Without Ash and Pikachu to blast them away, we assume it wouldn’t make sense for Team Rocket to continue moving forward. But for devoted followers, Team Rocket’s Pokémon farewell makes the loss of an era much more palpable. Pokémon is wrapping up its three most recognizable villains in popular culture, Jessie, James, and Meowth, as it gears up for the last episodes featuring Ash as the main character. And to make matters worse, Team Rocket appears to have been permanently dissolved by the anime.
After So Long
Friends, Pokémon, and enemies come to say goodbye to Ash in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series. Team Rocket had to participate in the farewell, of course. After all, they have been attempting to capture Pikachu for 25 years. Team Rocket made one more attempt to grab Pikachu from Ash in what appeared to be their final episode, and they took many of their former Pokémon with them to the battle. Though some were quick to see that not everyone was included.
The Lovable Villains
Clearly, despite having 25 years of experience, they were unsuccessful. For what appeared to be the last time, Team Rocket had blasted off of Pokémon. Yet in a startling turn of events, the trio decides it’s time to split ways. We weren’t expecting them to pursue Pikachu until the sun went down, but maybe we were at one point. It’s definitely sad to think that Team Rocket has split apart. And ideally they reconnect in the show’s final few episodes, even if it’s just in a quick montage.
There is little doubt that Pokémon is being brutally honest with its devotees. The show is aware that the conclusion must be significant, which includes all of the emotions. But, Team Rocket’s retirement raises concerns about the future as well. The three main villains might have been a wonderful bridge between chapters of Pokémon. Yet, it appears that a whole new threat will be faced by Liko and Roy. In addition, whoever the next Pokémon villain is is going to have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to live up to Team Rocket. Let’s hope the future of the Pokémon anime shines bright just as it has always been,
