Ep 1. Their Determination

In the first episode of Beastars, titled "Their Determination," we are introduced to a world in which animals have evolved to a level of sentience that allows them to coexist with humans. However, this coexistence is more of a separation, with the carnivorous and herbivorous animals living in segregated communities and adhering to strict social norms.

The episode focuses on the character of Legoshi, a wolf who is part of the drama club at Cherryton Academy. Legoshi is reserved and introspective, often keeping to himself and struggling with his own identity as a carnivore in a world that fears and mistrusts his kind. He is also dealing with the recent departure of his friend and fellow drama club member Louis, a red deer who has risen through the ranks of the school's hierarchy despite his herbivorous nature.

As the episode progresses, we see Legoshi interacting with a number of characters who help to paint a picture of this complex, multilayered world. There is Jack, a golden retriever who is Legoshi's best friend and confidant; Haru, a white dwarf rabbit who is the object of Legoshi's affections; and Bill, a leopard who is brash and aggressive, often coming into conflict with Legoshi despite their shared passion for acting.

The plot of the episode centers around the upcoming drama club performance, which is a play called "Adler's Bloodbath." Legoshi has been given the role of the lead character, a wolf who is the antagonist of the story. Despite his reservations about the role - which he feels is uncomfortably close to his own perceived villainy as a carnivore - Legoshi agrees to take on the part.

Throughout the episode, we see Legoshi struggling to come to terms with his own identity as he rehearses for the play. He is haunted by memories of his past, including a traumatic incident in which he accidentally killed a rabbit when he was younger. He is also coming into contact with more and more animals who are prejudiced against him, including a group of rabbits who assume that he is going to attack them.

Despite all of these challenges, Legoshi remains determined to succeed in his role and prove himself to be a talented actor. His dedication is put to the test when he encounters Haru in a secluded area of the school grounds, and finds himself struggling with his own instincts as a wolf. The scene is tense and fraught with danger, underscoring the deep divides that exist between the carnivorous and herbivorous animals in this world.

As the episode comes to a close, we see Legoshi struggling to come to terms with what he has done. He is clearly deeply conflicted, torn between his own nature and his desire to be accepted by the other animals. We are left wondering what will happen next - not just to Legoshi, but to all of the characters in this richly detailed world.

Overall, the first episode of Beastars is a complex and engrossing introduction to a world that is simultaneously familiar and completely alien. The characters are compelling and well-realized, and the themes of identity, prejudice, and acceptance are explored in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. Fans of anime and manga will find plenty to enjoy here, while newcomers to the genre may find themselves pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity of this intriguing series.