"One Piece TV Special 3: Protect! The Last Great Stage" is an original non-canon adventure that, while fun, struggles to leave a lasting impact compared to the stronger arcs and movies in the One Piece franchise.
One of the special's standout qualities is its unique setting-an island with a famous theater where a legendary final performance is about to take place. The concept of protecting a cultural treasure rather than hunting treasure itself adds an interesting twist to the usual pirate formula. The Straw Hat crew's personalities and interactions are on point, bringing humor and energy to the story.
The animation is decent for a TV special, though it doesn't reach the quality of the movies. The action scenes are serviceable, and the special does well in highlighting each crew member's abilities in small but entertaining moments.
The biggest drawback is the forgettable villain and overall lack of stakes. The antagonist, who seeks to disrupt the final performance for selfish reasons, feels generic and doesn't pose a real threat to the Straw Hats. This makes the conflict feel somewhat shallow, as it lacks the emotional weight or thrilling action of One Piece at its best.
Additionally, because it's a TV special with a short runtime, the pacing can feel rushed, and there's little room for deep character development. Fans looking for a meaningful or intense adventure might find this special underwhelming.
"Protect! The Last Great Stage" is a lighthearted but ultimately skippable entry in the One Piece catalog. While it provides some fun moments and a unique setting, it doesn't offer much in terms of stakes or memorable storytelling.
Rating: 7.5/10 - A fun distraction for die-hard fans, but not essential viewing.