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The originalPokémonanime starring Ash Ketchum came to an end in 2023, with Ash walking off into the metaphorical sunset, ready for the next adventure. Many fans didn’t particularly enjoy this open, “the adventure continues”-style ending for the beloved character, but the truth is there really was no other way for the series to end if it wanted to stay true to its themes.
Thisopen-ended conclusion for Ash’s storyhas led to no small amount of fan ire, particularly from those who wanted to see an older Ash, having moved on in his life for the first time in 25 years. While it’s understandable why older fans would’ve wanted to see such an ending, to match with how they’ve moved on in their own lives, that was just destined to never happen, and the creators of the series tried to make that clear in interviews. In order to deliver on the promise that thePokémonfranchise has represented for all these years, there was only one possible ending.
Ash’s Pokémon Ending Is Secretly Symbolic Of The Entire Franchise’s Message
The Franchise Has Always Been About Adventure
Ash’s ending sees him continuing to explore and meet new Pokémon, just as he has always done. Becoming World Champion didn’t change that, because being the champion was never really Ash’s goal. This is something that’s illuminated in the final episode, as Gary asks Ash justhow close he is to being a Pokémon Masternow.Ash ponders this question for a while, and eventually comes to the conclusion that being a Master means getting to know and befriend every Pokémon, a task that can never truly be accomplished.
Despite all his progress and growth over the many years that the series ran, Ash is barely any closer to being a Pokémon Master in the final episode than he was in the first. The Pokémon world is one of unlimited mystery, ever-expanding and growing, so of course Ash’s adventure would be the same way. Fans of the games should be familiar with that feeling by now–even if you’ve caught every Pokémon there is to catch right now, there are always more new ones around the corner, just waiting to be revealed.“Gotta Catch’em All” is just as much of an endless quest as Ash’s.
Ash Can’t Grow Up Because Pokémon Can Never Grow Up (Despite How Much Fans Want It To)
Pokémon Has Always Been the Embodiment of a Child’s Fantasy
Ash’s journey has represented every kid’s dream, ever since the firstPokémongames came out on the Game Boy all those years ago. It’s been a tale full of adventure and action, and has always been reflected in a somewhat childish way. Ash never had to worry about resources or money on his journey; he always had exactly what he needed to get by. The real concerns and dangers of adventure are rarely acknowledged, no matter how many times Ash unnecessarily risks his life.
Ash’s Pokémon adventure is a child’s fantasy of what exploring the world is like, and it always has been. From the momentRedandGreendebuted in Japan,Pokémonhas promised players that fantasy, and the anime was no different, simply a reflection of the original games which slowly developed over time. While older fans may want to see the franchise grow with them, this “childish” element of the series, a rosy view of what adventure is like… it’s an essential element of whatPokémonis. To deny that is to reject a core part ofPokémon’s appeal.
How Old Are Ash & His Companions At the End of Their Pokémon Journey?
Time hasn’t flowed for Ash as the Pokémon anime series progressed. Fans can’t help but wonder, though: if Ash had been aging, how old would he be now?
That doesn’t meanPokémonis only for children, of course.It’s something that can be equally enjoyed by everyone, and that’s part of what makes it special. The franchise growing and adding in more mature elements would put that at risk, so it’s no wonder that the powers that be are so hesitant to embrace what fans so desperately want them to. Ash’s conclusion being a never-ending Pokémon adventure that’s simply happening off-screen now is perfectly in line with the values the franchise has always espoused.
Ash’s Evolution Reflects How The Pokémon Franchise Has Changed Over Time
Ash Has Evolved Over Time, But At His Core He Remains the Same
There’s no doubt that Ash’s character has changed over the course of the series; just compare the hot-headed, insult-slinging Ash of the first season to his calmer, more mature counterpart inthe last season ofPokémon Journeysto see how different his character has become. Ash has, to some extent, been reinvented for every era thatPokémonhas gone through, reflecting the changing times and attitudes of the children who are its primary audience.Like the show itself, with its rotating cast of companions, Ash has evolved to be the character the kids of the day needed.
Different eras of Ash, and of the series, have reflected changes in the way that the entire franchise has approached its own development. When Pokémon tried to have a darker story withXandY, Ash became a little taller, and a little older-looking, to reflect the kind of protagonist such a story would need. When things got lighter and softer forSun and Moon, Ash’s design was similarly changed to be more cartoonish and expressive, to better fit the more comedic tone.Journeysrepresented something of a midpoint, and his design is between the extremes ofXYandSun and Moon.
But even with all these changes,Ash was still that boy who set off with Pikachu all those years ago. Ash, likePokémonin general, is and will always remain that child’s fantasy of endless adventures with one’s best friends. To keep that adventure going, even after Ash’s time as the star of the anime came to an end… it was really the only option for ending the series. Over the past year, fans have speculated what Ash might be up to now, and that was precisely the point. His story will never end so long as thePokémondream continues on.
Pokémon
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Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
