Season Analysis

Pokémon

Season 23 Analysis

Season Woke Score

out of 10

Season Overview

Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum has a new plan: see the world! But first, he and his partner Pikachu are headed to the opening of the Cerise Laboratory, a research facility dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of Pokémon in every region. Ash meets Goh, another boy with boundless curiosity about Pokémon, and both are overjoyed when Professor Cerise asks them to become official research fellows. With Ash as determined as ever to become a Pokémon Master, and Goh aiming to catch one of every Pokémon (including the Mythical Mew), our heroes are in for adventure and excitement as they explore the wide world of Pokémon!

Season Review

Pokémon Journeys: The Series (Season 23) operates entirely within the established conventions of the long-running franchise. The narrative structure centers on the merit-based goals of the two male protagonists: Ash's pursuit of becoming the world's strongest trainer and Goh's quest to catch every Pokémon. The series introduces a scientific base of operations, the Cerise Laboratory, and a new companion, Chloe, whose journey is about finding her own ambition. The season emphasizes personal growth, exploration, and the value of scientific research into the world's creatures. Characters, both new and returning, are judged solely on their competence as trainers and researchers. The overall themes celebrate the vast and diverse world of Pokémon and reinforce a positive view of ambitious, goal-oriented pursuits.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

The narrative prioritizes character skill, ambition, and the strength of the bond between humans and Pokémon as the only measures of worth. The show does not introduce political or social lectures about race or systemic oppression. Character representation is diverse due to the worldwide setting, but this remains incidental to the main plot, which focuses on a universal meritocracy of training and research.

Oikophobia1/10

The entire premise of the season is an enthusiastic exploration and celebration of the world of Pokémon, traveling to all established regions to appreciate their unique history and creatures. The scientific research focus is aimed at understanding and appreciating the world, not deconstructing or rejecting any of its civilizations or heritage.

Feminism3/10

Female characters are generally strong, competent, and highly capable, such as the returning Champion Iris and the new rival Bea. Chloe, the main female co-star, develops her own identity and career path as a research fellow. Male characters, Ash and Goh, are highly focused on their goals and are not emasculated or portrayed as incompetent. The Cerise family shows a stable, supportive nuclear family structure with no anti-natalist messaging.

LGBTQ+2/10

The content adheres to a normative, non-sexualized structure appropriate for a children's franchise. Sexual or gender identity is not a thematic focus or a point of discussion within the narrative. An established anime trope of an effeminate male character appears in the series, but there is no lecturing on Queer Theory or deconstruction of the nuclear family structure.

Anti-Theism1/10

The series avoids real-world religious themes entirely. The morality of the show is clearly objective: protecting Pokémon, stopping criminals like Team Rocket, and striving for personal goals. The concept of 'Legendary' or 'Mythical' Pokémon relates to in-universe mythology, not a critique of traditional religion.