Pokémon Journeys is the final series of the anime to star Ash Ketchum, chronicling his attempt at challenging the World Coronation Series tournament and proving himself the best of the best. While the season as a whole can be a bit of a mixed bag, when Journeys is good, it's actually very good.

Pokémon Journeys featured Ash alongside his new companion, Goh, marking the first time Ash traveled without a female companion in the series' history. Goh's dream was to capture Mew, as well as just about any other Pokémon he could get his hands on. The two had an interesting dynamic as a result, with Goh focused on catching while Ash focused on battling. Ash and Goh worked together as research assistants to Professor Cerise, who sends them on missions all across the Pokémon world to find out about the Pokémon that live there. Here are 10 of the best episodes of Journeys.

10 Splash, Dash, and Smash for the Crown! Slowking's Crowning!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #26

This episode is a rare one, in that it’s split into two separate stories which connect at the end. The first story has to do with a Magikarp jumping contest, in which Goh trains his massive Magikarp to jump as high as possible, hoping to beat another competitor’s shiny Magikarp. The second half deals with a visit to an island inhabited solely by Slowpoke and Slowking, but one Slowking loses the Shellder on its head, which becomes attached to Ash, and then Goh, causing them to behave very strangely.

The episode isn’t much in the plot department, but it’s absolutely hilarious to see Ash and Goh possessed by the Shellder, as they pick up strange accents and behaviors. The way the two plots tie together is pretty funny as well, and this may be one of the most hilarious episodes in the entire franchise.

9 Star Night, Star Flight!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #83

Ash and Goh are sent to investigate a town which has been plunged into eternal night, and meet Cynthia when they arrive. The rumor is true, and it turns out that a group of Unown have been using their power to make it night all the time, attempting to please a young girl. The girl, Tiara, recently lost her Cleffa, and believes it now exists as a star in the sky, so she wanted it to be night so she could see Cleffa. Ash, Goh, and Cynthia must carefully convince her to allow things to return to normal.

A rare Pokémon episode that deals with the death of a Pokémon, Tiara’s story is quite sad, and anyone who has ever lost a pet will instantly be able to relate. It’s always good to see Cynthia as well, who is key to resolving this situation.

8 Getting More Than You Battled For!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #46

Ash and Goh pick up on a signal that could be Mew, so they travel to an isolated island to investigate. There, they discover a group of Pokémon cowering from them, as if afraid of humans. As they follow the group, they’re eventually confronted by a surprise: it’s Mewtwo, the very same one from the first Pokémon movie. Mewtwo makes it clear that he is the protector of these Pokémon, and is wary of humans. Ash and Goh explain their individual goals to Mewtwo, which accepts a battle against them.

Seeing Mewtwo return after almost 20 years was certainly a shock, but it was great that Pokémon Journeys took the time to revisit the character before the series ended. Mewtwo still lives up to its reputation as incredibly powerful, but seems to have chilled out in the time since, even smiling at the notion of Ash and Goh achieving their dreams.

7 In the Palms of our Hands!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #134

This episode sees the conclusion of a long-running arc based around Project Mew, a group of researchers (including Goh) searching for Mew. After being beset by illusions of Groudon and Kyogre, the group discover that the illusions were actually created by Mew, who they are stunned to see in the flesh. Mew plays around with the research team, using powerful attacks against their Pokémon. Goh explains to Mew how grateful he is for all that he’s experienced on this journey, and Mew actually appears in his hand, if only for a moment.

As the culmination of Goh’s goals, it’s an important episode, but it’s also an exciting one, full of big battles and Legendary Pokémon. While Goh isn’t able to capture Mew, even seeing it in person is a major victory, much less holding it in his hand. It’s naturally a big character moment for Goh, steeling his resolve further.

6 Showdown at the Gates of Warp!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #90

The second half of a two-parter, Ash, ed by Goh, Chloe, and Dawn, heads through a portal to another world, which turns out to be a parallel world inhabited by alternate versions of themselves, where time has mysteriously begun running backward. Together with their counterparts, the team investigates and finds the alternate Team Rocket to blame. Both the portals and the backwards time are being caused by a battle between Palkia and Dialga, forced by Team Rocket. Can Ash and friends save the day before everyone is rewound to nothing?

An exciting episode featuring big battles, Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, and the return of Dawn, it’s a great watch. The competent alternate Team Rocket are threatening villains, and the problem of time running backwards is an inventive issue.

5 Friends, Rivals, Lend Me Your Spirit!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #114

Just before the Masters’ Eight tournament begins, Ash heads home to Pallet Town to visit Professor Oak and all his Pokémon there. His Pokémon begin training with those at Oak’s Lab, and while that’s going on, Ash encounters Paul, his old rival from Sinnoh. They have a battle, and Paul uses very particular Pokémon--those used by Ash’s challengers in the Masters’ Eight. It seems this was all Paul’s way of helping Ash train, and Ash emerges victorious, proving he’s ready.

Paul is a fan-favorite character, a fierce rival who pushed Ash to his limits back in the Diamond and Pearl days. Paul had a long redemption, but his behavior in this episode reinforces just how much he’s changed since those times. For long-time fans, this episode is an absolute must-see, if only to finish Paul’s redemption.

4 Sword and Shield... The Legends Awaken!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #45

Another multi-parter, this episode sees Ash confronting Rose, whose plan to save Galar could endanger it instead. Ash’s Riolu evolves into a Lucario, helping him to defeat Rose and allowing them to move on to Eternatus, which has enough power to threaten the entire Galar region with destruction. ed by Leon and Goh, the odds aren’t in their favor, at least until the Legendary Zacian and Zamazenta show up, prepared to work with Ash and Goh. After a coordinated effort, Goh is able to catch Eternatus, allowing it to be sealed away for the good of the region.

The finale of a four-part “Sword and Shield” arc, it’s an action-packed episode filled to the brim with Legendary Pokémon, performing a rapid version of the plot of the games. Lots of other interesting things happen in this episode, such as Team Rocket’s Meowth Gigantamaxing, making it an exciting watch.

3 The Homecoming Crown!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #111

This episode draws on a plot thread left hanging after Sun & Moon: what happened to Lillie and Gladion’s father? Following the lead from Magearna, the family sets out to find Mohn in the Crown Tundra. Coincidentally, Ash and friends are there as well, tracking reports of a strange Pokémon. Magearna leads Lillie’s family to a shack in the middle of nowhere, which has a man with amnesia living in it who looks identical to Mohn. There’s a shocking surprise, however--when he goes to introduce his daughter, it turns out to be an Ultra Beast!

For those who enjoyed Sun & Moon, this episode is a must-watch, as it finally allows Lillie and Gladion’s story to be tied up neatly. Ash, Goh, and Chloe are very much secondary in this episode, although Ash gets to be the big hero and save Lillie from a potentially angry Ultra Beast.

2 Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #123

In the second round of the Masters’ Eight, Ash is up against Cynthia, who has been something of a mentor to Ash, and challenging her has been his dream for a long time. With so much on the line, however, Cynthia won’t be going easy on Ash. What follows is a brutal battle that requires some quick thinking on Ash’s part, as he finds himself at a disadvantage almost immediately. Cynthia’s Spiritomb proves a difficult opponent, and Ash’s Pikachu is taken out by a last second Destiny Bond, leaving him in a rough position.

This is the first part of Ash’s battle with Cynthia, and it’s every bit as exciting as fans would hope this long-awaited match-up to be. Ash even revives his classic “Counter Shield” technique, using it to block Spiritomb’s hypnosis. The battle provides a clever way of taking Pikachu out of the equation as well, proving Cynthia’s skill.

1 Partners in Time!

Pokémon Journeys, episode #132

In the final episode of Ash’s Masters’ Eight final round match against Leon, it all comes down to Pikachu. Ash Gigantamaxes Pikachu against Leon’s Gigantamax Cinderace, and manages to defeat the Pokémon, bringing Leon down to just his Charizard. It’s Pikachu versus Charizard to decide it all, and both Pokémon throw fierce attacks. As Pikachu is about to faint, he has visions of Ash’s other Pokémon cheering him on, and finds the strength to rally. Ash and Leon clash with one last hit to decide it all... and amazingly, Pikachu wins!

Since this episode sees Ash declared world champion, it’s a monumental moment in the history of the series, the culmination of all Ash’s work over the years. The battle is nail-bitingly exciting, and the animation is far above what’s typical for the Pokémon anime. For its narrative significance, action-packed battles, and quality animation, this is without a doubt the best episode of Pokémon Journeys.