For decades, Ash Ketchum has been the face of the Pokémon franchise, inspiring countless fans as he traveled the world with Pikachu by his side. After 25 years of adventure, Ash finally achieved his dream of becoming a Pokémon Champion, marking the end of an incredible journey. Fans waited eagerly to see how his story would conclude, hoping for a grand finale that would celebrate his legacy. While the final episode offered heartfelt moments, it ultimately fell short of delivering the epic sendoff Ash deserved.

The farewell episode was the perfect chance to bring together everything that made Ash's journey so special. Yet, rather than creating a memorable tribute, the show missed a massive opportunity to unite Ash's companions and Pokémon for a truly emotional celebration. This, in my opinion, made the episode feel not as impactful or emotional as it could have been.

Ash Should Have Been Reuniting With His Old Friends in the Finale

The Missed Chance to Bring Back Ash's Companions

One of the most glaring missing pieces in Ahs's final episode was the absence of his past traveling companions. Throughout his journey, Ash met a diverse group of friends, each contributing to his growth as a trainer and as a person. From Misty and Brock in the Kanto region to Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie in Kalos, these characters played huge roles in shaping Ash's adventures.

A reunion episode could have easily brought everyone together to celebrate Ash's championship victory. Imagine a scene where Misty teases Ash about his battle strategies while Brock cooks a celebratory feast. Serena could share how Ash’s determination inspired her, and Dawn might encourage him to keep pursuing his dreams. These kinds of interactions would have been a nostalgic treat for fans, like myself, who have been watching the series for a long time, and a fitting way to honor the relationships that defined the series.

Instead, the final episode chose to focus solely on Ash and Pikachu, leaving fans to wonder what became of his closest friends. By excluding these beloved characters, the show missed the chance to give Ash’s story a more emotional ending that longtime fans would have loved and ed for a long time.

Ash's Pokémon Legacy Was Missing From the Finale

The Pokémon Reunion Fans Were Hoping For

Ash's bond with his Pokémon has always been an important part of the series. Over the years, he has captured, trained, and released countless Pokémon, each with its own unique story. A finale that reunited Ash with his entire roster of Pokémon could have also been a powerful tribute to his growth as a trainer.

Picture a scene where Charizard flies in, roaring triumphantly, as Butterfree returns with its mate to the celebration. Bulbasaur and Squirtle could share a heartfelt moment with Pikachu, reminiscing about their early days together. Even his newer companions, like Lucario and Dracovish, could think back on their journey to becoming champions. This kind of reunion would have been a testament to Ash's lasting commitment to his beloved Pokémon and the friendships he forged on his long journey.

Unfortunately, the final episode did not take this opportunity either to show the impact Ash had on his Pokémon. While Pikachu remains his most iconic partner, the absence of his other Pokémon left me and many other fans longing for a more complete celebration of Ash’s legacy with more of his Pokémon companions.

A Celebration of Ash's Achievements

Honoring Ash's Championship Triumph

Ash's victory in the World Coronation Series was a historic moment, solidifying his status as one of the greatest trainers in the Pokémon world. The final episode could have used this milestone as a springboard to explore what comes next for Ash and reminisce about his journey that fans fell in love with.

A proper celebration, featuring characters from across the Pokémon regions, could have made the significance of Ash’s win even more important. Professors Oak, Kukui, and Cerise might have shared their pride in his accomplishments, while past rivals like Gary and Paul could acknowledge the growth they have witnessed in him. This could have been paired with flashbacks of iconic battles, showing how far Ash has come since his first battle with a wild Pidgey.

Instead, the finale focused on Ash’s desire to continue his journey, leaving viewers with a bittersweet sense of closure. While his determination to keep exploring is true to his character, a more celebratory tone would have been an even more satisfying ending for me and other fans who just wanted a sense of finality after watching the anime for so many years.

The Emotional Impact of What Could Have Been

Thinking Back on the Finale's Missed Potential

The final episode of Ash's journey had the potential to break the internet with how long-running and popular the franchise is. By bringing together his companions, Pokémon, and mentors, the show could have delivered an unforgettable tribute to a character who shaped a generation of fans. The missed opportunity to unite these elements felt like a disservice to the legacy Ash built over 25 years.

While the episode had its heartfelt moments, it lacked the grandeur and nostalgia that fans, including myself, hoped for. A more ambitious approach could have celebrated Ash’s achievements while honoring the relationships and memories that made his story so impactful. Ultimately, the finale was a reminder of what could have been and a bittersweet ending to a journey that deserved so much more.

Ash Ketchum may be stepping away from the spotlight, but his legacy will endure in the hearts of Pokémon fans worldwide. As we bid farewell to this iconic trainer, we can only hope that future stories in the Pokémon universe will learn from this missed opportunity and give their characters the sendoff they truly deserve.