know she was just faking being dumb and talentless.

I typically don't care that much about animation quality/style, but this style was fairly unique. Made me think L.A. or Miami. And the Freddie Mercury don't at the end? That was a great surprise.

8/10 for me, without question.
Aug 31, 2020 9:08 AM

Offline
Oct 2019
884
A powerful start for a very promising original anime. I loved everything about it and I'm eager for the next episodes and "mini arcs" (one per city). By the way, the design of the characters' faces -more specifically the way their mouths/lips curl and "pinch" at the edges, and the design of the eyes- looked familiar to me but I couldn't place where I last saw that style.
After watching the second episode I finally got it : it was in Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance), another original anime made by MAPPA. Not all its characters either; as far as I recall only Twelve was designed that way. Thiery Laurent in particular looks like a blond foreigner version of Twelve.
Sep 3, 2020 4:55 PM
Offline
Aug 2020
630
I really reallyyyyy enjoyed the first episode so far!! to think that that was all a scam to get him to work with them from the start wow....

The ending song was cool too with the cats singing lol
Sep 6, 2020 12:09 PM

Offline
Mar 2010
55828
Crack is a hell of a drug but yeah water is never safe to drink if you think about it.

Behold of my awesomeness~
controversial and/or sensitive topics likely devolve into the same repetitive, derogatory, abusive, and harassing comments can no longer be posted.
But my feels.
Sep 6, 2020 12:30 PM

Offline
Aug 2018
5195
So it's Lupin with drugs?
_______I like rocks__
Sep 6, 2020 8:23 PM

Offline
Jan 2017
42
Thats scene where she takes the pills is hilarious. I really that don't think that would fool anyone who's ever been around someone who's done drugs. Makes me think the directors and japan in general really has a twisted view on it. Then again, it is really hard to illustrate someone being high and not make it boring so I think its fine.
Sep 8, 2020 1:26 AM

Offline
Jul 2020
800
Now that's what a call a 'dope' first episode. The animation style is unique and I totally loved it. Wit never dissapoints does it?
Signature removed. Please follow the signature rules, as defined in the Site & Forum Guidelines.
Sep 11, 2020 10:23 AM

Offline
Nov 2012
4710
This might be the best first episode I've seen all year so far. Part of that just shows how shitty this year has been for anime and another shows how good this first episode was. To call it a potential AOTY contender might be much solely on the basis of one episode but idk Fall season seem like it won't have any potential contenders to offer with To Your Eternity delayed.

I made the right decision in waiting to watch this till we got a release time for the remaining eps from Netflix, 10 more days till the rest is released.
Sep 15, 2020 11:58 AM
Offline
Sep 2019
3
So I have some questions about the early scene when edamura tried to scam thierry :
1. How come they had same wallet? Was it coincidence or already planned?
2. Why did edamura want to take the wallet to police? Did he want to avoid the dispute between kudo and thierry?
3. Where did thierry get the money for the reward? Did he had other money outside his wallet?

Sorry for too detailed questions haha. I felt confused at the beginning and couldn't stop thinking about it. Hope someone can enlight me, thanks
Oct 1, 2020 9:47 PM

Offline
Aug 2017
11421
Makoto was being scammed from the very start by the old woman, the old man and Laurent hahahahaha.

-I suspected that something strange happened when the old man 'hid' from the police in that place. That explian why Makoto could flee from the country to USA without an arrest warrant or capture order considering that the USA has very strict measures to enter the country. All of this was ignored cuz the police was fake from the start! Also, that explain how Laurent and Makoto met again just in that moment!

-Abigail obviously faked the effects because she works for Laurent if im right. If the other girls got their hands on it they'd find out it was just candy so he needs that Makoto cause a scene telling him the truth on him by making him notice Laurent is wearing the same watch that his partner and the old lady have on lmao.

The first episode was better than I expected!
NurguburuOct 1, 2020 10:17 PM
All weebs creatures of the galaxy, hear this message. Those of you who listen will not be struck by western animation. You will no longer know hunger, nor pain. Your Anime have come to lead you now. Our strength shall serve as a luminous sun toward which all intelligence may blossom. And the impervious shelter beneath which you will prosper. However, for those who refuse our offer and cling to their western animation ways… For you, there will be great wrath.
Oct 22, 2020 8:27 AM

Offline
Mar 2016
2
I'm getting Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop vibes from this.
Nov 4, 2020 1:00 AM

Offline
Jul 2020
680
Ok scamming Edamura from the start to be with Laurent was really interesting. Wonder what Laurent’s purpose why he drag Edamura on this. And Abby looks stunning.

Overall first episode is a good build up. Animation is unique and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. And damn that ED song is unexpected, I will have a hard time skipping it lol.
Nov 12, 2020 5:04 PM
Offline
Jul 2018
564084
Wow, the French guy speaks English, Spanish, AND French (quite literally) in this anime — all with a French accent. That’s gotta be a first. (Note, canonically he doesn’t speak Japanese, but often times to us he does, as the show kindly converts his speech for the Japanese audience.)

I also like the mannerisms and behavior in the show, i.e. the Westerner being unable to pronounce the Japanese guy’s name, and even remarking that Japanese people have “strange” names. I’m sure you’d find this in Western films, but in a film BY and FOR the Japanese. Astonishing. The producers really did their research.

And oml, they’ve got English hip/hop in their soundtrack. Like… someone rapping in English. This is incredible.

Other cool Western references:
- Macy’s
- Leonardo DiCaprio
- The ED is a frickin QUEEN song.



P.S. The nature of the scenes are spectacular. The anime opened with a dude dangling from a Hollywood sign. Or the scamming scene -- that was clever. Running from the cops, the car ride into Hollywood, and that AMAZING AMAZING pool scene. Everything about it. The pacing, the dialgoue. It's all incredible perfect. I don't wanna jinx the show but as of this first episode, I'm highly considering rating it 10/10.
Nov 26, 2020 8:43 PM

Offline
Sep 2018
2157
Scammer meets a big scammer lol when Laurent hug him, I already know he didn't get scammed lol poor him but serves him right.
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Dec 4, 2020 2:27 PM

Offline
Jul 2017
6750
Rewatching Great Pretender now, giving it a 2nd chance with a fresh mind and the ability to binge it instead of watching it weekly, plus I'm seeing it this time in the dubbed format too to fit the more international/western feel this show provides. Originally gave it a 3-4.

I have to say, the first episode this time around was a lot more enjoyable compared to the last time I saw this. I liked how the show had the Japanese segment early on in Japanese itself, and then when Makoto met Laurent, they spoke with each other in broken English (Makoto being Japanese and Laurent being a foreigner but not having a clear accent with his English), before the self-insert joke that the creators used to 'present the following in English for convenience sake'. It was pretty creative and I love how the languages situation was handled here compared to a lot of other anime, in Japanese and in English. The mix was refreshing before they turned it all to English while breaking the fourth wall.

Regarding the actual case itself, we still haven't gotten to the meat of the case but just scratched the surface with introducing Laurent, Makoto and Abigail. The episode was progressing a bit blindly, with Makoto just following Laurent to LA just because with no real reason but wanting his money back, and that event led to other events, etc. But at least they made the episode entertaining at least and Abigail being high and jump around everywhere was fun too. She doesn't quite have the personality to talk but she has her charming moments already, especially with the crane kick that had 'Karate Kid' written all over it. I like Abigail so far despite the timid personality, and Makoto and Laurent seem good too so far.

The visuals look great as well. The backgrounds and frames oozed personality, color and life, the character designs look damn good and the amount of passion that went into putting as much detail as possible with the scenery and the choreography was great. Even the addition of many pop-culture references to bring out that charm in it is clever. Fits the LA/Hollywood setting seeing hip-hop music used as soundtracks for the show, and movie culture references being referenced as well.

I had a mixed opinion on the start and declined after, but with this watch this time, I enjoyed this a lot more. Maybe it does help after seeing something like Jormungand. But now I'm excited to see how the rest turns out with a binge format and a refreshed mind.

Also, love that Freddie Mercury song again. I've heard it for such a long time now but never gets old with me. Ages like fine wine, and the reference with the Great Pretender curtain that was used in the actual Freddie Mercury music video being used for the ED is a great tribute to one of the biggest legends and figures in the music industry.
animejasDec 5, 2020 5:51 AM
Dec 10, 2020 5:24 AM

Offline
Apr 2020
3231
Damn, I really like the animation
Dec 18, 2020 10:34 AM
Offline
Nov 2019
70
Totally worth it
Every single episode
Dec 25, 2020 10:27 PM

Offline
Mar 2017
159
what a BANGIN first episode, i'm in love already
Dec 29, 2020 9:22 AM

Offline
Sep 2017
1898
Well this was a refreshing one.

Dunno why MC ran away at the end, though i guess it was because the american got his friend's watch.

The Abby scheme was kinda obvious. What I didn't expect was the cats singing at the end(Was it really done by Freddie Mercury? Damn.


Lol the BL shipping in this episode.


And this painting lol. Its like the animators didn't care.



Funny cats ed. Dunno why they chose cats. But why not.



I agree with the mob producer saying Hollywood has gone into a slump. The script has been going down the drain these days, with Star wars sequels and GOT and what not.

MC got some mad skills in escaping really. But looks like he is gonna have to become the secretary for the American.

Thank god they just stopped with the pretentious english dialogue.

Without change,we end up becoming the very person we hate.


I was dead until the moment I met you. I was a powerless corpse pretending to be alive. Living without power, without the ability to change my course, was bound to lead me to a slow death.


Jan 12, 2021 8:18 PM

Offline
Mar 2015
6994
Looks like my kind of series, let's go!
I'm Bruneian and I like anime. And Manchester United. And fat cats.
Jan 16, 2021 12:49 AM

Offline
Aug 2018
2486
That OP really gave me Cowboy Bebop and Lupin III vibes

Love the artstyle that studio Wit decided to do for thes series, it was very weird when charcters spoke both english and japanse but an interesting thing

That ed with Freddie Mercury song was epic choice for this show, can't wait to watch it more



Jan 31, 2021 10:30 AM

Offline
Feb 2019
780
Wow, that was really good, I'm glad they took a more adult theme with the drugs.

The colour palette is refreshing too, and suits the LA setting :)
I am not a weeb, I simply enjoy 2D girls
Feb 15, 2021 8:16 PM

Offline
Nov 2014
9843
Wow that was really cool

Feb 21, 2021 6:21 PM
Offline
Nov 2014
677
Well, that was boring. But I'll stick with it since many call it "anime of the year"
Mar 11, 2021 11:24 AM

Offline
Aug 2013
690
Pretty weak start, was tired from such generic episode in the end. I hope it will be better but I bet nothing will change and this anime will be full of clichés and predictable "genius" moves. Style is nothing special, music is garbage so far.
Apr 13, 2021 6:18 AM
Offline
Jul 2018
564084
Scammer ? Scammed by a Scammer ! Haha
Apr 18, 2021 5:04 AM

Offline
Sep 2020
412
i love how they used the colours, the art style is amazing and the character designs are really nice. there still is a little part of me that wishes that mc continued to speak in broken english to make the immersion better. i aboslutely love the fact that freddie mercury's "The Great Pretender" is the ed, it's fucking fantastic.
May 9, 2021 8:35 PM

Offline
May 2019
3380
Iol i feared the anime was agoing to be all in engrish.


And audacity of that nonsense frenchie with Japanese VA trying to speak an inflated engrish, to make fun of Edamane's accent
Jun 19, 2021 8:00 AM

Offline
Sep 2017
2800
What an awesome premier. Super fun but also an interesting premise. Looking forward to this.
Pages (3) « 1 [2] 3 »

More topics from this board

Poll: » Great Pretender Episode 7 Discussion ( 1 2 )

Xenocrisi - Jun 11, 2020

57 by scorpioniclibra »»
Nov 23, 5:14 PM

Poll: » Great Pretender Episode 23 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 )

SingleH - Sep 20, 2020

249 by Toarujisuru »»
Nov 12, 10:37 PM

Poll: » Great Pretender Episode 14 Discussion ( 1 2 )

uninstallthegame - Jun 15, 2020

92 by Toarujisuru »»
Oct 15, 9:00 PM

Poll: » Great Pretender Episode 19 Discussion

uninstallthegame - Sep 20, 2020

33 by LunaLov »»
Oct 12, 4:02 PM

Poll: » Great Pretender Episode 15 Discussion ( 1 2 )

uninstallthegame - Sep 20, 2020

50 by DrMechano »»
Sep 28, 8:13 PM
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login