Does Ash Kiss Serena? Unpacking the Pokémon Anime’s Most Enduring Mystery
Yes, Ash Ketchum and Serena do share a kiss in the Pokémon anime. However, the moment is famously obscured and heavily implied rather than explicitly shown on screen. In the final episode of the Pokémon XY&Z series, “Till We Compete Again!”, Serena departs for the Hoenn region to pursue her Pokémon Performer dreams. As she leaves, she runs back to Ash, and the scene cuts to the reactions of his companions. It is heavily implied that Serena kisses Ash, confirmed by the series director to have happened off-screen. The visual cue given is Serena’s feet floating upwards as she stands on her toes to reach Ash, suggesting a kiss.
The Ambiguity and the Confirmation
The ambiguity surrounding the kiss has fuelled years of debate and speculation among Pokémon fans. Why was it not shown directly? Cultural sensitivities regarding displays of affection in children’s media likely played a significant role. However, Tetsuo Yajima, the storyboard director, confirmed via translation from Serebii.net forum members that the intention was indeed for a kiss to occur, even going as far as explaining the “floating feet” as a symbolic representation of the act.
The Significance of the Moment
This kiss holds immense significance within the Pokémon anime canon. It’s a watershed moment in Ash’s character development and his relationships with his companions. While the anime has always shied away from overt romantic storylines, the deliberate implication of a kiss between Ash and Serena signals a deeper connection than he’s had with any other traveling partner. This connection is further substantiated by Serena’s open crush on Ash throughout the XY series, her consistent support, and her desire to become a better person because of him.
Why the Controversy?
Despite confirmation from the director, some fans remain skeptical or even resistant to the idea of a romantic relationship between Ash and Serena. This stems from several factors, including:
- The nature of the Pokémon anime: Primarily aimed at a younger audience, romance is rarely a central theme.
- Ash’s character: He is generally portrayed as dense and focused on his Pokémon journey, seemingly oblivious to romantic advances.
- The “reset” button: The anime has a tendency to reset Ash’s character and his relationships with each new region, making long-term romantic arcs difficult.
- Shipping wars: Long-standing “shipping” debates between fans who support different romantic pairings for Ash, particularly Misty and Serena, have created passionate and sometimes contentious opinions.
The Impact on the Fandom
The ambiguous kiss has had a profound impact on the Pokémon fandom. It has inspired countless fanfictions, fan art, and discussions analyzing the nature of Ash and Serena’s relationship. It has also served as a catalyst for further exploration of romance and relationships within the Pokémon universe by fans.
Understanding the Context
To fully appreciate the kiss, one must understand the context of the Pokémon XY&Z series. Serena’s journey is intricately tied to Ash’s influence. She initially joins him on his travels because of a chance encounter during their childhood, fueled by a desire to find her own path and repay him for his kindness. Her growth as a Pokémon Performer is directly inspired by Ash’s dedication and never-give-up attitude.
A Mature Choice
Ultimately, choosing to imply rather than explicitly show the kiss was a mature and arguably more effective storytelling decision. It allowed the writers to acknowledge the romantic subtext between Ash and Serena without alienating their younger audience or compromising the core values of the Pokémon franchise. It is a memorable and significant moment that sparked a deep and long-lasting impact on the show’s audience, and is a great example of how games and related media like animated TV series can be used to explore various themes and topics that can create interesting learning and discussion opportunities as is promoted by organizations like the Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Ash and Serena’s relationship and the infamous kiss:
1. What episode does Serena kiss Ash?
The implied kiss occurs in the final episode of Pokémon XY&Z, episode 47 (Episode 140 Overall), titled “Till We Compete Again!”.
2. Was the kiss censored?
Yes, the kiss was deliberately obscured. Instead of showing the kiss directly, the scene focuses on the reactions of Ash’s other companions and uses Serena’s “floating feet” to imply what is happening off-screen.
3. Has the kiss been officially confirmed?
Yes, storyboard director Tetsuo Yajima confirmed in an interview (translated by Serebii.net forum members) that the intention was for Serena to kiss Ash.
4. Why wasn’t the kiss shown on screen?
Cultural sensitivities and the target audience of the Pokémon anime (primarily children) are the most likely reasons for the decision to obscure the kiss.
5. Is Serena Ash’s girlfriend?
The anime never explicitly states that Ash and Serena are in a romantic relationship. However, Serena clearly harbors romantic feelings for Ash, and the implied kiss suggests a mutual connection.
6. Does Ash have feelings for Serena?
While Ash is often portrayed as oblivious to romance, his reaction after the kiss (described as “Surprised Awe”) and his willingness to listen to her as they say goodbye suggest a deeper appreciation for Serena than he has shown for most of his other female companions.
7. Is Serena Ash’s first kiss?
Serena is widely considered to be Ash’s first kiss with romantic intent. He has been kissed on the cheek by other characters, but the kiss from Serena is the only one that implies romantic feelings.
8. Will Ash and Serena ever get together?
The future of their relationship is uncertain within the anime canon. The series has a tendency to “reset” Ash’s character and his relationships with each new region. However, the strong connection between Ash and Serena leaves the door open for potential future developments.
9. Who does Ash end up with?
As of the latest episodes of the Pokémon anime, Ash has not ended up in a romantic relationship with any character.
10. What did Ash say to Serena after the kiss?
The anime does not reveal what Ash said to Serena after the kiss, maintaining the ambiguous nature of the scene.
11. Why did Serena cut her hair?
Serena cut her hair after a setback in her Pokémon Performer career. It symbolizes a fresh start and her determination to overcome challenges.
12. How did Ash react when Serena left?
While Ash didn’t express overt sadness, he appeared thoughtful and a bit surprised during her departure. His conversation with her and his acknowledgement of her goal to become a better Pokémon Performer also demonstrate his respect and care for her.
13. Does Ash remember Serena in later seasons?
Ash remembers Serena as they do reunite in a later season of the show.
14. Are there other romantic hints in the Pokémon anime?
Yes, there are subtle hints of romance between Ash and other characters, such as Misty. However, these hints are often more ambiguous and less pronounced than the romantic subtext between Ash and Serena.
15. Is the Pokémon anime suitable for all ages?
The Pokémon anime is generally considered suitable for all ages. While there may be battles and some potentially scary moments, the series promotes positive values such as friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. For more on the value of gaming and learning see GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.