[Episode Discussion] Is it Filler? Alola Edition

[Aquacorde]

Is It Filler? Alola Edition

Okay y'all we're gonna play a game!

The game can basically be summed up as "PC finds out how much filler is actually in the Pokémon anime", but we're gonna do this thing systematically. We've got some criteria that IcyIce threw down over here to check episodes against.

Does a main character catch a new Pokémon?
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move?
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition?
Is a major character introduced or focused on?
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio?
Do the characters learn something important?
Is there noticeable character growth?
Does the episode support the main story?

As you can see, a few of these are fairly subjective. There's also the discussion that might stem from things like "is this character considered a major character", "is this competition worthy of note", "who counts as a main character in this season", and so forth.

But I don't think just finding out how much (or how little) filler there may be is worth all the trouble. Nah, while we're here, we're gonna figure out a worth-watching score for each episode! (there has to be a better term... feel free to suggest lmao). Maybe it'll be helpful to people who are wondering if it's worth it to watch all the episodes.

How It Works

We're going to evaluate six episodes per week. That should get us through Alola in... half a year? Not bad. We can always up the number if we want, but I think six is a good amount- it's only two hours of watch time if you want to review the episodes before you score them. Or you can just hit up Bulba to refresh your memory lol idc as long as you're accurate. It doesn't really matter if you watch dub or sub for this, just be aware that others might watch the opposite of what you do.

There are eight questions to answer about each episode. A "yes" answer is worth a point, a "no" is worth zero points. Each user can also award an episode up to two bonus points, but if you're awarding bonuses you must give a reason! Maybe you thought the animation was fantastic, or the episode was particularly well-written, or the BGM went hard, or that it was actually a really important episode that didn't have a lot of "yes" answers. It's up to you.

How To Play

Keep an eye out for the announcement of each week's episodes! I'll try to post them in the OP but like, no promises. Use the form below to submit your scores. You can change them as much as you want until I tally them, but after that what's done is done! You don't have to rate all six episodes all at once. Or all in one post. Or even all six each week. You can join in any time and dip out any time. Whatever, just keep havin' fun.

I always like to hear reasoning for the subjective questions! Feel free to tack on discussion, questions, opinions, etc to your score sheet. Ask other users about their reasoning too, if you want. Also I want as many people to score each episode as possible so drag your friends in here too :D

-> copy code for question form. use one form per episode.

Spoiler:

[cd=font-size:12px;][B]Episode Number/Title:[/B]
[B]Does a main character catch a new Pokémon?[/B]
[B]Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move?[/B]
[B]Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition?[/B]
[B]Is a major character introduced or focused on?[/B]
[B]Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio?[/B]
[B]Do the characters learn something important?[/B]
[B]Is there noticeable character growth?[/B]
[B]Does the episode support the main story?[/B]
[B]Bonus Points (up to 2):[/B]
[B]Bonus Reason:[/B]
[B]Total:[/B]
[/cd]

How Scoring Works

Each episode will be scored out of 6 points- yeah, that means it can have a rating higher than 100% but like, don't worry about it, I'm setting it up this way for a reason. After a week I'll go through and do some math to convert all our ratings into a percentage. That will be our final score for those episodes, which I'll archive in the OP as well as post in the thread. After a few weeks, we should be able to determine what percentage is considered "filler" and what would be considered "unmissable".

This is the first one of these, so we'll probably figure some things out as we go! If we find it necessary to make any changes, I'll announce them. :) Oh and before I get questions about this, we're doing Alola first because it's still pretty fresh in memory. I did think about starting from Kanto, but like... nah. Maybe I'll do a poll after we finish Alola to decide which region we'll do next.

Have fun! Feel free to ask for clarification on anything :)

Previously Scored

Spoiler:

SM001 - Alola to New Adventure! / Alola! The Starting Island, the Starter Pokémon!! 100
SM002 - The Guardian's Challenge! / The Guardian Deity Kapu-Kokeko Appears! Challenge, Our Z-Move!! 100
SM003 - Loading the Dex! / Hello, Roto, I'm the Rotom Pokédex, Roto! 83
SM004 - First Catch in Alola, Ketchum-Style! / It's Mokuroh! Catching Pokémon in Alola!! 92
SM005 - Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio! / Ashimari, Give it Your bALLoon! 83
SM006 - A Shocking Grocery Run! / The Shocking and Prickly Togedemaru! 75
SM007 - That's Why the Litten is a Scamp! / The Vagabond in the Market, Nyabby! 83
SM008 - Lillie's Egg-xhilarating Challenge! / Who'll Be in Charge of the Egg? 83
SM009 - To Top a Totem! / The Leader Pokémon is Dekagoose! 92
SM010 - Trial and Tribulation! / Will the Z-Move Work! Challenge the Grand Trial!! 100
SM011 - Young Kiawe Had a Farm! / Satoshi Visits Kaki! 100
SM012 - The Sun, the Scare, the Secret Lair! / The Extracurricular Lesson is Hidoide!? 100

Currently Scoring

SM013 - Racing to a Big Event! / The Big Alola Pancake Race!
SM014 - Getting to Know You! / The Crystal of Courage, Lilie and Rokon!
SM015 - Rocking Clawmark Hill! / The Clawed Hill, Iwanko and Lugarugan!!
SM016 - They Might Not Be Giants! / A Small Trio on a Big Adventure!!
SM017 - Crystal-Clear Sleuthing! /Alola Detective Rotom! The Mystery of the Missing Crystal!!
SM018 - A Seasoned Search! / Really!? Mao's Great Cooking Operation!

These six will be tallied October 30.

 

[Aquacorde]

Episode Number/Title: SM001
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, like, all of them.
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? yes
Do the characters learn something important? yes- ash learns that Z Moves exist
Is there noticeable character growth? no
Does the episode support the main story? yes- sets up a lot
Bonus Points (up to 2): +2
Bonus Reason: I mean, we're introduced to Z Moves, Team Skull, the Pokémon School, and like everyone important in Alola. Ash gets a Z-Ring and decides to stay in Alola. That bumps up the necessary-watch score for sure.
Total: 6

Episode Number/Title: SM002
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no - i don't think using the z move counts as a new move until it's been mastered
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? yes, i think the battle against tapu koko is important
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, we are still learning the basics about the classmates. it's kind of all at once, but it's there!
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? yes - ash learns more about how z moves work & about alolan forms & about alolan-style trials
Is there noticeable character growth? yes - ash learns he's super outclassed by tapu koko and his classmates
Does the episode support the main story? yes - still setting things up and ash decides to take the island challenge
Bonus Points (up to 2): +1
Bonus Reason: I don't think this episode is skip-able due to the amount of setup still taking place here at the beginning of the season. This is establishing a more solid foundation for the main cast as well.
Total: 6

Episode Number/Title: SM003
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yeah uhhh I would think Bewear and Mimikyu count
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? yes - quite a bit from rotom-dex, and the classmates learn who team rocket are
Is there noticeable character growth? no
Does the episode support the main story? yes - introduces bewear and mimikyu
Bonus Points (up to 2): +2
Bonus Reason: Again, setup! Can't really get away from it quite yet. But also, establishing Team Rocket in the region and two of their party members (kind of).
Total: 5

I'll do the other three soon enough. :)

 

[Diego Mertens]

Episode Number/Title: SM004
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon?yes, all-loved Rowlet and Mimikyu
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move?no...
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition?nah
Is a major character introduced or focused on?yes, Rowlet
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio?no
Do the characters learn something important?yes, Rowlet learns to battle
Is there noticeable character growth?no
Does the episode support the main story?YES, it adds Rowlet to the team, and Rowlet's family, which will be important in the future
Bonus Points (up to 2):+2
Bonus Reason:the story behind Rowlet's origin was cool, but never touched again. Mimikyu and Pikachu's rivalry is very cool and it make us feel like TR has new chances to beat Ash
Total:6

Episode Number/Title: SM005
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon?no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move?no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition?no
Is a major character introduced or focused on?yes, Lana and Popplio
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio?yes, Team Skull, in a memory
Do the characters learn something important?Lana learns dreams are important and she sets her goal
Is there noticeable character growth?Lana, kind of. She sets her dream
Does the episode support the main story?not that much, just starts Lana's arc
Bonus Points (up to 2):+2
Bonus Reason:Lana's dream is very original, a little stupid now but really interesting and we learn more of her and Popplio and how did she catched her
Total:6

Episode Number/Title: SM006
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon?no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move?no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition?no
Is a major character introduced or focused on?yes, Sophocles and Togedemaru
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio?no
Do the characters learn something important?Sophocles learns about teamwork
Is there noticeable character growth?not that much
Does the episode support the main story?yes, it sets up Togedemaru's crush on Pikachu
Bonus Points (up to 2):+2
Bonus Reason:Togedemaru felling in love of Pikachu is really cute, and it makes her do things she wouldn't usually do, just for Pikachu
Total:5

 

[Aquacorde]

Episode Number/Title: SM004
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? yeah! rowlet's here! and mimikyu!
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, Rowlet :)
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? no, i don't think so
Is there noticeable character growth? no, though ash putting a pokemon's well-being over his desire to capture it is always sweet
Does the episode support the main story? yes! brings in a member of ash's team and rowlet's family~
Bonus Points (up to 2): +2
Bonus Reason: This is the episode that shows us Bewear is here to stay! Plus, there are two catches for the main cast. (I do count the TRio as main characters, yes~) And this is Ash's first Alola catch too :)
Total: 5

Episode Number/Title: SM005
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, suiren
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no - see comment below
Do the characters learn something important? not really?
Is there noticeable character growth? yes - ashimari improves drastically on using balloons
Does the episode support the main story? yes - sets up suiren & ashimari's goals
Bonus Points (up to 2): +1
Bonus Reason: Despite not a lot happening, it's still an entertaining episode that truly introduces us to Suiren.
Total: 4

I'm saying no to featuring Skull because even thought they were there in the flashback, like... Suiren didn't identify them as Team Skull. They didn't interact with any of the characters besides Ashimari. They basically could have been anyone and the story would be the same. And they were there for like, less than 30 seconds. So I don't think that counts as a feature.

Episode Number/Title: SM006
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, mamane!
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? no
Is there noticeable character growth? yes - mamane is able to solve the problems at hand with encouragement from ash. i dont think he would have done it had he been on his own! he didn't seem very confident
Does the episode support the main story? yes - establishes more abt mamane and togedemaru
Bonus Points (up to 2): +1
Bonus Reason: First time we see the TRio's new gig of selling malasadas~ Also Ash trying his best and not succeeding at household chores in any way is cute.
Total: 4

yeah the language i pick off the top of my head is inconsistent as heck what abt it!!!

 

[Aquacorde]

Final Scores

SM001 - Alola to New Adventure! / Alola! The Starting Island, the Starter Pokémon!! 100
SM002 - The Guardian's Challenge! / The Guardian Deity Kapu-Kokeko Appears! Challenge, Our Z-Move!! 100
SM003 - Loading the Dex! / Hello, Roto, I'm the Rotom Pokédex, Roto! 83
SM004 - First Catch in Alola, Ketchum-Style! / It's Mokuroh! Catching Pokémon in Alola!! 92
SM005 - Yo, Ho, Ho! Go, Popplio! / Ashimari, Give it Your bALLoon! 83
SM006 - A Shocking Grocery Run! / The Shocking and Prickly Togedemaru! 75

I know the first few episodes of a season are usually pretty important, and that we probably won't see true filler for a while, but the average scores are already showing a downward trend lol. So it goes!

Currently Scoring

SM007 - That's Why the Litten is a Scamp! / The Vagabond in the Market, Nyabby!
SM008 - Lillie's Egg-xhilarating Challenge! / Who'll Be in Charge of the Egg?
SM009 - To Top a Totem! / The Leader Pokémon is Dekagoose!
SM010 - Trial and Tribulation! / Will the Z-Move Work! Challenge the Grand Trial!!
SM011 - Young Kiawe Had a Farm! / Satoshi Visits Kaki!
SM012 - The Sun, the Scare, the Secret Lair! / The Extracurricular Lesson is Hidoide!?

These six will be tallied October 22.

 

[Aquacorde]

moving tally date to oct 22 because iiii have been busy and did not set a good example! and i know my friends are busy too <3 so, a bit of extra time!

Episode Number/Title: SM007
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? I'm gonna say... yes, since Nyabby will be Ash's later and it did properly master Ember in this
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, Nyabby
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? nope
Do the characters learn something important? I think... Ash learns that sometimes it's better to drop the issue haha. so yes
Is there noticeable character growth? mm, maybe no
Does the episode support the main story? yes, with Nyabby's true introduction and Mooland
Bonus Points (up to 2): +1
Bonus Reason: I really liked that this episode brought the general Alolan mindset into the light via the shopkeep lady. :>
Total:5

Episode Number/Title: SM008
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? hmm... no, i think i'll wait till the egg hatches to count that
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, lillie!
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? yes, ash learns more about lillie!
Is there noticeable character growth? yes, lillie can touch the egg!
Does the episode support the main story? yes! lillie begins to get over her fear & this introduces the egg into the mix~
Bonus Points (up to 2): +1
Bonus Reason: fun battle between butler james & ash~
Total: 5

 

[mishy.]

Episode Number/Title: SM009
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? totem pokemon, so i'd say yes
Is a major character introduced or focused on? hala is introduced!
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? tapu koko took the z-ring and electrium z from hala
Is there noticeable character growth? not really
Does the episode support the main story? yes
Bonus Points (up to 2): 2
Bonus Reason: first totem pokemon battle is fairly important imo. ash is qualified to fight hala as well due to the totem pokemon fight
Total: 6

Episode Number/Title: SM010
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? technically yes if you count pikachu and ash learning breakneck blitz
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? grand trial battle with hala!
Is a major character introduced or focused on? ash
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? how to use a z-move can count i suppose
Is there noticeable character growth? eh
Does the episode support the main story? absolutely
Bonus Points (up to 2): 2
Bonus Reason: first grand trial match! also tapu koko replacing the fightium z with electrium z i feel is something of important to note as well
Total: 6/7 depending on what you think about the something important

 

[Aquacorde]

Episode Number/Title: SM009
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? yep, a trial~
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, hala!
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? yes, ash learns that trials aren't so straightforward!
Is there noticeable character growth? mm, no
Does the episode support the main story? yes, moving on through the trials!
Bonus Points (up to 2): +1
Bonus Reason: It's a collection of smaller pieces of important things, I think.
Total: 5

Episode Number/Title: SM010
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? yes, ash can use breakneck blitz now :)
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? yes, grand trial!
Is a major character introduced or focused on? no
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? no
Do the characters learn something important? yes, i would say they learn that tapu koko really really wants to see that gigavolt havoc!
Is there noticeable character growth? no
Does the episode support the main story? yes
Bonus Points (up to 2): +1
Bonus Reason: I think it was a really good battle!
Total: 5

Episode Number/Title: SM011
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? no
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? yes, gigavolt havoc is mastered!
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? yes, kiwae!
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? yeah, we actually see a battle against skull :)
Do the characters learn something important? ash learns that ranching is hard work :O also that kiwae is way cool and dedicated
Is there noticeable character growth? mmmno
Does the episode support the main story? yeah, with skull and gigavolt havoc and kiwae-focus
Bonus Points (up to 2): +1
Bonus Reason: kiwae is amazing <3 also, hoshi <3
Total: 6

Episode Number/Title: SM012
Does a main character catch a new Pokémon? i count the TRio as mains so yes!
Does a main character's Pokémon learn a new move? no
Is there a contest, a gym battle, a trial, or similarly important competition? no
Is a major character introduced or focused on? TRio focus!
Does the episode feature characters from an "evil team" other than the TRio? other rockets count so yes!!
Do the characters learn something important? well, no
Is there noticeable character growth? not so much
Does the episode support the main story? yes!
Bonus Points (up to 2): +2
Bonus Reason:I love Rocket eps! and they've finally accepted that they've been kidnapped and may as well use it lol
Total: 6

 

[Aquacorde]

Final Scores

SM007 - That's Why the Litten is a Scamp! / The Vagabond in the Market, Nyabby! 83
SM008 - Lillie's Egg-xhilarating Challenge! / Who'll Be in Charge of the Egg? 83
SM009 - To Top a Totem! / The Leader Pokémon is Dekagoose! 92
SM010 - Trial and Tribulation! / Will the Z-Move Work! Challenge the Grand Trial!! 100
SM011 - Young Kiawe Had a Farm! / Satoshi Visits Kaki! 100
SM012 - The Sun, the Scare, the Secret Lair! / The Extracurricular Lesson is Hidoide!? 100

Wow, still really important episodes? I guess it's really not going to taper off for a while.

Currently Scoring

SM013 - Racing to a Big Event! / The Big Alola Pancake Race!
SM014 - Getting to Know You! / The Crystal of Courage, Lilie and Rokon!
SM015 - Rocking Clawmark Hill! / The Clawed Hill, Iwanko and Lugarugan!!
SM016 - They Might Not Be Giants! / A Small Trio on a Big Adventure!!
SM017 - Crystal-Clear Sleuthing! /Alola Detective Rotom! The Mystery of the Missing Crystal!!
SM018 - A Seasoned Search! / Really!? Mao's Great Cooking Operation!

These six will be tallied October 30.