By the end of the series...

[Trainer'sInsomnia]

do you think they'll have Ash run through the Kanto League once more?

I'm just curious because all these appearances of Sinnoh's elite make it seem as though they're headed for an Ash vs the Elite/Champion showdown. Obviously, position as the champion would really solidify Ash's dreams as a Master. However, as Goyo/Lucian described earlier in DP, a person must conqur in their own league to become Champion. So that leaves Kanto...

So do you think they'd do another "Back to Kanto" series before the show is up? Or do you even think Ash would/should become "Champion" of his league? What do you think of that? Is that the right step towards the "Pokemon Master" idea, or do you think he'd reject it like he did the Frontier Brain position?

----
PS: I know there was a "future of Pokemon" thread, but that one died, and miraculously ended up on conversation about the equally dead GS Ball """plothole""", so I've just made a new one, with more of a specific topic focus.

EDIT: Note this is meant by the end of the show, not Sinnoh.

 

[Cybersai]

We've already traveled through Kanto twice, I have no desire to go back to Kanto a third time.

However if it was just for the league then it would be ok, but I fail to see how the writers would have time to do the Sinnoh league, Indigo league, and Elite 4 all before Gen 5.

Most likely Ash will get to challenge the Sinnoh Elite 4 after he beats the Sinnoh league.

 

[Trainer'sInsomnia]

We've already traveled through Kanto twice, I have no desire to go back to Kanto a third time.

However if it was just for the league then it would be ok, but I fail to see how the writers would have time to do the Sinnoh league, Indigo league, and Elite 4 all before Gen 5.

Most likely Ash will get to challenge the Sinnoh Elite 4 after he beats the Sinnoh league.

Note By the end of the series, why in the world would they do it before Gen V? This is discussing the possibility that said plot would conclude Ash's quest, not act as a side route before heading to the next region, that wouldn't even make sense. If it's to be done, it'd have to be climatic, and I'd imagine he'd have to keep his position.

And the Battle Frontier was of a completely different side to Kanto. They hardly even revisited familiar sites and had little references to the original Kanto to begin with. It's not like it's so watered down that they couldn't have him sweep through the gyms, with different leaders containing different Pokemon, possibly even a different route or different gyms (since Gary and others showed us that there were more than the typical 8), for the purpose of taking a crack at Indigo's Elite.

 

[Cybersai]

Note By the end of the series, why in the world would they do it before Gen V? This is discussing the possibility that said plot would conclude Ash's quest, not act as a side route before heading to the next region, that wouldn't even make sense.

The DP series could wrap up Ash's journey, hence the Elite 4 foreshadowing. By the time DP ends the show will have been going on for 13 or 14 years, with 600+ episodes and 13 movies. I don't see us being in the year 2020 and Ash's journey still going.

And the Battle Frontier was of a completely different side to Kanto. They hardly even revisited familiar sites and had little references to the original Kanto to begin with.

It was still considered a re-visit to Kanto, and I don't see why a third time they would "re-visit" old locations if the second time didn't.

Just going back to Kanto for the Indigo league itself would be alright, especially if Ash uses all his old Pokemon, but I don't want to see him "travel" through the region again.

 

[Every Breaking Wave]

Well he probably wouldn't need to travel through it all again (except to get to Pallet and then the Indigo Plateau); he still has all his old badges after all, and as far as I'm aware we've never been told that the badges expire after one League challenge.

 

[Cybersai]

We know the ribbons expire, but I don't think badges do. He probably keeps all his old badges in his house somewhere, kind of like how Reggie keeps them all in a case.

 

[Argy]

I'm sure the badges allow him to re-enter the region's league whenever he wants.

But, a re-do of the Kanto gyms would be different enough, I think. For one, Satoshi didn't really win many of those badges. It would also give an opportunity to catch up with Takeshi's parents and Kasumi and her sisters. And Agatha was only the temporary gym leader in Viridian City; we never found out who the permanent replacement was.

 

[Cybersai]

They could have done that in the Battle Frontier saga, but the writers chose to ignore the Gyms.

We did re-visit the Viridian and Pewter Gym at any rate, but none of the others.

If the writers wanted Ash to re-challenge the Kanto Gyms, it would have happened.

 

[Musashi]

The DP series could wrap up Ash's journey, hence the Elite 4 foreshadowing. By the time DP ends the show will have been going on for 13 or 14 years, with 600+ episodes and 13 movies. I don't see us being in the year 2020 and Ash's journey still going.

We already know from WPM's interview that Satoshi isn't going anywhere. Maybe the writers will chance their minds for the 6th Generation, but Satoshi will definitely be here for the next region.

 

[Trainer'sInsomnia]

I'm sure the badges allow him to re-enter the region's league whenever he wants.

But, a re-do of the Kanto gyms would be different enough, I think. For one, Satoshi didn't really win many of those badges. It would also give an opportunity to catch up with Takeshi's parents and Kasumi and her sisters. And Agatha was only the temporary gym leader in Viridian City; we never found out who the permanent replacement was.

I think you're right about the badge thing. Well, if the game's format holds any weight in the anie then he'd be eligible. In that case they don't have to have him go through the process all over again, it could just be a trip straight to the Indigo Plateau.

The plateau itself could even be a culmination of rivals throughout every region (granted some like Harrison, and I believe Paul as well, have already gone through Kanto) and the return of Gary in competition. That way, the entire league itself would be packed with intense battles (Gary vs Paul anyone? Tyson vs Harrison perhaps?). If that were the case, then they could easily get away with a straight-to-Indigo trip, because they'd have so much to show in the league itself. And the journey to the Plateau could consist of something like the final takedown of Team Rocket (Silph Co/Rocket Headquarters are both in Kanto) for more episodes with substance.

Even if he did go through it again though, there's a lot that could be done with it. Either new gyms, revamped old ones, or a bit of both. It could have people like Forrest and Misty solidified as gym leaders, the permanent gym leader of Viridian, and different gyms revealed, maybe even led by aspiring trainers we've seen in the past. Of course, to keep away any real repetition, the arc could be kept fairly short, maybe like 40 eps.

Of course, any possibility relies on the fact that Ash aims to become the Champion of Kanto, which to me would be a fairly cliche yet exciting ending.

 

[Weedle Mchairybug]

We already know from WPM's interview that Satoshi isn't going anywhere. Maybe the writers will chance their minds for the 6th Generation, but Satoshi will definitely be here for the next region.

Well, we don't even know if there is going to even be a fifth generation, much less if Ash is going to be in it. I mean, really, if there WAS going to be a fifth Gen appearing, they would have unveiled at least one Fifth Gen Pokemon by now (Since the first time a new gen pokemon is unveiled every region (or series, if one counts Hoenn/BF as a completely different series) is around the second movie. even Johto had a debut of a new gen pokemon around that time period (Wailmer was in that Pikachu short, which is pretty much the same status as a standard Pokemon Movie, anyways, as it's released with them.).). So far, we have currently zero fifth Gen pokemon appearing, so unless they are to appear in the 13th movie (which we will soon find out come December 15th), I doubt that they're going to have a fifth Gen (As the 13th movie is pretty much their last chance at debuting a fifth generation pokemon early.).

Even if there is a fifth Generation, we still can't be too sure if Ash is returning or not, regardless of what Hidaka said (Whom I still think may be just spewing things. I mean, If he didn't even know that Platinum was being released (Despite the fact that Giratina and Shaymin's alt. formes were heavily focused on in the 12th movie.), how should we trust his judgement about Gen V being around the corner. For all we know, he could be greatly misinformed [especially since he's no longer the director now]. I mean, heck, even WPM stated that he legitimately did not know what Platinum even was, much less the fact that it was being released.).

On topic, though, well, that's pretty much what might happen. (What InsomniaTrainer said, I mean.)

 

[Lethal Carnivine]

So you're basically saying that Nintendo would drop their second best franchise because a 5th Gen Pokemon is appearing a bit late. Any real, logical proof on this?

Seriously now, they're probably just going to unveil a new Pokemon near the league or something. Kids would be able to remember it a bit more than if it was like the seven episodes from now. Good to leave a lasting impression.

About the topic on hand, it would be pointless for Ash to travel Kanto again. Only reason would be to check up on old Pokemon/friends.

 

[Weedle Mchairybug]

So you're basically saying that Nintendo would drop their second best franchise because a 5th Gen Pokemon is appearing a bit late. Any real, logical proof on this?

Well, DP and Battle Dimension's ratings are the lowest that Pokemon can go (and in the case of Japan, just DP, as it's considered a different series.), it's even lower than Johto apparantly. If you really want to know, try and ask someone who has access to ratings. Heck, I got this knowledge from Nickstr.

Seriously now, they're probably just going to unveil a new Pokemon near the league or something. Kids would be able to remember it a bit more than if it was like the seven episodes from now. Good to leave a lasting impression.

Then why did they have Wailord debut in that Pikachu short, or why did they have Munchlax debut in Destiny Deoxys? If they wanted to make a lasting impression, they should have done it, oh, I don't know, several seasons/barely 1-3/4s series ago.

About the topic on hand, it would be pointless for Ash to travel Kanto again. Only reason would be to check up on old Pokemon/friends.

Maybe, but it would at least have him competing in the Kanto League.

 

[Rhyperior]

Back to Kanto, what an interesting thought! Maybe they could have 8 consecutive eps showing all the gym matches and showing how the GL have improved. I expect Ash to battle Misty and Brock. And jump to the league directly. And maybe Ritchie will be in the Indigo League again! Then the E4+Champ challenge.
Or maybe this time it require 16 badges to rechallenge the Indigo League! And they could do some references to the event in the Kanto part in GSC to foreshadow a GSC remake. For example the Safari Zone is closed such that Dawn is extremely disappointed that she couldn't catch 30 Dratini.(joking about the Dawn part, serious about the Safari) And I would expect something big to happen to the whole Team Rocket that JJM have no choice but to leave TR with the help of Ash.
Both of the scenario seem rational to me.

 

[Luxio2k8]

Uggggh, not Kanto again please.

Battle Froniter was in Kanto and it didn't even feel like Kanto. It felt more like some "filler" region. No returning characters or towns (yeah I know they went to Saffron City but that felt more like a filler town since there was no reference or mention of Sabrina, the Silph Co.,etc.)

Really, the next place I want Ash to travel would be Generation V's region and not Kanto.

 

[Musashi]

Well, DP and Battle Dimension's ratings are the lowest that Pokemon can go (and in the case of Japan, just DP, as it's considered a different series.), it's even lower than Johto apparantly. If you really want to know, try and ask someone who has access to ratings. Heck, I got this knowledge from Nickstr.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-30/japanese-anime-tv-ranking-november-17-23

I'm not sure whether or not you're talking about Japan or America (or both) but as you can see here the ratings still have it in the top 10 of anime airing in Japan. It may not be as high as they once were, but they're still not even close to being bad enough that the show could be cancelled.

As for America, it really doesn't matter what the ratings are as PUSA isn't going to stop dubbing the show. And even if the show was cancelled everywhere except Japan the show would still keep going because, as I pointed out, the show still gets high ratings in Japan.

In short, there's going to be a 5th Generation and many many more after that.

 

[Cybersai]

The show is unlikely to get cancelled but the writers will likely wrap up the series someday.

I realize some of you just got into Pokemon recently, but a lot of us have been watching this show since 1998. Can you believe that some of us have been watching this show consistently for 11 years? You kinda hope for closure.

600 episodes and 12 movies is quite a lot to rewatch over and over again, not to mention the specials like Mewtwo Returns, Raikou, and all the hoso specials.

This is a long series, hopefully it'll get a proper ending someday to make it all worthwhile.

 

[Piplup]

However, as Goyo/Lucian described earlier in DP, and as we've pretty much known, a person must conqur in their own league to become Champion. So that leaves Kanto...

FALSE! Who was the one that invented this thing?
Lucian said that in order to challenge the Sinnoh Elite Four you have to win The Sinnoh League, if you win the Hoenn League you battle the Hoenn Elite Four and so on...

He didn't say anything about being able to be a Champion only of your own region which doesn't make sense at all
If Ash will win the Sinnoh League than defeat the Elite Four and beat Cynthia than most likely they'll offer him to replace her as the Champion... which I can totally see him reject and continue his journey like he did with the possibility to be a Frontier Brain...

What I really think will happen:
- Sinnoh League final battle: Ash: Pikachu and Infernape VS Paul: Electivire and Magmortar
- Ash beat Paul and win the Sinnoh League
- Ash challenge the Elite Four in the Sinnoh Champion League
- Ash beat all four and than lose to Cynthia
- Ash go to the new Battle Frontier in Johto/Sinnoh and win it... possibly another very short (like OI or even shorter) journey after that if they really take even longer we expect to release next generation but probably not and they'll go into gen 5 right after BF

I mean, really, if there WAS going to be a fifth Gen appearing, they would have unveiled at least one Fifth Gen Pokemon by now

...What?
They still didn't finish to reveal the whole 4th generation
People forget that but let me remind you all- officially Areues DOESN'T EXIST and we aren't supposed to know about it
Only after they'll reveal Arceus we can expect to see next gen Poké - it's only logical they'll finish to reveal the current gen before beginning to reveal the next one... this is exactly how they did it in the past: Keckleon/Azurill/Wailmer were revealed only after Celebi, Munchlax was revealed only after Deoxys...

So in conclusion, most likely movie 12 will star Arceus and it's possible (but not sure at all) we might see the first gen 5 Poké there too... and if not in 12 than 13 will definately have at least one gen 5 Poké
It simply seems like we'll have to wait longer this time... and I can't see what the problem is with that... 493 is enough for now and there's no need to rush (and if people wouldn't hack the games and destroy all the surprises for us- Darkrai and Shaymin could be totally new Poké for us when they were officially revealed... same with Arceus when they'll reveal it... that's why I hope next gen they'll find a way to prevent people from being able to get such Poké's data from the games... I prefer to be surprised and have a few new Poké in the wait between generations)

This is a long series, hopefully it'll get a proper ending someday to make it all worthwhile.

I don't agree at all
I don't want Poké to end at all and I don't see any reason to think it will- currently there's no reason to believe it'll stop...
Also do you really think an end will be that great? I can either see Ash being Champion of something which can either bring us a new hero instead completely ending it or make Ash decline the offer to be a Champion and continue his journey.... or a stupid ending of "Ash and Pika go on to another journey and continue their adventures but... you won't be able to see it"

So I don't think an ending would that great at all and I don't want it to ever end
I seriously believe it can continue forever - I won't be against new cast and totally fresh beginning if they feel there too much episodes for new fans to get into it
But actually as I already said in another thread - in Japan the first series (Kanto/OI/Johto) constantly air again and again 2 episodes a day... and until not long ago AG was aired again in TV Tokyo during Pokémon Sunday... so actually it isn't that hard for kids in Japan to watch all the episodes again (and Kids Station + TV Tokyo air movies too sometimes so even the movies they can watch)

 

[nickstr]

I guess I was right to think that Cartoon Network is treating Pokemon like shit because they really are from what Piplup has said in the previous post. Right now they are refusing to air the first five seasons despite lots of demand for it and petitions circulating to bring it back to airing on a permanent basis and yet THOSE SEASONS ARE AIRING IN JAPAN EVERYDAY. Also, it does not surprise me that the show dropped out of the top five and could very well drop out of the top ten in the next year especially given how many people prefer earlier generations to Diamond and Pearl.

 

[Cybersai]

Seasons 1 and 2 are on DVD, as is Master Quest. Technically the first two Johto seasons are as well, but not in boxset form.

CN has no obligations to air the older seasons. Just buy the DVDs and stop complaining.