Please remember to follow the manual of style and code of conduct at all times.
Check the Bulbagarden home page for up-to-date Pokémon news and discuss it on the forums or in the Bulbagarden Discord server.

Pokémon the Series: Black & White: Difference between revisions

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
(47 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Best Wishes'' series}}
:''Best Wishes! redirects here. For the similarly named first opening of the Best Wishes series, see [[Best Wishes! (song)]].''
:''Best Wishes! redirects here. For the similarly named first opening of the Best Wishes series, see [[Best Wishes! (song)]].''
:''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 redirects here. For the similarly named CD, see [[Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 (CD)]].''
:''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 redirects here. For the similarly named CD, see [[Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 (CD)]].''
----
----
[[File:BWseries.png|thumb|The series poster]]
[[File:Pokémon the Series Black and White logo.png|thumb|English logo]]
[[File:BW season poster.png|thumb|{{Ash}}, {{an|Cilan}}, and {{an|Iris}} with their Pokémon in an English-language poster for the series]]
[[File:Pokemon Best Wishes Series.png|thumb|Japanese logo]]


The '''''Best Wishes'' series''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスターベストウイッシュ''' ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!'') is the fourth [[series]] of the [[Pokémon anime]], following after the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, and based on the events of the [[Generation V]] games. It ran from September 23, 2010 to September 26, 2013 in Japan and from February 12, 2011 to December 7, 2013 in the United States.
'''''Pokémon the Series: Black and White''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスターベストウイッシュ''' ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!''), referred to by fans as the '''''Best Wishes'' series''', is the fourth [[series]] of the [[Pokémon anime]] and is based on the events of the [[Generation V]] [[core series]] [[Pokémon games]]. It follows the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} and was succeeded by the {{series|XY}}. It ran from September 23, 2010 to September 26, 2013 in Japan and from February 12, 2011 to December 7, 2013 in the United States. It was not given an English name until after the release of ''[[XY series|Pokémon the Series: XY]]''.


As with both the {{series2|Advanced Generation}} and {{series2|Diamond and Pearl}} series before it, the ''Best Wishes'' series begins with only [[Ash Ketchum]], headed off to a new region with his {{AP|Pikachu}}. Much like before, his previous female companion, {{an|Dawn}}, has left the series, while, unlike the previous three series, with the exception of the [[Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands|Orange Archipelago]] saga, {{an|Brock}} does not join him in his journey in Unova. Instead, Ash now travels through [[Unova]] with a girl by the name of {{an|Iris}} and with one of the first Gym Leaders of Unova, {{an|Cilan}}.  
As with both the {{series2|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} before it, the ''Best Wishes'' series begins with only [[Ash Ketchum]], headed off to a new [[region]] with his {{AP|Pikachu}}. Much like before, his previous female companion, {{an|Dawn}}, has left the series, while, unlike the previous three series, with the exception of the [[S02|Orange Archipelago]] saga, {{an|Brock}} does not join him in his journey in Unova. Instead, Ash now travels through [[Unova]] with a girl by the name of {{an|Iris}} and with one of the first Unova Gym Leaders, {{an|Cilan}}, who is also a [[Pokémon Connoisseur]].


As before, Ash receives a change of clothes. For the first time in the entire show, the [[Team Rocket trio]] also receive a change of clothes, but later change back to their original outfits. Additionally, the [[Nurse Joy]] and [[Officer Jenny]] in Unova are designed differently than those of the regions visited by Ash before. Best Wishes is also notable for [[Jessie]], [[James]] and {{MTR}} not being present in all episodes outside of clip shows and the [[EP001|first episode]], a trend that continued into the {{series|XY}}. For a majority of the series they play a significantly more antagonistic role than in any other series, displaying very little humor (although this was restored during the [[Decolore Islands]] arc).
As before, Ash receives a change of clothes. For the first time in the entire show, the [[Team Rocket trio]] also receive a change of clothes, but later change back to their original outfits. Additionally, the [[Nurse Joy]] and [[Officer Jenny]] in Unova are designed differently than those of the regions visited by Ash before. ''Best Wishes'' is also notable for [[Jessie]], [[James]] and {{MTR}} not being present in all episodes outside of clip shows and the [[EP001|first episode]], a trend that continued into the {{series|XY}}. For a majority of the series they play a significantly more antagonistic role than in any other series, displaying very little humor (although this was restored during the [[Decolore Islands]] arc).


The series also saw the return of ''[[Who's That Pokémon?|Dare da?]]'' in [[BW061]] after an absence of 444 episodes. The dub equivalent, ''Who's That Pokémon?'' had already returned as of [[BW001]].
The series also saw the return of ''Who's That Pokémon?'' in the English dub of [[BW001|the first episode]], and the return of ''[[Who's That Pokémon?|Dare da?]]'' in [[BW061]] after an absence of 444 episodes.


It is divided into three [[season]]s for audiences outside of Japan.
It is divided into three [[season]]s for audiences outside of Japan.
Episodes in the ''Best Wishes'' series are numbered with {{bp|epicode|the prefix}} '''BW''' on [[Bulbapedia]]. For a complete episode listing, see the [[list of Best Wishes series episodes|list of ''Best Wishes'' series episodes]].


==Japanese seasons==
==Japanese seasons==
Line 19: Line 22:


===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! ([[BW001]]-[[BW084]])===
===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! ([[BW001]]-[[BW084]])===
This arc covers Ash's arrival in Unova, his meeting Iris and Cilan, and collecting the [[Gym Badges]] of the region. Several times throughout the arc, Ash and his friends come into major conflicts with Team Rocket.
[[File:Pokemon Best Wishes Series.png|thumb|Best Wishes! logo]]
 
''Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウィッシュ) includes Ash's arrival in Unova, his meeting Iris and Cilan, and collecting the [[Gym Badges]] of the region. Several times throughout the arc, Ash and his friends come into major conflicts with Team Rocket.
{{-}}
===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2 ([[BW085]]-[[BW108]])===
===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2 ([[BW085]]-[[BW108]])===
The [[World Tournament Junior Cup]] and [[Vertress Conference]] tournaments make up the main content of this arc. [[Cynthia]] and {{an|Dawn}} return for roles, and the group meets {{an|Meloetta}}. {{an|Giovanni}} returns to lead Team Rocket in "Operation Tempest," a mission to capture Meloetta and the [[Forces of Nature]].
[[File:Best Wishes 2 logo.png|thumb|Best Wishes! Season 2 logo]]
 
''Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes Season 2'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ シーズン２) mainly consists of [[World Tournament Junior Cup]] and [[Vertress Conference]] tournaments. [[Cynthia]] and {{an|Dawn}} return, and the group meets {{an|Meloetta}}. {{an|Giovanni}} returns as a major character to lead Team Rocket in "[[Operation Tempest]]," a mission to capture Meloetta and the [[Forces of Nature]].
{{-}}
===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N ([[BW109]]-[[BW122]])===
===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N ([[BW109]]-[[BW122]])===
Ash, Iris and Cilan learn of the [[White Ruins]] and decide to visit [[Cedric Juniper]]'s expedition there. On their way, they meet {{an|N}} and become involved in [[Ghetsis]]'s plot to have [[Team Plasma]] take control of the world using [[Colress]]'s Pokémon control device.
[[File:Best Wishes Season 2 Episode N logo.png|thumb|Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N logo]]
 
''Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes Season 2 - Episode N'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター　ベストウイッシュ　シーズン２　エピソードＮ) focuses on {{an|N}} and [[Team Plasma]]. Ash, Iris and Cilan learn of the {{an|White Ruins}} and decide to visit [[Cedric Juniper]]'s expedition there. On their way, they meet N and become involved in [[Ghetsis]]'s plot to have Team Plasma take control of the world using [[Colress]]'s Pokémon control device.
{{-}}
===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure! ([[BW123]]-[[BW142]])===
===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure! ([[BW123]]-[[BW142]])===
On their way back to [[Kanto]], Ash, Iris and Cilan go on a tour of the [[Decolore Islands]]. On their way, they meet {{an|Alexa}}, a Pokémon photographer from the [[Kalos]] region.
[[File:Best Wishes Season 2 Decolora Adventure logo.png|thumb|Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure logo]]
''Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes Season 2 - Decolora Adventure!'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ シーズン２ デコロラアドベンチャー!) comprises Ash and his friends touring the [[Decolore Islands]] on their way back to [[Kanto]]. On their way, they meet {{an|Alexa}}, a Pokémon photographer from the [[Kalos]] region.
{{-}}
==Dub seasons==
When the ''Best Wishes'' series came to be dubbed into English and other languages, it was divided into three seasons:
* [[S14|Pokémon: Black & White]] ([[BW001]] - [[BW048]])
* [[S15|Pokémon Black & White: Rival Destinies]] ([[BW049]] - [[BW097]])
* [[S16|Pokémon Black & White: Adventures in Unova]] ([[BW098]] - [[BW142]])


==Dub seasons==
==Gallery==
When the ''Best Wishes'' series came to be dubbed into English and other languages, it is divided into three seasons:
===Posters===
* [[Pokémon: Black & White]] ([[BW001]] - [[BW048]])
====Japanese====
* [[Pokémon Black & White: Rival Destinies]] ([[BW049]] - [[BW097]])
<gallery>
* [[Pokémon Black & White: Adventures in Unova]] ([[BW098]] - [[BW142]])
File:BW series prerelease.png|A pre-release poster for ''Best Wishes!''
File:BWseries.png|Poster for ''Best Wishes!''
File:Best Wishes Season 2 poster.png|Poster for ''Best Wishes! Season 2''
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Episode N poster.png|Poster for ''Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N''
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Decolora Adventure poster.png|Poster for ''Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure''
</gallery>


Episodes in the ''Best Wishes'' series are numbered with {{bp|epicode|the prefix}} '''BW''' on Bulbapedia. For a complete episode listing, see the [[list of Best Wishes series episodes|list of ''Best Wishes'' series episodes]].
====English====
<gallery>
File:BW season poster.png|Contemporary poster for ''Pokémon the Series: Black and White''
File:Pokemon BW Netflix.png|Netflix poster for ''Pokémon the Series: Black and White''
</gallery>


== Gallery ==
===Characters===
====Main characters====
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Pokemon Best Wishes Series.png|Best Wishes! logo
File:Best Wishes 2 logo.png|Best Wishes! Season 2 logo
File:Best Wishes Season 2 poster.png|The poster for Best Wishes! Season 2
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Episode N logo.png|Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N logo
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Episode N poster.png|The poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Decolora Adventure logo.png|Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure logo
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Decolora Adventure poster.png|The poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure
File:Ash BW.png|[[Ash Ketchum]] and {{AP|Pikachu}}
File:Ash BW.png|[[Ash Ketchum]] and {{AP|Pikachu}}
File:IrisBW.png|{{an|Iris}}
File:IrisBW.png|{{an|Iris}}
File:CilanBW.png|{{an|Cilan}}
File:CilanBW.png|{{an|Cilan}}
File:Jessie BW.png|[[Jessie]] in her black uniform
File:James BW.png| [[James]] in his black uniform
File:Jessie BW3.png|Jessie in her white uniform
File:James BW3.png|James in his white uniform
File:Dawn BW2.png|{{an|Dawn}}
</gallery>
====Rivals====
<gallery>
File:TripBW.png|[[Trip]]
File:Bianca BW anime art.png|{{an|Bianca}}
File:Georgia BW.png|[[Georgia]]
File:Cameron BW.png|{{un|Cameron}}
File:Virgil BW.png|[[Virgil]]
</gallery>
====Supporting characters====
<gallery>
File:Nurse Joy BW.png|[[Nurse Joy]]
File:Nurse Joy BW.png|[[Nurse Joy]]
File:Officer Jenny BW.png|[[Officer Jenny]]
File:Officer Jenny BW.png|[[Officer Jenny]]
File:Don George BW anime art.png|[[Don George]]
File:Don George BW anime art.png|[[Don George]]
File:Porter.png|[[Porter]]
File:Professor Oak BW.png|{{an|Professor Oak}}
File:JuniperBW.png|[[Professor Juniper]]
File:JuniperBW.png|[[Professor Juniper]]
File:TripBW.png|[[Trip]]
File:Chili BW anime.png|[[Chili]]
File:Bianca BW anime art.png|{{an|Bianca}}
File:Cress BW anime.png|[[Cress]]
File:Jessie BW.png|[[Jessie]] in her black uniform
File:Elesa BW anime.png|[[Elesa]]
File:James BW.png| [[James]] in his black uniform
File:Jessie BW3.png|Jessie in her white uniform
File:James BW3.png|James in his white uniform
File:Giovanni BW.png|{{an|Giovanni}}
File:Cynthia BWS2.png|[[Cynthia]]
File:Cynthia BWS2.png|[[Cynthia]]
File:Dawn BW2.png|{{an|Dawn}}
File:Alexa anime art.png|[[Alexa]]
File:Virgil official art.png|[[Virgil]]
File:N anime art.png|{{an|N}}
File:N anime art.png|{{an|N}}
</gallery>
====Antagonists====
<gallery>
File:Giovanni BW.png|{{an|Giovanni}}
File:Pierce BW.png|[[Pierce]]
File:Colress anime art.png|[[Colress]]
File:Colress anime art.png|[[Colress]]
File:Ghetsis anime art.png|[[Ghetsis]]
File:Ghetsis anime art.png|[[Ghetsis]]
File:Porter.png|[[Porter]]
File:Alexa anime art.png|[[Alexa]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Etymology==
The ''Best Wishes'' title is likely intentionally comprised of words beginning with B and W as an allusion to its counterpart games, {{2v2|Black|White}}. Additionally, the katakana transcription of the English word "Wishes" (ウイッシュ ''Uisshu'') contains the Japanese name of [[Unova]] (イッシュ ''Isshu''), the region the games and anime series take place in.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:BW series prerelease.png|thumb|A pre-release poster, featuring {{p|Reshiram}}, {{p|Zekrom}}, {{an|Iris}}, her {{p|Axew}}, and {{an|Cilan}}]]
* For several weeks, previews of the ''Best Wishes'' series's early episodes explicitly excluded [[Ash Ketchum]], with the hosts of [[Pokémon Sunday]] commenting on his absence. Ash also did not appear on a pre-release poster.
* The ''Best Wishes'' series is the first series since the [[original series]] to have no in-game playable characters present in Ash's group.
* Ash catches the Unova [[starter Pokémon]] in reverse Pokédex order, obtaining {{AP|Oshawott}}, then {{AP|Tepig}}, and finally {{AP|Snivy}}. All previous times he has caught multiple starter Pokémon he has caught the {{type|Grass}} among them first, following up with the {{type|Fire}} in all regions but [[Hoenn]], and finally catching the {{type|Water}} among the group in [[Kanto]] and [[Johto]] only.
* It is likely that the ''Best Wishes'' title is intentionally comprised of words beginning with B and W as an allusion to its counterpart games, {{2v2|Black|White}}.
* The first few episodes of this series share similar elements to the first few episodes of the [[original series]], and the series features many allusions to the original series, including:
** In the Japanese title, the katakana transcription of the English word "Wishes" ('''ウイッシュ''') contains the Japanese name of the region the games and anime series take place in, [[Unova|Isshu]] ('''イッシュ''').
* For several weeks, previews of the ''Best Wishes'' series's early episodes explicitly excluded [[Ash Ketchum]], with the hosts of [[Pokémon Sunday]] commenting on his absence. Ash did not appear on a pre-release poster, as well. This was likely to hide his redesign for greater surprise.
* The first few episodes of this series share similar elements to the first few episodes of the original series, and the series features many allusions to the original series present.
** Both of Ash's traveling companions are based on Gym Leaders.
** Both of Ash's traveling companions are based on Gym Leaders.
** Both of Ash's female traveling companions try to avoid returning to a specific [[Gym]].
** Ash's female companion debuts in the first episode of the series, but she is not introduced in full until the second.
** Ash meets his male traveling companion in the fifth episode, when he leaves behind his Gym Leader duties to travel with Ash.
** Ash meets his male traveling companion in the fifth episode, when he leaves behind his Gym Leader duties to travel with Ash.
** The sixth episode of both series feature a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that evolves via the {{evostone|Moon Stone}}.
** The sixth episode of both series feature a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that evolves via the {{evostone|Moon Stone}}.
* This series also shares some similarities with the original series.
** Ash catches the Unova starters in the same circumstances as he caught the Kanto starters: the Water-type Pokémon follows him, the Fire-type Pokémon is abandoned by its original trainer, and the Grass-type Pokémon is found in the wild.
** Ash meets two new traveling companions.
*** Also the Fire-type's original trainer tries to get their former Pokémon back after witnessing their powers, but fail.
** Ash's female companions are afraid of a certain type of Pokémon. In this case Misty being afraid of bug types and Iris being afraid of ice types.
*** The Grass-type's situations were also similar, having left their trainer, they distrusted humans until Ash gained their respect. They then allowed him to battle and capture them.
** Both female companions had a baby Pokémon to carry around. Misty having a Togepi and Iris having an Axew.
*** Only the Fire-type evolved while the other two did not.
** Both male and female companions are based on gym leaders.
** Ash captured more than six Pokémon.
** Ash and his companions traveled in islands. In the original series they traveled at the Orange Islands. While in the ''Best Wishes'' series they traveled to the Decolore Islands.
*** He also captured a three-staged evolutionary {{type|Bug}}, who evolved into their final form, as well as an additional Water-type.
* The main heroine from the ''Best Wishes'' series, {{an|Iris}}, also shares some similarities to the main heroine from the original series, {{an|Misty}}. Both of them:
** Try to avoid returning to a specific [[Gym]].
** Debuts in the first episode of the series, but she is not introduced in full until the second.
** Are aiming to master a specific Pokémon [[type]], with Misty aiming to be a Water Pokémon master, while Iris wishes to be a {{type|Dragon}} Master.
** Are afraid of a specific Pokémon type, with Misty fearing Bug-types, while Iris is scared of {{type|Ice}}s.
** Both travelled with a Pokémon which they kept outside the [[Poké Ball]], Misty with {{TP|Misty|Togepi|Togetic}} and Iris with {{TP|Iris|Axew}}.
* ''Best Wishes'' is the first anime series that did not premiere on the same day its respective games were released since the original series.
* ''Best Wishes'' is the first anime series that did not premiere on the same day its respective games were released since the original series.
* Ash catches the Unova starter Pokémon in reverse Pokédex order, obtaining {{AP|Oshawott}}, then {{AP|Tepig}}, and finally {{AP|Snivy}}. All previous times he has caught multiple starter Pokémon he has caught the {{type|Grass}} among them first, following up with the {{type|Fire}} in all regions but [[Hoenn]], and finally catching the {{type|Water}} among the group in [[Kanto]] and [[Johto]] only.
* This is the shortest completed series of the anime so far, with 142 episodes.
* This is the shortest completed series of the anime so far, with 142 episodes.
** This series also has the fewest dub seasons, with three.
** This series also has the fewest dub seasons of all completed series, with three.
** This is also the series with the fewest [[Pokémon movie|movies]] to date, with only three.
** This is also the series with the fewest [[Pokémon movie|movies]] to date, with only three.
** Its first Japanese opening theme, ''[[Best Wishes! (song)|Best Wishes]]'', is currently the longest running opening theme, which hasn't been re-mixed.
* This is the first series in which all episodes that were originally aired in Japan were dubbed. Previously, the {{series|original}} had four banned episodes and the {{series|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} dubs each skipped recap episodes. There were two [[BW023 (unaired)|unaired]] [[BW024 (unaired)|episodes]] in the ''Best Wishes'' series, but they were also unaired in Japan.
* This is the first series in which all episodes that were originally aired in Japan were dubbed. Previously, the {{series|original}} had four banned episodes and the {{series|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} dubs each skipped recap episodes. There were two [[BW023 (unaired)|unaired]] [[BW024 (unaired)|episodes]] in the ''Best Wishes'' series, but they were also unaired in Japan.
* With the beginning of this series, many attacks have had their visual appearances changed (for instance, {{type|Fire}} attacks and {{m|Stone Edge}} are now rendered in CGI, while [[physical attack|physical]] {{type|Steel}} attacks make the corresponding body part steel-colored rather than white). {{m|Hyper Beam}} has also been changed considerably, to match how it looks in the games.
* With the beginning of this series, many attacks have had their visual appearances changed (for instance, {{type|Fire}} attacks and {{m|Stone Edge}} are now rendered in CGI, while [[physical attack|physical]] {{type|Steel}} attacks make the corresponding body part steel-colored rather than white). {{m|Hyper Beam}} has also been changed considerably, to match how it looks in the games.
* ''[[BW122|What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!]]'', the final episode of ''Season 2: Episode N'' aired in Japan during the same week that ''[[BW109|New Places... Familiar Faces!]]'', the first episode of Episode N aired in the United States.
* ''[[BW122|What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!]]'', the final episode of ''Season 2: Episode N'' aired in Japan during the same week that ''[[BW109|New Places... Familiar Faces!]]'', the first episode of Episode N aired in the United States.
* This is the first series in which [[Butch]] and [[Cassidy]] don't appear at all.  
* This is the first series where [[Cassidy]] and [[Butch]] don't appear.
* This is the only series in which [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]] is not part of the cast.
* This is the only series:
* This is the only series in which there are no [[boss fantasy|boss fantasies]].
** In which [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]] is not part of the regular cast. His only appearance in this series was in ''[[BW142|The Dream Continues!]]''.
* This is the only series that uses the same title card throughout the entire series.
** In which there are no [[boss fantasy|boss fantasies]].
* This is the first series not to have any of the dub seasons to produce with 52 episodes.
** That uses the same title card throughout the entire series.
* This is first series in which none of Ash's Gym Battles are interrupted by Team Rocket.
** Which none of Ash's Gym Battles are interrupted by Team Rocket.
* This is the only series that The Team Rocket trio in ware their black uniforms only for the first 22 episodes.
** In which {{Ash}} does not part ways with a Pokémon through [[Released Pokémon|release]] or for the purposes of training.
** In which extra Pokémon Ash captured were not sent to {{an|Professor Oak}}'s [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|lab]] in [[Pallet Town]]; instead, they were sent to the laboratory of the region's [[Pokémon Professor]], [[Professor Juniper]].
** In which Ash actively cycles his Pokémon between those in his [[party]] and in [[Pokémon Storage System|storage]], though only with the Pokémon he caught in Unova.


=== In other languages ===
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=C3C3C3|bordercolor=2C2C2C
{{Epilang|color=C3C3C3|bordercolor=2C2C2C
|zh_yue='''寵物小精靈：超級願望''' ''Chungmat Siujingling: Chiukap Yunmong''
|zh_yue=寵物小精靈：超級願望 ''Chungmat Siujingling: Chiukap Yunmong''
|zh_cmn='''神奇寶貝超級願望''' ''Shénqíbǎobèi: Chāojí Yuànwàng''
|zh_cmn=神奇寶貝超級願望 ''Shénqíbǎobèi: Chāojí Yuànwàng''
|ko='''포켓몬스터 베스트위시''' ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes''
|da=Pokémon-serien: Sort og hvid
|vi={{tt|Pokémon Best Wishes|Pokémon Best Wishes}}
|nl=Pokémon-serie: Zwart en wit
|fi=Pokémon-sarja: Musta ja valkoinen
|fr=Pokémon, la série : Noir & Blanc
|de=Pokémon – Die TV-Serie: Schwarz und Weiß
|id=Pokémon Best Wishes
|it=Serie Pokémon Nero e Bianco
|ko=포켓몬스터 베스트위시 ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes''
|no=Pokémon-serien: Black & White
|pt_br=Pokémon, a Série: Preto e Branco
|ru=Покемон сериал: Чёрное и Белое
|es_eu=La serie Pokémon Negro y Blanco
|sv=Pokémon Serien: Svart & vit
|th=พ็อกเก็ตมอนสเตอร์ เบสวิช ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes''
|vi=Pokémon Best Wishes
}}
}}


Revision as of 04:52, 30 January 2016

Best Wishes! redirects here. For the similarly named first opening of the Best Wishes series, see Best Wishes! (song).
Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 redirects here. For the similarly named CD, see Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 (CD).
English logo
Japanese logo

Pokémon the Series: Black and White (Japanese: ポケットモンスターベストウイッシュ Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!), referred to by fans as the Best Wishes series, is the fourth series of the Pokémon anime and is based on the events of the Generation V core series Pokémon games. It follows the Diamond & Pearl series and was succeeded by the XY series. It ran from September 23, 2010 to September 26, 2013 in Japan and from February 12, 2011 to December 7, 2013 in the United States. It was not given an English name until after the release of Pokémon the Series: XY.

As with both the Advanced Generation and Diamond & Pearl series before it, the Best Wishes series begins with only Ash Ketchum, headed off to a new region with his Pikachu. Much like before, his previous female companion, Dawn, has left the series, while, unlike the previous three series, with the exception of the Orange Archipelago saga, Brock does not join him in his journey in Unova. Instead, Ash now travels through Unova with a girl by the name of Iris and with one of the first Unova Gym Leaders, Cilan, who is also a Pokémon Connoisseur.

As before, Ash receives a change of clothes. For the first time in the entire show, the Team Rocket trio also receive a change of clothes, but later change back to their original outfits. Additionally, the Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny in Unova are designed differently than those of the regions visited by Ash before. Best Wishes is also notable for Jessie, James and Meowth not being present in all episodes outside of clip shows and the first episode, a trend that continued into the XY series. For a majority of the series they play a significantly more antagonistic role than in any other series, displaying very little humor (although this was restored during the Decolore Islands arc).

The series also saw the return of Who's That Pokémon? in the English dub of the first episode, and the return of Dare da? in BW061 after an absence of 444 episodes.

It is divided into three seasons for audiences outside of Japan.

Episodes in the Best Wishes series are numbered with the prefix BW on Bulbapedia. For a complete episode listing, see the list of Best Wishes series episodes.

Japanese seasons

The Best Wishes series has been divided into multiple arcs in the Japanese release, similar to the "chapters" of the original series.

Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! (BW001-BW084)

Best Wishes! logo

Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウィッシュ) includes Ash's arrival in Unova, his meeting Iris and Cilan, and collecting the Gym Badges of the region. Several times throughout the arc, Ash and his friends come into major conflicts with Team Rocket.

Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2 (BW085-BW108)

Best Wishes! Season 2 logo

Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes Season 2 (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ シーズン２) mainly consists of World Tournament Junior Cup and Vertress Conference tournaments. Cynthia and Dawn return, and the group meets Meloetta. Giovanni returns as a major character to lead Team Rocket in "Operation Tempest," a mission to capture Meloetta and the Forces of Nature.

Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N (BW109-BW122)

Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N logo

Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes Season 2 - Episode N (Japanese: ポケットモンスター　ベストウイッシュ　シーズン２　エピソードＮ) focuses on N and Team Plasma. Ash, Iris and Cilan learn of the White Ruins and decide to visit Cedric Juniper's expedition there. On their way, they meet N and become involved in Ghetsis's plot to have Team Plasma take control of the world using Colress's Pokémon control device.

Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure! (BW123-BW142)

Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure logo

Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes Season 2 - Decolora Adventure! (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ シーズン２ デコロラアドベンチャー!) comprises Ash and his friends touring the Decolore Islands on their way back to Kanto. On their way, they meet Alexa, a Pokémon photographer from the Kalos region.

Dub seasons

When the Best Wishes series came to be dubbed into English and other languages, it was divided into three seasons:

Gallery

Posters

Japanese

  • A pre-release poster for Best Wishes!

    A pre-release poster for Best Wishes!

  • Poster for Best Wishes!

    Poster for Best Wishes!

  • Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2

    Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2

  • Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N

    Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N

  • Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure

    Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure

English

  • Contemporary poster for Pokémon the Series: Black and White

    Contemporary poster for Pokémon the Series: Black and White

  • Netflix poster for Pokémon the Series: Black and White

    Netflix poster for Pokémon the Series: Black and White

Characters

Main characters

Rivals

Supporting characters

Antagonists

Etymology

The Best Wishes title is likely intentionally comprised of words beginning with B and W as an allusion to its counterpart games, Black and White. Additionally, the katakana transcription of the English word "Wishes" (ウイッシュ Uisshu) contains the Japanese name of Unova (イッシュ Isshu), the region the games and anime series take place in.

Trivia

  • For several weeks, previews of the Best Wishes series's early episodes explicitly excluded Ash Ketchum, with the hosts of Pokémon Sunday commenting on his absence. Ash also did not appear on a pre-release poster.
  • Ash catches the Unova starter Pokémon in reverse Pokédex order, obtaining Oshawott, then Tepig, and finally Snivy. All previous times he has caught multiple starter Pokémon he has caught the Grass-type among them first, following up with the Fire-type in all regions but Hoenn, and finally catching the Water-type among the group in Kanto and Johto only.
  • The first few episodes of this series share similar elements to the first few episodes of the original series, and the series features many allusions to the original series, including:
    • Both of Ash's traveling companions are based on Gym Leaders.
    • Ash meets his male traveling companion in the fifth episode, when he leaves behind his Gym Leader duties to travel with Ash.
    • The sixth episode of both series feature a Pokémon that evolves via the Moon Stone.
    • Ash catches the Unova starters in the same circumstances as he caught the Kanto starters: the Water-type Pokémon follows him, the Fire-type Pokémon is abandoned by its original trainer, and the Grass-type Pokémon is found in the wild.
      • Also the Fire-type's original trainer tries to get their former Pokémon back after witnessing their powers, but fail.
      • The Grass-type's situations were also similar, having left their trainer, they distrusted humans until Ash gained their respect. They then allowed him to battle and capture them.
      • Only the Fire-type evolved while the other two did not.
    • Ash captured more than six Pokémon.
      • He also captured a three-staged evolutionary Bug-type, who evolved into their final form, as well as an additional Water-type.
  • The main heroine from the Best Wishes series, Iris, also shares some similarities to the main heroine from the original series, Misty. Both of them:
    • Try to avoid returning to a specific Gym.
    • Debuts in the first episode of the series, but she is not introduced in full until the second.
    • Are aiming to master a specific Pokémon type, with Misty aiming to be a Water Pokémon master, while Iris wishes to be a Dragon-type Master.
    • Are afraid of a specific Pokémon type, with Misty fearing Bug-types, while Iris is scared of Ice-types.
    • Both travelled with a Pokémon which they kept outside the Poké Ball, Misty with Togepi and Iris with Axew.
  • Best Wishes is the first anime series that did not premiere on the same day its respective games were released since the original series.
  • This is the shortest completed series of the anime so far, with 142 episodes.
    • This series also has the fewest dub seasons of all completed series, with three.
    • This is also the series with the fewest movies to date, with only three.
    • Its first Japanese opening theme, Best Wishes, is currently the longest running opening theme, which hasn't been re-mixed.
  • This is the first series in which all episodes that were originally aired in Japan were dubbed. Previously, the original series had four banned episodes and the Advanced Generation series and Diamond & Pearl series dubs each skipped recap episodes. There were two unaired episodes in the Best Wishes series, but they were also unaired in Japan.
  • With the beginning of this series, many attacks have had their visual appearances changed (for instance, Fire-type attacks and Stone Edge are now rendered in CGI, while physical Steel-type attacks make the corresponding body part steel-colored rather than white). Hyper Beam has also been changed considerably, to match how it looks in the games.
  • What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!, the final episode of Season 2: Episode N aired in Japan during the same week that New Places... Familiar Faces!, the first episode of Episode N aired in the United States.
  • This is the first series where Cassidy and Butch don't appear.
  • This is the only series:
    • In which Jessie's Wobbuffet is not part of the regular cast. His only appearance in this series was in The Dream Continues!.
    • In which there are no boss fantasies.
    • That uses the same title card throughout the entire series.
    • Which none of Ash's Gym Battles are interrupted by Team Rocket.
    • In which Ash does not part ways with a Pokémon through release or for the purposes of training.
    • In which extra Pokémon Ash captured were not sent to Professor Oak's lab in Pallet Town; instead, they were sent to the laboratory of the region's Pokémon Professor, Professor Juniper.
    • In which Ash actively cycles his Pokémon between those in his party and in storage, though only with the Pokémon he caught in Unova.

In other languages


External links

Original series (list) Indigo League • Adventures in the Orange Islands
The Johto Journeys • Johto League Champions • Master Quest
Ruby and Sapphire (list) Advanced • Advanced Challenge • Advanced Battle • Battle Frontier
Diamond and Pearl (list) Diamond and Pearl • Battle Dimension • Galactic Battles • Sinnoh League Victors
Black & White (list) Black & White • Rival Destinies • Adventures in Unova and Beyond
XY (list) XY • Kalos Quest • XYZ (Mega Evolution Specials)
Sun & Moon (list) Sun & Moon • Ultra Adventures‎ • Ultra Legends
Journeys (list) Journeys • Master Journeys • Ultimate Journeys (The Arceus Chronicles)
Horizons (list) Horizons
Specials (list) Pikachu's Winter Vacation • Side Stories • Pokémon Chronicles
Planetarium specials • Pikachu shorts
Mewtwo Returns • The Legend of Thunder! • Pichu Bros. in Party Panic
The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon • Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs • A Ripple in Time
Complete list • Movies • Other anime series
Project Anime logo.png This article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.
Retrieved from "https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/w/index.php?title=Pokémon_the_Series:_Black_%26_White&oldid=2391409"