Get Stronger, Aim Higher - Pokémon Horizons Episode 111 Review - A Mega Let Down

I’m really disappointed with how the finale of this arc of Pokémon Horizons came out. Usually, the final episode of an arc would be bombastic and full of crazy twists. While there were some twists presented in this episode, it just didn’t leave the same kind of impact as the previous ones. It’s obvious that this arc was testing the waters to see how a timeskip would work out in the anime. While I wish they were able to showcase more for this arc, I’m sure that they’ll find their footing in the new arc.

While I don’t mind that the Rising Volt Tacklers technically lost in their battle against the Super Strong Sphere-induced Six Heroes, I do wish that the team's remaining Pokémon that were able to battle were able to put up some sort of a fight before going down. It’s crazy how most of their Pokémon got knocked out in one hit, and then the kids’ newly captured Pokémon were the last ones standing. Even when Amethio joined the fight, he didn’t contribute much. It was like he was acting out that one Sailor Moon meme were Tuxedo Mask praises himself for helping out when he didn’t eve do anything.

I did like that the battle showcased just how dangerous the Super Strong Sphere is, that it can harm even strong Pokémon like the Six Heroes. If it gets released into society, it’ll definitely be extremely dangerous, and Spinel would have to cover up the negativity and discourse. It’s crazy how the real enemy is corruption, and how Spinel uses it to his advantage. The kids are not strong at their current level, and they’re definitely going to need that training arc to power up as much as possible. It really makes me curious about where they'll go with the new arc and what will happen.

There were two small details that I really liked about this finale. The first is that Liko finally has another battling Pokémon in Charcadet. I know that Meowscarada is technically her ace, but with Hattrem being a healer and Pagogo being a more defensive Pokémon, the cat had been her only real offensive option until Charcadet came along. It really does help Liko stay in the fight. Second, I liked how overwhelmed Uruto became. He’s always the type to boast about his strength and how he desires it, but even in a tough situation, he cracks under pressure, and it makes him very human.

I do wonder what’s going to happen to Cervantis and Amethio from this point on as it does feel as if they’ve become fugitives from the Explorers. I hope that the next time Amethio shows up, his Zygarde will also be more useful in battle. I'm also left wondering what Spinel’s ultimate goal is, as his masterplan has yet to be revealed. Overall, the conclusion to this arc made me feel as if they could’ve done more. I just hope that the next arc will be better in terms of execution. I’m honestly really excited to see Blueberry Academy. I can’t wait to see what sort of battles the Rising Volt Tacklers will partake in. Also, the Mega Evolution special featuring Roy will be airing on October 10th as part of a mini-arc that’s also counted as part of the Horizons episode count. Let me know your thoughts on this episode, and I’ll see you guys in two weeks!

 

"Mega Let Down" is a pretty accurate description of this whole arc really- not a huge fan of time skips in anime; and my skepticism towards the idea was to an extent justified. Something tells me Exceed won't be able to control the narrative forever; rushing the company toward a date with Enron and Worldcom; and Spinel joining J and Lysandre in oblivion.

 

Will the RVTs Succeed and Defeat Spinel, Will he have the Victory? or will something Else Happen?

To Be Continued...?!

 

Someday I'm going to add ash back

 

Someday I'm going to add ash back

A less bloated and faster-paced story would be appreciated for Generation X as well- actually glad this arc is over.

 

What are you implying?

 

Someday I'm going to add ash back

I'd prefer that we just get new Pokemon stories and not have Ash come back because he'd just get nerfed.

 

I'd prefer that we just get new Pokemon stories and not have Ash come back because he'd just get nerfed.

Well EXCUSE me for not "agreeing" some of us wish had our nostalgia back, you know.

 

Well EXCUSE me for not "agreeing" some of us wish had our nostalgia back, you know.

There's already 25+ years of Ash content. What more could you want out of nostalgia?

 

We live, we love, and we feel

 

We live, we love, and we feel

Like in an anime I watched about the topic of nostalgia, while it can be love, it's also a form of poison.

 

"True, but even poison can be medicine in the right dose — sometimes nostalgia is exactly what keeps us moving forward."

 

"True, but even poison can be medicine in the right dose — sometimes nostalgia is exactly what keeps us moving forward."

And if you want your nostalgia, you can just watch past episodes on their official YouTube channel.

I would appreciate if you refrain from bringing up Ash or the past anime when commenting on my Horizons episode reviews unless it's to reference something that the past anime did or if you want to make comparisons with the previous series because just saying stuff like you want Ash back in a Horizons episode review is kind of insensitive to me.

 

What are you implying?

I'm saying that it's not just the anchor character that caused a lot of people to feel mixed on HZ- it's the specific approach to the world and its inhabitants that many people don't seem onboard with. I've always been more disappointed with how inconsistent HZ has been about adapting the games (the theory it's an SV sequel doesn't make much sense when events and characters are glossed over or outright contradicted); which is why I'm simultaneously keeping expectations level for Rise Again and hoping for a more faithful (at least in spirit) adaptation for Generation X.

 

And if you want your nostalgia, you can just watch past episodes on their official YouTube channel.

I would appreciate if you refrain from bringing up Ash or the past anime when commenting on my Horizons episode reviews unless it's to reference something that the past anime did or if you want to make comparisons with the previous series because just saying stuff like you want Ash back in a Horizons episode review is kind of insensitive to me.

So? Not only would that be super cool, just add some demon slayer, jujitsu kaisen and other fun anime characters, then It would be the coolest thing ever!

 

So? Not only would that be super cool, just add some demon slayer, jujitsu kaisen and other fun anime characters, then It would be the coolest thing ever!

That's actually quite the oversimplification of the issue- not saying there's only one way to adapt something; but being so stubborn that hesitance to accept any change would be harmful to fiction evolving and progressing. Even the final arcs of the previous anime (Alola, JN, TBAM/MZM+Distant Blue Sky) are arguably my favorite seasons. Though HZ has made decisions I don't agree with in story and character (why I'm equal parts concerned and cautiously optimistic about Rise Again adapting Indigo Disk, let alone its final arc as it's clear HZ won't be around for Generation X); it isn't impossible to make a good Pokémon story with a different anchor character- Detective Pikachu (2019) and Pokémon Concierge are two of my favorites within the last decade, with Tim Goodman and Haru being unique in their own right. It's just a tricky balance in terms of old and new. Just hoping we get a web OVA for Legends Z-A like Origins, Generations; Evolutions, Twilight Wings; Hisuian Snow and Paldean Winds, since I plan to wait for all of Episode of Mega Evolution to come online. If you want other options, they exist as you and I have mentioned. I understand your feelings about the show, but I'm still doing my best to respect fans of the new anime while also acknowledging others aren't into it. I think we'd all appreciate we all have different visions for the anime, and I personally mean no disrespect to Saori Den or Dai Saito- their work on other shows I've enjoyed (Cowboy Bebop and Lazarus in particular) shows they know what works with storytelling. It's just that maybe their vision wasn't what people felt like seeing at the time (I went through the same thing as early as AG, focusing on the games and experimenting with other shows and adaptations). I've seen worse, but I do admittedly hope the remainder of HZ is better (I give it till 2026 at latest, then we'll likely start getting details on the next anime towards its end).

 

"Cool, you can write the complex version later — right now we’re having a conversation, not a lecture."