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Review HZ128: Step by Step! Dot and Welkamo!!

Quaxwell was a cute little fella but it sadly has to be stated that battle wise he was less than impressive to say the least.

Now that he's officially evolved into the big dancing duck fella Quaquaval (making this the first series where all three starters have fully evolved) and finally managed to get its first win in what feels like ages beating Iono, this should hopefully be the start of it's fortunes being changed and it starts winning more because god he needs it before this series is over.

As for the episode itself this was another solid Dot focused episode that's given her a lot of character development and a boost in confidence for her to rejoin the group for the upcoming battle ahead. Both her and Iono are so precious at the end too having a merry ol' time celebrating.

While the group is off to visit Rayquaza though I'll be busy celebrating Pokémon Day with a nice drink of either Pepsi Max or Cherryade and looking forward to the big day so see yaaa...
 
Finally, Iono have strengthen dot for not giving up and allow her Quaxwell evolve to Quaquaval for remembering a year ago of being through. Before getting the W after all the L.

Now, he can join with others for the Terastal trainer for the upcoming battle to relinquish the Laquium forever and destroy Spinel Ambitious for good. Uruto did argues with dot awhile to make a little motivation. That is all to need for a push to make her think who she is.

Overall rating: B+
 
now all 3 starts are evolved and it's time to fight the black dragon next week (the mega evolution segment is updated again)
 
The most fun part of the episode was Nanjamo and Dot trolling each other during the battle.
"Oh no, my poor bellibolt! ...jk" "oh no, I fell into the trap!..jk"

Other than that, a part of me wished there was a little more nuance here and some discussion about the issue that it IS true that not everyone fits in the front line. I wish someone validated Dot's feelings and thoughts AND encouraged Dot to rethink if that is true for her, rather than just nag at her to not give up.
Showing how important is team unity and communication, was the best executed part of this plot point tbh.
Welcamo evolved, congrats etc
And Dot will actually be in the backseat for the Rekkuza battle.
It was pretty funny that the first line of this episode was Roy sitting spaced out and wondering what the Rekkuza is doing, and then next episode they go check on it. It made it feel a little less random lol
 
I enjoyed this episode. Dot's quaquaval is my favourite of the 3 starters in the anime. I like its personality in the series. Hopefully it will continue to shine. It's voice caught me a bit of gaurd. I thought it would still have a high pitch.
 
Just another small note. This i believe is the 1ste series where the first main series appearence (debut) of all 3 forms of the 3 starter pokemon belonged to the main cast (Liko, Roy and Dot).

I have always wanted it to happen and it did. Normally a COTD would debut the one of the forms
 
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I do love the focus on Dot, Iono, and Quaxwell or rather Quaquaval this episode. Dot wanted to switch to backup and logistics for the Terapagos, 18 types mission, but Iono and Quaxwell convinced her otherwise. The battle between the two was pretty nice, and it was somewhat diabolical for Iono to use Bellibolt against Dot to make the battle harder since Iono and Bellibolt beat Dot and Quaxly prior. However, this battle had a reverse of results with Dot and Quaquaval, having just evolved, beating Iono. It is also nice to see Dot get a bit more confidence in herself and her Pokémon. Here's hoping for more great things for her. That said, does anyone else find it rather sad and a little amusing that for all of that focus on putting Dot on the forefront as a main candidate for the greater mission that she is playing a background role in the next episode?
 
Dr. Gro 3001 said:
I do love the focus on Dot, Iono, and Quaxwell or rather Quaquaval this episode. Dot wanted to switch to backup and logistics for the Terapagos, 18 types mission, but Iono and Quaxwell convinced her otherwise. The battle between the two was pretty nice, and it was somewhat diabolical for Iono to use Bellibolt against Dot to make the battle harder since Iono and Bellibolt beat Dot and Quaxly prior. However, this battle had a reverse of results with Dot and Quaquaval, having just evolved, beating Iono. It is also nice to see Dot get a bit more confidence in herself and her Pokémon. Here's hoping for more great things for her. That said, does anyone else find it rather sad and a little amusing that for all of that focus on putting Dot on the forefront as a main candidate for the greater mission that she is playing a background role in the next episode?
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Yeah, it feels weird. Though, from what I remember, Dot was also missing when Liko, Roy and Ult met with the Black Rayquaza around the start of the season. So I suppose they're trying to make a callback by making Dot leave the party again. I don't really see a valid reason otherwise...
... asides from the logistics reason that they're travelling from Paldea all the way to Johto using Dragonite and Kilowattrel. Roy's arms must hurt like crazy.

I found the episode alright, not incredible. It was cool to have a rematch Dot-Iono. I wish they tried something new for the reason of the rematch, I feel like we've been served the "trainer-gives-up-but-Pokemon-doesn't give-up" some number of times already, mainly, I remember when it happened to Liko.
My favorite part was Quaxwell/Quaquaval taking inspiration from Gholdengo to surf and use Wave Crash. This was a really cute detail.
 
This episode was fire. I mean, Dot is one of my fav characters, so it's no surprise. Having doubts and trying to overcome them? I feel her a lot.

Nanjamo ragebaiting Dot the whole time was amazing. She knows how to get under her skin and she's a good person that doesn't let her friends down.

The Quaquaval evolution was amazing (and he sounds just as fruity as I needed)
I can't wait to see more of him, he really really deserved it (and wanted it)
 
I love this episode! Firstly, Ult just insulting Dot to try get her out of her funk was hillarious. I genuinely love Ult now, his arrogant little comment of "Just like I've been sayin' the whole time" is really funny and just endears me to him so much.
I've always liked Ult, but despite him being in the show for so long, it's only now that I feel like I can call myself an Ulthead!!
I loved Dot's story in this episode with her realizing what Quaqueval truly wants and breaking out of her funk with the power of friendship.
I will say, I do kinda wish her funk was a little more developed though.
The animation when Quequeval, as a Quaxwell, successfully nailed an Aqua Break was really good and that final hit looked great too. It's amazing what Horizons can do sometimes as a weekly show.
I won't lie, sometimes the show does something visually that reminds me that it's a weekly show (like the dancing at the end of this episode looked kinda weird imo), but when the animation hits, it really hits!
Overall, maybe my favourite episode of the timeskip so far! I say maybe, because that two episode arc of rescuing the Six Heroes was great too and I really like the episode where Friede returns too.
Next week's episode also looks like it could be a fave too!
GRAAAHHHHH I JUST LOVE HORIZONS SM!!!
 
On one hand, yeah, this is exactly what we expected: Dot un-demotivated, Welkamo evolved, Nanjamo shouted, Uruto annoyed everyone, let's move on.

On the other hand whoo boy girl. I wholly agree with @NumberOneSpinelApologist, the emotional situation between Dot and the others needed more explicit spelling out. Yes, Dot is back to her warrior mode, but stays in the support section for the next episode? That's cool, but it could be good to hear from Roy and Liko: "We're glad you don't give up on battling and we also respect that you prefer to stay in the IT dept if you feel more reliable there".

Quaxwell evolved, this was the evolution episode. Dot was taunted (manipulated :swirlix:) into a battle by Iono, who notices Quaxwell's ambitions. The fight had no stakes other than Iono trying a ploy in order to change Dot's feelings.

Bad faith interpretation would be that the writers don't care about Dot and just had to shoehorn in the evolution into a tight schedule of the arc. So they just animated the evolution, added some Iono-shaped fanservice and called it a day.

Good faith interpretation could take a broader look at all 3 starter evolutions:
Meowscarada: in the big final battle, because Liko is so tied to the main plot. The stake is Lucius/Gibeon, fate of Laqurium - the world
Skeledirge: In a challenge-for-the-throne battle against Friede because of Roy-Friede "rivalry" and because of Fuecoco's dream to become a Charizard. The stake is the RVT as a group and their direction - the community.
Quaquaval: The stake is Dot, or a symbolic "self" which needs to navigate the community (RVT) and the world (struggle against Spinel) in a way which is most fruitful but doesn't compromise integrity.
A consistent "downward" progression of the stakes and also a symbolism of what this series is all about.
Or sth.

And lastly this is a little bit of an exaggeration but can't help feeling this way for a few episodes
1771676551125.png
 
For the first time in the history of the Pokémon anime, all three Starter Pokémon from the current generation have made it to their final evolution! It was about time it happened, and I like the fact that it occurred in a series where each was split amongst a different trainer.

I liked how this episode used the relationship between Dot & Iono and their experience with each other back-and-forth throughout. Iono knew Dot was in a slump and that she wasn't in sync with her Pokémon, and knew exactly how to challenge (ragebait) her into a situation that would help her overcome it, and once Dot locked in with Quaxwell once again, she was able to read Iono like a book to know she had a secret strategy and countered accordingly.

Ever since it was a Quaxly, I've always thought Quaquaval had a really strong personality that made it a fun and respectable character. It has always been loyal to and there for Dot, encouraging her to leave her comfort zone and connect with other people. They are really the perfect duo. So I'm happy to see that bear fruit in this episode with their evolution. Not only that, but the two were able to improvise Wave Crash on the spot using Tinkaton and Gholdengo as an inspiration, and I'm sure Aqua Step is close behind like Torch Song was for Skeledirge.

I also enjoyed how Ult attempted to call out Dot in the beginning. He might be simpleminded and direct, but that is also the direct opposite of Dot, who is prone to overthinking and stress, sometimes you just have to kick yourself into gear even if you don't feel like it. You don't think you're strong enough? Then train until you are, obviously! Ult has been part of their group for long enough to know that Dot is perfectly capable and a worthy trainer & ally. He wanted to encourage her in the only way he knew how.

It is a shame that Dot won't be joining them in visiting the Black Rayquaza after Quaquaval just evolved. Hopefully she is able to come up with some good stuff with the data that'll make her absence worth it. I'm sure next episode will be quite Roy & Ult focused given their goals are both directly connected to Rayquaza.
 
Iono once again being the literal best character ever how does she keep doing this :wynaut: I still love that she's written like an older sister and the entire episode was just her and Dot being siblings

Liko being the one most concerned about Dot is my likodot crumb for the week. Anyway as for the actual episode itself the battle was really well done!! Dot battled exactly how you'd expect her to when demotivated and inattentive, and after her revelation she started battling like a stronger version of herself again this episode starts playing out like a higher level episode 50!! (Also, seeing Dot pull her hair back again was cool, especially since its meaning has now changed)

Little annoyed Dot isn't in the next episode (especially if Liko is, not that I'm complaining about Liko being there more that she has no reason to go either) but I'll see how it plays out before complaining
LegendsCelebi said:
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Everyone say thank you Iono
 
The episode starts off with Roy wondering how Rayquaza is doing, and then moves on to Liko, Roy, and Ult eating (the latter a bit too quickly). Roy suggests going to the Dragon Shrine. Liko is worried about Dot (cue flashback to the prior episode), and Ult declares, "Leave her to me." to Liko and Roy's surprise. Meanwhile, Dot is in her room trying to convince herself that there are more suitable trainers out there. Nanjamo is walking around when she spots Dot's Pokémon training together. Later, Ult tries to lecture Dot into being one of the trainers to help purify the Rakurium, but just annoys her. Nanjamo then shows up and taunts Dot into a battle. The battle (Quaxwell vs Bellibolt ) starts outside.

After a difficult battle (and more taunting from Nanjamo) Quaxwell learns Wave Crash, evolves into Quaquaval, and wins the battle (with both Pokémon Terastalizing). Dot's self-esteem restored, she declares that she wants to join the battle to purify the Rakurium (naturally, no one has any objections to that). Murdock cooks a feast to celebrate, and everyone's Pokémon dance. Dot and Nanjamo join in at the latter's prompting. Later, Liko, Roy, and Ult head to the Dragon Shrine while Dot stays behind to analyze data (even at her most confident, she's still a rather indoorsy girl after all).

Overall, this was quite the NanjaDot episode with a few hints of LikoDot. Next time should be the final showdown against Rayquaza, ending in its inevitable capture by Roy (or possibly Ult, but probably not). I'm not sure why Liko is tagging along for this one, but I'm glad she is. We've probably gotten enough just RoyUlt screen time for the series. It's a bit unfortunate that Dot isn't tagging along as well, but she just had a focus episode, so it's not a big deal.
 
whew i was so late to this episode but i finally watched it!! i am so happy that we were all correct on quaquaval evolving, it's about time (i mean the writing was practically on the wall but still)

i have been craving a good dot episode and overall i am pleased! there were just a couple things that kind of put me off:
  • i'm glad liko and roy accompanied ult to his confrontation of dot and that liko told him that he had crossed a line, but i do wish similar to what legends (celebi?) said that they had done just a tiiiny bit more talking/emotional resolution at the end with verbally confirming their acceptance of her. kinda dropped the ball on the character-to-character conversation there. not a big deal though, i'm glad dot was able to express herself to them and that her resolution was that she is a trainer of the same caliber that can join them in the fight in rakua, but that she also does sincerely believe she is good at a support role, and that's great too!
  • well that resolution is great and all but there is something a little funny about the timing of "yes i will join you and fight on the front lines! but actually next episode i'm going to stay back after all"; especially because i feel like there's kind of no reason for her... not to go? she wasn't on the trip to see rayquaza the first time but that's because she hadn't rejoined the RVT in-person again yet at all, which isn't an issue here. like yes go girl be the awesome tech support but idk what tech support you're bringing to the table with this one. kinda just feels like the writers putting her aside so they can focus the episode on presumably ult and roy. which kind of begs the question of why liko is going and not dot. it's fine, i get what they're going for, but like, let liko stay back with dot or something. they can hang out while the boys butt heads about what to do with rayquaza or whatever. actually that sounds like a good idea for a fanfiction
both of those things are nitpicks though! as for things i enjoyed - i really enjoyed nanjamo's personality on full display in this episode, if it's nanjamo fanservice it certainly works on me, i can't help but smile when she's on screen and interacting with dot lol. i like how nanjamo understands dot and was able to motivate her by riling her up in the way that ult was trying (and failing) to because she's known her for so long and knows just the right buttons to push. REALLY liked the part of their battle where they trolled each other with their over-the-top reactions too. and the dance at the end was SOOO CUTE AUGH. and of course like i said i am very happy about welkamo evolving!! personally speaking i am a big kuwassu enjoyer and a wanival enjoyer but welkamo is kind of the odd one out for me in the line - i love dot's nonetheless but very happy that she finally has the final evolution that i like more. i was a little surprised by the deeper voice but aside from my initial surprised reaction i think his new voice is fitting and i was so happy to see him hanging out with masquernya at the end. AAAND i loved seeing dot pull back her hair again to get locked in. that was awesome. i'm glad she doesn't need that much anymore but i still missed it anyway!!

and since it's me i have to note as well that i was happy to see liko continue to be the one most concerned with dot's feelings. i especially like how the main storyline in this episode opened up with liko looking concerned at dot's uneaten plate of food, since back when dot was a total recluse, sharing meals with dot was the main way that liko began to connect with her. it's a really great subtle callback to all that and it just makes so much character sense that dot's emotional response would be to hole up in her room on her tablet again, not eating with people.

and! liko was also very clearly invested in her battle against nanjamo, like she always is when dot battles. this is a running theme. they are always the most invested in each other's battles and the camera cuts to liko watching dot the most like... every time. lol this may as well be my favorite frame from the entire episode, it's just really cute:
hz8.png

or maybe this one idk :wynaut:
hz9.png


i hope there will be good masquernya and wanival background interactions in the future :swirlix: sorry about how ramble-y this particular post is, i am trying to get out my thoughts before i have to take a dreaded nap before my college classes later
 
The Evolution of the Duck is seen in the Bonus Segment of Mega Evolution, the Title Card as well as the OP and ED
 
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