#sm021

Japanese version

Rotom: Where’s Stoutland?

Kukui: Don’t ask.

English dub

Rotom: Where’s Stoutland?

My dudes, I need to talk about how fucking on point the atmosphere and symbolism was in today’s EP real quick.

Pokeani isn’t really known for handling mature themes with a lot of grace or finesse, so when I saw this episode it actually really impressed me. Stoutland dying could’ve easily flopped as a intended emotional punch to the viewer but the way it was handled was very well done. Whats especially of note is how they portray that through just visuals and not just words.

The moment Litten wakes up to find Stoutland gone, all the colors in the world are muted, lots of dull, grey tones, a muddy overcast day, probably visual shorthand for Litten’s own feelings and how he’s dealing with the loss. The rain starts pouring when Litten gives into his anguish. And finally my favorite shot in the episode, just showing Litten’s silhouette separated from Ash and Kukui’s by a black void, really says to me it’s meant to portray how alone Litten feels, and possibly how powerless Ash and Kukui feel because nothing they can say would help.

Next two weeks, an one-hour special episode for the 20th anniversary!