To The Final Battle - Pokémon Horizons Episode 133 Review - Return To Paradise

This episode of Pokémon Horizons is the first of a multi-part arc finale. I honestly feel a bit divided over the episode, but it’s not terrible. There were some good points and some bad. Who knows? Hopefully the next few episodes will be better!

The good points in this episode would have to be the battle between Dot, Penny, and Nemona against Indi and Rubina with their Cofagrigus and Runerigus army. To be honest, this is the most competent the two have been. The one good thing about the Indy and Rubella fights is that they use a lot of unique strategies. Before this one, I honestly liked the battle with them in episode 107 where Roy and Ult battled against the Unovan and Galarian Darmanitan. They were very competent there. For this battle, they use a lot of creative strategies with Destiny Bond, Curse, and Mean Look to stall the girls. However, I do wonder how they know about the 18 Tera Type plan. Did Spinel figure it out on his own, or is someone in the group a mole for the Explorers?

While I did like the battle strategies, I didn’t really like how dumb the girls were when it came to battling. At least they were lucky enough not to lose their aces to Destiny Bond. I get that they were a bit hesitant to not risk getting a party wipe though. I’m glad that Hamber saved the day, but wouldn’t it be smarter to bring Mollie along to heal the Pokémon that got knocked out?

Now, my main issues with the episode mostly came from Roy, Ult and Friede's battle against the Explorer Admins Coral, Sidian, and Chalce. What do you mean Coral and Sidian have Mega Bracelets and can Mega Evolve their Pokémon!? Since when did Sidian use his Aerodactyl in a battle? You’re also telling me that Coral has a bond with her Glalie despite her making him go boom all the time? It feels a little contrived. Ah yes, you get a Mega, he gets a Mega, everyone not named Liko and Dot gets a Mega! What’s next? Spinel has a surprise Mega? Other than that, I’m a little surprised not one of the Admins were shocked to see Mega Lucario Z or Mega Starmie.

The episode’s pacing was a little clunky, but it wasn’t terrible overall. I was surprised to see Yuha and the villagers again too. Yuha’s design slightly changed over the time skip, which is quite rare as not many of the minor characters who returned have changed much. Anyways, let me know your thoughts on this episode!