Review XY006: Decisive Battle on the Ice! Pikachu VS Viviyon!!

[DashingFox]

Oh my gosh, I am loving this saga so much it's making me dizzy.

Really, really enjoyed this battle. Normally I'd be a bit disappointed that Pikachu stole the whole show, but Yayakoma did pretty well, and it won where Pikachu couldn't last week, so I'm fine with that. In fact, I'm just so glad it's getting wins and screen time in its basic stage! I wished this for Mukkuru and Mamepato so much.

The animations in the battles were such a pleasure to watch and the movements of the Pokemon around the battlefield flowed perfectly. And of course as a gym leader should, Viola still had something up her sleeve to catch Satoshi of guard even though he was now better prepared. I as impressed by both of their battling.

Great strategies on both sides, zero complaints from me. I hope the quality keeps this way

 

[Ampharos King]

What's with Alexa's Helioptile being all chummy towards Ash in the end? That was quite unusual, considering Helioptile was nowhere near as friendly towards Ash even during the beginning of XY.

 

[Sakuraa]

I thought this was a great episode.

So it seems that Ash doesn't really remember Serena. Well I figured he wouldn't and she doesn't even appear that upset about it, so that's nice. I was hoping we'd see more of their childhood flashbacks, but it looks like we'll be getting some next week, so that should be good.

My gosh, Clemont. Why do I love him more and more with each episode? He's so adorable, so funny, and his poses are so sexy. I just love him. And his invention worked again...before blowing up, but still. Love him. This goes double for Bonnie, falling asleep while cheering. Clemont walking her to take her to bed was soooooo cute! And even Froakie was actually almost cute here. So much cuteness.

So now we get to the rematch. I have to say that it was really well done. I love all of the special techniques he used with Pikachu and Fletchling. My only real disappointment is that Fletchling didn't get a win here. I know it got one last week whereas Pikachu didn't, but...how many gym battles has Pikachu been in? Exactly. So I would have liked to see more from Fletchling. But it's not that big of a deal. It was a great gym battle nonetheless.

And no Team Rocket again! Great! Lastly, Bonnie was so adorable walking at the end!

Overall a great episode. I'm giving it 9.7/10!

 

[Almonds]

I like how they comnected Serena and Ash's past with a summer camp. I wonder what happened between them that made Ash so special to Serena, she couldn't forget him.

And Serena seems pretty mature - the way she puts aside her disappointment quickly and cheers for Ash. Nice! She just left home to see Ash - and now that she met him, what will she do from now?

BONNIE IS SO CUTE ♥♥♥

Citron and his inventions are hilarious - and this time, it actually helped o.o

The gym battle was pretty exciting. The battle animation is beautiful. Also, I like how they actually used the gym interior part of the reason for Viviyon (or however it is spelled) losing - idk what those things hanging from the ceiling are called (something that are used for attracting bugs irl, I think?), but Viviyon crashing into several of those frozen thingys and getting damage made sense. I did not expect that, and it was a nice surprise.

 

[Grabbergirl]

What's up with Clemont eating small portions? Is he trying to lose weight? Really Ash? There is a straw! Wow Viola's tough! And why is Bonnie barefooted? Nobody knows what is on the floor and Bonnie can get athlete's foot or a fungal infection. I loved how Clemont puts a sleepy Bonnie to bed, he does it in a similar fashion I've seen parents do when they escort their children to places. I bet Clemont had to brush her teeth and put her pajamas on, she seemed too tired to do all that. It was the cutest scene ever, it makes me think of the saying "No one knows you better than your mother" in this case Clemont knows Bonnie especially when he asks her if she's tired. He sounded exactly my mother, she says the same exact thing when she detects I'm tired. Clemont can be so fatherly sometimes. I think Bonnie's having a growth spurt, eating a lot and suffering fatigue. Bonnie was acting she hadn't eaten in days and Bonnie's acting she never got to sleep two nights in row when she's tired, I see signs of a growth spurt in Bonnie in this episode.

 

[Johtohfiller]

Another great episode!

I really enjoyed Serena's conversation with Ash at the beginning, can't wait to see a proper translation of it. The characterization is just superb in this series, everyone is showing so much personality.

The cannon scene, hahahaha, oh man. I loved the super-detailed shininess of the cannon, it reminded me of how vehicles/mecha were drawn in 80s anime. Awesome! The whole training sequence was very cool, I hope we get more of these as the series goes on.

Lots more great tactics in the battle! I especially liked that spinning Razor Wind Fletchling did, is it just me or was that pretty much Countershield?

Psychic seems so overpowered in the anime, is there any way to avoid it? I imagine it having recharge time, it just seems broken otherwise.

Pikachu jumping on Surskit was a great idea, but I guess he was getting shaken around too much to use Thunderbolt. Using his tail for stability really served him well though.

It was very cool how Viola saved Sleep Powder for the rematch, another trick up her sleeve that Ash wouldn't be prepared for.

My only real complaint about the battle was that the "two ranged attacks collide and explode" thing got used a lot. But the anime's been spamming that a lot since at least DP, and it's pretty much an established part of combat rules by this point, so I don't mind it too much. I guess it's like projectiles cancelling each other out in fighting games.

I actually like Electro Ball now! At first I thought it was a poor substitute for the much cooler-looking Volt Tackle, just another projectile with not much practical difference from Thunderbolt. But now for the second time we see Ash use it as an escape tactic! I think the writers must have realized it was too samey and looked for a way to distinguish it, and they're doing a great job. I also like how the cannon training ended up being useful even though Viola didn't use Sticky Web this time.

Ash giving credit to everyone for his victory was great, this group seems like it's going to be really close. And that photo of everyone at the end was AWESOME.

 

[Slimekitten]

Ahh, loved this episode!! Eureka is adorable!! I hope we get to see more cuteness as time goes on c:

 

[Ashfangirl22]

Once again, really loved the episode. I didn't think I'd love a series more than AG but I think X and Y anime almost tops it.
I'm really loving all the characters and interactions they have together

I think FYI Alexa had just become an Ash x Serena shipper HA Can't wait till more join in the animeXD

Really loved Ash's strategies and the animation music were great during the gym battle. I really like that they know when to use Team Rocket now too, gym battles / leagues should be off limits.

Also, love that photo shot with that Pokemon jumping on Ash's head with every one laughing and looking surprised, I'm seriously adoring the group more and more. Could never say that about BW...

Love it! Keep up the good work.

 

[Masato]

I quite liked the battle since Ash was utilizing strategies to overcome obstacles in his way. It's a nice breath of change after what we got during Unova. I also quite like the way Ash and his Pokemon were interacting with each other during dinner, and it was nice seeing Froakie give Fletchling that sort of friendly smack down.

Bonnie is adorable as always.

I'm also curious as to the nature of Ash and Serena's interactions in the past. What interests me more though is what sort of goal Serena will develop.

 

[Adil]

And the XY awesomeness continues...
Yayakoma worked hard and its skills improved (even if a little), so I really don't care about the loss... It looked like they were caught off guard by Vivillon's Sleep Powder, that's all.

Eureka, stop being so adorable.

 

[Moe]

It's interesting how Sleep Powder seemed to be lingering drowsiness for Pikachu instead of just taking him totally out. Perhaps with Fetchling being a flying type it's more logical that it's hard to stay flying with even a slight impediment like that.

Not surprised Ash couldn't remember Serena, though obviously Pikachu and Fetchling have a good sense for that kind of thing with how they ran away. Ash's laugh on remembering something out of that made me think he was about to flip into being evil and possessed like that Battle Frontier episode.

The episode as a whole was well balanced time wise, with some development for all the characters - Clemont putting Bonnie to bed while she was still mumbling in support especially, those two are great so far. Seemed odd that Serena didn't recognise Froakie with how she was following him along on TV though.

 

[NeoMiniTails]

And the XY awesomeness continues...
Yayakoma worked hard and its skills improved (even if a little), so I really don't care about the loss... It looked like they were caught off guard by Vivillon's Sleep Powder, that's all.

Eureka, stop being so adorable.

Can I sue for her being so adorable in every little way that's realistic... her falling asleep while he was training ("Such a kid" **Iris voice**) and everything she does in general, aye... amazing.

My favorite scenes had to be between Satoshi and Serena... his asking her of what she plans to do, her not being sure, the scene later when Ash is getting lost in his mind when he hears her voice and snaps out of it and remembers Citron's fail the night before...

I love these characters. They are so natural together.

There were a few scenes that seemed straight from Origins and into this episode. Can't remember which, but a few that reminded of it. The storytelling seems to be much more closely to how Origins was done, plot heavy and very character-oriented rather than just seeing what could be funny...

I didn't expect Ash to remember her, just as I don't expect him to remember Giselle from the first season if they were to meet again... especially it being so long ago.

That quote of Ash's that she remembered, I wonder what was so special about it that she kept it so dear. **thinks hard** Hopefully, they'll give a good reason like they gave Hikari a good reason why she got so embarrassed about the nickname.

So far, if this keeps up, this will be one of the best season, if not, the best they've given us.

Who else feels like the storyline is more similar to something like Rorouni Kenshin or the like.... very much like Origins, where it goes for girls and boys... making a very strong cast, plot, and development.

I loved it.

 

[Johtohfiller]

I love these characters. They are so natural together.

There were a few scenes that seemed straight from Origins and into this episode. Can't remember which, but a few that reminded of it. The storytelling seems to be much more closely to how Origins was done, plot heavy and very character-oriented rather than just seeing what could be funny...

Who else feels like the storyline is more similar to something like Rorouni Kenshin or the like.... very much like Origins, where it goes for girls and boys... making a very strong cast, plot, and development.

I wasn't overly crazy about Origins myself, but overall I agree with you, it has a more dramatic feel than past seasons.

 

[NeoMiniTails]

I love these characters. They are so natural together.

There were a few scenes that seemed straight from Origins and into this episode. Can't remember which, but a few that reminded of it. The storytelling seems to be much more closely to how Origins was done, plot heavy and very character-oriented rather than just seeing what could be funny...

Who else feels like the storyline is more similar to something like Rorouni Kenshin or the like.... very much like Origins, where it goes for girls and boys... making a very strong cast, plot, and development.

I wasn't overly crazy about Origins myself, but overall I agree with you, it has a more dramatic feel than past seasons.

I feel that the story is going to head for a very dramatic, much more emotionally-explicit than past seasons... I kind of want Citron to fall for Serena and there'd be a dramatic love triangle... haha...

Ah yes, now, I remember where it reminded me of Origins... during the gym battle when the pokemon fell into the already set up ice beams in the air, it slowed it down.... it reminded me of the battle against Brock in Origins... a very effective use of setting up dramatic endings that make sense for battles and using the game strategy even just a bit.

 

[Raidou Kuzunoha XV]

Fantastic episode overall! The training segments were surprisingly fun to watch. Each character interaction helped flesh them out more. Serena put aside Ash not remembering her pretty easily, Clemont named his latest invention in reference to Ash's determination (and even the machine's failure helped out in the end), and Bonnie is so cute it should be illegal.

Pikachu and Fletchling had trouble with resisting powerful attacks, but showed no issue whatsoever dodging. It was good to see the training really pay off, and hopefully the progress made here isn't just a one-off for the gym battle.

Ash is also showing a bit more personality too. His response to Serena's comment about not giving up was kinda interesting, laughing at himself for forgetting his own ideals. This is the first series where Ash is the senior-most member of the main cast, and he's surprisingly fit the role well, showing maturity without sacrificing his fiery determination.

Fletchling performed really well, despite the loss - I think the episode did well if a Pokemon could lose so quickly yet still be shown as an impressive battler. Pikachu, I think, didn't really reset much this season. Before this battle, Pikachu's Thunderbolt never hit its mark in the XY series so far. Here we see Pikachu's Thunderbolt cut straight through Signal Beam, and Electro Ball even cut through Solar Beam. Pikachu may have lost to Viola's superior strategy before, but as long as he can get off a solid attack it seems his raw firepower and speed hasn't regressed.

I also thought the Electro Ball to wake up was a bit odd - more anime physics, although smacking yourself with electricity would certainly wake anyone up I suppose - but I also remembered that the new move Electric Terrain keeps Pokemon from falling asleep. Dunno if that was an intentional reference, but it was pretty clever nonetheless.

The animation was also fantastic. Watching Fletchling and Pikachu dodge was amazing, and plenty of attention to detail was given in showing how Viola affected the battlefield using Ice Beam. I think my favorite bit was Pikachu struggling to keep awake - it showed strong determination to keep going.

Special mention goes to Viola - she was a blast to watch. If anything, she may have been a little over-the-top... Seriously, if people thought May was weird when she did the little photo thing, Viola must be downright crazy. Still, she's got style, with the skills to match. My only real complaint this episode was towards the end - before, Viola didn't think much of Ash's battling, but having lost this time, she didn't really have much to say besides the standard congrats. I wish more was done with that.

The XY Series is looking great so far! With the improvement to animation, pacing, characterization and attention to detail, I think there's legitimate reason to have high hopes for this season (... but I'll resist still, for now). Next week, it seems Serena will finally get to take the spotlight. Looking forward to it!

 

[jda95]

Another good episode.

The characters were all well done. Serena's "rejection" was pretty graceful - she showed disappointment but no resentment, and continued to cheer Satoshi on throughout the whole thing. It was a fun twist to see how Citron's invention NOT being a failure for a change - and Eureka's sleepy cheering on of Satoshi during training was actually the most precious thing I've ever seen pls send help.

The battle itself was very good, not quite as good but still very well choreographed and on par with the best of past series. It's a shame Yayakoma got taken out so quickly but it still had its development so I'm not too worried. Satoshi's statement that it wasn't just his victory, but all of theirs was really fitting after what's happened the past two episodes.

Suuuuuuuuuuper looking forward to next week and hopefully finding out once and for all what Serena's goal is!

 

[Aestivate]

i really have to second everyone when i think the emotional stakes and drama are much higher already than they seemed to be in BW.

what i like so much about this series so far is how utterly organic and authentic it seems. The build-up so far has been paced well (IMO, though, i know part of the internet disagrees) and i think the characters are really being handled with care.

it's the subtlety that i've become very impressed with. the character 'tics' are being used to facilitate their development, which wasn't really what i was seeing consistently in BW which was stronger in ag/dp. serena's feels for our favorite determinator shounen hero are facilitating the development of her story - which isn't, admittedly, the most progressive or interesting or new way to handle a female lead's story, but she is seen already to be both unselfish and gracious. i also really like eureka and serena so far, i might actually die if eureka starts calling serena 'serena-neechan' or something.

eureka is the surprise "omg words cannot express how much i love her" for me so far, she's so realistic from her movements to her vocalises to her personality. and even though citron and eureka obviously took a back seat in focus from this episode (there was the gym battle and the fated serena/satoshi reunion, after all), what we did see was still an interesting character study that still felt organic and not contrived - citron's invention and his insecurity about it, and eureka's cheering.

tl;dr everyone is so cute help

edit: ALSO WOW I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT THIS but citron is literally my soulmate we have the same appreciation for terrible puns neba neba give up xoxo

 

[Johtohfiller]

what i like so much about this series so far is how utterly organic and authentic it seems. The build-up so far has been paced well (IMO, though, i know part of the internet disagrees) and i think the characters are really being handled with care.

eureka is the surprise "omg words cannot express how much i love her" for me so far, she's so realistic from her movements to her vocalises to her personality. and even though citron and eureka obviously took a back seat in focus from this episode (there was the gym battle and the fated serena/satoshi reunion, after all), what we did see was still an interesting character study that still felt organic and not contrived - citron's invention and his insecurity about it, and eureka's cheering.

Agreed. What really struck me in particular was when Ash laughed while talking with Serena, that was an "Is this an actor voicing a cartoon or is this a real dude?" kind of moment for me. It just felt so real.

I like Eureka/Bonnie a lot too. Characters like her are difficult to pull off right, but so far there's nothing I don't like about her.

The web cannon pun was awesome, hahahaha.

 

[NeoMiniTails]

what i like so much about this series so far is how utterly organic and authentic it seems. The build-up so far has been paced well (IMO, though, i know part of the internet disagrees) and i think the characters are really being handled with care.

eureka is the surprise "omg words cannot express how much i love her" for me so far, she's so realistic from her movements to her vocalises to her personality. and even though citron and eureka obviously took a back seat in focus from this episode (there was the gym battle and the fated serena/satoshi reunion, after all), what we did see was still an interesting character study that still felt organic and not contrived - citron's invention and his insecurity about it, and eureka's cheering.

Agreed. What really struck me in particular was when Ash laughed while talking with Serena, that was an "Is this an actor voicing a cartoon or is this a real dude?" kind of moment for me. It just felt so real.

I like Eureka/Bonnie a lot too. Characters like her are difficult to pull off right, but so far there's nothing I don't like about her.

The web cannon pun was awesome, hahahaha.

I really agree. I loved that part with Satoshi laughing; it felt genuine, more like I was watching something much more mature than the show that I had been watching during BW. I felt like something that I would do.

The maturity of Satoshi is very welcoming as he has been shown with Eureka and Serena, his ability to build up and make people stronger seems to be a major focus on his character this season.

The cast's maturity of being believable reminds me of Fairy Tail and Tsubasa where it can keep the hilarity, the fun, and everything and still feel organic and not contrived. It just feels like a much more mature season. Hopefully, when it is dubbed, it keeps this tone.

 

[MizuTaipu]

I think what I liked about this episode was not only there was a good balance between rematch training and a satisfying rematch with Viola, but also the fact that it focused on the human characters. During previous series most of the training was for the Pokémon's benefit, here it manages to help develop characters like Serena and Citron and their relationships with Satoshi. It's a really nice change of pace on the writer's part; I just hope the focus on the Pokémon themselves doesn't fade away because of that.

I do agree with a lot of you guys that the interactions between the human characters in XY seems natural and realistic than before. I think part of the reason that's true is because the main characters are all roughly around the same age. Satoshi's interactions with Citron (who I think is 12 or 13 years old) would be kind of weird if he had the same interactions with Takeshi or Dent (who I think are in their late teens.)