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The Mischievous Stunfisk's Great Smile? - Pokémon Horizons Episode 97 Review - Dot Out And About

Is it just me or is this latest episode of Pokémon Horizons some sort of social commentary towards nuisance streamers? Given the rise of streamer culture in recent times, and how nuisance streamers have been making news in Japan, it really does feel like Horizons made their own take on the whole subculture. Like, Magyorō’s whole schtick with using his Stunfisk to prank people and Pokémon candidly is really reminiscent of how prank channels would do such a thing for clout.

It’s really nice that Dot gets an entire episode dedicated to her after sitting back for seven episodes. Though, why does it feel like they sort of nerfed her? Like, Dot is a very analytical and tactical battler, yet her strategy when battling Magyoro has her just spamming the same moves. I get that she was being careful due to type disadvantage and the possibilities of electric traps, but the way she was making Quaxwell spam the same move over and over again felt reminiscent of Liko in the early days of Horizons. Still, it was nice seeing that Dot knows she has two Pokémon, so when Quaxwell was unable to battle, she sent out Tinkatuff. It was nice to see her Terastallize and saving the day. This arc has been very friendly towards the kids’ second Pokémon, with Hattrem getting Terastallized three episodes ago, and now Tinaktuff getting her spotlight. When will we get to see Kilowattrel Terastallize, I wonder?

It was nice to see Iono again! While nothing about her has changed all that much, her status as an internet celebrity has grown to the point that she’s doing commercials! Her fame has grown, but she’s still humble in a way. She even has it to the point where she has her own parasocial fans wanting her attention, and that’s how Magyorō’s whole premise as a streamer came to be. Still, I didn’t like that Iono didn’t really punish him for his troubles, but rather encouraged him to keep on doing his thing while making her the target. It’s nice, but also feels too nice.

Regarding Magyorō, he may be a parody of nuisance streamers, but only a watered down version of them as he has a heart. He loves his Stunfisk, but that doesn’t mean he wants it to get hurt. It was nice to see someone with enough sense to know that the Strong Spheres harm Pokémon, and even destroyed it. Still, I do think he gotten off a bit too lightly for his pranks. He harmed a lot of bystander Pokémon, yet he doesn’t apologize or get any real comeuppance.

With the reveal that there is a Strong Sphere user that can be reasoned with, it makes me wonder about future encounters. Hopefully, there will be more. Liko, Roy and Uruto are on a ferry to Paldea, so I’m anticipating their reunion next episode. I can’t wait to see their reunion with Murdock and Katy! Let me know your thoughts on this episode!

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