"Moving Pictures" Review (Pokémon Johto League Champions)

Given recent developments, this quote from my 2017 recap of "Pokémon Paparazzi" has aged particularly well: "Also, this scene here is one of many reasons why I like this episode so much; as well as me being among many that want a potential sequel to Pokémon Snap. With the Poké Finder feature in Sun and Moon as well as the recent Wii U Virtual Console release of the game; I would very much appreciate a new game on the Switch with the new monsters introduced in Alola."

Well, not only have these conditions been met; the game itself has indeed been well worth the wait of more than 20 years. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to review three of my favorite episodes from this season centering around the return of Todd Snap and his seeking a photo of Articuno. Let's open up the first part of this story, "Moving Pictures!" I too can properly time a Rush reference, unlike some people I once knew.

We open on everyone on their way to Olivine City in the mountains. Misty wonders if it's going to rain as they hear the sound of a camera shutter. It's their old friend Todd! He gets a few shots of migrating Bellossom (who are in the new game) before the theme song. I have mentioned before how much I like this mix; so let's continue.

After the title card, everyone is glad to see their old friend Todd again; as am I. He shows them samples of the work he's done since they last met as he lets them know why he's there: to photograph Articuno! Ash pulls up the information on his Pokédex; and I actually like how they're focusing on a specific legendary bird that was indeed key to the original game. I'm not spoiling the new one, but some of the updates to the original might surprise you.

As everyone sets off to find the legendary Pokémon, it starts snowing! On top of this, they narrowly avoid a meteor crashing down beside them! The meteor is actually revealed to be a Sunkern frozen in ice! Well, they wouldn't come up with Minior for a while, so there's that glimpse of living in the limelight; a universal dream.

Brock quickly wraps the Sunkern in a bundle, and Todd suggests taking it back to a nearby lodge for help! How convenient! Team Rocket also is creeping on them from the bushes, as they all make a run for the lodge; which is run by a kindly old couple. They take Sunkern inside, and thaw the seed out in a basin of hot water! Of course- good to bring in Red Barchetta for an adrenalin surge.

Everyone introduces themselves to the old woman, whose name is Sophia; who runs the lodge with her husband. The lodge is known as the "Sunflora Lodge," who, after dismissing the idea briefly; decides to tell them anyway, even having tea and cookies ready as she pulls out her photo album! Most of the group is bemused, though Brock internally wonders if she has any string cheese.

They all agree to hear the story to be polite, and Sophia tells the story of her husband Marcello; who went to go find work away from the lodge before they wed. Unbeknownst to her, Marcello was in the hospital; bedridden from an accident. He sent Sophia a letter asking for Sunflora for their wedding; a request she granted with the help of the townsfolk. Here's your daily dose of "Aw, that's sweet;" because we could all use it right now.

Upon showing the picture that was taken of them on their wedding day, everyone is indeed moved... including Team Rocket watching from the rafters of the lodge. Next!

One would think that Marcello is gone, but it turns out he's alive and well; and heard the whole yarn as he watched from the front porch! Oh, very cheeky fellow, isn't he?

"Then after that, World War II got quiet, 'till Superman challenged FDR to a race around the world! FDR beat him by a furlong! Or so the comic books would have you believe. The truth lies somewhere in between."

Anyway, Marcello and Sophia have a request: seeing as it's their 50th wedding anniversary; they want to have their photo taken with the Sunflora as they have in years past. Everyone agrees; and they aim to find a way to make it happen. Hopefully it won't be as tough as clearing the Illumina spot with Volcarona; especially since I had to suddenly replace my Switch dock. A momentary setback, all things considered.

Before they leave, Todd takes a shot of everyone and Brock carries the Sunkern with them all to the southern slopes. However, Team Rocket has an ulterior motive as they watch from the roof!

As they make their way up the southern slopes; I note that Marcello's dub voice has some similarities to Solomon Moto's voice from Yu-Gi-Oh (miss you, Maddie Blaustein). The slopes used to be full of Sunflora; but now they're practically deserted. Anyway, it starts snowing as everyone makes their way uphill. This leads to another flight of fancy about them falling off the bridge many years ago; yet they're still around to tell the story.

"I fell hundreds of feet onto a pile of jagged rocks. 'Course, folks were tougher in those days: I was jitterbuggin' that very night!"

The couple apparently saw this story from a reality show they recalled; which ironically may be as scripted, if not more so than what I'm reviewing right now.

"Is that story true?" "Well most of it- I did wear a dress during a period in the '40s. Ooh, they had designers then!"

Then, they're ambushed by Team Rocket; who seek to abscond with the Pokémon by using an artificial snow machine. Well, it's not quite a gachapon machine inside a Pelipper, but it will do.

Though Todd is bemused that Team Rocket is still around (I understand why some have mixed feelings towards their absences as of late; but my favorite characters were the professors); he does like getting a photo of Jessie's Wobuffet for safekeeping. I'm liking the progress I'm making on my Photodex as well.

The snow machine is activated, which leads into another story of Marcello and Sophia in a snowstorm. Misty rightfully points out they're blanketed in snow for real; which also ends up burying their catch, much to Jessie's dismay.

Meowth shuts off the snow machine, and Ash sends out his Bulbasaur to take out the machine; which springs Sunkern into action as Arbok tries to make a move on Pikachu! Sunkern uses Sunny Day to melt the snow, and it supercharges Bulbasaur's Solar Beam attack! This might seem like a usual dose of creative license; but it actually checks out. Granted, this ep predates the games taking advantage of that combo; but still entertaining.

Long story short: Pikachu and the others are freed, Team Rocket is sent blasting off; and with help from a Sun Stone acquired from a previous adventure; Sophia and Marcello have their special photograph for their 50th anniversary! We also close on Todd seeing a sign of Articuno; more on that next time.

"You know, I thought I was too old. I thought my time had passed. I thought I'd never hear the screams of pain or see the look of terror in a young man's eyes. Thank Heaven for children."

"Moving Pictures" is more than just a nice little allusion to a classic Rush album or Discworld novel; it makes a great start to this three-parter and a good way to reintroduce Todd to the story. I will get into this more over the next two parts; but I wouldn't object to seeing him again with the success of New Pokémon Snap. Next time is the second part of this arc, so check back for my review of "Spring Fever!" Later.