Ignition
We are so back Zygardebros
Title is self explanatory.
I personally like battles that have more than "I have to win just to win". Those with more than just losing a league or being a loser in general being on the line.
That's why my favorite episode in the entire series (Battling a Thaw in Relations, and, by association, its 2 predecessors) is the best and there's not a single episode that can best it.
This is, IMO, Ash's most important battle as a Trainer. He's had this battle- both literal and philosophical- with Paul since the start of his Sinnoh adventure. It hasn't been just "Battle me? Ha! I win" (which is the basis of literally every other one of Ash's rivalries with maybe Gary as a gray area). It's about how their contrasting their training techniques are. It has much more focus than most interactions in the series. Not only has it caused both to think about it, but it impacted others around them. People like Dawn, Maylene, Reggie, Zoey, hell even the Champion got involved. And, while mainly Chimchar and, to a lesser extent Pikachu were personally invested, all of Ash's Pokemon (except Gible lol) were motivated to beat Paul. Paul also had a growing and reluctant respect for Ash. But all of this is spread out perfectly throughout DP. And the aforementioned trilogy of episode put all this on the line with an intense climax. I remember rushing home from school to watch each SL episode and my heart was thumping as it felt either could win. And, when it reaches Infernape vs Electivire, you can see everyone who was aware of this rivalry being invested into this final clash. The final scene with Ash and Paul pulls together everything and leaves it on a great note. You feel satisfied after a great storyline mixed with intense battles.
So, TL; DR, I'm all for battles with more on the line for both participants. And Ash vs Gladion has the potential to have a similar story line.
Excuses my Sinnoh rant
I personally like battles that have more than "I have to win just to win". Those with more than just losing a league or being a loser in general being on the line.
That's why my favorite episode in the entire series (Battling a Thaw in Relations, and, by association, its 2 predecessors) is the best and there's not a single episode that can best it.
This is, IMO, Ash's most important battle as a Trainer. He's had this battle- both literal and philosophical- with Paul since the start of his Sinnoh adventure. It hasn't been just "Battle me? Ha! I win" (which is the basis of literally every other one of Ash's rivalries with maybe Gary as a gray area). It's about how their contrasting their training techniques are. It has much more focus than most interactions in the series. Not only has it caused both to think about it, but it impacted others around them. People like Dawn, Maylene, Reggie, Zoey, hell even the Champion got involved. And, while mainly Chimchar and, to a lesser extent Pikachu were personally invested, all of Ash's Pokemon (except Gible lol) were motivated to beat Paul. Paul also had a growing and reluctant respect for Ash. But all of this is spread out perfectly throughout DP. And the aforementioned trilogy of episode put all this on the line with an intense climax. I remember rushing home from school to watch each SL episode and my heart was thumping as it felt either could win. And, when it reaches Infernape vs Electivire, you can see everyone who was aware of this rivalry being invested into this final clash. The final scene with Ash and Paul pulls together everything and leaves it on a great note. You feel satisfied after a great storyline mixed with intense battles.
So, TL; DR, I'm all for battles with more on the line for both participants. And Ash vs Gladion has the potential to have a similar story line.
Excuses my Sinnoh rant