Dedicated to the memory of my brother, Sean Qualkinbush
July 18, 1997- August 15, 2021
Alola everyone, and welcome to my look at the Pokémon Sun and Moon: Ultra Legends episode “Memories in the Mist.” This is an episode that I’ve been prepping to talk about for a very long time, so let’s get started.
The episode picks up where the previous one left off, with Kiawe recounting the events that have passed. It’s here that we reveal what this entire arc has been building towards. Kiawe’s late grandfather knew Sofu, who is revealed to have passed on prior to the events of the story.
Mallow, upon hearing this, suddenly leaves the Pokémon Center; followed by Lana. Here, she opens up about her mother: Aina. When she was younger, Aina was very ill; but she would still take walks with Mallow. It turns out that she’s also the one that caught her Bounsweet as a little girl.
Despite being hospitalized, her condition did not improve over time; culminating in an argument when they last saw each other. While the episode does not mention the exact illness, its messaging is quite clear: Mallow never got the chance to properly say goodbye to Aina and regretted it deeply, as Lana consoles her. Given the events of the past year or so, this story thread is especially meaningful.
Later on, everyone heads to Hapu’s farm; and although Mallow tries to claim otherwise, it’s clear that she wants to see her mother again, and Lana knows it. She’s not the only one: Gladion believes that the mist emitted by Tapu-Fini can help him see his father; Mohn.
Everyone lends a hand to tend to the Poni Radishes, and it’s a nice little moment. Elsewhere, Gladion is training in the area nearby as Tapu-Fini’s mist starts rolling over the island! The mist envelops Gladion, Lillie, Mallow, Ash and the Pokémon near them. The reason is this- the power of Tapu-Fini has presented them with the means to see lost loved ones. As a line between life and afterlife; it’s implemented in a similar vein to the Force ghosts in Star Wars and the Ancestral Plane in Black Panther.
Hapu realizes something is amiss, and goes to the Ruins of Hope to investigate. Ash is greeted by the elder Stoutland that was Torracat’s mentor and surrogate father; and its spectral essence has one last piece of knowledge to impart- the move Fire Blast! This also reveals, subtly, that Ash’s father is still alive and on his own journey; with one guess about his identity now off the table.
Elsewhere, Gladion and his sister Lillie find each other in the mist. Though the two are glad to see each other, they have yet to find their father Mohn. I also note how effective the mist is in this episode, presenting a more muted take on the usual color palette. This keeps the mood consistent, and the usual tone doesn’t return till this story is resolved.
Now, comes the scene which is the emotional center of this story: Mallow’s reunion with her mother Aina. The two embrace, and she lets out all the feelings she had been holding back; throughout her entire character arc if not longer. She comes to terms with her loss, and the way this story deals with grief played in a largely realistic fashion. It manifests in different ways for each character experiencing it; and even though death isn’t typically a common subject matter for a “kid” anime, it acknowledges how often that the hardest thing one can do is forgiving yourself.
Mallow thanks Aina for how grateful she is to call her her mother; as a garden of Gracidea flowers bloom amongst them. Hapu, realizing the truth, decides to confront Tapu-Fini. This serves as a parallel to the others’ arc; sending out her Golurk to face the guardian in battle directly. At that moment, the essence of her late grandfather Sofu appears before her; meaning she’s finally being recognized as the Island Kahuna.
The mist slowly recedes as the departed ascend back to another plane of existence. As Aina leaves in a sparkle of dust, Mallow finally gets the chance to say goodbye to her properly. Bidding her farewell, a Shaymin appears in the field of flowers. (Sniffs) This anime is a masterstroke of storytelling, I just can’t be the only one who sees that.
As everyone reunites, Hapu rejoins the the group, stating that she’s been recognized as the new Island Kahuna of Poni Island. Moreover, Hapu realizes that Mohn is still alive and out there somewhere. With this, Mallow agrees to stay with Shaymin for now, and Hapu agrees to take Ash up for his last Grand Trial! As the closing credits roll, this has easily joined the list of the best episodes of this season; and one of the best incarnations of the series to date.
“Memories in the Mist” is easily one of the best episodes of the Sun and Moon series; and easily ranks among the best entries in the entire Pokémon franchise. A series that was once thought of being little more than a quick cash-in on Yo-Kai Watch has now surpassed those expectations to become not just a great Pokémon story; but one of my favorite takes on any long-running series in recent memory. I haven’t really done a whole “1001 Animations” like others have; but this episode is going in the same vault of honor that I’ve held shows such as “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and “Batman: The Animated Series” for years to come. From its animation to how it conveys its message, it really is that good. Thank you for letting me share it with you all, and I will see you again soon. Alola.
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