The Curious Case of Porygon: Why This Pokémon Remains Banned
Porygon, despite its digital origins and relatively innocuous design, is banned from appearing in the Pokémon anime due to the infamous “Porygon Incident” of 1997. This incident, which involved a single episode of the anime, led to hundreds of children in Japan experiencing seizures due to rapidly flashing lights and colors. While Porygon itself wasn’t the cause, the association with the episode resulted in its permanent removal from the anime.
The “Porygon Incident”: A Moment of Infamy
The episode in question, “Dennō Senshi Porygon” (translated as “Electric Soldier Porygon”), aired in Japan on December 16, 1997. During a scene where Pikachu used Thunderbolt to intercept missiles, a rapid succession of alternating red and blue flashes filled the screen. This effect, intended to create a visually exciting explosion, triggered photosensitive epileptic seizures in a significant number of viewers.
The immediate aftermath was chaotic. News reports flooded the media, and the Pokémon anime was put on hiatus. An estimated 685 children were hospitalized due to the seizures. The event became a national crisis, impacting public perception of anime and television programming as a whole.
The Scapegoat: Porygon’s Unfair Fate
While Porygon played a relatively minor role in the episode, the name “Porygon Incident” stuck, forever linking the Pokémon to the traumatic event. Broadcasters and producers were understandably cautious. Upon the show’s return, the episode was never re-aired, and the decision was made to exclude Porygon and its evolutions (Porygon2 and Porygon-Z) from future episodes of the anime.
This decision, while understandable from a risk management perspective, was arguably unfair to Porygon. The Pokémon itself was not responsible for the flashing lights. However, the association was too strong, and the potential for further controversy was deemed too high.
A Lasting Legacy of Caution
The Porygon Incident led to stricter guidelines regarding the use of flashing lights and rapidly changing colors in television programming worldwide. It served as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of certain visual effects, particularly for viewers with photosensitive epilepsy. These guidelines are still in place today, and the incident is often cited as a cautionary tale in media production circles.
The incident also highlights the ethical responsibilities of content creators and the importance of considering the potential impact of their work on vulnerable audiences. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores such topics, investigating the effects of video games and media on learning and behaviour. Their work emphasises responsible game design and content creation.
The Porygon’s Place in the Pokémon Universe
Despite its ban from the anime, Porygon remains a part of the Pokémon universe. It appears in the video games, trading card game, and other forms of media. However, its absence from the anime is a constant reminder of the Porygon Incident and its lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly caused the seizures in the “Porygon Incident”?
The seizures were triggered by a rapid succession of alternating red and blue flashes during a scene where Pikachu attacked missiles with Thunderbolt. This effect stimulated the brains of viewers susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy, leading to seizures.
2. Was Porygon directly responsible for the incident?
No, Porygon was not directly responsible. While the Pokémon appeared in the episode, the seizure-inducing visual effects were caused by the explosion visuals associated with Pikachu’s Thunderbolt attack on the missiles.
3. Why was Porygon banned instead of Pikachu or the episode itself?
The episode was banned in its entirety. However, the incident became known as the “Porygon Incident,” unfairly associating the Pokémon with the event. Pikachu is a mascot for Pokémon, so banning it from anime episodes would be unthinkable.
4. Is “Dennō Senshi Porygon” available to watch anywhere?
No. To this day, “Dennō Senshi Porygon” has never been re-aired or released on any official home video or streaming platforms.
5. Does the “Porygon Incident” affect Porygon’s appearances in the Pokémon video games?
No, Porygon and its evolutions continue to appear in the Pokémon video games. The ban is specific to the anime.
6. Why haven’t Porygon2 and Porygon-Z appeared in the anime either?
Because they are evolutions of Porygon, it’s understood that including either of these pokemon would raise too much awareness of the ban, which Nintendo has been keen to avoid.
7. Are there other Pokémon episodes that have been banned?
Yes, several Pokémon episodes have been banned for various reasons, including cultural insensitivity (episodes featuring Jynx), depictions of violence (episodes featuring firearms), and copyright issues.
8. What safety regulations were put in place after the Porygon Incident?
Following the incident, the Japanese broadcasting industry implemented stricter guidelines regarding the use of flashing lights and rapidly changing colors in television programming. These guidelines have been adopted and adapted by broadcasters worldwide.
9. Is Porygon a rare Pokémon in the games?
In the original Pokémon games, Porygon was relatively rare, as it could only be obtained by purchasing it with coins at the Game Corner. Later games have made it more accessible, but it’s often still considered uncommon.
10. What gender is Porygon?
Porygon has no gender in the Pokémon games.
11. How is Porygon described in the Pokédex?
Porygon is typically described as a virtual Pokémon created using computer programming. Its Pokédex entries often highlight its artificial nature and its ability to be converted back into data.
12. Is Porygon based on a real-world animal or object?
Porygon’s design is often said to be inspired by origami, specifically an origami crane. Its geometric shapes and artificial nature reflect its digital origins.
13. Has anyone tried to petition for Porygon to be unbanned from the anime?
Yes, there have been numerous online campaigns and petitions advocating for Porygon’s return to the anime. However, The Pokémon Company has not shown any indication of reversing its decision.
14. Could Porygon ever return to the Pokémon anime?
While it’s not impossible, it’s highly unlikely. The Porygon Incident remains a sensitive topic, and the potential for negative publicity likely outweighs any perceived benefits of bringing Porygon back. If Porygon did return, extreme care would be needed with the visual style to ensure that there would not be a repeat of the incident.
15. What’s the most important takeaway from the “Porygon Incident”?
The incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of media literacy, responsible content creation, and considering the potential impact of visual effects on vulnerable audiences. It also highlights the long-lasting consequences that a single, albeit unintentional, mistake can have.
Conclusion
Porygon’s ban from the Pokémon anime is a unique and unfortunate situation. While the Pokémon itself was not at fault, it became inextricably linked to a traumatic event. The Porygon Incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of certain visual effects and the importance of responsible media production. While Porygon continues to exist in other aspects of the Pokémon franchise, its absence from the anime remains a constant reminder of this dark chapter in Pokémon history.