Its been awhile since I've done a review... I think I'll always review an episode heavily featuring Kasumi.
The animation was flawless, and Kasumi is prettier than I remember her being the last time she showed up though I've always thought she was very cute.
Sun and Moon is probably the anime series with the best characterization for both the humans and Pokemon alike. In the most subtle ways, they differentiate everyone. For example, Mao being so girly and excited about the newlywed couple who own the pancake shop and telling Misty, who was mildly interested.
Suiren joking about the horns of Corsola being really used because of said Pokemon's reaction to Misty showing her Pokemon because she thought it would be excited was another great moment.
Today, we were treated to two OPs being played in the episode and both times, it fit. I never realized how much the words fit Satoshi until that moment when everyone was having fun, and it also fit the sort of sadness that Kasumi seems to be hiding/feeling in this episode.
There seems to be foreshadowing of Kasumi maybe staying in Aloha for awhile with the way she's being portrayed in this episode. Also, Satoshi says to her, "There's so much I want to show you..." Or something like that near the end before the episode ends with the three of them sleeping in a tent like old times.
Sun and Moon is very consistent and the writers seem to go back and see how characters behave in order to create a realistic return to these old pals of Satoshi.
Out of the three, it is most likely Kasumi who would stay in touch with someone as seen throughout the series. How do we know that? Kenji is only seen with Kasumi when he does show up. Also, she is seen multiple times throughout the series watching Satoshi's league matches in her gym and in Hoenn, she decided to have them join her in something that she could've easily done by herself.
Because of that, it was easy to see that Kasumi would be a pen pal to Suiren. Also, it made sense that she would being Takeshi back with her also.
Kasumi's competitive nature with Satoshi is also really nice to see. The latter hasn't really had a friend that's competitive with him in awhile so it was nice to see her challenge him in a jump battle.
The battle at the end was fantastic. I love seeing Rocket Gang in general. The original OP playing in the background really felt special. I dunno why but I felt so happy and nostalgic that I nearly cried.
In regards to other pokegirls showing up, I would love that however I think its smart that they chose Kasumi outside of promo for the new game.
1. I feel she's most relatable and malleable to make it work for plots.
2. Serena coming back wouldn't involve much of the cast because she would be wanting to spend time with Satoshi and probably trying to impress him.
3. Hikari's last reappearance didn't go so well. She becomes whoever she's around. She's also a second Satoshi.
4. I have a hard time imagining anime Iris being able to mesh with any casts.
5. Haruka would probably be amazing to come back because she has the contest behind her, is such a different character, but her shyness would probably keep her from being a pen pal with anyone.
Anywhizzles...
I am looking forward to next week's episode.
