WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Season 1, Part 3, Episode 6 of Pokémon Journeys: The Series "Betrayed, Bothered, and Beleaguered!" now streaming on Netflix.
Pokémon's tearjerker moments always hit hard. Journeys especially knows how to deliver nostalgic yet heartwarming episodes. Its premiere on how Pikachu evolved from a Pichu was a tornado of feelings. "Betrayed, Bothered, and Beleaguered!" which features a callback to Episode 1 of Indigo League similarly tugs on the heartstrings. Like the premiere, Pikachu is the star of this episode. Unlike the premiere though, the unsung MVP's belong to Delia and Mimey for their ability to provide pure companionship to Pikachu in its time of need.
Pikachu's turbulent adventure begins when it notices Riolu taking its spot as Ash's main partner. Riolu loves to battle and Ash equally loves to push his Pokémon to their limits. Thus, Ash has been primarily training Riolu and ignoring his other Pokémon, including his dear partner Pikachu.
This sparks extreme amounts of jealousy and loneliness in Pikachu. Luckily, Delia and Mimey visit for the night, and Pikachu seeks solace with them. Here, one of the most tender and sweet moments in the Pokémon series occurs. Realizing how hurt Pikachu feels, Delia picks Pikachu up and lays the Pokémon beside her. As she pets the Pokémon, she sings to Pikachu a lullaby she used to sing to Ash when he was a baby. To top this insanely cute scene off, Mimey walks in to put a blanket over the two of them.
Everything from the character acting to the warm lighting to Pikachu's soft expression as he falls asleep perfectly sells the emotions of this scene. However, Delia's comfort was only temporary for Pikachu. The Pokémon hadn't resolved its problems with Ash, so when Delia left to go back home, Pikachu ran after her.
Oddly enough, Mimey sometimes also takes on a parental role both to Ash and Pikachu. Here, Mimey serves as a concerned friend and close ally. Even at Pikachu's lowest of points, Mimey refuses to leave its side. Mimey's journey with Pikachu includes a lot of funny and fantastically animated sequences.
Most notably, Pikachu uses its cuteness and shiny butt when hitchhiking to entice a driver to pick the two of them up. Even funnier is how hard Mimey failed to use its own appeal to do the same. Even after the kind samaritan drove them closer to home, the two Pokémon still had a long way to go. Pikachu drags his feet, causing Mimey to carry him. Pikachu eventually feels guilty and allows Mimey to grab his tail for the last leg of their journey.
Starving, the two of them come across a Lum berry, but a flock of Spearow flies over to steal it. Harking back to Episode 1 of Indigo League, Pikachu jumps up with a Thunderbolt to save Mimey. Suddenly, Pikachu remembers when Ash saved it that fateful day. Pikachu initially ignored Ash until Ash proved how much he loved the Pokémon. Pikachu now realizes Ash still loves him even if his attention is currently on Riolu. Pikachu even considers turning back but Mimey makes sure the two reach Delia's safely.
Finally, late at night, Pikachu and Mimey arrive at Delia's home. Surprising Pikachu, Ash awaited at Delia's to relay a heartfelt apology. After a lightning-filled hug, the two eat dinner and head to bed. Atop a Snorlax pillow, Ash and Pikachu share one last heartfelt moment. In the most tear-inducing scene yet, Ash and Pikachu sing Delia's lullaby as they slowly fall asleep. It's rare to hear Ash sing at all, and especially in such a quiet yet warm tone. Pikachu's duet with Ash amplifies the emotions, cementing the strength of their bond together.
