Ep 1. The Season of New Leaves

The Season of New Leaves, the first episode of Shin Sekai Yori, introduces us to a world much different from our own. Set in a future where psychic powers have become commonplace, a group of young students are beginning their education in a small village. They are taught the importance of controlling their powers, and how to use them to help others.

We follow the perspective of Saki, a timid girl who is excited to use her power but also scared of the unknown. The students witness a strange event that is out of the ordinary. It's revealed that the village's deity, the False Minoshiro, has been keeping secrets from them. It teaches them how the world came to be and the turmoil that took place before their time. It projects images of an apocalyptic event where humans with psychic abilities fight crazily causing widespread devastation. The Minoshiro breeds and provides information about the past to someone who had captured it. The group of students is astounded and confused by what they witness.

The following day, their teacher announces that one of the students has disappeared. The students are asked to stay indoors to keep themselves safe. Saki, however, can't stay idle and sneaks out with her classmates to investigate the disappearance. What they find is beyond their understanding at first. They come across an ancient ruin that was once believed to be inhabited by evil spirits. The group stumbles upon a set of bones wrapped in gold that emits an unusual energy. While Saki and her friend creatively repurpose three bone relics, they don't realize the danger that lurks around them.

As the students return to the village, they discover that the missing student has been found, but she is now a changed person, her eyes filled with insane excitement and a terrifying new power. The group realizes that they have stepped into something they don't understand, and they are now in greater danger.

The episode ends with Saki wondering why she ever wanted to leave the safety of her village. The world that only a few moments ago seemed full of excitement and adventure, now is looking completely different.

The Season of New Leaves is an episode packed with information, setting up the background of this dark and complicated world. The soft watercolor background art, coupled with the steady pacing, sets a comfortable yet ominous tone throughout the run time. The episode manages to introduce the world to the audience with ease while keeping the excitement to a minimum. It sets up a few arcs of what is about to come while also leaving many questions unanswered.

The show is not for everyone, despite the vivid imagery and the engaging plot. It boasts many disturbing scenes, including violence and gore that may make the faint of heart want to turn away. The complexity of the story and the world-building is not too convoluted to follow but will require the viewer's undivided attention to pick the subtle hints that give us an idea of what lies ahead.

The Season of New Leaves sets the stage for what looks like a rollercoaster ride of emotions for its audience. It is a nuanced show that delves into philosophical and political themes that make for a captivating watch. The first episode is a masterclass in pacing and storytelling, and it leaves the audience with an unforgettable impression.