I first started to get the impression that this season could be something really amazing around episode 10. I'd been worried that Team Flare's inclusion would seem rushed, but their plot was really well done. I didn't think Zygarde was a thing until Sun and Moon, but in hindsight, this actually tied into their schemes a lot better than their plot in the games. (Honestly, I'm still not really sure what the giant and his Floette had to do with anything.) And yes, Bonnie taking care of "Squishy" was just a little too cutesy a lot of the time. But they did a great job of making Team Flare seem actually threatening. Like I said, episode ten was genuinely moving, which I don't usually expect from Pokemon. Not stemming from anything serious, anyway. That image of the kids sitting around the campfire, struggling to come to terms with their feeling powerless to protect a friend... It was the first indication that XY&Z was going to be something really special and not just the standard Pokemon fare, even dramatic as that can be. And the writers didn't disappoint.
There are just so many things to praise here. Likable characters continuing to be developed? Excellent. Ash and Greninja having a Digimon Tamers-esque connection and power? Never something to complain about. Giving Steven a role to play after totally stripping him of his importance in his own season? Yes. Any time. And the new characters really grew on me. Alan was mysterious but not overly angst-ridden or edgy. Sawyer was an interesting case. I started out not thinking much of him one way or another, but in the end, I wouldn't have been disappointed if Ash lost that battle and Sawyer ended up becoming champion. He grows so much in such a short time and has one crucial skill that Ash lacks-- adaptability. To this extent, anyway. A lot of this season kind of became about showing off all the mega evolutions, and I know they make sure we know it requires a strong bond between Pokemon and trainer, but honestly, I would have loved to see that sort of raw power overcome by a really good strategy.
Honestly, parts of the Pokémon League itself felt a little rushed. I mean, we all knew who the important players were going into it, but the beginning stages with all the competitors help to really give it the feel of a tournament. And this season it was literally opening battles one episode, semi-finals the next. We don't even get to see all of Ash's battles in full. But honestly, even that is a little hard to complain about when the end of the Pokémon League blends so effortlessly into the major plot of the story. And damn was the final arc done well. I mean, all the regional villains' plans are at the world-takeover/destruction level, but usually it feels like they really only affect Ash and his friends. I love that everyone had a role to play here. I've always been of the belief that kids' shows are at their best when the material isn't treated like it's for kids. You know, the danger dumbed down and made to be obvious that the heroes are going to triumph. Everything was just as dramatic and high-stakes as it should have been. The writers played all their cards so well. I was getting actually emotional over the comic relief/plot device robot! (Seriously, though, that scene-- with the dramatic music playing instead of the explosions-- was done particularly well.) And Clemont! How is it that we spent twice as much time with Brock, but I am twice as attached to Clemont? I know I'm gushing. But I don't think I can truly impress upon you how good those final episodes got. I mean, the gym leaders all band together to form a sort of elite Pokémon army. Do I even need to say anything else?
And the conclusion of Serena's character arc impressed me as well. I think it's safe to say she's grown the most of any character, and the fact that her journeys are going to take her into the contest realm kind of smoothed out any lingering dissatisfaction I had. I still can't really respect the showcases... The judging is so subjective (and open to so much bias, because let's be honest, everyone is going to vote for their friends, regardless of whose performance was actually the most impressive), and particularly in Serena's case, it's literally just a trainer and their Pokémon prancing around on stage. But I think it's a good starting point to get into the world of contests. But mostly, Serena going off on her own is just so satisfying to me. She was so aimless starting out. I know her reasoning for splitting off from the group was almost identical to May's-- that she needed to really be able to depend on herself-- but it feels more impressive for Serena. I kind of mentioned in my last review that the basis of her character was just this shallow love interest for Ash. It was nice to see her grow into a full-fledged character. Someone who greatly admires Ash but isn't totally lost without him.
Ugh. I just love it all so much. I've decided to take a break from Pokémon for a while-- maybe start similar journeys back through my other childhood shows-- but now I almost don't feel ready to move on. Congratulations, Pokémon. You started out as just a kids show that had some good moments but was mostly just good for background noise while I took notes... but have become something truly great. I feel like this season could honestly stand on its own as a great anime, without the need of the Pokémon franchise's history of success. This has been a long journey for me. And I'm happy to say that at the end of it all, it feels like it was worthwhile.
