BTW THIS IS MOSTLY A THEORY SO DON’T ATTACK ME WHEN IM WRONG OKAY
In episode 21, Goh comments and praises Ash for him being mysterious and weird, but in a way that he admired those aspects of him. Ash’s response is genuine to his character; he’s humble and doesn’t pride himself on Goh’s claims. And at the end of episode 60 his reaction is vastly different from his familiar one. To understand how this happened, we have to look at past episodes with the viable context necessary to create such a change, and also at the episode itself separately.
The Progress of Previous Episodes:
Episode 36 is where Ash’s dynamic with Goh begins to change, and most dramatically in episode 40 when Ash gives up his chances of battling Zapdos in favor of helping Goh gain assurance over his own battle. He understood how important this was for him, as Goh had helped him to during his times of tribulation to regain his confidence and remember who he is. In these two episodes, it’s the beginning of Ash reciprocating the same feelings Goh has towards him; in other words, they essentially switch roles to Ash becoming the observant one.
Ash had begun to show more desire to help Goh and overall more concern over him as well. For instance, an incredible analysis by Mudkip, states that Lucario can sense what the owner is feeling inside its heart. Coincidentally, Ash had been thinking of Goh in this moment filled with worry towards Goh, and anger towards the poachers. Most episodes past 46 have shown Ash being more understanding and concerned over him as well as validating his decisions immensely due to how much more aware he’s become of Goh
Ash being more perceptive of Goh:
I had mentioned Goh being an unreliable narrator before, and it’s very prevalent now how much Ash notices. At the end of episode 53, Goh makes the decision to leave behind Suicune, and Ash recognizes the disappointment he feels. He understands initially how important this was to him because such an extraordinary catch led him closer to his dream. Ash smiles endearingly at Goh knowing that he didn’t, and doesn’t have to make this choice.
Ash continues to take on the perceptive role in episode 59. Without Goh needing to say anything, Ash knew he was upset and what he was upset about. Goh only hopes that Grookey is okay, and leaves the next morning without Ash to go and find it. Ash, although believing it may be unlikely to find Team Rocket, follows Goh in his pursuit of Grookey. Throughout the episode we are reminded by Ash how he wouldn’t skip out on breakfast, but in this instance it didn’t matter to him; wherever Goh was heading and whatever choice Goh was going to make, Ash brought his breakfast with him intending to follow through no matter what decision he was going to make.
Episode 58 is a good example of concealing emotions with a mask. Ash once again understands that Goh is unhappy and becomes concerned. Goh says that it’s embarrassing to be holding his hand, but it’s possible that this scene had so much more nuance to it. His voice also becomes very soft and almost shaky, and with the Gulpin over his head, it’s hard to have a real idea of what he may look like underneath; we can deduct though, that this scene is very similar to two certain episodes. In episodes 52 and 53, we see how Goh reacts when trying to hide something. He didn’t know how tomatoes were grown so he turns away and lies/blushes. He doesn’t want to let go of Suicune and when Ash confronts him he tells him to be quiet and blushes. He’s holding Ash’s hand and he turns around because.. apparently it’s embarrassing, but when comparing the movement to these more recent episodes(and his character in general), you can’t take Goh’s word for it.
This scene is analogous to certain moments in episode 60 in relation to how it uses the familiarity of the scenario to remind the viewer of what is/should be expected.
The episode opens with a training/fighting sequence between Ash and Goh, and the beginning uses a scene to establish what we’ve already come to know about the dialogue between the characters. The camera pans out not to disguise expressions, but rather reaffirm what we already know, which is that when Goh compliments Ash he directs that praise towards his Pokemon. This shot is used prominently throughout this episode particularly during this kind of interaction.
Ash and Goh encounter Rinto for the first time since episode 51, and their chat holds just as much tension as before. Rinto had previously mocked Ash, and upon knowing he’s participating in the World Championships, Goh becomes defensive on Ash’s behalf. He even begins boasting about their triumph of Knights medals.
Despite the training Ash and Kamonegi went through, it doesn’t prove to be enough at the moment as Ash becomes distressed over the situation. Rinto further insults them and their strategy. The voice direction is so sincere in expressing how livid Goh is towards Rinto being unnecessarily rude to the person he wants to support and protect; Goh’s absolutely offended when his anger is pressed further by acknowledging how Rinto is only playing with him.
When Ash wins, Goh is wholeheartedly excited over the situation and they use that camera shot once again to emphasize what we know. Goh has been Ash’s biggest cheerleader throughout the series, and especially throughout this episode, and we don’t need to see their faces up close to know their expressions.
How the use of the camera shot is used again though, is rather peculiar. The compliments were initially geared towards Negigaknight, but when redirected to Ash, about Ash, we see him utterly stunned. The camera pans out once again not to show familiarity of the situation, but cleverly to mask something just like episode 58 did with the Gulpin. When watching the scene, Ash straightens up and stumbles over his answer instead of directing the compliment towards someone else.
Compare the episode to 7, 18, and 25 to how Ash usually replies to Goh, and contrast the finale of episode 60. When Goh directly compliments Ash in 18 and 25, he laughs it off and points the kudos at Gengar, Pikachu, and Dragonite. And this isn’t isolated to episode 60 either, because 5 episodes later the same thing happens. Goh congratulates Ash on his battle, but once Goh tells him to keep up that momentum Ash doesn’t respond and just stares at him; it is very unlike Ash and there’s a point at which something had begun to change. Ash’s answer in episode 60 is very unlike, and dare I say he was nervous, AND flustered during this scene.
Does this really mean anything? Of course not it’s just a theory a gay theory. I just find it really odd and suspicious that Ash would exemplify such a reaction the first time I watched it, I raised an eyebrow having to double back making sure I watched that correctly xD
Anyways I’m probably overanalyzing but goddammit I rewatched this series not too long ago and couldn’t help myself
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