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Who would you choose?

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chalkus

Well-Known Member
Let's assume that the Pokemon writers used the current formula of having a new Pokegirl each season after Kanto. Who would you guys choose to replace Misty? I think the best person for that role would have been Whitney. She was bright, bubbly and a strong trainer as well. In fact I think the writers dropped the ball with her big time in that regard.

Anyway who would you guys choose?
 

CyberCubed

Yeah, ok!
The reason Misty stayed for Johto is because back then the female playable character wasn't invented until Crystal version. If you remember Gold/Silver didn't have a female heroine.

By the time Crystal came out we were halfway into Johto, so there was no reason to replace Misty for 1 year with Marina if they were only going to axe her for May when Hoenn started.

Whitney/Jasmine were too old and the female is usually around Ash's age. There simply wasn't a "young" female Gym leader in Johto to use. Whitney, Jasmine and Claire were all adults.

They didn't have a young character like with Iris in BW.
 

chalkus

Well-Known Member
The reason Misty stayed for Johto is because back then the female playable character wasn't invented until Crystal version. If you remember Gold/Silver didn't have a female heroine.

By the time Crystal came out we were halfway into Johto, so there was no reason to replace Misty for 1 year with Marina if they were only going to axe her for May when Hoenn started.

Whitney/Jasmine were too old and the female is usually around Ash's age. There simply wasn't a "young" female Gym leader in Johto to use. Whitney, Jasmine and Claire were all adults.

They didn't have a young character like with Iris in BW.
There wasn't a female MC in the first few Pokemon games yet Misty was still included into the group. All the writers of the anime would have to do is reduce somewhat older characters in age to make them closer to Ash. I don't think anyone would care.

On a side note, how old exactly is Whitney? I thought she was around Brock's age.
 

CyberCubed

Yeah, ok!
There wasn't a female MC in the first few Pokemon games yet Misty was still included into the group. All the writers of the anime would have to do is reduce somewhat older characters in age to make them closer to Ash. I don't think anyone would care.

On a side note, how old exactly is Whitney? I thought she was around Brock's age.

Misty was the youngest female Gym leader in Kanto. Both Sabrina and Erika were adults.

Whitney looked older than Brock in the Johto eps she was in.
 

Vernikova

Champion
[img139]http://www.serebiiforums.com/images/avatars/anime/pokemon_casey2.gif[/img139]

Or a younger Whitney.
 

The Sea Cucumber

...or am I?
Does Whintney have a canon age? If she was about 13-15 I'd be fine with her joining since she would add more to he show than just shipping bait.
 

chalkus

Well-Known Member
Taller doesn't always necessarily mean that she's older though. She could still have been around Brock's age, but taller than him.

I was thinking the same thing. Is there a canon age for Whitney? I searched extensively but could not find one. She looks like a teenager, not a woman, imo.

And back to the question I was asking, it was hypothetical so even if a character is older, you can assume that the age would be lowered to match Ash's.
 

Sprinter1988

Well-Known Member
Koga's daughter Janine could have worked I suppose...
Casey would probably have been fine, though I don't know how well they would have handled two trainers on screen competing for gym badges.
 

munchlaxboy

Catching up on XY
150+ episodes of Casey?

The series would've been cancelled due to widespread fatalities from children's heads exploding.
 

An00bis

Wicked Witch
Casey would probably have been fine, though I don't know how well they would have handled two trainers on screen competing for gym badges.

Know what would've been neat? Ash takes on the Johto League in the first half and Casey takes the Kanto League in the second. That'd give us two regions about the length of Kanto.

For the second half to keep Ash from getting stale he does rematches for the 4 Pity Badges he did in Kanto so he can prove he earned them, as well as rematching the strongest Trainers he met in both regions. You know. All those guys he said he'd see again someday.
 

fitzy909

Just another guy
Know what would've been neat? Ash takes on the Johto League in the first half and Casey takes the Kanto League in the second. That'd give us two regions about the length of Kanto.

For the second half to keep Ash from getting stale he does rematches for the 4 Pity Badges he did in Kanto so he can prove he earned them, as well as rematching the strongest Trainers he met in both regions. You know. All those guys he said he'd see again someday.

That would have been great. It would have defested the need for so many filler episodes.
 

pokemon fan 132

Well-Known Member
I would choose no one?

None of alternatives we had like Casey, Janine or game heroines(Marina from Crystal) would have been viable choices or have required stamina and potential to bring same level of entertainment value, impact on plot or potential to advance forward like Misty did imo.

Even more in Marina case since she wasn't created until mid Johto when series on good part were already unfold out having planned route and way in which things will play out regarding plot and characters.

Needless to say im glad Misty was used for Orange saga and Johto instead of leaving after Kanto which would have been incredibly short run. Liking her sarcastic,witty and spunky type of personality developing in more mature and level headed character over time finding right blend of tomboyish and girly side. She made this show more funny, endearing and meaningful having that deep and entertaining chemistry with group contributing to quality character interaction. She left huge impact on Ash development as trainer teaching him about basics, how to not rush in danger, provided needed encouragement and push to others to train and nor back down.

Along with contributing a lot to plot and way in which series would play out admiring her aspiration of striving to become master of water types, various fears, sad past and flaws, strength and interesting pokemon she had.

If anything instead of removing Misty for Johto i would much rather prefer if writers added additional girl to main cast in Johto series. In case anyone remembers Sakura(girl with Eevee, later Espeon which became recurring character appearing in hosos too).

Misty even invited her to join cast. Having excellent interactions in their girly talks, ability to relate themselves to each other over older siblings and issues they have with them, funny scenes full of humor and quirky behavior etc. Which would add breeze of fresh air in main group during Johto by having two girls in same cast, something we had to wait unfortunately for more than 16 years to happen.

Needless to say during time Misty was in cast whole idea of constant girl changing wasn't even established yet. Originally going by Takeshi Shudo ideas pokemon intended to have permanent female in cast just like Ash treating anime as continuity based show which buils on story, friendship and development of its characters exploring them to deeper level.

Sole thought of starting pattern of constant girl replacing didn't even came to writers mind before Hoenn, which in my honest opinion proved to be cardinal mistake denying this show of continuity, properly fleshed out characters who leave inadequatelly explored and stable story.

Which was apparent with Misty character too leaving cast without being fleshed out enough with many things being unexplored (like her past, goal of water master, desire to become water expert proving herself on global level reaching E4 strength like its case with Lorelei, relatives, underused pokemon team and issues,fears she still has which could be used for much more development)with no further going forward or direction ever happening. Taking with itself away strong identity, charisma and lively atmosphere she brought .
 
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pokemon fan 132

Well-Known Member
I'd just keep Misty since even though at this point she had become a piece of moving background, I couldn't stand having Whitey or Casey cause the group dynamic was to me so close to perfect with Misty, it was tied with DP for best group dynamic.

Personally i never considered Misty as piece of cardboard or moving background though. Maybe at times she didn't get enough screen time, but in general she received most focus right after Ash in OS getting more battle screen time, character development and focus . Radiating with lot of spunk, playful attitude, various quirks and fondness for many things making series more enjoyable to follow.

Only time i felt she was in background too much at times was in 4th season(Johto league champions). Though she still had several memorable moments in citicizing Brock over girls like Temaku, trying to cook, entered events like Seaking contest, confronted several characters like nurse Joy which hated water pokemon etc).

But from Whirl Islands and onwards she was again much more active like it was case in first three seasons taking more active approach toward water master career with Whirl Islands, evolved her Poliwhirl, caught Corsola, bonded with various characters like Sakura, Egan or Dorian proving her worth as trainer and discovering her own value stepping out of sister shadow. While playing memorable roles in many episodes dealing with furious Ninetales helping Brock to get out of trans, tried to resolve dispute between grass pokemon, helped retrieve lost dragon fang stolen from dragon temple in Clair episodes, tried to protect Diglett village from thiefs along Ash and Brock who formed truce with TR in working together etc.

Misty in Johto in terms of character was very similar to Kanto and Orange for me. Difference is only in becoming more mature,levelheaded and compassionate (especially toward friends Ash/Brock) growing in nice blend of hotheaded and abrasive yet more outgoing and independent character becoming stronger water trainer. Making itdisappointing when she left cast in middle of growth wishing more to be done(especially when Hoenn bursted with water areas, water specialists like Juan, Wallacd or villasins and legendaries like Kyogre from who she could learn so much more developing forward her dream of becoming master), bringing lot of fun, charm and emotion in main cast and story with her strong, assertive character.
 
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CyberCubed

Yeah, ok!
They should have just condensed Johto to 2 years, so Misty would have a total of a 4-year run like May/Dawn.

5 years for a female without a tangible goal is exactly why Misty was left on the sidelines for most of Johto.
 

pokemon fan 132

Well-Known Member
They should have just condensed Johto to 2 years, so Misty would have a total of a 4-year run like May/Dawn.

5 years for a female without a tangible goal is exactly why Misty was left on the sidelines for most of Johto.

You act like there was no potential to expand on Misty story?

Instead of wasting time on fillers writers could have created more water based events similar to Whirl Cup exploring on water master career and what other steps someone would need to accomplish bringing him closer toward it(with such diverse and abundant type like water pokemon there surely existed enough resources to form bigger story). They could give Misty riva l(Marina from Orange, Trinity, even that arrogant fisherman Andreas seemed like perfect candidate). Take advantage of Misty worshipping E4 Lorelei trying to improve her battle style and become noticed for her abillities, challenging various other experts leading toward path of perhaps becoming her apprentice one day. Evolve Togepi.

Do more with Misty flaws and issues learning how to extract true potential of pokemon on surface, have her meet legendary water pokemon bonding and earning its thrust (like manga did) understanding better their feelings and secrets. Learn how to be more patient and authoritative when things dont go her way (evidenced by quickly giving up on training pokemon which are hard to deal with like Togepi, Psyduck) having trouble in expressing her feelings and what bothers her(as showed with sisters), not coming to realization what path to follow and how to come closer toward her dreams etc.

Keep in mind how writers also handled pretty poor Ash Johto team, put both Ash and Brock on sidelines as well, dropped plots like GS ball, had Gary barely appear etc.

Its not so much that writers couldn't give Misty more focus and development of her goals, dreams and insecurities she has. But more in simply not having much knowledge and experience in writing properly for long sagas which last over three years(kinda big challenge for them given how Kanto and Orange Islands barely lasted for a year or half of it). Show formula was also back than more focused on Ash growth as trainer needing others to mentor him with series being oriented more toward explore of human relationships, aspects of journey and friendship rather than focus on someone career.

While dropping vector which supposed to push things forward being main plotline responsible for Ash and co even going to Johto(GS ball) didn't helped either. Leaving writers in dark for awhile not being sure in what direction to take things forward (until Whirl Islands came to scene).

p.s. By the way i wouldn't say Misty was on sidelines for "most of Johto". I dont know about you but at beginning and Master Quest she had pretty good focus, some interesting character development, more proactive approach playing part in various subplots or battles and had great interactions with plenty of characters.
 

Kuvario

I am who I am...because of them.
Personally i never considered Misty as piece of cardboard or moving background though. Maybe at times she didn't get enough screen time, but in general she received most focus right after Ash in OS getting more battle screen time, character development and focus . Radiating with lot of spunk, playful attitude, various quirks and fondness for many things making series more enjoyable to follow.

Only time i felt she was in background too much at times was in 4th season(Johto league champions). Though she still had several memorable moments in citicizing Brock over girls like Temaku, trying to cook, entered events like Seaking contest, confronted several characters like nurse Joy which hated water pokemon etc).

But from Whirl Islands and onwards she was again much more active like it was case in first three seasons taking more active approach toward water master career with Whirl Islands, evolved her Poliwhirl, caught Corsola, bonded with various characters like Sakura, Egan or Dorian proving her worth as trainer and discovering her own value stepping out of sister shadow. While playing memorable roles in many episodes dealing with furious Ninetales helping Brock to get out of trans, tried to resolve dispute between grass pokemon, helped retrieve lost dragon fang stolen from dragon temple in Clair episodes, tried to protect Diglett village from thiefs along Ash and Brock who formed truce with TR in working together etc.

Misty in Johto in terms of character was very similar to Kanto and Orange for me. Difference is only in becoming more mature,levelheaded and compassionate (especially toward friends Ash/Brock) growing in nice blend of hotheaded and abrasive yet more outgoing and independent character becoming stronger water trainer. Making itdisappointing when she left cast in middle of growth wishing more to be done(especially when Hoenn bursted with water areas, water specialists like Juan, Wallacd or villasins and legendaries like Kyogre from who she could learn so much more developing forward her dream of becoming master), bringing lot of fun, charm and emotion in main cast and story with her strong, assertive character.

Well saying "a piece of background" is a little harsh.

But she didn't have many focus episodes in Johto.
 

Kuvario

I am who I am...because of them.
You act like there was no potential to expand on Misty story?

Instead of wasting time on fillers writers could have created more water based events similar to Whirl Cup exploring on water master career and what other steps someone would need to accomplish bringing him closer toward it(with such diverse and abundant type like water pokemon there surely existed enough resources to form bigger story). They could give Misty riva l(Marina from Orange, Trinity, even that arrogant fisherman Andreas seemed like perfect candidate). Take advantage of Misty worshipping E4 Lorelei trying to improve her battle style and become noticed for her abillities, challenging various other experts leading toward path of perhaps becoming her apprentice one day. Evolve Togepi.

Do more with Misty flaws and issues learning how to extract true potential of pokemon on surface, have her meet legendary water pokemon bonding and earning its thrust (like manga did) understanding better their feelings and secrets. Learn how to be more patient and authoritative when things dont go her way (evidenced by quickly giving up on training pokemon which are hard to deal with like Togepi, Psyduck) having trouble in expressing her feelings and what bothers her(as showed with sisters), not coming to realization what path to follow and how to come closer toward her dreams etc.

Keep in mind how writers also handled pretty poor Ash Johto team, put both Ash and Brock on sidelines as well, dropped plots like GS ball, had Gary barely appear etc.

Its not so much that writers couldn't give Misty more focus and development of her goals, dreams and insecurities she has. But more in simply not having much knowledge and experience in writing properly for long sagas which last over three years(kinda big challenge for them given how Kanto and Orange Islands barely lasted for a year or half of it). Show formula was also back than more focused on Ash growth as trainer needing others to mentor him with series being oriented more toward explore of human relationships, aspects of journey and friendship rather than focus on someone career.

While dropping vector which supposed to push things forward being main plotline responsible for Ash and co even going to Johto(GS ball) didn't helped either. Leaving writers in dark for awhile not being sure in what direction to take things forward (until Whirl Islands came to scene).

p.s. By the way i wouldn't say Misty was on sidelines for "most of Johto". I dont know about you but at beginning and Master Quest she had pretty good focus, some interesting character development, more proactive approach playing part in various subplots or battles and had great interactions with plenty of characters.

See everything you said is true and I agree with all of it.
 
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