For a long time, it seemed likePokémon’s Ash Ketchum would go on forever, but as it turns out, endings to the series had been discussed at various points–even by the series' original head writer, Takeshi Shudo. While Ash did get his happy ending eventually, he almost wound up with a very different ending, one that would’ve shown his death.
Takeshi Shudo was the head writer for the first five seasons ofPokémon, as well as the writer for the first three movies. While he tragically passed away in 2009, Shudo left an abundance of information about his time on the series and some of his undeveloped plans on his blog. These blog posts were eventually translated, and had some real surprises.
Shudo’s Two Endings for Pokémon Were Wild
Pokémon Rebellions and An Aging Ash Ketchum Would’ve Been In Store
According to the translated material, hosted onLava Cut Content, Shudo had two very different ideas in store for the end of the series, had he been around for it.Shudo says that he knew that these endingswere unlikely to be accepted by the powers that be, but that he couldn’t think of any other way to wrap upPokémon.
The first and most well-known ending that he suggests was that the Pokémon would eventually come to the realization that they’re not partners so much as slaves, and that Ash’s Pikachu would lead the rebellion against humanity. Team Rocket, using Meowth to translate, would attempt to mediate, but that would only lead to further disaster.
Shudo freely admits this would representthe end ofPokémonas a brand, as it goes against every lesson and moral the series has proclaimed about humans and Pokémon.There’s no question that this would never have been greenlit, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
Shudo’s other ending focused more on Ash. Now an old man, Ash would be looking back on his life and remembering the good times he had as a 10-year-old, and how the rest of his life had been relatively empty. Ash goes to bed, and then wakes up as a 10-year-old again, on the first day of his journey.
Thrilled at a second chance at life, Ash departs on a new adventure about finding himself, not Pokémon.
Contrasting Shudo’s Ending With Ash’s Real Ending
Shudo’s Ending for Ash Was a Little Heavy for a Kids Show
Both of Shudo’s endings leave the series without any possible way to continue afterward; the second ending implies that Ash’s new adventure might well be his afterlife. As far as Ash in particular is concerned, though, there are some similarities between what Shudo wanted and what actually happened to Ash.
Ash’s real ending in the animewas surprisingly deep as well, with Ash spending much of his final episode contemplating his dream of being a master and what that means.Ash ultimately decides that it wasn’t battles or catching Pokémon that mattered, but the relationships he built along the way, with people and Pokémon.
The true ending helped maintain the series' themes of having actual relationships with Pokémon, and the value that they offer.
The true ending helped maintain the series' themes of having actual relationships with Pokémon, and the value that they offer. Both Shudo’s ending and Ash’s real ending conclude with Ash setting out on a new journey, albeit one that will take place offscreen. Shudo’s ending is definitely sadder, though, as it implies Ash peaked at 10 years old.
While there was little chance of either of these endings ever being made, the fact that the series' head writer considered them so seriously is enough to make them worth further pondering. How differently wouldPokémonbe remembered if Shudo had his way? The world may never know, but it’s surely a wild thing to think about.
