WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Season 1, Part 3 Episode 8 of Pokémon Journeys: The Series "Time after Time!" now streaming on Netflix.
Pokémon is no stranger to specials and spinoffs that feature characters besides Ash Ketchum. Some of these series are among the most beloved in the franchise, like Twilight Wings and Pokémon Origins. There have been a decent number TV specials without Ash and Pikachu, most notably those combined into Pokémon Chronicles and the XYZ special episode with Aila, however, this is the first time the mainline series aired a regular episode without the pair.
Instead, this episode focuses on Ash's partner in Journeys: Goh. A dramatic, bittersweet episode, "Time after Time!" tells a tale of friendship, loss and reunion with the legendary Pokémon Celebi at the center.
During a car ride to Azalea Town for a much-needed vacation, Goh recalls when he and his family drove there three years ago. As he glances out the window, he remembers trudging in the rain, and later, when he meets the cottage keeper Mr. Norris, he remembers his partner Sunflora. With his parents exhausted from work, Goh walks outside and reminisces some more.
The sounds of Hoothoots and other Johto Pokémon cause him to recall a time when he explored Ilex forest in search of Mew, a time when he also made a long-lost friend, Horace. Horace was a lot like Goh — intensely interested in a Mythical Pokémon. Except the Mythical Pokémon Horace was obsessed with was Celebi, a forest guardian and rumored time traveler that can grant trainers a bright future.
"Time after Time!" is just as focused on Horace as it is Goh and, despite Horace only appearing in one episode so far, the series manages to establish his character quite well. It's apparent he is a lonely kid that doesn't have any friends assisting him with his search for Celebi, and though he is well-informed about not just Celebi, Mew as well, he still enjoys listening to Goh glow about the Mythical Pokémon.
It genuinely feels as if Goh could be Horace's first real friend, which means Horace inevitably clings to Goh. When the two of them search Ilex forest for Celebi's ancient shrine, Goh realizes he needs to head back for Sunflora so they can Razor Leaf through the tall grass. Horace panics when he leaves though, worrying Goh may be abandoning him on his adventure.
Of course, Goh is far too honest and genuine to do something so cruel. The two boys venture forth, but the day turns to night, and still no sign of the ancient shrine they were searching for. At night time Sunflora starts to hibernate, making the duo realize they need to call it quits for the day.
Following this, the two boys lie down on the grass and stargaze, a contemplative moment rare in Pokémon. In just one episode it feels as if Goh and Horace have a more emotionally genuine relationship than Goh and Ash do over nearly 32 episodes. The two boys excitedly discuss Pokémon related to space and the stars, like Starmie, Clefairy, Cleffa, Rayquaza and Jirachi. As the night gets cooler, Horace gets the chills, so the two boys head home and promise to meet again in the forest the following day.
But that promise was broken. Goh waited a long time for Horace, but when it started pouring buckets, he returned home. Three years later and now Goh has his own Pokémon he can use to traverse the Ilex forest terrain. Though it's difficult for him to recall his hurt feelings over Horace's broken promise, he pushes forward until he comes across the ancient shrine and an old note stuck inside.
It turns out Horace fell ill the following day, perhaps thanks to the cold night, and was unable to keep his promise with Goh. This incident filled both of them with intense regret, but he prayed Goh would one day forgive him and consider him his friend. Then, in an almost Makoto Shinkai-esque reunion, Horace and his partner Pokémon Chikorita appear behind Goh. Teary-eyed, they realize they have a lot to catch up on. Though the boys don't spot them, two Celebi — a shiny and regular one — watch over their meeting, granting them a bright future.
