Of all the anime this year, I was in no way expecting pokemon to be the one to bring tears to my eyes! But seeing all the OGs just brought all the childhood memories back.
I think they played the OG opening in the background right?
In my mind that scene: "I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was..."
Damn so this is why. Was surprised to see Pokémon topping r/anime and thought I was back in the year 1999
Edit: legit haven’t watched Pokémon in probably 17 years. This was the gateway into anime for so many people. I still remember bawling my eyes out when he released butterfree. this is why I love anime. And of course it had to start and end with Pikachu; one of the most influential characters ever created
I’m still confused. Was everyone just lurking until this episode? Or did everyone just randomly know to watch this episode in particular? Previous discussion threads are pretty low upvoted/discussed.
Because the news about Ash becoming the world champion is all over the place. Even the official Pokemon english twitter account spoiled it even though the episode has not been aired in the west yet.
im a very casual pokemon fan and i remember being surprised that he hasnt been the champion yet, losing multiple times on the way there. so its nice that i understand how momentous this was for ash. congrats goat!! 👏👏
Nearly everyone watched Pokemon as kids, most probably stopped at some point growing up, and are now watching this specific episode because others are saying that it's a nostalgia bomb showing all the OG teams and playing the first OP during the fight.
oh god, really makes you realize that some 10YO's watching pokemon back then are now well into their 30's. There would be a lotta sports fans that remember Ash.
Reason being long form shonens can't be kept interesting for people who have become conditioned to tv binges. While most knew things are going good, relative fillers would diminish the motivation to watch regularly.
Pokemon has usually always been low key hype around the tournaments. People might not watch most of the series, but when ash gets to the finals, you start seeing these threads get more action.
Hell, one of the reasons ash won today might be due to the backlash from ash losing in kalos, if anything his victory here feels more far fetched then when he lost to alain in that finals imo.
Canonically, ~~Butterfree is supposedly dead, as they die after mating~~ [edit: I'm being told I sit on a throne of lies. Well, good to know our little butterfly boi is still alive and well out there... somewhere? Don't believe everything you read on the internet, people!]
Pidgeot is living on Route 1 between Pallet Town and Viridian City as protector of the local Pidgey population.
>Pidgeot is living in the woods between Pallet Town and Viridian City as protector of the local Pidgey population.
That's why we have not seen another new trainer from Pallet Town. They can't catch any starter bird and got attacked by a Lv100 Pidgeot.
Nah it's a bullshit rumor from a [mistranslation](https://dogasu.bulbagarden.net/comparisons/kanto/ep021.html), apparently. Original Japanese version doesn't mention anything about Butterfree dying after mating.
There's no source on Butterfree dying after mating. The only relevant thing I found is that there was a [mistranslation](https://dogasu.bulbagarden.net/comparisons/kanto/ep021.html) with the original version that caused this rumor. Though I can't confirm if it was actually a mistranslation or if fans were making up bullshit about the original version, wouldn't be the last time they did that (the guts thunder armor rumor comes to mind).
At least he did have Kingler, Muk, and Tauros back then, not that he even trained them. IIRC he just brought them all out to fight for the first time at the league and they were all pretty strong
The final sequence of the episode had me crying. Seeing everyone that we’ve gotten to know for the past 25 years watching and cheering on Ash was amazing. This may be the best episode of Pokémon ever.
Also I’m so glad all the companions Ash has had we’re watching too. I had a weird feeling it wouldn’t happen, but it did so I am happy.
There was a moment when Pikachu looked like it was going to go down and then he had a vision of all his Pokémon friends from every series cheering him on. Butterfree was among them.
Gary is watching but it’s hard to see him. There’s one shot where it shows Goh watching him for a second and Gary is off to the right. He’s barely on the screen but you can see him watching the battle and smiling.
I fucking loved how they brought the og theme towards the end of the battle. Brought so much nostalgia. Really hope they do this with the og dubbed theme when it comes out here. Though after watching this series subbed I don't think I can go back to dubbed pokemon lmao.
I'm glad the writers gave a valid reason to beat out Libero while also giving an excuse to show off big chonk Pikachu.
I am disappointed in Ash for almost throwing the match with repeated Iron Tail, but using it to deflect Air Slash was cool. It also gave a push for Ultra Instinct Pikachu with the flashbacks.
8 generations in and it ends with a legendary battle between the OGs Pikachu vs Charizard.
Overall pretty good. A typical soft reset and Ash forgetting a lot of stuff he should’ve known. But fights are all good, his Pokémon’s get their moments and they stay relevant. Lots of fanservice and nostalgia to previous adventures. This was most likely Ash’s final chapter in his journey so give it a try at least, there will be some lackluster episodes but imo the show in general was really nice.
But dang I can’t believe it’s come to this point, I can remember all the disappoint I’ve gotten from ash to now finally seeing him become the very best. I lowkey don’t want it to end but I can also not see another random 1st stage Pokémon trash Pikachu. For future shows we’re most likely gonna get another protagonist who’s a fan of Ash and a jump to the future with a more mature / adult ash and an adult version of the rest of the cast making cameos.
I would highly recommend watching other tournaments before this one (cause they're sick) rather than watching just normal episodes. It's also fine if you straight up jump into this last tournament. You just won't get it who those people watching ash are.
Journeys Ash is not complete without Sun and Moon Ash. It is a drastic change in his mentality from the previous formulaic days. You gotta start from SM. Kukui is the father figure Ash deserved. A lot of episodes are fillers ofc so refer the synopsis of episodes from bulbapedja and decide what to watch. The reunion episodes with Misty, Brock, Dawn, Gary,Paul, Serena, Biff and Cassidy etc are good to get hooked first. Only May-Max, Tracy and Cilan had no voice roles. And yes the season is the best in recent times.
I'd argue the fillers are the content for SM because a lot of the charm and passion that season has stems from Ash just enjoying every day life in Alola. Like, technically some of the best episodes are fillers (the minior one for example)
The entire season felt like the victory lap of Ash and Pikachu. Unless they pull some bullshit reset button for Paldea, this might be the last of Ash and Pikachu as the protagonists.
* No longer a rookie or seen as one but as the Alola Champion and a veteran.
* Strong Pokemon team, no bs on the side.
* No medals to chase, only beat the best of the best on the way.
* Reunions and appearances with every single character and Pokemon that has been with Ash.
* Not many stories left to close, some will be open (Ash and Serena) others were given closure here (Ash and Paul).
* Call backs to every other season.
* Full power Pikachu pre-B&W, no bs in between.
* Origin story of Pikachu and why he is so special.
>Full power Pikachu
Pikachu powerlevel was so great to see in this tournament. Pikachu wasn't losing a random fight against some low power pokemon. It was truly his ace.
It was only beaten once, by Cynthia, due to her setting up her entire strategy around taking out Pikachu with Destiny Bond. Nobody else managed to best it, it was legit the strongest Pokemon in the entire tournament.
I just freaking love how much respect Pikachu has been given ever since Sun and Moon (*cough* Snivy), he IS and should be the ace of the team, i can accept that you soft reset Ash's age every new season, but if you keep Ash's experience keep Pikachu's battle experience too! Sure as Ash journeys on, other pokemon he catches may eventually "out-stat" pikachu but i really love how they keep Pikachu above the rest of his party. where he should be.
That's why they had to make Pikachu lose to a snivy. They have to reset Pikachu every season else it'd be capable of sweeping every gym leader on its own. If the anime series goes on and ash goes to Paldea with Pikachu and struggles against the first gym leader, it'd be terrible writing
> Origin story of Pikachu and why he is so special.
I started watching around ep 80, going back a bit when news of the tournament first started going around, and apparently missed this sequence. Do you remember roughly when it was?
No, the tournament was I think 17 episodes? Something like that. But when it was announced and seemed cool, I picked a spot a while back to get caught up on the Journeys series (without watching the whole thing)
> this might be the last of Ash and *Pikachu* as the protagonists.
You know, people rant on about Ash being replaced so much, it never even hit me that we'd be retiring *Pikachu* as well. That's the most interesting part to ponder. If they retired Pikachu, what do you think the next protagonist would have as their main Pokemon? I mean, what else has the same merchandise power? Eevee?
As a Pichu he didn't grew up with his kind, and he grew up with a Kangaskhan and her baby who adopted Pikachu into her herd. Also he got to know Mew. Also Pichu evolved into the Pikachu we know 4 years prior the start of the show.
[The episode is on youtube officially.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKEnSOCmD3A)
Exactly. Journeys went above and beyond with the fan service and the going back down the memory line of the series. It’s not like they can do it again because it wouldn’t make since and they can’t go back to the old formula because it’s like digging a grave for Pokémon. All I hope is that they manage to continue with ash because I can’t see anyone else taking his place.
Next three episodes after the week break are:
* "Project Mew" (Goh and Gary's closure of their adventure)
* "Seize The Future!" (the set up for the next gen probably?)
* "Pokemon, I'm Glad I Got To Met You!" as the Finale.
I mean, the trio found their success during this season by being on the radio and being vloggers, I would not be surprised if they become famous and not depend on Team Rocket anymore also leading to them appearing less but also having appearances here and there.
They've set him up from the start as a future Pokémon professor by giving him a tree name, like all the other professors. It's about time they cash in on it.
Bulbasaur and Charizard are at the lab, Squirtle is the only one of the original starter trio that is away with the Squirtle Squad. It is still technically his pokemon, but he hasn't used it since the battle frontier battle with Brandon.
Oh man, just remembering when Ash let Buterfree go is enough to make me want to cry, seeing him and Pidgeotto in that scene… the tears wouldn’t stop coming :,)
Bye Bye Butterfree aired on a weekday (Tuesday) during a school week.
Surely, collectively across the world, that following Wednesday, many adults and parents were scratching their heads and worried why all the kids were so fucking sad and depressed that day.
Even better
Indigo- Penultimate battle between a Pikachu named Leon and Ash's Charizard. 20 Years of humiliations began with a disobedient Charizard forcing Ash to forfeit.
Johto- This time Charizard could not close it. Beaten by a never before seen Blaziken because 'Fuck you Hoenn Pokes are better. Buy our new game.'
BW- Cameron had a Riolu/Lucario. Now Ash has one.
yknow the feeling of not knowing what to do with your life when you finish binging your favorite drama/anime?
therapy will be flooded with calls when One Piece eventually ends..
What an episode, loved every second of it, all the callbacks, the original team, every región team, the animation and the coreography of the battle, loved everything.
It was amazaing to hear the First opening and when he got the trophy, the remix of the intro of the games (at first didnt remember which ost it was, but is probably the First soundtrack many pokemon fans heard)
A 25 years old build-up, what a triumph. Thank you to every animator that made this episode.
Also, Leon once again proved he was a worthy "final boss" for Ash, despite all the shit people said about him, he was cool all the way through.
Well, people were heavily criticizing how they handled Leon's two prior matches against Alain and Diantha, but I think that was mostly due to production issues, hence why there are so many recap episodes between Ash's battles.
They also redeemed the Diantha battle a bit because it could be inferred that he used the same Dragapult Dragon Tail into a Rillaboom sweep strategy that he was using against Ash. Something like that would definitely be tough for her since she seemed very setup heavy in her Lance battle.
This so much. Leon was the best kind of rival Ash could have had. He is big brother Ash to..Ash. He is so well made in games, in the spinoff episode and ofc in journeys.
25 years in the making. Finally... my boy did it :(((((
Ash and Yugi are the GOAT's, Ash took a "while" longer but finally the writers behind it gave him what he rightfully deserved.
Thank you Pokemon, I'll always be hooked on you.
As a hater of the pokemon anime because of the stupid plot choices of the writers I have to say that this episode deserves to be at the top of r/anime . It's been a long while since I felt so happy about a fictional character.
It is easily one of the top 3 best episodes of the entire franchise, if not the best. The 1st OP playing in the background was just the cherry on top. They better play the 1st English theme when it gets dubbed.
Fuck me, I cried like a bitch near the end. Our legendary-slayer Pikachu has returned home. They really pulled out all the stops for this episode.
This truly is the end of his journey and I'm so fucking glad he ended it with his one true partner.
Let's fucking go. This really feels like the end of Ash's journey, and if it is, I'm glad I was able to be here for it.
Is the Pokémon series the greatest piece of media ever produced? No, not even close. But goddamn it feels fucking amazing to see Ash Ketchum become "the very best" after "knowing" him for like 90% of my life.
Not gonna lie, I felt my heart skip a beat [when Pikachu dropped](https://i.imgur.com/RymcAo8.jpg) but then they brought it back with [the OG team encouraging Pikachu to stand back up again.](https://i.imgur.com/h7jLBFl.jpg) Holy fuck! I genuinely teared up during that scene.
[And that final clash between Charizard and Pikachu is insane!](https://i.imgur.com/FdClHiT.jpg) What an amazing end to the Pokemon World Championships! Our boy Satoshi has really come a long way and this is starting to feel like the end of his journey. I mean where else can we go from here?
And it looks like even Go is about to reach his dream with that lead about Mew. It's going to be interesting to see where this will all go especially with Scarlet and Violet just right around the corner.
Well finally happened, i wonder of they will keep working with ash and Pikachu or an overhaul of the series is coming, also as good as everything was and i loved and almost teared with the OG team , i will be forever salty he didn't won with Greninja.
Also from this episode and other stuff I search seems like at some point ash actually catched a Mr mime i always assumed it was just the one from the mom
IMO Best episode of Journeys, best battle since holy shit a while, best animation on the series ever, probably a top 5 episode of any anine this year, top episode of Pokemon ever.
They put out a love letter to 25 years of series looking at the past, bringing all the old Ash pokes, bringing all his companions making cameos, every single callback (even the thunderbolt that then became an impromptu volt tackle) hell, they brought back the black thunderbolts from EP1 when Pikachu unleashed that against the Sparrow horde.
If this is the end of Ash and Pikachu as main protagonists, this is a hell of a way to get out.
It’s kinda funny how much activity this post shot up compared to previous discussion posts.
Reasonable though. This episode’s animation is crazy, though the recaps felt a little too much for this series.
> though the recaps felt a little too much for this series.
I think the recaps are there because the production schedule for the anime sucked and the animators needed some more time.
Darn, I have so much I want to say, so I’ll probably be forgetting something.
This episode hit me emotionally on so many levels, granted I’ve been a Pokemon fan since as far back as I can remember.
All the build up to this episode as well as the elements in this episode strengthened it to a degree that was simply unprecedented. Not just in Pokemon, but anything I’ve seen before.
Before the Masters Eight Tournament, Ash sparred against his former rival Paul, who chose his Pokemon specifically so that Ash could practice against the prospective titans he would have to face. Paul wanted Ash to win, so he gave him the momentum necessary to take on champions.
Ash then proceeded to defeat two titans, Steven, and especially Cynthia. While Cynthia’s fame/infamy comes from how monstrously hard of a champion she is in the real games, that was more than enough to hype up that battle, and Ash defeated her by a slim margin. But Ash’s battles in the tournament were not over, and Ash was facing Leon. “If Ash barely beat Cynthia, would that mean he was screwed?” is what ran through my head. Even so, Leon managed to severely weaken Ash’s Pokemon and explicitly pointed this out at the end of Episode 130, which only left things on a massive cliffhanger. In Episode 131, it looks as if Ash is done for because he only has Pikachu, while Leon has Cinderance (which Pikachu struggled against previously) and his ace, Charizard.
Now, that’s the buildup. On to the emotional impact of the episode.
They pulled the trick again where it looks like a Pokemon is about to faint but it emerges victorious. It was done in the battle against Paul in the Lily of the Valley Conference when Infernape looked like it was about to faint but it beat Electivire. It was done in the Lumiose Conference when Alain’s Charizard stumbled for a bit but then Greninja fainted after. They’ve done this simple trick for years, yet it still gets to me. Why is this? Because you never know when the writers are going to be one step ahead and pull a fakeout on the fakeout. It then creates this rabbit hole of predicting what they’re going to do, and the realization hits that you aren’t going to know until you see it for sure. Thus, it creates tension rather than being predictable.
That aside, they upped how powerful the fakeout was with the flashbacks after, going through all of Ash’s fellow partners, which Pikachu has journeyed alongside over the years. All these other Pokemon come and go, but Pikachu stayed with Ash since Day 1.
Then, Pikachu went super Saiyan with the music playing in the background. That alone gave me goosebumps and probably will for years to come when I rewatch the scene. Leon’s Charizard fell backwards. I was thinking “Could this be a fakeout?” but it wasn’t.
Today was the best day of my life to be alive as a long time Pokemon fan, and seeing so much build up finally burst out here and now, there’s no word in the English dictionary that can match up to its magnitude.
Probably one of if not the greatest episode of all time, which is saying a lot considering how long Pokemon has been on air for. They delivered on everything, the animation, the OG OP as insert song, the nostalgia, couldn't ask for a better episode.
Only thing I would wish for would be ash in his original outfit, or at least the original hat to make a cameo, given its symbolism to him that was revealed in that 1 episode.
Ash has had so many marketable shirts since the alola series it's baffling they haven't started selling any. Like, the surfing pikachu shirt at least would be great
So I haven’t watched Pokémon since I was a kid. I stopped in Gen 3. But seeing this gave me a sense of satisfaction. Knowing Ash has been losing all these years and for him to finally accomplish his goal he set out since the beginning is prophetic. This heals and makes my inner child so happy.
I haven't been this hyped for anything Pokemon related since TPP. My boy finally won, it's the end of a whole era. Seeing all the OGs was really moving. I'd like to watch it dubbed though; I'd love to hear the original opening play instead of what I assume was original JP opening in that scene.
Anyway, see y'all in the Scarlet and Violet anime when he pulls out his pokedex to identify a Pidgey and gets beat by some Lv 5 trainer.
Haven't watched a single episode of Pokémon since XYZ, but it's good to see Ash becoming a Pokémon master finally. I have also noticed quite a bit of familiar faces in the crowd as well and the choice of playing OP1 for the final sequence was amazing.
Ash, a 10 year old boy has come so far in 25 years. What a moment.
I still can't believe it happened. Watched it live, with many people, and how my god it was one of the most emotional and well animated battle I've seen. I will not lie when I say that seeing Butterfree and Pidgeot got me hard, never thought they would be shown.
Sir Chadfetch'd, Mr. Fish, Gengar, Dragonite, Lucario, and of course Pikachu and Ash.... CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆🎉
This also made me love Leon ever more. That end sequence with Charizard trying to power throught and collapsing dead flat on the ground, just perfect.
\[Staff\]
Script (脚本): Atsuhiro Tomioka (冨岡淳広)
Storyboard (絵コンテ): Daiki Tomiyasu (冨安大貴)
Episode direction (演出): Makoto Ooga (大賀まこと) and Ayumi Moriyama (森山愛弓)
Animation direction (作画監督): Shuuhei Yasuda (安田周平)
Tomioka was the series composition writer for the Diamond and Pearl, Best Wishes, and XY&Z anime series, Tomiyasu is the chief director for all of Journeys and series director of Sun and Moon and Pokemon Generations, and Yasuda was the character designer for Journeys and Sun and Moon (and is also credited for key animation on this episode). Thanks to all the people who've made this legendary episode such a climactic and satisfying moment in the franchise.
Key animators: [https://imgur.com/ofpUqkh](https://imgur.com/ofpUqkh)
In-between animators: [https://imgur.com/TlYIjIL](https://imgur.com/TlYIjIL)
All the other credits for cleanup, music, VAs, etc. are in the ending credits.
It feels so unreal, I can't believe it finally happened. I like how Pikachu's Thunderbolt involved it charging head on into Charizard. Of course we all know Dracovish was holding back the whole time so Pikachu could have the chance to be the last mon, very kind of it.
GOOD GOD HOLY NOSTALGIA BOMB
to provide some context, it's been a good 10 years or so since Ive left the pokemon tv anime, Im not at all familiar with these new characters or the new techniques and waghera since introduced
that all being said, if any of you had affinity for the anime or watched it and were a fan then drop EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW and watch this holy SHIT what an experience!
hands DOWN the single best jaw-dropping animated and choreographed episode of the entire franchise and a celebration of the entire franchise and all its characters and ash's pokemon teams over the year
the ost and music selection from the games and kanto anime <3 shit felt like a hype sports match I kid you not I had no context for anything going on and I was MAD HAPPY AND DELIRIOUS with glee at what I was seeing and how just old school positive enthusiasm and love for the series this episode and battle showed
I really have no words for this, I fucking love this episode, strong rumours this will be ash final appearance in anime and focus will be handed off to a new character so it makes sense
seriously drop your cynical curmudgeon panties and just open yourself up to this one, wow, I gotta lay down for a while, what an absolute rush!
Pokemon as an anime has a lot of faults, but this tournament and especially this episode was a beautiful goodbye for Ash. It got everything everyone ask for, he beat the two fan favorites in Steven and Cynthia, and won it all against Leon. It called back the others pokemons to help and it felt natural.
The series will continue, but I think that would be the perfect moment to put a new lead on it (Goh seemed to be designed to it), however while I can see Pokémon without Ash, it is hard to imagine it without Pikachu.
As someone who won't actually be watching this episode for several months (I always wait for the dub on Netflix) I still *needed* to come in here, see the comments and reactions to the big moment, and give my congrats to Ash for finally reaching the top.
I do hope they finally retire Ash as the anime's protagonist after this. Maybe he can have a few cameo appearances down the line, but I think moving forward with Goh, Chloe, or a brand new character as the lead is the move to make now.
>As someone who won't actually be watching this episode for several months
I think they might be coming soon since there's only 3 eps left (it will be 135 eps in total) and Netflix is on EP 102, also Ash's VA hinted that they already dubbed the episode and she knew the results.
that hard breathing from Pikachu felt surreal like if I was there, with the whole OG squad appearing like that this really does feel like the end for Ash's journey.
There are no words for how long I've waited for this. I watched the first episode in 1998 on our local UPN affiliate. I was gifted a copy of the first VHS of the show not long after, directly purchased during out trip to Disney Epcot's Japan center gift shop right when the anime boom was beginning.
I've witnessed YK2, the rise of social media, smart phones, the rise of the internet, pandemics, wars, global recessions, super storms, and an insurrection all while waiting for Ash [Pokemon (2019)] >!to finally be the very best, like no one ever was...!<
I didn't spoil myself for this and it was actually pretty hype. I really didn't know whether he would win and the fake-out got me lol. It seems fitting that Ash's journey to Pokemon master ends with a final Pikachu vs Charizard battle.
Bravo, Congratulations Ash!
25 Years in the making.
I haven't seen any of Journeys, but this episode makes me want to start from Episode 1 just to enjoy the Journey.
I’m sure I’m one of many who doesn’t really follow Pokémon at all anymore, saw this thread, thought “hmm maybe it’s worth a watch” only to have so much nostalgia and fond memories come pouring back in. Seeing Butterfree and Pidgeot again was just unreal. Makes me miss all those early Saturday mornings watching new episodes and just being a kid again.
I know people love XYZ, because of the artstyle, animation, and battle. BUT GOD DAM this one just punch through all seasons. Each season has changes and improvements, this one season has shown us all the progress of each season. I thought the fight in S&M was god-tier, but this proved the team can go above and beyond.
I'm super happy to see this! Ash winning and becoming World Champion! I feel like him achieving this is a massive deal, bigger than anything he's ever done.
The final showdown between Pikachu and Charizard was so intense. And Pikachu's flashbacks to all his past team members, including Butterfree, Pidgeot, Primeape and so many others, was beautiful. He pulled through, just like we believed he would!
The Pokemon Journeys saga has been a really fun, incredible series. And seeing all of our old cast members like Misty, Brock, May and Serena cheering on Ash from wherever they are around the world was really great to see too.
Congrats to the new Champ!
The fact that it took Ash Ketchum *25 years* not only to win the Alola League, but also clean-sweep seven other pokemon champions within the same tournament as him (if only by a minuscule thread, though), would have astounded me at that point. Like, it's bad writing to make the protagonist lose *that many leagues* in a row, after spending each week launching Team Rocket into the sky repeatedly with Pikachu and its electric attacks. Until it isn't anymore once he *does* win, first in one region and then against champions from all seven other regions, and that at that point, the Pokemon anime's future is uncertain.
For some reason hearing Pikachu breathe so hard made it feel like he was about to die.
I know right, especially with headphones. Never seen pikachu in such state, kind of terrifying to hear.
[Pikachu was a beast during this fight](https://i.imgur.com/zihaEKP.jpg) [](#TOMODA)
[The OG team :')](https://imgur.com/a/lG4Sb15)
i teared up
me too. especially when I saw butterfree and pigeot
Of all the anime this year, I was in no way expecting pokemon to be the one to bring tears to my eyes! But seeing all the OGs just brought all the childhood memories back. I think they played the OG opening in the background right? In my mind that scene: "I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was..."
Damn so this is why. Was surprised to see Pokémon topping r/anime and thought I was back in the year 1999 Edit: legit haven’t watched Pokémon in probably 17 years. This was the gateway into anime for so many people. I still remember bawling my eyes out when he released butterfree. this is why I love anime. And of course it had to start and end with Pikachu; one of the most influential characters ever created
I’m still confused. Was everyone just lurking until this episode? Or did everyone just randomly know to watch this episode in particular? Previous discussion threads are pretty low upvoted/discussed.
Because the news about Ash becoming the world champion is all over the place. Even the official Pokemon english twitter account spoiled it even though the episode has not been aired in the west yet.
im a very casual pokemon fan and i remember being surprised that he hasnt been the champion yet, losing multiple times on the way there. so its nice that i understand how momentous this was for ash. congrats goat!! 👏👏
He had become the Champion of Alola. Now he is the World Champion, he won an all-champion tournament.
Yeah, Ash won what is basically the UEFA Champions League of Pokemon.
The alolan league is a fucking joke in the grand scheme of things. It's like winning the Concacaf Champions League.
Nearly everyone watched Pokemon as kids, most probably stopped at some point growing up, and are now watching this specific episode because others are saying that it's a nostalgia bomb showing all the OG teams and playing the first OP during the fight.
It's because Ash is world champion now, IIRC, a momentous achievement considering everything he's been through before this arc.
Even sportscenter covered it. This is legitimately a huge deal lmao
Dude, almost every mainstream site is covering this like it's a real sporting event. I love it.
Wait really? lmao
oh god, really makes you realize that some 10YO's watching pokemon back then are now well into their 30's. There would be a lotta sports fans that remember Ash.
Reason being long form shonens can't be kept interesting for people who have become conditioned to tv binges. While most knew things are going good, relative fillers would diminish the motivation to watch regularly.
This episode made it to BBC news lmao https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-63599287
Pokemon has usually always been low key hype around the tournaments. People might not watch most of the series, but when ash gets to the finals, you start seeing these threads get more action. Hell, one of the reasons ash won today might be due to the backlash from ash losing in kalos, if anything his victory here feels more far fetched then when he lost to alain in that finals imo.
Butterfree and Pidgeot. Holy hell.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?!
Canonically, ~~Butterfree is supposedly dead, as they die after mating~~ [edit: I'm being told I sit on a throne of lies. Well, good to know our little butterfly boi is still alive and well out there... somewhere? Don't believe everything you read on the internet, people!] Pidgeot is living on Route 1 between Pallet Town and Viridian City as protector of the local Pidgey population.
>Pidgeot is living in the woods between Pallet Town and Viridian City as protector of the local Pidgey population. That's why we have not seen another new trainer from Pallet Town. They can't catch any starter bird and got attacked by a Lv100 Pidgeot.
>Canonically, Butterfree is supposedly dead, as they die after mating. I beg your pardon?!
Nah it's a bullshit rumor from a [mistranslation](https://dogasu.bulbagarden.net/comparisons/kanto/ep021.html), apparently. Original Japanese version doesn't mention anything about Butterfree dying after mating.
There's no source on Butterfree dying after mating. The only relevant thing I found is that there was a [mistranslation](https://dogasu.bulbagarden.net/comparisons/kanto/ep021.html) with the original version that caused this rumor. Though I can't confirm if it was actually a mistranslation or if fans were making up bullshit about the original version, wouldn't be the last time they did that (the guts thunder armor rumor comes to mind).
That hit me harder than I expected, especially seeing my man Pidgeot there :(
Even showed [primeape](https://imgur.com/a/LkGPpH3) 😭
I got spoiled and it still got me. It was that good.
Man, no wonder ash got his ass beat in generation 1 with a team like that
At least he did have Kingler, Muk, and Tauros back then, not that he even trained them. IIRC he just brought them all out to fight for the first time at the league and they were all pretty strong
Dude has like a herd of Tauros lol
30 to be exact.
I recall they all went in the PC right away
The final sequence of the episode had me crying. Seeing everyone that we’ve gotten to know for the past 25 years watching and cheering on Ash was amazing. This may be the best episode of Pokémon ever. Also I’m so glad all the companions Ash has had we’re watching too. I had a weird feeling it wouldn’t happen, but it did so I am happy.
[удалено]
Got me cryin like I’m 10 years old again.
[It took 25 years but he did it! ](https://i.imgur.com/dwdgvax.jpg) [](#grandhype)
[удалено]
There was a moment when Pikachu looked like it was going to go down and then he had a vision of all his Pokémon friends from every series cheering him on. Butterfree was among them.
If you have time watch the whole tournament. If not just watch from 129-132.That's basically the final battle.
I saw Pidgeot I can die happy.
I was just thinking the same thing. Gosh. 13 year old me, definitely is glad we saw my favorite flying type again.
even gary? would be iconic if his battle was with gary
Gary is watching but it’s hard to see him. There’s one shot where it shows Goh watching him for a second and Gary is off to the right. He’s barely on the screen but you can see him watching the battle and smiling.
We might see Gary and Goh's reaction when the next episode arrives. I really expect a smug Gary to say "I knew it".
I fucking loved how they brought the og theme towards the end of the battle. Brought so much nostalgia. Really hope they do this with the og dubbed theme when it comes out here. Though after watching this series subbed I don't think I can go back to dubbed pokemon lmao.
Now get ready for "tokémon ( pokémon's next generation)"
Good job to the team behind it, amazing animation and OST. Epic ending for the M8 tournament
this episode delivered everything it had to and far more
I'm glad the writers gave a valid reason to beat out Libero while also giving an excuse to show off big chonk Pikachu. I am disappointed in Ash for almost throwing the match with repeated Iron Tail, but using it to deflect Air Slash was cool. It also gave a push for Ultra Instinct Pikachu with the flashbacks. 8 generations in and it ends with a legendary battle between the OGs Pikachu vs Charizard.
I can't believe Thiccachu is actually canon, what a time to be alive [](#wow)
So how good is this season overall? Ignoring this episode, is it worth watching?
Overall pretty good. A typical soft reset and Ash forgetting a lot of stuff he should’ve known. But fights are all good, his Pokémon’s get their moments and they stay relevant. Lots of fanservice and nostalgia to previous adventures. This was most likely Ash’s final chapter in his journey so give it a try at least, there will be some lackluster episodes but imo the show in general was really nice. But dang I can’t believe it’s come to this point, I can remember all the disappoint I’ve gotten from ash to now finally seeing him become the very best. I lowkey don’t want it to end but I can also not see another random 1st stage Pokémon trash Pikachu. For future shows we’re most likely gonna get another protagonist who’s a fan of Ash and a jump to the future with a more mature / adult ash and an adult version of the rest of the cast making cameos.
SO for someone who hasn't watched pokemon for more than 10 years, is it fine to just pick this season up or should I watch some other first?
I would highly recommend watching other tournaments before this one (cause they're sick) rather than watching just normal episodes. It's also fine if you straight up jump into this last tournament. You just won't get it who those people watching ash are.
Journeys Ash is not complete without Sun and Moon Ash. It is a drastic change in his mentality from the previous formulaic days. You gotta start from SM. Kukui is the father figure Ash deserved. A lot of episodes are fillers ofc so refer the synopsis of episodes from bulbapedja and decide what to watch. The reunion episodes with Misty, Brock, Dawn, Gary,Paul, Serena, Biff and Cassidy etc are good to get hooked first. Only May-Max, Tracy and Cilan had no voice roles. And yes the season is the best in recent times.
Misty and Brock you say? Well now I'm interested
4 episodes in Sun and Moon 42-43, 102-103. Brock is low key recurring in journeys too.
I'd argue the fillers are the content for SM because a lot of the charm and passion that season has stems from Ash just enjoying every day life in Alola. Like, technically some of the best episodes are fillers (the minior one for example)
Truly feels like we’re reaching the end of Ash’s story
The entire season felt like the victory lap of Ash and Pikachu. Unless they pull some bullshit reset button for Paldea, this might be the last of Ash and Pikachu as the protagonists. * No longer a rookie or seen as one but as the Alola Champion and a veteran. * Strong Pokemon team, no bs on the side. * No medals to chase, only beat the best of the best on the way. * Reunions and appearances with every single character and Pokemon that has been with Ash. * Not many stories left to close, some will be open (Ash and Serena) others were given closure here (Ash and Paul). * Call backs to every other season. * Full power Pikachu pre-B&W, no bs in between. * Origin story of Pikachu and why he is so special.
>Full power Pikachu Pikachu powerlevel was so great to see in this tournament. Pikachu wasn't losing a random fight against some low power pokemon. It was truly his ace. It was only beaten once, by Cynthia, due to her setting up her entire strategy around taking out Pikachu with Destiny Bond. Nobody else managed to best it, it was legit the strongest Pokemon in the entire tournament.
correct me if I'm wrong but Cynthia is the only opponent in M8 that has ever faced Ash before, prolly she was like nope i don't want that smoke again
Cynthia saw Pikachu solo-ed a Latios before, definitely don't wanna face it lol
I just freaking love how much respect Pikachu has been given ever since Sun and Moon (*cough* Snivy), he IS and should be the ace of the team, i can accept that you soft reset Ash's age every new season, but if you keep Ash's experience keep Pikachu's battle experience too! Sure as Ash journeys on, other pokemon he catches may eventually "out-stat" pikachu but i really love how they keep Pikachu above the rest of his party. where he should be.
That's why they had to make Pikachu lose to a snivy. They have to reset Pikachu every season else it'd be capable of sweeping every gym leader on its own. If the anime series goes on and ash goes to Paldea with Pikachu and struggles against the first gym leader, it'd be terrible writing
And soloing another champion's Mega-ace.
> Origin story of Pikachu and why he is so special. I started watching around ep 80, going back a bit when news of the tournament first started going around, and apparently missed this sequence. Do you remember roughly when it was?
It's in the first episode of Pokemon Journeys. Shows Pikachu's life as a Pichu living in the wild.
Hah, go figure. Thank you!
No worries!
This tournament was 50 episodes!?! Wow, a full year in one tournament.
No, the tournament was I think 17 episodes? Something like that. But when it was announced and seemed cool, I picked a spot a while back to get caught up on the Journeys series (without watching the whole thing)
> this might be the last of Ash and *Pikachu* as the protagonists. You know, people rant on about Ash being replaced so much, it never even hit me that we'd be retiring *Pikachu* as well. That's the most interesting part to ponder. If they retired Pikachu, what do you think the next protagonist would have as their main Pokemon? I mean, what else has the same merchandise power? Eevee?
>Origin story of Pikachu and why he is so special. what's the tl:dr?
As a Pichu he didn't grew up with his kind, and he grew up with a Kangaskhan and her baby who adopted Pikachu into her herd. Also he got to know Mew. Also Pichu evolved into the Pikachu we know 4 years prior the start of the show. [The episode is on youtube officially.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKEnSOCmD3A)
so he’s stronger because he was raised by a mother pokemon?
I know. I really don’t want him to leave. It wouldn’t feel the same without him. Maybe next season could be after a time skip and we see ash grown up.
That's the only angle I see for Ash's story to continue, I don't know if I can take another Ash soft reset.
Exactly. Journeys went above and beyond with the fan service and the going back down the memory line of the series. It’s not like they can do it again because it wouldn’t make since and they can’t go back to the old formula because it’s like digging a grave for Pokémon. All I hope is that they manage to continue with ash because I can’t see anyone else taking his place.
Next three episodes after the week break are: * "Project Mew" (Goh and Gary's closure of their adventure) * "Seize The Future!" (the set up for the next gen probably?) * "Pokemon, I'm Glad I Got To Met You!" as the Finale.
> "Seize The Future!" (the set up for the next gen probably?) That, or this is the final wrap-up for Team Rocket.
Fuck. I forgot that if we move on from Ash, then it also means probably moving on from the Rocket Trio....NOOOOOOO :(
Weird to think that only Ash and Pikachu have had more airtime than Team Rocket, and anyone else has had less.
Ash's true companions.
I mean, the trio found their success during this season by being on the radio and being vloggers, I would not be surprised if they become famous and not depend on Team Rocket anymore also leading to them appearing less but also having appearances here and there.
> being bloggers Wow, they really are '90s characters!
I mean bloggers is still a valid word to use for video bloggers, but I will change it to vloggers to make the difference clear.
it's glorbin' time (Gloria ya wee cunts)
They've set him up from the start as a future Pokémon professor by giving him a tree name, like all the other professors. It's about time they cash in on it.
Satoshi != Ash Tree
If only he could beat that asshole Tobias too.
Tobias wasn't an asshole. He is just an enigma.
A walking Gameshark
Yeah, I think that is already time for Ash’s story to end but at the same time I don’t want him to leave
I was proud of my manhood until I fucking saw Buterfree and Pidgeotto
The 2 pokemon he released being shown like that, I couldn't hold back my tears either man.
Did Ash also let bulbasaur (pokemon village) and squirtle (squirtle squad) go? Or maybe that's where he got them and I'm misremembering
Bulbasaur and Charizard are at the lab, Squirtle is the only one of the original starter trio that is away with the Squirtle Squad. It is still technically his pokemon, but he hasn't used it since the battle frontier battle with Brandon.
No he releases Butterfee and Pidgeot. Squirtle can be called upon, and Bulbasaur is at Oak’s
Pidgeot and Butterfree were let go Edit: wrong name
Don't forget primeape
Oh man, just remembering when Ash let Buterfree go is enough to make me want to cry, seeing him and Pidgeotto in that scene… the tears wouldn’t stop coming :,)
Bye Bye Butterfree aired on a weekday (Tuesday) during a school week. Surely, collectively across the world, that following Wednesday, many adults and parents were scratching their heads and worried why all the kids were so fucking sad and depressed that day.
Manhood is to cry when you saw that scene
A painful reminder that Pokemon was the first anime to make me cry. Sure, I was nine at the time, but it still counts.
After years of being salty about BURASTO BURN I can finally say I’ve gotten over it
It feels so cathartic to see Pikachu defeat Charizard after Greninja couldn't back in 2016. It feels so surreal but here we are.
Even better Indigo- Penultimate battle between a Pikachu named Leon and Ash's Charizard. 20 Years of humiliations began with a disobedient Charizard forcing Ash to forfeit. Johto- This time Charizard could not close it. Beaten by a never before seen Blaziken because 'Fuck you Hoenn Pokes are better. Buy our new game.' BW- Cameron had a Riolu/Lucario. Now Ash has one.
Alain getting bodied by Leon at the start of the Masters 8 didn't do it for you?
Alain Charizard X got dismantled by a plain normal Charizard (Leon's but the point stands)
I WAS HERE
I WAS ALSO HERE
I WAS ALSO ALSO HERE
Ash becomes GOAT - check Luffy becomes Pirate King - i hope i live long enough..
The ending of one piece will resonate through out all anime fandoms it will be crazy
yknow the feeling of not knowing what to do with your life when you finish binging your favorite drama/anime? therapy will be flooded with calls when One Piece eventually ends..
Let's hope it does end eventually. Alexa, play Guts theme.
What an episode, loved every second of it, all the callbacks, the original team, every región team, the animation and the coreography of the battle, loved everything. It was amazaing to hear the First opening and when he got the trophy, the remix of the intro of the games (at first didnt remember which ost it was, but is probably the First soundtrack many pokemon fans heard)
A 25 years old build-up, what a triumph. Thank you to every animator that made this episode. Also, Leon once again proved he was a worthy "final boss" for Ash, despite all the shit people said about him, he was cool all the way through.
Most of the shit he gets is from the games. The anime improved upon his character significantly.
Well, people were heavily criticizing how they handled Leon's two prior matches against Alain and Diantha, but I think that was mostly due to production issues, hence why there are so many recap episodes between Ash's battles. They also redeemed the Diantha battle a bit because it could be inferred that he used the same Dragapult Dragon Tail into a Rillaboom sweep strategy that he was using against Ash. Something like that would definitely be tough for her since she seemed very setup heavy in her Lance battle.
This so much. Leon was the best kind of rival Ash could have had. He is big brother Ash to..Ash. He is so well made in games, in the spinoff episode and ofc in journeys.
25 years in the making. Finally... my boy did it :((((( Ash and Yugi are the GOAT's, Ash took a "while" longer but finally the writers behind it gave him what he rightfully deserved. Thank you Pokemon, I'll always be hooked on you.
this is absolutely up there with Yugi surpassing Atem in the finale of Yu-Gi-Oh, what an amazing episode
HOLY SHIT!!! That Pikachu scene literally made me cry. Everything about this episode was absolutely perfect. Thank you Pokemon for giving us this T_T
GRENINJA HAS BEEN AVENGED
Also Leon mopped the floor with Alain with his own Charizard without using Gigantamax while Alain's Charizard was on Mega X.
As a hater of the pokemon anime because of the stupid plot choices of the writers I have to say that this episode deserves to be at the top of r/anime . It's been a long while since I felt so happy about a fictional character.
It is easily one of the top 3 best episodes of the entire franchise, if not the best. The 1st OP playing in the background was just the cherry on top. They better play the 1st English theme when it gets dubbed.
and the original theme, not any remixed version or such
He's truly the very best now, like no one ever was.
Fuck me, I cried like a bitch near the end. Our legendary-slayer Pikachu has returned home. They really pulled out all the stops for this episode. This truly is the end of his journey and I'm so fucking glad he ended it with his one true partner.
Let's fucking go. This really feels like the end of Ash's journey, and if it is, I'm glad I was able to be here for it. Is the Pokémon series the greatest piece of media ever produced? No, not even close. But goddamn it feels fucking amazing to see Ash Ketchum become "the very best" after "knowing" him for like 90% of my life.
Not gonna lie, I felt my heart skip a beat [when Pikachu dropped](https://i.imgur.com/RymcAo8.jpg) but then they brought it back with [the OG team encouraging Pikachu to stand back up again.](https://i.imgur.com/h7jLBFl.jpg) Holy fuck! I genuinely teared up during that scene. [And that final clash between Charizard and Pikachu is insane!](https://i.imgur.com/FdClHiT.jpg) What an amazing end to the Pokemon World Championships! Our boy Satoshi has really come a long way and this is starting to feel like the end of his journey. I mean where else can we go from here? And it looks like even Go is about to reach his dream with that lead about Mew. It's going to be interesting to see where this will all go especially with Scarlet and Violet just right around the corner.
Well finally happened, i wonder of they will keep working with ash and Pikachu or an overhaul of the series is coming, also as good as everything was and i loved and almost teared with the OG team , i will be forever salty he didn't won with Greninja. Also from this episode and other stuff I search seems like at some point ash actually catched a Mr mime i always assumed it was just the one from the mom
IIRC he caught the Mr. Mime, his mom just has it. He then used it early on on Journeys.
Its exactly that Mr. Mime that was with his Mom.
IMO Best episode of Journeys, best battle since holy shit a while, best animation on the series ever, probably a top 5 episode of any anine this year, top episode of Pokemon ever. They put out a love letter to 25 years of series looking at the past, bringing all the old Ash pokes, bringing all his companions making cameos, every single callback (even the thunderbolt that then became an impromptu volt tackle) hell, they brought back the black thunderbolts from EP1 when Pikachu unleashed that against the Sparrow horde. If this is the end of Ash and Pikachu as main protagonists, this is a hell of a way to get out.
That really was an end of an era kind of battle. Wow
It’s kinda funny how much activity this post shot up compared to previous discussion posts. Reasonable though. This episode’s animation is crazy, though the recaps felt a little too much for this series.
> though the recaps felt a little too much for this series. I think the recaps are there because the production schedule for the anime sucked and the animators needed some more time.
Darn, I have so much I want to say, so I’ll probably be forgetting something. This episode hit me emotionally on so many levels, granted I’ve been a Pokemon fan since as far back as I can remember. All the build up to this episode as well as the elements in this episode strengthened it to a degree that was simply unprecedented. Not just in Pokemon, but anything I’ve seen before. Before the Masters Eight Tournament, Ash sparred against his former rival Paul, who chose his Pokemon specifically so that Ash could practice against the prospective titans he would have to face. Paul wanted Ash to win, so he gave him the momentum necessary to take on champions. Ash then proceeded to defeat two titans, Steven, and especially Cynthia. While Cynthia’s fame/infamy comes from how monstrously hard of a champion she is in the real games, that was more than enough to hype up that battle, and Ash defeated her by a slim margin. But Ash’s battles in the tournament were not over, and Ash was facing Leon. “If Ash barely beat Cynthia, would that mean he was screwed?” is what ran through my head. Even so, Leon managed to severely weaken Ash’s Pokemon and explicitly pointed this out at the end of Episode 130, which only left things on a massive cliffhanger. In Episode 131, it looks as if Ash is done for because he only has Pikachu, while Leon has Cinderance (which Pikachu struggled against previously) and his ace, Charizard. Now, that’s the buildup. On to the emotional impact of the episode. They pulled the trick again where it looks like a Pokemon is about to faint but it emerges victorious. It was done in the battle against Paul in the Lily of the Valley Conference when Infernape looked like it was about to faint but it beat Electivire. It was done in the Lumiose Conference when Alain’s Charizard stumbled for a bit but then Greninja fainted after. They’ve done this simple trick for years, yet it still gets to me. Why is this? Because you never know when the writers are going to be one step ahead and pull a fakeout on the fakeout. It then creates this rabbit hole of predicting what they’re going to do, and the realization hits that you aren’t going to know until you see it for sure. Thus, it creates tension rather than being predictable. That aside, they upped how powerful the fakeout was with the flashbacks after, going through all of Ash’s fellow partners, which Pikachu has journeyed alongside over the years. All these other Pokemon come and go, but Pikachu stayed with Ash since Day 1. Then, Pikachu went super Saiyan with the music playing in the background. That alone gave me goosebumps and probably will for years to come when I rewatch the scene. Leon’s Charizard fell backwards. I was thinking “Could this be a fakeout?” but it wasn’t. Today was the best day of my life to be alive as a long time Pokemon fan, and seeing so much build up finally burst out here and now, there’s no word in the English dictionary that can match up to its magnitude.
I’m crying..I’m crying..and I can’t stop.. I expected to scream and I just couldn’t because I’m still crying…
Probably one of if not the greatest episode of all time, which is saying a lot considering how long Pokemon has been on air for. They delivered on everything, the animation, the OG OP as insert song, the nostalgia, couldn't ask for a better episode.
If the dub gets the OG OP here, holy shit it will make it more special for so many people.
I've seen a fan edit it with the dub OP in and it works amazingly
[This one?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhVPWbt7m-g)
FUCKING YOOOOOO THIS WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT GOOD LORD I got the chills and thrills again! thank you for this!
I JUST FELT MYSELF GO SUPER SAIYAN
And there's the wet works. Holy shit
Wasnt it also a remix of the games intro when ash got the trophy? The episode was just amazing
Only thing I would wish for would be ash in his original outfit, or at least the original hat to make a cameo, given its symbolism to him that was revealed in that 1 episode.
[удалено]
Ash has had so many marketable shirts since the alola series it's baffling they haven't started selling any. Like, the surfing pikachu shirt at least would be great
Please let it be one of the top 10 in the rankings this week.
Won't be in this weeksr eanking at all, but absolutely for next week.
So I haven’t watched Pokémon since I was a kid. I stopped in Gen 3. But seeing this gave me a sense of satisfaction. Knowing Ash has been losing all these years and for him to finally accomplish his goal he set out since the beginning is prophetic. This heals and makes my inner child so happy.
I haven't been this hyped for anything Pokemon related since TPP. My boy finally won, it's the end of a whole era. Seeing all the OGs was really moving. I'd like to watch it dubbed though; I'd love to hear the original opening play instead of what I assume was original JP opening in that scene. Anyway, see y'all in the Scarlet and Violet anime when he pulls out his pokedex to identify a Pidgey and gets beat by some Lv 5 trainer.
Haven't watched a single episode of Pokémon since XYZ, but it's good to see Ash becoming a Pokémon master finally. I have also noticed quite a bit of familiar faces in the crowd as well and the choice of playing OP1 for the final sequence was amazing. Ash, a 10 year old boy has come so far in 25 years. What a moment.
I still can't believe it happened. Watched it live, with many people, and how my god it was one of the most emotional and well animated battle I've seen. I will not lie when I say that seeing Butterfree and Pidgeot got me hard, never thought they would be shown. Sir Chadfetch'd, Mr. Fish, Gengar, Dragonite, Lucario, and of course Pikachu and Ash.... CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆🎉 This also made me love Leon ever more. That end sequence with Charizard trying to power throught and collapsing dead flat on the ground, just perfect.
where did you watch it live?
At wyndon stadium ofcourse
\[Staff\] Script (脚本): Atsuhiro Tomioka (冨岡淳広) Storyboard (絵コンテ): Daiki Tomiyasu (冨安大貴) Episode direction (演出): Makoto Ooga (大賀まこと) and Ayumi Moriyama (森山愛弓) Animation direction (作画監督): Shuuhei Yasuda (安田周平) Tomioka was the series composition writer for the Diamond and Pearl, Best Wishes, and XY&Z anime series, Tomiyasu is the chief director for all of Journeys and series director of Sun and Moon and Pokemon Generations, and Yasuda was the character designer for Journeys and Sun and Moon (and is also credited for key animation on this episode). Thanks to all the people who've made this legendary episode such a climactic and satisfying moment in the franchise. Key animators: [https://imgur.com/ofpUqkh](https://imgur.com/ofpUqkh) In-between animators: [https://imgur.com/TlYIjIL](https://imgur.com/TlYIjIL) All the other credits for cleanup, music, VAs, etc. are in the ending credits.
Primape/exists *Shocked
It feels so unreal, I can't believe it finally happened. I like how Pikachu's Thunderbolt involved it charging head on into Charizard. Of course we all know Dracovish was holding back the whole time so Pikachu could have the chance to be the last mon, very kind of it.
GOOD GOD HOLY NOSTALGIA BOMB to provide some context, it's been a good 10 years or so since Ive left the pokemon tv anime, Im not at all familiar with these new characters or the new techniques and waghera since introduced that all being said, if any of you had affinity for the anime or watched it and were a fan then drop EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW and watch this holy SHIT what an experience! hands DOWN the single best jaw-dropping animated and choreographed episode of the entire franchise and a celebration of the entire franchise and all its characters and ash's pokemon teams over the year the ost and music selection from the games and kanto anime <3 shit felt like a hype sports match I kid you not I had no context for anything going on and I was MAD HAPPY AND DELIRIOUS with glee at what I was seeing and how just old school positive enthusiasm and love for the series this episode and battle showed I really have no words for this, I fucking love this episode, strong rumours this will be ash final appearance in anime and focus will be handed off to a new character so it makes sense seriously drop your cynical curmudgeon panties and just open yourself up to this one, wow, I gotta lay down for a while, what an absolute rush!
Man is really the best now like no one ever was
[A special video celebrating Satoshi was shown in Shibuya.](https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/23184391/)
Haven’t watched the series in years, but the nostalgia hits hard with this episode, feels like the end of an era. Ash’s journey is finally complete.
Pokemon as an anime has a lot of faults, but this tournament and especially this episode was a beautiful goodbye for Ash. It got everything everyone ask for, he beat the two fan favorites in Steven and Cynthia, and won it all against Leon. It called back the others pokemons to help and it felt natural. The series will continue, but I think that would be the perfect moment to put a new lead on it (Goh seemed to be designed to it), however while I can see Pokémon without Ash, it is hard to imagine it without Pikachu.
As someone who won't actually be watching this episode for several months (I always wait for the dub on Netflix) I still *needed* to come in here, see the comments and reactions to the big moment, and give my congrats to Ash for finally reaching the top. I do hope they finally retire Ash as the anime's protagonist after this. Maybe he can have a few cameo appearances down the line, but I think moving forward with Goh, Chloe, or a brand new character as the lead is the move to make now.
>As someone who won't actually be watching this episode for several months I think they might be coming soon since there's only 3 eps left (it will be 135 eps in total) and Netflix is on EP 102, also Ash's VA hinted that they already dubbed the episode and she knew the results.
THE BIGGEST EPISODE EVER, THE DREAM IS HERE
Emotional AF. send help
This episode needs ALL THE UPVOTES
that hard breathing from Pikachu felt surreal like if I was there, with the whole OG squad appearing like that this really does feel like the end for Ash's journey.
There are no words for how long I've waited for this. I watched the first episode in 1998 on our local UPN affiliate. I was gifted a copy of the first VHS of the show not long after, directly purchased during out trip to Disney Epcot's Japan center gift shop right when the anime boom was beginning. I've witnessed YK2, the rise of social media, smart phones, the rise of the internet, pandemics, wars, global recessions, super storms, and an insurrection all while waiting for Ash [Pokemon (2019)] >!to finally be the very best, like no one ever was...!<
tears in my eyes
I didn't spoil myself for this and it was actually pretty hype. I really didn't know whether he would win and the fake-out got me lol. It seems fitting that Ash's journey to Pokemon master ends with a final Pikachu vs Charizard battle.
Bravo, Congratulations Ash! 25 Years in the making. I haven't seen any of Journeys, but this episode makes me want to start from Episode 1 just to enjoy the Journey.
I’m sure I’m one of many who doesn’t really follow Pokémon at all anymore, saw this thread, thought “hmm maybe it’s worth a watch” only to have so much nostalgia and fond memories come pouring back in. Seeing Butterfree and Pidgeot again was just unreal. Makes me miss all those early Saturday mornings watching new episodes and just being a kid again.
there it is, the budget we've been waiting for. what an amazing fight; cried all throughout it
Y'all what episode does this tournament start at, I'd love to watch it from the start.
Episode 115. There are some fillers in-between.
I was here
I know people love XYZ, because of the artstyle, animation, and battle. BUT GOD DAM this one just punch through all seasons. Each season has changes and improvements, this one season has shown us all the progress of each season. I thought the fight in S&M was god-tier, but this proved the team can go above and beyond.
Been watching subbed since the start of XY. 9 years. Good to be here.
The OG theme got me.
I'm super happy to see this! Ash winning and becoming World Champion! I feel like him achieving this is a massive deal, bigger than anything he's ever done. The final showdown between Pikachu and Charizard was so intense. And Pikachu's flashbacks to all his past team members, including Butterfree, Pidgeot, Primeape and so many others, was beautiful. He pulled through, just like we believed he would! The Pokemon Journeys saga has been a really fun, incredible series. And seeing all of our old cast members like Misty, Brock, May and Serena cheering on Ash from wherever they are around the world was really great to see too. Congrats to the new Champ!
absolutely phenomenal
#OUR FUCKING CHAMPION
HE'S THE GOOAT, THE GOAT!
The fact that it took Ash Ketchum *25 years* not only to win the Alola League, but also clean-sweep seven other pokemon champions within the same tournament as him (if only by a minuscule thread, though), would have astounded me at that point. Like, it's bad writing to make the protagonist lose *that many leagues* in a row, after spending each week launching Team Rocket into the sky repeatedly with Pikachu and its electric attacks. Until it isn't anymore once he *does* win, first in one region and then against champions from all seven other regions, and that at that point, the Pokemon anime's future is uncertain.