The fact that Mega Evolution played a role in stopping the Laquium Core was a bit abrupt, but it does make sense in a way. Though, it was nice to see how Lucius and Gibeon’s spirits were living on inside Roy and Amethio, causing the Mega Evolution to activate. It was super cool to see Shiny Mega Rayquaza and the anime debut of Mega Zygarde! I also like that Amethio’s Keystone is attached onto a wristwatch-like accessory and not the usual band every other Mega Evolution user has in this anime. The whole segment was cool with how Skeledirge used his Torch Song to envelop Rayquaza in a fiery armor like how he did with Kilowattrel during their battle against the Laquium-infused Galarian Moltres back in Episode 125. I just liked how Mega Zygarde’s cannon was animated. He was definitely firing his laser, if you remember that meme.

I’m glad that it was Liko who got the final battle with Spinel, even if it wasn’t super long. I like to think that this is a good revenge match from the events that transpired in Episode 64 where Spinel first showcased Laquium and its horrors by using his Umbreon as a guinea pig. It was fitting that Liko used her partner Meowscarada in this fight as she was there as a Floragato when it all happened. I honestly like that since then, Liko and Meowscarada’s bond has only gotten stronger as they love each other and been through thick and thin for over a year. I was also happy to see Liko telling Spinel off as it was very necessary for him to get it through his thick skull.

Spinel is my favorite character, but I was happy with how his downfall came to be. He really got a fate worse than death. His obsession with Laquium caused a rift in his bond with Umbreon. As Umbreon was the first Pokemon seen being infused with Laquium and also the last, it was only befitting that Spinel finally got the consequences of his actions. This is the first time the broken bond between Trainer and Pokemon has been seen and I’m glad it was with the mastermind. He did get a flashback showcasing how he had his Eevee ever since he was a boy and she evolved into Umbreon, showcasing that their bond was strong and true. I do wonder what had caused Spinel to go from the meek and bookish boy who loved his Eevee to the cynical adult who didn’t believe in the concept of bonds. I wished that they would’ve showcased Spinel’s backstory earlier since we still don’t know what kickstarted his obsession with the Laquium and why he’s the way he is… Anyways, Umbreon still seems to have some sort of lingering attachment towards Spinel as she does seem to check up on him in his prison cell. Still, it’s going to be hard to reforge the relationship they once had.

I don’t know why the part where Liko parts ways with Pagogo got me emotional, but it did. Remember that Pagogo was the pendant that started it all. Pagogo was the one who kickstarted Liko’s entire journey from forging a lifelong bond with Sprigatito to meeting the Rising Volt Tacklers and going on adventures after meeting Roy and having him join the crew. It would make sense that Pagogo would want to stay in Laqua as that’s its home—it wanted to go back and it’s finally home with its friends. It’s going to be odd not seeing Pagogo anymore…

I really liked the ending segment! It was nice seeing cameo appearances from all the major supporting characters that the group had met. Thanks to Wy-yes and Perrin who took video footage and pictures of the Rising Volt Tacklers’ heroic deeds at Laqua, the public’s opinion of the group has become positive! I can’t believe Mighty G became a celebrity—I mean, he was a celebrity in the past, but the fact that his fame rekindled is hilarious and cute. The Trainer who used a Strong Sphere on his Dachsbun got redemption in that he searched for his Pokemon and apologized—out of all the cameos, this was the most surprising because he doesn’t have a name and never met the Rising Volt Tacklers directly as his actions were only observed by Dot who was in the crowd at the time. Nemona and Penny return to the academy. Dash and her friends are working with Exceed to gather and dispose of all the Strong Spheres. Litten Smitten (Nyabiko) and Stunner Fisk (Magyoro) having a collab to spread awareness of the RVTs good deeds was also not on my bingo card. Pepper (Karato) also shows up picking up a Strong Sphere and disposing it. I wonder where Ann is, though… she’s the only one who didn’t show up.

Crave is reinstated as director of Exceed and is going to work with Friede and Yanga to research Laquium even further so that an incident like this would never happen again. Amethio wants to help him, showcasing that he wants to form a bond with his father after all that transpired, which is sweet. The Explorers admins also get good endings as it seems that Coral and Sidian are sticking with each other, but still have a horde of fans. I think that Chalce has the most satisfying ending of them as she finally gets to be a teacher again and the school in her hometown is being rebuilt. Also, Hamber and Diana are living the adventurer life, which is great. I do wonder what happened to Indy and Rubina...

Now that the main story is completed, I can’t wait for what the new arc has in store. I did miss the early Horizons days where it was just cozy adventures, so I’m glad that they’re going back to that! The new arc does feel like it’s going to be a long epilogue until the new games come out. I wonder what sort of adventure awaits the Rising Volt Tacklers now… Let me know your thoughts on the story’s finale and the episode as a whole!