Season Analysis

Pokémon

Season 17 Analysis

Season Woke Score

out of 10

Season Overview

It’s time for Ash and Pikachu to set off on their adventures in the Kalos region! Along the way, they’re joined by some new friends—a genius inventor named Clemont, his little sister Bonnie, and Serena, a Trainer on her first journey. Ash immediately tries to challenge the Gym in Lumiose City, but doesn’t get very far before a robot throws him out! In between Gym battles, Ash and friends will be exploring this unique region, meeting all kinds of new Pokémon, and looking into a fascinating new Pokémon mystery!

Season Review

Season 17, 'Pokémon the Series: XY,' is a classic adventure narrative centered on the protagonists' pursuit of merit-based goals and personal growth in the Kalos region. The plot focuses on Ash's journey to collect Gym Badges, Clemont's quest to be a better inventor and Gym Leader, and Serena's path to finding her dream through hard work in Pokémon Showcases. All characters are judged by their dedication and skill rather than immutable characteristics. The narrative structure is traditional, emphasizing friendship, mentor-apprentice relationships, and a clear moral dichotomy between the heroes and villainous organizations. The character dynamics are entirely normative, with no explicit insertion of sexual or political ideology. The story functions as a universal adventure for children, respecting established institutions and celebrating individual vitality.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics1/10

The plot is a straightforward universal hero's journey, with characters judged solely by the merit of their skill as Pokémon Trainers, Coordinators, or inventors. Race or 'whiteness' is not a factor in any character's standing or narrative arc. The core theme is an inclusive meritocracy where anyone can succeed through hard work.

Oikophobia1/10

The season is a celebration of the Kalos region (a setting inspired by France) and the institutions within it, such as the Pokémon League and the new competitive Showcases. The narrative treats the region and its culture with respect. The primary conflict involves external threats from villainous organizations seeking power, which reinforces the need for the heroes to protect their home and its established order.

Feminism2/10

The score remains low because the female lead, Serena, is *not* a 'Mary Sue' but a character who starts without a goal and finds her purpose (Pokémon Showcases) through a path of self-discovery, failure, and intense hard work. Her arc is one of earned success, and she openly expresses a traditional romantic crush on the male lead, Ash. The male companion, Clemont, is a capable Gym Leader and a genius inventor, not a bumbling idiot. The character Bonnie has a recurring gag of trying to find a wife for her older brother, which is an explicitly pro-pairing and pro-family message.

LGBTQ+1/10

The core group dynamic is a traditional, normative structure. The running gag involving the young girl Bonnie attempting to find a female partner (a 'wife') for her older brother, Clemont, centers a traditional male-female pairing in a comical, family-positive context. Sexual identity is private and not a factor in any character's narrative or presentation.

Anti-Theism1/10

The series utilizes the classic Pokémon fantasy framework, which has a clear moral hierarchy and objective truth regarding good and evil, exemplified by the heroes opposing evil organizations like Team Rocket. The narrative completely avoids discussion or criticism of real-world religion or Christianity, placing faith and morality in the context of personal belief and universal ethical principles like protecting all living things.