In Episode 120 of Pokémon Journeys, Chloe continues to struggle with her Eevee's evolution amidst a camping trip led by Professor Cerise. Despite some nostalgic references and wholesome moments, the episode feels like filler, lacking significant character development for Chloe and interrupting the ongoing Masters Eight arc.
Welcome back to my review series of the Pokémon Journeys anime. In this post, I will be reviewing Episode 120, titled "Chloe and Eevee: The Possibilities Are Endless." Let's dive into the details of this episode and see how it fits into the larger narrative of the series.
To start, it's worth noting that this episode opens with a quick recap of Chloe and Eevee's journey so far. This recap feels somewhat redundant, especially considering that the previous episode was entirely dedicated to revisiting Chloe and Eevee's story. It raises the question: what was the point of the last episode if we are just going to recap it again?
In this episode, Chloe is still grappling with her Eevee's evolution and its interest in evolving. To help her explore this, Professor Cerise takes the entire family on a camping trip to observe Clefairy as they evolve. This setting serves as a nostalgic nod to the original series, particularly the events that took place at Mount Moon.
Interestingly, while this episode is marketed as a Chloe and Eevee episode, it feels more like a spotlight on Professor Cerise. His interactions and the wholesome moments he shares with the family are genuinely enjoyable. However, this focus on Cerise detracts from Chloe's character development, leaving her feeling sidelined in her own story.
Throughout the episode, Chloe expresses her interest in Pokémon evolutions, which could hint at a potential future as a researcher. However, she remains uncertain about her path, which is frustrating for viewers who are eager to see her grow. This lack of clarity in her character arc is particularly disappointing, especially since this episode interrupts the ongoing Masters Eight arc, which is a critical storyline in the series.
Ultimately, this episode feels like filler. Despite some enjoyable moments and nostalgic references, it lacks significant plot development and character growth for Chloe. The episode concludes with Chloe still unsure about her future, which is a letdown for fans hoping for more substantial progress. Given these factors, I would rate this episode a 2 out of 10. It’s a shame because the potential for a solid episode was there, but it was overshadowed by the timing and execution of the story.
In summary, while there were some redeeming qualities in Episode 120, it ultimately fails to deliver on the promise of character development and meaningful plot progression, leaving viewers wanting more.
