The Worst Written Characters in Pokémon: A Critical Analysis

When it comes to the world of Pokémon, fans often debate over the most poorly written characters. Two characters that frequently come up in discussions are Jessie and James from the villains of Team Rocket, as well as Ash Ketchum, the main protagonist. However, an often overlooked character is Goh, who many would consider to be one of the most ridiculously overpowered and underdeveloped characters in the series. This article delves into why these characters are often criticized, and what lessons these criticisms can provide for character development in future episodes.

The Problem with Jessie and James: Lack of Depth

The infamous duo, Jessie and James, are often cited as one of the most poorly written characters in Pokémon. Despite being comic relief figures that bring humor to the series, many fans argue that their character arcs lack depth and consistency. Their primary role seems to be providing comedic situations rather than meaningful development, which leaves some fans feeling underwhelmed and unfulfilled.

While between their many adventures and misadventures, Jessie and James remain largely one-dimensional. Their comedic antics and attempts to capture Pokémon are largely predictable, and their personal growth and character development appear limited. This predictability, although often entertaining, can also be seen as a stale repetition that detracts from the main plot of the series.

Ash Ketchum: Stagnation in Character Growth

Another character who receives criticism for his lack of growth and maturity is the series' protagonist, Ash Ketchum. Over the years, Ash has encountered countless challenges and battles, yet some fans argue that his character remains stagnant. Ash is often shown to make the same mistakes, and learn the same lessons, highlighting a lack of significant character development. This repetitive cycle can make his journey feel less impactful and more cyclical than truly transformative.

Despite the ongoing nature of Ash's journey, his character seems to lack the depth and complexity that fans would appreciate. A truly well-developed protagonist should show clear growth and development throughout the series, and Ash sometimes falls short in this regard. However, it is important to note that character development can be subjective and may vary based on individual fan preferences.

Goh: The Overpowered Mary Sue in Pokémon

One character that stands out as an extreme example of poorly written character development is Goh. Unlike Jessie and James, who at least add some comedic value to the series, Goh is often seen as a character so overpowered that he might as well not have been written by the same people that created the other characters.

Considered a Mary Sue by many, Goh is a character with an obnoxious personality and a level of power that borders on invulnerability. Goh demonstrates an ability to catch Pokémon that require almost any form of effort with ease, showcasing a level of prowess that is both unrealistic and unearned. The fact that he can catch Pokémon such as Venemoth and Darmanitan with a single throw of a Poké Ball, despite these Pokémon evolving at level 31 and 35 respectively, is laughable and indicative of poor writing.

Moreover, Goh's interactions with his Pokémon are minimal and impersonal. The lack of care and connection between Goh and his Pokémon can be alienating and disruptive to the fans' emotional investment in the characters. This disconnect between the character and the audience diminishes the impact and authenticity of the story.

Lessons in Character Development

The debates over the most poorly written characters in Pokémon series can offer valuable lessons for aspiring writers and producers. Characters should be multi-dimensional and their growth should be organic and believable. Attempts to make life easier for a character, such as Goh, can come across as lazy and unrealistic. Characters should face challenges and adversity, which ultimately lead to their growth and development.

Furthermore, the portrayal of characters such as Jessie and James serves as a reminder that even comedic characters should have some level of depth and consistency. Despite their occasional misuse of comic elements, these characters still add value to the show in the form of laughter and light-hearted moments when needed.

By focusing on realistic and well-rounded character development, Pokémon and other similar shows can ensure that their audience remains invested and engaged throughout the series.