Shy – Season 1 Episode 1 Recap & Review

I’m Shy

Episode 1 of Shy begins with our protagonist explaining the history of her world to the audience. She states a fierce war occurred in the 21st century. After the war subsided, people with superhuman powers emerged worldwide. No one knows where these people came from, but due to their abilities and fashion sense, people opted to call them heroes. We meet our protagonist, Teru, as she’s getting off the subway train as her alternate self explains humanity sought peace and good fortune. 

To accomplish their wishes, many heroes appeared in select countries. We cut to the female superhero Shy, who’s struggling to introduce herself to Japan’s residents on stage. When Shy notices people aren’t interested in seeing her, she attempts to leave the stage. However, a small boy encourages her. A group of hero performers named Heartman perform for the audience afterwards. When the performance concludes, we learn Teru is Shy as her fish alien companion N. Vilio (ABO) realizes she may never defeat her nervousness. 

ABO confirms it’s been three months since Teru became a hero and that she must work on getting people to recognize her. Teru hears screaming outside and realizes a roller coaster malfunction, causing people to be trapped on the ride. A girl tells Teru to prioritize the others’ lives over her own. Teru moves forward with the girl’s plan and saves the others. Before she saves the girl in question, the ride malfunctions, causing Teru to panic. Teru stops the ride and people cheer for her. 

However, when she checks on the girl, she’s unconscious with blood dripping from her forehead. A report appears on the news and details Teru’s failure. We receive a few snippets of people discussing Teru’s involvement and whether she should be held accountable for her failed attempts. A month later, Abo comforts Teru in her room and tells her of a new problem that’s arisen in a nearby location. Teru attempts to transform but realizes she can’t. 

Abo attempts to encourage Teru to go out and save people despite her sadness. Teru says she doesn’t want anyone to get hurt nor does she want any more criticism sent her way. She regrets being the only hero at the amusement park that day. Suddenly, Russia’s Hero, Spirit, or Pepesha, arrives in Teru’s room. Pepesha says Teru’s too hard on herself and mocks her for being a shut-in. Pepsha reveals an old dream she had. She once wanted to fly across the world and make everyone a drunkard to lower this world’s negativity. 

Pepesha starts preaching nonsense, upsetting Teru. Then, Pepesha tells Teru she can’t save every single person but that’s no reason to stop pursuing hero work. Someone calls Pepesha and she departs after wishing Teru the best of luck. Shy contemplates Pepesha’s words at various locations she visits in Japan.

Shy notices a fire breaking loose at a nearby building. However, she can’t seem to transform because of the immense guilt she has from her failure. She notices her number one fan discussing the situation with a firefighter. The boy wants to save the people inside despite not having powers and knowing that he’d be putting his life in jeopardy. Before some rubble crushes him, Teru saves him. After seeing the boy’s bravery and reminding herself of Pepesha’s words, Teru transforms into Shy and promises the boy she’ll handle things from here.

Teru notices a mother and her child in a room and is determined to get them to the paramedics. However, she loses her grip on the baby and decides to leave the mother in the building to grab the toddler. After successfully saving the baby, she attempts to retrieve their mother but realizes her thrusters are going out. Fortunately, Pepesha swoops in and covers for Teru. Pepesha and Teru discuss things for a bit. Then many of Pepesha’s fans swarm her with praise. During that excursion, Teru’s fan greets her and lets her know that his sister (the girl Teru failed to save) is leaving the hospital and attending school soon. 

He thanked her for saving them that day. Pepesha tells Teru the mother of the child she saved regained consciousness. This boosts Teru’s confidence further. Pepesha takes Teru to a hero hideout in outer space. The Heavenly Empress Unilord introduces herself to Teru and reveals she’s in charge of supervising all heroes on Earth. However, she’d rather Teru call her Yunicchi. Yunicchi says they’ll be facing grave danger soon and that it’s important for all heroes to keep on their toes. 

While Teru is lost in her thoughts during class, her instructor introduces a new student to the class. Teru’s taken aback because this student happens to be Iko, the same girl she thought she failed to save at the amusement park. The episode closes with Iko greeting Teru in class. 

The Episode Review

Although superhero programs have been hit or miss in this day and age, fans can’t help but get excited to see what else is left for the genre to tackle. Enter this season’s Shy, which gives fans a fun introductory chapter with compelling humor, an interesting lead (so far), and some heart put into it.

Teru’s character felt extremely relatable in this first episode. Not only did her guilt from failing to save Iko from her injuries mess with her internally, but it also hampered her ability to transform. However, upon Iko’s brother encouraging her, Teru gained the strength and determination necessary to press on. While the scene was touching and motivational, it was a bit cliche. We’ve seen many works pull similar scenarios like the one presented in this chapter. 

Many viewers would’ve preferred an alternate way of having Shy overcome her insecurities. Nonetheless, the scene itself contained great messages and animation, so it’s likely not too bothersome. Moreover, this episode does a nice job of setting up Teru’s connection with Abo and Pepesha. Both pairings evoke strong wholesome chemistry.

The latter hints toward a comedic dynamic as opposed to the former’s serious tone. Nevertheless, fans will be excited to see how the staff plans to gradually develop both connections over time.

Overall, Shy delivers a fascinating introductory chapter that’s sure to get superhero enthusiasts interested, especially if they’re growing bored of Hollywood’s latest offerings.