The Meloetta arc actually has weight to it, which means the show knows when to stop being filler and commit to something. Gym battles feel earned because Ash has to think, not just power through. The World Tournament Junior Cup gives you the tournament structure the series does best, bracketed stakes, actual rivals showing up again, the lightweight swagger of kids who have no idea what they're walking into.

Satoshi, Iris and Dent keep traveling through the Isshu region, and Satoshi earns his eighth and last Gym Badge by defeating Homika in Tachiwaki City. Shirona then invites the group to her villa in East Isshu, where their old friend Hikari is also staying. There they enter the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup, and afterward Satoshi competes in the Isshu League. Meanwhile, Team Rocket launches its final plan for Isshu, and it centers on the legendary Pokémon Meloetta. The season is an adventure series that mixes battles, comedy and fantasy.