Pokémon: Ash's final episode bringing back Gary, AKA the best rival

It’s been an emotional couple of weeks when it comes to pop culture viewing. If you haven’t been bawling over every episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, chances are you’ve probably been weeping nostalgia-imbued tears over the latest goings on in the world of Pokémon.

In case you missed it, although I shouldn’t think that’s possible, Ash Ketchum and Pikachu are officially being replaced as the series’ protagonists. Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series will soon bid farewell to the duo as Ash has finally achieved what he set out to do. Our boy is the world champion. It only took him 25 years. Since then, it’s been revealed that Team Rocket will also leave the anime series but it’s not the end just yet. We now know that Ash’s final episode will bring back Gary who, if you ask me, is the best rival.

Take a look at these incredible Pokémon pancakes although they may make you feel hungry.

Ash’s farewell episodes are currently in the midst of airing and it’s allowed our champion to revisit some familiar faces one final time. I’m not crying, you’re crying. Okay, I am crying. An upcoming episode will see Ash reunite with Gary, after the duo both left Pallet Town in the pilot episode 25 years ago in 1998.

As reported by Kotaku, the episode is titled ‘Rainbow and the Pokémon Master,’ and will see Ash reunite with Gary after he returns to his home in Pallet Town. Gary and Ash will reportedly discuss Ash’s journey and whether he feels like a true Pokémon Master after his championship win. In case you missed it, Ash will soon be replaced by Liko and Roy.

I cannot wait to see Gary back on our screens. He may be the most genuinely aggravating rival, but’s kind of the point of having a rival, right? Gary is out for himself. You could say, he wants to be the very best, like no one ever was - and I respect that. Our boy Ash came out on top but I’m happy to see Gary get one final moment in the spotlight.