The mention of “Anne Shirley – Episode 21” immediately sparks curiosity, as the beloved character from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel, Anne of Green Gables, has graced numerous adaptations across various media. While multiple series have brought Anne’s world to life, the concept of a specific “Episode 21” points to a few distinct productions, most notably a recent anime adaptation and an earlier, extensive Japanese animated series.
The 2025 Anime Adaptation: “Has the Real Prince Come at Last…?”
As of September 2025, the most relevant “Anne Shirley – Episode 21” refers to a new anime adaptation of Anne of Green Gables that premiered on April 5, 2025. This highly anticipated series is scheduled for 24 episodes, nearing its first season finale.
Release Date and Plot Highlights:
Episode 21 of this new “Anne Shirley” anime was released on Saturday, September 6, 2025, specifically at 6:25 PM Japanese Standard Time. This episode, titled “Has the Real Prince Come at Last…?”, delves deeper into the romantic developments for Anne and other characters. Following Gilbert’s confession in Episode 20, “love is blooming in the air”. The preview for Episode 21 indicates the introduction of two new characters. Anne, having wept and been consoled by Philippa in the previous episode, decided to return to Avonlea earlier than planned. While her family is happy to see her, Gilbert has not yet returned. This episode sees a handsome stranger rescuing Anne from a storm in the woods, a figure who resembles the “prince she’s dreamt of all these years”. Philippa, Anne’s friend, is also set to meet a third suitor in this episode.
Discussions among viewers suggest that Anne becomes “too caught up in being a romance heroine,” with some speculating that she realizes her true feelings for Gilbert as events unfold with the new stranger. The episode explores themes of idealized romance versus reality, and Anne’s own emotional journey as she navigates her feelings and expectations.
The 1979 Anime: “The New Minister’s Wife”
Another significant adaptation featuring an “Episode 21” is the 1979 Japanese anime television series, Anne of Green Gables (Akage no An). Produced by Nippon Animation as part of their World Masterpiece Theater, this series is a comprehensive 50-episode adaptation of Montgomery’s novel, co-written and directed by Isao Takahata, with layout designs by Hayao Miyazaki.
Episode 21 Summary:
In the 1979 anime, Episode 21 is titled “The New Minister’s Wife”. This episode sees Anne feeling a mix of sadness and relief upon learning of Mr. Phillips’ decision to leave the school, despite his poor treatment of her. However, her attention is quickly captivated by Ruby Gillis’s new dress with puff sleeves, a coveted fashion item for Anne. The focus then shifts to the arrival of the new minister, Mr. Allan, and his wife. Marilla, despite a headache, joins Anne at church, sharing the general excitement in Avonlea to meet the new couple. Mr. Allan delivers an impressive and enthusiastic sermon, quickly winning over the congregation. Mrs. Allan, with her sensational Sunday school teaching methods, including new songs and cheerful stories, also captures the hearts of the children, offering a stark contrast to previous boring lessons. Anne idolizes Mrs. Allan, seeing her as the most elegant lady she’d ever met, second only to her imaginary Lady Cordelia Fitzgerald. Marilla invites the Allans for tea, and Anne eagerly helps prepare, even baking a cake, though something goes awry during the process.
Other Notable Adaptations and Episode Numbering
While the 2025 and 1979 anime series explicitly feature an “Episode 21,” other popular adaptations of Anne Shirley’s story are structured differently:
- Anne with an E (2017-2019): This Netflix/CBC series gained significant popularity but has a different episode count. Season 1 consists of 7 episodes, Season 2 has 10 episodes, and Season 3 has 10 episodes, totaling 27 episodes across its three seasons. Therefore, “Episode 21” would fall late in its second season or early in its third, not as a distinct, standalone numbered episode across the entire run in the way the anime series are structured. For instance, Season 2 Episode 4 is titled “The Painful Eagerness of Unfed Hope,” and Season 2 Episode 6 is “I Protest Against Any Absolute Conclusion”.
- Anne of Green Gables (1985 Miniseries): The acclaimed Canadian miniseries, starring Megan Follows, is a shorter production, typically presented as two longer parts or a limited number of episodes, not reaching an “Episode 21” in its core run.
- Road to Avonlea (1990-1996): This spin-off series, while set in the same universe and featuring some characters from Anne’s story (like Marilla Cuthbert and Rachel Lynde), primarily focuses on Sara Stanley and other members of the King family. It ran for seven seasons with a total of 91 episodes. Episode 21 of Road to Avonlea is titled “Sea Ghost” and aired during its second season.
In summary, when seeking “Anne Shirley – Episode 21,” the most direct references point to either the 2025 anime adaptation, focusing on pivotal romantic developments for Anne, or the 1979 anime, which explores the arrival of the new minister’s wife and Anne’s impressions of her. Understanding the specific adaptation in question is key to uncovering the details of this particular episode.
