Review of the Series: Pokémon XY Part 5: Rivalries Anew

Hey hey, here we are again! It's another part of my review of the XY series! It's been a fun time so far, and I continue in my hopes that you've enjoyed this series of reviews. Now, we're going to be heading into some slightly denser material and finishing off the regular series of XY, prior to XYZ, so I do hope you're ready.

Last time, we covered numerous events, from the capture of Goomy to the events in Coumarine City that involved Serena's design change. We took our heroes, then, through the conclusion of the rivalry with Clemont at his gym, with Sycamore getting a Mega Evolution for Garchomp and up to the release of Goodra. We'd even seen the crisis in Hoenn play out with Alain, whose ambitions began to spiral. But now, a new journey is about to begin through another part of Kalos, and something else may loom on the horizon.

Another long part stretches ahead, but if you're ready, read on!

The Opening Changes and the Following Tone

Ash and Alain reflecting each other,
indicating their eventual meet and being foils.

A Noibat and Eevee are indicated to soon be joining the gang.

The beginning of this post is a good time to talk about some things that are tangentially related to the story of the series at this moment. For one thing, while the song for the opening does not change, the conclusion of Clemont and Goodra's arcs lead to a change in visuals, hinting at what's to come. While there are obvious spoilers like the fact a Noibat will join Ash, and Serena will be interested in a performing Eevee, the point I want to focus in on is that of Alain. The opening clearly depicts that Ash and Alain will meet at some point, but they are still separated by a mirror. It indicates their status as foils, while saying it isn't time for them to meet just yet.

The second thing to discuss regarding this is the now subtle shifting of tone that takes place. It's not obvious, but a viewer may start getting a different feel at this point of the series. Perhaps it's a little darker, but to me, it's also that now we are beginning to build towards the end. There was a lot of setup and hinting involved in the first 70 episodes of the series (halfway point, in fact), but now we're being given that which will directly affect the ending. In particular, we'll be getting the one character that will lead to Ash's near downfall later down the line. It is this subtle shifting of tone that will continue to deepen as the series goes on, but I felt it important to mention here before we get into the nitty gritty of the episodes, themselves.

A Fillerish Path to Laverre

Apparently Serena's into fortunes, though it's really
just an anecdote to this episode.

Hot off the heels of a rather plot-central set of episodes (since episode 52, in fact), we finally enter into a very small stretch of filler episodes. For the most part, they don't do much, but they are a little fun in a sense. The first episode, for example, details all of the group getting split up after some angry, mistaken Pangoro attack. It's fairly humorous on the whole, especially when Bonnie and Meowth are tied together. These two are actually pretty funny, especially when Bonnie asks about how Meowth can talk and then says she doesn't care. It's the second time it's happened, too.

Pokémon personalities at their finest.

Really, what this first episode shows are the character and Pokémon personalities at their finest. Serena is shown to be a bit into looking up fortunes for fun, and Ash wisens up to the fact that only TRio would attack them out of the blue like idiots. Once they split up, we do get to see some fun with the Pokémon: Pikachu is just like his trainer when it comes to Clemont's inventions, Braixen wears a WTF expression, Frogadier serves as a bodyguard to Serena, Luxray is more than a cardboard cutout, etc. I do think there was a missed opportunity in, say, Ash interacting a little more with Pancham, but it's fine because it was a fun, filler episode.

Clemont can really step up the bravery when it comes to his sister.

Next episode was much the same, though in this case it deals with the Scary House (letdown) from the games. Like things from XY 14, we get a return of those traits that happen in spooky situations. Serena says things she shouldn't, Ash believes her, Clemont adamantly refuses anything going on and...Bonnie is having fun. Unlike last time, though, there is otherworldly stuff going on here, with the Ghastly family having fun and their host being dead. The biggest thing to get out of this episode is that even if Clemont is more confident, things make him freak out...but when it comes down to his sister, he will save her, no matter how scared he is.

But that's about it. It's really filler, and it's instead the next episodes that are truly important.

The Start of a New Rivalry

Bit of development for Ash, accepting going to a fashion store.

Slightly different response from Clemont in regards to Bonnie.

So, the gang arrives in Laverre City, set for Ash's next gym battle, but Serena is more excited than Ash, on account of the Gym Leader, Valerie, being a famous fashion designer. Small bit of character development on the part of Ash when he's willing to go to fashion store after his Gym Battle (whether it's because it's Serena or he's just come to accept it is unknown). Not that it's an option, as when he arrives, he finds out that the Gym is closed for the day. He's not the only one exasperated. Clemont is exasperated at Bonnie pulling her usual proposal schtick (though, this time he states that he could find a girl on his own rather than just getting embarrassed) while there's another trainer there who's exasperated he can't fight a battle.

Enter Sawyer. Officially.

Sawyer has some level of skill,
with one badge earned and a unique Treecko.

Yes, it's the same kid that battled Clemont almost 10 episodes ago. This is Sawyer, and Clemont quickly introduces him to the group at large, even calling his Treecko unique. It's a small line, but important. What it says is that Sawyer may just be getting started, but already he has skills enough that Treecko was considered unique by Clemont, who Ash just fought, after all. Plus, the kid has a Gym Badge, so we know he has some level of skill. Sawyer's also a little enamored by Ash traveling with a Gym Leader, and when the group goes to the fashion store, none of the boys can sit around for very long (something Serena knows full well about regarding Ash), and instead Ash and Sawyer have a double battle.

Despite Treecko being knocked out, Sawyer keeps going to learn more.
He's definitely determined.

Here's where Sawyer's relative inexperience shows, as Frogadier easily takes Treecko out, while Hawlucha shows rapid-fire skills against Bagon. However, what's key about this is how much Sawyer learns. He instantly take notes, and even though he knows he'll lose, he plans to continue the battle to the end. It shows initiative and that he doesn't give up on getting better. This comes into play just a few minutes later.

Serena's embarrassed to be a model.

Sawyer admires Ash quite a bit...even if some of it is erroneous.

Sawyer learns something in battle,
and puts it into immediate practice in the next battle.

While they battle it out, Serena and Bonnie are chosen as models for Valerie, which absolutely mortifies Serena (probably because she knows Ash will see her). This just makes Sawyer admire Ash all the more...mostly because he thinks Ash is traveling with models as well as a Gym Leader, even if it isn't the case. However, the big point of this part of the episode is Valerie's choice in battling Sawyer as part of the fashion show. This scene is important for two reasons. On one, we see how strong Valerie is with just a single move of Dazzling Gleam, setting up the next episode. But on the other hand, we see Sawyer putting what he's learned into practice. He instantly uses Ash's rapid-fire strategy, and while it isn't effective, it shows that he has a whip-smart mind that can grow quickly, explaining his later growth.

Serena's belief in Ash and the recurring theme of
trainers and Pokémon combining strengths.

With the fashion show complete, and Sawyer losing, Ash readies himself for more training, and the next morning, in the next episode, Ash is ready to battle Valerie. Here, like always, Serena insists that Ash always gets through by working together with his Pokémon. He does, of course, but as stated before, this isn't an issue yet, because Ash has still been winning. With his friends and Sawyer cheering, the battle against Valerie soon begins.

Ash's Flame Charge strategy seems baffling at first,
but is actually a pretty well-thought strategy.

Trick Room Breaker is one of the coolest strategies in XY.

So, where does this battle sit? Third place for now. Korrina and Clemont both beat it, but it's still a good battle. Fletchinder has a strong showing against Sylveon, though that particular Pokémon isn't the focus of the battle. That honor goes to Spritzee and its Trick Room. At first, when Ash orders Flame Charge, it's nearly a facepalm moment...until you realize he's purposely doing it. It's a smart strategy on Ash's part, even if it doesn't pan out. What it does do (once more emphasizing the Kalos team as a team) is get Valerie's Spritzee to reveal all of its moves. This allows Hawlucha to really get his moment to shine, which is why he's awesome. Using Spritzee's momentum and the Bug type X-Scissor to break Psychic type Trick Room in order for a big finish is perhaps one of my favorite strategies Ash has come up with in the series. Plus, any win that has Hawlucha as the MVP is great in my books.

Being truly one with Pokémon in battle...
Ash doesn't understand fully, and it will hurt later.

With that, Ash wins the Fairy Badge, and Valerie comments about Ash's bond with his Pokémon, being as one with them in battle. Ash doesn't exactly get it, though...and not getting it will cost him a bit later. But for now, it's just a light distinction. The end of the episode really focuses on Sawyer now really looking up to Ash and wanting to learn more from him.

Sawyer is praised by Steven, hinting that
he's rather exceptional.

This continues into the next episode, as he writes down everything in his notebook before he loses it. This starts the basis of the episode, and reveals some fun character traits about Sawyer and, well, Jessie. Sawyer loves sugar and Jessie (being raised poor) wants to marry Steven Stone and has a thing for him. The reason I point these out is because they are kind of brought up in a humorous way late into the series. But in regards to Steven, Sawyer has met him, and Steven believes he's doing fine as a trainer. Again, this reiterates that while Sawyer may be a newer trainer, he's also exceptional. Exceptional to point of learning in battle very quickly and even attracting praise from the Champion, who likely wouldn't say those things for just anyone.

The next Showcase is finally announced.

A large chunk of the episode is spent on getting Sawyer's notebook back, as well as a curbstomp on TRio that introduces Sawyer's Slurpuff (far kinder than Miette's) to the mix. When they return, the next Showcase in Dendemille Town is announced, giving us both Serena's next location, along with Ash's in Anistar City. Sawyer plans to split, but first he asks for a battle against Ash.

Ash's own words are the very beliefs he begins to lose sight of later.

Ash curbstomps him. Hard. But there's still a lot to be gained from this battle. For one, yes, Sawyer gets a blistering defeat when it comes to his Bagon and Slurpuff being wrecked by Pikachu and Hawlucha respectively. It comes to the point that Sawyer starts to panic, but Ash reminds him to not do so, because his own feelings will affect his Pokémon. That's something Ash also loses sight of later. Yes, in case you haven't noticed, a lot of the things that Ash continually preaches throughout the series are things he starts to lose sight of the more and more he wins once he's delivered a crushing blow further in the future. It's a further extension of his foil to Alain, who goes through much the same thing.

More on how feelings effect evolution.

The rivalry begins.

Sawyer's hope of surpassing Ash in battle.

The real bulk of the battle is Frogadier vs. Treecko, though. It's proof that Treecko really isn't weak, as he evolves into Grovyle in the battle, drawing feelings from Sawyer to evolve. Yes, it's another hint. Feelings are always poured into evolution and Mega Evolution in this series (not just XY, either), so why would it be different anywhere else? This evolution allows a tighter battle between the two Pokémon, even if Frogadier ends as the undisputed victor. It's still the start of a rivalry between the two and their trainers, with Sawyer promising to get better, so next time will go differently (even if not for about 20 episodes).

A different, and refreshing, kind of rivalry for the series.

I have to admit, now that we've concluded Sawyer's introduction, that I really like this as a rivalry. It's different. After so many series of either having non-rivals (here's looking at you AG), or having rivals that are complete assholes (Gary, Paul, Trip), it's refreshing to have a rival that respects Ash and, what's more, looks up to him. After so many regions, it makes sense and offers a different spin on a rivalry. Rather than earning respect, it's about Ash wanting to keep it, which like so many things above, has a very heavy play in later events. Sawyer is the character that has started this downhill slope, even if it still seems like a flat peak for Ash as a trainer right now. With that, the group finally moves on from Laverre City.

The Baby, the Filler and the Showcase

Hawlucha finds an egg in the forest.

Fletchinder's ability is revealed to be Flame Body.

Noibat is the baby that hatches from the egg.

Heading towards Dendemille Town and Anistar City, the gang takes a rest, though Hawlucha, ever the fighter, goes to train. While he does so, he finds something odd and takes it back to Ash. In this case, it's a Pokémon egg. Cue quick panicking on Ash's part on how to take care of an egg before Clemont helps him out (he really is the brains to Ash's brawn). What's great about this scene is a show of solidarity from the characters with everyone willing to warm the egg, even the stoic Hawlucha. We even get a confirmation of Fletchinder's ability being Flame Body. Soon, though, the egg hatches into an adorable Noibat.

Noibat views Ash as his father, in a sense,
with Ash able to calm him the easiest.

Noibat's ability to detect things is instantly shown,
and plays a role in his later battles.

Right off the bat, it's obvious that Noibat views Ash as his father. He instantly attaches to him, calms down from his crying when Ash pets him, and quite easily looks up to him and loves praise from him. I don't think we've had such a clearly baby Pokémon since Togepi back in OS (or since, for that matter); he even makes little baby burbling noises right now! This father-son relationship plays easily into the fact of characters growing up, or needing to, as a recurring, subtle theme of XY. Yet this isn't even the important part of this scene. That falls to Noibat's ability to find good fruit among bad. Right away, we're told that Noibat is very good at finding things, making him rather tactical in the episode, and is a technique that informs his battle style.

Noibat really wants to fly, but has to learn how.
This is a development arc that is immediately established.

Noibat looks up to Hawlucha like a big brother.

The main meat of the episode, however, falls on to Noibat being unable to fly and learning from Fletchinder and Hawlucha. Not only does it show Ash as more of that fatherly figure by constantly catching Noibat when he falls, but it also establishes Hawlucha as his big brother. Hawlucha is the one that shows him how to glide and later takes care of him when TRio captures them. They make an awesome team together, with Hawlucha being the brawn to Noibat's surprising brain. Thus, it's no surprise at all when Ash catches Noibat at the end of the episode, even if the baby still has a long way to go.

Ash's three fliers; a series first.

The next episode deals with just that. With Ash now having an unprecedented three fliers, he can partake in a Sky Relay challenge! More on that in a moment, since the first part of the episode really deals with Noibat still mastering flying. He's definitely got gliding down, and Ash's praise makes his whole world light up. Before we talk the relay, though, I'd like to point out how important this aspect of flight is when it comes to Noibat. Considering some of his...well, his League impact, this flight business and the fact he's still very much a baby is important.

To a lesser extent, Serena seems to act as Noibat's mother.

It's Hawlucha, the big brother, who sets and example
for baby Noibat, and helps him to fly perfectly.

That said, we get into the Sky Relay. What's a little funny is how right off the bat, Serena almost seems to take the role of Noibat's mother with her encouragement and being by his side while Fletchinder and Hawlucha get the first two parts of the race. Of course, TRio is involved, but they're quite minimal and fun to watch in this episode, so I rather enjoyed it. The real focus of this episode comes down to two things: Noibat really does view Hawlucha as his big brother, what with taking lessons from him and getting encouragement and worry from him, and Noibat finally begins to become a real flier, scoring second place in the relay. It's a big spurt of accomplishment, but he still has some work to do in the story, though we'll get to that a little later down the line. For now, it's some great development for Noibat.

An episode about Pikachu, for Pikachu and by Pikachu.

Tapping into the moment of death and grief.

Following the focus on the baby, we turn more towards that, as usual, wonderful world of filler. First up is a Pikachu-based episode where the gang all sets about making a Pikachu movie. It's a humorous time with a callback to Hawlucha's theatrics from XY 51. We even get another (very brief) reference to death that XY is fond of making in regards to Frank having clearly lost his wife. It's short, but does hammer in that small bit of maturity and dealing with grief. For the most part, though, it's a fun and funny episode that offers little else.

Pikachu vs. Meowth sums up XY 79.

The next episode is the same: fun and fillery. The group here comes to the Pokeball Factory, which Clemont has dreamed of seeing. But with TRio behind the scenes, things are never easy, and it sets in a literal game of cat and mouse between Meowth and Pikachu. This is one of the few times we truly see Meowth and Pikachu as rivals in a sense (usually they're forced to work together for whatever reason), finally battling it out in a one-on-one sense. It's pretty fun, especially when Pikachu almost captures Meowth (Trainer Pikachu, anyone?), and the final clash that shows how sadly weak Meowth is. Really, though, other than showing Clemont's fanboying over machines and Ash's rage at Pikachu nearly being captured, it offers nothing for the actual plot or development.

Serena's attitude going into the Dendemille Showcase.

That changes in the very next episode. Here, the focus of the episode shifts almost exclusively to Serena, and with good reason, as we arrive in Dendemille Town for the next Showcase. Serena is determined however; she's nervous, but as we see from scene one, she's ready to win.

Serena's mother is truly in full support of her.

Miette returns, and pushes Serena's feelings towards Ash a little further.
This is truly evident when Serena's adopts Ash's words for herself.

Her mother is in support of her, too, even if she finds Serena's dress too flashy. It's a far cry from XY 53, and shows that she knows her daughter plans on moving forward, even after her loss. This challenge gets a little tougher with the return of Miette. Yes, it's been over 50 episodes since she last showed up, but she's back, teasing Serena about Ash (which Bonnie realizes) and planning to win. It's an instant show that Miette is a rival who pushes her a little as a Performer, but also on her growing feelings towards Ash. Of course, Ash supports Serena to the fullest, but Miette's teasing does further confirm Serena's feelings and sort of gives her, and Ash, that light push. But just light for now, only drawing strength and inspiration from his words of not giving up.

Poképuffs being the Theme Performance is a callback to XY 26,
and a purposeful representation of where Serena is now compared to then,
especially when up against Miette and Jessie again.

Serena worked hard to get to the point of these Poképuffs,
showing how much passion she's putting into the profession.

The real connection to the past, though, comes from the Theme Performance: baking Poképuffs. Not only does it insist that those things Serena did during the first 40 episodes were not wasted (and indeed, they were development) but it also calls back to the fact that Serena and Miette are facing each other on the stage of baking once again. Like before, they also move on, though this time Jessie moves on with them, showing that maybe she wasn't lying about being a Poképuff Queen (even if they look atrocious). What's better is that this round, like then, is based on judging (even with a callback to Connoisseurs like Cilan), so it brings the story full circle from XY 26. What's more, we really get the sense of how much Serena's worked for this, baking Poképuff after Poképuff to get better.

Jessie's attitude towards Serena helps to show her kindness,
drawing it out of her; this is Jessie's purpose as a rival.

Serena's dress being ripped is the wall that raises in front of her.
It echoes her first showcase to her, but here, she refuses to give up.
Serena breaks the wall down.

There's a bit of tension, of course, given Serena's first Showcase outing, but she and Jessie moving on alongside Jessie just ups the challenge. More than that, however, Serena is put to the test in two different ways as a great wall emerges in front of her. Last time, she couldn't overcome the wall, but this time is different. Jessie knocks her over callously, forcing Serena to keep her smile and be kind (which is what Jessie essentially represents as a rival), while Serena's dress is ripped. There's a moment where Serena almost gives up, this event being her wall and calling her back to her big failure in XY 60, but instead, Serena chooses not to, and finds a way around her problem, going on the stage.

Serena's first performance: rudimentary,
but one that ultimately evolves with her character.

Serena wins her first Princess Key!

Her performance follows, with Clemont starting his theme of freaking out for her, and it's good. A bit basic, but good. In fact, I'd argue at the moment that how basic it is right now is the point. There is the consistent complaint that Serena used "too much fire", and while I do agree with this point a bit, I do feel there is some merit to Serena using fire in every performance, but that's a topic for later. The real point is how much excitement and smiling Serena can bring to the stage. Her altruism, put to the test by Jessie, shines. That is what finally wins her the first Princess Key!

Serena has support from many, including her mother and Aria.

She even earns a compliment from Ash!

Miette, continuing the "threat" and promising her future rivalry.

Just as much, it earns her the cheers from everyone supporting her by watching, including her mother, Professor Sycamore, Shauna and even Aria, herself. It's a show of just how big this event is, and what Serena can do through it. Plus it hints that Aria is the true rival in front of her. Likewise, Serena earns a compliment from Ash and another challenge from Miette, showing she'll be back in the future to poke at Serena's feelings yet again, and whether she'll be able to act on them. A bit drawn out, but nonetheless some fun teasing as the road to Anistar City begins again.

Time travel filler shenanigans!

Then, to close out this set, we dip into one more filler with the production staff's favorite Pokémon: Rotom, of course! (Seriously, they love this thing too much.) It's a pretty basic episode where the characters see a run-down hotel because the owner is an ass, but he's not the true owner, so they go back in time to restore it to what it was. Nothing much else to talk about, even if it gives all four mains something to represent themselves: Ash's zeal for justice, Clemont's tactical mind, Serena's encouragements and...well, Bonnie just provides a callback to charades from XY 15.

With that, we move to the second half of that long road to Anistar City.

Hoopa and the Clash of Ages

See review here.

An Ever-Evolving Journey

Count Pumpka's Pumpkaboo falling in love with Jessie's
kickstarts the events of the episode.

Picking up with the journey once again, the gang arrives in a town where people are dressing up for a festival. And handing out candy. It's essentially Halloween. Naturally, we get a further showing of Serena and her fashion skills, able to make great costumes for everyone (boy, Serena, isn't that Florges outfit just a little too obvious...?), including a Pikachu one for Chespin. Naturally, TRio is on the prowl, spying on the twerps, while someone else named Count Pumpka is spying on TRio, specifically Jessie's Pumpkaboo, before inviting them to his castle. Fun note about this is the callback to Inkay being dressed as Pikachu from XY 29. Also, fun detail that Kalos has so many castles spread throughout it.

Inkay's love of the Pikachu costume allows the main characters
to recognize TRio as being involved this time.
And it's a fun callback.

Though, it's rescuing Chespin that kickstarts the twerp's involvement.

What follows is once more, largely, a TRio focused episode. Specifically Jessie yet again, but with Pumpkaboo. They've really had quite the few episodes focusing on their bonds with their individual team (XY 54 for James and Inkay; XY 63 for Jessie and Wobbuffet). The twerps take a backseat this episode, with their biggest moment really just being when they fend off Count Pumpka's Gourgeist, go to rescue Chespin (mistaken for Pikachu), and realize it's TRio because of Inkay's costume. Fun callback, but little else from them.

Pumpkaboo is rather large, all things considered; hinted at, now revealed.

Callback to Jessie not knowing the gender of her Pokémon.

Jessie cares for her Pokémon...but always lets her vanity get in the way.

The best parts of the episode come from Jessie and Pumpkaboo, who we learn is super huge. We never had a comparison before, though one could possibly infer her size from XY 11 when they made her seem larger than life. This confirms that she's the largest size...and female. Fun callback to DP, actually, when Jessie didn't know Yanmega was female, either. Anyway, Count Pumpka wants Jessie to trade Pumpkaboo to him because his Prince Pumpkaboo is in love. At first, Jessie refuses because she and Pumpkaboo have so many memories...but her vanity and greed soon gets the better of her, as usual, when offered the potential of a Mega Evolving Mawile.

Jessie and Gourgeist: a match made in heaven, trainer-Pokémon wise, at least.
Again, hinted at in XY 47, but now fully pushed.

Naturally, Pumpkaboo gets angry and agrees to go through with the trade...only to evolve into Gourgeist. Prince Pumpkaboo rejects her. Now, Jessie is as vain as they come and nasty to boot, but when it comes to her own Pokémon, she always comes to love them. Pumkaboo...er, Gourgeist is no exception, as we see how they became very close. It was gradually shown as early as XY 47, when Jessie got angry about Serena tackling Pumpkaboo, but this really brings it forefront, showing the two as sisters, even calling Gourgeist her Pokémon of destiny. It's heartwarming, in its own way, and really sets the stage for Jessie's further performance career with her sister-Pokémon by her side, once she was traded back and they were summarily blasted off, of course. But still, like always, a great TRio episode for what it was.

Callback to Ash and Serena's skills, and to Serena's fears
of a swaying rope bridge.

Jessie and Gourgeist's sisterhood from the last episode continues...

Noibat is growing bit by bit.

Following this is more of a journey episode, with the gang crossing a mountain using Mamoswine. For the most part, there's not much to it, other than another showing of Serena's riding skills and her crippling fear of swaying rope bridges (which Ash encourages her through). Jessie and Gourgeist are still in a happy phase, too, which is kind of a funny continuation from the previous episode. Really, the best part of it all is the gang working together to heal a sick Snover, from Clemont and Bonnie gathering a plant, while Pikachu, Braixen and Chespin keep it cool and Ash and Serena go to search. The most interesting point about this episode, before it turns into standard TRio fare, is that in the Japanese version, Noibat's voice has changed. Before it made little baby noises, but now its voice is more distinct, showing it growing up and maturing a bit.

This shot pretty much sums up the entire filler episode.

Then we have another filler episode up next. I'll admit, it's hilarious, if only for the dichotomy of foolish sibling/responsible sibling that Chespin and Bunnelby give off. Watching Bunnelby get angry at Chespin and drag him away from things on his errand is pretty funny. All of the characters really serve their roles, with Ash fixing a roof, Serena and Bonnie serving as assistants to Nurse Joy, and Clemont fixing the power. It does make his abilities work nicely, even if the focus is on Chespin. But other than the errant Chespin completing his task, nothing much is offered by the episode. Though...one has to wonder why literally no other trainer offers to help...

Serena plans to improve her existing performance:
remember, evolving with the character.

The stick breaking sets up the whole episode.

James understands Braixen's feelings, because they correlate to his own...
regarding his bottle caps, of course (continuity...)

Jessie actually considers Serena a rival.

Then arrives another Serena episode, more specifically Braixen. To point out, the episode opens up with Serena training, wanting to make a more improved version of her previous confirmation. It's a subtle hint that her performances are evolving alongside her. It goes well...until Braixen's stick snaps in two, horrifying her. Serena can't quite grasp why, but ironically enough, James can. It's always fun to see one of the TRio members side with the twerps, and seeing James want to help Serena here is pretty great. Even better is the fact that Jessie outright considers Serena a rival. Not just the twerpette, but an actual opposition on the road to being Kalos Queen. It shows a level of respect that Jessie holds underneath.

The reason and promise that Serena and Braixen share.

Serena shows off her confidence.

Braixen's feelings turn into Fire Blast,
showing their growing character internally.

But anyway, the real point of the episode is James helping to impart to Serena why Braixen is so attached to her stick: it was the one they made a promise to become Kalos Queen with. It not only shows that shared dream, but is a physical reminder of their promise. With that, Serena gains even more confidence, going to the wood doctor and agreeing to a battle. She really shows it when TRio (er...Jessie and Meowth) show up and she stands forward, telling them to not interfere. It's probably the most striking we've ever seen her, and from those imparted feelings, Braixen learns Fire Blast.

It's about feelings, as usual, to drive that growth
and ability to press onwards.

The promise is remade.

Braixen's broken stick will eventually lead to new life,
just as a Kalos Queen and Serena eventually will for others, as well.

Of course, the stick can't be fixed, but it never could have been in the first place. What really makes this episode remarkable, though, is not only what it does for Serena in the present, but what it also does for her future. For the present, it's about always getting up even after a fall. You may stumble, or a wall may be there, but you still take the next step towards your dream. It's the very thing Serena struggles with, but she comes closer and closer to overcoming. For the future, however, Braixen's old stick becomes a new life for the future, inspiring and helping others, which is exactly what a Kalos Queen, and Serena's eventual dream, is. Subtle hinting, but very effective.

Trevor continues to not understand his Pokémon,
showing him as the weakest link.

Trevor also has a badge, hinting at his appearance in the League.

With Serena's little slice of development complete, we move on to a volcano! More than that, we move on to a reunion with Trevor and his now evolved Charmeleon. Like before, Trevor continues to show how unsuited he is for Charmeleon, given he can't control it or understand its love of battle, so it's no wonder he remains a scrub, losing easily to Fletchinder (I don't think Fletchinder even took a hit). It is confirmed that he's earned a badge, so it hints towards his eventual involvement in the League, but by no means makes one think he stands a chance of winning. That, and his insane love of photographing Pokémon, make up all there is to know about Trevor this episode as they go in search of Moltres.

Fletchinder evolves!

Ash earns Moltres' respect.

The original Kalos three...don't expect this to be the last time, either.

Now, for the most part, this episode does little other than exhibiting Trevor's manic and distracted tendencies (in hindsight, his inability to focus no doubt contributed to his later performance). However, when Moltres comes into play is where the episode matters. For one thing, we see how much Bonnie looks at Serena like a protective sister, but that's not nearly the most important thing here. Like so many of the evolutions that took place before, Fletchinder moves to intercept Moltres' strike and protect Ash, the legendary angered by TRio as it was, and in the process evolves into Talonflame and learns Brave Bird. Still isn't enough to stand against the legend, forcing Ash to save his beloved Pokémon; it's an act that gets Moltres' attention and earns its respect, and Serena's admonishment, for that matter. Otherwise, there isn't much else to say except for the fact that a member of Ash's team is fully evolved and the episode ends with a shot of the original XY trio of Ash's team. Great evolution on the whole, and one that will prove most beneficial.

Bonnie truly learns how to be a proper trainer.

Bonnie doesn't want to say goodbye (see reaction at top),
but does so with a smile, in the end (see reaction at bottom).

The following episode then focuses in on Bonnie more. For the most part, like the Flabébé episode, I'd describe it as filler, but it does serve a role for Bonnie's character. Sure, it's largely a TRio chase episode and all that, but it does show one distinct thing: Bonnie knows how to take care of a Pokèmon now. When Tyrunt shows up, Bonnie frees it, brushes its teeth, feeds it, bathes it, etc. She's very much like a trainer to it, so when the events coming shortly begins, she's more than equipped to handle it. Just as well, she's forced to once more face the reality of departure, and it's still hard for her here, considering how attached she was to Tyrunt/Tyrantrum, but in the end, she's willing to let go, and smiles. We'll be comparing this in a stark contrast to many episodes down the line.

The final trek to Anistar City, however, is about to begin.

Pasts and Present

A whole episode flashback reveals the origins
behind Clemont and Bunnelby's partnership.

The following episode becomes quite the oddity in terms of presentation. Why is it an oddity? Because while TRio shows up in it, it's for a minute, and only to kickstart the story that is entirely a flashback. How is this done? Their use of pits, naturally. It sends the gang into a tunnel, where Clemont and Bonnie reminisce on meeting Bunnelby. In and of itself, it's interesting because we're learning and developing characters through a flashback, 88 episodes after we've met said characters. In particular, we finally get some stuff on Bunnelby that really proves how much of a rival to Pikachu he was, and why he's such a good partner for Clemont.

The origins of Bunnelby's ear defense:
Clemont and Bunnelby working together and learning from each other.

Mostly, we learn that Bunnelby was the leader of his band of Pokémon that lived in the Lumiose Subway, though they were tormented by a Diggersby. Yep, it's the usual pre-evolved form vs. evolved form we almost go through once a series in regards to Pikachu, so it's no wonder they were rivals. After Bunnelby suffers a loss to Diggersby, Clemont helps him to learn how to use his moves effectively, including his trademarked ear defense. It's pretty awesome to see how these two learned together, and while it provides little for Clemont in the present, knowing how he was already on that path that Ash spurred him along is nice to see. We also found out that Clemont and Bonnie avoided home after they were kicked out...

The team is formed by working together!

In any case, with Clemont's training and advice, Bunnelby defeats Diggersby, before demolition of the subway begins, forcing them all to evacuate and showing Clemont and Bunnelby with stellar teamwork. Thus, it becomes obvious why they became partners and Clemont caught Bunnelby. Admittedly, this episode could have come earlier in the story, but as it stands, it's nice to receive it now.

The next Showcase is also in Anistar City.

Jessie is as determined and focused on Showcases as ever.
It's a bit of development...a bit...

With the gang broken out of the tunnel, they continue on, learning the next Showcase is also in Anistar City. However, for the moment, they decide to take a nice relaxing break, and in that meantime Serena runs across a graceful, dancing Eevee. Given her profession, she's enamored by it...and Jessie just wants to nab it. Do note, that by this point, there are a lot more times that Jessie's thinking of her Showcase career and wanting to surpass Serena.

Enter Eevee, the representation of Serena's past self, and her next challenge.

Unfortunately, there's an issue with Eevee: it's shy as all get out, running away at the first sight of interaction with anything. In fact, by the end of the episode, it's only bonded with two: Bunnelby (for being warm but not intrusive) and Serena (who opened up and protected her). Eevee is, by all rights, a representation of Serena's past. Shy and quick to flee. So, it makes sense that Serena's next wall and challenge to overcome is, in essence, confronting her own past self and bringing her out of her shell and into happiness, as a Kalos Queen would.

Serena has grown more confident to recklessly protect Eevee,
causing her to protect Serena in turn.

Before then, though, Serena puts on a performance for Eevee, drawing her closer before TRio interferes, and Serena puts on a greater display of her development. She's learned quite a bit from Ash, having become fiercely protective and reckless in her defense of Eevee. This, in turn, inspires Eevee to protect Serena and join her team, wanting to dance more with the person that cared for her at no concern for herself. Despite shaky relations, Eevee gratefully joins the team.

And so, the gang arrives at Anistar City, and all that will happen...

Fears and Premonitions

Tierno and Shauna return, their partners having evolved.

Tierno lost at the Anistar Gym, telling us its above his level.

Shauna makes notes of Serena's feelings, which have now
transformed from just a mere crush.

Having arrived in Anistar City, Serena continues training for her upcoming Showcase, which has Eevee interested, but the poor Pokémon still freaked out at everyone but Bunnelby and her team members. Before long, however, the episode changes from a simple training episode with the arrival of Tierno (with a Blastoise and his flirting heart) and Shauna. Both are here for their next challenges. Well...Shauna is, still ahead of Serena, while Tierno has already lost to the Gym Leader, making Ash more excited and fired up for a battle than ever. Not only that, but it helps to establish, at least a little, that the next Gym Leader is strong. It inspires the following decision in a bit, as Ash shows off his excitement...and Shauna comments on Serena's feelings. It's an obvious sign that while Ash is as dense as a brick, Serena is becoming less so, mostly because her own feelings have changed from a mere puppy crush to love.

Serena supports Eevee as she tries to interact with the other Pokémon.

Before then, however, Eevee is the Pokémon that takes center stage as the issue for this episode. For one, Shauna informs Serena of all the different kinds of Pokémon Eevee can evolve into, though no clue is yet provided to the audience. Yet. What really takes the start of Eevee's development is the idea to have her approach all of her major companions and touch them. It continues to show Serena's improvement as she encourages her Pokémon at every major obstacle. Poor Chespin, though; he puts in a lot of work from keeping his mouth shut to not eating his Poképuff, all to win Eevee over. It doesn't work, though.

Eevee shows off her rhythm and dancing skills,
impressing even Tierno.

With their former experiment half-succeeding, half-failing, Shauna comes up with the idea to battle with Eevee, which soon turns into a tag battle against Ash and Tierno. It isn't long into the battle before Eevee's shyness takes over, though, as she becomes unable to dodge. With Serena's encouragement reminding her that she's not alone, though, Eevee finds her own rhythm from Tierno's and manages to show off her moves. It gives Serena a new idea and she calls off the battle.

While Serena didn't complete her battle, she gets a lot more from it:
she gets an idea for her next performance!

Serena plans to incorporate Eevee's dancing to her routines.

"What? Another incomplete Serena battle? She needed to finish it!" No, she didn't. See, in this case, Serea gained an idea for a performance. Remember that Showcases don't feature battles, so winning and losing one is irrelevant; it's about what she gains from it. In this case, Serena asks Eevee to help her and the others dance just like her, which Eevee very much agrees to. She's very shy as a Pokémon, but she's willing to work hard for Serena, whether it means performing, dancing or battling. She just has a ways to go.

And with all of that hard work, the gang rushes to the Showcase Hall, nearly late the next morning for its occurrence.

Nini returns.

Not that there's any doubt they wouldn't be able to register, of course, and once they have, Serena leaves Eevee in their care, her shy Pokémon agreeing to watch her (with Bunnelby at her side, of course). The real surprise for this Showcase, however, is the return of Nini, waaaaay back from XY 50. She's as confident as ever, too, and clearly aware of both rivals in Serena and Shauna. It's obvious right away, however, that Shauna is still one of Serena's walls, not Nini, given that she's both behind Shauna and has lost to her once before. This is even more obvious when Nini is pitted against Serena in the Theme Performance of the Quiz (something Ash finds complicated, naturally).

Foreshadowing for Eevee's eventual evolution.

Nini entrusts her dream to Serena; a recurring theme starting now.

The quiz is fairly basic, with a bit of a Pokémon challenge thrown in, and Nini certainly puts up a fight, though not enough to stop Serena. There isn't as much to talk about with that, except for the first question of Eevee's Fairy evolution being a clear and blatant piece of foreshadowing as to what her Eevee will evolve into. Regardless, Nini loses and asks Serena to do her best for her. This is the start of a recurring theme for both Ash and Serena in the series: rivals asking them to do their best and win in the face of their own losses. Quite easily, Serena agrees, taking her friend's dream on her shoulders. This will come back in a big way later, for both Serena and Ash. For now, though, the Free Performance starts.

Eevee is still very easily scared...

The first important thing of note is that while Jessie's performance is different, Shauna's is not. It's very similar to her performance back in Coumarine. It shows that when it comes to performing, it's not always about how different you can be, but how much better you can be than before. Shauna has just lightly improved her performance, but it's roughly the same. Jessie's isn't, and her own actually freaks Eevee out and sends it running, putting the gang in a panic.

Serena puts Eevee over herself, showing the qualities of a Kalos Queen.

Notice how Serena's performance is an evolution
of the one she did in Dendemille Town? Yeah, intentional.

This becomes the most important scene of the episode. Why? Because of Serena's decision. She has a momentary choice to make: perform for herself, or put it off to find Eevee. Thankfully, the organizer's understand, because Serena puts Eevee before herself. It's another small hint that she really is, in some way, deserving of being Kalos Queen; she's selfless and willing to overcome that next wall, all for the sake of another. Seeing that, Eevee is emboldened and watches her performance with amazement. As for Serena's performance itself, as I've mentioned before, it seems similar to her previous performance...and is meant to be. Yet it's different. It's evolved as a performance to the point that while some moves are the same, there are different parts as well, showing how Serena has further changed. In the end, it wins her the Princess Key, and has her also overcome the wall that was Shauna at the same time.

Jessie lands in 3rd place; she's getting there, too!

And while Jessie laments her loss, she also realizes she made third place, a genuine improvement over before, hinting that she will be making it to the Master Class, possibly beating Serena soon. With all of that, Tierno and Shauna take their leave to find Trevor, who screwed something up. Serena's second Princess Key is won, and now it's time for Ash's seventh Gym Badge. It's taken a long time to get here.

The premonition that sets fate in motion...

The sundial is connected to Mega Evolution energy...
just like the Megalith. Connection is obvious foreshadowing now.

Malva makes her first appearance.

With it, a lot of things are on the move, not the least of which is our introduction to Gym Leader Olympia and her group of budding psychics, training to be able to see into the future. It's peaceful...but not for long. In moments, Olympia sees a horrific vision of a terrible crisis that is about to set itself upon Kalos, and at the center of it all will be Ash, his friends...and Professor Sycamore, who has come to Anistar City to study the Sundial, which gives off the same energy as that of Mega Evolution. Sounds similar to the Megalith, doesn't it? This info is given to us over the television by Malva, of all people, marking this Elite Four member's first appearance.

Frogadier's future is teased in Olympia's visions.

With this crisis being predicted, one of Olympia's acolytes makes a move to stop those that would be involved from interfering, specifically Professor Sycamore. With Ash and the gang on the way to the Gym, though, they run across the situation and intervene, showing off strength before Olympia stops her apprentice, scolding her for forcing her own interpretation of the future, before yet seeing one of her own regarding Ash's Frogadier.

A direct connection between the main story and the Mega Evolution Specials
is made here, tying them together.

Ash and Frogadier are said to climb to new greatness together.

This is where the true meaning of the episode lies. For one, we get a further establishment that there is a grave crisis approaching Kalos, on the level of what happened to Hoenn, but larger. It's an immediate tie-in to the events of the third Mega Evolution Special, hinting how these paths will collide, while also explaining that Olympia's foresight allowed them to protect Kalos from that disaster. Yet, on another level, we are told that mixed in all of this will be Ash and his Frogadier, reaching new greatness that has never been seen. Note, when Olympia says new greatness, she truly means the form that no one living has ever seen, not anything further.

It is Frogadier, not Ash, who has special power.

Frogadier's backstory is revealed after having been hinted at much earlier.
Of particular note is that Frogadier was missing love,
and that it is feelings which shape their Ash and his future together.

The explanation for why Ash was ultimately presented
as a veteran trainer that others look up to.

What follows is Frogadier's backstory. How he was always searching for more and more strength ever since he was hatched from an egg, and it earned him the scorn of his peers. How eventually, he realized that to grow stronger, he needed to find a trainer, but none were ever good enough for him...until Ash. It was all because he sensed that connection, because Ash showed him love. Olympia already states that Frogadier is different, though; it's not Ash who makes this "greatness" occur, but because of Frogadier, which is confirmed far later. Yet the biggest piece of this is that Frogadier and Ash's future ahead will be built on that power of love, trust and belief in one another. It's something, as I've stated before, they begin to lose sight of. What's more, the episode essentially tells us this is the reason Ash was made out as a veteran trainer this series: things never go easily for novices, and they couldn't handle Frogadier the way Ash can here, hence he needed to be skilled.

TRio will also be involved in the great Kalos Crisis.

As the talk about the mysterious future ahead of Ash and Frogadier comes to an end, Sycamore intrigued as all get out, Olympia sees yet another vision: TRio will attack the sundial, and they will also be involved in the coming crisis. Seeing this, Olympia's Meowstic cast a powerful Future Sight that explodes with such precision that it becomes easy to see what a challenge she will be in her upcoming Gym Battle.

So, now that we're there, how does it stack up as a Gym Battle in the compendium?

Right at the damn top.

Double battle; double awesomeness.

The battle with Olympia, a double battle featuring her hinted Meowstic against Ash's Frogadier and Talonflame, is by and far the best Gym Battle in XY. Nay, the best Gym Battle in the entire anime. This, ladies and gentlemen, is how a double battle should be done. What's partially cool about this is that Sycamore is watching the battle, which is probably the first time a professor not named Oak watched a Gym Battle of Ash's. But what really wins this gym battle is the sheer amount of excellent teamwork.

Frogadier's paralysis leads to Ash using Talonflame
to boost his mobility in the battle.

Ash figures out Future Sight by using Pikachu as a timer.

It starts off rocky for Ash, with the male Meowstic's Prankster and the female Meowstic's Keen Eye combining together to set up an amazing offense and defense while Future Sight is in play. It takes some time, and a combo of Double Team and Brave Bird to even land a hit before they get slammed by Olympia's signature combination. It really puts Olympia as a top-tier Gym Leader, above all that came before. However, it isn't long before Ash figures things out, setting Pikachu as a timer. No, it's not cheating; it's no different than having a watch, really. What's really awesome about it, though, is that once more this is the Kalos three, and they show off their teamwork in an amazing way.

Drilling Steel Wing is pretty awesome.

Ash takes the Future Sight for his own as one of his most brilliant strategies.

The future that Ash and Frogadier head towards together!
(Note the appearance of Ash-Greninja)

The original Kalos Three are the ones to win this trial!

Frogadier soon becomes paralyzed, but Talonflame covers for his mobility, allowing them some amazing hits (including a drilling Steel Wing). After another Future Sight, though, Ash has the timing from Pikachu to bring the battle home. With the mobility and teamwork XY has consistently pushed, Ash is able to force the Meowstic to take their own attacks, including Future Sight. Talonflame then takes out the female while Frogadier battles the male...and in that moment, Olympia sees the greatness beyond: a silhouette of what he will become in the near future. With that push, Ash wins his seventh badge.

Olympia all but tells Ash what he'll need to do
to master this "greatness".

Before I close off discussion of the episode, I want to talk a little bit about what's presented and how it sets up the anime. For one thing, it's a very early proof of a lot of things that people overlooked at the time: it's not that Ash and Frogadier's bond is stronger than, say, Ash and Pikachu, but that Frogadier is special; this new form is their height of greatness; the Mega Evolution Specials have been building the plot the entire time; the Megalith and sundial may very well be connected. It even tells us how Ash must solve his upcoming issue, one that has yet to truly manifest itself (though hinted at, if not for a while thanks to his win streak) but will hit like a ton of bricks soon. This is the end of what we've first been building towards, and the beginning of something new: the final stages of Ash's journey in Kalos. The foundation has been laid, and now the plot is ready to kick off at full steam.

Now nearly at the cusp of reaching the League, Sycamore grants Ash and Serena new Pokédexes, and the group agrees to set off for Snowbelle City. On top of this, Olympia reminds Ash and Frogadier of their future greatness, but to face each other with care; what they will achieve needs them to share in purpose and dig deep into their bond. Yet the crisis is looming on the horizon, a green flame set to awash over Kalos, and envelop the region entirely. That is one fine way to set up the impending villain arc that's been slowly building behind the scenes. It's a signal that the light journey we've been having is truly at an end.

The Kalos Crisis is about to begin...in XYZ.

Soon, the forces of evil will be coming out into the open at last to make their own move.

But that, my friends, will begin to be covered in Part 6: The Z and the Quest for the Master Class.

Dare to Be Silly,
Epicocity