The Pokémon anime has done the unthinkable and disbanded Team Rocket, as if Ash leaving wasn’t heartbreaking enough. Jesse, James, and Meowth have been the series’ loveable villains since the TV show’s second episode, but they’re no longer going to hunt Ash and his Pikachu.
In the most recent episode of Pokémon: The Journeys, Team Rocket decided to go all out and attempt to catch Pikachu. Rather than their usual traps or disguises, Jesse and James use all of their Pokémon from the anime in an attempt to finally beat Ash. Naturally, this didn’t go well for them and they ended up losing to our hero.
What came next was a true shock to Pokémon fans. After lamenting their latest loss to Ash, the three decide to go their separate ways. This extra punch of finality is something fans weren’t expecting and many of them are in tears over the decision.
Fans are already aware that Ash will be replaced by new characters Liko and Roy, who are joined by the three starters from Scarlet and Violet. However, we haven’t been given a clue of who the new villains would be, which has us curious. Sure, there’s a new white-haired trainer with a Pikachu but there’s no clear antagonists yet.
Even if we get the greatest Pokémon villains ever, they would be no match for Team Rocket. This goofy trio always put a smile on our faces as they protected the world from devastation and united all peoples within their nations. All three also attempted to denounce the evils of truth and love as they extended their reach to the skies above.
Jesse. James. Team Rocket, blasting off at the speed of light. Surrender now or prepare to fight. Meowth, that’s right!
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Team Rocket have blast off for the last time, sadly. Ash will be saying his goodbyes when the Pokémon anime airs his final episode next week.