These Pokémon Battles are AWKWARD.

Summary

The latest episodes of *Pokémon Horizons* provide a mix of exciting gym battles, character development, and key lore revelations. While the gang faces challenges from evolving Pokémon and rival encounters, the series dives into Roy's growth as a trainer, Dot's evolving role, and the exploration of the enigmatic Tagos Pokémon. From humorous moments with King Gambit to Roy's journey of self-discovery and bonding with his Pokémon, these episodes bring both heartfelt and intense moments. Though some episodes feel like filler, others push the story forward, offering fans both growth and mystery to look forward to.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tagos lore is teased in episode 57, but not much is revealed beyond what we already knew from the games. Tagos is an ancient Pokémon with a teral battle form, potentially connected to area zero and the Scarlet book.
• 😀 Episode 58 introduces King Gambit as the mascot of a quirky restaurant. Despite King Gambit's aggressive demeanor, it adds unexpected humor to the episode, showcasing Dot's growth and cleverness in handling situations.
• 😀 In episode 59, Dot faces Larry in a gym battle, but Quackley struggles, leading to Tinka Tink stepping up. Despite a loss, Dot and Quackley’s growth shines through, especially with Quackley’s unique dancing battle style.
• 😀 Episode 60 focuses on Roy’s first snow experience and the gang’s downtime. While the snow scenes are fun, the episode feels meandering, with a lack of substantial plot development and a predictable outcome involving Foco.
• 😀 Episode 61 sees Roy's challenge against Ryme at the gym, with a focus on Roy’s singing ability. His cockiness leads to his loss, but the Foco vs. Toxtricity battle is a highlight, showing Roy’s need to grow as a trainer.
• 😀 In episode 62, Roy’s training with Neona helps him reconnect with the reasons why he sings. His backstory reveals a personal connection to music and wild Pokémon, leading to a more mature and strategic battle against Ryme.
• 😀 Episode 63 highlights Grusha’s cold, no-nonsense attitude, making it one of the more impactful gym battles. Leo faces a tough loss after being criticized for not being strong enough, a valuable lesson in real-world battle consequences.
• 😀 Despite the gang’s progress in character development, there is an ongoing trend of the main characters facing significant defeats in the anime, pushing them to grow and learn from their failures.
• 😀 Character growth is emphasized across multiple episodes, with Dot, Roy, and Leo all facing challenges that force them to reevaluate their strategies and connections with their Pokémon.
• 😀 The anime blends humor and character development with gym challenges, providing a mixture of lighter moments and impactful lessons for the characters, particularly Dot’s rising maturity and Roy’s ongoing journey to understand his Pokémon.

Q & A

What is the significance of Tagos in episode 57 of Pokémon Horizons?

Tagos is an ancient Paldea Pokémon with a terastal battle form. It is likely connected to the phenomenon of terastallization and Area Zero, with hints of a third form shown in the Scarlet book. This adds intrigue and mystery to the overall storyline.

How does episode 58 highlight Dot's character development?

In episode 58, Dot's character development is showcased as she helps a restaurant by using her knowledge of streaming and Pokémon. Her problem-solving skills and ability to connect with King Gambit prove her growth, especially when compared to her earlier, less confident behavior.

What role does King Gambit play in episode 58, and how does it add humor?

King Gambit, as the mascot of a restaurant, adds humor due to its serious and aggressive demeanor, which contrasts with its role as a mascot. Its actions, such as slamming doors and smashing plates, create unintentional comedic moments, making the restaurant's struggles more entertaining.

Why did Dot's battle against Cyan feel less intense in episode 58?

Dot's battle against Cyan felt less intense because Cyan and Coral, who were once portrayed as intimidating characters, have now become less serious and almost comedic in their behavior. Dot’s casual victory over Cyan contributed to a feeling of diminishing stakes for the characters.

How does episode 59 explore Quaxley’s growth as a Pokémon?

Episode 59 explores Quaxley’s growth through its dancing skills, which Dot uses strategically in battle. The episode shows how Quaxley’s unique battle style is connected to Dot’s understanding of its abilities, even though it initially struggles in battle.

What is the significance of Quaxley’s evolution in episode 59?

Quaxley's evolution into Quaquaval in episode 59 highlights Dot's understanding of her Pokémon and the progress they’ve made. Although Dot doesn't win the battle, the evolution moment symbolizes her connection with Quaxley and the potential for their future growth.

How does episode 60 differ from others in terms of tone?

Episode 60 offers a more lighthearted tone, focusing on Roy’s first experience with snow and playful moments with Foco. However, the lack of substantial plot development makes it feel slower and less impactful compared to other episodes with more direct progression in the story.

What did Roy learn about his bond with Foco in episode 60?

Roy learns that his bond with Foco is deeper than he initially thought. Through a heartfelt moment where they sing together, he realizes that his singing is not just a skill but a way to connect with Foco, strengthening their relationship and teamwork.

What is the main takeaway from Roy’s defeat in episode 61?

Roy’s defeat in episode 61 is a crucial learning moment. It shows that his reliance on singing alone isn’t enough to win battles, and that true strength comes from a deeper connection with his Pokémon. The episode emphasizes personal growth through failure.

How does Grusha's character and backstory affect the plot in episode 63?

Grusha’s backstory as a former snowboarder who turned into a serious Pokémon trainer after a career-ending accident adds depth to his character. His no-nonsense attitude during the battle against Leo highlights her flaws and sets up a necessary challenge for her to grow as a trainer.