REVIEW: ‘Dr. STONE New World,’ Episode 10 — “Science Wars”

With the trio of Ginro, Kohaku (Manami Numakura,) and Amaryllis having infiltrated the camp where the petrification beam lies, Team Science is given a triumphant win in Dr.STONE New World Episode 10. While the episode errs too heavily on fan service in terms of some of the character designs, it tries to make up for it by giving Kohaku more moments to shine where she demonstrates her considerable athletic skill while also reminding viewers that she, along with the other islanders, have been learning from Senku (Yûsuke Kobayashi) this entire time. “Science Wars” is at its best when we get to witness these long-term core characters be given moments in the spotlight, especially since Kohaku is so often pushed to the side in favor of the series’ male heroes.

Having been picked as the Dear Leader’s new brides, Kohaku, Amaryllis (Saori Ōnishi,) and a still in disguse Ginro(Ayumu Murase) are forced to play the part of dutiful and subservient accessories to their would-be husbands. This entails a week of etiquette-style training such as maintaining good posture to keeping a level of calm poise. Senku is able to give an earpiece to Kohaku through which he can communicate with her what to prioritize and look for while behind the gates. The three would-be brides will play the roles of the spy while Senku, Gen (Kengo Kawanishi). Suika (Karin Takahashi), and Soyuz (Taito Ban) as team science, running point in the background.

Amaryllis is the only one suited to adapting to the conditions the team spy is under, often having to cover or smooth over any possible conflicts. This is part of what heightens the comedy, because even Gen would’ve done better than Kohaku manages in terms of placating onlookers. They’re too brash and bold while the mentalist is used to adjusting his ways in order to better align with whoever currently has control of the situation. Due to his concern about being caught, even Ginro is better at putting on a performance. Meanwhile, Kohaku is ready to charge head-first into battle, limiting her ability to be able to play the role required of her.

That said, Dr.STONE New World Episode 10 demonstrates how vital a player Kohaku is to the team, and for once it’s not just due to her physicality. She may not be able to read or write, but she can spot items that are out of place in a village that has no knowledge of modern-day artifacts and technology. Her observation skills plus her athleticism along with a helpful dose of her impulse control issues mean that she’s able to spot platinum.

It’s an enormous revelation for her to find so soon, something that she’s able to pass back to Senku through the automated rat they have run through the village in case an SOS is needed to be sent. Using her own blood to convey the message through drawings, Senku now knows that they’ve already managed to find the spot where Byakuya must’ve left the spacecraft in which they’ll find the platinum, which will allow them to revive not just their petrified crewmates but society worldwide.

Of course, it would be too easy for all of the drama planted so far to resolve itself, with the episode ending on the optimistic revelation. Now that they have the whereabouts, it all comes down to the execution of their plans and whether or not with their smaller group they’ll be able to accomplish it in a timely manner, especially as they watch members of the guards in this new village demolish petrified individuals.

Dr.STONE New World Episode 10 is a strong enough episode that succeeds due to its commitment to highlighting the strengths of long-running characters. That said, it falls short of its own expectations considering the strong run the season has been on. Still, as we seemingly near the end of this particular chapter, the series is continuing to find ways to engage with the audience while introducing greater threats and challenges as the world around them continues to expand.

Dr.STONE New World is available now on Crunchyroll.