Brief Summary
This episode reviews the "Super Evolution Stage!!" Digimon Adventure tri. stage play, which sees the original DigiDestined going on a nostalgic camping trip that turns into a battle against Etemon. The play explores themes of growing up, dealing with trauma, and the importance of the DigiDestined's bond with their Digimon.
- The DigiDestined go on a camping trip that becomes a digital adventure.
- Etemon returns, wanting to regress everyone to the past.
- The play explores themes of growing up and the importance of the DigiDestined's bond.
Intro and Synopsis
The hosts introduce episode 31, focusing on the "Super Evolution Stage!!" Digimon Adventure tri. stage play. They thank Onke for providing the fansub, which allows them to understand the play's content. The play begins with the DigiDestined planning a camping trip for August 1st, aiming to relive their first meeting and reflect on their journey. Sora suggests the trip, and while most agree, Joe initially hesitates. Mimi insists on a primitive camping experience, while Izzy is reluctant until convinced. Hikari persuades Tai to join, despite his internal struggles related to the events of Digimon Adventure tri.
The Camping Trip Begins
The group arrives at the campground, but Mimi hasn't brought a tent or supplies. Tai takes charge, deciding they'll stay until 9 p.m. if things get too difficult. Joe and Gomamon go fishing, while Mimi searches for fruit, despite being in a location where it's unlikely to be found. The scene transitions into a montage of the kids engaging in various activities, reminiscent of the opening of the stage play. Mimi finds bananas, which are treated with suspicion by the others, as they claim bananas aren't found on File Island. Joe catches a fish, and Matt starts cooking, while Mimi's offer to help is met with apprehension due to her experimental cooking tendencies.
Dreams and Doubts
The group discusses their future aspirations. Joe reveals his determination to become a doctor, influenced by the suffering he witnessed in the Digital World, but announces he must leave the camping trip early for a mock exam. The others express uncertainty about their paths. Joe sees a shooting star, which the group interprets as a sign of his clear vision for the future. A campground organizer, clearly a disguised Etemon, interrupts their conversation, acting strangely and wanting to hang out with them, making them uncomfortable.
Nightfall and Scary Stories
As night falls, Tai and Yamato have a silent conversation, while the girls gather in their sleeping bags. Mimi wakes Sora to talk about crushes, but Sora is evasive. They share scary stories, with Sora recounting a tale of hearing voices and encountering figures with red eyes on a beach, referencing her experience in the Dark Ocean. The conversation shifts back to crushes, with the girls trying to get Sora to reveal her feelings about Matt and Tai. The discussion touches on the theme of growing up and how the DigiDestined's experiences differ from typical otherworldly stories, as they maintain their connection to the Digital World.
The Barrier and Etemon's Return
Izzy discovers a barrier preventing them from leaving the campground, and the group notices that their phones display an impossible time. They realize they may be in a version of the Digital World. Etemon reveals himself, breaking the fourth wall and acting as a comedic villain. He explains that he was in the Dark Ocean for a hundred years and harbors resentment towards Tai for his past defeat. Etemon expresses a twisted affection for Tai, wanting to keep him in this world forever.
Intermission and Joe's Success
Before the intermission, Etemon summons his Etemon Five and teases a "super evolution on stage." During the intermission, Joe returns, elated about his mock exam. He credits the camping trip with refreshing his mind. However, he receives an emergency call and leaves to investigate. Etemon reappears, reintroducing the show and revealing that the DigiDestined are now enjoying a barbecue with the Etemon Five.
Growing Dissension and the Barrier
Sora becomes concerned and distances herself from the forced happiness, eventually storming off, followed by another member. Etemon becomes aggressive, demanding they stay forever. The scene shifts to Tai and the others trying to escape the campground, but they are unable to pass through the barrier. They realize the place is giving them what they want. Joe is able to pass through the barrier, leading the group to theorize that his ability to leave is tied to his clear focus on his future as a doctor.
Confronting Etemon and Personal Struggles
With everyone else gone, Etemon confronts Tai, expressing his twisted love and desire to keep him forever. He admits he could kill Tai but doesn't want to. The others interrogate Tai about his behavior, noting that he was acting like he was ten years old at the start of the camping trip, suggesting he is regressing. The Digimon and their partners have heart-to-heart conversations about their desires and futures.
The Hundredth Hour and Reflections
As the clock approaches the hundredth hour, the corrupted digital world intensifies. The DigiDestined reflect on their past selves and how they have changed. The Digimon offer their perspectives, helping their partners realize they have grown. Tai has a touching conversation with Agumon, and they both accept the need to move forward.
The Final Battle and Resolution
Tai, now with conviction, evolves Agumon to MetalGreymon and defeats Etemon. However, Etemon returns in a robe, revealing his new form: KingEtemon. He overpowers MetalGreymon and summons projections of past villains from Digimon Adventure. MetalGreymon is losing hope when Wargreymon appears to help. The two Digimon evolve into Omnimon and defeat VenomEtemon. The kids find themselves back in the real world, dressed in their school uniforms.
It Was All a Dream?
The DigiDestined wonder if it was all a dream, but Joe remembers acing his mock exam. They acknowledge that Meiko and Meicoomon are still causing distortions and that they need to check on her. The play ends with the DigiDestined resolving to appreciate August 1st for the memories but not to regress to the past.
Curtain Calls and Cast Reflections
The DVD version includes footage from the final night, featuring curtain calls and speeches from the cast members. The actors express their gratitude and share their experiences playing their characters.
Highlights and Final Thoughts
The hosts discuss their highlights, including the character interactions, Etemon's role, and the adaptation of the story to a stage play. They appreciate the play's focus on emotional journeys and themes of trauma and growing up. They also note the play's references to past Digimon seasons and the strong performances of the voice actors. The hosts conclude by highly recommending the stage play, praising its nostalgia, themes, and character development.