It’s been advertised for a while that a Netflix series called Pokemon Concierge will debut in December. It’s only four episodes long, but it offers a unique slice-of-life perspective of the franchise which may be enough to rekindle the flame of passion for the franchise in even the most disillusioned fans.
The episodes are about fifteen minutes each, so you’ll be done with all of them in about an hour. They’re best binged sequentially, and though each episode is mostly self-contained, they all have the same relaxed vibe that makes watching the series an incredibly calming experience.
The first episode introduces you to the protagonist, Haru, who’s not having the best time in her personal life, so she heads over to the Pokemon Resort to reinvent herself as a concierge. She’s expecting lots of tedious work. Instead, she gets a tropical paradise where she learns more about herself and the mysterious Pokemon world.
A different side of the Pokemon and human relationship
The relationship between Pokemon and humans remains an ambiguous problem in the series. It’s been prodded at plenty, but never fully answered. Typically, the explanation is that Pokemon want to be under the tutelage of a worthy Trainer, and that battling is fulfilling. Nonetheless, there are moral considerations that inevitably arise from this.
Pokemon Concierge shows us a different way that humans and creatures can live together harmoniously. At the resort, there are no battles. Pokemon get to relax, have fun, and receive the help they need whether it be physical or psychological. For instance, a Magikarp who can’t swim is given a floaty while a shy Pikachu is given all the social support it needs.
If you’re looking to see a fresh side of the sometimes stale Pokemon world, the series may be what will do it for you. It remains authentic to the franchise without indulging in the typical competitive aspects. The result is a mellow experience where the nicer side of these powerful creatures is put on show.
A gorgeous art style
One of the biggest draws of the series is the art style which is as adorable as it is colorful. The Pokemon are depicted using some kind of felt-like material which makes for some remarkably cute and lifelike creatures. Some of them, like Rattata and Zigzagoon, look like they never should have been rendered any other way.
Not all Pokemon get this treatment. It doesn’t make sense with creatures like Metagross and Graveler. Nevertheless, most critters you’ll see look so furry you’ll want to reach into the screen and pet them.
The rest of the island, as well as the human characters, are also beautifully depicted. You’ll be treated to colorful environments that perfectly capture the tropical aesthetic of the resort. Never has the Pokemon world looked this good.
Growth for humans and Pokemon
Throughout the four episodes, we see Pokemon undergo growth and change. A timid Psyduck learns to better manage its psychic powers, the most unexpected Magikarp evolves, and a Mudkip is taught how to gently use its water-squirting abilities.
The lessons packed aren’t for the creatures alone. During her time at the resort, Haru discovers more about herself and what she needs to lead a happy life. Through her time with a shy Pikachu, she learns that self-acceptance is far more important than trying to be what’s expected of her, while her experiences with Psyduck show her that succumbing to fear isn’t always the best response to a situation.
Overall, Haru is a very relatable and well-crafted protagonist. She is clumsy and self-doubting without ever becoming annoying. I’m sure many will relate to her people-pleasing tendencies and her desire to always say the “right” thing. Of course, Haru isn’t the only character around, and you also get time to spend time with Tyler who can be funny at times, and Alisa who is always determined.
Pokemon Concierge won’t be teaching you anything new about the intricacies of Pokemon and their powers. You also won’t be seeing new critters. Nevertheless, the series is worth a watch if you’re looking to enjoy the world in one of the most easy-going forms available.
