"I know how you feel. Nothing's harder than saying goodbye!"
—Meowth
Original Title: Memories are Pearls! Friendship is a Diamond!!
Original Airdate: September 9, 2010
US Airdate: February 5, 2011
Saying goodbye is always hard.
It's time for the Sinnoh twerps to part ways, as Dawn continues her journey to be a top Pokémon Coordinator, Brock begins his journey as a Pokémon Doctor, and Ash prepares to return home for a respite before he continues his journey to be a Pokémon Master. But Piplup isn't quite ready for the adventure to end.
This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- Bittersweet Ending: Especially for Piplup, who takes Ash and Pikachu's impending departure very hard. That said, Dawn assures him they'll see Ash and Pikachu again someday, and the bond between the group remains unbroken.
- Character Development: Team Rocket trio return to Team Rocket HQ and become an A-Rank agents and get a more serious role.
- Curbstomp Battle: The heroes deliver one to Team Rocket, who decided to plot a Pokemon stealing scheme at the most inappropriate time.
- End of an Age: This episode marks the end of Brock's tenure as a companion as well the anime's original art style and soundtrack. Given that the show was significantly retooled from that point onward, it's also the end of an era for the anime's overall direction.
- The Fellowship Has Ended:
- With Dawn continuing her journey separately, and Brock seeking a new destiny as a Pokémon doctor, Ash will have to head to Unova on his own.
- Brock's departure, especially after 4 generations. Aside from Pikachu, he's been Ash's most consistent companion, so his departure hammers home that this is a new era for the show going forward.
- Grand Finale: The final episode of the Diamond & Pearl series.
- Last Episode Theme Reprise:
- "Tears, After the Cloudy Weather" plays during the emotional climax of this episode, much like it played for the emotional climax of "Pokémon — I Choose You!".
- In the Japanese version, the original version of "Together" plays during the battle between Cynthia and Flint, the first opening theme for Diamond and Pearl. In the dub, it's replaced with an extended version of "We Will Carry On!", the current theme for Sinnoh League Victors.
- Moment Killer: Meowth decides to invade Pikachu, Piplup, and Togekiss's emotional moment.
- Last Episode, New Character: Matori is introduced in this episode, a character who would go on to play a larger role in the subsequent series.
- Please, Don't Leave Me: What Piplup is saying to Pikachu when finally cornered and forced to say goodbye.
- Put on a Bus: All of Ash's companions this time.
- Dawn departs from Ash and Brock, not joining them on the boat. Dawn would go onto appear in a nine-episode return arc in Best Wishes.
- After 4 seasons, Brock officially part ways with Ash. Brock would later return for 3 appearances: One in the special Best Wishes episode with Cilan (Japan only) which does not include Ash, and two guest appearances in the main Sun & Moon series and later rejoining Ash for one last run in Aim to Be A Master.
- Series Fauxnale: While the Merchandise-Driven nature of the Pokémon franchise meant the anime obviously wasn't ending anytime soon, this episode has a much clearer sense of closure than the ones before it. It's the first series where Ash simply returns home instead of starting another new journey, a trend that would be repeated in future finales such as those from the XY and Sun and Moon series.
- Sequel Hook: Downplayed. The episode lacks any hints of Ash heading to Unova, and for the first time simply ends with him heading home to Pallet Town. There are hints that something serious is about to go down with Team Rocket, albeit very vague, and nothing concrete is established. However, the ending text "Next Time...A New Beginning" makes it clear the series as a whole is far from over.
- Throw the Dog a Bone: Word of Jessie, James, and Meowth's involvement in the downfall of Team Galactic got to Giovanni, and he sends them a note via Delibird courier ordering them to return to Team Rocket HQ for a promotion and new assignment.
- Too Kinky to Torture: Team Rocket don't seem too upset about being blasted off, due to their upcoming promotion in Unova.
