Seeing how things which annoy me are simply manifestation of subjective perception on things and certain decisions, character behavior and way story plots, protagonists and overall tone of adventure is executed there is no guarantee how others would necessarily have same line of thinking like i do.
But before i start complicating and overanalyzing my thoughts, here are things which dont satisfy me about current series:
-for start i wish there is present more dimension and variety in dynamic bewtween characters in current XY cast. I mean yes its nice to have peaceful, reserved and positive relationship between group of friends whith ranbow and sunshine everywhere. But its abit extreme for my taste and there should exist some health balance with Ash, Clemont, Bonnie and Serena both being understanding, full of support and motivation for eaxh other. While also having their disagreements, differences in opinion and at least sometime conflict, suspense going on. Sarcastic remarks, jokes and rival like moments in trying to outplay themselves when pursuing same prize or thing they want to achieve.
Because wider diapason of interactions is in main cast, chemistry will be richer. There will be more interchangeable and natural flow of expressions, emotions and virtues or flaws circulating between main characters adding to their complexity and depth.
Unlike its case now with everyone perhaps getting along too well, friendly, unconditionally supportive and nice. From very start and onwards taking away from credibility and realism. Because for deveopment of strong, genuine and close, more meaningful friendship it takes time not happening over night.
-lack of rivals or villains. I always thought presence of conflict, motivation and difficulties on someone journey added for more substsantial storyline. Characters like Gary or Paul really did managed to bring some of Ash best characteristics increasing his range of emotions and personality traits. Making him feel anxious, selfquestion his own strategy and have reason to catch up to someone and better himself. Honorable mentions go to travel companions with more ardour and passion like Misty who thanks to witty remarks, challenging Ash ego and critcicizing him for flaws awakened some of that bratty, impulsive and humble aspect of said character to extent.
Absence of some major danger, struggles and maturity in whole Kalos is problem as well imo. There is way too much positivity, sugar and sweetness like Ash and his friends are in Utopia world. No major villains(Lysandre and Team Flare still havent even debut in main show), no sense of negativity and urgency showing how not everything will always be ok. How injuries, loses and failures can and will happen needing to be prepared and learn how to fight back .
There is way too much peace, cuteness and corny elements going between main cast, any character pr possible rival(see Tierno, Trevor, Shauna, Sanpei) they encounter. Or whole XY storyline so far in general dumbing down on emotions, personalities and realism of world and journey through it. Giving one sided picture of how life, people and things work.
At least for now. Ill leave room to change my mind if something comes later down the road proving me different.
-Serena character until lately was someone which didn't annoyed me persay, but she did disapppointed me. Due to almost never battling, not having much desire to catch new pokemon, train or actively pursue various competitions in which other members of cast like Clemont or Ash participated or take initiative when opportunity arises to help save the day herself.
Seeming like her whole purpose behind going on journey initially and travel was because of Ash delivering bad message of coming of as dependant character which dont have much agency, identity and uniquenes to herself.
Which i would have no problems with if whole idea of Serena going as character through idea of soul searching trying to find her own calling was elaborated upon and received actual focus giving insight in character
Feeling how if writers intention was to unfold Serena selfquestioning and indecision of what she should do in slow, drawn out way it should have been treated more consistent, congruous and better defined. Not waiting with it until Summer camp just lingering kinda there in meantime reminding viewers of this heating problem but never getting proper build up and emphasis.
However much of disappointment i had with Serena character is slowly starting to decrease with each new episode more and more. Starting to receive more emphasis . If slight increase in activity and Summer camp arc, capture of mischief Pancham(that pokemon is one of better ones in XY group imo) and whole pokemon performer with character soon enough entrance is something to go by. With Serena excitement and interest in becoming more productive positively surprising me, starting to ponder what is she exactly doing and is there goal and occupation for her in this world to follow and be of more help to her friends which accepted her in their group.
So on that aspect alone im giving this character benefit of the doubt in coming of as more likable and memorable to watch. Still i dont like how much accentuation writers delivered with whole girly girl stereotype this character has going for it, even more so with that terrible new ending. Lacking more dimension to her personality and profoundness bringing some decisive, flaring and energetic ambition to character . Because to me personally characterization seems kinda monotone, quiet and borderline submissive at times.
List is albeit short, but than again other plots and elements in Kalos adventure didnt really began, so currently i dont have more to add. Or not add in case i got pleased with direction in which things are played out.
