Since the late 90s,Pokemonhas made a name for itself as a Japanese anime with over a thousand episodes spanning countless series. In the United States,Netflixhas announced they will be releasing the highly-anticipated 24th season of thePokemonanime this week as well ascreating a live-action Pokemon television series.
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Over the years, Pokemon fans have followed the show’s development intensely. Some have developed very specific opinions about the show’s characters, villains and story arcs. Reddit has become a breeding ground not for Pokémon, but for some entertaining, unpopular opinions about the anime series.
6If Team Rocket is Evil, So is Goh
In the world of Pokemon, there is a line between catching Pokemon with compassion and catching Pokemon out of selfishness. Pokemon-catching ethics is something some fans consider interesting. They note how heroes in the show take care to befriend their prospective Pokemon before attempting to catch them. In contrast, villains likeTeam Rocket,who wear some great disguises in the anime, do not take care to befriend wild Pokemon they intend to catch. In the show, this is a part of what characterizes them as “evil.”
One Reddit userUgly_Little_Angel points outthat if Team Rocket is evil because of this, then so is the characterGoh, who was introduced inPokemon Journeys: The Series. According to this Redditor, there is an “ethical inconsistency” in the show. In their argument, they explain that “Goh’s hoarding of every new Pokemon he sees is as ethical as what Team Rocket does to larger batches of wild Pokemon, except the latter is portrayed as villainous by the anime.” So following their logic, Goh is evil because his goal is to catch all Pokemon regardless of whether they like him or not.
5The Alola League Was “a Joke”
In Season 20, also known asPokemon The Series: Sun & Moon, Ash and his team travel to the Alola region. While this season features the beloved villains of Team Rocket and Ash’ classic sidekicks Brock and Misty, some fans were underwhelmed with the season’s storyline.
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Forone frustrated Reddit user Edmiseter123, the Alola league was not enough of a challenge for Ash for it to seem believable. They also felt like it didn’t make sense that Rowlet did not evolve and was kept intentionally at an unevolved state. Considering that evolved Pokemon are more powerful, it felt unrealistic that Ash was able to use Rowlet to defeat a Decidueye. The irony here, of course, is that Decidueye is Rowlet’s final evolution and should have been able to defeat Rowlet easily.
4The Side Series Are Better Than The Main Series
Many fans of the Pokemon anime have commented on the difference in animation styles between the main series and the side series. While many prefer the main series, some fans on Reddit believe that the side series has better animation quality overall.
Using aFamily Guymeme, one Reddit user shares their opinion that the side series such asPokemon: Origins,Pokemon: Twilight WingsandPokemon: Indigo Leaguefar surpass the main series in terms of overall quality.
3All The “Pokegirls” Act The Same
There are many female characters in the Pokemon anime series. Some are heroes or allies, like Misty or Nurse Joy, while others are villains, like Jesse from Team Rocket. Over the years, a number of new female characters have been added to the iconic show.
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But some Reddit users aren’t happy with the new additions. For example, one fan asserts that Serena, Lillie and Chloeall act the same in the showand lack distinct personalities.Serenafirst appears in the first episode ofPokemon: XYand has Fennekin as her main Pokemon.Lilliejoins the series inPokemon: Sun & Moonwith her Alolan Vulpix. AndChloejoined the show InPokemon Journeys: The Serieswith her Eevee.
2Ash Has Been The Main Character For Too Long
Many Pokemon fans have noted the obvious differences between the Pokemon games compared to the anime seasons. In the games, there are often new protagonists while in the anime, Ash remains a staple hero of the series’ lore.
Some Reddit users wish a new protagonist could be brought in and Ash swapped out to better match the lore of the games.Redditor Pardusco saysthey’re “tired of seeing Ash every episode” and want to see the actual protagonists from the Pokemon games instead. Another Redditor seconds this on a separate thread, saying “Ash must finish his storyas soon as possible and continue with another protagonist.”
1Pokemon: XY And The Kalos League Are Overrated
Pokemon: XYwas released in 2013 and stars Ash as the protagonist. He is joined by Serena, Clemont and Bonnie as they explore theKalosregion. This season is beloved by most fans and has a new, updated animation style compared to previous seasons.
But some Pokemon fans do not like this season.Reddit user Icyskiess says“I liked XY but it’s not the god of the entire anime…as I grow I’m starting to appreciate the other ones more.” They also note that Clemont was a good character who wasn’t developed enough inPokemon: XY. Instead, this Reddit user prefers thePokemon: Sun & Moonseries,whose episode “Alola, Kanto!“features the timeless trio of Ash, Brock and Misty.
