What do you think each each Gen of the anime will be remembered as?

[LilyTwo]

It's called being a foil and having development.

Being a foil, I can agree. Having development, no. He stayed the same jerk as ever until he magically changed his tune after crushing Ash in their full battle.

It's not like Paul is the first Trainer to have that view on his Pokémon

No, but he's the first one whose attitude gets shrugged off as "just a different but still valid method", and never has to pay the price for his behaviour.

With a plot as basic as "We're friends ", it's not hard to have a plot centered around the opposite.

But apparently, it's hard for the writers to write one well.


*******

As for the opening question:

OS - The best series
AG - May is cool
DP - Paul ruins everything
BW - Sucks
XY - Boring, forced Amourshipping
SM - Now this is more like it!

 

[ash&charizardfan]

Being a foil, I can understand. Having development, no. He stayed the same jerk as ever until he magically changed his tune after cruhing Ash in their full battle.

No, but he's the first one whose attitude gets shrugged off as "just a different but still valid method", and never has to pay the price for his behaviour.

But apparently, it's hard for the writers to wrire one well.

Well paul did mild down bit by bit as the series goes on, he was more ruthless in season 1 then during the second half in second season he was shown to have mild down a bit. I say getting hammered by brandon could have made him realized his own shortcomings.

 

[Ignition]

Being a foil, I can agree. Having development, no. He stayed the same jerk as ever until he magically changed his tune after crushing Ash in their full battle.



No, but he's the first one whose attitude gets shrugged off as "just a different but still valid method", and never has to pay the price for his behaviour.




But apparently, it's hard for the writers to write one well.

He was told off by Ash for his way of treating Chimchar and got his serve of poetic justice at the Sinnoh League. Paul himself acknowledges the growth. His way of training isn't exactly the most safe, but it's valid vigorous training. His Pokémon don't seem to mind: it's just Chimchar who didn't seem to click with that training style. He assumed Chimchar only needed a push akin to the Zangoose attack to activate Blaze but it didn't work. I'm not defending the words he used were ok because they're not, but he did get proved wrong eventually and that's the best pay off.

 

[LilyTwo]

He was told off by Ash for his way of treating Chimchar and got his serve of poetic justice at the Sinnoh League.

No, he didn't. Because Paul had basically won even their last battle. It was only because Electrivire stopped the referee that Infernape got a second chance, otherwise Paul would have won right then and there. Basically, even in his defeat, Paul's barbaric methods get justified.

Paul himself acknowledges the growth.

Again, part of his character retconning.

His way of training isn't exactly the most safe, but it's valid vigorous training.

No, it's abuse.

His Pokémon don't seem to mind: it's just Chimchar who didn't seem to click with that training style.

The fact that his Pokemon don't think it's abuse doesn't make it NOT abuse.

He assumed Chimchar only needed a push akin to the Zangoose attack to activate Blaze but it didn't work. I'm not defending the words he used were ok because they're not, but he did get proved wrong eventually and that's the best pay off.

See above. No, he didn't get proved wrong. The writers had him defeat Ash even in their final battle, only pulling off Infernape's win by a Deus Ex Machina.

 

[Ignition]

No, he didn't. Because Paul had basically won even their last battle. It was only because Electrivire stopped the referee that Infernape got a second chance, otherwise Paul would have won right then and there. Basically, even in his defeat, Paul's barbaric methods get justified.



Again, part of his character retconning.



No, it's abuse.



The fact that his Pokemon don't think it's abuse doesn't make it NOT abuse.



See above. No, he didn't get proved wrong. The writers had him defeat Ash even in their final battle, only pulling off Infernape's win by a Deus Ex Machina.

Lol ok

 

[Genaller]

OS - Great Humor
AG - Starter of the well known ‘standard Pokémon anime formula’
DP - Epic Rivalry
BW - WTF!?
XY - Best Series
SM - Ash gets a horrendous character design + Slapstick purgatory

 

[srebak]

Well, here’s my initial take on this particular subject

Generation 1 + 2. - The generation that introduced us all to the general world of the Pokémon anime, allowed us to see what kind of adventure existed in this world and introduced us to the characters that we grew to love and can never truly forget

Generation 3. - The generation where the anime began to alter its initial formula with a few new strategies; a whole new Pokémon team for Ash with only Pikachu being the golden oldie, a brand new female lead character with a brand new type of goal, a brand new type of chemistry between Ash and his rivals, and a brand new type of threat for the heroes to deal with that isn’t the TRio.

Generation 4. - The generation that began to truly embrace some of the show’s more darker and/or more serious aspects, as well as the series that began to give the female lead character a great deal more attention than before.

Generation 5. - The generation that tried (unsuccessfully) to imitate the first generation and introduced us to both a new formula for Ash’s traveling companion roster tendencies and a whole new world of Pokémon as well, not to mention reintroduce to the original power and dread that made Team Rocket a threat in the first place.

Generation 6. - The generation that introduced us to a somewhat more power Ash Ketchum Pokémon team, a brand new female lead character with a brand new type of...chemistry with Ash himself, and a brand new type of way to emphasize the initial importance of Pokémon/trainer connections to each other and how that makes both stronger in the absolute long run.

 

[Deleted member 384931]

Well, here’s my initial take on this particular subject

Generation 1 + 2. - The generation that introduced us all to the general world of the Pokémon anime, allowed us to see what kind of adventure existed in this world and introduced us to the characters that we grew to love and can never truly forget

Generation 3. - The generation where the anime began to alter its initial formula with a few new strategies; a whole new Pokémon team for Ash with only Pikachu being the golden oldie, a brand new female lead character with a brand new type of goal, a brand new type of chemistry between Ash and his rivals, and a brand new type of threat for the heroes to deal with that isn’t the TRio.

Generation 4. - The generation that began to truly embrace some of the show’s more darker and/or more serious aspects, as well as the series that began to give the female lead character a great deal more attention than before.

Generation 5. - The generation that tried (unsuccessfully) to imitate the first generation and introduced us to both a new formula for Ash’s traveling companion roster tendencies and a whole new world of Pokémon as well, not to mention reintroduce to the original power and dread that made Team Rocket a threat in the first place.

Generation 6. - The generation that introduced us to a somewhat more power Ash Ketchum Pokémon team, a brand new female lead character with a brand new type of...chemistry with Ash himself, and a brand new type of way to emphasize the initial importance of Pokémon/trainer connections to each other and how that makes both stronger in the absolute long run.

And gen 7?

 

[AznKei]

And gen 7?

He might give his overall impression about it once the series is over. Tbh, we don't know where all the classmates, barring Ash, would be heading until then.

 

[Deleted member 384931]

He might give his overall impression about it once the series is over. Tbh, we don't know where all the classmates, barring Ash, would be heading until then.

Wouldnt be surprised if the girls head to Hoenn or Johto AGAIN.

 

[PorcelainVulpix]

OS: Chubby Pikachu, Pikachu + Ketchup = 4ever, funniest series, rookie Ash, Misty and Togepi, Gary MF Oak, Pokeshipping being everyone’s first ship before they knew what shipping was

AG: Where’s Misty?, Contests, Ash maturing, “this rose is for Beautifly.”

DP: Dawn - the best developed female lead, better contests, Paul, Infernape, Best version of Ash, Team Galactic, “I’m fining you!!!!”

BW: Why Ash Y, “You’re such a kid,” New TR, Yall really replaced Paul with this guy?

XY: Boring but more mature Ash, boring useless companions, companions who kissed the ground Ash walked on, Weird stalker Serena

SM: Mallow is cute and underrated, Weird animation style, finally some comdey again after a previously boring series

 

[Captain Jigglypuff]

OS: Nostalgia and beginnings. This is where it all began
Hoenn: New cast, main characters, and Ash developing more into a competent trainer and person
Sinnoh: Pokemon Contests, Jessie being very good at something and reaching a goal, Croagunk Poison Jabbing Brock, Piplup’s Draco Meteor results mishaps, Ash becoming an even better trainer and battler, Paul, Chimchar learning to control its powers, and Tobias being way overpowered and virtually being an unfair challenger to battle (Do the writers really expect us to think it was fair that Pikachu could possibly take out a Darkrai that knew Dark Void And had Sleep based attacks and Ability?)
Unova: Iris never reaching her full potential in terms of character growth, tons of filler episodes, Plasma barely being a threat, filler Guardian trio story arc that involved Meloetta that would have worked better as an actual movie, Cilian being a conniseiur of almost literally everything and it becoming annoying, and Ash losing the League to someone stupider than his OS self just because his ace Pokémon evolved and suddenly went Super Saiyan.
Kalos: Fairy types being introduced and acted as if they have always been a thing, Ash-Greninja
Alola: Slapstick, Ash losing a lot of the character growth he had, artwork change

 

[LilligantLewis]

Items in bold below are items that first appeared in their respective generations, but have since stayed in the anime in future generations. I bolded them because out of all the things I say below, I consider these to be the most important aspects as they are essentially the lasting legacy of that generation's impact on the anime.

OS- early installment weirdness, by Johto it started to get repetitive and establish the current COTD filler formula, but Kanto and OI had unique fillers

AG- the girl has an actual goal now that she can show demonstrable progress towards, villain team tries to have an actual series-long arc for once, vs. in Johto TR only had the standalone Lugia and Lake of Rage mini-arcs

DP- Ash has multiple rivals for the first time, girl is promoted to costar status, best villain team arc that actually has proper buildup throughout the series

BW- a lot of cool battling tournaments in this series, and the only series so far where all main characters are active battlers and have each their own rivals, which was largely because of these battling tournaments, TR becomes a threat for once and stops appearing in every episode, which is an aspect of them that remained in XY/SM (not appearing in every episode), TP isn't a total loss despite their initial episode being canceled, their finale happens after the league which sets the precedent for TF to do the same in next gen, Da! was a waste and with better planning they wouldn't have had so much time to fill, Charizard appearing was a waste since it didn't happen before the league, and Cameron is worst league loss since the guy is an idiot, not an actual good trainer like the others who have beaten Ash

XY- Showcases worse than contests, Clemont felt less like a third wheel than previous male companions, Bonnie way better than Max and had an actual role (Squishy), losing to Alain was stupid but overall Ash-Greninja and TF arcs were exciting. Even though age is subjective in this anime and not very clear, it appears this is the first generation no one traveling with him is older than Ash/in the mentorship role.

SM- Ash has remained competent from XY, unlike DP-BW. Not enough battling though, also TR has become absolutely intolerable in any episode they appear in, worse than the first 6 gens. Hard to say more for now. I will say Grand Trial battles are just as epic as gym battles, so no change there.

repetitive episodes.

maybe in Johto, but Kanto and OI have some of the most unique and memorable fillers, even to this day

Pikachu could possibly take out a Darkrai

What are you talking about?

 

[srebak]

I’m just gonna come right out and say this; people are being way too harsh on OS Ash. I mean, the only arc where he was ‘arguably’ stupid was the Indigo League arc, and that still doesn’t make much sense to me in terms of in-universe logic. But, by the OI and Johto, he was clearly far more competent, at least to me.

 

[AuraChannelerChris]

OS Ash is fine.

BW Ash is the real issue.

 

[LilligantLewis]

OS Ash is fine.

BW Ash is the real issue.

BW Ash was only a real issue near the very beginning, when he acted like a novice trainer, and then the Elesa gym battle. Overall other than those two instances I had little problem with BW Ash.

 

[Dragalge]

For me...

OS: Funny, nostalgic, charming characters, hilarious fillers

AG: New girl + younger brother, contests, a balanced Ash, Battle Frontier & Ash winning the entire thing.

DP: Best rivalry, better battles, peak of dub being terrible (until late DP), full series of awful dub songs, nicely developed Pokegirl, Tobias

BW: Some underdeveloped rivals, tournaments, serious TR, other few neat ideas with flawed execution, good Brock replacement, the photo at the end of the series

XY: Fantastic animation, some great battles, not so good companions, Serena’s rivals being worse than most of BW’s, Greninja, OP Charizard, some very hammy scenes all around, one episode containing the biggest salt storm ever in the anime

SM: A return to form of sorts with colorful characters, Kiawe, underdeveloped but likable companions, Stoutland’s death, slapstick galore

 

[ash&charizardfan]

BW Ash was only a real issue near the very beginning, when he acted like a novice trainer, and then the Elesa gym battle. Overall other than those two instances I had little problem with BW Ash.

Lol two times good joke, he was novice and stupid for most of the series except for 2 or 3 battles, the entire BW series is trashed mainly because he was acting like a stupid novice.

As for OS Ash at least he showed progression from dependent trainer to independent unpredictable trainer in kanto-OI- johto. Besides OS especially indigo arc was only about humour and not battling. OS as a whole is mainly known for humour and not any major plotlines except for johto league qualification it had no major villain arc, and main girl doing nothing and staying at background.

 

[AuraChannelerChris]

It doesn't help BW Ash gave Trip a novice feel that Trip stuck to as an excuse to make him like Paul, which really it was stupid even if Trip rarely helped Ash out. That and the annoying Iris gag.

 

[DatsRight]

Lol two times good joke, he was novice and stupid for most of the series except for 2 or 3 battles, the entire BW series is trashed mainly because he was acting like a stupid novice.

As for OS Ash at least he showed progression from dependent trainer to independent unpredictable trainer in kanto-OI- johto. Besides OS especially indigo arc was only about humour and not battling. OS as a whole is mainly known for humour and not any major plotlines except for johto league qualification it had no major villain arc, and main girl doing nothing and staying at background.

It's main plus points was that a lot of the old formulas that had become tired by the series with said arc development were actually used properly. Team Rocket were entertaining developed villains and had funny back and forths with the twerps. They were more a fun parody of tired cliche villains instead of just playing the archetype completely straight. Fillers were often more surreal and memorable (at least until mid-Johto) to the point many consider them better quality than the actual continuity episodes like the gyms, sometimes even the ones in later series.

BW did feel like it was trying to bring back that premise to some degree, focusing less on the main arcs and more on old trademarks like the twerps' bickering, 'Ash vs Team Rocket' and goofy fillers, though wasn't quite as balanced and memorable (some episodes were quite good though, especially the later 'transitional point' ones which had semi funny/semi competent twerps AND Team Rocket). Halfway through XY however I think they were just DONE with the old conventions, hence SM changing things up dramatically besides the odd times they're out of new ideas.