How do you think they will they top DP's rivals?

[Cybersai]

One thing DP did really well is the diverse selection of rivalries. While not all of them were interesting characters, (Kenny was bland, and to a lesser extent Zoey/Nando could have been more interesting), I at least like the fact that the writers put an effort into creating them.

I honestly do not see how they will top Paul. He basically was the perfect representation of a rival and foil for Ash. I really don't see what they can do to make Ash's next rival stand out more than him.

Barry, Conway and Ursula were all extremely fun and memorable characters. I can see them being missed after DP ends.

I just really wonder what type of rivals they'll come up with next, and how they'll top Ash's DP rivals, to be honest. Topping Dawn's rivals won't be too hard, depending on what Iris' role is.

 

[Magmortar123]

I don't really know. I really enjoyed almost all of the DP rivals. I agree that topping Paul will be very difficult.

 

[Dexter]

I think one way not to go overboard is to recreate DP's rivals. If the writers try to keep being fresh and original and not try to copy DP.

 

[Ino-Chan]

I want Ursula to come back. I almost garentee it won't happen, but that's what I want.

I don't know what they will do to top Paul though.

 

[Ranger Jack Walker]

Hopefully, a regularly appearing female rival who uses strategy and switching like that girl from the Hoenn League.

 

[HerSilverHammer]

I wanna see Ash travel with a rival. For whatever reason, they're forced in to it and they can't say no. There's some clear clashing in ideals about how to raise Pokemon, what it takes to be a master, ect.

 

[Falconwing]

Well, many of them didn't get nearly enough screentime, so yeah.

 

[Snake Bandage]

Pfft, topping DP's awful rivals should be pretty easy.

 

[Trainer Yusuf]

By giving the new set of rivals more, actual development; a personality besides their main gimmick and as Ryuu pointed out, more screentime.

But from the looks of it, their only idea to top them is creating expies of them.

 

[Elite Four Will]

Anyone can top the DP rivals anytime, just add more personality and in-depth story. Its not like the DP rivals were the best they were just better that the previous rivals.

 

[Paperhorse]

I wanna see Ash travel with a rival. For whatever reason, they're forced in to it and they can't say no. There's some clear clashing in ideals about how to raise Pokemon, what it takes to be a master, ect.

I think this would be very interesting, and it would give the rival more screen time and more character development. It would probably work best if it was a short arc, maybe 4-5 episodes.

Also, I like that Satoshi had a few rivals, all with different personalities. I think they should continue that but different from DP to make it original, of course.

 

[Mijumaru]

I want Ursula to come back.

YOU SAID IT. I'M HER NUMBER ONE FAN.

I honestly don't know how they will top them, but out of all the other ones I want URSULA TO COME BACK.

 

[Cybersai]

Since Dawn is leaving, Ursula is going too.

I don't see any way she can appear again after DP, like Drew/Harley never got a speaking role after they left either.

 

[Iteru]

I don't see any way she can appear again after DP, like Drew/Harley never got a speaking role after they left either.

An incredibly fanservicey Wallace Cup with all the rivals in it 8D

For the topic, I'm going to say a bit more backstory and consistent/more appearances for the lesser rivals.

 

[Sombra29]

Anyone can top the DP rivals anytime, just add more personality and in-depth story. Its not like the DP rivals were the best they were just better that the previous rivals.

Being better than what came before is the definition of being the best of something...

An incredibly fanservicey Wallace Cup with all the rivals in it 8D

OH YES PLEASE.

Also,I hate how this question forces the answer."How do you think they will top DP rivals?" as if it is implying they were something.Just because some people in the internet have ranks for rival doesn't mean the actual characters are good or bad,nor that they should be "better" or "worse"(Paul isn't better than Gary.Zoey isn't worse than Barry.Kenny isn't worse than Ursula.
People need to realize this.A story,a diverse world needs different,contrasting people).

Now,if the question is asking "How will they top DP rivals in terms of power?" that is much more reasonable.And I would say the answer would be giving the rivals more powerful pokemon like the LT from the very begging.

 

[Enzap]

I wanna see Ash travel with a rival. For whatever reason, they're forced in to it and they can't say no. There's some clear clashing in ideals about how to raise Pokemon, what it takes to be a master, ect.

I'm not sure how that would work. Can it really be a rival if he/she is in every episode. I think the writers would run out of ideas for them competing really quickly.

I think there are plenty more possibilities for good rivals. There could be a snobby rich kid, an over-the-top girl (similar to Barry but more girly), or another Gary-like character that treats his pokemon well, just is a jerk otherwise.

 

[Duckgon Z]

It won't be hard for them to top DP's contests rivals besides Ursula, that's for sure. And no Piplup, being friendly and Dawn being depressed is no excuse for everyone not named Ursula having the personality of a brick.

Ash wise, maybe the girl rival could freshen things up, hopefully White.

 

[LuxrayOfTheWild]

I don't think they'll be able to create a rival I'd hate as much as Paul, or as cool as Zoey.

 

[OCDysseus]

Well maybe they can...no wait, but theres also...impossible...thats gonna be HARD!!

 

[Piplup]

And no Piplup, being friendly and Dawn being depressed is no excuse for everyone not named Ursula having the personality of a brick.

"Everyone"... just Zoey and Kenny... "personality of a brick"??? (and no, I don't really count Nando)

Kenny is a coward little boy who pick on his childhood crush and want her to think he's "cool"

Zoey is a tomboy and she can be tough when people do stuff she thinks is bad (Ash/Nando doing both things, Paul being rude) and she's a really good friend, coming all the way to Solaceon just to explain Dawn her mistake and cheer her up

Both also got some backstory and development
So no, they didn't have the "personality of a brick"... you don't have to like them, but they did have personalities and in my opinion they fit their characters and Dawn's story perfectly and there's nothing wrong with them
Dawn needed supportive rivals during the early part of her journey... it's only after the Celestic Contest that she truly got her confidene back, which is why Ursula appeared in the next Contest