Recap: Setting the World on its Buneary

“Critics who treat adult as a term of approval, cannot truly be adults themselves. When I was 10, I used to read fairy tales in secret. Now that I am 50, I read them openly. Part of being an adult is the need to put away childish things such as the desire to be grown up.”- CS Lewis

Hello everyone. With my 24th birthday having come and gone; I shall now officially set in motion the first of several pieces I want to do for the 20th anniversary of Pokémon; as well as help wrap up my Chinese Zodiac theme for when the Year of the Monkey begins officially on February 8. After that, my plan for Pokémon-related material is still the same: fewer episodes (but more specific ones) and more movies. So, let’s get the ball rolling with rabbits in the cycle and open up “Setting the World on its Buneary!”

We open on the heroes’ campsite on their way to Jubilife City for Dawn’s first contest; when Dawn is dismayed that her hair is a mess. Her reaction would be great for one of those “I don’t do mornings” shirts.

When Brock explains to his new Croagunk the whole thing is just another day for their “crazy family”, Croagunk’s expression is a pretty good replication of the “SRSLY?” emoticon.

After Dawn uses Piplup’s Bubble Beam to fix her bedhead; she offers to do the same for Ash, who dryly replies he’ll just wear his hat. At that moment; as if on cue, Aipom snatches it again! Oh, the irony!

Through a mishap on the trail, the hat lands on Pikachu as the titular Buneary saves him from getting run over! Yet, she’s a bit shy in front of her new friend. Aw! 

Dawn is a bit confused at there being more than one Officer Jenny; at which point Brock corrects her. What, you think they all come out Jango Fett style?

Anyway, Jenny is looking for a familiar group of thieves from a photo taken by a warehouse surveillance camera.

He couldn't resist showing us his face.

When Brock tries to hit on Jenny; Croagunk gives him a Poison Jab to the chest and drags him away. That had to be one of my favorite variations on that gag. 

Both Ash and Dawn are impressed by Buneary; and they decide to hold a contest to see who can catch her first! It’s like watching people fight over Amiibo!

Aipom and Piplup are both pitted against Buneary; but Buneary bobs and weaves like a true survivor! 

Yet; when Pikachu enters the fray, she doesn’t want to battle because she likes him! Right on cute there, Buneary! 

It also turns out that Buneary knows Ice Beam, as evidenced by this move on the gang!

I WAS FROZEN TODAY!

After tinkering a while with the stolen parts, James says their latest mecha is finally ready! 

I'd buy that for a dollar!

With this; Team Rocket uses Buneary as bait for their latest Pikachu trap!

Once Ash and the others are freed; he engages the mecha as he eludes the massive claws! 

Hold still, you little prick.

As Jenny arrives on the scene, Pikachu frees Buneary and sends Team Rocket blasting off yet again! 

Then, Buneary decides she wants to battle with Dawn; who is all too happy to agree. Ash decides to let her take part.

As she takes her first confident steps; Dawn manages to command Piplup beautifully as she captures Buneary!

With her first capture in her arms, we close on Dawn and Piplup embracing joyfully!

“Setting the World on its Buneary” is a fun little escapade as first capture episodes go. While the animation may not have been the most flashy; what they had at their disposal was a light and bouncy adventure that’s a good example of early Diamond and Pearl. I can easily recommend this for viewing.

Dragons are next in the cycle after rabbits; but I’ll have to rework what I had in mind with all that’s been going on lately. Keep an eye out for my next recap; folks. See you, space cowboy.