Ash’s Pokemon Journey Is Over, But Its Meaning Will Stay With Us Forever (2024)

Ash Ketchum bowing out of the Pokemon anime is sorta like when The Queen died. He has been an institution in our lives for so many years that an existence without him feels difficult to fathom. We will come across family and friends before bowing our heads in a solemn act of collective grief, knowing that our boy has now become the very best like no one ever was. I’m actually kinda broken up about this one for realsies though. Sorry, Lizzy.

Chances are he will return in a standalone movie or some form in a cameo later down the line, but to see The Pokemon Company place such a definitive end on his journey as it seeks out a new generation after decades with the character is undeniably heartfelt, and rather difficult to take in now it’s finally come to pass. Last year I wrote about how the show must leave Ash behind if it hopes to remain fresh and exciting, and now I’m eating my words through tears as he moves onto a new adventure without us. He didn’t bring his tenure to an end with an early retirement or lackadaisical vacation, instead determined to see more of the world and make his legacy all the more profound. Except he’s doing it without us, and that stings.

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Ash is such a powerful character because, despite how long he’s been around, his presence has never once felt contrived. A young boy willing to take on the world while still taking time to value friendships made along the way is so wonderful, even more so when he isn’t afraid to confront his own fears and prejudices as he builds himself into a person defined by equal parts strength and empathy. He doesn’t age and cycles through friend groups in order to fit each new generation, keeping fans who grow older in the fold while embracing new ones.

Over two decades have passed since his debut, and in that time children who originally saw themselves in this boy’s adventures have grown up to have kids of their own, passing on the torch of catching them all and how achieving such an ultimate goal has no boundaries. It can be adopted and championed by anyone, imbued with a wholesome attitude that Ash carries on regardless of how hard things get.

His masterful farewell scene understands that emotional significance as old friends reunite to the imagery of flowers blooming, signifying a neverending cycle of adventures to be had even as we’re forced to walk away. Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and even the dastardly Team Rocket return for one last hurrah as a two-pronged stick is thrown into the air to determine where everyone goes next.

Ash leaves it all up to chance, knowing in his heart that the world holds infinite possibilities so long as he welcomes them. The screen fades away in an explosion of saccharine music and tonal positivity that turns this bittersweet ending into a new beginning, and how the thematic importance of Pokemon will never leave us. We all have the potential to be the best, and for decades Ash has made that apparent.

It’s much too early to tell, but I hope this new generation of heroes capture the same ideals of lifelong optimism, following in footsteps Ash has walked so long now that I can’t imagine a time in my life without it to guide me. His departure is an important milestone though. It even has lapsed fans like me thinking back on smaller moments in my upbringing somehow defined by his presence.

Ash is Pokemon, and I’ve spoken to people in games and animation who were inspired enough by him to pursue careers and develop lifelong passions in everything he has come to stand for. To watch as he walks away forces us to reminisce on those lessons while applying them to the future that awaits us. It’s a hard reality to swallow, but a necessary one.

Ash Ketchum is and always will be the very best, and his departure only serves to cement that reputation. Over the years he’s also inspired us to be better and chase our dreams as we pull valuable lessons from his positive outlook and how there is always something in our lives worth striving for. Even if he does come back, that won’t take away from this moment.

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