Have you ever stopped watching a show after a couple of episodes? What was the reason for it? Predictable exposition? Boring story? Unlikeable characters? Unappealing art style? All of these can be a valid reason to drop a show. But what is it that makes us wanna stay and move further into the plot of a series?
Making the first episode engaging is very crucial for all types of media, and anime, of course, is no exception. The beginning of a series is what sets the mood for the entire narrative and gives you a good idea of what to expect from the rest of the show. It has to grab the viewer’s attention and keep them entertained to make them want to keep watching. Take, for example, Chainsaw Man. Weird but cute chainsaw demon, relatable character, stunning visuals and impressive fight scenes. How can you stop watching after that?
The first episode should do a good job of introducing the story and the characters, it has to make us feel for them or at least want to see what happens to them next. For example, Yagami Light (Death Note) is not the epitome of a “feel for” guy, but his actions and his ideology fascinate the viewers straight from the beginning and it doesn’t matter if you love him or hate him — you are eager to learn what he is going to do and say next.
Building anticipation is also a pretty good strategy for making the first episode. An anime should leave you with some intricate questions and give you the hope that one day they will be answered. The first episode of Attack on Titan not only leaves you with a broken heart, but also makes you think about the nature of the titans and the mechanisms of the world.
Cliffhangers are also an effective, though cheap, method of convincing the viewer to keep watching. Just a couple of seconds at the end of an episode can change your mind and get your finger off that small red cross that would close the video player. Remember how terrifying a two-second moment with the bunny was in the first episode of The Promised Neverland?
Although the art style itself rarely keeps anyone watching the show, it can definitely be a reason to give up on a series. Good-looking animation is always important, and if you don’t like what you see, why bother watching?
The first episode of a series should serve as a foundation for the entire show and give you a glimpse of what awaits you. You should finish the episode wanting more and feeling eager to get all of your questions answered.
Why is the first episode of a show so important?
Have you ever stopped watching a show after a couple of episodes? What was the reason for it? Predictable exposition? Boring story? Unlikeable characters? Unappealing art style? All of these can be a valid reason to drop a show. But what is it that makes us wanna stay and move further into the plot of a series?
Making the first episode engaging is very crucial for all types of media, and anime, of course, is no exception. The beginning of a series is what sets the mood for the entire narrative and gives you a good idea of what to expect from the rest of the show. It has to grab the viewer’s attention and keep them entertained to make them want to keep watching. Take, for example, Chainsaw Man. Weird but cute chainsaw demon, relatable character, stunning visuals and impressive fight scenes. How can you stop watching after that?
The first episode should do a good job of introducing the story and the characters, it has to make us feel for them or at least want to see what happens to them next. For example, Yagami Light (Death Note) is not the epitome of a “feel for” guy, but his actions and his ideology fascinate the viewers straight from the beginning and it doesn’t matter if you love him or hate him — you are eager to learn what he is going to do and say next.
Building anticipation is also a pretty good strategy for making the first episode. An anime should leave you with some intricate questions and give you the hope that one day they will be answered. The first episode of Attack on Titan not only leaves you with a broken heart, but also makes you think about the nature of the titans and the mechanisms of the world.
Cliffhangers are also an effective, though cheap, method of convincing the viewer to keep watching. Just a couple of seconds at the end of an episode can change your mind and get your finger off that small red cross that would close the video player. Remember how terrifying a two-second moment with the bunny was in the first episode of The Promised Neverland?
Although the art style itself rarely keeps anyone watching the show, it can definitely be a reason to give up on a series. Good-looking animation is always important, and if you don’t like what you see, why bother watching?
The first episode of a series should serve as a foundation for the entire show and give you a glimpse of what awaits you. You should finish the episode wanting more and feeling eager to get all of your questions answered.
