Pokemon anime has been going through constant drop in popularity as result of new generations not having interest for it, older fans losing loyalty and attachment to show they once adored and were eager to follow. Which reflected on decrease in ratings and drop of reputation.
Ever since writers stopped treating this anime as one entity. Continuity based show which delivers meaningful, exciting and consistent storyline with production company taking easy, lazy route it started its long, turing decay.
Yeah, agreed with that. Even if you're not going to keep your loyal fanbase, the least you should do is actually try to gain new fans, and it's clear they haven't even done that well in that area. Not to mention the writers basically became cynical about their base, sort of like Jeffrey Katzenberg and several other Hollywood mongols (Sex Tape is an example of how Hollywood was extremely cynical about its own viewer base).
-Delivering only repeat of older plots:Overusing them and applying to new sagas trying to sell it to new gwenerations as "brand new ideas".
Yeah, agreed with that. Not to mention unnecessarily hyping up things that turn out to be false anyways.
-stagnation of Ash character and plot development ging through resets and learning of what he acquired before with his journey moving nowhere,
Agreed with that, at least regarding AG and BW. DP at least managed to actually have him increase in rank, so it wasn't entirely bad in that area. Still, having Ash reset many times (with BW being the worst at this) just came across as cheap.
-traveing companions being used as one trick pony. Irrelevant fanservice which is there just to fill up space for promotion of whatever new region Ash travels through, just to be later dropped. Like they were never important to pokemon history, like their friendship and strong, tight bonds this anime hypocritically promotes bgetween Ash and companions were never there with all contact being lost(as evidenced by Misty, May, Max, Tracey, Brock etc being all but abandoned).
Yeah, agreed, especially regarding Misty, who unlike the other characters isn't even allowed to pursue her goal at all (Max might have it worse, since at least Misty's 10 and thus is allowed to do Pokémon Training. Max is 8, two years below the legal age barring being a Gym Leader, and thanks to the writers' insistence on just keeping Ash 10 for whatever reason, even when otherwise strongly implying that time has passed like the Bullet Train's presence in Till We Meet Again when last we heard of it, the Bullet Train wasn't even to be used until a year plus one week after the events of Goldenrod City's first appearance, it's unlikely Max will EVER have his match with Ash or become a trainer.). At least Tracey is easily contactable from Professor Oak's Lab, so we can say he contacts Tracey whenever he calls Oak. The others, not so much (though in fairness regarding May, based on how her departure was handled, it's extremely unlikely she would take calls from Ash even if they actually did use her for more than just promotion. For goodness sakes, she seemed all too eager to leave, not even showing the slightest bit of hesitation of leaving her friends behind. Even Anakin Skywalker when he was overjoyed about being freed was nonetheless reluctant to leave his mom Shmi behind.). And what's worse is the cameos, especially May and Dawn, since more than a few times they really don't have much business in the region anyways. Dawn's the worst bit, since she cameoed in a region she literally had no business in, as Unova doesn't even have contests. At least May's cameo in Sinnoh had the Wallace Cup's ribbon being transregional as an excuse for her presence. And quite frankly, it also cheapens the entire show when the friends he makes are replaced with someone who would do the same goal anyways, especially when it basically implies the previous show is in effect skippable.
Like they dont have their own storylines, dreams, started plots and imperfections which writers introduced about them just to shamelessly drop everything in favor of new companion. Leaving them with no closure, no future progress and follow up of what they established before.
In all fairness, at least May, Dawn, Iris, and Cilan actually are continuing to pursue their goals and their departures are neatly foreshadowed (not to mention May and Dawn may have achieved Top Coordinator already since we do know that there are only four regions where Pokémon Contests are held, with Sinnoh, Wallace Cup aside, being the only region May hadn't travelled through yet, and by this point she probably already has gone through it. And Dawn most likely is going to go through either Kanto or Johto by the time of XY [we know Hoenn was next on her contest trek after Sinnoh thanks to that Pokémon Sunday special].), and while he doesn't quite continue his goal, Brock does change his breeder goal to Pokémon Doctor, so even he has some pursuing of his new goal, plus Tracey technically accomplished his goal by meeting Professor Oak face to face and is even working for him as a lab assistant. Misty's the only one besides Max with absolutely no sense of closure or future progress or followup whatsoever, due to how she is being forced to act as Gym Leader and put off her Water Pokémon Master goal. Not to mention she actually had a lot of unresolved issues about her anyways, like why she fears bugs, elaboration into her past, among others.
Havng book which received prelude and entanglement, but never culmination of story and denuaement.
Yeah, agreed.
-pookemon series shifting focus over the years from maturity, danger and depth of emotions present in older generations like Original series with attempt to appeal to wider grouon of viewers such as teenagers, adults elders(beside just kids)under batton of Takeshi Shudo.Wanting to portray anime as family oriented show imbued with realism and substance put into main storyline. Showing how beside all hapiness and lighthearted nature of anime there existed negativity, conflicts and rough nature of characters, pokemon and surrounding.
Agreed with that. The original series was better largely because it actually could connect to a wide range of people, allow even parents to enjoy it. It's also what Walt Disney believed should be the case. But, unfortunately, executives, like Jeffrey Katzenberg and Bob Iger/Michael Eisner for Disney, as well as the likes of Masamitsu Hidaka for Pokémon, believed they should just focus on the kids, which basically hurt it more than needed. Don't forget, it's the parents who have to watch it with their children, and if they are going to spend time and energy (and in the case of DVDs and theatrical releases, money) to go watch with their kids, the least they can do is make sure the movie is actually enjoyable for the parents so they don't feel like they are doing a chore for their kids.
Dealing with concepts of questioning your own identity and concept of mortality(like death of little Amber, Mewtwo desoise toward humanity,). Messed up childhood and parental neglect( like Misty being abandoned by parents and abused by older sisiers reflecting negatively on her selfesteem or psyche having to grow up prematurely). Covering ideas such as mentally unstable persons ( like Sabrina suffering from personality disorder, Price becoming embittered person osing faith in friendship and loyalty etc).
Yeah, agreed with that. Pokémon the First Movie, at least in Japan, was actually pretty popular (and while America might not have the same popularity with that movie thanks to the hatchetjob 4Kids did with the movie, even it was pretty popular as well).
With some of Shudo legacy still existing in Hoenn and DP.
Such as Ash becoming evil posessed by dark spirit in Battle Frontier with Bfandon battling to save his soul. Apocalypic like scenario such as giant Claydol threatening to destropy world etc.
Hunzer J being ruthless socipat which had no care for human lives and honor being ready to kill anyone in her way for greed and money. Being one of very few characters corrupted and morally twisted to the bone, Cyrus from Galactic being egocentric maniac wanting to change wirld to his own preferences. Etc.
Yeah, and unfortunately, there are also instances where they seemed to push really left-wing agendas as well (like the Zoroark movie, which is shamelessly anti-corporation, and if that's not enough, one of the heroes of the film [besides Ash and co.] was explicitly based on that communist propagandist Michael Moore. Even if Misty were in that movie, and thank goodness she wasn't, I'd refuse to see it thanks to the pro-Moore elements in that movie. That's not even getting into the episode where Piplup and Pikachu, thanks to a water/electric machine, basically becoming a gay couple), despite it being for kids. And unfortunately, Team Rocket was made into idiots in AG up to BW, not even worthy of being actual threats (which, you know, is supposed to be the entire point of being an antagonist).
To anime becoming parade of cuteness, sweetness and positivity everywhere and always. With anime becoming kiddified, sappy and much more lighthearted insulting even small kids intelligence with unrealistic values and ethics. Of world being utopia place where all your dreams can come true, how people will always be by your side and if you belireve in youself "nothing bad can happen".
With Kalos saga emphasizing on this the most not having anymore heart, charisma and fluid storybuilding it used to have.
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Have to agree there. If you're going to make Pokemon like that, the least you should do is make sure there are some bad things so people can take it seriously.
All of this contributed in pokemon anime as once praised and liked by all kind of generations product turning in show which is slowly losing its monopole and dominance on Japan market and outside of it.
Yeah, and their treatment of the girl characters after Misty as being disposable sacks of meat for little more than promotion and sexual fanservice (despite their being 10 years old, which even for Japan is pushing the envelope too much regarding child porn) isn't helping matters either. And frankly, had I been in Masamitsu Hidaka's situation and I said what he said about how we viewed the girl characters in Pokemon, I'd have my butt landed in jail in an instant, with a lengthy prison sentence, as even in Japan, child porn is illegal.
Its ironic how people in charge of pokemon anime either dont know or pretend not to know how path toward bigger popularity, bigger sales, bigger reputation and strong, healthy fanbase lies inpening two way communication with their fans,. Listen to their demands and suggestions and how they could make this anime more accessible, appealing to wder group of people.
Yeah, agreed. Maybe some fans might butcher it, but on the other hand, you can't exactly have a market if you don't have fans, and consulting with the fans and consumers is indeed going to be necessary for something to actually continue. Fans/consumers and the actual providers have a bit of a symbiotic relationship, really. You please the fans, you bring in more revenue. It's basic economics, after all.
Its ironic how they are ignorant enough to overlook fact how: step toward recovery is in building bridges which once again connect new generations wilth older ones. Give insight in Ash past and history built and developed with various characters, living up to message of pokemon being supposed to be treated as entity which builds oin itself paying attention to previous characters and events making pokeworld feel more closer and connected.
Yeah, agreed there.
At very least writers should take in account concept of character rotation(reuse of some older characters in future).
Because why not return older characters for whole saga(season or two at least) if they have so much unexplored potential unresolved things and great personalities in which we could enjoy in?
Bring badass pokemon, battle strong trainers or coordinators going through bigger, more challenging development in tying up loose ends. Giving us chance to enjoy in their silly taunts, vibrant characterization and interesing dreams they pursue kicking butts in action again.
Yeah, agreed there. At least give them more than a few episodes, and especially in the case of Misty actually make sure they actually have something directly relating to their personal goals to do once they leave and not just be forced into running a gym again. Also give some action that actually means something rather than mindless action, and also tie up various loose ends. And if you're not going to evolve Pokémon, actually state a reason why the Pokémon isn't going to evolve at all, why if needs be as well (They did it right with Bulbasaur, Pikachu, and even Squirtle [and the last one is more implied than directly stated]).
They want higher ratings and more people watching this show. But they fail to understand how they already have resources and material to achieve this. In form of bringing back super popular older well liked characters doing sequel going in new, meaningful adventures.
Yeah. Had I been the writers, I'd instantly pick up they want older characters to be in the forefront, not simply cheaply replacing them each region, especially if they have unfinished business. I for one could think of plenty for Misty to do in AG, in DP, in BW, even in XY, stuff actually relevant to her character, goals, and all that shebang. In fact, the fact that Misty's returns in AG actually boosted the ratings should have given a huge hint to the writers that Misty rejoining permanently would have been an excellent choice.
People yearned for years for this things to happen:
-have Ash win league and finally take his character further coming closer toward his dreams. So that viewers can feel rewarded for following his long journey.
Yeah, agreed with that. And we need a definite win, especially when the writers continued the journey despite technically winning a Pokémon League in the form of the Orange Cup as well as the Battle Frontier. DP came the closest to that, and thanks to the writers procrastinating, while Ash did at least increase in rank, he didn't actually win the league despite all the hints that he would.
-bring back older characters acknowledging continuity. For years there exists massive demand for this, especially in Misty(Kasumi) case with hundreds of thousands of fans missing her and wanting to play relevant role in anime again getting continuiation of her unresolved stoiry enjoying in her peculiar, rich characterization and charm she successfuly brought into characters dynamic.
Yeah, agreed. And unlike Brock, she definitely wouldn't get stale by virtue of her goal actually being closer to that of Ash's goal. Worst case scenario, she'll only get as stale as Ash does, not to Brock's level.
-come up with creative plots and ideas which will engage viewers in sticking with this show even after he becomes older. Such as utilizing properly new fresh ideas games offer like World tournament. Which was most prestigue and evoking competition ever taking place in games gsthering all kind of strong traner, gym leadersa, champions,etc pursuing their own dreams and striving to become stronger.
Yes, that would definitely attract a lot of viewers. The writers ignoring the World Conference was a huge mistake, a sin, in fact.
But in anime writers instead of creating memorable, thrilling adventure from it decided to rather waste potential on Decolora islands(filler arc with no direction and purpose for characters to go). Which no one wanted.
Yeah. Aside from it being an unneeded region in every way, we didn't even have a league or a Battle Frontier as an excuse to enjoy it, meaning their travelling through it was pointless. They could have settled those 20 or so episodes with a World Conference, but they didn't.
Dive into pokemon thoughts and how they feel over trainers catching them and separating from family . In order to be trained, participating in battles or other activities as means for humans to accomplish their own desies and careers. On deeper, more groundbreaking level of where is line between slavery and mutual weived with love and respect relationship between human and trainer being like partners.
Because clashes between humans and pokemon species did happened in past according both to games and anime resulting in big wars. As mentioned in Johto series for example.
Yeah, agreed. After all, when a series is about competition, why not show some elements of war or competition going way too far.
In fact why not make whole mini storyline of evil legendary pokemon threatening to destroy world, towns, villages and those people care about resulting in Ash being joined by his older friends from other regions such as Misty, Brock, May, Cilan etc in aiding him to fight together against big danger which loomed upon world to prevent its plans and defeat him.
This kind of unexpected, different and eventful storylines would effectively break down monotony and give to pokemon anime edge over other shows fighting for viewers on market.
That might have the chance of backfiring though, although I do appreciate your idea. Unfortunately, there not being such a thing as an evil Pokémon was stated as early as Island of the Giant Pokémon way back in the Indigo League's early episodes. It will be difficult to basically backpedal there, especially when to put emphasis on it, they had Ekans and Koffing stating this (Meowth's probably the only exception, and even HE was implied not actually be truly evil so much as put in a situation that was the closest thing to home for him). Even without the current mess the writers are making of things, it would be extremely difficult for them to do something like that and not expect some backlash.
But to no avail coming to misunderstanding and disinterest from pokemon executives.
Yeah, not to mention cynicism for its own audiences.
What pokemon anime lost is identity!
Agreed. In fact, thanks to their insistence on girl-swapping, the Anime in effect became another Love Hina, another Battle Vixens, another Fiorello Fangirls situation, another Maron from Dragonball Z, etc., etc., and let's face it, treating the girls like that is not appropriate even for the kodomo racket.
Pokemon doesnt have anymore brand through which people can associate anime with. Stable group of characters which are viewed as icons, representative of pokemon series. Not only for one specific generation, but whole pokemon anime storyline as whole with created friendships and chemistry between Ash and others, storyline started in one generation and all those struggles, plots and conflicts transferring itself to next series.
Yeah, that I can agree on. At least give some meaningful conflict. That being said, if they go too much into darkness, that has just as bad of an effect on the show, if not even worse. Pokémon's not Looney Tunes, nor is it the Simpsons, where they could get away with loose continuity.
Like other long running shows do such as "One Piece!", "Naruto!", "Dragon Quest!", "Inazuma Eleven Go!", "Shuffle!", "Stein Gate!", "Hiiro no Kakera!" etc. Many of mentioned ones are based on games, but this doesnt stop them from having compelling character development and better story building.
Keeping older fans loyal to show they grew up with deciding to stick around when they become older because of developing emotional attachment to protagonists and side characters keeping interest alive in seeing how will all those plots, character storylines and adventures they went through resolve and play out in end.
Agreed there. Those materials actually develop with their audiences in addition to keeping new audiences.
Attracting simultaneously new generations into such shows because of having sensible storyline filled with flashbacks and firm following maintaining contact with past events and characters so they dont feel left out. Get better understanding of what caused main cast they follow to change and develop in way they are depicted currently in story over the years growing to like them just as older generations do.
Agreed there. Not much else I can say there.
In other words this show have plot driven story, strong connection to history and sense of direction in which characters and their plots evolve gaining new dimension, enjoyable traits and characteristic about them. Making them more relatable and worthwhile to follow with time.
Yeah, agreed. Having the characters be disposable besides Ash is not going to give people the right message anyways, it's smarter to actually keep what you have rather than dispose of characters for new ones.
Because for appeal and quality of any anime this things are most important, otherwise you have just one giant mess with no real follow up. Story without substance, characters without purpose and destroyed history, everyone who were important for story progression ending abandoned and discarded like they were never important and no more direction, meaningful work which will lead protagonists and plot somewhere eventually writers tried to bring to us in first place.
Yeah, if there's no reason to follow the story at all, not follow the characters, and not even having a truly defined goal, that's more reason to NOT watch the show instead of continuing to watch it. They really need to treat the show as more than just an outlet for the games.
Something which writers and directors of pokemon anime overlook and dont care about, continuing to reflect negatively on reception about this anime with people losing their devotion and respect.
Yeah, they certainly don't. While profits are indeed what keeps a show running, you also need to make sure to cater to the audiences to actually get the maximum amount of profit as one can get, and I don't mean pandering to identity groups, either, but actually doing what audiences like. Currently, this is basically like
what nearly happened with Toy Story when Jeffrey Katzenberg demanded for a more adult, cynical edge to the story. Breitbart even
attributed this to Katzenberg's cynicism, alongside Hollywood's cynicism in general.
