Arrival! The Paradise of Laqua - Pokémon Horizons Episode 85 Review - Why Is It Called Laqua?
This past week's episode of Pokémon Horizons was basically introducing Laqua to the viewers and to the main characters, hence why it feels slow-paced. It’s supposed to be that way for immersion. I honestly love how beautiful and peaceful Laqua looks, with a plethora of Pokémon living harmoniously. It’s crazy to see so many of these different species of Pokémon, including Legendary Pokémon, all gathered in one place. Though, that’s just what it looks like on the surface. I like that while it looks like that in the front, delving deeper into Laqua shows the darker, thornier aspects of the paradise.
The way the kids were talking during the night felt as if this is the end of their journey. It technically is, with how their goal has been Laqua and bringing Terapagos there. Though, I don’t think the production staff have said anything about this being the end. If they did, please correct me. I do wonder what’s going to happen later on though. What will become of Liko now that she has finally brought Terapagos to Laqua? What will become of Roy now that the Black Rayquaza is in its Poké Ball?
I honestly loved the segment where the group traversed deeper into the forest. It gave a sense of suspense, like they are going to encounter something bad along the way. While they did find the dome-shaped barrier that Terapagos made a century ago, it was buried amongst branches and leaves. With the inside containing the desired Laquium, the Explorers finally make their move. Since there are four Explorers admins and four members of the Rising Volt Tacklers, they end up essentially are paired off with the ones they have some sort of rivalry with, Spinel vs. Friede, Agate vs. Dot, Liko vs. Sidian, and Roy vs. Coral. The way the episode just ended like that was foul.
The episode had no battles, and it was mainly wholesome with the partner Pokémon playing with the wild Pokémon, and seeing the wild ones playing around. My favorite scenes were seeing the Clefable and Clefairy sleeping together, and Dot's Quaxwell playing with the Feraligatr—did you know it’s been 15 years since Feraligatr was last seen in the anime? I also liked how Rayquaza was lying down next to Roy, in a sleeping position that made it look like it wanted to go back into its ball. That part was so cute. Pokémon Horizons really just does a great job making Pokémon be very cute.
Next week is when the action happens, so I can’t wait to see the battles and what will transpire afterwards. The storm will arrive and I will be witness to it all! Let me know your thoughts on this episode!
