Review of the Series: Pokemon XY Part 1: The Beginning of Dreams and Adventure

Hello and welcome to my multi-part review of what is undoubtedly my personal favorite series of Pokémon, and just a great series in general: Pokémon XY! I've wanted to do a full and comprehensive review of the series for a while now, but with the Volcanion movie unsubbed, I decided to hold off. However, now I can begin with a very long multi-part review series.

Now, before I begin, I'm going to look at this through the lens of a few different things: objective comparison with past and current series, my own subjective taste (naturally), as well as looking at it all in hindsight with the full knowledge of what occurs as the story reaches its conclusion in XYZ.

That said, let's enjoy this journey together!

The Kalos Region: Where Dreams and Adventure Begin!

Serena clearly does not like waking up for her training.

So, as the XY series begins, we're introduced to two new characters: Grace and Serena. It's no surprise for a Pokémon series to start off with introducing us to a new character, and this time is truly no different. AG did it with May and DP did it with Dawn. However, what this opening scene does do is inform us of our new character, Serena. She's a little lazy without much drive, which is why her mother needs to wake her up. Sure, it's also a smart reference to the games, no doubt about that, but it's also meant to just as easily inform us in regards to Serena.

However, we don't spend much time with her for the rest of this first episode. Nope! Instead, we finally re-meet our main character, fresh off of his (underwhelming) adventures in Unova and complete with a goal to win the League: Ash Ketchum has arrived in Kalos.

Ash's enthusiastic arrival in the region!

Now, in the last series, Ash was established in a rather...well, controversial way: didn't know how to catch Pokémon at the beginning, questionable battle choices, etc. Much as I hated it, Iris was really right in calling him a kid. In fact, beginning of the series, I would say that Ash almost comes off the same. He trips down the stairs, gets giddily excited at seeing new Pokémon, runs off without thinking, gets ejected from Prism Tower and complains that he doesn't have a battle. Very Ash-like, and almost borderline BW!Ash. Almost.

Ash's new mindset as he embarks on his Kalos journey: winning the League.

There's one distinct difference. In the midst of Ash's whining and complaining, he states that he wants to win the League and become a Pokémon Master. This is at the forefront of his mind, and what it communicates to the audience is tremendous: he's not in Kalos just to have fun. He's driven and he's going to start pushing himself for himself. Not because of a rival or because "hey, I found out about this" but because he's determined to do this. Of course, he doesn't reach this, but that single piece of information informs his character. Ash has grown and he's ready to finally get down to business after five regions of experience. It even shows as he runs through the city, mentioning all the Pokémon that he knows.

Clemont and Bonnie outside Prism Tower, about to intersect with Ash.

But enough about that. We'll move on to the next base of the action. Prism Tower, site of the Lumiose Gym. It's odd enough that the very first city we arrive in has a Gym, but naturally Ash wants to challenge it, only to find out that he can't...because the gym's an asshole that won't let him in. However, it does lead to a close save by new character Clemont and his sister Bonnie. Now, anyone who's played the games would know that Clemont's the Gym Leader, though he doesn't say a word here, and the only indication we have at this current point that he is a Gym Leader is the fact that he and Bonnie reacted when they saw Ash going to Prism Tower in the first place. However, it has what takes place next make a lot more sense.

The new Vs. screen looks amazing.

Battle time! First, I want to say that I love what XY did with battles in two ways. In the first, I love that the use of stock backgrounds is limited. Sure, we have a lot of stock animation (which is necessary on a series like this), but the backgrounds are gorgeous, and we get to make full use of them with the 3-D camera. It makes it feel so much more alive. Yes, I'll admit that the animation in battle is on point with Sun and Moon, but I love the constant use of those backgrounds in XY. Secondly, those VS. screens. It's new and it's exciting! Every time a battle begins seriously in XY, you truly get the feel of how epic this showdown is, even if it's not! It's even a bit of a Chekov's Gun later in the series.

Ash shows his skills in battle, and has even improved from his DP days!

Well, that aside, the battle that follows between Ash and Clemont actually informs a lot about both characters. One is that Bunnelby is inexperienced. Odd, especially when Clemont battles so well with him, enough to stop veteran Pikachu with some swift tactics. Naturally, it's a hint to him being a Gym Leader, but doesn't outright say it. What the battle also does is tell us about Ash: he's not been hit with the hardest reset in the world. He's quick on his feet and hell, there's even a callback to his battle with Paul! Pikachu can use Electro Ball now, so no worries about his tail being trapped! It shows just how whip-smart Ash is in battle now; a far cry from the trainer that panicked against a beginning Snivy.

Of course, Pokémon somehow doesn't feel complete without Team Rocket (further referred to as TRio in all reviews). Naturally, they make their appearance with their same humorous personas, plus Wobbuffet's back! Now, I'm one of those that disliked TRio in BW solely because they were drained of their personality. That's not the case here, and what's more, they retain some level of competence! It's a pleasant surprise that leads into the end of the episode.

Froakie's natural selflessness in action.

Of course, what that is comes in the form of a Froakie that seems to have been following Ash since near the start of the episode. If you ever thought Ash-Greninja wasn't foreshadowed or came out of nowhere, seriously look at this first episode. Hell, it even foreshadowed his release, bullshit as it is. Froakie is a Pokémon full of justice and aiding people, and is drawn to Ash. It is these same concepts that are continually built upon in the future of the series, with all of this starting to set the tone for what is to come.

However, the first episode in and off itself is incomplete, being part of a larger plotline that forms the backbone of the second episode as well, though this has a little less to talk about.

Serena's distaste for Rhyhorn Racing.

First, we'll talk Serena for the episode since she gets relatively little screentime in comparison to the rest of the main cast. However, what we do get from her is rather revealing: she absolutely hates Rhyhorn Racing. It's prevalent through the whole episode with her retorts to her mother. Plus, the fact that she gives up so early indicates that aspect of her character. Of course, I've gone into depth on this in an earlier post, so we'll table that. Nonetheless, this episode shows a bit of her character while revealing the one thing different about her from every other female companion. She knows Ash from somewhere. It's an intriguing thing, and while I'll discuss it later, it's enough to make one wonder just what they plan to do with her, especially when Ash becomes the impetus for Serena to finally get away from that which she hates.

An insight into Froakie, hinting at the Pokémon being special.

But back to the main cast where we meet Professor Sycamore, easily one of the most involved professors outside Oak and Rowan in terms of the meat of the plot. We learn more about Froakie, giving it backstory and establishing something a little different from most of the retread starter plots. That Froakie was searching for that one trainer said everything right from day one, even if early XY didn't make it obvious. We also meet Garchomp, an absolute sweetie, wherein kicks off the plot of the episode with Garchomp on a rampage.

Now, I've seen claims that XY wasn't planned very well from the beginning or that there was no plot until 93 episodes in. Right here and now, this episode proves it untrue. From the location of Prism Tower opening the conflict of XY to concluding in 130 episodes down the line. From Blaziken Mask and introducing Mega Evolution as the mysterious new thing; I mean, a superhero? Why wouldn't that be part of a plot with villains...especially when later connected to the main characters? XY kicks its plot off from day one; it's just a subtle application.

The end of the event that set the series in motion.

Even more than just the plot, it sets characters in motion as well. Ash is famous here in a small sense and leaves an impression on Sycamore, this very event setting in motion the rivalry that led to the ending. Ash is shown to be reckless and fighting to save all Pokémon no matter what, and his moment leads to Serena leaving home. This same kind of devotion leaves a further impression on Froakie, who joins him. And most of all, to Clemont, who aspires to be what Ash is and obtain what he lacks. This sole event on Prism Tower in XY 2 sends the whole entire series on its inevitable collision course with its destiny, and highlights what is ultimately its subtle and connective writing as the adventure through Kalos finally begins.

Journey to Santalune City

Serena's goal in getting out of the house: find Ash and get away from
Rhyhorn Racing.

So, with the events in Lumiose finished (for now), the heroes set off for Santalune City to challenge Alexa's sister (oh, look, continuity...). Separate from them is Serena, deciding to start her journey to find Ash...or so she keeps telling herself. Indeed, this small amount of a childhood crush is driving her to find Ash, but considering she does it right away and goes on to sigh in relief that she no longer has to do Rhyhorn Racing in XY 4, it really reveals that the true reason she left was to get the hell out of her house. It also reveals that she's very fashionable, but that's more of a small character trait. And speaking of character traits, in these two episodes its quite easily shown how Serena is in this comfortable bubble she doesn't want to break out of. She wants to stay at a Pokémon Center, freezes up at a Vespiquen when this whole journey thing veers off course. She's really quite prone to giving up, something that's in play later.

But back to the main group.

Clemont's invention skills.

There's not a whole lot to discuss outside of some more character establishment and the catches within these episodes as the first two episodes already did a lot of it for us. Namely, we're shown that Clemont is an inventor (hint hint) and that Bonnie really wants to take care of a Pokémon. Honestly, right from the beginning, the fact that she goes on to take care of Dedenne puts her above at least Max, and ultimately foreshadows her role in the later conflict. But still, the fact that she tries to be more than just the tagalong kid makes her a little more interesting. Of course, all of that is introduced and later reiterated in XY 4 with catching Dedenne, who, likewise, is established as viewing Pikachu as a big brother. Sibling relations are really at the forefront of XY. Well...family in general.

But the meat of these two episodes really lies in the first. For one thing, James catches Inkay, and while TRio is no stranger to catching Pokémon in an unorthodox way, the fact that Inkay is established as croissant-loving when it's captured makes it quite funny, and plays a role later. However, for the most part, TRio doesn't do much in these two episodes outside their usual schtick, but considering they're largely absent from most of the first few episodes, it's sort of forgivable.

A scene that showcases Froakie, his relationship with Ash
and Ash's own strategizing and maturity.

What we focus on more is Ash and his budding relationship with Froakie alongside his capture of Fletchling...you know, standard flier. I mean, Fletchling's a bit of an asshole at first, but that pretty much vanishes upon capture. Meh, happens with every flier but Swellow. However, what the episodes do show is Froakie's similarity to Ash in his recklessness, how he can be even better when teamed with Ash (naturally), and how Ash is not the same impulsive bratty "attack! attack! attack!" kid, knowing that you need some semblance of strategy in battle. These are the major focuses of the episodes, along with showing how ninja-like Froakie can be.

It's this kind of establishment that's subtle but vitally important as the plot goes on, especially in Froakie's case. Easy to miss, but really quite brilliant in hindsight.

Vs. Viola

Bonnie's gag in action for the first time.

At long last we arrive in Santalune City, and are introduced to Viola, Alexa's sister and the Gym Leader. Of course, the build up to it is rather blasé, but it does inform (or rather, re-inform) the viewer of two key points: 1) Ash will always push forward no matter what, even if it may not be the wisest choice. 2) Bonnie is looking for older women to take care of her brother. It's like Brock! But less tired simply because it doesn't happen all the time. Though Brock was a little more humorous towards the end (praise Croagunk). These are little things we are reminded of or learn before we get into the battle.

Gotta say, for a first battle that Ash loses, it's decent. At the very least, if you didn't know you wouldn't know until it happens that Ash loses this round. Fletchling, in particular, puts in a stellar performance and becomes the first regional bird to get a win in base form. However, one could hear the grumblings a mile away: "Pikachu is so weak!"

A show of just how much Kalos Gyms throw on the table.
This is just the first one!

Now, let's hold up! Yes, Ash is skilled. Yes, Ash loses to Viola, mostly to set up his interaction with Serena later. However, I feel it was also trying to communicate a second thing: Kalos Gym Leaders are tough. Think about it in hindsight especially. It's the only region since Kanto where Ash loses twice. The only League where those not able to obtain all eight badges were shown. The only region where all the big Gym Leaders show up for the climax against the villains. These guys are tough cookies, and Ash will need more than just passion and zeal to get through. He needs to train and get strong, and that's exactly what he does...though not without some encouragement.

Serena's encouragement of Ash, establishing the both of them.

For the first time, Serena comes into contact with Ash, but we also see her with the others. We see how she instantly clicks with Bonnie, evidenced by their excitement in Ash's gym battle, and how she's quite shy around Ash, but also a source of encouragement, reminding us (and him) of his greatest strength. On top of this, we're told she doesn't know what she's doing just yet because, hell, she just wanted to get out of the house. But with all of that, we have more training from Ash as a group effort.

The XY family. Nothing more needs to be said.

It shows in the gym battle. Not my favorite of the series, I'll admit, and Fletchling not taking a second win is disappointing, but it more than makes up for it with Pikachu at his best and Ash reacting in an instant. Beyond that, this battle showcases something that is a huge tenet of XY: family. This wasn't just an Ash win, but a family win, and the picture taken of them upon Ash's victory truly shows them as a family, something that's brought further along as the series progresses. But with that, Ash wins his first badge, moving on for Cyllage City.

The Adventure Begins

Serena's nervous and timid introduction to Ash.

With the first badge out of the way and the crew planning to head for the next city, there's a brief moment where Ash asks Serena what she plans to do. Of course, she doesn't know, but he offers to have her join with them, knowing she'll find her passion. This is pretty important, maybe just because you sort of start to ship them there (if you did) or just because Ash actually asked her. It not only shows how welcoming they all are, but how little Serena wants to impose. She's a shrinking violet right now, partially because of her growing crush.

The childhood meeting and the impetus for departure.

Speaking of her crush, we're finally shown just how Serena knew Ash, and the reason she's so attached to him (in a sense). He saved her when she was little, and that memory stuck with her. It was hinted at before, but it's certainly nice to get confirmation. A lovely scene, but I'll admit that in the overall scheme of plot for XY 7, it does little.

Serena begins to change her view on Rhyhorn Racing.

Showcasing just how much Serena wants to find a passion,
but she doesn't know what it is.

What does a lot, though, is Serena's changing view on Rhyhorn Racing and that perhaps it wasn't as bad as she thought. This is just the start of Serena beginning to understand things in a different way, pushing her in a direction of starting to try things to find that elusive goal. Between her first battle against TRio in this episode and commenting on finding a passion after her experience with a Pokémon Groomer, she clearly wants a goal, but has no idea what it could be. We do know she takes some joy in baking, however, and this is a point we'll circle around to at some point in the future.

And then we arrive back in Lumiose City.

That Clemont and Bonnie's father is a masked superhero
informs that he and Lumiose City will be a major part of the plot

Obviously the first thing to note is Clemont and Bonnie's panic about staying in Lumiose overlong until we're introduced to Meyer, their father. Not only does he let the cat out of the bag about his son's profession as a Gym Leader, but this man goes on to play a hugely important role in the following episode: he's Blaziken Mask. Still doubting XY 1 and 2 didn't get the plot rolling?

All that Clemont has learned from Ash and hopes to put into practice.

Want another way things got rolling? Remember how Clemont was an inventor. Well, that invention is what's running the gym. Really, this setup was just very tight in terms of hinting and plotting. On top of it, it really shows how insecure Clemont is, and just why he admires Ash, who's rather brazen and forward. After a tense infiltration that instills qualities into Clemont that he's learned from Ash. He puts these into use against Clembot, his invention, by retaking his gym and teaching Clembot to be fair (oh, look...another bookend...more on that later). Finally, at the end, Clemont and Bonnie, like Serena in XY 7, tell their parent that they plan to journey with Ash to learn all that they can.

The two sisters, as it were.

A promise between "rivals".

Just in the scene that follows it instills the dynamic between the characters to follow. How Serena and Bonnie are like sisters. Ash and Clemont like brothers, with the promise to battle one another. Heck, Clemont is almost like the rival to Ash for the first half of XY, in a sense. Beyond that, it really shows how Ash is the leader, inspiring them and helping propel them all forward on their journey of finding courage or passion. It's a signal that the journey is truly about to start.

Chespin and Clemont, a rather odd pairing.

Before it does, however, we do meet Chespin. Ironically, Chespin is almost the antithesis to Clemont outside of the two being relatively lazy. To be honest, while I do believe Chespin is an Oshawott done right in that he's not a total screenhog, I do think the motive in giving Clemont his Chespin was a little forced, but we all know the starters need to monopolize the main cast, so Chespin it is. Funny that he was never the ace. But with the well wishes of Professor Sycamore and Meyer (along with the start of a running gag), the gang is ready to truly journey forth into Kalos!

And while these four episodes didn't do too much aside from touching on character traits we didn't know or that we developed further, it did help to set up little things for the future so that the adventure could well and truly begin.

Ultimately, it makes the first 10 episodes of XY a very strong start to an even stronger series. The setup is there, even if some of it isn't known yet, and with the adventure to come, the payoff is most certainly immense.

That said, see you all in Part 2: The Road to Cyllage City