It is almost impossible to find anyone who is not at least somewhat familiar with the world and, most importantly, the creatures of Pokémon. Ever since it was first introduced back in the late 1990s, Pokémon has grown to become one of the most popular and recognizable franchises, spawning not just a massive collection of games but multiple animated movies, an ongoing and popular anime series, and even a live-action film starring Ryan Reynolds.
Pokémon has remained so prevalent within popular culture to this day because of its cute, warm, and nostalgic charm that can put a smile on anyone’s face. Removing all the battles, stats, and other gameplay-centered features, at its core, Pokémon has always been about audiences projecting themselves onto a young character who goes on a fantastical journey with their trusty and friendly Pokémon by their side while meeting new Pokémon to catch and befriend along the way.
It’s an exciting yet comforting premise that has been predominantly embraced by most, if not all, Pokémon-related media, and the latest Pokémon anime series, Pokémon Concierge, is certainly no different. Streaming on Netflix, Pokémon Concierge is a stop-motion animated series that follows a young woman named Haru who, after a series of disappointments after disappointments, decides to take a job as a concierge at the Pokémon resort where both humans and Pokémon go to relax and have fun. Initially stressed, uptight, and worrisome, Haru gradually learns to relax with the help of her friends and colleagues Alisa, Tyler, and Ms. Watanabe, as well as her trusty Pokémon, Psyduck.
Unlike previous Pokémon media, Pokémon Concierge does not feature battles, Gym Leaders, or encounters with evil criminal organizations like Team Rocket or Team Galactic. There are hardly any action scenes in the Netflix series, instead prioritizing telling a simple, heartwarming story about a woman who works at a resort filled with cool and cute Pokémon while also learning to relax and have fun herself. This is a show that is more focused on vibes and moments that will make you go “aww” instead of the epic Pokémon battles that fans of the series typically come to expect with this franchise, and that not only is what makes Pokémon Concierge stand out but also is what makes the show truly special.
As mentioned before, Pokémon Concierge is an incredibly simple and straightforward show. No over-complicated, world-ending plots involve Mewtwo creating clones of all original 151 Pokémon believing that his clones are superior. There are no overarching goals of a trainer going to the Pokémon League in each region hoping to win a single tournament and become a Pokémon master. There aren’t any Team Rocket members, and a talking Meowth hiding in the bushes hoping to kidnap the Pokémon on the resort. It is simply a short-and-sweet, 4-episode (each being less than 15 minutes) series about characters vacationing on a tropical beach with cute Pokémon. That is all the show attempts to be because the show doesn’t have to be anything more than that.
It is simply a feel-good show that embodies a warm hug, feeling more reminiscent at times of an Aardman Animations project or lo-fi than any traditional Pokémon entry that fans of the series may be used to. In the end, there is very little to say about Pokémon Concierge, not because the show lacks any substance or meat, but because it’s a show that speaks for itself. It’s a show that is more about connecting with your heart than your brain, and there is a real value and need for shows like that. Yes, Pokémon Concierge may not be the most complex or deeply plotted show, nor is it a series that will need to be rewatched and analyzed like other shows. It is an anime full of heart, and that is easily its best trait. Watching Haru and her friends enjoy themselves at the resort with Pokémon, eating and playing together, is a rich experience that both adults and kids can connect with, and while this will by no means be the best show of 2024, it is still worth watching.
Rating: 6/10