Did Gary Oak, Paul, and Trip Not Have the Sense of Right and Wrong?

Throughout the Pokémon series, Gary Oak, Paul, and Trip were iconic rivals to Ash Ketchum. While their early interactions might have seemed one-dimensional, each character evolved in their own unique way, displaying their own sense of right and wrong. This article delves into the complexities of these rival Pokémon trainers, exploring how their morals and motivations developed over the course of the anime.

Gary Oak: A Complex Character

Starting off as a young boy with an arrogant and confident demeanor, Gary Oak's grandfather was a well-known Pokémon Professor, leading to Gary's initial superiority complex. Though his personal life is a mix of pride and past experiences, Gary's rivalry with Ash evolved significantly over time. At first, Gary was simply a competitor, often mocking Ash about his lack of Pokémon training expertise. However, as the series progressed, Gary began to respect Ash's journey and the values he represented.

“Though it didn’t really explain how he managed to win over adult women to be his personal cheerleader.”

For most of Ash’s journey, Gary’s Superpower complex was prominent, leading him to dominate each Gym battle and boast about his achievements. Despite the constant teasing, Ash continued to move forward, showing Gary his potential. The Johto League Silver Conference marked a turning point in both characters' development. Ash’s victory over Gary's Blastoise with Charizard led him to realize that Pokémon types weren’t as dominant as he once thought, leading him to reevaluate his training methods. As a result, Gary chosen to become a Professor, signaling a shift in his initial competitive spirit.

Paul: The Pragmatic Trainer

Paul’s approach to Pokémon training was pragmatic and often devoid of compassion, prioritizing strength over deep emotional bonds between trainer and Pokémon. His strategies revolved around adaptability, IVs, and EVs, which were far from traditional methods. In the games, Paul would have easily defeated the Elite 4, but in the anime, he faced a different challenge. His main focus was Chimchar, a Pokémon with hidden potential waiting to be discovered.

“After seeing the Chimchar defend himself against a swarm of Pokémon, Paul decided to take it under his wing and see if he can awaken Chimchar’s Blaze through harsh training methods.”

Though Paul gave up on Chimchar, Ash took the Pokémon and guided it through a more humane and caring journey. This encounter taught Chimchar about love and care, allowing it to activate its Blaze ability. This event notably influenced Paul’s perspective, making him realizes the importance of treating Pokémon with respect. The battle against Electivire in the Sinnoh League was a turning point, where Ash's influence on Paul became more apparent. Despite his initial defeat, Paul stayed to witness Tobias's ultimate battle, recognizing the need for more than just caring for Pokémon—a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Pokémon trainer.

Trip: The Opportunist Rival

Trip, unlike Gary and Paul, began as an opportunistic rival who saw Ash as a stepping stone to his own success. He was less developed and more focused on results than on the bond between trainer and Pokémon. Trip's dissatisfaction stemmed from his meeting with Alder, a former Pokémon champion who provided him with inspirational words during his youth. Trip’s journey fueled by his desire to defeat Alder, leading him to develop a harsh attitude towards Ash.

“Trip was someone who already decided to hate Ash since he was from the Kanto region. He was very much fueled from meeting Alder a former Pokémon champion whom gave Trip inspirational words when he was a child.”

In the Black and White series, Trip initially dominated Ash’s Pokémon, calling them jokes. This attitude drastically changed when Ash reminded him of his childhood, leading Trip to question his beliefs and goals. The shift in Trip's character was marked by his realization that his quest for strength over empathy had been misguided. Although Trip's sense of right and wrong was abandoned upon meeting Alder, his interactions with Ash offered him a chance for re-evaluation.

Conclusion

Despite their initial arrogance and callousness, Gary Oak, Paul, and Trip each evolved to demonstrate a sense of right and wrong shaped by their experiences and interactions with Ash. Gary's deepened respect for friendship, Paul's recognition of the importance of emotional connections, and Trip's re-evaluation of his priorities all contributed to their growth as characters. These transformations not only enriched the Pokémon series but also provided viewers with valuable lessons on the importance of empathy, respect, and personal growth.