James' Cacnea: Stunted Puberty?

Charaxes

    • 3,466
    Posts
    19
    Years
    I'm somewhat certain no one has pondered this but as an afficionado of the Rocket Pokemon, I've noticed that James' Cacnea, to this day (in Japan, as noted by the "Together" OP), has not evolved into Cacturne. Conversely, James' previous primary Pokemon, Koffing evolved to Weezing in 30 episodes (Poke Emergency to Dig Those Diglett), which compared to anime time, is a rapid-to-moderate pace. Obviously, Cacnea has plenty of experience as Koffing lost but still evolved, so, it should occur here again. And between so many episodes of when he caught the Cactus Pokemon to now, surely the opportunity would have come up.

    Here are a couple of theories of mine as to why not:

    1. It would ruin the lovely "hugging James" gag they set up Cacnea with. Having a Cacturne do it might not be so cute.

    Counterargument: They evolved Ash's Snorunt. It's a drastic but refreshing change of seeing the cute troublemaker and its actions evolve into the funky Glaile. Plus May's Torchic evolved into Combusken, and thus defying the cute image May had for awhile. They've proven they can alter the image of the Trainer or the Pokemon if need be.

    2. Level? Granted, the series doesn't touch about level specifics at all (but they have mentioned "high level" from time to time), but it would be the most feasible explanation. Although, compared to the time element, that excuse can only last so long.

    3. They forgot? Hey, don't rule it out.

    I don't have a counterargument for that at the moment. So, what's the deal? Speculate away.
     
    Last edited:
    ......Hmm...but you could say the same about Ash's Bayleef, Cyndaquil, Totodile, old Squirtle, Corphish, and Brock's Geodude & Onix. Sometimes they just don't want to have them evolve. However, in the case of Cacnea, keep in mind how strong it is regardless (reference to its Sandstorm in "Sweet Baby James")...perhaps it'll evolve soon...

    Dark Charaxes said:
    1. It would ruin the lovely "hugging James" gag they set up Cacnea with. Having a Cacturne do it might not be so cute.
    Click to expand...

    Second Counterargument: I refer you to the case of Chikorita Body Slamming Ash vs. Bayleef Body Slamming Ash.
     
    Indeed, indeed, but with the revamp aspect of AG, I thought they'd go for it the evolution ratio there is high, but not totally with Corphish and Skitty and whatnot. Most of the time the evolutions are capicious anyway, so why start now? But still, compared to the Rockets' normal evolution, it gives slight pause for concern.

    I say slight because, yes, Cacnea being that strong.
     
    I'd have thought it because Harley has a Cacturne, and the writers might not have liked to have two recurring characters with the same Pokemon.
     
    erm.. maybe Cacnea just doesn't have enough experience to evolve? lols. considering as well that it has lost so many battles... :P
     
    That's a very point except Koffing evolved despite its losing record. I know experience is split in half when you lose a battle, so that could be a more plausible reason for the delay, I guess. Except the series doesn't delve into game mechanics that often (enough), so who knows?
     
    Dark Charaxes said:
    That's a very point except Koffing evolved despite its losing record. I know experience is split in half when you lose a battle, so that could be a more plausible reason for the delay, I guess. Except the series doesn't delve into game mechanics that often (enough), so who knows?
    Click to expand...

    Well, also keep in mind that, supposedly, James had Koffing for a LONG time before that (I think it was something about getting it as a child), as opposed to having Cacnea for a year or two.
     
    That might be with Koffing as James said he had it as a Christmas gift (or a birthday gift, I forget which), and we don't know when he had it, but that's speculation. Of course, early on as it stomped Ash's Pidgeotto, it could hint a high ish level, it is never implied so.

    People seem to think it's a gift from Giovanni, and in his pre-Rocket flashbacks, we never see Koffing, so, yeah. Of course, wait until it's retconned and proves me wrong. Heh.
     
    meh, they just want as much leeway in evolving and levels as possible, Ash has had his Bulbasaur/Squirtle/Cyndaquil/Totodile for ages, they have'nt evolved. But then they completely surprise us with Snorunt and Phanpy evolving so quickly. The whole thing is really strange...
     
    You must log in or register to reply here.
    Back
    Top