Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Synopsis
On a new day in the Kanto region, Satoshi gets invited by Professor Yukinari Ookido over to Professor Sakuragi's lab-opening ceremony in Vermillion City. During the ceremonial speech, Professor Sakuragi receives an alert of a possibly rare Pokémon appearing in Vermillion City's harbor, leading Satoshi and the other trainers to rush to the area in hopes of finding the mysterious Pokémon. At the harbor, they find Lugia—a Legendary Pokémon—engaged in combat with other trainers. Noticing the other trainers' tactics, Satoshi has his partner, Pikachu, strike Lugia with a Thunderbolt attack. Unfazed, Lugia flees, but not before Satoshi determinedly leaps onto its back. To Satoshi's surprise, he meets another boy, Gou, who leapt onto Lugia's back as well. The two ride on Lugia's back as it brings them along on a bizarre adventure across the seas. As it lets the two back on the ground, Satoshi and Gou bid their farewells to Lugia and return to Sakuragi Institute. Impressed by Gou's findings and Satoshi's insight taken during their encounter, Sakuragi requests for the duo to be his new research partners. And so the duo's journey begins, traveling across multiple regions to meet many new Pokémon—including ones that have the ability to Gigantamax! [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Fans are generally positive, especially those who have followed the franchise for a long time, with the show being a nostalgia trip. However, some criticize the episodic format, inconsistent character development, and filler content. The ending of Ash's journey is a significant emotional event for long-time viewers.
Strengths
- Continuity and fanservice - remembers the past.
- Unpredictability - any story anywhere makes you wonder what comes next.
- Good art style and animation.
Weaknesses
- Disjointed episodic storytelling.
- Inconsistent character development for Goh and Koharu.
- Some expected interactions and reunions were lost.
- Filler episodes.
- The story could have been a lot better if it was executed even more brilliantly.