The Traitorous Battle Royal! (1199)

[Evstike]

dang this was heat. This episode did a great job at providing insight into each of the characters, such as highlighting the differences between Goh and Tokio. Interesting to see how all aspects of Goh's character were touched upon such as his analytical and logical approach, tendency to get easily agitated, frustration over getting one-upped by others like Gary and his distrust of others, with the latter being a strength here by allowing him to see right through Layla's trap. His fixation on proving himself to Gary causing him to disregard the other challengers reminded me of how he was so caught up on making Mew his first Pokemon that he turned down Scorbunny's desire to be his partner. Very meta. Gary really lives rent free in this kid's head, doesn't he?

Goh's speech to Tokio was such a powerful scene, encouraging him not to give up on his dream even if means giving up his own chance at winning. Goh's reaction to his loss was reasonable, feeling happy for his friend but clearly still hurt and maybe even a bit of regret. The awkwardness of his dialogue with Tokio after as he tried to process what it meant for him was very realistic and and showed how much Goh has developed since the start but how he still has ways to go. I'd like to take a moment to appreciate the stunning backgrounds that really brought the Sea Mauville to life. Good stuff.

Now what the heck were they doing with Ash. The kid just officially became one of the strongest trainers in the world and he's a complete idiot. When Asahi held him back from participating in the mission he looked so confused, and when she released the hordes of Pokemon to make the trial more challenging he looked at her like she killed someone. He's like that one kid in class who's constantly raising his hand to ask the dumbest questions. Ash is literally a Masters 8 member and yet you'd think he'd never fought a battle in his life given the way this episode portrayed him.

 

[Speed22]

Now what the heck were they doing with Ash. The kid just officially became one of the strongest trainers in the world and he's a complete idiot. When Asahi held him back from participating in the mission he looked so confused, and when she released the hordes of Pokemon to make the trial more challenging he looked at her like she killed someone. He's like that one kid in class who's constantly raising his hand to ask the dumbest questions. Ash is literally a Masters 8 member and yet you'd think he'd never fought a battle in his life given the way this episode portrayed him.

Well, Ash hadn't been denied entry into a Project Mew mission/challenge before this episode. As for the 2nd part, did anyone mention in the episode what Asahi was going to do?

 

[Blue Saturday]

I think my favorite aspect of this episode was Go’s distrust of others came in play in a good way here with him being leery of those other kids meanwhile Tokio’s empathy lead him to a dangerous and bad situation. It’s kind of funny, it was the opposite before with Go’s lack of trust in proper teamwork causing issues with the Raid Battle and it was Tokio’s ability to trust Shigeru and so fast that was rewarded. That’s how you do more 3-dimensional character writing. No hard and fast rules but a case-by-case basis. It’s rare to see such a pure character landing themselves in a tough spot and seeing a protagonist’s more negative flaws being portrayed as an advantage. It gave a nice flip turn to Go’s issues with others and social behaviors.

Also Go had every reason to be a bit selfish or entitled given he too the lead in dealing with the kids but encouraged and validated Tokio. Tokio himself went from being the Celebi kid who was his childhood friend to being more than I thought he would. I do wish we got more character depth like this for Satoshi but I know they can’t due to his position as a character and marketing so I’m glad they’re flexing their muscles with that with Go. Koharu also felt a bit “alternative” too before later in the series. I do like how they rely on secondary characters to do more soulful character driven stories like these while using Satoshi as more of a vehicle to show off the Pokémon aspect of things.


I’m still also not unconvinced by this episode Project Mew could turn out to be not so what it’s cracked up to be, the leader in particular and nature of this challenge was interesting.

 

[Evstike]

Well, Ash hadn't been denied entry into a Project Mew mission/challenge before this episode. As for the 2nd part, did anyone mention in the episode what Asahi was going to do?

While it's understandable that being denied entry when he was allowed into all the other missions would come as a surprise, Goh isn't allowed to participate in his PWC matches so I don't get why he was so disappointed about not being able to insert himself into Goh's goal. He clearly saw Asahi release the Pokemon and what she was doing should have been very obvious yet he still expressed frustration and digust(?) after she explained how she did it for the purpose of testing them for the skills required to be a Chaser. The way it was presented made it seem like Ash didn't trust Goh enough to be capable of handling it and I don't think that was the intention which is why I have issues with the scene. From here on out, not everything will come easy and Ash of everyone should know this very well.

 

[SerGoldenhandtheJust]

The issue is that the struggles don't feel as impactful. Especially if he is still earning multiple tokens even if he failed the mission. Clearly they are not gonna give him a big loss because they started and develop project mew late in the series and there is no time

That's honestly subjective, to me they felt pretty impactful, especially his desperation in today's episode. Like I stated earlier as to why him getting zero tokens would be illogical, I'm so happy they have had PM constantly be a struggle for him and when he did succeed he did it off his own accord and skills

 

[Speed22]

While it's understandable that being denied entry when he was allowed into all the other missions would come as a surprise, Goh isn't allowed to participate in his PWC matches so I don't get why he was so disappointed about not being able to insert himself into Goh's goal. He clearly saw Asahi release the Pokemon and what she was doing should have been very obvious yet he still expressed frustration and digust(?) after she explained how she did it for the purpose of testing them for the skills required to be a Chaser. The way it was presented made it seem like Ash didn't trust Goh enough to be capable of handling it and I don't think was the intention which is why I have issues with the scene. From here on out, not everything will come easy and Ash of everyone should know this very well.

Imagine if that leads to Ash being the one who's suspicious of an organisation for once, lol. All jokes aside, it did appear to be weird, but it's not the weirdest thing the writers have done this series.

 

[Gingertail24]

That's honestly subjective, to me they felt pretty impactful, especially his desperation in today's episode. Like I stated earlier as to why him getting zero tokens would be illogical, I'm so happy they have had PM constantly be a struggle for him and when he did succeed he did it off his own accord and skills

I understand your point. But to me it just feels like dawn messing up on a contest but still be rewarded a ribbon. And I'm only saying this because I agree that goh reaching Articuno, and being the second runner up is warranted for tokens. Having none would be unfair

But I'm saying that the failures should of occured before he is basically close to the end goal of PM. I feel that they are just giving him tokens is because the show is about to end. They don't have time for goh to lose and be behind. Same reason why ash isn't gonna lose a M8 match.

They should of made him lose tokens early on, not when he is two missions away from being a chaser. It just feels like too little to late by this point. I mean sure it's better than nothing, but still.

 

[SerGoldenhandtheJust]

I understand your point. But to me it just feels like dawn messing up on a contest but still be rewarded a ribbon. And I'm only saying this because I agree that goh reaching Articuno, and being the second runner up is warranted for tokens. Having none would be unfair

But I'm saying that the failures should of occured before he is basically close to the end goal of PM. I feel that they are just giving him tokens is because the show is about to end. They don't have time for goh to lose and be behind. Same reason why ash isn't gonna lose a M8 match.

They should of made him lose tokens early on, not when he is two missions away from being a chaser. It just feels like too little to late by this point. I mean sure it's better than nothing, but still.

The thing is tokens and ribbons aren't really the same, the ribbons are the be-it-all basically, while tokens are awarded based on performance, even if one didn't succeed they'll get tokens if they showed skill. The more skill you have, the more tokens. It's a different reward/ranking system than contests so equating the two is a false equivalence in my eyes
We saw Goh get clowned on and struggle in the first PM episode, we see him almost fail the A. Ninetales episode, he needed to perform well and actually succeed in the next 2 low tier PM missions to show progression from that, before the high tier missions start giving him trouble and almost make him lose, until he finally pulls through
I agree with you more PM episodes would have been perfect to flesh it out more and PM should have begun around ep50 rather than in the seventies, but I do think the arc was still well done in making Goh struggle to get to the position

 

[Gingertail24]

The thing is tokens and ribbons aren't really the same, the ribbons are the be-it-all basically, while tokens are awarded based on performance, even if one didn't succeed they'll get tokens if they showed skill. The more skill you have, the more tokens. It's a different reward/ranking system than contests so equating the two is a false equivalence in my eyes
We saw Goh get clowned on and struggle in the first PM episode, we see him almost fail the A. Ninetales episode, he needed to perform well and actually succeed in the next 2 low tier PM missions to show progression from that, before the high tier missions start giving him trouble and almost make him lose, until he finally pulls through
I agree with you more PM episodes would have been perfect to flesh it out more and PM should have begun around ep50 rather than in the seventies, but I do think the arc was still well done in making Goh struggle to get to the position

The contest wasn't supposed to be a one to one comparison. More to just get my point across. But yeah I could of used a better example, you got me there

I'm not denying that goh doesn't struggle. My problem is that, at the end of the day, goh doesn't really fail. For example, I think the contest example actually works for this lol. Imagine if dawn struggle in the beginning of her contest arc had her not lose a single contest. Yeah she struggled, but she was always rewarded a ribbon. (Ik it's different from PM, but that's not my point). It wouldn't be as impactful, because at the end of the day, she still got what she wanted, a ribbon

Or if Serena won a key after fennekin tripped. Would the crying scene really be effective if she still got a princess key? Of course not. Because her struggle had bigger consequences and impact. Major ones.

Yes goh struggle. But at the end of the day, of he is still rewarded tokens, multiple ones in fact, it just doesn't feel like he really had a setback. It doesn't feel that much impactful

Or imagine if Ash struggle with the bond thing with Greninja. But instead of losing the battle to Sawyer and the ice gym leader (forgot his name), he won. Would it really feel impactful? No, because ash still won the battle. That's my issue with Goh still getting tokens. But by this point the show can't do that because it's too late. So we're just gonna keep seeing goh win them even if he screws up majorrly

 

[SerGoldenhandtheJust]

The contest wasn't supposed to be a one to one comparison. More to just get my point across. But yeah I could of used a better example, you got me there

I'm not denying that goh doesn't struggle. My problem is that, at the end of the day, goh doesn't really fail. For example, I think the contest example actually works for this lol. Imagine if dawn struggle in the beginning of her contest arc had her not lose a single contest. Yeah she struggled, but she was always rewarded a ribbon. (Ik it's different from PM, but that's not my point). It wouldn't be as impactful, because at the end of the day, she still got what she wanted, a ribbon

Or if Serena won a key after fennekin tripped. Would the crying scene really be effective if she still got a princess key? Of course not. Because her struggle had bigger consequences and impact. Major ones.

Yes goh struggle. But at the end of the day, of he is still rewarded tokens, multiple ones in fact, it just doesn't feel like he really had a setback. It doesn't feel that much impactful

Or imagine if Ash struggle with the bond thing with Greninja. But instead of losing the battle to Sawyer and the ice gym leader (forgot his name), he won. Would it really feel impactful? No, because ash still won the battle. That's my issue with Goh still getting tokens. But by this point the show can't do that because it's too late. So we're just gonna keep seeing goh win them even if he screws up majorrly

Well like I said, it's subjective. For me Goh is still failing and has failed, him getting tokens for me atleast doesn't really change that or negate the impact like it might do for others
PM is just vastly different from other goals, and I kinda like the token system. I do hope trial missions are continued as a goal in the next series

 

[Gingertail24]

Well like I said, it's subjective. For me Goh is still failing and has failed, him getting tokens for me atleast doesn't really change that or negate the impact like it might do for others
PM is just vastly different from other goals, and I kinda like the token system. I do hope trial missions are continued as a goal in the next series

For goh? I don't see him staying. For another character, sure but if it has a major revamp, like contest did when may did vs when dawn did it

 

[SerGoldenhandtheJust]

For goh? I don't see him staying. For another character, sure but if it has a major revamp, like contest did when may did vs when dawn did it

Yeah I think it's likely we get a new companion as well, but I really want trial missions to stay even if they are adjusted a bit. It's just a fun concept with limitless potential that makes the adventuring aspect of the series fun and leads to fun episodes

 

[Gingertail24]

Yeah I think it's likely we get a new companion as well, but I really want trial missions to stay even if they are adjusted a bit. It's just a fun concept with limitless potential that makes the adventuring aspect of the series fun and leads to fun episodes

I agree. While I have my issues with PM. Definitely one of the more unique goals we had since for a long time

I just hope they give it to a female companion

 

[Decidueye23]

The universe seems to hate Goh in regards to human rivals, because he got like 4 jerks he doesn't like much. That has to be a new record.

Ash basically has zero jerks to battle in the PWC.

The writers understand how most people feel about Goh. Art imitates life probably.

 

[WaterShuriken]

This episode was fine. Pretty mediocre. It's a bit dumb how Inteleon pretty much OHKO'd a few opponents with either Mud Shot or Snipe Shot.

I did like how Goh and Horace's personalities complimented each other and they ended up being the last two challengers. This is where Goh's inspiring speech to Horace backfired and he ended up losing.

It makes sense for the Top 3 to get 3, 2, 1 tokens respectively as there was quite a few participants so these tokens don't necessarily feel like "participation" tokens as I saw some people exclaiming. Goh deserved those two tokens for 2nd place.

I like that they finally had Ash stay behind as he should have from the beginning. I think it would have been nice to see a conversation between Ash and Danika about how it's a shame that someone who made it into the Masters Eight isn't participating in Project Mew as he could have been a great member to have.

 

[Gingertail24]

This episode was fine. Pretty mediocre. It's a bit dumb how Inteleon pretty much OHKO'd a few opponents with either Mud Shot or Snipe Shot.

I did like how Goh and Horace's personalities complimented each other and they ended up being the last two challengers. This is where Goh's inspiring speech to Horace backfired and he ended up losing.

It makes sense for the Top 3 to get 3, 2, 1 tokens respectively as there was quite a few participants so these tokens don't necessarily feel like "participation" tokens as I saw some people exclaiming. Goh deserved those two tokens for 2nd place.

I like that they finally had Ash stay behind as he should have from the beginning. I think it would have been nice to see a conversation between Ash and Danika about how it's a shame that someone who made it into the Masters Eight isn't participating in Project Mew as he could have been a great member to have.

It really does bother me that a project that claims to fund mew , the ancestor of all Pokemon and one of the most rare ones, and the only notable person in it is just Gary and two urshifu trainers. You think super strong and famous trainers would jump at this opportunity

Heck you think other professors, like oak, would want to be part of it too. Not just some random professor we never heard of

 

[DayQuil95]

I like that they finally had Ash stay behind as he should have from the beginning. I think it would have been nice to see a conversation between Ash and Danika about how it's a shame that someone who made it into the Masters Eight isn't participating in Project Mew as he could have been a great member to have.

That's something really funny tbh like he's among the 8 strongest trainers in the world, and they don't even consider recruiting him or asking him if he's interested?

 

[BobbbidyBob]

This mission was messed up, which encourages the idea that maybe project Mew is indeed evil. In the end Goh or Tokio were forced to beat each other to survive and win tokens, just because it was friendly and sugar coated doesn’t change the cold facts and the idea behind the mission.

Also I was hoping for Tokio to say something like “you are more important to me than my dream Goh” lol

 

[MartínK]

After it had taken a Discharge and Dark Pulse to the face, yes

To be fair, Gardevoir was more damaged that Intelleon, took a Phantom Force, Sucker Punch and Discharge, besides Intelleon was healed ny Heal Pulse.

Goh speech to Tokio and Ash won't be able to participate was the best of the episode.

Ps: He wanna battle Gary, don't make me laugh kid.

 

[British Soul]

Actually an essay time:
I liked how the generic challengers all wore outfits that show some correlation to the pokemon they were using, even the two dill-holes with Vikavolt and Liepard, elements of their outfits somewhat match their pokemon. Speaking of Liepard, it was on-brand for its trainer to portray Liepard's traits to her advantage and in that particular exchange, it was interesting that in contrast to the raid battle, Go and Tokio's character traits had a different outcome to the situation at hand.
Go encouraging Tokio to not give up was certainly impactful. He knows he's doing it is a detriment to his own chances, but at the same time he also wants to see his friend continue forward with his dream. Go seemed to take the loss well, of course he was frustrated as he's facing a struggle to get to the top 3, but at the same time, he's come so far in terms of his development throughout the series.
One other detail I do want to bring up is at the end Tsurugi mentioned that the rainy season is ending sooner than expected, this is rather interesting as IRL, the global climate has been changing and I like that this is reflected in the series, there are no absolutes or certainties when it comes to the weather.
And finally, (I feel like I'm on the news here) I feel that this episode could've been Ash-less tbph with how Asahi told him to stay put on the outside of the ship. Yes, he did interact with her during the mission, but he didn't do much else as it was a Go episode after all.