After over 140 episodes of Z-Moves, Ultra Beasts, and the most unconventional Pokémon School the anime has ever seen, the Pokémon Sun & Moon English dub reaches its emotional crescendo in Episode 146: “Thank You, Alola! Respective Departures!” This is not a battle-heavy episode, nor does it feature a legendary Pokémon clash. Instead, it delivers something far more powerful for long-time fans: closure.
The most poignant scene occurs when Ash and Pikachu look out over the Alolan sunset. Pikachu, voiced by Ikue Ōtani, lets out a soft “Pika… Pika” that needs no translation. The dub wisely leaves the background music minimal here, allowing the weight of the moment to land. In the original Japanese version, the ending theme directly segues into a montage of every character’s future. The English dub replaces this with a new, original piano arrangement of the “Under the Alolan Moon” theme. While purists may grumble, the new score effectively heightens the sadness, making the final shot of Ash and Pikachu waving from the ferry ramp a certified tearjerker. Final Verdict: A Fitting Farewell Pokémon Sun & Moon – Dub Episode 146 is not an action-packed spectacle. It is a quiet, respectful, and emotionally intelligent sendoff to a series that dared to be different. By focusing on the “respective departures” of its title, it honors every character’s growth. Pokemon Sun and Moon -Dub- Episode 146
Special praise goes to the voice actresses for Lillie (Laurie Hymes) and Mallow (Rebecca Soler), whose tearful goodbyes are genuinely moving without feeling melodramatic. Unlike previous series where departures felt abrupt (Ash leaving Brock and Misty on a rainy road), Sun & Moon spent 146 episodes building a community. This episode’s strength is its message: growing up doesn’t mean losing your friends; it means carrying them with you. After over 140 episodes of Z-Moves, Ultra Beasts,
You prefer episodes with legendary battles or Team Rocket mottos (though even they get a touching, silent farewell at the harbor). Final Thoughts Thank You, Alola! Respective Departures! proves that the Pokémon anime can still break your heart without throwing a single Poké Ball. As Ash sails over the horizon toward Pokémon Journeys , this episode stands as a love letter to the Alolan family. For those who stuck with the art style change and the slice-of-life format, the payoff is immense. The most poignant scene occurs when Ash and
A Bittersweet Symphony of Goodbyes and Growing Up
The final “I’ll be your Rockruff” callback. (Have tissues ready.)
Goodbye, Alola. And thank you. Catch all episodes of Pokémon Sun & Moon on Disney XD and streaming on Netflix.