The Pokémon anime could benefit greatly from a TV adaptation of its latest video game, Pokémon Legends: Arceus. As a game that has drawn comparisons to Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild for its open world feel, Arceus is considered to be a unique installment in the Pokémon franchise.
For more than 20 years, the Pokémon anime has been focused on Ash Ketchum’s story. It’s become a tradition for the show to constantly rebrand by adopting the story, setting, and Pokémon of the newest main-line entry in the video game franchise. Most recently, the franchise released Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series, which explores Pokémon: Sword and Shield’s additions to the lore. But since Pokémon Legends: Arceus is essentially a spinoff that deviates from the formula of the other games, it’s not guaranteed to be represented in the anime in any shape or form. Instead, the franchise may not rebrand again until Pokémon introduces another generation.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ biggest difference from the other games and shows provides a reason for why it deserves its own TV series. Just as innovative as its approach to gameplay is its setting. Arceus takes place in the distant past, back when humans were just beginning to learn about Pokémon. It was revealed during the game that Arceus’ world doesn’t share many of the franchise’s most prevalent concepts, such as Pokémon trainers, gyms, badges, and the Pokémon League. These ideas are all fundamental elements of the anime and the games, but humanity’s understanding of these creatures is very limited and hasn’t developed to that point yet in Arceus’ place in the timeline. Arceus does some interesting things with this change, as could an anime version of the story.
A proper adaptation of Arceus would have to leave Ash behind, which is why a separate spinoff would be the best way for the franchise to tell the story. Similar to what happened in the game, an Arceus show could rely on a time travel plot that brings a new human protagonist into ancient times to train and capture Pokémon. The Pokémon anime has always hinged on Ash, but for a story set at an early period in Pokémon’s history, it would make sense for different characters to lead the series. This way, Pokémon can have two stories playing out at once, one that continues to follow Ash’s adventures in the Galar region and one that explores a new hero’s exploits in ancient Hisui.
By diving into such a unique time, a Pokémon Legends: Arceus TV series would have a perfect opportunity to tell stories that viewers have never seen in Pokémon’s 26-year run. Centering on its hero’s journey across the Hisui region could be a twist on the traditional formula that follows Ash’s goal to beat other trainers and win gym badges. Through characters who know next to nothing about Pokémon, the show could provide a look at this world from an entirely new perspective.