Was the idea of Ash ever losing to Misty and Iris a problem to you?

When Misty beat Ash at Whirl Cup, everyone focus only on Psyduck headache which while cheap was not deux machina at that point, because it was frequently showed ever since Kanto to be one of unique things about that pokemon. Being able to unleash his psychic powers to immense level when feeling pressure or pain caused to his head. With Ash reckless side causing him to lose.

But we can see in battle between Totodile and her Poliwhirl how Misty showed better level of understanding in using water terrain to her advantage. With Poliwhirl not having trouble in knocking Ash pokemon down , that same pokemon which defeated Kingdra earlier to that. Being more flexible and skilled not just there but in battle vs Coastline gym leader Dorian in underwater battles or sagainst Molly. With Ash having weaker success there.

Even if Psyduck didnt popped out which seemed like writers attempt to bring more humor and make atmosphere more intense for battle with pokemon who cannot swim. If Misty used Corsola result could likely be the same. With coral pokemon many underestimate being strong enough to stand up to Ash Kingler. If it was able to knock down Trinity Gyarados, it could had defeated Kingler as well.

She was also pretty equal to Ash in quick thinking and had more knowledge witnessing to evenly played out battle for Totodile. Where while Ash did won, he had hard time in defeating Misty pokemon despite type advantage in using grass pokemon.

So i dont think Misty was pushover having several impressive feats in defeating experienced, powerrful trainers and winning competitions. She was talented for her age, wanted to reach E4 level of strength, power and become strongest trainer specializing in water types in world having somwehat similar aspirations like Ash(becoming honored and known in world but through different means).

Viewing her as someone who had chance to defeat Ash in fair fight.

Same applies to Iris. Iris was not only portrayed as trainer prodigy being unusually well versed and artful with pokemon and utilization of correct strategy through battles. Ever since her youngest years in defeating several trainers at dragon village. Continuously proving to be strong trainer in her performance in competitions like Marine Cup, Clubsplosion, in battles vs other trainers etc.

But Iris also had huge type advantage over Ash in finale of Club Battle tournament With half of Pikachu attacks not having any effect on ground pokemon. Excadrill was more powerful, had more resistance, better environment in using combination of dig and metal claw, drill run to counter other half of Pikachu attacks.

Regardless of how and by what means character came to finale, Iris won fair and square over Ash there and i cannot have any objection for it.

I dont know about others, but its nice to see sometime Ash friends succeeding and having their 5 minutes of glory. Ash is main star of pokemon anime. He saves day 80 to 90% of time when some danger occurs. He has much longer list of achievements and battles where he comes out as victorious, recognized and respected for his trainer abilities. THan his companions do.

So its desierable and even more so refreshing when his travel companions have spotlight and succees to themselves as well. Having that moment when they are treated as star of pokemon series, even if its for short and display how their knowledge. Their own pokemon, working on improving their understanding of pokemon creatures, battling and skills on road of achieving their dreams bring fruits on table.

In managing to stand their ground against other experienced, strong trainers like Ash. It gives out impression how friends on Ash side can and have resources, attainment and skill to resolve crisis when needed. Save Ash when hes unable to defend himself and have power and potential to accompish their dreams when they shine in action. Not coming of as baggage, someone who slow others down.

But equal partners and battlers who have will, competitive spirit and desire to make name for themselves in world of pokemon trainers as well.

For that reason alone seeing Ash lose against Misty and Iris was acceptable and fine to me.

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