Warning: Spoilers for Pokémon Horizons, episode #80Ever sincePokémon Horizonsbegan, fans have been eagerly awaiting the chance to see the latest variants fromScarletandViolet, the so-called Paradox Pokémon, make their anime debut. That time has finally arrived in the series, but has the anime handled these bizarre new Pokémon in a suitable way?
Paradox Pokémon are a new variety introduced inScarletandViolet, which are supposedly ancient or futuristic counterparts to various Pokémon species that are known today. They inhabit a dangerous sector of the Paldea region known as Area Zero, which requires special permission to enter, and so little is known about these Pokémon. This danger ensured that Pokémon Horizons' heroes wouldn’t be able to enter the area for quite some time, but they finally earned the approval of Geeta and gained entrance,seeking out Lucius' Entei(which wasn’t an Entei at all, but rather the Paradox Pokémon known as Gouging Fire).
The Anime Succeeded in Showing Paradox Pokémon as Dangerous
The Paradox Pokémon Were Both a Threat and Clearly Pokémon
In episode #80,Liko, Roy, Dot, and Friede entered the Zero Gate to Area Zero, and set out to meet up with Ms. Briar, who had been here before and was waiting for them. Briar began to lead them to where “Entei” was sighted, butRoy soon became separated from the group after encountering Sandy Shocks, the Paradox version of Magneton. Roy ran a fair distance away before engaging it in battle with Crocalor, and was eventually able to defeat it, albeit with some difficulty. Roy enjoyed his battle with Sandy Shocks quite a bit, and left it on pleasant terms, much to Sandy Shocks' bewilderment.
Meanwhile, members of the Explorers, Coral and Sidian, were sent in to follow Liko’s group and gather intelligence. However, Coral kept running off on her own, and eventually ran into a Scream Tail. Scream Tail, the Paradox version of Jigglypuff, lived up to its name, screaming constantly and irritating Coral in the process. Their bickering awoke a massive Great Tusk, the Past Paradox version of Donphan, and so Coral sent out her Glalie to battle it. Coral and Scream Tail sort of worked together, though it was messy, and they were able to repel Great Tusk. Afterward, Coral shockingly caught Scream Tail to stop it from screaming.
Will Future Paradox Pokémon Appear in Pokémon Horizons?
Future Paradox Pokémon Will Reportedly Appear as Well
InScarletandViolet, the past and future Paradox Pokémon are version exclusives, and sincePokémon Horizonshas opted to model itself afterScarlet, many fans were wondering ifViolet’s future Paradox Pokémon would appear at all.In the episode, Briar says that both ancient and future versions of Pokémon can be found in Area Zero, suggesting that they will appear. Promotional material in Japan has indicated that, at the very least, Iron Valiant and Iron Hands are set to make an appearance.
According to the preview, next episode will see Liko’s group encounter Gouging Fire, the Paradox form of Entei and the Pokémon they’re here searching for. It seems the Paradox Pokémon have only just begun to be introduced, so fans can look forward to more in futurePokémon Horizonsepisodes.
Pokémon Horizons
Cast
Pokémon Horizons: The Series follows Liko and Roy as they explore and uncover secrets alongside characters like Friede and Captain Pikachu. Released in 2023, this addition to the Pokémon franchise invites viewers into exciting new adventures with familiar and new faces.
