Throughout his journeys in thePokemonanime, Ash Ketchum meets many characters who join him on his travels. In the original series, it was Misty and Brock, but for other series, the characters are inspired by the protagonists of their respective games. During Ash’s adventures in the Kalos region, one of these companions is Serena.
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During her travels with Ash, Serena slowly grows into one of the anime’s most interesting and developed characters. Along the way, she sticks by Ash’s side for some of the most significant moments in thePokemonanime’s history. She also gets many opportunities to prove her own worth, as seen in these ten standout episodes.
10Battling On Thin Ice!
Following Ash’s defeat by Viola at the Santalune City Gym in the previous episode, Serena introduces herself to Ash and asks if he remembers her. Apparently, Serena and Ash met as children at Professor Oak’s Summer Camp in Kanto. Ash unfortunately has no recollection of meeting her, which disappoints the eager Serena.
However,Serena reminds Ash of the advice he gave her years ago: to never give up until it’s over. Ash keeps this in mind as he defeats Viola in a rematch, earning his first Kalos League Badge. While this episode is a big moment for Serena and Ash’s journey together, her role in the story is mainly just to service Ash’s determination.
9Seeing the Forest for the Trees!
This is another episode that mainly focuses on Ash’s journey, though Serena again plays a key role. At this point in the series, Ash has once again lost a Gym Battle against Wulfric in Snowbelle City. Upset, Ash runs off to the woods, where Serena finds him and tries to encourage him, though the two just end up arguing.
Serena later regrets scolding Ash and goes back to find him, along with Pikachu and his other partner Pokemon. As Ash also regrets their argument, he tries to find his way back, although he eventually gets lost until he reunites with Greninja. By the time Ash and Serena reunite,Greninja has become able to transform into Ash-Greninja.
8Party Dancecapades!
This episode finds Serena invited to a dance party for Pokemon Performers like herself. Because performers are meant to bring a plus-one, Serena takes Clemont, while her rival Miette takes Ash. Since Serena has a crush on Ash, she spends most of the party jealous of Miette. However, the main event is a Tag Battle.
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Ash and Serena are paired against Miette and Team Rocket’s James. Their teamwork helps them win the battle, during which Serena’s Eevee evolves into Sylveon. This episode is a rare moment because not only does Serena battle, which she rarely does, but where Serena and Ash battle together, strengthening their bond as friends.
7Performing A Pathway To The Future!
Serena’s career as a Pokemon Performer leads her to the Pokemon Showcase Master Class, where she and her Pokemon excel. After beating out Shauna and Team Rocket’s Jessie in previous episodes, Serena is up against Aria, the reigning Kalos Queen. The title is up for grabs, but unfortunately Serena isn’t able to take it.
However, Serena’s losshelps her realize what she needs to become a better Performer. She’s also given the opportunity to learn under Palermo, a former Kalos Queen, but she turns it down. Serena continues traveling with Ash, though this offer becomes something lingering on Serena’s mind in oncoming episodes.
6Giving Chase At The Rhyhorn Race!
This is Serena’s first episode as Ash’s traveling companion, following her disappointing reunion with Ash inBattling on Thin Ice!Ash now remembers his first meeting with Serena, as she returns him the handkerchief he gifted her back then. Later, the group runs into a pack of Rhyhorn, andSerena impresses the group with her riding skills.
After explaining to Ash that her mother is a famous Rhyhorn racer, Serena teaches him how to ride one. The next day, Ash sets off on a real race while Serena encounters Team Rocket, as the evil trio try to sabotage the Rhyhorn race in an attempt to steal Pikachu. For Serena’s first outing as Ash’s friend, she finds quite the adventure!
5A Pokevision Of Things To Come!
Some Serena-centric episodes thrive on the pure fun of following her journey. In this episode, Serena decides to make a Pokevision video that promotes her abilities as a Trainer. This episode is filled with many enjoyable moments of Ash and his friends trying to craft the perfect video to show off their talents.
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However, Team Rocket intrudes on their fun, posing as Pokevision producers and stealing the group’s Pokemon, so that Jessie can make her own Pokevision video. Serena finally overcomes her Fennekin’s disobedience and come to the rescue. At the end, Serena shows off her charming Pokevision video starring her and Fennnekin.
4Till We Compete Again!
This episode serves as the finale ofPokemon the Series: XY, as well as Serena’s latest appearance in the anime. Many characters say their tearful goodbyes to each other, including Professor Sycamore, Bonnie, and Clemont. However, the episode’s biggest emotional moment comes from Serena’s departure from Ash’s travels.
Having accepted Palermo’s invite to join her in Hoenn, Serena and Ash part ways at the Kalos airport. After telling Ash that he’s the reason she began her journey, she kisses him,to the surprise of every fan watching. Though Ash is too stunned to say anything, this farewell marks a huge moment in the anime, being the culmination of Ash and Serena’s relationship.
3The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life!
A few episodes before her departure, Serena decides to join Palermo in Hoenn to compete in Pokemon Contests. This decision comes after an episode that shows off how much Serena has grown as a Performer, and a person. Following the reopening of Prism Tower, Serena suggests having a Pokemon Showcase to celebrate.
This episode features a lot of huge moments for Serena as she interacts with her family, her Pokemon, and of course, Ash. The two friends also have their first proper Pokemon battle together, which is called offas the two remark how much they’ve grown. Moments like this for Serena are truly what cement her as one of Ash’s most well-developed traveling companions.
2Battling At Full Volume!
Not all of Serena’s best episodes are ones that cover emotional moments in her character arc. In this episode, Serena is taking care of Ash after he comes down with a fever following some intense training. However, Ash’s recovery is interrupted by the arrival of Jimmy, a rock star who demands to see the power of Ash’s Pikachu.
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In an effort to not disappoint Ash’s challenger, Serena dons Ash’s clothes and teams up with his partner Pokemon to battle Jimmy. Serena charmingly pretends to be Ash as she and Jimmy battle, even copying Ash’s mannerisms and catchphrases. However, when Team Rocket intrudes, Ash quickly recovers to save the day.
1A Showcase Debut!
Perhaps Serena’s best moment in the Pokemon anime follows her first Pokemon Showcase. While Serena’s confidence makes her seem poised to win, her Fennekin clumsily trips over a ribbon. She’s eliminated from the Showcase in the first round as her rival, Shauna, wins the overall competition.
The next morning, Serena cries over her loss as Fennekin and Pancham attempt to comfort her. Serena becomes both determined to do better at the next showcase, and excited about her Performer career beginning. She spontaneously cuts her hair above her shoulders and dons a new outfit, signifying her growthfrom a girl that wants to succeed to a girl who is going to.
