Last we saw Team 7 they were attempting to pass Kakashi’s test to get the bells and it looked as though Sasuke had dealt a blow to Kakashi. Of course this was another illusionary technique. After several other attempts, all three ninja candidates are brought down by Kakashi. Noon comes and Kakashi explains that teamwork was the key and that neither of them has the ability to be a real ninja without it. After telling them they will have another chance after lunch (with some rules given), Kakashi leaves the trio. Although breaking the rules Kakashi gave before leaving, he passes them because they got the true message of the test – to function as a team.

The episode allowed for the group dynamic to form into a team as well as to lay down groundwork for some back story (Kakashi losing a friend whose name is on the hero monument) and understanding as to what being a ninja in this world means. Another episode I really liked. It made me interested in seeing what is around the corner for the series.

It’s time for team 7 to meet their new instructor and he’s late. Reverting to his old ways, Naruto sets in motion a prank which works, but starts off an awkward beginning between the new teacher (Kakashi) and team 7.

The episode allowed for the group dynamic to begin to evolve plus we learn of Sasuke’s ambition to kill a specific man (undisclosed at this point who). Kakashi seems un-phased by the information given by his students and informs them they only have a 1/3 chance to move forward in the process in becoming ninja. The test to determine this would be given the next day. As the test progresses, Naruto make the most direct effort against the teacher, but at the end Sasuke makes a move. Was he successful? You’ll have to tune in to the next episode to find out.

I really liked this episode as it added information about the characters and provided a little action.

An episode that brings team 7 together. I was excited to see the team’s come together. It seemed the first two episodes really didn’t do much, but this episode seems to have setup the series for what I expect will be some interesting adventures.

I found it surprising (in a good way) how Naruto managed to trick Sasuke and then take his place to meet with Sakura. Sakura on the other hand seemed to be a bit pathetic in her gushing over Sasuke. I find it an interesting turn of events though that Sakura’s words to Sasuke actually seem to have brought about the beginnings of a bond between Naruto and Sasuke (or at least an understanding on Sasuke’s part about how he & Naruto are both alone).

So overall, there’s not a lot of action, but some good humor. I really liked this episode.

So I have decided to give this series a few episodes to really catch me, but this one didn’t do that.

The episode introduces a couple of new characters: Konohamaru (the Third Hokage’s grandson) and his teacher Ebisu. It appears Konohamaru has difficulty getting the village to acknowledge him beyond his role as the grandson of the leader. So when Naruto doesn’t treat him with kid gloves, Konohamaru feels he can learn something from Naruto and begins to follow him. Naruto attempts to teach Konohamaru some jutsu while learning more about Konohamaru.

So overall it seemed like another introduction episode and is not a favorite.

As I awaited new fall shows, I was hearing about this show called Naruto. OK I admit I’ve never had even a passing fancy to watch Japanese anime of any kind. They all seemed either to have too much violence or innuendo. So despite my issues, I gave this a try. I guess I would have to say that I’m glad I didn’t base my overall opinion of the show on this first episode.

The episode itself seems to give a good idea about who Naruto is and why no one appears to like him. However, I was caught a little off guard with the graphic nature of the show’s violence (now I know just to look away). The twists with all the techniques were also interesting, if not a bit overwhelming, for someone not used to these types of shows.

So overall it seemed like a good introduction, but I wouldn’t say it’s a favorite.