Review of the Series: Pokémon XY Part 2: The Road to Cyllage City

Welcome back to the 2nd part of my comprehensive review of the XY series of Pokémon! There isn't much to say here before we dive back into the series, other than hoping you enjoyed the first part of this series and will continue to enjoy this one!

Last time, we covered the opening of the series that introduced all of the characters. From Lumiose City to the battle against Viola in the Santalune Gym, and then once more returning to Lumiose where the adventure was truly set to begin! Thus, we are now beginning this journey with the road to Cyllage City, site of the second Gym. It's certainly one of the slower portions of the series, and definitely the weakest, but let's see what we can uncover on this portion of the journey.

The Road of Filler

The long road to Cyllage City begins

As stated above, the only reasonable way to describe the first half of this section on the way to Cyllage City is, quite easily, filler. Sure, we get some little things, and there are bigger aspects to a number of episodes, but it's pretty much filler land. I'd like to believe it was trying to emulate the games where it felt like forever from the first badge to the second (and it was), but it still comes off as relatively disjointed pacing.

That said, there are still some things we get from these fillers in regards to character, so let's jump into that.

Fennekin doesn't like getting dirty, which, like her trainer,
plays a role later

Pumpkaboo becomes the newest addition to TRio

So, first up is the obligatory "Pokémon get separated from their trainers!" episode. Really a rather standard filler fluff, even if we get a show that Fennekin hates getting dirty, Froakie is chivalrous, and Chespin is a dunce. Outside of that, Jessie gets Pumpkaboo, who at this moment in time has zero motivation or personality. Thankfully, she grows one later, but unlike her counterpart in Inkay, she's a bit of a disappointment. So is the missed opportunity to hint at Serena obtaining a Pancham. Sure, she calls them cute, but that hardly means anything. As a filler, it provides very little in the way of information about characters and only a single capture that doesn't deter the outcome of this episode, but does affect the future.

Oh, look, Ash is a dork, not a battle drone...

 The next episode offers even less. Granting, it does show us the same ol' Ash who explains things like evolution in an...Ash-like way. But other than a battle, showcasing some evolution for the first time in XY and showing lots of Vivillon (get ready, because XY loves them some Vivillon), it really does nothing at all. Even TRio doesn't appear!

Sylveon, the introduction to Fairy types
(Get ready to see a lot of it)

Froakie can be quite the stoic, and a little antisocial

They do in the following two episodes. Now, I'll admit to liking XY 13. For one thing, we finally get confirmation on the Fairy type, Froakie gets a bit of focus as being a loner who's rather stoic already (a trait that gets amplified later in the series), and we really see Ash step into the leader role as he encourages a young boy that's afraid of Pokémon. It's rather heartwarming and really shows how inspirational Ash is. Plus, we get our first hilarious Amourshipping hint, but that's a personal preference.

But the first mention of death and mortality in the series

XY 14 has less to talk about, truly being a filler in the sense of an adventure with a "Pokémon of the Day". Other than learning that Clemont (as expected) believes there's a scientific explanation for everything and that Serena tends to blurt things out when she's scared, this episode truly offers nothing. Except the concept of death. This marks the first, but not the last, time that the concept of mortality is actually touched upon in the anime proper, with an old woman having died and left Espurr behind. It becomes a theme, actually, which does play into the plot of the series, but for now, it's ancillary at best.

Chespin's Overgrow. We only see it once...

Ash vs. Clemont is a common occurrence,
almost like a rivalry

Serena can be very protective of Bonnie, like a sister

Then come the three fillers that really offer little. XY 15 is a showcase of Clemont and Chespin, with the latter being gluttonous and the former doubting himself at every turn. It truly shows how self-deprecating Clemont is and what he needs to improve upon. Other than Chespin's Overgrow Ability, however, it's worthless as an episode. Well, we do have Serena being worried about sleeping outside, but that's done by 1/3 of the way through the episode, so I don't count it. XY 16 is more worthless. Not because it focuses on Bonnie, but because nothing really happens in it. I guess I could stretch and say it shows that Bonnie's marriage schtick can backfire and cause her problems or that it shows how far she has to go as a trainer...but that's a stretch, at best. Kind of a missed opportunity, really, since other than these two episodes showing Ash and Clemont consistently battling one another as training (kind of, in a way, enforcing that they'll battle for real later), nothing much happens, beyond showing how protective Serena can be of Bonnie, like an older sister (when she saves Bonnie from Pichu's upset attacks).

Clemont shows some bravery in standing
up to a spoiled brat princess

There's also one final filler before some plot stuff in XY 18 (putting it here for a clean description). The episode in Camphrier Town contributes next to nothing to the plot, as well. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's just in here because of the games and to tell the viewer "Yes, we're halfway to Cyllage City!" Ironically, we are halfway to Cyllage City. It does, at least, tell us this, so we know we're moving forward. But really, besides the short battle here and Clemont finally getting a little bit of courage to stand up for what's right (something that will grow and be built upon further), nothing else happens.

As said, this section of XY is undoubtedly the driest. No real character exploration outside of Clemont and Chespin, no real plot progression, and no super major battles as of yet. It's quite honestly one of the only parts of XY I find myself bored by. I do think they could have split some of the fillers around, but at the very least, the fillers end for a time with some greater plot development.

The Ninja Boy, Sanpei

Ash blames himself for all failures,
a plot point that's tackled later

Near the end of that filler road before, we suddenly get an episode where Ash and Froakie are training, only to meet a ninja by the name of Sanpei and his partner, Frogadier. Naturally, Frogadier is the evolved form of Froakie, so the foreshadowing should automatically be thick with this episode. The two battle, of course, and Ash loses. Now, I'll note that for a moment, Ash showcases his usual impatience and anger at losing in this episode, and it's one of the last major losses he takes for most of the series until much later. That impatience and anger at himself failing to command his Pokémon right, and the fact that it's with Froakie of all Pokémon, is something that will surface in a much worse way later, but it's established now.

Ash and Froakie train together physically.
This hints heavily towards what is to come

Regardless, with that, Ash and Froakie train with Sanpei to develop Quick Attack. In the episode, it shows that they do this by...training together. And I mean, training together. They train stretching, jumping from tree to tree. It's a far more physical training relationship than before, entirely hinting at the synchronization that will take place (and if you really think it wasn't, we'll get to that). In any case, this intense physical training gives the advantage of Froakie learning Double Team, a move that will be very useful in the Gyms and other battles to come.

Hints of Ippei and Nihei, Sanpei's older brothers.
No doubt we'll see them sometime in the future.

Now, to some, this may very well appear to be a one-off Character of the Day with Sanpei. However, if you pay attention, you'll very quickly realize that this was a mere setup for what was to come. For one thing, Sanpei is referred to as a rival of Ash. Now, of course, this isn't a rival in the traditional sense that they battle for badges or at the League, but that it says "we'll meet again". Beyond that, we're introduced to the concept of the Ninja Village, along with Sanpei's brothers, Ippei and Nihei, one of whom has a Greninja. This is heavy hint that this plotline, and Froakie's development, are not quite through yet. It's a long game set up for what will occur at the end of it all, but a strong start, nonetheless.

But for now, Froakie's story is put on hold.

The Evil Malamar

I have to talk about this episode. Short though it may be, and not overall contributory to the main plot (I hold to the fact they ran out of time to do so, and the ultimate idea for the Malamar was scrapped), it nevertheless sets up what is one of the most enjoyable side plots of the XY series.

Perhaps what first sets it apart is the very creepy feel at the opening: a mysterious woman and her Malamar take control of TRio (sans Meowth) and begin pursuing Ash, capturing Pikachu in the process. It's unsettling beyond belief and pretty much informs you of the fact that this will be an opponent that is crafty and not easily beaten.

Malamar has a plan. What it is, however, isn't known until later.

What really makes this episode work is the atmosphere. It does less to set up the subplot as much as it sets an unsettling and chilling feel. Such as the fenced off, abandoned observatory, Officer Jenny's motorbike laying abandoned outside, and the very dark feel. Malamar controlling people and Pokémon gives you that feeling of unable to trust anything, even Pikachu at the end. Naturally, Ash breaks through, even if it's Clemont's Robo-Pika that saves the day (thank you for not using a deus ex machina to resolve it, since it was set up continually through the episode). But still, you get a very chilled feeling.

It really does give a great setup, even for Serena, as we see she doesn't like getting dirty (er...her face scratched up), which is something that's showcased later. The meat of the episode, however, is that Malamar isn't finished. It's planning something to make a new world and it'll return one day...oh, yes...it will return.

Passions and Partners

Viola and Grant; a unique relationship

Fresh out of the filler zone, we finally arrive at the Battle Chateau, obviously a location from the games. It is here we are treated to some decent battles, but also introduced to the Gym Leader of Cyllage City: Grant. Yes, we are closer than we were before, with just a little bit left to go on that front. We're also reunited with Viola (who cleans up nicely, if I do say so, myself).

Viola and Grant treat battling almost like a date...
Or, that's how I saw it, ha ha.

Now, let's get into this episode. In terms of things, there's not much to say character-wise, as it's largely focused on battles. What we do get in terms of characters is a glimpse into Grant, being someone who likes walls but has a bit of a quirky side to him, as well as an insight into Viola and Grant's relationship. I know this is just a kid's show, but I swear that relationship is dripping with sexual tension. They talk about a battle like it's a date, for goodness' sake! Thankfully, they don't even drop it later, making it quite fantastic as a relationship between two Gym Leaders that aren't related (yes, I remember that Roark and Byron are related). Plus, it shows how good both of them are at analyzing Ash.

Grant has the ability to see Ash's abilities and determine a result

Speaking of battles, we're treated to a lot of them in this episode. The first is largely negligible, merely setting up how the Chateau works, but the second battle, Ash's battle, becomes important. It's less important about Ash winning so much as it is that Grant is able to tell that Ash will win because he can turn less favorable circumstances into a win, since he's able to think so quick on his feet. Ash displays this well, as even a loss in attack power still sees him to a win as he makes use of speed instead.

Grant's Rock Tomb is the big threat in the second Gym

The major focus of the episode, though, is undoubtedly Grant vs. Viola, though. Two Gym Leaders battling it out: one that we've seen, one that we haven't. Guess who wins? It's actually obvious, because it establishes that Grant is a bigger challenge for Ash to face than Viola was, and shows him the one thing that is a huge threat in the form of Rock Tomb. Like many times before (especially DP), it gives him something to train for, so he can counter it. The episode really boils down to that one battle, that Grant is a wall that must be overcome, and finding a way through or around Rock Tomb is the way to do it.

Serena, once more slowly choosing to not give up,
overcoming her own dislike of being dirty

But enough about Ash, because the next episode becomes the first Serena focus since XY 8. And this is the episode that I will always claim that the writers knew what they were fully doing with Serena from day one. Why? Because of what it introduces. First, though, we'll touch on what is further established or played with in this episode, namely that of the relationship between Serena and Fennekin. Before, we've seen that they dislike being dirty, and that is taken up to eleven in this episode, to the point of being a plot point. In the end, of course, the both of them realize that sometimes, to protect those you care about most, you have to do things you're scared of. It develops Serena internally, lighting the spark that is her internal growth.

Why does this matter? Because when things scare Serena, she quits. Making her Pokévision and saving Fennekin mark the first time she truly doesn't just give up when the going gets rough. This is a trait that is the most fully developed by the time we reach the end of her character development.

Aria, an important character with an important role,
showing that the writers were planning Serena's path
long before it took root.

However, let's touch more, now, on what's introduced this episode. For one thing, Aria. You know, the person later revealed to be the Kalos Queen, equivalent of Champion, Aria. This automatically provides a setup for the Showcase arc that is to come. Not only that, but Aria is placed as an inspiration for Serena. They didn't just pull the Showcases out of their asses.

The online voting of Pokévision videos hints at both
Showcases, and how Serena gets introduced to them

Serena tries out Pokévision, though it's a spur of the moment thing;
not quite a lifelong passion.

At the same time, we're also told that Serena's been wanting to do a Pokévision for a while. There are things she's wanted to do, but never could under her mother's tutelage. However...she doesn't have a passion for it. She makes one video and is done with it. Doesn't care about the rankings. Doesn't care about making more. It's something to do, but not something to live. Right now. This is important, because it shows she does have interests, but not enough drive to turn it into passion. However, this one video that she makes later lights the spark that blossoms into the flame that is her dream, but we'll discuss that in Part 3.

For now, this was a major Serena development episode in helping start her on the path of not giving up when things get hard, showing a small spark of passion and what may be to come.

The Strongest Mega

With some of the heavier XY episodes concluded in this portion, the action shifts away from Ash and the gang, introducing an entirely new character (or characters) and setting up the major plot of the series behind the scenes. The Mega Evolution Specials are here, and I'm covering them when they're intended to be watched.

Alain and Mairin, the leads of the specials

Astrid asking the armor-piercing question here.
Too bad it doesn't get through Alain's thick skull until it's too late.

So, at the very beginning, we're introduced to a young man named Alain. Black hair, black clothing, looks a lot like his semi-edgy Mega Charizard X? Yeah, totally not an angsty guy. Hell, we're told right away in his battle with a Mega Absol trainer named Astrid that his goal is to defeat every Mega Evolution out there and become the strongest trainer there is. That'll go well. However, what the episode starts off showing is that he's got the chops for it. His Charizard obliterates Astrid's Mega Absol. Not even a sweat is broken. No wonder Astrid loses so easily later...

Mairin's a bit klutzy.

At the same time, we're introduced to a plucky new trainer named Mairin and her Chespin, Chespie. The two clearly get along well, even if they're new at the whole adventuring thing. We're instantly shown that Mairin is energetic, but quite klutzy. However, Chespie is shown to be dependable, saving its trainer from accident after accident, and being quite the decent battler. Kickstarting off this entire thing, though, is that they see Alain and his Charizard, becoming absolutely dazzled by the Mega Evolution process. So, they go to see him as he has an after battle snack.

The event that set the two paths on a collision course

This scene is one of the two most pivotal scenes in these specials that setup the entire main plot of the series. Let's tackle some things in order. First things first is that Mairin mentions Professor Sycamore, but more importantly, that he mentioned Ash. Why is this important? Because it's the first time Alain hears the name Ash. Now, he'll forget it, in time, but this is what sets things in motion. Remember when I said the Garchomp incident in XY 2 set the plot forward. This is how it did: Ash's small fame transferred from Sycamore to Mairin, and then to Alain, who almost seems to take interest in the name, but soon abandons it. It once more shows that he's interested in strong trainers, but especially if they have Mega Evolution.

A show of Alain's past, and hinting at other things

We're then given further information about Alain. He used to be Professor Sycamore's assistant, when he seemed a little brighter, but now is not. This hints that something's changed in Alain since those days, and the two haven't spoken since he set out. Despite Sycamore being the authority on Mega Evolution, he knows nothing of Alain. So, how did Alain get his Key Stone and Mega Stone? It's a mystery right now, but one of little consequence as Alain gets orders to find a new Mega Stone in some ruins.

Back then, Charizard took quite the damage from Garchoo.

Naturally, Mairin being Mairin, follows. In those ruins, Alain runs into a battle against Remo, a rough and burly Garchomp trainer as another Mega battle follows. Compared to Astrid, Alain has a bit more of a tough time now, with Charizard being a little roughed up. The actual Mega Stone and Remo aren't that important, but keeping a note of Charizard here compared to later shows a huge divide. In any case, Alain acts a little condescending to Remo, but is otherwise good-natured and moves on.

Alain showcases his mentor-like traits, similar to Ash.

Mairin, of course, continues to follow. She shows her own excited traits, jumping into a battle against a Flabebe (yeah, that dropped Pokémon kind of pissed me off...come on guys, she has more than Chespie!). It does show that Alain has a softer, mentor side of him. He helps Mairin out in the same way Ash helps others out, even if he's far more brooding about it. Hmm...I smell a foil to Ash here.

Alain is strong enough to battle on the level of an Elite Four member!

In any case, Mairin takes her Flabebe to the Pokémon Center and then follows Alain to a restaurant where he faces off against Elite Four member, Siebold, also with a Mega Evolution in Blastoise. This scene is important for one reason alone: we see how strong Alain is. Prior to this point in any other series, the Elite Four were like untouchable gods, effortlessly destroying any normal trainer. Alain, however, can go toe-to-toe with one of them, and while he ultimately loses, he does drive Siebold further than usual. This shows that Alain is skilled far above a normal trainer and is rather an Elite Four level. It also pushes Alain for that need to get stronger, not being strong enough here, as his own journey is about to continue.

One of the hints that this organization Alain works for
is secretly building their plot behind the scenes.

However, before it does, we get the second most important scene. As Alain enters into battle with Remo and Siebold, his Mega Ring glows and we see an energy spike elsewhere, with a man that has orange hair. Anyone who's played the games may be able to guess at who this is, and it says everything about why they haven't appeared in the main XY yet: they're secretive. This isn't like teams of the past. They're purposely staying in the shadows and manipulating events, but that's something we'll see more of later. Whether Alain is working for them with full knowledge or as a pawn is something not revealed, however. In the meantime, if you weren't sure before, the fact that the special ends on a remixed version of XY's opening that replaces it in 8 episodes tells you they're ultimately connected, and will eventually collide.

Preparing for Grant

Now, back to our main heroes on the path to Cyllage City, finally arriving at Ambrette Town for...more filler!

Oh, look, continuity...I was told XY didn't have that.

At the very least, XY 22 has nothing of real value. Golden Magikarp doesn't exactly make for an exciting episode concept. While we do see Clemont inventing something that fails horribly and Serena learning how to fish, but quickly becoming bored (as stated earlier, a rather recurring trait of hers), the episode is a rather blasé filler. The most exciting part is the reference to Dawn's Piplup!

Oh, look, Ash not acting like a battle drone. I was told Xy didn't have that.

XY 23 has a bit more meat on its bones as we see Ash training to try and find a way to up his Pokémon's speed to beat Grant's Rock Tomb. It's soon interrupted by the return of Alexa and an ensuing filler plot whose only worthy mention is Ash showing himself to be the kid that he is by playing a game of snowballs with Amarus (you know, because people seem to think he's a battle drone in XY). That and Serena getting exasperated with him (because people think she does nothing but idolize and worship him). That aside, a fairly uninteresting episode on the whole.

Ash figures out a strategy for taking on Rock Tomb.

Likewise, XY 24 is pretty boring. (See, now, why I said this is one of the more uninteresting parts of XY?) Of course, this episode aired out of order due to events, but I'm tackling it in the order that it was always intended. In this case, not much is gotten out of the episode. We see nothing new for the characters, the plot is basic TRio fare, and, personally, I don't like the designs of the Characters of the Day. They just don't fit with Pokémon. The only thing we really get out of it is Ash figuring out how to tackle Grant's Rock Tomb with jumping power! It's not much, but it's something. Granted, the reference to the Titanic and (probably unintentional) reference to an American author did make me chuckle.

Moving from wall to wall, something that presents
an issue to Ash later.

However, we soon arrive to Grant's Gym. First things first, Ash is told to climb a wall to get to the battlefield, all to give Ash a sense of clarity by focusing on the next wall in front of him. It's not obvious this early on, and it may not even be connected, but that kind of mentality goes on to bite him in the butt later; smashing through walls to approach a problem isn't always the best approach.

Draco Meteor Climb!

A battle won, truly, by the entire team, showing them
as having the ultimate teamwork.

On to the battle, though. Like Viola, it's not high on the list of Gym Battles in XY. Rock Tomb Tomb is a great strategy, and one that gets a lot of use for sure, even creating a Draco Meteor Tomb, and is most definitely the best part of this Gym Battle, alongside Pikachu locking Tyrunt's jaw in with a boulder. Now, upon first watching of this battle, I was a little miffed that it was a 3v2 battle rather than a simple 2v2 battle. Now, on a subsequent viewing, it makes much more sense. Like how Viola was all of the group working together to achieve victory, so was this. Froakie took out Onix and damaged Tyrunt, Fletchling damaged Tyrunt, Pikachu took it home. All three of Ash's team played a solid role in bringing Grant down, something that it plays into later when he calls them his ultimate team. Seeing this, I'm not surprised. I'm still not the happiest with it, and I think that's what knocks it down for me, but I can accept it. Otherwise, a solid battle with solid and engaging strategy, though nothing mind-blowingly awesome in tactics or animation.

And with that, we've reached the end of the journey to Cyllage City and won the second badge! As I stated at the beginning of this part, it's not the most exciting ride. Certainly, there are some good parts like Sanpei, the Battle Chateau, Pokévision and the Grant battle (along with the first Mega Evolution Special), but a lot of episodes just aren't super amazing, even for filler. Perhaps it's from the games or just wanting to do a lot of filler now rather than later. Whatever it was, not the best, even if the non-filler is spot-on amazing, and we do have some good moments with the Malamar.

But with that, we leave this part, and I hope to see you in Part 3: Mega Revelations and the Performer's Dream!

Dare to Be Silly,
Epicocity