The Pokémon Series has enjoyed vast success and engagement from fans over the years, yet it has sometimes felt repetitive in its storytelling approach. Fortunately, a pivotal season of the anime broke this mold, bringing a refreshing change that ultimately enhanced the viewing experience.
For the initial six seasons, Ash’s journey followed a familiar pattern: traveling with 2-3 friends, earning badges, and preparing for league tournaments. However, with the introduction of Pokémon Sun & Moon, this structure dramatically changed. Instead of wandering from town to town, Ash found himself enrolled in a Pokémon school in the Alola region, living under the mentorship of Professor Kukui. This shift mirrored the gameplay changes of the Sun and Moon titles, which abandoned the conventional badge-collecting system. As a result, the Alola anime was granted the freedom to explore its rich narrative and cultural landscapes in unprecedented ways.
A Positive Shift from Tradition
Expanded Storytelling Opportunities
By the seventh generation, Pokémon’s established formula had started to feel worn out — Ash had accumulated 48 badges (and 52 if counting the Orange Islands), making it clear that a new direction was needed. Rather than repeat past tropes, the creators of Sun and Moon seized the opportunity to place Ash in a classroom setting.
While it may seem odd for a seasoned trainer like Ash to attend a basic Pokémon school, Alola introduced him to innovative approaches, such as absence of a traditional Pokémon League. The school structure allowed Ash to navigate his new adventures while still encountering various challenges during his free time. Moreover, his relationship with Professor Kukui enabled a balanced exploration of Alola at a personalized pace.
Exploring Alola’s Unique Culture
A Region with a Unique Identity
The Sun and Moon games emphasized the distinctiveness of the Alola region, drawing on the rich cultural traditions and unique perspectives locals held toward Pokémon. In prior seasons, Ash’s travels lacked geographical and cultural differentiation, leading to a bland representation of different regions. The environments blended together, making them nearly indistinguishable without Ash’s changing attire.
In contrast, Alola offered a vibrant setting, echoing the essence of Hawaiian culture. This new region, designed with its own identity, featured tropical landscapes and a relaxed vibe. Instead of typical gym battles, Ash faced a coming-of-age trial system involving unique challenges spread across the islands. The significance of these trials resonated throughout the storyline, particularly illustrated by characters like Guzma, who struggled with his own trials.
By situating Ash within the Alola community, he immersed himself in its culture, enabling viewers to grasp the region’s intricacies. Lessons from his friends and Kikui at school, as well as experiences with local folklore featuring the Island Guardians, enriched Ash’s connection to Alola, allowing him to form genuine emotional bonds with its inhabitants.
Enhanced Character Development in Sun & Moon
Relationships Built on a Strong Foundation
A recurring challenge in storytelling is the transient nature of characters in traveled narratives, leaving friends behind in favor of new locations. This was often evident in the previous Pokémon series, which introduced numerous one-off characters. In Alola, however, this cycle was interrupted, allowing for continuous relationships as Ash remained rooted in one place. The Sun & Moon series effectively created a robust cast of recurring characters, transforming those who would have otherwise been side characters into integral parts of the story.
With this newfound depth, Ash’s classmates and the school community evolved alongside him. Professor Kukui, the most featured professor in the series, developed a strong bond with Ash, creating heartfelt interactions that fans cherished. Key subplots emerged for various characters, such as Sophocles’ adventures with Charjabug and Vikavolt, Lillie’s family storyline, and the reveal of Kukui’s heroic alter ego, the Masked Royal. Even Kukui’s romance with Burnett added emotional layers, culminating in their wedding and the birth of their child.
Through Ash’s significant ties, both the core characters and the Alola region itself underwent profound development, marking a distinct departure from previous anime seasons. While some viewers criticized the art style and changes in formula introduced by Sun & Moon, these innovations brought a revitalized experience that longtime fans desperately craved. Ultimately, both Ash and the Pokémon franchise benefited from this transformation, and the series deserves recognition for its daring evolution.
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