Pokémon Horizons [Episode 121]

Pokémon Horizons Episode 121: The Catcher in the Sky – A Chaotic Reunion with Memes and Mega Mayhem

Let’s cut to the chase: if you tuned into Pokémon Horizons Episode 121 expecting a calm “welcome back” for Friede, you were dead wrong. The episode—titled “The Catcher in the Sky” and hitting screens in Japan on December 12, 2025—throws subtlety out the airlock faster than Friede’s rogue space pod. It’s chaotic, meme-worthy, and packed with the kind of over-the-top energy that makes you wonder if the writers were sipping cosmic punch while drafting the script.

First off, Friede’s back—and he didn’t come empty-handed. After what felt like an eternity (let’s be real, the series loves its slow burns), the captain of the Rising Volt Tacklers crash-lands into the crew’s lives with a new Pokémon: a Mega Starmie. Wait, that Starmie—the one that’s become a viral meme in Japan ever since the Z-A premiere. You know the one: shiny, bodysuit-like glow, and a design so absurd it circles back to iconic. Fans are split: some are cackling at the meme potential (“Of course he’s got a fricking Mega Starmie lol”), while others are side-eyeing the comedic reunion with Orio (“I kinda wish they didn’t go for the comedic route”). But let’s be honest—marketing-wise, it’s genius. Mega Starmie is everywhere right now, and slipping it into Friede’s team? Chef’s kiss for engagement.

But let’s talk about the real star of the show: Captain Pikachu. When Friede and his Pikachu reunite, it’s not just a cute moment—it’s a masterclass in understated emotion. This Pikachu’s got layers: sad but acting cool, like he’s been carrying the weight of the world (or at least the airship) on his tiny shoulders. Fans are already declaring, “I like this Captain Pikachu than Ash’s Pikachu”—a bold take, but you can see why. This little guy’s got charisma, and his quiet bond with Friede adds heart to an otherwise chaotic episode.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Pokémon World’s space program. “What a garbage arse space program,” one fan rants, and honestly? Fair. Losing control? Check. Malfunctioning parachute? Check. Randomly adding a Mega Starmie to fix it? Chef’s kiss of absurdity. The writers must’ve had a field day: “Let’s put a mega evolved Starmie.” “Why?” “I don’t know.” It’s so ridiculous it works—especially when Friede’s space pod teeters over the edge, leaving Liko and Roy with expressions that look straight out of a horror movie. “HAHAHAHAHA,” another fan laughs, “there is actually no way they done gave these kids full blown ptsd.” Diabolical? Maybe. Hilarious? Absolutely. For a kids’ show, that level of dark humor is… surprisingly refreshing.

Of course, no Horizons episode is without its lingering questions. Fans are side-eyeing the series’ pacing: “This series always late about many thing,” one notes, pointing out delays in introducing Terapagos, Charcadet, and Pikachu’s Terastal form. Will Liko get Mega Evolution only at the end? Is Friede’s new look (dubbed “low budget Alto from Wuthering Waves”) here to stay? And let’s not forget the memes—Sharpedonado, anyone? The fandom’s already cooking up jokes about the space program’s incompetence, and Mega Starmie’s shiny glow is fueling a new wave of edits.

At its core, Episode 121 is a love letter to chaos. It’s not perfect—some romantic tension between Orio and Friede feels wasted, and the space program subplot is cartoonishly silly—but it’s fun. Friede’s back, the gang’s (almost) complete, and Mega Starmie is here to stay. Whether you’re here for the memes, the Pikachu feels, or just to see what absurdity the writers cook up next, this episode delivers.

So, grab your popcorn, fire up the meme generators, and get ready—Horizons is just getting started. And if you ever need a good laugh? Just remember: in the Pokémon World, the solution to any space crisis is a Mega Starmie. Duh.

Final Verdict: 7/10. Chaotic, meme-worthy, and surprisingly heartfelt—The Catcher in the Sky is a wild ride that reminds us why Horizons is the most talked-about Pokémon series in years.

P.S. Friede’s new look? It’s growing on me. Low-budget Alto or not, he rocks that vibe.