Ash sends out Pikachu (no Z-move, pure strategy). Tapu Koko summons electric terrain.
Sophocles: “This is incredible — Tapu Koko’s speed is off the charts!”
Lana: “But Ash isn’t backing down!”
Pikachu dodges a Thunder Punch and lands an Iron Tail, but Tapu Koko counters with Dazzling Gleam.
The battle goes back and forth — no one keeps score.
Gladion: “They’re not fighting to win. They’re speaking the same language.”
At the climax, Pikachu charges a massive Electroweb + Thunderbolt combo while Ash shouts:
Ash: “This is Alola’s power! The power of everyone who believed in us! Pikachu, now! ”
The attack clashes with Tapu Koko’s Guardian of Alola — but instead of an explosion, the energy forms a bright rainbow across the night sky.
Tapu Koko lowers its arms and nods.
Tapu Koko: “You are worthy, child of Pallet Town. Never lose your spark.” Pokemon Sun and Moon -Dub- Episode 146
One of the reasons fans specifically search for the Pokemon Sun and Moon -Dub- Episode 146 is to hear the distinct English voice cast. The dub, produced by DuArt Film & Video (under the direction of Lisa Ortiz), delivers some of its best work in this emotional installment.
Trivia: The English dub of this episode restores several background tracks from the Diamond & Pearl soundtrack that were replaced in the original Japanese broadcast, making it a unique treat for long-time dub watchers.
Professor Kukui’s house — Burnet is holding baby Lei.
Kukui: “You know, Ash never got to see our secret training dojo.”
Burnet: (laughs) “Something tells me he’ll be back before we know it.”
The camera pans to a Z-Ring left on the table — glowing faintly.
The dubbed version of Pokémon Sun & Moon Episode 146 , titled " Thank You, Alola! The Journey Continues!
," serves as the emotional series finale for the Alola region adventures. It originally aired in the United States on March 7, 2020
, concluding Ash Ketchum's journey as the first-ever Alolan Champion. Key Plot Events Ash sends out Pikachu (no Z-move, pure strategy)
The finale focuses on the "respective departures" of the main cast as they move toward their future goals: Ash’s Departure
: Ash decides to return to Pallet Town before embarking on a new journey to travel the entire Pokémon world. In a significant change from previous seasons, he leaves his Alolan Pokémon—Incineroar, Lycanroc, Rowlet, and Melmetal—with Professors Kukui and Burnet rather than sending them to Professor Oak. Lillie’s Quest
: Lillie, along with her brother Gladion and mother Lusamine, leaves Alola on a ship to search for her missing father, Mohn, with the help of the Mythical Pokémon Magearna. Team Rocket's Farewell
: After receiving orders to return to Headquarters, Jessie, James, and Meowth say a heartbreaking goodbye to their Alolan partners, Mimikyu and Mareanie, and their "surrogate mother" Bewear. A New Beginning : In the final moments, it is revealed that Professor Burnet is pregnant
, cementing the familial bond Ash formed with his Alolan mentors. Notable Features Bittersweet Tones : Fans and critics from platforms like
often highlight the episode's "feels train" atmosphere, particularly the emotional weight of Ash leaving his "Alolan parents". Rotom’s Choice
: The Rotom Dex decides to stay behind in Alola to continue its research at Aether Paradise. Final Battle (Off-screen)
: The episode briefly mentions Hau challenging Nanu in the Ula'ula Island grand trial, though the result is not shown. Further Exploration
Read a comprehensive breakdown of major events and trivia on Bulbapedia One of the reasons fans specifically search for
Review fan sentiment and emotional reactions to the finale on the official r/anime discussion thread Check out the official series page on Pokemon.com for more details on the Ultra Legends season. or how these characters in the subsequent Pokémon Journeys
1. The Evolution of Poipole For much of the Sun & Moon series, Poipole served as a mascot-like character—small, playful, and affectionate. Its evolution into Naganadel is significant because it represents a "growing up" moment for the Ultra Beast. Unlike previous series where Ash’s Pokémon often remained in base forms for marketability, seeing Poipole reach its final stage provided a sense of completion to its arc. It showcased that even Ultra Beasts, often viewed as terrifying monsters in the games, could grow through love and friendship.
2. The Dub Performance The English dub cast, particularly Sarah Natochenny (Ash), delivers a standout performance in this episode. The Sun & Moon dub has often been praised for its more emotive and nuanced scriptwriting compared to earlier seasons, and this episode is a prime example. Ash’s voice cracks during the farewell scene sell the emotional weight of the moment. The dialogue balances the sci-fi action of the Ultra Guardians with the grounded, emotional core of the anime.
3. Closing the Ultra Guardian Arc This episode effectively functions as the finale for the Ultra Guardians subplot. Throughout the season, Ash and his classmates donned tech suits to solve problems that standard Pokémon battles couldn't fix. Episode 146 emphasizes the team aspect of Sun & Moon, showing Ash relying on his classmates and the technology provided by the Aether Foundation to solve an interdimensional crisis.
4. Visual Spectacle The animation quality in this episode is top-tier. The Sun & Moon art style, often polarizing for its rounded character designs, shines during action sequences. The animation of Naganadel soaring through the sky, firing its Toxic attacks, and the rendering of the "Blinding One" light effects are cinematic in quality.
Tapu Koko leads the group to the peak. Other guardians — Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini — appear in a circle.
Mallow: “The guardians… all four of them?”
Tapu Fini: (telepathic, echoing voice) “Before the outsider leaves Alola, we wish to see the bond that saved this region one last time.”
A glowing battle arena forms on the snow. Tapu Koko gestures to Ash.
Tapu Koko: “A final battle. No Z-Ring restrictions. Just trainer and Pokémon as one.”
Ash: (fist pump) “You’re on!”