Welcome to my full look at Pokémon: To Be A Master! I have been wanting to address this anime for ages, so let’s start with “The Road Most Traveled!”
One aspect present throughout this event series is the use of the I Choose You version of the Pokémon Theme; and how it shows highlights over the last quarter-century via archive footage and photographs. Fitting bookend, as is this anime itself.
We open on Ash and Pikachu, who have returned home after the events of Journeys. The two goof with each other; and I honestly enjoy how this episode remixes ideas from “I Choose You,” and that won’t be the last time that parallel comes up. However, I do admit the keep away with the hat is silly; as is a bunch of Magikarp nibbling on the champ’s hindquarters.
I do like little details such using a branch as a dowsing rod to see which path to take; and when Oak comes to visit; how Mimey’s expression as he’s sweeping gives off Detective Pikachu movie vibes.
Elsewhere, the two swing around the forest; even mixing with a freshly-evolved Beedrill! Ash and Pikachu relax under the shade of a tree; and as they watch the clouds and Pokémon roll by; until a familiar Meowth drops in to visit!
As Meowth and Team Rocket try to make off with their prize; Ash sends out his Sceptile, Noivern and Donphan to reclaim Pikachu! They’re sent blasting off, and it won’t be the last time I address the rotation either. Also gives me plenty of ideas for fantasy rosters in the games.
We are then introduced to the catalyst for this miniseries- Latias! She ends up making a crash landing, and Ash makes a bond with her as he tends her wounds. Nearby, Jessie and James look on, and I still like the sass their Rotom Phone digital assistant has.
Likewise, I do find amusement in the anecdotes surrounding this miniseries; and I will address them more as I continue my look at it. The use of Latias in particular is interesting; and I like how it alludes to the fifth movie later on.
As they rest, it turns out that Buizel is also part of Ash’s rotation in this episode. Team Rocket tries to abscond with Ash and Latias; freezing them! Though they believe the rest of his Pokémon won’t attack when they have a captive; like a great many things; they’re wrong.
The capsule shatters; and a freed Latias takes flight with Ash on her back! Noivern sends their balloon blasting off; and as Latias keeps watch, one last ride has begun.
“The Road Most Traveled” marks a great start to this miniseries; and a fun episode on its own merit. Though I admittedly don’t know the long-term future of the anime; I do know I will enjoy this event for a long time; including covering the whole lot.
Next up: “A Fated Face-Off!” We open by the seaside, where Ash and Pikachu are exploring. He sends out his rotation, and the presence of Totodile is a tip-off about which episode this is homaging. We also see Corphish, Leavanny, and Rowlet in the roster today.
As they look at the sea, a mischievous Clauncher starts up a ruckus, and Ash gets another one who wants to catch it- His old friend Misty and her Psyduck!
He is caught by one of her special lures; which acts as a prelude to a fishing duel! This is one aspect that parallels “The Totodile Duel,” one of my favorites of that season. I also like this part of Rowlet perching on her head- cute birb.
Misty is by the ocean because she’s adventuring again, giving the reins of her gym to Daisy, Violet and Lily. She was even inspired by her old friend and new champ- How about that? The duel begins, and he has a Cilan lure! We’ll come back to him next time. Now, comes the waiting part of the duel.
Nearby, a familiar looking submersible raises its periscope. I have no formal opinion on the soundalikes for James and Meowth; so let’s continue.
Misty hooks the Clauncher, and the Rocket Rotom Phone gives them a tip about the monster. Misty splashes into the water; and when Ash hooks Clauncher, he falls in after the beast literally digs in its heels. Misty’s expression is also a callback I missed initially.
Corphish also wants to have a go at Clauncher, which is the second aspect of this episode that parallels The Totodile Duel. However, Team Rocket tries to make off with their catch! They aren’t successful, as they haven’t eaten all day; something I haven’t mentioned. Corphish frees Clauncher; and before they’re sent blasting off, I really love the use of classic music from the original series. Same with the anime finally canonizing Misty’s title as the “Tomboyish Mermaid.”
Despite a valiant effort from Ash’s Corphish, Misty ultimately wins the battle and the Clauncher, thanks to Politoed! As for his title- I fully understand the joke; and that’s all I will see it as. A casual fishing match isn’t exactly the same as the World Coronation Series- it’d be like saying playing Smash Bros competitively is the same as messing around in a common room after about six Mountain Dew Code Reds.
We close on Ash and Misty reuniting officially, and deciding to travel together again. As for that claim of him “retiring” without fixing the damage done to her bike- False: He had it fixed up at the end of Johto.
“A Fated Faceoff” is fittingly fun as a fishing folly; if you’ll pardon the alliteration. Remixing elements from “The Totodile Duel,” it’s a nice; relaxing episode in this care package to longtime fans.
Next is “Must Be Our Heroes and the Witch!” This time, we get two companions joining us; so let’s begin. We open on Ash and Misty looking for a place to eat, and finding a cafe where their old friend Brock is working! He has eyes for the waitress, but much to his dismay; she’s taken and engaged.
This puts him in a blue funk for much of the episode, though Ash and Misty do encourage him to cheer up. They’re also joined by his friend Cilan, and feel free to insert a “Unova confirmed” joke as I have.
As for mention of that fishing tourney he did with Brock- you either saw that special or you didn’t. I’m just glad they got the VAs back, especially Jason Griffiths. Misty doesn’t take kindly to his “weak tea” comment though. Her Psyduck pops out for evaluation, and it’s a great scene honestly.
Anyway, Cilan notices Brock bringing on the heartbreak; and decides to bring him to a nearby flower field; with a familiar trio not far behind. However, an ominous Hatterene is watching from the forest; and casts its will on Brock! Ash scans the witch with Rotom Phone, and chases his friend into the trees! Cilan helps with his detective persona, much to Misty’s dismay. I am working on finishing Detective Pikachu Returns; and I hope the next movie and/or spinoff event are back on track after the strikes.
He deduces the forest witch feeds on negative emotion, and they all must help their friend before it’s too late! This preying on feeling is game-accurate too. A Hatenna appears, and this basic form will be important too. Brock’s signature is picked up, and a Hattrem is in play as well! Their search makes them all hungry; and I like the allusion to the Galarian Darumaka box lunch (implying that M15 is still canon).
Hatterene starts messing with everyone, showing the others what they desire. I especially like Cilan being tempted by subway bosses Ingo and Emmet After everyone snaps out of their trance; Cilan suggests using Hatterene to help snap Brock out of his.
With the combined power of Pikachu and Hatenna, and an assist from Cilan’s Pansage, the curse is broken! Brock then treats its wounds and apologizes for the trouble he caused. Team Rocket also gets mixed up with the witch; but that’s another story.
We close on Cilan leaving, giving everyone “Best Wishes” (prefer that to the 2023 series), and Brock rejoins Ash and Misty! We’ll all fly away together, in that big beautiful sky…
“Must Be Our Heroes and the Witch” is flat-out magic in the span of 22 minutes, featuring the best of both the old and new of this anime. Also helps the Hatterene line is one that has a lot ways you can use them for stories; and regardless of my feelings toward the new anime; I hope the new kid enjoys the one they caught.
Next up- hunkering in for the cold weather with “Bearing Down Easy!” We open on a snowy mountain peak, where they’re set to observe Magikarp climbing a waterfall to become Gyarados! Like that nod to the myth of a fish becoming a dragon by climbing one. Oshawott is part of the rotation this time, as are Snorlax, Talonflame, and Incineroar! Also, I just realized that Ash has multiple reps that are in Super Smash Bros.
However, the waterfall is frozen solid; leading to our subject for this episode- a Beartic that Ash helps to learn focus in its ice power. Misty also has her Starmie back from the gym, and Brock has his Forretress. Beartic isn’t used to having visitors; so before helping Beartic, they decide to observe from afar. Ash is able to get through to Beartic’s icy heart; and he didn’t even need a cool island song! Ash then proposes an exercise to help focus his power- making shells with ice!
There’s a cave-in beneath their feet; and conveniently, Ash is injured in the fall! Beartic is moved by Ash’s encouragement; and is able to focus its power to make a ladder out of ice!
As Brock removes Ash’s shoe to check his ankle (don’t worry- he’ll be fine by the next episode); Beartic lets out a triumphant roar! I will also note that I really like the designs of Misty and Brock’s winter gear. It’s not exactly like their Pokémon Let’s Go designs, but it’s close. We close on the forest Pokémon being impressed by Beartic’s new skill, and seeing the Magikarp climb the waterfall!
“Bearing Down Easy” is like a warm serving of hot chocolate on a cold day- sometimes, you just want something relaxing and sweet. It’s also another step towards what it really means to be a master; before we’ll be writing a brand new chapter.
Next up- “A Squad’s Worth of Passion!” We open on a harbor town, and I honestly like how they set up the supporting monsters here. Soon, they catch word of their old friends; the Squritle Squad in town!
They’re part of a new stage show; and I get to celebrate the milestones of two beloved series, as we get some flashbacks to Ash’s past partnership. He also has Bulbasaur and Charizard on hand! However, there’s something very familiar about their promoters; and shady. Still have nice looking shades and other swag though.
They try to say hi after the show; but “Team Ignition” won’t let them talk to their friends! That alone tells them something is up. As everyone else regroups at a nearby restaurant, Meowth has an even more sinister plan!
Ash, Brock and Misty also help contain the fire and rescue the trapped Pokémon with their own monsters! Nothing like a literal trial by fire to help make nice.
We close on the Squirtle Squad returning to their post as firefighters, and Ash getting his own kudos as world champion.
It’s about gold danged time.
“A Squad Worth of Passion” is well worth your time; being the ideal return of some of the most-loved characters in the series. This is easily the remix of “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad” I’ve been wanting to talk about for ages.
Next up- “The Same Moon, Now and Forever!” This is easily one of the best episodes of this event series; and it remixes easily my favorite episode of the Indigo League. Let’s open it up.
We open on a field where Ash and Pikachu are resting; while Misty and Brock are setting up for a picnic. However, through a series of bizarre events; the Team Rocket mech explodes; separating Meowth and Pikachu from the others; and taking Ash’s hat with them!
Meowth and Pikachu, of course, form a reluctant alliance to reunite with their partners; and as their partners search for them; I quickly realized this is a remix of “Pikachu’s Goodbye,” and has remixed elements from other stories as well.
Case in point- when a Spearow is hurt and separated from its flock; and when a Rattata needs food; he helps tend its wounds and gives Rattata the cheese he had in his bag. This part is a reversal of I Choose You, and it won’t be the last. Let’s just say this isn’t the same kid who was throwing rocks or shooing them out of his bag years ago.
The way that the two of them are able to follow similar paths is quite heartwarming; especially as each group stops to rest for the night. As Ash has dinner with Brock and Misty; he looks at the moon and we get a reel of highlights from past adventures over the years. The use of instrumental music from the I Choose You movie is a nice touch. He vows to continue his search in the morning.
The morning comes; and as if by the will of their bond; and with a little assist from Latias; Ash and Pikachu are reunited! He places his hat on his head, Team Rocket gives Meowth a hoist in their balloon; and we close on Ash and Pikachu being fittingly described by the narrator as “the best of friends, now and forever.”
“The Same Moon, Now and Forever” is a wonderful successor to “Pikachu’s Goodbye” and an example of an everlasting friendship. I will address this more in the finale; but whatever happens next on their journey; they will face it together.
We open on some Wailmer by the sea; and everyone has come to observe them! Just then, Ash’s old Lapras is in the area! It turns out Lapras needs his help; so he climbs onboard to lend a hand!
They’re led to a cave by an inlet; where a Wailmer is stuck inside! That’s a simple enough idea- to get it out. How they will actually do so is much trickier. Latias looks overhead, and Team Rocket watches from their Magikarp sub down below.
Ash’s roster includes his Kingler and his champion Sirfetch’d to help get Wailmer out of the hole they’re stuck in. Heracross also lifts Ash out of the cave, and not only is his height accurate to the Pokédex; he and Ash are about the same height. How about that? He also has Bayleef in his roster. He and Misty fish Warlord out of the hole; but the joy overcomes the calf till it becomes a Wailord and gets stuck again. Oops.
After a brief Brock face from everyone, now they have to get the big balloon again. Pikachu pounces on the Magikarp sub; and ropes their old “frenemies” into helping extract Wailord. Ash also has Torterra, which now knows Frenzy Plant! Certainly would have come in handy in Sinnoh; and I will give myself a reminder to reinstall and 100% BDSP.
After much heaving, and an assist from Lapras’ Ice Beam and the other Wailord; they’re all free! We close on everyone going their merry way; and when they ask if they couldn’t have just caught Wailord to get out- good question. I’d ask the same thing about a Lapras joining the Brave Olivine crew just because the plot demands it.
Next up- “Getting to the Heart of it All!” This is going to be another episode I’ve been eager to address a while. We open on our heroes passing through a new town, with Misty loving the heart-shaped decoration in her hair. However, all is not well, as a rash of burglaries have taken place; with a Banette as the culprit.
Ash sends out his champion Gengar to lend a hand! As Banette flees from the house; the ghost pulls out an old photograph. I also like how the shadow homages the mystery ghost before you get the Silph Scope. Insert “Game Freak does not forget” joke here.
As Ash looks up the information about Banette being an abandoned plush doll on his Pokédex; they all decide to have dinner at the Pokémon Center before determining their next move. Brock hits on Nurse Joy, resulting in a Poison Jab to the ribs from Croagunk.
Banette continues rifling through houses; as the photo it was hold blows into Brock’s hands! As he notices something about the girl in the picture; Misty is chased for her hair tie! The chase leads them to an old house outside town.
Everyone reaches the old house to return the photograph; along with bequeathing the hair tie to Banette. Even more, Ash offers to help find the girl in the picture; who’s now all grown up.
After searching all over, it turns out that the girl in the photo who had the plush was Nurse Joy all along! Also, young Joy in this ep kind of looks like Anya from Spy X Family. Not into that one, but I understand the appeal at least. We close on Joy reuniting with Banette, and the two working together at the Pokémon Center from that day forward.
“Getting to the Heart of it All” is a wholesome outing that makes a heartwarming experience out of the monsters and material provided; just the thing to help start closing out this anime.
Next up: “Rocket Revengers.” We open on Ash, Brock and Misty enjoying the weather; while looking at a familiar Delibird. It’s the one from Team Rocket; and gives them bento boxes and most of their previous Pokémon for one last score. Jessie reunites with her Seviper, Gourgeist, Frillish and Yanmega! James is reunited with his Mime Jr, Amoongus, Woobat, Yamask, Carnivine, Inkay and Morpeko! They declare themselvss the “Rocket Revengers!”
They’re then given a message by a gold statue of Giovanni; and given the OK for their last big score! It’s not the end I envisioned for them, but it’s close. They even recall their Arbok, Weezing, Victreebel, Lickitung Cacnea and Dustox.
As Mime Jr feigns weakness in front of Ash, Team Rocket makes their move! However, this is not the same person who beat them with a fried bicycle and spamming String Shot before. That aside, the game is officially on!
Ash and Pikachu don’t fall for Mime Jr’s bait; and now it’s an all-out brawl! Ash, Misty and Brock use all they have learned on their travels to fend off their attackers! Ash has his Infernape in his roster, and his Hawlucha! Nice combo; and if he ever makes a return; love to see what others might come.
Ash even saves a Slakoth during the battle! Latias even sends Team Rocket blasting off one last time; and commences “sight sharing” with Ash.
As Ash must help Latias’ brother Latios, Team Rocket officially goes their separate ways; ending a partnership that has lasted nearly a quarter-century.
Next up: “Ash and Latios!” Ash must free Latios and defeat his captor- a Pokémon Hunter who I shall call K. Latias reveals she was keeping Ash safe all this time; and Ash, having learned the sickening truth; decides to confront the Hunter.
One by one, the individual members of Team Rocket return to HQ; and I have something prepared. As Latios heals in a cave, Latias and the others vow to confront the Hunter K as soon as daylight breaks. Sure enough, the time has come! They reach the cave, and the battle with Hunter K has begun!
While Latios is hesitant to accept help, he does become more open after the Hunter attacks! His Hydreigon is not to be dealt with lightly at all. Ash then leaps onto the Hunter directly (still wonder if he has Hisuian ancestry); giving Latios an opening to free Latias and damage his gauntlet!
As Latios is healed, Ash sends out his Swellow to follow K! The two form a reluctant alliance to catch the Hunter. Brock and Misty follow on Steelix, and this chase through the bluffs is quite entertaining. With one direct Aura Sphere and Pikachu’s Iron Tail, the gauntlet is broken and the trapped monsters are freed!
Now, it’s time for a multi battle against K’s Hydreigon! With one last Aura Sphere, the Hunter and his mount are taken down and he’s arrested! Though Latios remains stoic as before, Latias silently thanks Ash for his help. We close on Latios and Latias returning home to Alto Mare, implying that this is the same Latias from the fifth movie and this Latios is reincarnated from before.
My look at To Be a Master, and this run of the anime concludes with “The Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!” All things considered, I still stand by this as an ideal way to end a functionally endless series. Let’s open it up and talk about it. The crossroads to Pallet Town once again see a mutual parting of ways for Misty, Brock and Ash;
as the latter runs all the way home again.
Greeted by Delia and Mimey, he and Pikachu share a bath; dinner and a long-earned rest. Honestly going to miss them, so here’s an easy joke of them doing a Pokémon Sleep any % playthrough.
He’s woken up the next morning, and told to get dressed before he sees Professor Oak! This is one of many aspects that bookends the first-ever episode; and it won’t be the last.
Likewise, the symbolism surrounding the new running shoes. On top of having the same sigil as his original hat; it’s a bit I’ve always liked about thematic costuming. I was even inspired to make my own on Nike ID!
He’s greeted by Tracey; and even he gets a few final words in! Still think his character was over-hated; and I might even do character analyses of all the mains now that it’s over (at least for now).
So, Ash has come to see the new starters before they’re chosen; but one is missing- a Charmander! Helped by his Pokémon as sentries, he finds them in a nearby crevasse! Ash helps Charmander, and he himself is helped out by Gary. He congratulates him on his tile; and asks him what the next step in his journey is. I will also note that he is now the only character to have kept his dub voice throughout the entire show; as this marks the last time James Carter Cathcart voices the character before retiring.
Back at the lab, the professor gives them their checkup and a clean bill of health; as Gary heads off on his next research mission. Ash then ponders his next move before joining Pikachu for dinner.
What follows are the salad days- a long-awaited and much-deserved rest after the long strange trip it’s been. Tracey even returns from his research, with his Venonat now a Venomoth!
Team Rocket then decides to give things one last try after a chance meeting in the HQ mess hall. Given how the new series has used characters from before quite sparingly; I still stand by the fact that after their last defeat here; the trio is functionally disbanded.
Ash even reunites with Pidgeot after all these years! As for any translation discourse; I do recall in Pallet Party Panic that they agreed to reunite once his task of protecting the wilds was done. So, what they told each other was true; from a certain point of view.
Taking shelter from the rain, Ash and Pikachu ruminate on their long strange trip. As the rain parts to reveal a rainbow; Ash realizes that becoming champion and “catching ‘em all” are only two pieces to the puzzle of being a master. He wants to have Pikachu by his side when he finds the way; whether it’s in Kanto; Paldea or beyond. At the same time, I believe he has; especially when he mentions his experiences in this anime. Whether it’s helping a Latios who’s in trouble, tending the wounds of an injured Spearow or giving food to a hungry Rattata. This is not the same kid who hurled his clock at the wall all those years ago- He made it. Congratulations, old friend.
We close with Ash donning the new running shoes alongside Pikachu; and tossing a stick in the air as a dowsing rod; with his mother remarking; “and the journey continues.” The final moments honestly make sense to me: He was always more interested in the journey than its destination; and it’s time to wrap this up.
This episode, and by proxy this miniseries; are the ideal way to close the book on this chapter of the anime; and make an ideal template to revisit it should the opportunity arise. However it does, I will cherish this for a long time. I’m not sad that this phase of the story is over, but glad I got a chance to experience it; and share my thoughts with you all.
As for the new series- I have decided that I will hold off on officially reviewing it until after it debuts in the US in February 2024; and pivot to covering the video games and legacy adaptations for now. Though I may have mixed feelings towards the new adaptation; my fandom as a whole has not wavered.
Thank you, treasured friends.
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