Ash Ketchum has been the face of the Pokemon anime since its very first episode. The ambitious young trainer from Pallet Town was meant to serve as a parallel to the first generation protagonist, Red, but has developed into his own character throughout the series’ decades-long run.
Ash and his Pikachu have been at the center of over 1,000 anime episodes 23 feature films, and a myriad of side stories and other kinds of Pokemon media. The show’s writers have put him in nearly every kind of scenario given him plenty of different obstacles to overcome during his adventures. For veteran fans, it might seem as though an ending to Ash’s story is long overdue. But can the anime go forward without him and Pikachu leading the way?
Ash’s Journey Throughout The Series
Ash had a less than ideal start to his Pokemon journey, with his tardiness costing him one of the three Kanto starters Professor Oak had waiting for him, forcing him to take on Pikachu instead. Ash was always shown to be lacking compared to his anime rival, Gary, coming off as a true underdog. While ash would prove himself to be a capable trainer in subsequent episodes, his greenness showed in the early seasons.
Fans often give Ash flack for his lack of success in critical battles, but his shortcomings have allowed viewers to watch him grow and develop, overcoming various challenges and learning from difficult losses. The various friends and companions Ash has made along the way helped in developing his character, while also creating different group dynamics that kept things interesting for viewers.
After years of following Ash’s story, getting acquainted with his most prominent characteristics, and watching him grow, it feels as though the series has just run out of ways to utilize him in a meaningful way. Ash’s long tenure on the show has resulted in a lot of character growth, but at the same time traps him within the same formulaic journey that repeats whenever a new generation is introduced.
Getting Rid of Ash Might Mean Getting Rid of Pikachu, Too
Ash gets a new rotation of companions with each region, and being a Pokemon Trainer, always makes sure to add to his team whenever he can. But Pikachu has remained the one constant presence throughout Ash’s adventures. Pikachu and Ash have been inseparable over the years, and that likely has to do with how popular the Electric-type is among fans. Though its popularity has waned a little over time, Pikachu remains one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise.
If the anime’s writers did decide to move on with a new lead, they would probably have to do the same with the franchise’s mascot character. Though they could just hand Pikachu over to whoever takes on the role, the strong bond between Ash and his started has been such a focal point throughout the show that it would be strange to have one leave without the other. Getting rid of Ash would then also mean getting rid of Pikachu as well.
That isn’t likely to happen, as Pikachu has become synonymous with the Pokemon franchise itself. Ash’s Pikachu in particular has been an important part of the franchise since the anime began its run. Eevee seems like the most logical replacement given its own popularity, but it’s unlikely that the people in charge of the series really feel comfortable moving on from its most recognizable characters.
Who Would Step-in To Replace Him?
There are plenty of existing characters who could try their hand at replacing Ash and Pikachu, though the writers might want to start fresh with a brand new character should that actually happen. Of all the existing characters introduced in the series, Goh currently stands as the most logical choice.
Rather than be designated yet another of Ash’s traveling companions, Goh has been classified as a protagonist as well. He’s had tons of development in the short time since he’s joined the series, and it seems as though the Journeys series is just as much invested in exploring the trajectory of his career as it is Ash’s.
Goh’s ambition to catch Mew leaves the series writers plenty to work with, as the quest for the elusive mythical Pokemon can take him to any number of locations and open up the possibility for endless adventures. It could very well be that Ash and Goh’s time together will serve as a way for the series to transition from one protagonist to another, with the focus gradually shifting solely to Goh’s adventures and Ash going his own way like so many of his companions have done in the past. As unlikely as this is, it would be a courageous move for a series that has a history of being comfortable with what’s worked in the past.
In all likelihood, Ash will remain the Pokemon anime’s main character until it finally ends. Though Goh seems like a logical choice should someone new assume the mantle, the show’s sustained success and popularity among fans doesn’t give its writers many reasons to make so massive a change to a formula that’s worked for years. There’s nothing more to explore with Ash’s story, but that doesn’t mean that the anime’s writers will want to move on from him anytime soon.