Pokémon Season 21 (2016)
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Pokémon Season 21 Review
The 21st season of Pokémon is Sun & Moon and it marks the beginning of an entirely new arc with new characters and Pokémon. It’s solid, but flawed.
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“That’s Misty’s Psyduck“
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The major problem I’ve had with this season lies in the characterization as unfortunately all of the newest characters are entirely forgettable as none of them makes an impression in any way, even counting the bad ones. At least Ash is okay as is Pikachu and finally we get to see Misty and Brock come back for only the last two episodes which were a blast to watch. I really do miss those two a lot.
Most of the episodes here are very forgettable and uninspired in terms of adventure and also fighting. Team Rocket has their moments, but mostly even they were reduced to weaker episodes. And it entirely is lacking in terms of battles as the season has no tournament to speak of which is always problematic for me.
However, where this season shines is in world building because honestly this is the most authentic world so far. Alola is basically Hawaii-inspired and that led to a very interesting look not just of the Pokémon, but also in terms of character design as it’s changed to accommodate that. So well done and a breath of fresh air for the entire show.
I also loved that they brought back old Pokémon but in Alola designs and that is perfect for this show which is so intent on continually bringing back Kanto Pokémon specifically, but here they made them seem fresh again. Of the newer Pokémon, Rowlet and Litten are memorable, but honestly most of the new ones weren’t all that well utilized, at least for now.
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I also loved the score as that opening and closing are so catchy and reminding you of summer instantly. The entire season has that summer vibe and relaxed feel to it leading to the most different season of the entire show so far and mostly for the better. I also loved the newly introduced challenges and of course school life is great, but Z-movies weren’t well established at all.
In the end, this season has weaker new characters and a lack of battles, but a great new vibe, animation and style to it with a wonderful summer feel to the whole affair accompanied by great score as well.
Worst Episodes: Loading the Dex, That’s Why the Litten is a Scamp, Treasure Hunt, Akala Style and Mallow and the Forest Teacher.
Best Episodes: Alola to New Adventure, To Top a Totem, Alola, Kanto and When Regions Collide.
