One of the most frequently asked questions by non-viewers is, "At what point in the One Piece series does it get 'good'?" In other words, due to the length of the series, non-viewers often wonder which episodes make the series worth watching. Fans tend to have conflicting answers, as they recall different plot points that hooked them during their first viewing. However, among these varying answers, one episode especially stands out. While not every member of the fandom agrees, many fans have reached a consensus that Season 1, Episode 37 is the first episode that captured their full attention, impacted their perspective of the characters and shifted their viewing experience.
Unlike the many other well-loved One Piece episodes, Episode 37, "Luffy Rises! Result of the Broken Promise!" isn't among the top-rated. However, the episode's significance to the overall plot and character development of the protagonists speaks for itself. This episode was a pivotal moment for both Luffy and Nami, as the characters did things neither of them had done before.
More specifically, viewers saw Nami put her pride and ego aside for the very first time to ask someone else for help. Ever since she was a child, Nami remained guarded and headstrong to protect herself from the harsh realities of her life's circumstances. It wasn't until she encountered a friendly yet persistent rubber boy and his pirate crew that she realized her new friends were willing to bear the burden of confronting and defeating her lifelong enemy, Arlong. After learning of Arlong's lies, she effectively reached her lowest point, leaving her with no choice but to trust her newfound crew mates and lean on them for help.
Similarly to Nami, Luffy also did something no one was expecting. Early in the series, viewers learn that, while Luffy is far from materialistic, his straw hat holds immense personal value, as it was gifted to him by his biggest role model, Shanks. In fact, Luffy's straw hat is likely the only material item in the entire series that he deems important enough to ensure its safekeeping. It didn't take viewers long to understand the emotional ties Luffy has to his hat, so it went without saying that he'd likely never lose it, let alone part ways from it intentionally.
Nevertheless, as he watched his friend Nami sit helplessly in the street, driven to self-harm out of frustration, he did the unthinkable: he removed his hat. He then placed it on Nami's head to give her reassurance before proceeding to face her enemy head-on. This was a sign of major character growth for Luffy, and it solidified his connection to Nami. It also further proved that Luffy holds his friends in high regard, as he was willing to briefly forgo his most sentimental item to comfort and defend Nami.
It's safe to say that Episode 37 of One Piece was incredibly significant to the plot at the beginning of the series. It gave fans a glimpse into the ways Luffy and Nami would go on to become more complex characters. Their unique relationship dynamic was established, and they grew closer and closer over time. Even to this day, when in need of someone to look after his straw hat during a tense situation, Nami is Luffy's go-to.