Only 2 minutes is enough to get me excited about The Pokémon Concierge. In my eyes, the Netflix series is already doing a hell of a lot right
I have to tell you something. Come a little closer. So yes, I now expect you to really move your face to the monitor/smartphone please. I’m just a bit uncomfortable and what I’m about to tell you should stay between us. A little closer. One more step. Yes, good, that’s great!
I’m still a Pokémon fan. And sometimes, when I look at the butt-ugly Nintendo 64 mountains of Pokémon Crimson, I ask myself: Why?
Then there are days like today, when I get up, change my Fukano pyjamas for work clothes, sit down in front of the computer with my Schiggy mug, watch the new Netflix trailer for The Pokémon Concierge
and think to myself: Oh yes, that’s why!
The Pokémon series I didn’t know I needed
The new trailer only gives me about two minutes of insight into this somehow familiar, but somehow completely new world of Pokémon. You know what? Before I continue to pour my heart out here, it’s best to watch the trailer for yourself first:
What the gengar did I just see?
That’s what popped into my head this morning. My goodness, how am I supposed to bridge the wait until December 28, 2023 – when the series starts on Netflix – after this unspeakably delicious appetizer?
What particularly delights my fan heart:
- The story: Finally, it’s not about catching all the Pokémon, competing in elite tournaments or even saving the world (that was only cool in the first movie, after that it got … weird). In the Netflix series, I accompany the young Haru, who starts as a concierge in a hotel for Pokémon and their trainers. It’s reminiscent of the short film
Pikachu’s Vacation
, but there’s probably more to the premise here than in the movie snack that made my mom flee the theater laughing and embarrassing me in front of the other kids, grrrrr… - The look: The series was produced using the stop-motion technique. This is a very elaborate process, which already makes Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio a breathtakingly beautiful film. And
The Pokémon Concierge
is also beautiful! The island paradise gives me a sunburn on the bridge of my nose just looking at it and the Pokémon in wool look are even cuter than they already are. - Enton: Which brings me to the last point, and now objectivity finally needs a top banner, because I’m letting the fanboy hang out: Enton is a star of this series and as the imaginary founder of an imaginary Enton fan club (complete with imaginary club magazine!), I rejoice. When I see the yellow psycho duck waddling around in the trailer, my heart leaps for joy. Finally, finally, it’s not the hackneyed Pikachu that’s being dragged into the limelight.
How much better could this franchise be?
The trailer for the Netflix series also makes me a little sad. Sounds weird, but there’s a simple reason: Just take a look at this screenshot!
Pokémon Crimson and Purple are just two of the many rusty nails my fan throat has had to choke down over the years. And I’ve been really patient with developer Game Freak. Christ, even Pokémon Legends: Arceus I was still somehow able to justify it to my conscience and the incredulous looking Saturn employee.
But every few years, Pokémon productions are also released by external studios. For a comparison with the screenshot above, just take a look at New Pokémon Snap which is also really great in terms of gameplay. Or at least the clearly stylish Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX. And now the Netflix series The Pokémon Concierge
How do you like the new trailer for the Netflix series The Pokémon Concierge? Are you as excited about it as I am or do you turn up your nose and wonder what I and many other fans think is so great about it? No problem, write your honest opinion in the comments and tell me what you hope for the future of the Pokémon franchise!
