Catcher In The Sky - Pokémon Horizons Episode 121 Review - To Catch A Falling Spacecraft

I liked this latest episode of Pokémon Horizons, as it feels like you’re anticipating Friede’s return alongside the Rising Volt Tacklers! I like that this episode dedicates itself to finding ways for Friede to land safely, and not to lose him once again. It shows how much he is loved by this found family.

Since Horizons is technically a children’s show, I honestly liked how educational it got regarding how space crafts worked. It’s very to the point, and was very easy for kids to understand. I certainly learned a lot, and I’m an adult! To summarize, space crafts, or anything that falls from space, land very fast, hence the necessity of safe landing. I think the funniest part about the whole Ludlow segment was that the movie he showed the kids had Sharpedo flying in space. I’m not sure if those were CG effects, or if they actually had Sharpedo floating in the sky.

Most of all, this episode really took a creative spin as it details a lot of things that hasn’t been explained until now. First off, the Maushold in the airship is officially confirmed to be Mollie’s, who apparently caught them off-screen during the time skip. Next, I think this is the first time a Metagross has used its supercomputer-like capabilities in the anime, and I really liked that detail!

I also liked how the Brave Olivine's Infinity Rising mode was actually used without complications this time around, showcasing a redemption of sorts. I also liked how Roy allowed Liko to press the button to activate it. If you remember how Roy was tempted to push the button back in the fourth arc, it’s really good growth from him. However, my favorite part was how Liko, Roy and Dot yelled out “Surpass your potential” to Cap as he was reaching for Friede. Pagogo granting him the ability to Terastalize and allowing him to fly feels like a callback all the way to episode 18. Cap always used Volt Tackle to fly when Friede first met him, but he fell afterwards and Friede had to catch him. Here, Cap also used Volt Tackle to fly, but this time, he was the one rescuing Friede and succeeded.

I’m glad to finally see Friede again! His timeskip design is very nice, especially the hair! He looks handsome with his hair slicked back. While I am still wondering why he was in space all this time, I’m sure it’ll be answered later on! Friede’s new Pokémon is a Starmie capable of Mega Evolving. I wonder if the writers could have given him a Starmie because of how popular Mega Starmie has been in Japan with all of the memes centering around it. Surely they would've already had this planned out long before then though? I think what surprised me most about Mega Starmie is that it’s surprisingly glossy. People have been pointing out a possible Ultraman reference in regards to Starmie, and it doesn’t stop there! Starmie is voiced by Tasuku Hatanaka, who is the current voice actor of Ultraman Z, so I think it’s got to be intentional on the production staff’s part. Hatanaka also voices Kilowattrel and Gholdengo, by the way. The best part of the episode was definitely Orla's voice actress Ayane Sakura letting out a realistic shriek at the sight of it. I’d honestly react the same way if I saw a humanoid starfish glossier than waxed hair.

Now that Friede has returned, it does make me wonder where the story will go from here. Are we reaching the climax or is there still more to go before the end? How long will it take until they overthrow Spinel? Most of all, is this even the final arc? Let me know your thoughts on Friede’s return!