Pokémon Concierge Has The Best Vibes Of Any Show In The Series

The series packs a concentrated dose of enjoyment and wonder. The show is an engaging exploration of the Pokémon world, rendered in painstaking stop motion animation, which makes it hard for me to attribute its creation to Netflix, a streaming network known for its diverse content choices. Surprisingly, even The Pokémon Company's involvement is unexpected, known for its commercial approach to the franchise. Yet, the beautifully-crafted four-episode series echoes the core values that made the franchise beloved among fans, despite recent missteps.

The series features Haru, a highly anxious workaholic enduring a challenging period. She's grappling with a recent breakup, a professional setback and an unfortunate tendency to step on chewing gum while wearing her favorite heels. Seeking a change, she signs up for a job at a Pokémon retreat where trainers and their Pokémon take time off from the competitive world and pamper.

Evoking particular sentiments, the series cultivates different kinds of relationships between people and Pokémon, moving beyond the confines of the competitive sphere. The stakes are low, presenting a pure representation of the series' central themes of teamwork and fellowship.

However, the show doesn’t just capture Haru's interactions with her Pokémon guests. Haru is the quintessential career-focused millennial conditioned to measure her worth by her productivity. Her first job at the resort is to be a guest, which unsettles her; making her question whether she's contributing effectively to her workplace. The series then chronicles Haru's transformation from an overworked professional to a more relaxed person, despite the somewhat blunt approach.

Haru's interactions with various Pokémon throughout the series reflect her insecurities fueled by her work obsession. The series cleverly raises questions about personal growth and evolution, alluding to Pokémon’s specific characteristics, like Psyduck's psychic abilities, Magikarp's transformation into Gyarados, and Pikachu overcoming its shyness.

The charming stop-motion animation brings every Pokémon character to life while focusing on Haru's journey to unlearn her work-related trauma and realize her own pace of growth. Each of the four episodes features new Pokémon characters, captured with remarkable detail and nuance in their movements by Dwarf Studios.

The show's success wouldn't be possible without getting the portrayal of the Pokémon creatures right, even with an exceptional script and voice acting. The series offers a fresh portrayal of the dynamics between people and Pokémon, with stories that reflect our experiences.

While the four-episode run might feel short and slightly disjointed, the series is an exquisite depiction of the featured Pokémon and their stories. The show explores personal struggles gently, evoking nostalgia in long-time fans as the franchise nears its 27th anniversary.

Given the short duration of the series, I find myself repeatedly watching, trying to savor every joyous moment it offers. Despite understanding the intricacies of stop motion animation, I believe that four episodes only provide a glimpse of this team’s potential.

This series is charming, heartening, and a refreshing rendition of the Pokémon universe. I sincerely hope The Pokémon Company will choose to continue the series, even if I initially doubted Netflix's involvement. The concept of a resort presents endless storytelling and learning opportunities and facilitates a peaceful environment for the Pokémon creatures. The quality animation style deserves more utilization beyond one season.