This latest episode of Pokémon Horizons delivered a much-needed surge of excitement after some slower installments, providing a fantastic conclusion to the Terastal Debut arc. The episode immediately grabs your attention by opening with Dot’s tournament battle, a detail that could have easily been overlooked to prioritize Liko and Roy’s storylines. Thankfully, Dot received her moment in the spotlight, setting a positive tone right from the start.
The episode masterfully transitions into the highly anticipated battle, highlighting the support systems Liko and Roy have cultivated throughout their journey. It’s evident how much both trainers have progressed since the series began, and certainly since the start of this arc. Their strategic Pokémon switching and effective utilization of learned moves and skills are clear indicators of their growth. Kilowattrel’s performance was particularly satisfying, given his limited screen time since joining Roy’s team. His victory against Hattena was a great moment. Speaking of Hattena, her healing ability proved invaluable, showcasing her strategic importance even in a supporting role. This might leave viewers wondering: what moves does Liko’s Hattrem learn as it evolves? While this episode doesn’t explicitly detail a new moveset for a Hattrem evolution, it subtly points to the strategic depth Hattena, and potentially Hattrem, can bring to battles beyond just direct attacks, hinting at future potential and moves to be explored.
Fuecoco’s evolution sequence was a true highlight, amplified by his impromptu song that resonated with the audience. The cheers and energy surrounding his evolution into Crocalor made the scene incredibly engaging and emotionally resonant. The final clash between Terastallized Crocalor and Floragato was visually stunning, a testament to the high-quality animation throughout the battle. The outcome, with Crocalor defeating Floragato and securing Roy’s victory, was incredibly satisfying. For viewers who have followed the series, Roy’s win marks a significant turning point. The narrative had previously leaned heavily towards Liko’s successes, with Roy often facing defeat. This arc effectively balanced the scales, granting Roy well-deserved victories and providing Liko with necessary losses, contributing to a more compelling and balanced dynamic between the protagonists. The Terastal Debut arc successfully showcased the tangible growth of Liko, Roy, and Dot, both in their battle prowess and Pokémon development through evolution.
Looking ahead to the Rayquaza Rising arc, the episode leaves us eager to see how these newly acquired skills and evolved Pokémon will propel the kids forward on their overarching journey. This episode earns a solid 9/10. Minor critiques include Kilowattrel’s perhaps excessive use of Spark, and a feeling that he could have sustained a longer confrontation with Floragato. However, these are minor points overshadowed by the episode’s overall excellence. This episode serves as a strong and satisfying conclusion to the Terastal Debut arc, leaving fans excited for what’s next.
