Summary

• Dot's character development takes center stage in Pokémon Horizons as she faces anxiety and the pressure of battling against a Gym Leader.
• Dot's struggles with social anxiety resonate with viewers, showcasing that anyone can be a Pokémon trainer despite their personality traits.
• Throughout the series, Dot learns to face her fears and grow as a trainer, proving that courage comes in many different forms in the Pokémon world.

Warning: Spoilers for Pokémon Horizons episode 49Pokémon Horizons has established a new dynamic in recent episodes by fully bringing Dot on as the third protagonist alongside Liko and Roy, a role she's been on track for since quite a while ago. Dot had already been shown as a fairly relatable character in her struggles with socializing, but her character development has taken to a new level in the latest episode.

Liko, Roy, and Dot have been enrolled in the Terastal Course at Naranja Academy in the Paldea region, and they've each been tasked with battling against a Gym Leader, who will evaluate their capacity to use Terastallization in battle. Liko and Roy have each ed their assessments already, meaning that up next is Dot, who will be training with fellow streamer Iono. While Liko and Roy have been enjoying their adventure, traveling and camping, Dot has had a much harder time adjusting to life on the road.

She's also been particularly dreading her turn at the Terastal assessment, given that she personally knows Iono and respects her greatly, and the battle is likely to have a lot of spectators.

Pokémon Horizons Modernized the Series with Dot

As a character, Dot has been shown to have some pretty extreme anxieties, to the point that she was a shut-in even aboard the Brave Olivine. Dot focuses almost exclusively on her streaming as Nidothing, to the exclusion of things like eating meals with the rest of the crew. Bonding with Quaxly helped bring Dot out of her shell and got her established as a trainer, but that didn't do much to dislodge Dot from her usual routine. It's only been with the destruction of the Brave Olivine and the need for repairs that Dot has been forced into the outside world, and it's been a difficult adjustment.

In episode 49, Dot considers taking her test in costume as Nidothing to, and even begins promoting it with an impromptu stream. Liko, however, notices that Dot seems to be forcing herself to put on a show, and that she might be wearing the Nidothing costume specifically to help conceal her true feelings towards the match by turning it into a performance. Dot mentions to Liko and Roy that she simply feels bolder and stronger when in costume as Nidothing. Liko and Quaxly are concerned, though; is Dot really okay with facing every challenge in costume?

Like many a modern young person, Dot struggles with anxiety, particularly social, and often shrinks away from difficult situations. Behind her computer, Dot is smart and competent, but away from it? All that confidence melts away. Quaxly and Liko are encouraging Dot to face her fear as herself, rather than by hiding in the Nidothing costume. When the costume is suddenly stolen, Dot has to act as herself if she hopes to get it back. It's a lot of pressure on Dot, but she cares strongly enough about her streaming career that she's able to face her fear head-on.

Dot's struggles are a bit comforting to see for those who can relate to her; compared to someone like Ash, who had boundless confidence, Dot is very meek and timid. Dot's successes, though, help prove that anyone can be a Pokémon trainer, regardless of what kind of personality they have. Dot can still be helpful and still accomplish great things, even in spite of her anxiety. Having such different characters as Dot has been a big part of what's made Pokémon Horizons succeed so far, and hopefully, her courage holds in her match with Iono.