- 3,466
- Posts
- 18
- Years
- Age 42
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Seen Feb 19, 2012
Here is where you can discuss the return to Kanto and the "greatest" Gym of all and the introduction of a long awaited canon character in "The Scheme Team".
-----------
Here we are, the transition episode to the next arc: Battle Frontier. It's been some time since I last wrote a heavy review but since this episode has not only a canon character I've longed to see converted but many events crammed as all our characters return to their respective homes, it would be remiss not to comment. While Ash may be the focus, it will be the secondary characters that tell the story here with the occasional lovely continuity in and out series as we return to Kanto. Now that the Final Ribbon has been resolved via Kids' WB's ordering, time to get back on track.
Recap: The opening act is just the narrator recapping and setting up the episode. No more different than an episode preview.
Opening Theme: Now that we're heading for the Battle Frontier, the 8th Pokemon English intro "I'm Unbeatable" is rather fittingly placed here but of course, 4Kids already slapped that up long ago 30-40 episodes ago with the ill fated spoilers. Either way, now that we're finally at the point in the series in which the theme is meant for, the experience and atmosphere are much more rewarding from it. I need to check when The Battle Frontier theme arrives in the Japanese episodes. No doubt be the next one as this is the transition episode (i.e. final episode) between arcs, but I'll re-edit when I know for sure.
Food shock: The first true shot is Brock serving up onigiri. Confusing considering how the food has been painted away at Hoenn League and the majority of Morrison's appearances, so why be inconsistent and not just paint it away? Why can't be 4Kids be more consistent in their editing but at least perhaps this means onigiri might be left alone for future reference? Don't hold your breath.
Apparently the gang (off camera) reaches a decision to split up with discussions of Caroline's cooking vs. Brock's and Max playing his snotty kid image with his chiding of Ash's recent ranking. As May and Max plan a future visit, Munchlax's running joke returns with his eating the onigiri and Brock's countermeasure.
Settling Off: The gang has one final goodbye and while it has the same tone of "Gotta Catch Ya Later!" the emotional impact is lessened as the implication is made clear of future encounters and the finality of the reality. Everyone has to go home sometime.
Mountain High: The next scene segues to the Rockets with Jessie noting on the new Rocket base, more advanced than the one we last saw in "Dues and Don'ts" in their typical "fearing Giovanni" banter. The base seems more carved on top of the mountain and possibly still in the Viridian Forest area (given the location of the first one and the Boss' ties to Viridian). One curiosity is the scenery in the dialogue as Meowth finishes his "King of da castle" line, then when Jessie delivers the following line, the camera cuts to the base's gates (with Dan'in having sticks/bos: a pre-edit by the Japanese producers for 4kids as they did with the Magma grunts in "Gaining Groudon") and apparently climbed the ominous mountain. It's odd pacing or animation error, you decide.
The scene cuts to Giovanni surveying the mountainside in his office with his thoughts disturbed with a receptionist via intercom and his already apparent frustration sets the pace. We see more shots of his office as our team relays their "success" in Hoenn with the additional bonus of the downfall of Aqua/Magma in their report much to the Boss Rocket's respective chagrin and surprise via their "exaggeration" of their role in the Kyorge/Groudon debacle. Complete with the occasional Ernst Stavro Blofeld imagery (his inspiration) as he reacts face unseen while petting his Persian.
The tension isn't as thick despite the team's jabs at the truth and Giovanni's general apathy and it is an improvement in the relationship compared to past meetings (their previous one in "Pearls Are a Spoink's Best Friend" and the Kanto episodes for example).
It is getting clear Giovanni is mellowing or acting more like 4Kids' take on Seto Kaiba with his patent apathy and succinct ness as time flows. More on this later.
Side Note: One sad issue with the 4Kids removal will be the loss of Ted Lewis' voice as he plays a lovely mix of frustration and apathy in the Boss Rocket anymore.
Old Times: After the meeting, our trio relaxes is their new assignment for the Antarctica branch (an old assignment joke or a possible joke to Justice League Antarctica—reformed loser villains dumped in the Antarctic and fought killer penguin hybrids in their first and only mission, you make the call), we get a long awaited Easter egg with the return of Butch/Cassidy. For those who don't know, Butch and Cassidy last appeared in series in the season five Lugia three-parter but they have been trouble in the Housou special episodes or the much ballyhooed "Pokemon Chronicles" for dub fans. However since America hasn't seen the release of the special episodes featuring them, this is their return in America in three seasons…in the also ballyhooed Segue scooters (a popular item in America and apparently in Japan as well). Along with an off/on coloring error with their collars as the scenes cut by.
The Butch wording is now distorting to Biff (Back to the Future reference as 4Kids covered the short lived animated series on the Fox Box?) with a new voice for Cassidy (as Megan Hollingshead has departed from the series), not as grating and the actress does a decent job at conveying her snide ness. A pity the episode wasn't converted before Hollingshead departed and demonstrated her more popular voice in a coda of sorts with the character. The Jessie/Cassidy rivalry broils with Cassidy's observation of our trio's Hoenn assignment (mostly true although Giovanni thought of the extra refinement of sacrificing them to find out about Magma/Aqua's methods.) before a Dan'in breaks up the scene with his misspeaking of Butch's name (spreading the seed) and informs them of Namba needing them (in the Housou episodes, Prof. Namba was the agents' handler), thus speeding off.
Side Note (2): One interesting feature is the fact Giovanni's name was dropped three times so far. It's nothing but considering how the series made it taboo to speak his name aloud originally, it's a curiosity but as they dropped his Blofeld imagery, such pretenses can't last forever.
Exits: Left in the aftermath, our trio schemes with yet another makeover with their competition departing with a splashy exit with jetpacks (like Domino used in "Mewtwo Returns" and an end of the technology theme with Giovanni's donation of pogo sticks with Jessie and James' following snarky banter padding out the scene.
Side Note (3): As the final Dan'in calls out to the trio, this is the first time they were refered to as "agents" and not the oft-used "members." It flows more professional and I got to take what I can get with the near hiatus of the organization as a whole in the series.
Hoenn Bound: May and Max return home to Caroline's waiting arms. In amidst of the dialogue May asks where's Norman's…car is. Odd considering that with the exception of the Global Police, the Rockets, Rangers, and a few others, no one in this series owns a car.
The audience line would be: "He has a car now?"
Side Note (4): Dogasu has the episode comparison up now as I write this. If they are up when I write the reviews, then I'll incorporate them but otherwise, I see what you all see.
The Japanese version just has Haruka ask where her father is.
We return to the greenhouse and play with the Slaking lineup and a familial tone all around.
Goodbye, Take Three: The pacing shifts rapidly again as Brock and Ash have their goodbyes on Kanto already. The tone becomes upbeat as he returned before and will so again. Of course if he does, let's hope he has more of a role as he more or less did not in Hoenn.
After a poor transition edit, Ash muses on the fact he is alone once again as the retro term memories flood back. Nothing left but the fact it is time to go home.
Stomping Grounds: Viridian City returns as the producers continue to carry the city throughout these types of transition episodes. Viridian City was used at the beginning of the series to kick start Ash's path and with the Rockets. It was used for the ending of his initial Badge quest with the Earth Badge. It was used at the original series' finale when the twerps separated as Misty got the summons back home and here we are again in the same theme of beginnings (and new ones) and endings. The episodes involving the emerald city never fail to please on some level.
Dogasu pointed out the non Japanese text in the upper right hand corner sign in the city's initial shot is erased. Why we never know as the text has been on dozen of episodes of AG before.
Ash passes by the Viridian Gym rebuilt (it was destroyed by our Rocket trio in "Battle of the Badge") with a stranger driving up to him in tow in oddly perfect timing. We are introduced to the man that gamers know as Scott.
Scott (Japanese name—Enshida): the Trainer in Emerald that follows you all over Hoenn, searching for the best Trainers (for the Battle Frontier). He also has a house on the Battle Frontier compound. If you talk to him after beating 7 Battle Frontier events (Silver badges), he will relinquish a Lansat Berry. After beating 7 more Battle Frontier events (Gold badges), he will hand a Starf Berry. In the dub, he has a deep borderline sleazy voice provided by John Campbell (Tristan Taylor/Hiroto Honda on Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters)
Brief continuity of the Earth Badge and the first allusion to Battle Frontier as Scott sizes Ash up before we transition to a woman screaming off camera and falling off her bike. The ensuing dialogue shifts to quite the revelation before the well timed commercial break: one being she is the new Viridian Gym Leader for several months now and dropped her name: Agatha. Of course this Agatha looks suspiciously like the Elite Four counterpart with the cane and hair (occasionally the canon/video game appearances do clash: e.g. Erika and Sabrina.)
Trainer's Choice: The correct choice is neither Arcanine nor Kirlia are superior to each other. 4Kids' logic at times, oh well, doesn't distract from the fine job thus far.
Arena: The Gym arena was revamped to a new blue tint with the appropriate banter. Apparently Agatha has a good natured banter with Scott with her jab at his approaching Trainers (albeit secretly) to her dialogue with the new acquaintance Ash (who introduced himself off camera as they entered the Gym most likely). Since the badge is already acquired, the shift goes to a match for fun. Agatha admits to a stage of wonderful ennui with her recent opponents but with Ash on his Hoenn League accomplishment, at least a challenge might be met yet.
Specter of a Chance: The pace shifts to a battle tone as Agatha releases a Gengar (with lovely animation playing on the chill effect) and it should be clear to fans that with the character design, name, and her signature Pokemon, she is the Elite Four's Agatha.
Since it's been so long since Agatha was mentioned, background info is needed.
Agatha (Japanese name—Kikuko):
First appearance: Red/Green/Blue/Yellow.
Agatha is the oldest member of the Elite Four in all the regions and specializes in the Ghost type although she does use Poison as a secondary type. She is one of the more fierce competitors with tempestuous tendencies. A Pokemon Journal entry along with her introduction dialogue in R/B states that she and Oak were fierce rivals when they were young but Oak retired to his Pokedex, while Agatha moved up to the Elite Four.
It is implied that they might have a romantic relationship or at least a crush on her side, as more spelled out in the Special manga. However, their relationship in both versions has grown bitter and strained over the years because Agatha believes he was too weak to continue competing, busy with his technology.
By the events of the Generation II games, Agatha is no longer a member of the Elite Four, and Bruno has assumed her position. Her absence was never explained and not mentioned at all. It is fan speculation that in the three-year gap between games, she either finally retired due to old age or possibly passed away.
She would later return for the Generation III games Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. Like the other members of the Elite Four, she would have a revamp in her character design in the She is depicted as being taller, slightly younger, and her hair has changed color from grey to graying blonde (hence possible confusion).
During the hiatus between games, American fans enjoyed her Pokemon Special arc as a villainess helping Lance as part of the Elite Four, who tried to destroy most of humanity from their base on Cerise Island.
She fought against the grandson of her rival, Professor Oak, Green twice. The first encounter was in between the two year transition of the Rocket arc to the Elite Four arc where she captured Green and a young meek trainer looking for his missing Haunter (it was entranced by Agatha's Gengar) In her vendetta to Oak, Green was caught in Hypnosis but used his thoughts via his Golduck to his Pokedex, and tell the trainer to summon up his courage or lose his Haunter. The trainer used his courage to distract Agatha enough to free Green and stop her.
When the Elite Four made their final gambit, Green faced her again, with the help of Rocket agent/Gym Leader, Koga. She seemingly vanished after her defeat. It would be revealed that Agatha used the mind-controlling powers of her Ghost-type Pokemon to control fellow member Bruno against his will.
Since the introduction of Bruno in the second season, many fans have wondered about her for the anime and the long distance from that arc made her somewhat obscure with the fandom until the revival of R/B and now with her animated conversion, all the Kanto Elite Four are finally converted to the anime.
Her image as the Elite Four has not yet addressed nor her assuming the Viridian Gym as Giovanni is still rather active (albeit minor) but the episode timer is still on.
Ash starts with a Normal attack, which of course fails with Agatha retaining her canon chiding Ash for his error (But then it has been a while since he's battled a Ghost type). The animation shifts to more dynamic tones as Gengar slips under the flooring to Pikachu agilely weaving several good hits (and the odd physically impossible of riding a Shadow Ball) to Gengar's double team to the finally seen Hypnosis/Dream Eater combo in excellent CGI with a well fitting Kanto battle score running in the background.
Images: After the battle, Scott then drops the pretense and reveals Agatha is indeed the Elite Four's Agatha and not only explains that she is subbing for Giovanni who has not yet arrived (check Side Note (5)) but even goes into detail why she didn't reveal her true title: intimidation for fear of her image. Of course, it should be subtly obvious that Ash would have lost because the series continues to reinforce the Elite Four as unbeatable. Considering he just lost a major battle in the previous "At the End of the Fray" , why are the writers batting his record around like this, beyond the implication that he seems to break even/lose when it comes to canon events yet always win with the non canon obstacles the series puts forth? The inevitable give and take but enough is enough.
It should also be noted that 4Kids chose an excellent voice actress for the oldest Elite Four member and not do the stereotypical voice for elder women as they've done before.
Side Note (5): While Giovanni being missing from his Gym isn't a surprise as it's a canon twist (as well as his being replaced by R/B/G/Y rival in Generation II) but his continued lack of presence does make for interesting commentary as is he aware that the League assign an Elite Four to substitute for him? Or does he even care of the shift because two things are getting clearer with his appearances: One) In "Dues and Don'ts" he seemed rather bored with the day-to-day struggles of the bureaucracy, of his job as Boss Rocket, this with Two) the only time we've seen him in the Gym was to show off his new play-toy Mewtwo and be rather enthralled by the game. However since Mewtwo's departure and this ennui at his off-hours (for his purposes) job, it's possible that boredom is bleeding into his other duties as we've witnessed before how boring it is to be a Gym Leader. It's speculation as we don't see enough of Giovanni to get any glimpse of his character beyond "Arrogant Boss" anymore.
Overview: As Ash leaves, Scott gives an overview of Battle Frontier and it being separate facilities in Kanto (despite the fact Battle Frontier is in a singular island complex in Hoenn), complete with the dub's first real name drop of the region's name that started it all and CGI for the Frontier symbols. It's a good overview for those not familiar with Battle Frontier (like myself). Campbell continues his monologue and the voice rather fits the role and chosen him well, I hope 4Kids can keep this well done casting up for the handful of episodes they have left.
A New Motto: The Rockets continue their Pikachu scheme with a new motto finally and with a pizzazz with well done CGI (unlike American shows, at least the Japanese handle CGI appropriately) with the Japanese Battle Frontier opening theme's galaxy shot serving as the first background image, in effect, creating a space/rocket theme. The motto is done with freshness and passion not seen since the Kanto mottos. The new motto itself goes more on the Rockets' true darker nature rather than the redemption theme of the original.
Agatha saves the day with her signature Golbat and at least gives the Rockets a chance to withdraw. More merciful compared to some of the other characters, canon or otherwise lately. Pikachu pulls of its "deus ex machina" toss (like with Juan's Milotic) on Jessie's released Seviper and while Agatha restrains herself with her Pokemon, Ash continues his patented sadism and sends them blasting them off with the electric frying of doom.
And the Rockets play on lovely commentary of the change theme as they pan out of view.
Side Note (6): It should be clear that the title is playing on the Rockets (both our trio and Butch/Cassidy) or Scott and Agatha with their omission of Agatha's status. Your choice.
Leaving for Now: As the characters part, Scott's canon mission is revealed and Ash is psyched to Battle Frontier, and Agatha resumes her Gym Leader duties. Her characterization tallied in the final analysis.
The Loudest Trip Home: The narrator continues on as the pacing rapidly brings Ash closer and closer to home and thoughts of home and then the Battle Frontier. It's one of more narrator heavy monologues in recent episodes, and at least they know how to use him more and more.
The final moment have an unexpected surprise in Misty returning and everyone (Delia, Prof. Oak) assembling out of near perfect timing (or deus ex machina timing), including Misty's new Azurill (Like Butch and Cassidy, Misty obtaining Azurill is covered in the Housou episodes). Of course, the impact lessens with the lack of foreshadowing in any of the dialogue/exposition/events but this isn't the first time in the series this happens, nor will it be the last.
The slipshod pacing continues with Prof. Birch's return (who Brock earlier said in the episode they'd meet but never occurred) and Max.
We pan out as the narrator sets up the next episode in monologue.
Agatha character analysis: Agatha was handled nicely (with a fitting voice) although it's obvious that this version has mellowed considerably in her age and less of a cantankerous fighter than her original version. At least her chiding aspect was touched upon but after seeing the gruff Drake, it's clear the producers wanted her to be more of a grandmother figure. Of course, part of her mythos is her angst towards Prof. Oak and since he was not in the episode (until the final minutes), her combustive side was by the wayside. It isn't a bother as she had the Viridian Gym plotline to wrap around, not to mention the fact she is being converted anyway. If and when the producers are ready to touch on the Oak angst, it will be an excellent opportunity to see her again, depending on the Viridian Gym issues.
Reflections: The pacing while off in some slight paces (mostly in the end), it did wonderful setting up the next events for the main characters: Ash—home and Battle Frontier, the Rockets—restarting their mission back home and rivalry with Butch/Cassidy, May/Max/Brock—homeward bound. This with the lovely introduction of the final Kanto Elite Four member (with lovely possible drama with the Viridian Gym and Giovanni) and the Battle Frontier recruiter with 4Kids' respectful treatment of them and the episode generally speaking creates an enjoyable atmosphere and one of the best episodes this season and of the recent fare with its good continuity/reinforcing of themes both old and new. Now return of Kanto is the next arc, it will be nice to see the return of past characters to see how they've been since we left them six-seven seasons ago.
9.5/10. Watch that pacing. Battle Frontier, here we come!
-----------
Here we are, the transition episode to the next arc: Battle Frontier. It's been some time since I last wrote a heavy review but since this episode has not only a canon character I've longed to see converted but many events crammed as all our characters return to their respective homes, it would be remiss not to comment. While Ash may be the focus, it will be the secondary characters that tell the story here with the occasional lovely continuity in and out series as we return to Kanto. Now that the Final Ribbon has been resolved via Kids' WB's ordering, time to get back on track.
Recap: The opening act is just the narrator recapping and setting up the episode. No more different than an episode preview.
Opening Theme: Now that we're heading for the Battle Frontier, the 8th Pokemon English intro "I'm Unbeatable" is rather fittingly placed here but of course, 4Kids already slapped that up long ago 30-40 episodes ago with the ill fated spoilers. Either way, now that we're finally at the point in the series in which the theme is meant for, the experience and atmosphere are much more rewarding from it. I need to check when The Battle Frontier theme arrives in the Japanese episodes. No doubt be the next one as this is the transition episode (i.e. final episode) between arcs, but I'll re-edit when I know for sure.
Food shock: The first true shot is Brock serving up onigiri. Confusing considering how the food has been painted away at Hoenn League and the majority of Morrison's appearances, so why be inconsistent and not just paint it away? Why can't be 4Kids be more consistent in their editing but at least perhaps this means onigiri might be left alone for future reference? Don't hold your breath.
Apparently the gang (off camera) reaches a decision to split up with discussions of Caroline's cooking vs. Brock's and Max playing his snotty kid image with his chiding of Ash's recent ranking. As May and Max plan a future visit, Munchlax's running joke returns with his eating the onigiri and Brock's countermeasure.
Settling Off: The gang has one final goodbye and while it has the same tone of "Gotta Catch Ya Later!" the emotional impact is lessened as the implication is made clear of future encounters and the finality of the reality. Everyone has to go home sometime.
Mountain High: The next scene segues to the Rockets with Jessie noting on the new Rocket base, more advanced than the one we last saw in "Dues and Don'ts" in their typical "fearing Giovanni" banter. The base seems more carved on top of the mountain and possibly still in the Viridian Forest area (given the location of the first one and the Boss' ties to Viridian). One curiosity is the scenery in the dialogue as Meowth finishes his "King of da castle" line, then when Jessie delivers the following line, the camera cuts to the base's gates (with Dan'in having sticks/bos: a pre-edit by the Japanese producers for 4kids as they did with the Magma grunts in "Gaining Groudon") and apparently climbed the ominous mountain. It's odd pacing or animation error, you decide.
The scene cuts to Giovanni surveying the mountainside in his office with his thoughts disturbed with a receptionist via intercom and his already apparent frustration sets the pace. We see more shots of his office as our team relays their "success" in Hoenn with the additional bonus of the downfall of Aqua/Magma in their report much to the Boss Rocket's respective chagrin and surprise via their "exaggeration" of their role in the Kyorge/Groudon debacle. Complete with the occasional Ernst Stavro Blofeld imagery (his inspiration) as he reacts face unseen while petting his Persian.
The tension isn't as thick despite the team's jabs at the truth and Giovanni's general apathy and it is an improvement in the relationship compared to past meetings (their previous one in "Pearls Are a Spoink's Best Friend" and the Kanto episodes for example).
It is getting clear Giovanni is mellowing or acting more like 4Kids' take on Seto Kaiba with his patent apathy and succinct ness as time flows. More on this later.
Side Note: One sad issue with the 4Kids removal will be the loss of Ted Lewis' voice as he plays a lovely mix of frustration and apathy in the Boss Rocket anymore.
Old Times: After the meeting, our trio relaxes is their new assignment for the Antarctica branch (an old assignment joke or a possible joke to Justice League Antarctica—reformed loser villains dumped in the Antarctic and fought killer penguin hybrids in their first and only mission, you make the call), we get a long awaited Easter egg with the return of Butch/Cassidy. For those who don't know, Butch and Cassidy last appeared in series in the season five Lugia three-parter but they have been trouble in the Housou special episodes or the much ballyhooed "Pokemon Chronicles" for dub fans. However since America hasn't seen the release of the special episodes featuring them, this is their return in America in three seasons…in the also ballyhooed Segue scooters (a popular item in America and apparently in Japan as well). Along with an off/on coloring error with their collars as the scenes cut by.
The Butch wording is now distorting to Biff (Back to the Future reference as 4Kids covered the short lived animated series on the Fox Box?) with a new voice for Cassidy (as Megan Hollingshead has departed from the series), not as grating and the actress does a decent job at conveying her snide ness. A pity the episode wasn't converted before Hollingshead departed and demonstrated her more popular voice in a coda of sorts with the character. The Jessie/Cassidy rivalry broils with Cassidy's observation of our trio's Hoenn assignment (mostly true although Giovanni thought of the extra refinement of sacrificing them to find out about Magma/Aqua's methods.) before a Dan'in breaks up the scene with his misspeaking of Butch's name (spreading the seed) and informs them of Namba needing them (in the Housou episodes, Prof. Namba was the agents' handler), thus speeding off.
Side Note (2): One interesting feature is the fact Giovanni's name was dropped three times so far. It's nothing but considering how the series made it taboo to speak his name aloud originally, it's a curiosity but as they dropped his Blofeld imagery, such pretenses can't last forever.
Exits: Left in the aftermath, our trio schemes with yet another makeover with their competition departing with a splashy exit with jetpacks (like Domino used in "Mewtwo Returns" and an end of the technology theme with Giovanni's donation of pogo sticks with Jessie and James' following snarky banter padding out the scene.
Side Note (3): As the final Dan'in calls out to the trio, this is the first time they were refered to as "agents" and not the oft-used "members." It flows more professional and I got to take what I can get with the near hiatus of the organization as a whole in the series.
Hoenn Bound: May and Max return home to Caroline's waiting arms. In amidst of the dialogue May asks where's Norman's…car is. Odd considering that with the exception of the Global Police, the Rockets, Rangers, and a few others, no one in this series owns a car.
The audience line would be: "He has a car now?"
Side Note (4): Dogasu has the episode comparison up now as I write this. If they are up when I write the reviews, then I'll incorporate them but otherwise, I see what you all see.
The Japanese version just has Haruka ask where her father is.
We return to the greenhouse and play with the Slaking lineup and a familial tone all around.
Goodbye, Take Three: The pacing shifts rapidly again as Brock and Ash have their goodbyes on Kanto already. The tone becomes upbeat as he returned before and will so again. Of course if he does, let's hope he has more of a role as he more or less did not in Hoenn.
After a poor transition edit, Ash muses on the fact he is alone once again as the retro term memories flood back. Nothing left but the fact it is time to go home.
Stomping Grounds: Viridian City returns as the producers continue to carry the city throughout these types of transition episodes. Viridian City was used at the beginning of the series to kick start Ash's path and with the Rockets. It was used for the ending of his initial Badge quest with the Earth Badge. It was used at the original series' finale when the twerps separated as Misty got the summons back home and here we are again in the same theme of beginnings (and new ones) and endings. The episodes involving the emerald city never fail to please on some level.
Dogasu pointed out the non Japanese text in the upper right hand corner sign in the city's initial shot is erased. Why we never know as the text has been on dozen of episodes of AG before.
Ash passes by the Viridian Gym rebuilt (it was destroyed by our Rocket trio in "Battle of the Badge") with a stranger driving up to him in tow in oddly perfect timing. We are introduced to the man that gamers know as Scott.
Scott (Japanese name—Enshida): the Trainer in Emerald that follows you all over Hoenn, searching for the best Trainers (for the Battle Frontier). He also has a house on the Battle Frontier compound. If you talk to him after beating 7 Battle Frontier events (Silver badges), he will relinquish a Lansat Berry. After beating 7 more Battle Frontier events (Gold badges), he will hand a Starf Berry. In the dub, he has a deep borderline sleazy voice provided by John Campbell (Tristan Taylor/Hiroto Honda on Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters)
Brief continuity of the Earth Badge and the first allusion to Battle Frontier as Scott sizes Ash up before we transition to a woman screaming off camera and falling off her bike. The ensuing dialogue shifts to quite the revelation before the well timed commercial break: one being she is the new Viridian Gym Leader for several months now and dropped her name: Agatha. Of course this Agatha looks suspiciously like the Elite Four counterpart with the cane and hair (occasionally the canon/video game appearances do clash: e.g. Erika and Sabrina.)
Trainer's Choice: The correct choice is neither Arcanine nor Kirlia are superior to each other. 4Kids' logic at times, oh well, doesn't distract from the fine job thus far.
Arena: The Gym arena was revamped to a new blue tint with the appropriate banter. Apparently Agatha has a good natured banter with Scott with her jab at his approaching Trainers (albeit secretly) to her dialogue with the new acquaintance Ash (who introduced himself off camera as they entered the Gym most likely). Since the badge is already acquired, the shift goes to a match for fun. Agatha admits to a stage of wonderful ennui with her recent opponents but with Ash on his Hoenn League accomplishment, at least a challenge might be met yet.
Specter of a Chance: The pace shifts to a battle tone as Agatha releases a Gengar (with lovely animation playing on the chill effect) and it should be clear to fans that with the character design, name, and her signature Pokemon, she is the Elite Four's Agatha.
Since it's been so long since Agatha was mentioned, background info is needed.
Agatha (Japanese name—Kikuko):
First appearance: Red/Green/Blue/Yellow.
Agatha is the oldest member of the Elite Four in all the regions and specializes in the Ghost type although she does use Poison as a secondary type. She is one of the more fierce competitors with tempestuous tendencies. A Pokemon Journal entry along with her introduction dialogue in R/B states that she and Oak were fierce rivals when they were young but Oak retired to his Pokedex, while Agatha moved up to the Elite Four.
It is implied that they might have a romantic relationship or at least a crush on her side, as more spelled out in the Special manga. However, their relationship in both versions has grown bitter and strained over the years because Agatha believes he was too weak to continue competing, busy with his technology.
By the events of the Generation II games, Agatha is no longer a member of the Elite Four, and Bruno has assumed her position. Her absence was never explained and not mentioned at all. It is fan speculation that in the three-year gap between games, she either finally retired due to old age or possibly passed away.
She would later return for the Generation III games Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. Like the other members of the Elite Four, she would have a revamp in her character design in the She is depicted as being taller, slightly younger, and her hair has changed color from grey to graying blonde (hence possible confusion).
During the hiatus between games, American fans enjoyed her Pokemon Special arc as a villainess helping Lance as part of the Elite Four, who tried to destroy most of humanity from their base on Cerise Island.
She fought against the grandson of her rival, Professor Oak, Green twice. The first encounter was in between the two year transition of the Rocket arc to the Elite Four arc where she captured Green and a young meek trainer looking for his missing Haunter (it was entranced by Agatha's Gengar) In her vendetta to Oak, Green was caught in Hypnosis but used his thoughts via his Golduck to his Pokedex, and tell the trainer to summon up his courage or lose his Haunter. The trainer used his courage to distract Agatha enough to free Green and stop her.
When the Elite Four made their final gambit, Green faced her again, with the help of Rocket agent/Gym Leader, Koga. She seemingly vanished after her defeat. It would be revealed that Agatha used the mind-controlling powers of her Ghost-type Pokemon to control fellow member Bruno against his will.
Since the introduction of Bruno in the second season, many fans have wondered about her for the anime and the long distance from that arc made her somewhat obscure with the fandom until the revival of R/B and now with her animated conversion, all the Kanto Elite Four are finally converted to the anime.
Her image as the Elite Four has not yet addressed nor her assuming the Viridian Gym as Giovanni is still rather active (albeit minor) but the episode timer is still on.
Ash starts with a Normal attack, which of course fails with Agatha retaining her canon chiding Ash for his error (But then it has been a while since he's battled a Ghost type). The animation shifts to more dynamic tones as Gengar slips under the flooring to Pikachu agilely weaving several good hits (and the odd physically impossible of riding a Shadow Ball) to Gengar's double team to the finally seen Hypnosis/Dream Eater combo in excellent CGI with a well fitting Kanto battle score running in the background.
Images: After the battle, Scott then drops the pretense and reveals Agatha is indeed the Elite Four's Agatha and not only explains that she is subbing for Giovanni who has not yet arrived (check Side Note (5)) but even goes into detail why she didn't reveal her true title: intimidation for fear of her image. Of course, it should be subtly obvious that Ash would have lost because the series continues to reinforce the Elite Four as unbeatable. Considering he just lost a major battle in the previous "At the End of the Fray" , why are the writers batting his record around like this, beyond the implication that he seems to break even/lose when it comes to canon events yet always win with the non canon obstacles the series puts forth? The inevitable give and take but enough is enough.
It should also be noted that 4Kids chose an excellent voice actress for the oldest Elite Four member and not do the stereotypical voice for elder women as they've done before.
Side Note (5): While Giovanni being missing from his Gym isn't a surprise as it's a canon twist (as well as his being replaced by R/B/G/Y rival in Generation II) but his continued lack of presence does make for interesting commentary as is he aware that the League assign an Elite Four to substitute for him? Or does he even care of the shift because two things are getting clearer with his appearances: One) In "Dues and Don'ts" he seemed rather bored with the day-to-day struggles of the bureaucracy, of his job as Boss Rocket, this with Two) the only time we've seen him in the Gym was to show off his new play-toy Mewtwo and be rather enthralled by the game. However since Mewtwo's departure and this ennui at his off-hours (for his purposes) job, it's possible that boredom is bleeding into his other duties as we've witnessed before how boring it is to be a Gym Leader. It's speculation as we don't see enough of Giovanni to get any glimpse of his character beyond "Arrogant Boss" anymore.
Overview: As Ash leaves, Scott gives an overview of Battle Frontier and it being separate facilities in Kanto (despite the fact Battle Frontier is in a singular island complex in Hoenn), complete with the dub's first real name drop of the region's name that started it all and CGI for the Frontier symbols. It's a good overview for those not familiar with Battle Frontier (like myself). Campbell continues his monologue and the voice rather fits the role and chosen him well, I hope 4Kids can keep this well done casting up for the handful of episodes they have left.
A New Motto: The Rockets continue their Pikachu scheme with a new motto finally and with a pizzazz with well done CGI (unlike American shows, at least the Japanese handle CGI appropriately) with the Japanese Battle Frontier opening theme's galaxy shot serving as the first background image, in effect, creating a space/rocket theme. The motto is done with freshness and passion not seen since the Kanto mottos. The new motto itself goes more on the Rockets' true darker nature rather than the redemption theme of the original.
Agatha saves the day with her signature Golbat and at least gives the Rockets a chance to withdraw. More merciful compared to some of the other characters, canon or otherwise lately. Pikachu pulls of its "deus ex machina" toss (like with Juan's Milotic) on Jessie's released Seviper and while Agatha restrains herself with her Pokemon, Ash continues his patented sadism and sends them blasting them off with the electric frying of doom.
And the Rockets play on lovely commentary of the change theme as they pan out of view.
Side Note (6): It should be clear that the title is playing on the Rockets (both our trio and Butch/Cassidy) or Scott and Agatha with their omission of Agatha's status. Your choice.
Leaving for Now: As the characters part, Scott's canon mission is revealed and Ash is psyched to Battle Frontier, and Agatha resumes her Gym Leader duties. Her characterization tallied in the final analysis.
The Loudest Trip Home: The narrator continues on as the pacing rapidly brings Ash closer and closer to home and thoughts of home and then the Battle Frontier. It's one of more narrator heavy monologues in recent episodes, and at least they know how to use him more and more.
The final moment have an unexpected surprise in Misty returning and everyone (Delia, Prof. Oak) assembling out of near perfect timing (or deus ex machina timing), including Misty's new Azurill (Like Butch and Cassidy, Misty obtaining Azurill is covered in the Housou episodes). Of course, the impact lessens with the lack of foreshadowing in any of the dialogue/exposition/events but this isn't the first time in the series this happens, nor will it be the last.
The slipshod pacing continues with Prof. Birch's return (who Brock earlier said in the episode they'd meet but never occurred) and Max.
We pan out as the narrator sets up the next episode in monologue.
Agatha character analysis: Agatha was handled nicely (with a fitting voice) although it's obvious that this version has mellowed considerably in her age and less of a cantankerous fighter than her original version. At least her chiding aspect was touched upon but after seeing the gruff Drake, it's clear the producers wanted her to be more of a grandmother figure. Of course, part of her mythos is her angst towards Prof. Oak and since he was not in the episode (until the final minutes), her combustive side was by the wayside. It isn't a bother as she had the Viridian Gym plotline to wrap around, not to mention the fact she is being converted anyway. If and when the producers are ready to touch on the Oak angst, it will be an excellent opportunity to see her again, depending on the Viridian Gym issues.
Reflections: The pacing while off in some slight paces (mostly in the end), it did wonderful setting up the next events for the main characters: Ash—home and Battle Frontier, the Rockets—restarting their mission back home and rivalry with Butch/Cassidy, May/Max/Brock—homeward bound. This with the lovely introduction of the final Kanto Elite Four member (with lovely possible drama with the Viridian Gym and Giovanni) and the Battle Frontier recruiter with 4Kids' respectful treatment of them and the episode generally speaking creates an enjoyable atmosphere and one of the best episodes this season and of the recent fare with its good continuity/reinforcing of themes both old and new. Now return of Kanto is the next arc, it will be nice to see the return of past characters to see how they've been since we left them six-seven seasons ago.
9.5/10. Watch that pacing. Battle Frontier, here we come!
Last edited: