"Luvdisc is a Many Splendored Thing" Review (Pokémon Chronicles)

Only a few more episodes of Chronicles remaining; and apart from the Christmas special I haven't done, none of them are that good. This one I have a particular dislike for: let's open up "Luvdisc is a Many Splendored Thing" and explore why. Also, a word of caution- if you try to do shots every time they say "love" in this episode, you're likely going to be pretty darned hammered by the end of it.

The episode opens on Butch and Cassidy being tasked to steal a Luvdisc for Dr. Namba, and the message is hidden in an ice cream parfait this time. Not only is that somehow even a worse hiding spot than the fries last time (cold and electronics don't mix, nor do machines and hot fudge); I once again lament that when it does the Mission Impossible self-destruct, that it doesn't set off the sprinklers like in The Incredibles.

Also, rather than using it for his research; the plan is to, no kidding; "remove love from the world." Dude, have you heard of the things people say and do in some of these online imageboards? Much easier to disseminate that way,

Back in Cerulean City, Tracey has once again stopped by the gym to give a hand to Misty and Daisy. This time, it's because Violet and Lily are having a day of beauty; though depending on which version you're watching, it's either a pedicure or massage Lily is getting. Either way, glad I finally have an excuse to use this joke.

As for Misty's outfit in this episode- I don't much care for it. Yeah, some actually prefer this one to her standard outfit in Generation III; but I am not among them. It's a bit too preppy for my taste. Honestly prefer if she had her game counterpart's swimwear instead; or even a wetsuit variation (kind of like the one Lara Croft wore in the past). I mean, if you must diverge from her original gear; at least pick something that doesn't make her look like she's selling cookies outside a Safeway. 

Anyway, Daisy is trying to organize a new water show with two Luvdisc called Lovarin and Kasirin; but it turns out their real personalities are impacting their performances. Out of all the episodes that used this plot before and since, this has to be my least favorite. At least this Misty facepalm makes a good summary, and is easily the best part of a pretty lousy episode.

"Better than the main series? You all must be joking."

Before that happens, Butch and Cassidy abscond with the Luvdisc, causing Daisy to give chase with Misty and Tracey! Daisy takes up the role of "High-Speed Hannah" before going after Team Rocket in a car chase that's actually one of the more tolerable parts of the episode.

Going underwater, the chase continues by boat; which Daisy just happened to have in her car. How convenient! Turns out that Butch and Cassidy anticipated this; and trap them inside! Even though they only have the Luvdisc to bail them out; Butch and Cassidy don't really actively keep watch over Misty, Daisy and Tracey. They don't even leave them with the one inept guard.

Conveniently, Kasarin and Lovarin reconcile just in time to escape and send Team Rocket blasting off; in lieu of their other monsters back at the gym. We close on the new play being a big hit; with special thanks to the Luvdisc rekindling their relationship. OK, I'll give it that at least.

"Luvdisc is a Many Splendored Thing" is less "The Notebook" and more a cheesy Hallmark Channel special in terms of quality; sporting some banal plotting and truly mediocre animation. I once again question those watching it as an alternative to the main series actually paid much attention to it; and will even go so far to suggest those who think it's better than the main anime clearly haven't actually seen the problems with it as I have. What truly makes it disappointing is that this is the final performance of Rachael Lillis as Misty in the dub; before she was recast along with everyone else going forward. Once again, I'm not going to even acknowledge that as such; and instead choose her departure as "Gotta Catch Ya Later" as a better story and better performance. There's some occasional decent moments, but you're honestly not missing anything if you skip it.

Post-review follow-up: most annoying character of the episode goes to Butch and Cassidy for their plan; yet again. I'm actually kind of glad that Journeys showed they finally retired from Team Rocket to become a baker and a conceptual artist.

Next Chronicles review is on "Those Darn Electabuzz," the final damned appearance of that dang Casey. That will be all for now.