Welcome to Bulbapedia, the free Pokémon encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Create your account and get started with editing pages!
staging.bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net

Do not use this site for anything you are unwilling to lose!

Pokémon the Series: Black & White: Difference between revisions

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
m (Text replacement - " {{an|Forces of Nature}}" to " {{an|forces of nature}}")
 
(381 intermediate revisions by 95 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
:''Best Wishes! redirects here. For the similarly named first opening of the Best Wishes series, see [[Best Wishes! (song)]].''
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Pokémon the Series: Black & White''}}
:''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 redirects here. For the similarly named CD, see [[Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 (CD)]].''
{{redirect|Best Wishes!|the similarly named first Japanese opening theme of ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White''|Best Wishes! (song)}}
----
{{redirect|Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2|the similarly named CD|Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 (CD)}}
[[File:BWseries.png|thumb|The series poster]]
[[File:Pokémon the Series Black and White logo.png|thumb|English logo]]
[[File:BW season poster.png|thumb|{{Ash}}, {{an|Cilan}}, and {{an|Iris}} with their Pokémon in an English-language poster for the series]]
[[File:Pokemon Best Wishes Series.png|thumb|Japanese logo]]
'''''Pokémon the Series: Black & White''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスターベストウイッシュ''' ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!'') is the fourth [[series]] of the [[Pokémon animated series]] in Japan and Asia and the fifth series of ''[[Pokémon the Series]]'' in the West. The series is based on the events of the [[Generation V]] [[core series]] [[Pokémon games]]. It follows ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'' and was succeeded by ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''. It ran from September 23, 2010 to October 3, 2013 (with a [[BWS02|special episode]] on March 27, 2014) in Japan and from February 12, 2011 to December 7, 2013 in {{pmin|the United States}}. It was not given an English name until after the release of ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''.


The '''''Best Wishes'' series''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスターベストウイッシュ''' ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!'') is the fourth [[series]] of the [[Pokémon anime]], following after the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, and based on the events of the [[Generation V]] games. It ran from September 23, 2010 to September 26, 2013 in Japan and from February 12, 2011 to December 7, 2013 in the United States.
As with both ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'' and ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'' before it, ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' begins with only [[Ash Ketchum]], who sets out to travel through the [[Unova]] [[region]] and challenge the [[Unova League]] with his {{AP|Pikachu}}, accompanied by a girl by the name of {{an|Iris}} and with one of the first Unova [[Gym Leader]]s, {{an|Cilan}}, who is also a [[Pokémon Connoisseur]]. As before, Ash receives a change of [[List of clothing (anime)|clothes]]. For the first time in the entire show, the [[Team Rocket trio]] also receives a change of clothes, but they later change back to their original outfits. ''Black & White'' is also notable for [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}} not being present in all episodes outside of the clip show episode [[AG120]] and the [[EP001|first episode]], a trend that continued into subsequent series. For a majority of the series, they play a significantly more antagonistic role than in any other series, displaying very little humor. This changes close to the end of the series, when they follow Ash and {{ashfr}} during their journey through the [[Decolore Islands]] and gradually regain their more humorous tone from the previous series.


As with both the {{series2|Advanced Generation}} and {{series2|Diamond and Pearl}}  series before it, the ''Best Wishes'' series begins with only [[Ash Ketchum]], headed off to a new region with his {{AP|Pikachu}}. Much like before, his previous female companion, {{an|Dawn}}, has left the series, while, unlike the previous three series, with the exception of the [[Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands|Orange Archipelago]] saga, {{an|Brock}} does not join him in his journey in Unova. Instead, Ash now travels through [[Unova]] with a girl by the name of {{an|Iris}} and with one of the first Gym Leaders of Unova, {{an|Cilan}}.  
Additionally, a new art style was introduced in this series. To match [[Ken Sugimori]]'s most recent character art, all characters are now drawn with the new eye style previously introduced in ''Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl''. This style includes rounder eyes with larger irises and visible pupils. Ash's new design now clearly depicts his brown eyes. Jessie and James have also been redesigned similarly, while also being given a straighter hairstyle. Additionally, the [[Nurse Joy]] and [[Officer Jenny]] in Unova are designed differently than those of the regions visited by Ash before, a trend that would continue in later series.


As before, Ash receives a change of clothes. For the first time in the entire show, the [[Team Rocket trio]] also receive a change of clothes, but later change back to their original outfits. Additionally, the [[Nurse Joy]] and [[Officer Jenny]] in Unova are designed differently than those of the regions visited by Ash before. Best Wishes is also notable for [[Jessie]], [[James]] and {{MTR}} not being present in all episodes outside of clip shows and the [[EP001|first episode]], a trend that continued into the {{series|XY}}. For a majority of the series they play a significantly more antagonistic role than in any other series, displaying very little humor (although this was restored during the [[Decolore Islands]] arc).
With the beginning of this series, many attacks also have had their visual appearances changed. {{type|Fire}} moves and {{m|Stone Edge}} are now rendered in CGI, while [[physical attack|physical]] {{type|Steel}} moves make the corresponding body part steel-colored rather than white (although this was reverted in ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]''). {{m|Hyper Beam}} has also been changed considerably, to match how it looks in the games. Starting from this series, the camera pans faster and more often than in previous series. Its zooms have also become faster.


The series also saw the return of ''[[Who's That Pokémon?|Dare da?]]'' in [[BW061]] after an absence of 444 episodes. The dub equivalent, ''Who's That Pokémon?'' had already returned as of [[BW001]].
The series also saw the return of ''Who's That Pokémon?'' in the English dub of [[BW001|the first episode]], and the return of ''[[Who's That Pokémon?|Dare da?]]'' in [[BW061]] after an absence of 444 episodes.


It is divided into three [[season]]s for audiences outside of Japan.
Episodes in ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' are numbered with {{bp|epicode|the prefix}} '''BW''' on [[Bulbapedia]]. For a complete episode listing, see the [[list of Pokémon the Series: Black & White episodes|list of ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' episodes]].
 
==Blurb==
<i>When Ash and his mother accompany Professor Oak to the distant Unova region, Ash discovers Pokémon that he’s never seen before… and that he can’t wait to catch! He may have Pikachu at his side together with new friends Iris and Cilan, but he’ll still need plenty of new Pokémon on his team if he wants to challenge Unova’s expert Gym Leaders. His quest to become a Pokémon Master just got even tougher!</i>


==Japanese seasons==
==Japanese seasons==
The ''Best Wishes'' series has been divided into multiple arcs in the Japanese release, similar to the "chapters" of the {{series|original}}.
''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' has been divided into multiple arcs in the Japanese release, similar to the "chapters" of the [[original series]].


===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! ([[BW001]]-[[BW084]])===
===Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! ([[BW001]]-[[BW084]])===
This arc covers Ash's arrival in Unova, his meeting Iris and Cilan, and collecting the [[Gym Badges]] of the region. Several times throughout the arc, Ash and his friends come into major conflicts with Team Rocket.
[[File:Pokemon Best Wishes Series.png|thumb|Best Wishes! logo]]
''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウィッシュ) includes Ash's arrival in Unova, his meeting Iris and Cilan, and collecting the [[Badge|Gym Badges]] of the region. Several times throughout the arc, Ash and his friends come into major conflicts with Team Rocket.
{{-}}


===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2 ([[BW085]]-[[BW108]])===
===Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 ([[BW085]]-[[BW108]])===
The [[World Tournament Junior Cup]] and [[Vertress Conference]] tournaments make up the main content of this arc. [[Cynthia]] and {{an|Dawn}} return for roles, and the group meets {{an|Meloetta}}. {{an|Giovanni}} returns to lead Team Rocket in "Operation Tempest," a mission to capture Meloetta and the [[Forces of Nature]].
[[File:Best Wishes 2 logo.png|thumb|Best Wishes! Season 2 logo]]
''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ シーズン２) mainly consists of [[Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup]] and [[Vertress Conference]] tournaments. {{an|Cynthia}} and {{an|Dawn}} return, and the group meets {{an|Meloetta}}. {{an|Giovanni}} returns as a major character to lead Team Rocket in Operation Tempest, a mission to capture Meloetta and the {{an|forces of nature}}.
{{-}}


===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N ([[BW109]]-[[BW122]])===
===Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N ([[BW109]]-[[BW122]])===
Ash, Iris and Cilan learn of the [[White Ruins]] and decide to visit [[Cedric Juniper]]'s expedition there. On their way, they meet {{an|N}} and become involved in [[Ghetsis]]'s plot to have [[Team Plasma]] take control of the world using [[Colress]]'s Pokémon control device.
[[File:Best Wishes Season 2 Episode N logo.png|thumb|Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N logo]]
''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 - Episode N'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター　ベストウイッシュ　シーズン２　エピソードＮ) focuses on {{an|N}} and [[Team Plasma]]. Ash, Iris and Cilan learn of the {{an|White Ruins}} and decide to visit [[Cedric Juniper]]'s expedition there. On their way, they meet N and become involved in [[Ghetsis]]'s plot to have Team Plasma take control of the world using [[Colress]]'s Pokémon control device and the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Reshiram}}.
{{-}}


===Pocket Monsters: Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure! ([[BW123]]-[[BW142]])===
===Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure! ([[BW123]]-[[BW142]], [[BWS01]]-[[BWS02]])===
On their way back to [[Kanto]], Ash, Iris and Cilan go on a tour of the [[Decolore Islands]]. On their way, they meet {{an|Alexa}}, a Pokémon photographer from the [[Kalos]] region.
[[File:Best Wishes Season 2 Decolora Adventure logo.png|thumb|Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure logo]]
''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 - Decolora Adventure!'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ シーズン２ デコロラアドベンチャー!) comprises Ash and his friends touring the [[Decolore Islands]] on their way back to [[Kanto]]. On their way, they meet [[Alexa]], a Pokémon [[Photography|photographer]] from the [[Kalos]] region.
{{-}}


==Dub seasons==
==Dub seasons==
When the ''Best Wishes'' series came to be dubbed into English and other languages, it is divided into three seasons:
When ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' came to be dubbed into English and other languages, it was divided into three seasons:
* [[Pokémon: Black & White]] ([[BW001]] - [[BW048]])
* [[S14|Pokémon: Black & White]] ([[BW001]] - [[BW048]])
* [[Pokémon Black & White: Rival Destinies]] ([[BW049]] - [[BW097]])
* [[S15|Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies]] ([[BW049]] - [[BW097]])
* [[Pokémon Black & White: Adventures in Unova]] ([[BW098]] - [[BW142]])
* [[S16|Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond]] ([[BW098]] - [[BW142]]) (known as ''Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova'' prior to [[BW123]])
 
<gallery>
Season 14 logo.png|''Pokémon: Black & White'' logo
Season 15 logo.png|''Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies'' logo
Season 16 logo.png|''Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova'' logo
Season 16 logo 2.png|''Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond'' logo
</gallery>
 
==Movies==
{{main|Pokémon movie#Pokémon the Series: Black & White|Pokémon movie → Pokémon the Series: Black & White}}
* ''[[M14|Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom / Pokémon the Movie: Black—Victini and Reshiram]]''
* ''[[M15|Pokémon the Movie: Kyurem vs. The Sword of Justice]]''
* ''[[M16|Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened]]''
 
==Home video releases==
===North American DVD releases===
* [[List of English language Black & White home video releases (Region 1)]]
* [[List of English language Rival Destinies home video releases (Region 1)]]
* [[List of English language Adventures in Unova and Beyond home video releases (Region 1)]]
 
===Australian DVD releases===
* [[List of English language Black & White home video releases (Region 4)]]
* [[List of English language Rival Destinies home video releases (Region 4)]]
* [[List of English language Adventures in Unova and Beyond home video releases (Region 4)]]


Episodes in the ''Best Wishes'' series are numbered with {{bp|epicode|the prefix}} '''BW''' on Bulbapedia. For a complete episode listing, see the [[list of Best Wishes series episodes|list of ''Best Wishes'' series episodes]].
===Japanese DVD releases===
* [[List of Japanese language Best Wishes! home video releases]]
 
==Gallery==
:''For more images, please see [[a:Category:Art from Pokémon the Series: Black & White|artwork from Pokémon the Series: Black & White]] on the [[Bulbagarden Archives]].''
===Posters===
====Japanese====
<gallery>
File:BW series prerelease.png|A pre-release poster for ''Best Wishes!''
File:BWseries.png|Poster for ''Best Wishes!''
File:Best Wishes Season 2 poster.png|Poster for ''Best Wishes! Season 2''
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Episode N poster.png|Poster for ''Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N''
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Decolora Adventure poster.png|Poster for ''Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure!''
</gallery>


== Gallery ==
====English====
<gallery>
BW season poster.png|Contemporary poster for ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White''
Pokemon BW Netflix.png|[[Netflix]] poster for ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White''
BW series poster Asia.png|Pokémon Asia poster for ''Pokémon: Black and White''
</gallery>
 
===Characters===
====Main characters====
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Pokemon Best Wishes Series.png|Best Wishes! logo
File:Best Wishes 2 logo.png|Best Wishes! Season 2 logo
File:Best Wishes Season 2 poster.png|The poster for Best Wishes! Season 2
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Episode N logo.png|Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N logo
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Episode N poster.png|The poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Decolora Adventure logo.png|Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure logo
File:Best Wishes Season 2 Decolora Adventure poster.png|The poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure
File:Ash BW.png|[[Ash Ketchum]] and {{AP|Pikachu}}
File:Ash BW.png|[[Ash Ketchum]] and {{AP|Pikachu}}
File:IrisBW.png|{{an|Iris}}
File:IrisBW.png|{{an|Iris}}
File:CilanBW.png|{{an|Cilan}}
File:CilanBW.png|{{an|Cilan}}
File:Nurse Joy BW.png|[[Nurse Joy]]
File:Officer Jenny BW.png|[[Officer Jenny]]
File:Don George BW anime art.png|[[Don George]]
File:JuniperBW.png|[[Professor Juniper]]
File:TripBW.png|[[Trip]]
File:Bianca BW anime art.png|{{an|Bianca}}
File:Jessie BW.png|[[Jessie]] in her black uniform
File:Jessie BW.png|[[Jessie]] in her black uniform
File:James BW.png| [[James]] in his black uniform
File:James BW.png| [[James]] in his black uniform
File:Jessie BW3.png|Jessie in her white uniform
File:Jessie BW3.png|Jessie in her white uniform
File:James BW3.png|James in his white uniform
File:James BW3.png|James in his white uniform
File:Giovanni BW.png|{{an|Giovanni}}
File:Meowth BW2.png|{{MTR}}
File:Cynthia BWS2.png|[[Cynthia]]
</gallery>
 
====Rivals====
<gallery>
File:TripBW.png|[[Trip]]
File:Bianca BW anime art.png|{{an|Bianca}}
File:Georgia BW.png|[[Georgia]]
File:Cameron BW.png|{{un|Cameron}}
File:Virgil BW.png|[[Virgil]]
</gallery>
 
====Supporting characters====
<gallery>
File:Professor Oak BW.png|{{an|Professor Oak}}
File:JuniperBW.png|[[Professor Juniper]]
File:Nurse Joy BW.png|[[Nurse Joy]]
File:Officer Jenny BW.png|[[Officer Jenny]]
File:Don George BW anime art.png|[[Don George]]
File:Porter.png|[[Porter]]
File:Chili BW anime.png|[[Chili]]
File:Cress BW anime.png|[[Cress]]
File:Cynthia BWS2.png|{{an|Cynthia}}
File:Dawn BW2.png|{{an|Dawn}}
File:Dawn BW2.png|{{an|Dawn}}
File:Virgil official art.png|[[Virgil]]
File:N anime art.png|{{an|N}}
File:N anime art.png|{{an|N}}
File:Alexa anime art.png|[[Alexa]]
</gallery>
====Antagonists====
<gallery>
File:Giovanni BW.png|{{an|Giovanni}}
File:Pierce BW.png|[[Pierce]]
File:Colress anime art.png|[[Colress]]
File:Colress anime art.png|[[Colress]]
File:Ghetsis anime art.png|[[Ghetsis]]
File:Ghetsis anime art.png|[[Ghetsis]]
File:Porter.png|[[Porter]]
File:Alexa anime art.png|[[Alexa]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Etymology==
The ''Best Wishes'' title was likely selected using words beginning with B and W as an allusion to its counterpart games, {{2v2|Black|White}}. Additionally, the katakana transcription of the English word "Wishes" (ウイッシュ ''Uisshu'') contains the Japanese name of [[Unova]] (イッシュ ''Isshu''), the region the games and animated series take place in.
"Best wishes" is exclaimed at various points in the series, usually when {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} are saying goodbye to a recurring character or a [[character of the day]]. This carries over even to the dub.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:BW series prerelease.png|thumb|A pre-release poster, featuring {{p|Reshiram}}, {{p|Zekrom}}, {{an|Iris}}, her {{p|Axew}}, and {{an|Cilan}}]]
* Prior to the [[series]]' debut, for several weeks, previews explicitly excluded {{Ash}}, and he did not appear on one of the pre-release posters. His absence was specifically commented on by the hosts of [[Pokémon Sunday]].
* The ''Best Wishes'' series is the first series since the [[original series]] to have no in-game playable characters present in Ash's group.
* This is the only series in which:
* It is likely that the ''Best Wishes'' title is intentionally comprised of words beginning with B and W as an allusion to its counterpart games, {{2v2|Black|White}}.
** Every main character was a {{pkmn|Trainer}} prior to the series.
** In the Japanese title, the katakana transcription of the English word "Wishes" ('''ウイッシュ''') contains the Japanese name of the region the games and anime series take place in, [[Unova|Isshu]] ('''イッシュ''').
** Every protagonist has at least one [[rival]].
* For several weeks, previews of the ''Best Wishes'' series's early episodes explicitly excluded [[Ash Ketchum]], with the hosts of [[Pokémon Sunday]] commenting on his absence. Ash did not appear on a pre-release poster, as well. This was likely to hide his redesign for greater surprise.
** No first partner Pokémon belonging to a main character fully [[evolution|evolves]].
* The first few episodes of this series share similar elements to the first few episodes of the original series, and the series features many allusions to the original series present.
** No Pokémon are {{pkmn2|released}} by a main character (excluding Cilan's temporary Basculin).
** Both of Ash's traveling companions are based on Gym Leaders.
** No [[doppelgänger]]s or [[Pokémon multiverse|multiverse counterparts]] of main characters appear.
** Both of Ash's female traveling companions try to avoid returning to a specific [[Gym]].
** Only one [[title card]] has been used without any variations.
** Ash's female companion debuts in the first episode of the series, but she is not introduced in full until the second.
* This is the only series with Ash as the protagonist in which:
** Ash meets his male traveling companion in the fifth episode, when he leaves behind his Gym Leader duties to travel with Ash.
** Ash encounters {{an|Giovanni|Giovanni}} himself.
** The sixth episode of both series feature a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that evolves via the {{evostone|Moon Stone}}.
** [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]] is not part of the regular cast. His only appearance in this series was in ''[[BW142|The Dream Continues!]]'' and {{pkmn|movie}} shorts.
* This series also shares some similarities with the original series.
** None of Ash's [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}}s are interrupted by Team Rocket.
** Ash meets two new traveling companions.
** There are no [[boss fantasy|boss fantasies]].
** Ash's female companions are afraid of a certain type of Pokémon. In this case Misty being afraid of bug types and Iris being afraid of ice types.
** Ash regresses his finishing placement in a Pokémon League.
** Both female companions had a baby Pokémon to carry around. Misty having a Togepi and Iris having an Axew.
** Extra Pokémon Ash caught were not sent to {{an|Professor Oak}}'s [[Professor Oak's Laboratory|lab]] in [[Pallet Town]]; instead, they were sent to the laboratory of the region's [[Pokémon Professor]], [[Professor Juniper]].
** Both male and female companions are based on gym leaders.
** Ash does not have a [[Full Battle|full six-on-six battle]].
** Ash and his companions traveled in islands. In the original series they traveled at the Orange Islands. While in the ''Best Wishes'' series they traveled to the Decolore Islands.
*** His battle against {{un|Cameron}} was intended to be a Full Battle, but cannot be considered a proper six-on-six, as Cameron only uses five Pokémon due to his belief that a Full Battle is a five-on-five battle.
* ''Best Wishes'' is the first anime series that did not premiere on the same day its respective games were released since the original series.
** Ash and his friends continued to explore new areas of a region after its [[Pokémon League Conference]] had ended.
* Ash catches the Unova starter Pokémon in reverse Pokédex order, obtaining {{AP|Oshawott}}, then {{AP|Tepig}}, and finally {{AP|Snivy}}. All previous times he has caught multiple starter Pokémon he has caught the {{type|Grass}} among them first, following up with the {{type|Fire}} in all regions but [[Hoenn]], and finally catching the {{type|Water}} among the group in [[Kanto]] and [[Johto]] only.
** Team Rocket temporarily change their main outfits.
* This is the shortest completed series of the anime so far, with 142 episodes.
** Ash's traveling companions do not meet {{Delia|his mother}}, either by phone call or in person.
** This series also has the fewest dub seasons, with three.
** Ash {{pkmn2|caught|catches}} the [[Unova first partner Pokémon]] in reverse [[Pokédex]] order, obtaining {{AP|Oshawott}}, then {{AP|Tepig}}, and finally {{AP|Snivy}}. During all of the other times where he caught multiple first partner Pokémon, he caught the {{t|Grass}} type first, following up with the {{t|Fire}} type, and finally catching the {{t|Water}} type among the group in [[Kanto]] and [[Johto]] only.
** This is also the series with the fewest [[Pokémon movie|movies]] to date, with only three.
** All of Ash's [[Iris (anime)|travelling]] [[Cilan (anime)|companions]] (excluding temporary ones and ones who are starting trainers) have had the capture circumstances of all their Pokémon known.
* This is the first series in which all episodes that were originally aired in Japan were dubbed. Previously, the {{series|original}} had four banned episodes and the {{series|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} dubs each skipped recap episodes. There were two [[BW023 (unaired)|unaired]] [[BW024 (unaired)|episodes]] in the ''Best Wishes'' series, but they were also unaired in Japan.
* ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' shares a number of similarities to the [[original series]], especially in its first few episodes, including:
* With the beginning of this series, many attacks have had their visual appearances changed (for instance, {{type|Fire}} attacks and {{m|Stone Edge}} are now rendered in CGI, while [[physical attack|physical]] {{type|Steel}} attacks make the corresponding body part steel-colored rather than white). {{m|Hyper Beam}} has also been changed considerably, to match how it looks in the games.
** Both of Ash's {{ashfr|traveling companions}} are based on [[Gym Leader]]s.
* ''[[BW122|What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!]]'', the final episode of ''Season 2: Episode N'' aired in Japan during the same week that ''[[BW109|New Places... Familiar Faces!]]'', the first episode of Episode N aired in the United States.
** Ash meets his female traveling companion first.
* This is the first series in which [[Butch]] and [[Cassidy]] don't appear at all.  
** Ash sees a [[Legendary Pokémon]] in the first episode.
* This is the only series in which [[Jessie's Wobbuffet]] is not part of the cast.
** Ash's main [[rival]] is introduced and receives his first partner Pokémon in the first episode.
* This is the only series in which there are no [[boss fantasy|boss fantasies]].
** Ash meets his male traveling companion in the fifth episode, who leaves behind his Gym Leader duties to travel with Ash.
* This is the only series that uses the same title card throughout the entire series.
*** Both male companions are the first Gym Leaders that Ash battles and obtains Badges from in that region.
* This is the first series not to have any of the dub seasons to produce with 52 episodes.
** The sixth episode of each series features a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that evolves via [[Moon Stone]].
* This is first series in which none of Ash's Gym Battles are interrupted by Team Rocket.
** Ash catches the Unova first partner Pokémon in the same circumstances as he caught the Kanto first partner Pokémon: the Water-type Pokémon follows him, the Fire-type Pokémon is abandoned by its original Trainer, and the Grass-type Pokémon is found in the wild.
*** The Fire type's [[Original Trainer]] tries to get their former Pokémon back after witnessing their powers, but fails.
*** The Grass type initially distrusted humans, but Ash gained its respect and it allowed him to battle and catch it.
*** Of the three, only the Fire type evolved.
** Much like the Johto first partner Pokémon, none of his Unova first partner Pokémon evolve into their final forms.
** Ash {{pkmn2|caught}} more than six Pokémon.
** None of Ash's traveling companions owns or catches a first partner Pokémon.
** Ash caught a {{type|Bug}} Pokémon with a three-stage evolutionary line who evolved into its final form.
** [[Ash's Charizard]] returns near the end of the series.
** After ending his journey across a region, Ash spends a number of episodes traveling through a group of islands exclusive to the animated series.
** Ash's traveling companions leave in the penultimate episode of the series.
** This series and the original series are the only series in which Ash wears his attire for the following series in the final episode.
** The main heroine from ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'', {{an|Iris}}, also shares some similarities to the main heroine from the original series, {{an|Misty}}. Both of them:
*** Try to avoid returning to a specific [[Gym]].
*** Debut in the first episode of the series, but are not introduced in full until the second episode.
*** Are aiming to master a specific Pokémon [[type]].
*** Are afraid of a specific Pokémon type (Misty is scared of Bug types, while Iris is scared of {{t|Ice}} types).
*** Traveled with a Pokémon which they kept outside the [[Poké Ball]] (Misty with {{TP|Misty|Togepi|Togetic}} and Iris with {{TP|Iris|Axew}}).
*** Caught a Pokémon in a special episode after parting ways with Ash (Misty caught {{TP|Misty|Gyarados}} in the side story ''[[HS02|Cerulean Blues]]'' and Iris caught {{TP|Iris|Gible}} in the special episode [[BWS02]]).
** The [[Vertress Conference]] shares some similarities to the [[Indigo Plateau Conference]], the first [[Pokémon League Conference]] from the original series. In both of them:
*** Ash battles a fully evolved {{type|Grass}} Pokémon as his first opponent.
*** Ash wins his first round battle using only one Pokémon.
*** Ash's main [[rival]] is eliminated in the preliminary rounds.
*** Ash is eliminated without having had a full 6-on-6 battle.
*** Ash does not battle the winner of the tournament.
*** The tournament ends on a scene of Ash standing in the stadium, reminiscing about his journey as the sun rises and the current theme song plays.
** The plot of [[M16|a movie]] featuring a {{p|Mewtwo}} is [[Mewtwo — Prologue to Awakening|foreshadowed]] before the movie itself.
* This is the first series in which:
** Ash actively cycles his Pokémon between those in his [[party]] and in [[Pokémon Storage System|storage]], though only with the Pokémon he caught in Unova.
** [[James]] does not have any [[walking Pokémon]] since the original series.
** The first episode of the series did not premiere the same day its respective games were released since the original series.
** All episodes that were originally aired in Japan were dubbed. Previously, the [[original series]] had four [[banned episodes]] ([[EP018]], [[EP035]], [[EP038]], [[EP250]]) and ''Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire'' and ''Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl'' dubs each skipped recap episodes ([[AG120]], [[DP048]], [[DP120]]). There were two unaired episodes in ''Pokémon the Series: Black & White'' (intended to be {{OBP|BW023|unaired}} and {{OBP|BW024|unaired}}), but they were also unaired in Japan.
** [[Cassidy]], [[Butch]], or [[Charles Goodshow]] don't appear at all.
** {{an|Brock}}, {{Tracey}}, or {{Gary}} don't appear in person.
*** Brock does appear in the special episode [[BWS01]], but not in the series proper.
** Brock is not a traveling companion to Ash.
** None of Ash's traveling companions are people he has traveled with in previous series.
** [[Misty's special lure]] is not featured.
** The dubbing wasn't handled by [[TAJ Productions]], and the first series to be dubbed by [[DuArt Film & Video]] from start to finish.
** No background music produced by [[4Kids Entertainment]] is featured in the dub.
** All episodes are widescreen, or 16:9 aspect ratio.
** Ash's female traveling companion's age is not mentioned.
* ''[[BW097|Unova's Survival Crisis!]]'', the last appearance of {{an|Meloetta}}, aired in Japan during the same week that Meloetta's debut, ''[[BW082|An Epic Defense Force!]]'', aired in {{pmin|the United States}}.
** Similarly, ''[[BW122|What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!]]'', the final episode of ''Season 2: Episode N'', aired in Japan during the same week that ''[[BW109|New Places... Familiar Faces!]]'', the first episode of said arc, aired in the United States.
* The first Japanese opening theme of the series, {{so|Best Wishes!}}, is currently the longest-running opening theme which hasn't been re-mixed.
* This series has Ash conduct the fewest Gym battle [[rematch]]es of any series with Gyms, with just one at the [[Nacrene Gym]].
* This is the first series to not receive a {{pkmn|manga}}, not counting movie adaptations.
* This is the last series to date in the dub where the final episode ends with the message "Next Time... A New Beginning!".


=== In other languages ===
==In other languages==
''Pokémon the Series: Black & White''
{{Epilang|color=C3C3C3|bordercolor=2C2C2C
{{Epilang|color=C3C3C3|bordercolor=2C2C2C
|zh_yue='''寵物小精靈：超級願望''' ''Chungmat Siujingling: Chiukap Yunmong''
|zh_yue=寶可夢 超級願望 ''Bóuhómuhng Chīukāp Yuhnmohng''{{tt|*|since 2019}}<br>精靈寶可夢 超級願望 ''Jīnglìhng Bóuhómuhng Chīukāp Yuhnmohng''{{tt|*|since 2018}}<br>寵物小精靈：超級願望 ''Chúngmaht Síujīnglìhng: Chīukāp Yuhnmohng''{{tt|*|prior to 2018}}
|zh_cmn='''神奇寶貝超級願望''' ''Shénqíbǎobèi: Chāojí Yuànwàng''
|zh_cmn=寶可夢 超級願望 / 宝可梦 超级愿望 ''Bǎokěmèng Chāojí Yuànwàng''{{tt|*|Taiwan (since 2019) and Mainland China (until 2019)}}<br>精靈寶可夢 超級願望 / 精灵宝可梦 超级愿望 ''Jīnglíng Bǎokěmèng Chāojí Yuànwàng''{{tt|*|Taiwan (since 2018) and Mainland China (until 2019)}}<br>神奇寶貝 超級願望 ''Shénqí Bǎobèi Chāojí Yuànwàng''{{tt|*|Taiwan (prior to 2018)}}<br>
|ko='''포켓몬스터 베스트위시''' ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes''
|da=Pokémon Serien: Black and White
|vi={{tt|Pokémon Best Wishes|Pokémon Best Wishes}}
|nl= Pokémon de Serie: Black and White<br>Pokémon-serie: Zwart en wit
|fi=Pokémon-sarja: Musta ja valkoinen
|fr=Pokémon, la série : Noir et Blanc
|de=Pokémon – Die TV-Serie: Schwarz und Weiß
|hi=Pokémon Black and White
|id=Pokémon Best Wishes
|it=Serie Pokémon Nero e Bianco
|ko=포켓몬스터 베스트위시 ''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!''
|no=Pokémon Serien: Black and White
|pl=Pokémon: Czerń i Biel
|pt_br=Pokémon, a série: Preto e Branco{{tt|*|Pokémon TV (October 20, 2017-present)}}<br>Pokémon A Série: Preto e Branco{{tt|*|Pokémon TV (June 16-October 19, 2017)}}<br>Pokémon, a Série: Preto e Branco{{tt|*|Pokémon Trainer Club medals}}
|ru=Покемон сериал Чёрное и Белое ''Pokémon serial Chyornoye i Beloye''{{tt|*|Pokémon TV (October 20, 2017-present)}}<br>Сериал "Покемон": Чёрное и Белое ''Serial "Pokémon": Chyornoye i Beloye''{{tt|*|Pokémon TV (June 16-October 19, 2017)}}
|es_eu=Serie Pokémon Negro y Blanco
|es_la=La Serie Pokémon Negro y Blanco
|sv=Pokémon Serien: Black and White<br>Pokémon Serien: Svart & vit {{tt|*|Pokémon Trainer Club stamp}}
|th=โปเกมอน แบล็คแอนด์ไวท์ "การเดินทางแห่งโชคชะตา" ''Pokémon Black and White Journey of Destiny''
|vi=Pokémon Best Wishes
}}
<div style="display:inline-block>
''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2''
{{Epilang|color=E3CED0|bordercolor=424B50
|zh_cmn=精灵宝可梦超级愿望第2季<br>''Jīnglíng Pokémon Chāojí Yuànwàng Dì 2 Jì''{{tt|*|Mainland China}}
|ko=포켓몬스터 베스트위시2<br>''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! 2''
|th=โปเกมอน แบล็คแอนด์ไวท์ "เขตอิชู การเดินทางสุดขอบฟ้า"<br>''Pokémon Black and White Journey of Destiny Season 2''
}}
</div>
<div style="display:inline-block>
''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N''
{{Epilang|color=E3CED0|bordercolor=424B50
|ko=포켓몬스터 베스트위시2 에피소드 N<br>''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! 2: Episode N''
|th=โปเกมอน แบล็คแอนด์ไวท์ "เขตอิชู การเดินทางสุดขอบฟ้า บทแห่ง N"<br>''Pokémon Black and White Journey of Destiny Season 2: Episode N''
}}
</div>
<div style="display:inline-block>
''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure!''
{{Epilang|color=E3CED0|bordercolor=424B50
|ko=포켓몬스터 베스트위시2 데코로라 어드벤처<br>''Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! 2: Decolora Adventure''
|th=โปเกมอน แบล็คแอนด์ไวท์ "เขตอิชู การเดินทางสุดขอบฟ้า เดโคโลลา แอดเวนเจอร์"<br>''Pokémon Black and White Journey of Destiny Season 2: Decolora Adventure''
}}
}}
</div>


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pokemon_bw/ TV Tokyo] (Japanese)
* [http://sg.portal-pokemon.com/anime/series/s4/ Pokémon: Black and White at the Pokémon official site for Asia]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-z5GPuRlJE Pokémon: Black and White PV]
* [http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/pokemon_bw/ TV Tokyo] (Japanese)


{{anime series}}
{{anime series}}
{{Project Anime notice|no}}
{{Project Anime notice|no}}


[[Category:Anime series]]
[[Category:Series of the Pokémon animated series]]


[[de:Best Wishes!]]
[[de:Best Wishes!]]
[[it:Best Wishes! (serie)]]
[[es:Serie Negro y Blanco]]
[[fr:Cycle 4]]
[[it:Serie Pokémon Nero e Bianco]]
[[ja:ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ]]
[[ja:ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ]]
[[pl:Serie Best Wishes]]
[[zh:寶可夢 超級願望]]
[[zh:神奇宝贝超级愿望]]

Latest revision as of 15:39, 3 September 2024

Best Wishes! redirects here. For the similarly named first Japanese opening theme of Pokémon the Series: Black & White, see Best Wishes! (song).
Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 redirects here. For the similarly named CD, see Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 (CD).
English logo
Japanese logo

Pokémon the Series: Black & White (Japanese: ポケットモンスターベストウイッシュ Pocket Monsters Best Wishes!) is the fourth series of the Pokémon animated series in Japan and Asia and the fifth series of Pokémon the Series in the West. The series is based on the events of the Generation V core series Pokémon games. It follows Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl and was succeeded by Pokémon the Series: XY. It ran from September 23, 2010 to October 3, 2013 (with a special episode on March 27, 2014) in Japan and from February 12, 2011 to December 7, 2013 in the United States. It was not given an English name until after the release of Pokémon the Series: XY.

As with both Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire and Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl before it, Pokémon the Series: Black & White begins with only Ash Ketchum, who sets out to travel through the Unova region and challenge the Unova League with his Pikachu, accompanied by a girl by the name of Iris and with one of the first Unova Gym Leaders, Cilan, who is also a Pokémon Connoisseur. As before, Ash receives a change of clothes. For the first time in the entire show, the Team Rocket trio also receives a change of clothes, but they later change back to their original outfits. Black & White is also notable for Jessie, James, and Meowth not being present in all episodes outside of the clip show episode AG120 and the first episode, a trend that continued into subsequent series. For a majority of the series, they play a significantly more antagonistic role than in any other series, displaying very little humor. This changes close to the end of the series, when they follow Ash and his friends during their journey through the Decolore Islands and gradually regain their more humorous tone from the previous series.

Additionally, a new art style was introduced in this series. To match Ken Sugimori's most recent character art, all characters are now drawn with the new eye style previously introduced in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. This style includes rounder eyes with larger irises and visible pupils. Ash's new design now clearly depicts his brown eyes. Jessie and James have also been redesigned similarly, while also being given a straighter hairstyle. Additionally, the Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny in Unova are designed differently than those of the regions visited by Ash before, a trend that would continue in later series.

With the beginning of this series, many attacks also have had their visual appearances changed. Fire-type moves and Stone Edge are now rendered in CGI, while physical Steel-type moves make the corresponding body part steel-colored rather than white (although this was reverted in Pokémon the Series: XY). Hyper Beam has also been changed considerably, to match how it looks in the games. Starting from this series, the camera pans faster and more often than in previous series. Its zooms have also become faster.

The series also saw the return of Who's That Pokémon? in the English dub of the first episode, and the return of Dare da? in BW061 after an absence of 444 episodes.

Episodes in Pokémon the Series: Black & White are numbered with the prefix BW on Bulbapedia. For a complete episode listing, see the list of Pokémon the Series: Black & White episodes.

Blurb

When Ash and his mother accompany Professor Oak to the distant Unova region, Ash discovers Pokémon that he’s never seen before… and that he can’t wait to catch! He may have Pikachu at his side together with new friends Iris and Cilan, but he’ll still need plenty of new Pokémon on his team if he wants to challenge Unova’s expert Gym Leaders. His quest to become a Pokémon Master just got even tougher!

Japanese seasons

Pokémon the Series: Black & White has been divided into multiple arcs in the Japanese release, similar to the "chapters" of the original series.

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! (BW001-BW084)

Best Wishes! logo

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウィッシュ) includes Ash's arrival in Unova, his meeting Iris and Cilan, and collecting the Gym Badges of the region. Several times throughout the arc, Ash and his friends come into major conflicts with Team Rocket.

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 (BW085-BW108)

Best Wishes! Season 2 logo

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ シーズン２) mainly consists of Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup and Vertress Conference tournaments. Cynthia and Dawn return, and the group meets Meloetta. Giovanni returns as a major character to lead Team Rocket in Operation Tempest, a mission to capture Meloetta and the forces of nature.

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N (BW109-BW122)

Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N logo

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 - Episode N (Japanese: ポケットモンスター　ベストウイッシュ　シーズン２　エピソードＮ) focuses on N and Team Plasma. Ash, Iris and Cilan learn of the White Ruins and decide to visit Cedric Juniper's expedition there. On their way, they meet N and become involved in Ghetsis's plot to have Team Plasma take control of the world using Colress's Pokémon control device and the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram.

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure! (BW123-BW142, BWS01-BWS02)

Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure logo

Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2 - Decolora Adventure! (Japanese: ポケットモンスター ベストウイッシュ シーズン２ デコロラアドベンチャー!) comprises Ash and his friends touring the Decolore Islands on their way back to Kanto. On their way, they meet Alexa, a Pokémon photographer from the Kalos region.

Dub seasons

When Pokémon the Series: Black & White came to be dubbed into English and other languages, it was divided into three seasons:

  • Pokémon: Black & White logo

    Pokémon: Black & White logo

  • Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies logo

    Pokémon: BW Rival Destinies logo

  • Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova logo

    Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova logo

  • Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond logo

    Pokémon: BW Adventures in Unova and Beyond logo

Movies

Main article: Pokémon movie → Pokémon the Series: Black & White

Home video releases

North American DVD releases

Australian DVD releases

Japanese DVD releases

Gallery

For more images, please see artwork from Pokémon the Series: Black & White on the Bulbagarden Archives.

Posters

Japanese

  • A pre-release poster for Best Wishes!

    A pre-release poster for Best Wishes!

  • Poster for Best Wishes!

    Poster for Best Wishes!

  • Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2

    Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2

  • Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N

    Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N

  • Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure!

    Poster for Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure!

English

  • Contemporary poster for Pokémon the Series: Black & White

    Contemporary poster for Pokémon the Series: Black & White

  • Netflix poster for Pokémon the Series: Black & White

    Netflix poster for Pokémon the Series: Black & White

  • Pokémon Asia poster for Pokémon: Black and White

    Pokémon Asia poster for Pokémon: Black and White

Characters

Main characters

Rivals

Supporting characters

Antagonists

Etymology

The Best Wishes title was likely selected using words beginning with B and W as an allusion to its counterpart games, Black and White. Additionally, the katakana transcription of the English word "Wishes" (ウイッシュ Uisshu) contains the Japanese name of Unova (イッシュ Isshu), the region the games and animated series take place in.

"Best wishes" is exclaimed at various points in the series, usually when Ash and his friends are saying goodbye to a recurring character or a character of the day. This carries over even to the dub.

Trivia

  • Prior to the series' debut, for several weeks, previews explicitly excluded Ash, and he did not appear on one of the pre-release posters. His absence was specifically commented on by the hosts of Pokémon Sunday.
  • This is the only series in which:
    • Every main character was a Trainer prior to the series.
    • Every protagonist has at least one rival.
    • No first partner Pokémon belonging to a main character fully evolves.
    • No Pokémon are released by a main character (excluding Cilan's temporary Basculin).
    • No doppelgängers or multiverse counterparts of main characters appear.
    • Only one title card has been used without any variations.
  • This is the only series with Ash as the protagonist in which:
  • Pokémon the Series: Black & White shares a number of similarities to the original series, especially in its first few episodes, including:
    • Both of Ash's traveling companions are based on Gym Leaders.
    • Ash meets his female traveling companion first.
    • Ash sees a Legendary Pokémon in the first episode.
    • Ash's main rival is introduced and receives his first partner Pokémon in the first episode.
    • Ash meets his male traveling companion in the fifth episode, who leaves behind his Gym Leader duties to travel with Ash.
      • Both male companions are the first Gym Leaders that Ash battles and obtains Badges from in that region.
    • The sixth episode of each series features a Pokémon that evolves via Moon Stone.
    • Ash catches the Unova first partner Pokémon in the same circumstances as he caught the Kanto first partner Pokémon: the Water-type Pokémon follows him, the Fire-type Pokémon is abandoned by its original Trainer, and the Grass-type Pokémon is found in the wild.
      • The Fire type's Original Trainer tries to get their former Pokémon back after witnessing their powers, but fails.
      • The Grass type initially distrusted humans, but Ash gained its respect and it allowed him to battle and catch it.
      • Of the three, only the Fire type evolved.
    • Much like the Johto first partner Pokémon, none of his Unova first partner Pokémon evolve into their final forms.
    • Ash caught more than six Pokémon.
    • None of Ash's traveling companions owns or catches a first partner Pokémon.
    • Ash caught a Bug-type Pokémon with a three-stage evolutionary line who evolved into its final form.
    • Ash's Charizard returns near the end of the series.
    • After ending his journey across a region, Ash spends a number of episodes traveling through a group of islands exclusive to the animated series.
    • Ash's traveling companions leave in the penultimate episode of the series.
    • This series and the original series are the only series in which Ash wears his attire for the following series in the final episode.
    • The main heroine from Pokémon the Series: Black & White, Iris, also shares some similarities to the main heroine from the original series, Misty. Both of them:
      • Try to avoid returning to a specific Gym.
      • Debut in the first episode of the series, but are not introduced in full until the second episode.
      • Are aiming to master a specific Pokémon type.
      • Are afraid of a specific Pokémon type (Misty is scared of Bug types, while Iris is scared of Ice types).
      • Traveled with a Pokémon which they kept outside the Poké Ball (Misty with Togepi and Iris with Axew).
      • Caught a Pokémon in a special episode after parting ways with Ash (Misty caught Gyarados in the side story Cerulean Blues and Iris caught Gible in the special episode BWS02).
    • The Vertress Conference shares some similarities to the Indigo Plateau Conference, the first Pokémon League Conference from the original series. In both of them:
      • Ash battles a fully evolved Grass-type Pokémon as his first opponent.
      • Ash wins his first round battle using only one Pokémon.
      • Ash's main rival is eliminated in the preliminary rounds.
      • Ash is eliminated without having had a full 6-on-6 battle.
      • Ash does not battle the winner of the tournament.
      • The tournament ends on a scene of Ash standing in the stadium, reminiscing about his journey as the sun rises and the current theme song plays.
    • The plot of a movie featuring a Mewtwo is foreshadowed before the movie itself.
  • This is the first series in which:
    • Ash actively cycles his Pokémon between those in his party and in storage, though only with the Pokémon he caught in Unova.
    • James does not have any walking Pokémon since the original series.
    • The first episode of the series did not premiere the same day its respective games were released since the original series.
    • All episodes that were originally aired in Japan were dubbed. Previously, the original series had four banned episodes (EP018, EP035, EP038, EP250) and Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire and Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl dubs each skipped recap episodes (AG120, DP048, DP120). There were two unaired episodes in Pokémon the Series: Black & White (intended to be BW023 and BW024), but they were also unaired in Japan.
    • Cassidy, Butch, or Charles Goodshow don't appear at all.
    • Brock, Tracey, or Gary don't appear in person.
      • Brock does appear in the special episode BWS01, but not in the series proper.
    • Brock is not a traveling companion to Ash.
    • None of Ash's traveling companions are people he has traveled with in previous series.
    • Misty's special lure is not featured.
    • The dubbing wasn't handled by TAJ Productions, and the first series to be dubbed by DuArt Film & Video from start to finish.
    • No background music produced by 4Kids Entertainment is featured in the dub.
    • All episodes are widescreen, or 16:9 aspect ratio.
    • Ash's female traveling companion's age is not mentioned.
  • Unova's Survival Crisis!, the last appearance of Meloetta, aired in Japan during the same week that Meloetta's debut, An Epic Defense Force!, aired in the United States.
  • The first Japanese opening theme of the series, Best Wishes!, is currently the longest-running opening theme which hasn't been re-mixed.
  • This series has Ash conduct the fewest Gym battle rematches of any series with Gyms, with just one at the Nacrene Gym.
  • This is the first series to not receive a manga, not counting movie adaptations.
  • This is the last series to date in the dub where the final episode ends with the message "Next Time... A New Beginning!".

In other languages

Pokémon the Series: Black & White


Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2


Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Episode N


Pocket Monsters Best Wishes! Season 2: Decolora Adventure!


External links

Original series (list) Indigo League • Adventures in the Orange Islands
The Johto Journeys • Johto League Champions • Master Quest
Ruby and Sapphire (list) Advanced • Advanced Challenge • Advanced Battle • Battle Frontier
Diamond and Pearl (list) Diamond and Pearl • Battle Dimension • Galactic Battles • Sinnoh League Victors
Black & White (list) Black & White • Rival Destinies • Adventures in Unova and Beyond
XY (list) XY • Kalos Quest • XYZ (Mega Evolution Specials)
Sun & Moon (list) Sun & Moon • Ultra Adventures‎ • Ultra Legends
Journeys (list) Journeys • Master Journeys • Ultimate Journeys (The Arceus Chronicles)
Horizons (list) Horizons
Specials (list) Pikachu's Winter Vacation • Side Stories • Pokémon Chronicles
Planetarium specials • Pikachu shorts
Mewtwo Returns • The Legend of Thunder! • Pichu Bros. in Party Panic
The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon • A Ripple in Time
Complete list • Movies
Project Anime logo.png This article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.
Retrieved from "https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/w/index.php?title=Pokémon_the_Series:_Black_%26_White&oldid=4102575"