Channeling the Battle Zone

[mr_pikachu]

Overview: Wow. I haven't had goosebumps like that over a battle in a long time.

Absolutely superb match between May and Drew. It was good to see the result truly reflect the course of the battle, rather than an inexplicable drop in points at some point deciding things without reason. That was truly a neck-and-neck fight, and I was surprised to see the intensity continue even when Flygon and Squirtle were knocked out. Utterly brilliant. The battle writers should be commended.

The emotions were also done very well. Good to see Drew come back to his old self after all was said and done. It hurt to see May get blown away in the end - even though most of that match was skipped - but it fit. She's still no master, despite her flashes of genius. (I didn't get the significance of using Overheat into the Water Pulse, for instance... that was actually quite wise in retrospect.) Her crying at the end was childish, yes, but let's think about how old and experienced she is.

Oh, and since I was so overwhelmed that I forgot while making the original post... Ash caught an Aipom! Now how's that for a big episode?


Summary: Overall, excellent episode. I never thought I'd say this, but this may have been better than the Ash-Drake battle for the Orange League Championship. Truly magnificent.


Score: I hate to award this score so soon after beginning reviews... maybe I started this at a bad time. Nonetheless, I can't avoid giving some major, major kudos after an episode like that. 10/10.

[Chris 2.1]

I haven't seen the dub but when I saw the original my jaw hit the floor. It is such a fantastic battle of such epic proportions and I remember when it was yet to air people speculated heavily what the outcome would be.

Drew's Absol and Flygon are such elegant and powerful Pokemon. Flygon being struck by Ice Beam looked incredible when it was slammed to the ground. Similarly Absol's slash (razor wind?) smashing into Squirtle's stomach was impressive.

I love contests and Grand Festivals! As for Aipom. Urgh.