Few anime series have had a run as long as Eternatus instead rejuvenates the area with Dynamax Energy, allowing both Ash and Leon to Gigantamax their Pokémon one more time. Gigantamax Pikachu battles Gigantamax Cinderace to a climactic finish, leaving Pikachu vs. Leon's Charizard. As Pikachu is on the verge of losing, he gets visions of many of Ash's old Pokémon, from Squirtle to Melmetal, cheering him on. Pikachu gets back on his feet, and wins with one last all-out attack. The moment was so climactic that even Pokémon's official Twitter celebrated Ash's win.
A Celebration of the Pokémon Anime's Past
It wouldn't be a real victory without all one's friends and family to them, however, and the episode delivers on some incredible fan service by bringing back characters who, in some cases, haven't been seen in over 1,000 episodes, like Todd Snapp, Tracy, May and Max, Clemont and Bonnie, Brock, and Cilan. It also shows many of Ash's previous Pokémon watching and celebrating his win, too, like Infernape and Charizard. Even those who couldn't make it in person have cameos, like Ash's Naganadel and Lapras. All these continuity references combined with Ash's ultimate victory after literally 1200+ episodes make the episode an absolute joy for anyone who's ever watched the series.
With Ash finally having achieved his dream to become a Pokémon Master, the rumors of the anime ending its current form and retiring his character are looking truer than ever. There are still a few more episodes left with Ash before it all ends (if it does), however, so fans of Pokémon still have a chance to get their goodbyes in after growing up alongside the boy for all these years.
Source: Pokémon
