Reviews Anime / Pokemon The Series

Pokemon Black & White: Could it actually be good?

Note: This review was written before the American premiere of the Black & White (Best Wishes) season.

Many people displeased with the Pokemon franchise as a whole see the fifth generation as the swan song, if it wasn't ruined already. However, Black & White! seems to be anything but the dying remains of a once-great cornerstone of 90's media.

One reason why Black & White is so good is because it feels so fresh. Here is a short list of what has been added, changed, and removed compared to the previous seasons.

Added

• The "rules" of the Pokemon world, so to speak, are much more solid than they were in any of the previous seasons.
• A sort of B-Plot so far about Team Rocket and some insidious plan they have cooking in Unova.

Changed

• Like previous seasons, Ash starts off with just his Pikachu, and eventually captures other Pokemon along the way. He does begin with a few rookie trappings, but they are much less severe than in previous installments. He's no longer coddled by the plot, he loses on a number of occasions.
• The English titles are no longer puns, but match their Japanese counterparts much more accurately.
• Team Rocket is much more serious than they were in any of the previous seasons, probably due to their promotion.
• The music and animation quality has improved.
• Writing is all-around better and more serious.

Removed

• Gone are the old running jokes.
• Many of the numerous complaints that fans had about the previous seasons are also removed. If you had one, it's probably gone.

Of course, people will still complain about it, considering the slight design shift (Oh no! A minor character's hairstyle changed!)and even the lack of campiness, but overall, it is better than it used to be. Pokemon: Best Wishes is good example of something that actually improves as time goes by. Here's hoping that the US version is wonderful as well. Make sure to set your VCRs, TVios, or DVRs to record the premiere!