The latest iteration of thePokemonanime is a love letter to the show’s past 21 seasons. It features protagonist Ash, as well as new deuteragonist Go, journeying to all of the regions of the world Ash visited previously.
This isn’t the only way thePokemonanime is revisitingPokemon’s past, however. He’s also collecting Pokemon along the way. Ash’s latest pick-up is none other than Dragonite, one of the originalPokemongeneration’s most exciting Pokemon.
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Dragonite’s capture occurred in the most recent episode of thePokemonanime aired in Japan. It’s the 10th episode of thePokemon SwordandShieldseason of the anime. It’ll likely be several months before it’s localized and airs in the west, unfortunately. It’s the first Pokemon that Ash has caught in the new season, the longest its taken for him to catch a Pokemon in any season. Go also caught a Pokemon: a Dewgong. It’s not as impressive as a Dragonite, but it’s something.
The episode went like this. Ash first encounters his Dragonite in its Dragonair form. But unlike other Dragonair, this one is having trouble flying. Ash and Pikachu dedicate themselves to helping Dragonair learn to fly and eventually succeed. That’s when Team Rocket makes a mess of things, as it always does.Team Rocket’s Wailord creates a splash that sends Ash flying into the air, putting him in danger. Dragonair, so driven to help and protect Ash because of the kindness he showed, evolves to save Ash. With Ash saved, the Dragonite agrees to accompany him on his Pokemon journey. Ash pulls out a trusty Pokeball and captures Dragonite.
As noted, this is the first Pokemon that Ash has caught in some time. In fact, it’s one of just three Pokemon that Ash even has on hand anymore. He’s got Pikachu and Mimey, the Mr. Mine that belongs to Ash’s mother, and now he hasDragoniteas well.
Who knows what Ash will discover next on his current Pokemon journey. He has several regions left to visit before he potentially comes back toPokemon SwordandShield’s Galar region. He could potentially catch any number of Pokemon from any number ofPokemongenerations. At this point, however, it’s going to be tough to top Dragonite. It’s absolutely one of the most exciting catches for Ash in a long time.
Pokemonis currently airing on Disney XD.
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