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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
With the release of each new Pokémon game, the anime watchers are blessed with a new generation of the anime. At the end of each generation, fans say goodbye to the old characters and excitedly wait for the new characters and the direction the anime would take. So today we are here to rank all of the debut episodes of every Pokémon anime generation. Though it is based on our opinion we tried to be as subjective as possible.
Also each generation debut is not with one episode. We will be counting the debut based on the number of episodes aired on Japan on the first day of each generation. For example: We will count first 3 episodes of Diamond and Pearl as debut of the generation as 3 episodes were aired on the first day.
It should be noted that this list is based on the generation debut, it is not the ranking of the generations. So a generation may get a higher rating because of a solid debut episode but as a whole may not be a good series.That being said let's dive into the ranking.
8.Gold and Silver(EP117)
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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
• Introduction to new region and Pokémon: 5/10
• Introduce new characters: 2/10
• Plot: 5/10
It's even unfair to count this one. But as it is the beginning of gen 2, we had to include it. Back then the Pokémon company had no idea how big the franchise would become. So the introduction of gen 2 wasn't done in a big way. It started off as a normal episode. While heading to Jhoto the gang was greeted by a Suicune in the forest, followed by an exciting opening which marked the beginning of the new generation.
Truth to be said, this episode was like any other typical episode of the first five seasons. We did get a decent introduction to Totodile and Cyndaquil. Ash remembering his excitement to get his first Pokémon was a highlight of the episode. But the best part of the debut wasn't the episode itself but the opening. The opening in both Japanese and English dub, showed off the new region and Pokémons and hyped up the viewers for the new region to explore.
7. Black and White(BW001-BW002)
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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
• Introduction to new region and Pokémon: 7/10
• Introduce new characters: 6/10
• Plot: 7/10
The Black and White debut episodes had a great potential but it was poorly executed. Before you get mad, let me explain. The best part of this two-parter debut was hands down the encounter with Zekrom. It was an epic way to start the series. Iris's introduction was handled quite decently. Oshawott part was handled well too. But the biggest drawback of the episode debut was the execution of Pikachu losing his electric moves. That part served no purpose other than Pikachu losing to Snivy. Most of the debut episodes try to remind the views about the priceless bond between Ash and Pikachu. But we don't get to see that. Pikachu losing his electric moves could make a great arc. But instead the writers decided to just give him back his powers at the beginning of the next episode.
6. Ruby and Sapphire(AG001)
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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
• Introduction to new region and Pokémon: 7.5/10
• Introduce new characters: 7/10
• Plot: 8/10
The debut of Pokémon Advanced was a breath of fresh air for the anime. It was the first time the anime went through a drastic change and it was handled well. Back then Pokémon anime was quite simple. So we got to see much continuity among gen 3 and the previous generations. May was introduced. She was shown to be a character who tried to use Pokémon training as an excuse to travel the world, which instantly showed great potentiality in the character to grow.
The plot was solid too. Team Rocket tried to catch Pikachu several times and it was one of the rare times when their traps had a side effects on Pikachu. That electromagnet messed with Pikachu and put him at a life risk. This debut also does a great job at reminding the new viewers about the bond between Ash and Pikachu as Ash puts his life at risk to help ailing Pikachu.
5. Diamond and Pearl(DP001-DP003)
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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
• Introduction to new region and Pokémon: 8/10
• Introduce new characters: 9/10
• Plot: 7/10
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl is the first and by far the only series to debut with 3 episodes. The first episode gives us a look at Dawn and Piplup. Dawn is shown to follow her mother's footsteps. She is also shown to be optimistic as in the second episode, Dawn and Piplup constantly fail to catch Pokémons but don't give up. She is also shown to be immature and over excited at times. Like while finding the Professor's lab.
We also get an introduction to Paul. Just at the second episode, he challenges the morals of Ash by releasing Pokémons that he feels to be weak. We also get a battle between Ash and Paul, which is the setup for their final showdown at the end of Diamond and Pearl. The episode also gave a small yet beautiful moment. When Pikachu was lost and found by Dawn, Ash caught his first Pokémon in Sinnoh. After every capture, Ash celebrate it with his buddy Pikachu. But here we see Ash mention it, reminding us the viewers again of the unshakeable bond between Ash and Pikachu.
The episodes are a bit held back due to having a common plot of Pikachu getting lost due because of Team Rocket. Otherwise it would score higher.
Realted
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4. Journeys(JN001)
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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
• Introduce new characters: 9/10
• Plot: 9/10
Unlike other series, Pokémon Journey debut takes place in the past four years prior to Ash's and Pikachu's journey. The episode gives us a great look at the wholesome backstory of Pikachu. It showed us how he was raised as a Pichu. At the end when Pichu matures a bit and leaves his Kangaskhan family, he get an awesome shot of Pichu evolving into Pikachu we all love today.
We also get the introduction of Goh and Chloe(Koharu) in the episode. Goh is established as a Pokémon enthusiast but his somewhat of a know-it-all attitude prevents others to be friends with him. We also get the introduction of Koharu. The episode also establishes the goal of Goh.
Ash is not in it for most of the runtime and it's not very bad. Rather it was something unique. The debut was more than just the episode. After the end of Sun and Moon and Ash being the league winner, Pokémon Journeys promised to change up the formula exponentially and be different than all the previous generations and the first episode was a great way to start this unique and unpredictable segment of the anime.
3. Sun and Moon(SM001-SM002)
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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
• Introduce new characters: 8/10
• Plot: 8/10
Pokémon Sun and Moon started off in a different way unlike the past series. It shows Ash going on a vacation with his mother. Though the art style felt a bit downgraded, the fluid animation felt very good and matched with the tone of the series. We get an introduction to Z moves.
The best part of the debut was Tapu Koko as it gave Ash the Z ring in the first episode. In the second episode, before Ash and Kukui's fight began, Tapu Koko challenges Ash. This was great because the very last battle in the Sun and Moon series was Ash vs. Kukui with Tapu Koko. It showed how ahead the series was planned.
2. XY(XY001-XY002)
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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
• Introduction to new region and Pokémon: 9/10
• Introduce new characters: 10/10
• Plot: 10/10
We went back and forth between the best two. But here is XY taking the second spot. Pokémon XY had an amazing start. The first episode starts off with Ash going to Kalos and we get a great look at Kalos and the new Pokémons.
The Garchomp part was one of the highlights of the debut as Ash climbs the Lumiose Tower to help Garchomp and he catches the eye of the Kalos. Clemont and Bonnie gets inspired by Ash's dedication and love for Pokémon. At the end when Pikachu falls down from the tower, Ash jumps off to save Pikachu and taken on they are rescued by Mega Blaziken. It was a great introduction to Mega evolution. The episode also reminded people of the bond between Ash and Pikachu just by one scene unlike other series where they had to dedicate the entire episode for it. Froakie also gets inspired by Ash and joins him at the end.
We also get the introduction of Serena. Serena is firstly shown to not like Rhyhorn racing and also quite bored of her life. Seeing Ash on TV, she decides to leave her boring for an exciting journey with no dream at that point in time.
1. The Beginning(EP001)
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| (Image Credit: ShoPro/The Pokémon Company) |
• Introduction to the region and Pokémon: 9.5/10
• Introduce new characters: 10/10
• Plot: 10/10
Though XY was really close, we had to end up putting the very first episode on top. Firstly this episode introduced us to Ash Ketchum. He is shown to be a bit lazy but caring. We are also introduced to Pikachu who didn't like Ash. But at the end we know what happened. Ash offers Pikachu to go inside his Pokeball to save him and Ash stands in front of thousands of Spearow and declares he will be a Pokémon master and they can not stop him. While suddenly, Pikachu jumps off and saves Ash and from their the priceless bond of Ash and Pikachu is born. Then Ho-oh appears in a magestic way hyping up the fans for the vast world of Pokémon. This episode was the birth of one of the most iconic anime duos ever and so it sits at number one.
So that's all for today. Let us know your ranking down in the comments. Have an amazing day.
1 Comments
Great list. Tbh I don't like the Indigo League that much. I would have put SM or XY above it but hey, that's just my opinion
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