Ep 1. Episode 1
Violet Evergarden is a beautiful and heart-warming anime series that is masterfully crafted with strong storytelling and deeply fleshed out characters. The show follows the titular character, Violet, a young girl who was once a weapon in a brutal war, as she begins her new life as a "doll" - an Auto Memory Doll - in order to learn the delicate art of writing letters. In this special episode of the first season, titled Episode 1, viewers are introduced to Violet as she embarks on her journey of self-discovery and emotional growth.
The episode opens with Violet being released from a hospital after a long recovery from war injuries. She is taken in by Claudia Hodgins, who is her friend and guardian, and given a new job as an Auto Memory Doll. Claudia introduces Violet to the world of letter writing and explains that her job will be to write letters on behalf of clients who cannot write for themselves. These clients range from ordinary people to wealthy aristocrats and even high-ranking military officials.
As Violet begins her work, she finds that she is struggling to understand the emotions behind the words she is writing. This is because she was raised to be a weapon and never taught how to express or feel emotions. Despite this, she is determined to improve and become a better writer. She seeks guidance and advice from her fellow Auto Memory Dolls, including Cattleya Baudelaire, who is one of the best writers in the business.
Throughout the episode, viewers are able to see glimpses of Violet's tragic past and how it has shaped her into the person she is today. These glimpses are woven seamlessly into the narrative, giving viewers a deeper understanding of Violet's character and the struggles she faces as she tries to connect with her emotions.
One of Violet's first clients is a young girl named Luculia Marlborough, who has requested a letter to be written to her brother. The letter is delicate and emotionally charged, as it is intended to heal the rift between the siblings. Violet struggles to understand the emotions behind the words and, after several attempts, realizes that she must draw on her own experiences in order to connect with the feelings of others. She pours her heart and soul into the letter, leaving Luculia in tears at the beauty and sincerity of the words.
As the episode draws to a close, viewers see a glimpse of the emotional growth that Violet is going through. She begins to understand that writing letters is more than just a job - it is a way to connect with people on a deep and emotional level. She is beginning to see that writing is a way for her to express her own emotions and connect with her own humanity. The episode ends with Violet looking out on a beautiful view, as she reflects on the journey that lies ahead of her.
Overall, Episode 1 of the special season of Violet Evergarden is a stunning introduction to the series. It sets up the premise of the show brilliantly and establishes Violet as a complex and intricate character. The animation is breathtaking, and the storytelling is masterful, weaving together moments of heartbreak and beauty with effortless grace. This episode is a must-watch for anyone looking for a poignant and emotionally resonant anime series.
