I do like that this episode establishes how Liko, Roy and Dot’s relationship differs before and after the time skip. While they are still best friends and are each others’ greatest support, Liko does note Roy’s newfound dependable personality as he takes point leading the investigation. He definitely has matured a lot, with how he smiled when Liko was taking in the view of the scenery and how he was leading her away from Uruto’s yapping. Dot is currently mission control, and is effectively the commander of the team with how she strategizes and plans out how each of the Pokémon will attack. These three are such a good team.
My favorite aspect about this episode is how both Liko and Roy are using all of their Pokémon. One of the few issues I've had with Pokémon Horizons has been the lack of screen time the kids’ second Pokémon usually have had, as the story focused a lot on their partners. Seeing Hattrem and Kilowattrel have more screen time in these past three episodes than they did in the entirety of the fourth arc is pretty crazy. Anyways, I do like that each of their Pokémon has their own role in the battle with the two Steelix. Though, I’m a bit puzzled with how Kilowattrel was affected by Sand Tomb, despite it being part Flying-type.
I was expecting that Pagogo would be awakened towards the end of the arc, but having it awaken this early on makes more sense in that the group needs its power to quell affected Pokémon. Also, having it awaken early has allowed it to give birth to a new possible (albeit morbid) running gag in that Uruto’s Sableye was trying to eat it, pertaining to its Pokedex entry where it’s confirmed it eats crystals and jewels. Poor Pagogo—asleep for a year and then a purple goblin tries to take a bite out of it. In all honesty, I hope this running gag continues because it’s so interesting to see Pokémon behaving like what their Dex entries state. Sableye is just being consumed by its biological urges. I’m also amazed with how Ayane Sakura, the voice actress of Orla and Coral’s Scream Tail, can produce those noises.
I do like that the episode takes place in the border between Kanto and Johto, presumably in the area where Mt. Silver resides in-game. Canonically, Johto exists on the west side of Kanto and there is a border that divides them, which is right next to Indigo Plateau and New Bark Town. I really liked that detail, especially how Liko points out the beautiful scenery and how it’s right next to Kanto yet she’s never been there before. Man, I love Pokémon Horizons—did I ever mention that?
The ending drops a bombshell with how Zirc and Onia mention how Amethio has been missing for a year, just like Friede. This makes it easy to theorize that Friede and Amethio might be together and laying low. The fact that Cervantis, Amethio’s father (yes, that’s his dub name), stepped down from his position as director despite knowing Amethio isn’t dead shows off a possible caring side that he hasn’t shown on-screen. With how Hamber gives the two the Zygarde Cube, it sort of reminded me of how Sina and Dexio give the player the cube in the Gen 7 games, and how it lead to catching Zygarde. Wait, are Zirc and Onia going to be Horizons’ iteration of Sina and Dexio?
With how Uruto joined the fray and showed off Mega Evolution with Roy, I do wonder if this will be a sign that there will be more Mega Evolution users in the future, and if Liko and Dot will get it too. Let me know what sort of Mega Pokémon you want Liko and Dot to have!
