For more details on the series' conclusion, you can check the episode guides on platforms like Bulbagarden or Pokemon.com .
Read a comprehensive breakdown of major events and trivia on Bulbapedia
After three years, 146 episodes, and a journey filled with island trials, Z-Moves, and the formation of unforgettable friendships, the Alola region prepared to say goodbye. On March 7, 2020, the English dub of the Pokémon anime aired its final episode of the Sun & Moon series, officially titled It was a landmark episode that not only marked the end of a beloved era for Ash and Pikachu but also served as a significant transition point for the franchise itself. Let's take a deep dive into this momentous finale.
Tapu Koko leads the group to the peak. Other guardians — Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini — appear in a circle.
Commits to training under Kahuna Olivia to eventually become a Kahuna himself. Pokemon Sun and Moon -Dub- Episode 146
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon – Ultra Legends (Season 22)
Thank You, Alola! The Journey Continues! is the 146th and final episode of the Pokémon Sun & Moon
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"Thank You, Alola! The Journey Continues!" stands as one of the most satisfying conclusions in anime history. It balanced the bittersweet nature of goodbyes with an overwhelming sense of optimism for the future. For Ash Ketchum, it wasn't just the end of a school year—it was the launching pad for the final arc of his decades-long quest to become a Pokémon Master. For more details on the series' conclusion, you
“But Ash isn’t backing down!”
Following orders from headquarters, Jessie, James, and Meowth leave Alola to return to Kanto. They leave their Pokémon (Mimikyu and Mareanie) with Bewear and Stufful to ensure they stay safe. The Professors' Future:
The central conflicts are subtle. Ash struggles with how to tell his Alolan family and friends of his decision to return to the Kanto region. However, before he can make his announcement, his friend Lillie shares her own plans to journey with her family to find her missing father, Lusamine, with the help of the Mythical Pokémon, Magearna. News of her impending departure prompts the group to organize a surprise farewell, inadvertently setting the stage for their collective goodbyes.
dedicates himself to rigorous training under Island King Olivia, aiming to become an Island King himself one day. A Surprise Farewell Let's take a deep dive into this momentous finale
However, by Episode 146, the series earned immense praise for its deep character development and emotional maturity. This finale cemented Alola not just as another region Ash visited, but as a true second home where he formed a found family. It set the stage perfectly for the globe-trotting journey that followed in Pokémon Journeys .
The emotional climax of the English dub features Team Rocket (Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet). Ordered by Giovanni to return to the Kanto headquarters, they are forced to leave their beloved Alolan Pokémon—Mimikyu, Mareanie, Stufful, and Bewear—behind. In a touching twist, the overprotective Bewear, who spent the entire series aggressively capturing Team Rocket to save them from blasting off, gives them a warm, tearful embrace goodbye instead of stopping their departure.
Furthermore, the episode sets up the final four episodes of the Sun & Moon series by having everyone promise to meet again at Kukui and Burnet’s house. This framing device makes the eventual finale feel earned rather than rushed.