Does Ash Ever Remember Mewtwo? The Saga of Forgotten Encounters
The answer, frustratingly, is no, Ash does not definitively remember Mewtwo in later appearances, particularly in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. Despite their impactful initial encounter in Pokémon: The First Movie and Mewtwo’s subsequent appearances, the narrative treats their reunion as a first-time meeting. This raises significant continuity questions and has become a point of contention among long-time Pokémon fans. The original movie ended ambiguously, but implied Mewtwo didn’t erase Ash’s memory, leaving the forgetting a curious plot hole.
Mewtwo’s Initial Impact: A Lost Connection?
Ash’s first encounter with Mewtwo was a watershed moment. It showcased the raw power and existential angst of a Pokémon born from science, grappling with its purpose. The film tackled themes of identity, prejudice, and the value of life, all wrapped in a spectacle of Pokémon battles. Ash’s act of self-sacrifice, turning to stone to stop Mewtwo and Mew’s fighting, was a pivotal moment demonstrating the power of empathy and connection, moving Mewtwo to tears and prompting him to undo the destruction.
However, this powerful moment is seemingly undone by later events. In Pokémon Journeys, Ash and Goh encounter Mewtwo again, and there is no explicit recognition from either side. Mewtwo, still aloof and powerful, tests the pair’s strength and resolve, but shows no sign of recalling their shared history. This lack of acknowledgment has led to various fan theories and explanations, none entirely satisfactory.
Possible Explanations for the Memory Loss
Several theories attempt to explain this narrative disconnect:
- Soft Reboot/Alternate Timeline: One popular explanation is that the Pokémon anime operates on a soft reboot system, meaning each series or movie can exist in a slightly different continuity. Pokémon Journeys might simply be set in a timeline where Ash never had that specific experience with Mewtwo.
- Mewtwo’s Perspective: Perhaps Mewtwo does remember Ash, but chooses not to acknowledge it. Mewtwo’s character is often portrayed as detached and above human concerns. Acknowledging a past connection might contradict this persona or be deemed irrelevant to his current goals.
- Narrative Convenience: The simplest explanation is that the writers opted to ignore the previous encounter for narrative convenience. Introducing a complex backstory might have complicated the plot or alienated newer viewers unfamiliar with Pokémon: The First Movie.
- Memory Alteration: While not explicitly stated in the first movie, it’s possible that Mewtwo indirectly affected Ash’s memory somehow. Perhaps residual psychic energy, or a subconscious decision by Mewtwo to protect Ash from the burden of that experience, led to a form of amnesia.
Whatever the reason, the lack of recognition remains a significant discrepancy in the Pokémon canon. It undermines the emotional weight of the first movie and raises questions about the overall continuity of the anime.
The Enduring Legacy of Pokémon: The First Movie
Despite the continuity issues, Pokémon: The First Movie remains a landmark in animation and a defining moment for the Pokémon franchise. Its themes of empathy, acceptance, and the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition continue to resonate with audiences. The film also highlighted the strength of the bond between humans and Pokémon, a central theme throughout the series.
While Ash might not remember his specific encounter with Mewtwo, the underlying message of compassion and understanding, which was so powerfully conveyed in that initial meeting, continues to influence his actions throughout his journey.
FAQs: Mewtwo and Ash’s Forgotten Friendship
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about the complex relationship between Ash and Mewtwo:
1. Did Mewtwo erase Ash’s memory in the first movie?
No, the ending of Pokémon: The First Movie does not explicitly state that Mewtwo erased anyone’s memory. In fact, the implication is that Mewtwo learned a valuable lesson about the sanctity of life and the importance of bonds, choosing to fly off with the cloned Pokémon and leaving everyone with their memories intact.
2. Why doesn’t Ash remember Mewtwo in Pokémon Journeys?
This is a major point of contention and inconsistency within the Pokémon anime. The most likely explanation is a soft reboot or a change in the narrative direction, where the writers chose to disregard the previous encounter for simplicity or other storytelling reasons.
3. Does Mewtwo remember Ash in Pokémon Journeys?
It’s unclear. Mewtwo shows no outward sign of recognition, but it’s possible that he remembers Ash but chooses not to acknowledge it. Mewtwo’s character often maintains a detached and superior attitude.
4. Are the Pokémon movies canon to the main anime series?
This is a complex question. Some movies appear to fit within the anime’s timeline, while others seem to exist in alternate realities. Pokémon: The First Movie is generally considered to be loosely canon, but its events are often ignored or contradicted in later series.
5. Could Mewtwo have subtly altered Ash’s memory without him knowing?
It’s possible, but purely speculative. There’s no concrete evidence to support this, but it could be argued that Mewtwo, with his immense psychic power, might have unconsciously influenced Ash’s memories to protect him or himself.
6. Has Ash encountered Mewtwo in any other media besides the first movie and Pokémon Journeys?
Mewtwo has appeared in various other Pokémon media, including video games and manga, but Ash’s direct involvement with Mewtwo is primarily limited to the first movie and Pokémon Journeys.
7. What impact did Ash’s sacrifice have on Mewtwo?
Ash’s act of selflessness in the first movie was a pivotal moment for Mewtwo. It demonstrated the power of compassion and the value of life, prompting Mewtwo to reconsider his destructive actions and ultimately undo the damage he had caused.
8. Is it possible that different Mewtwos exist within the Pokémon universe?
Yes, this is a theory that could help explain why Ash doesn’t recognize Mewtwo or vice-versa. There could be multiple Mewtwos with different histories and experiences.
9. Why is continuity so inconsistent in the Pokémon anime?
The Pokémon anime has been running for over two decades, with numerous writers and directors contributing to the story. This long lifespan, combined with the need to appeal to a broad audience, often leads to inconsistencies and retcons.
10. What are some other examples of continuity errors in the Pokémon anime?
There are many examples, including inconsistencies in character ages, Pokémon abilities, and regional geography. Long-running series often struggle with maintaining perfect continuity across numerous seasons.
11. How does this memory issue affect Ash’s character development?
It arguably hinders it. By seemingly erasing a profound experience from Ash’s memory, the writers diminish the impact of his earlier growth and undermine the idea that he learns and evolves from his past.
12. What does the Pokémon Company say about this continuity error?
The Pokémon Company has not publicly addressed the specific issue of Ash’s memory of Mewtwo. They generally maintain a hands-off approach to fan theories and interpretations.
13. Will Ash ever regain his memories of his encounter with Mewtwo?
It’s highly unlikely, given the current trajectory of the anime. However, Pokémon is known for surprising twists, so a future plot line exploring this possibility cannot be entirely ruled out.
14. Is it possible that the Mewtwo in Journeys has a different origin than the one in the first movie?
Yes, it’s possible. The series may be hinting that this particular Mewtwo has a different backstory that doesn’t involve directly interacting with Ash.
15. Where can I learn more about the narrative and storytelling aspects of the Pokémon franchise?
You can explore academic discussions and analyses of narrative structures in games and transmedia storytelling on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This is an excellent resource for understanding the deeper aspects of game and story development.
Conclusion: A Lingering Question
The case of Ash and Mewtwo’s forgotten encounter remains a significant question mark in the Pokémon universe. Whether due to narrative oversight, soft reboots, or intentional ambiguity, the lack of recognition between these two iconic characters continues to frustrate fans. While we may never receive a definitive answer, the debate serves as a reminder of the enduring power and complexity of the Pokémon franchise.