So it turns out that Friede was able to make out alive and unscathed due to his Charizard waking up and saving him. However, I’m surprised that the Explorers that were in Laqua didn’t notice him snooping around. A tall man like Friede, who’s walking around with Charizard, that itself is around human height and has a tail that could easily pinpoint someone’s location, would normally be detected. Still, I’m glad that the Hoenn Region made an appearance in Horizons. It’s crazy how Steven Stone made an appearance, given his significance in the original series. It’s also amusing how Steven’s rock obsession has made him famous to the point that he’s practically THE rock researcher.
I had a feeling Friede went to Mossdeep City since there was a space center there, and I was right on that! It was funny how Friede was practically begging the employees to let him go to space, and he was first viewed as a crazy person before the director allowed him to study and become an astronaut. Apparently, Instructor Starmie was a wild Pokémon that resided in the space center, which makes sense since Staryu can be found in Hoenn, but mostly in Lilycove City. I have to say that I can’t believe Horizons was able to give a faceless starfish so much personality, because this Starmie easily has the most character compared to its previous counterparts. I honestly find it super adorable. I mean, look at the starfish holding a pen as it’s studying with Friede, and also running on the treadmill! Friede was also able to achieve Mega Evolution during his stay at the space center.
I do feel like the flashback was hastily paced because the main focus of the episode is the Roy vs. Friede battle. It was nice to see, though. I did like that Skeledirge learned Torch Song, and was able to defeat Charizard, who had been his idol ever since he was a Fuecoco. Though, there was something that confused me. Stomping Tantrum is a Ground-type move, right? Why did they say that it would be super effective on Charizard when it’s part Flying-type? It would be immune, even if it was on the ground… Still, I do think that changing Charizard into a Dark-type quickly was a clever strategy…but also kind of ballsy as Roy could’ve easily damaged it with Disarming Voice… Still, I also like that since evolving, Flame Charge’s power has weakened due to his size and weight diminishing the necessary speed. I’m sure Torch Song will be a good replacement going forth, since he has to have a new battle style.
I guess another thing I liked about this episode was seeing Ult developing an instant admiration for Friede and calling him Master. I found it cute, in a way. He seems to have a fondness for space since it’s related to Rayquaza. Speaking of which, that briefcase Friede gave to Roy is definitely the Meteorite that Rayquaza needs for Mega Evolution. I honestly can’t wait to see the day it Mega Evolves. While it’s unfortunate that Friede isn’t rejoining the Rising Volt Tacklers, it makes sense that he shouldn’t. I feel like he’d steal the spotlight of the kids if he stayed. Also, the whole anime has shown that he’s quite independent and that he’s always off somewhere on his own. It makes sense for his character in a way. I hope that he’ll reappear again soon since it does feel like his reappearance will and could change the story’s trajectory. Let me know your thoughts on this episode!
