Review JN005: Kabigon Became Gigantic!? The Mystery of Daimax!!

[Gard81]

Scorbunny is the only thing that keeps this episode from going into forgettable terittory. That and the animation for Snorlax's Gigantamaxing. Shame and that it felt over and done with.

 

[Twilight-Kun]

It got what it deserved. Giant Pokemon were done right in the OS by being treated as threats rather than spectacles. Ash using Dynamax would feel very forced.

Then boy do I have some bad news for you, because Galar treats Dynamax as a spectacle, hence why the stadiums are giant spectator arenas rather than gyms being some private affair

 

[Silktree]

Then boy do I have some bad news for you, because Galar treats Dynamax as a spectacle, hence why the stadiums are giant spectator arenas rather than gyms being some private affair

Hence why I don't mind the anime ignoring all that, at least for now.

 

[Nicolas721]

The episode was fine to me. Scorbunny's comedy antics worked surprisingly well and the Snorlax conflict had an interesting setup and an exiting resolution. However I think Go should have had a harder time accepting Scorbunny, and it's a missed opportunity that Ash did nothing to help him as technically he also wanted his starter to be a different Pokemon. I hope its childish behavior doesn't mean he will be less emphatic.

 

[Silktree]

and it's a missed opportunity that Ash did nothing to help him as technically he also wanted his starter to be a different Pokemon.

And it took less than 5 seconds for him to change his mind.

 

[Nicolas721]

It didn't?

 

[Panky..]

And it took less than 5 seconds for him to change his mind.

It didn't take him "5 seconds" to change his mind. It's only after that little incident where they nearly lost their lives to Spearow that they truly accepted each other.

 

[FinnishPokéFan92]

It didn't take him "5 seconds" to change his mind. It's only after that little incident where they nearly lost their lives to Spearow that they truly accepted each other.

And even then, their friendship wasn't quite as deep as it would eventually end up being.

 

[Silktree]

It didn't take him "5 seconds" to change his mind. It's only after that little incident where they nearly lost their lives to Spearow that they truly accepted each other.

Ash wanted Pikachu as soon as Oak offered it: "It's so cute. It's the best of all." I suggest you rewatch the episode.

Also, the Snorlax ordeal isn't very different than the Spearow attack.

 

[Pulsaro23]

I'm starting to notice a trend here. Last week's episode, while still pretty flawed, was still a slight improvement over it. Now we have this episode that, while still lacking in a lot of aspects, is also a slight improvement over the previous one. ...Huh. Well, to bad this trend won't be staying for much longer (if my fears about next week's episode will come true, that is, which I'm starting to feel like they will). Anyways, enough with my blabbering, let's get on with the review.

So, I'll start off with the positives first. Scorbunny was nothing short of charming and downright adorable throughout the episode. I wasn't that big fan of the Pokémon and its design when it was first revealed all the way back in February (that's not to say that I hated it or anything like that, I was just kind of indiferent to it), but, man, this episode just made me appreciate the fire bunny some more. It's never gonna replace my dear Grookey as my favorite Galar starter, but it's certainly becoming a pretty close second. Plus, it single-handedly managed to save what would've been an otherwise dull episode. I really enjoyed its antics and seeing it persevere just to be with Go and, if it weren't for it, my opinion of the episode would've been lower than it is. Also, the Wild Area looked pretty gorgeous and I really liked that vibrant green (though it did start to feel kind of pale as the episode progressed, since we didn't get to see anything other than the same grassy plane). And would you look at that? We got to see a bunch of Pokémon around the place. Guess Galar isn't a barely-habited deserted island after all (like the previous episode made it seem). There's also that short montage of Go and Ash exploring the Wild Area and of Scorbunny searching for them, which was nice and kind of entertaining, but also short enough to not detract too much from the episode. And we even got to see the return of gender differences between Pokémon during that. Always nice to see the anime crew acknowledge them... Aaaand that's about all of the positives that I can remember.

Now, for the negatives. Well, first of all the main conflict (G-Max Snorlax blocking a railroad) is pretty underwhelming when you think about it. Go and Ash are in a hurry to try and get it to move because a train might crash into it... yet, as soon as it starts to go back to normal, we see the train stop right before hitting the arm... so, them being in a hurry to stop a disaster that wasn't even gonna happen kind of makes the entire conflict meaningless and unnecessary. Speaking of G-Max, wow, do the writers hate Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing or what. No explanation as to how or why it happens (meaning that Ash and Go didn't solve any mystery regarding Dynamaxing, as the narator will no doubt claim in the next episode), no mention of Power Spots, no mention of Gigantamaxing at all (despite appearing in the episode), no mention of its impact on the Galarian culture, no mention of Professor Magnolia or Sonia (the people who study this phenomenon), no mention of Max Moves and G-Max Moves (despite the fact that Snorlax clearly uses one), no Max Raid Battle. Outside of calling the phenomenon Dynamaxing (which is inaccurate, as this was a case of Gigantamaxing, which is partially different) and showing a Pokémon undergo this transformation, they don't cover anything else regarding it. And even the animation for the transformation is kind of underwhelming. I was expecting something similar to Mega Evolution and how it was portrayed in the anime (where the Pokémon would have the evolution glowing effect as it changes appearances) or even how it happens in the intro to the games (with the Pokémon glowing red as it starts growing and change). But, instead, we just got a few shots showing steadily Snorlax grow larger while a beam of light shoots outwards (with an occasional scene showing vegetation growing on its belly). Now, whatever your opinion of Dynamaxing may be, you have to admit that it's a pretty terrible debut for it, since this is supposed to be the big mechanic of this generation and a huge aspect that has impacted the culture of the Galar region, and yet it's treated with so much disinterest compared to Mega Evolution and Z-moves. Does the anime crew have a secret vendetta against Galar? 'Cause this episode and the previous one really make it seem like they kind of do.

Anyways, moving on, we also have the fact that Go, despite having made it clear that he wants Mew to be his first Pokémon (and even tells Scorbunny that, despite it having travelled so far to join him), he suddenly changes his after the whole crisis is over because... reasons? Seriously, they spent quite some time establishing Go's connection to Mew and why he would want to catch Mew of all Pokémon, they have Go reject the Kanto starters and have him say that he wants Mew to be his starter Pokémon and now, after all of that, they're just throwing it away just because. You know, this would've been a perfect moment for Team Rocket to come to the rescue of the plot and make this make sense. They could've been watching this whole debacle from afar, with Meowth overhearing Scorbunny talk about its past and how it was rejected by other Pokémon in order to convince Go to take it in, which would lead to the TRio feeling bad for it and deciding that Go doesn't deserve it and that they're gonna take it and take care of it. During the ensuing kidnapping, Meowth unknowingly reveals this to Go, which leads to him feelings sympathetic towards Scorbunny (as it is implied that he's been having some troubled friendships in the past and may have even been rejected by others because of his stubbornness), which leads to him accepting to catch Scorbunny because of that. There, that way we have a much more reasonable explanation as to why Go changed his mind and decided to have Scorbunny as his starter instead of Mew (and, as a bonus, we also fill our quota of Team Rocket for the week in a way that progresses the plot). And there was also the scene towards the start of the episode where Scorbunny was trying to get Go's attention from behind by... jumping around and not saying anything... yeah. Now I didn't really hate it (or even have any feelings towards it), but it did feel like a waste of time that added nothing to the episode and was there to just waste time and make Scorbunny look stupid.

So, all in all, a slight improvement over last week's episode, but still a disappointing episode nevertheless that features a shallow debut for a important mechanic that's deeply rooted into the culture of a region and an underwhelming and downright stupid main conflict that's thankfully saved by Scorbunny and its ability to be incredibly cute and entertaining. Now here's hoping that the next episode's gonna be better. Though, with a premise like "Go catches every single Kanto Bug-type Pokémon in one episode", with Ash doing apparently nothing relevant (can't believe we're about to be six episodes into a Pokémon series and Ash has yet to catch a Pokémon), I really don't have high hopes for it.

Also, on a side note, what the heck does Rotom mean when it says "Scorbunny's data has been added to the Pokédex"? Doesn't the Pokédex already have data on Scorbunny (since we saw Go last week accessing its Pokédex entry)?

 

[sc190191]

Like many others, I really enjoyed Scorbunny in this episode. I really liked its cuteness, being playful, but also showing various emotions. The conflict was a bit unnessecary, but honestly, think back, we've seen that a lot of times before, so I really don't have too big an issue with it. I can just say that I enjoyed watching this episode enough that I wasn't actively thinking about flaws, so it was entertaining enough to keep my full attention.

I think I have a different take than most others seem to on Go choosing Scorbunny. I would say that Go seems to be a pretty shy person without many friends/relationships. He sees Pokemon on a very superficial level (having a lot of knowledge about them, but not understanding their personalities and building relationships with them), then he starts to interact with Scorbunny and he starts to see what having his own partner and friend could really be like. They go through what may seem like a mild situation based on what Ash has been through, but a pretty significant situation for Go, and Scorbunny is able to help him out in a big way, and Go is able to call out an attack and feel what is it like to be an actual trainer. Scorbunny treats him really well, and he enjoys the positive attention and starts to understand what building a relationship with Pokemon is, instead of just superficially wanting a Pokemon because it is cool. Therefore, even though the 180 was a bit quick, I actually don't have an issue with it from Go's perspective. Its probably more of a sub conscience yearning for a relationship than it is Go outright learning/comprehending the feelings, but he feels a strong connection and wants to continue being with Scorbunny, which leads to the decision to catch Scorbunny. I do think Go is pretty darn lucky though, because after rejecting poor Scorbunny, he is lucky Scorbunny still accepted him as a trainer. I really would have preferred the scene had Go apologized to Scorbunny before the capture.

Of course everything I just said is probably going to be turned on its head, because if Go just decides to catch every Pokemon for data, then he didn't really learn a lesson about not seeing Pokemon on a superficial level. But since we haven't seen the upcoming episodes yet and just how catching all Pokemon will be treated (fingers crossed it isn't going to be as cruel as it seems it will be), I will just say that is what I gathered from this particular episode, and I felt like it was handled fine, and maybe it is something Go will learn slowly (with the unfortunate byproduct tearing hundreds of Pokemon from their homes to rot just so he can add data into his phone).

 

[Moonbyum]

This episode was pretty good imo. I think the way that Gou catches Scorbunny after he save tons of people from the train was a great way to become partners with Gou and I wonder how it'll progress later on in the future. The Daimax forms so far in the anime was also pretty good and wondering what other Daimax forms will Ash and Gou will meet in future episodes.
Overall a Great Episode

Episode Rating:B+

 

[Panky..]

Late with the review again. In my defense, I was busy robbing the "most secure" Casino.

- Pros:

• Scorbunny is the only thing that kept this episode enjoyable in its entirety (or at least tolerable enough). I initially had my doubts about the Scorbunny species since I'm a Sobble fan and all, but those doubts have been eradicated completely. This spark-bunny is cute, feisty, energetic, shy, cocky .etc. all rolled into one package. Honestly, I feel like Gou doesn't deserve Scorbunny at all after how he treated it initially.
• Wild Area was beautiful and expansive but to be honest, it doesn't feel like it's got any distinguishing features that would differentiate it from other large expanses of land (like Keanan's marsh, Safari zone .etc. and no, the infamous British sheep roadblocks don't count). Getting to see a large variety of Pokemon was also good, including that little moment with gender differences shown. I still would have loved to see more Galarian mons though.

- Cons:

• I'm irritated that Ash and Pikachu feel like background characters for the past few episodes though this issue is far too early to be called out on. Even so, they could have Ash behave true to his normal character instead of being exaggerated and turned into a target for gags and "kawaaiii". What happened to being the Alolan Champion? Let's not forget the OOC moment where he cared more about food than an entirely new region with new mons.
• That's Gigantamax, not Dynamax. Don't they remember the mechanics or is Gen 8's gimmick that underwhelming? Regardless, the entire gimmick/phenomenon's portrayal was very underwhelming in the anime. They could have used the Snorlax as a center to introduce the game's co-op Max Raid Battles. I mean seriously, is Galar that barren that trainers wouldn't notice the darkened sky and the flash of light prior? The entire thing just felt like a fake tension set up for Gou accepting Scorbunny, no one was in any kind of mortal danger.
• Too much time wasted with Scorbunny's silent antics on the train that had no pay off outside of taking screentime. The screentime from this as well as some other scenes like the montage, could have been used for a TRio appearance which would have helped facilitate Gou accepting Scorbunny legitimately and given Scorbunny some more backstory (like some people have said earlier).
• If not the TRio scenario, then another good way to help facilitate Gou's acceptance of Scorbunny would have been him not being captured immediately but still tailing and following Gou and later helping him capture Pokemon in the next episode (most likely due to Sakuragi's request). Like Ash says, nothing brings a trainer and Pokemon closer than battling together. Because the way that Gou just did a 180 on his character development till now, and his ambition to have Mew be his starter, feels kind of copped-out and cheap.
• Horrible animation quality, like seriously, what is the reason behind some of the decisions when it comes to the animation in this episode? The movement was stiff, the Pokemon's moves were relegated to ugly stock backgrounds and static animations... yet for some reason they decided to use the 3D camera and movement for the train?

- Extra:

• Have to love that Bunnelby gag, there's just something weird and hilarious about it (especially the 'drunk Bunnelby' on the left).

Verdict: An okay episode that's kept afloat because of a certain bunny. The review itself is short because of how straightforward the episode was, so I'll give it 4.5/10. I'm not looking forward to Gou being nuts in the next episode.

 

[FinnishPokéFan92]

That's Gigantamax, not Dynamax.

Technically, Gigantamax is just a special form of Dynamax.

 

[FinnishPokéFan92]

It is, but since it's been given a special name for being slightly different, it should have been referred to as such. Otherwise it might as well be Mega Snorlax.

Given the fact that Dynamax and everything associated to it was just afterthought, with the entire setup being to create fake tension, I assume that they didn't bother with the proper nomenclature and all. Also, Fujisaku is the writer.

I think they'll learn the difference between Dynamax and Gigantamax later.

 

[Queen Cynthia]

I liked the episode, it was a decent one in my opinion.

Well, it's been five episodes since the new series started, so I can't understand why some guys are complaining. Tell me one region or series where something reeeally spectacular happend after only five episode had passed? I can't remember any to be honest. And wasn't the introduction of Dynamax as it was called in the Anime (or Gigantamax as it actually should've been called correctly) quite spectacular for a fifth episode? To me it goes without saying that the writers won't reveal that much about the phenomenon that early. Of course, they will have to keep up the suspense for at least a few months longer before that mystery will get solved eventually. So I think you shouldn't worry all too much. I'm sure it'll all get explained soon enough.

And, of course, let's not forget to mention Scorbunny! That little guys sure was the episode's highlight with all his entertaining antics. Just like another user said, watching him inevitably reminded me of a certain Mr. Bean.
A friendly and hilarious Pokemon that also can be tough if needs be. He sure has become my favorite Galarian starter Pokemon.

However, there are two aspects that are still concerning me right now:
First, the speed at which Ash and Go are switching between regions: I still haven't made up my mind if i like that or not. All I can say is if it happens too frequently and too fast, episodes might be rushed while the plot in general might become implausible. I just hope that won't happen.
Second, I still have to see and learn more about Dynamax, and how it can be compared to Mega Evolution and Z-moves in particular. Those two phenomenons have already been shown to be extremly powerful, but the way Gigantamaxed Snorlax was presented today made it appear to be an invincible giant that even Mega-evolved Pokemon or Pokemon with Z-moves don't stand a chance against. When I first heard about Dynamax, I was like "Oh my God, hopefully they won't resort to that just because they're running out of ideas how to make the Anime even more spectacular!" So, I do hope Dynamax will get its rightful place in th Pokemon universe without being stronger than the two previously mentioned phenomenons.

All in all, a nice introductory episode and a really entertaining fire bunny Pokemon. I look forward to seeing him on Go's team from now on.

 

[Almonds]

Tell me one region or series where something reeeally spectacular happend after only five episode had passed? I can't remember any to be honest.

Kalos. The first two episodes were action heavy and they were both visually glorious

But that aside, I liked this episode. Scorbunny trying to get attention in the train was so adorable. The little details like trailing fire in its steps when pushing the berry was also cute.

And coincidentally, like Kalos, I love it when the pokemon chooses the trainer.

 

[PkmnTrainerV]

I liked the episode, it was a decent one in my opinion.

Well, it's been five episodes since the new series started, so I can't understand why some guys are complaining. Tell me one region or series where something reeeally spectacular happend after only five episode had passed? I can't remember any to be honest. And wasn't the introduction of Dynamax as it was called in the Anime (or Gigantamax as it actually should've been called correctly) quite spectacular for a fifth episode?

Kalos. The first two episodes were action heavy and they were both visually glorious

To add on, even in Alola, Z-Moves get a spectacular introduction with a battle with Tapu Koko right in the second episode.

 

[Daenerys]

I know I complained about this before but damn, why does Galar look so depressing in the anime? The overcast sky in the previous episode continued during the train ride and Snorlax encounter here as well and idk if it's being done on purpose to imply that like the real U.K. Galar is perpetually rain soaked, but it gives me secondhand depression.

Also is Go using eyelash extensions or Maybelline? I didn't notice it before, but now I can't unsee it.

 

[nickdt]

To add on, even in Alola, Z-Moves get a spectacular introduction with a battle with Tapu Koko right in the second episode.

In episode 1 already, when Kiawe used Inferno Overdrive against Team Skull.