#sm027

[smilingperformer]

I love how Gladio's rivalry with Satoshi starts and ends the same way it's too beautiful and a perfect circle aaahh I'M HAVING FEELS ABOUT GLADIO WHO LEARNS TO SMILE AND LAUGH IN THE END AAAAHHH-

[soveryanon]

Satoshi’s shirts in Sun&Moon... (*•̀ᴗ•́*)و ̑̑

[lilliepokemonsunandmoon-blog]

NEW ASH VS GLADION PREVIEW!!!

[maskedkitsune]

[miracleman2]

Gladion time! Or should I say “it’s Gladion time?”

[noodlerama]

This episode was good but underwhelming, honestly was expecting more from it.

Gladion is what I expected, an edgy dork that I love, he’s established as super serious but I hope as he appears more that facade will chip away, I’m surprised Ash was so genial with him the entire time even after getting that initial cold shoulder when asking to battle, but I guess he’s past that point if getting miffed at grumpy rivals, speaking of Ash I always appreciate seeing him do some training.

I wish Gladion and Lillie’s relationship was explored more here, honestly that’s one thing from the games I wish got more focus, but like the games, in the anime Gladion just brushes Lillie off and doesn’t talk with her much (hopefully in future episodes!). We at least got some backstory and that was nice (missed opportunity to see Lusamine animated graahh), always appreciate some character depth. Subs as always will be a plus to get a better idea of what his deal is (hopefully there comes a day when I don’t say this).

Honestly this episode was doing good until the rival battle started and the episode just…. Fell apart so quickly.. Look, I like battles, it’s one of the main reasons I watch the anime, some people don’t care about them and that’s fine, but for me it’s part of the reason why a series so bereft of it like SM doesn’t get me as excited like it does a lot of people, I like comedy (especially when it’s actually good) but that’s not what I want to see as the main focus personally, so the idea of a serious rival battle after nearly 30 episodes was enticing to me.

But then we get one minute of battling (which I was really into!) until the worst trope in this show rears it’s ugly head with a TR interruption, and as a result the battle is unfinished and im just left bitter and unsatisfied. Would’ve been great to see Gladion’s Z move used on Ash in their battle but naww let’s use it on TR, fuck off. It just left such a sour taste in my mouth that it brings down the entire episode. It’s still GOOD but damn what a hype killer.

That came off as more negative then intended but overall I still liked the episode, just continued to be frustrated at how battles are being handled in this series lol

[rohanite]

It’s amazing how easily this show can get you hyped and then just blow it all away. They really had Gladio waste his Z-move on Team Rocket and the battle not even continue because “lol it’s school time”.  And he’s instantly friendly with Satoshi too. I can’t be hyped for the future of this rivalry when there’s literally zero basis given for it from the get go. No focus on Gladio’s and Satoshi’s relationship, no proper battle. Nothing. Gladio was boring by himself too, he has the edgy voice, the edgy expressions and the edgy poses, but substance wise there’s zero actual edge to his character. I’m mad because up until the end this episode really felt like it was revitalizing the good old battle maniac side of me, I felt actual excitement for a rival, but alas. I love the new things SM does, when ever it’s different from the past and doesn’t try to set anything serious up it’s a genuinely fun time, but it just can’t reach that old excitement for me. I can't believe the narrator had the audacity to be all "When will they fight, and who will win??" when Gladio left, BRO NOW, NOW WAS THE TIME, ARE YOU KIDDING ME? The training portion was great though, I really do enjoy their handling of Satoshi’s new Pokemon, makes me jealous that previous squads didn't have so much screentime and little quirks etc. The sibling stuff between Lilie and Gladio was also fine. But yeah, overall this episode was trash, it was going strong but that ending was just unbelievably bad and diminished the potential for Satoshi getting a new serious rival, something we’ve been thirsting for for years.

[smilingperformer]

Oh fuck Gladio is next!!!!

That's tomorrow :D also the start of Some-Stuff subs...?