'Pokémon' Anime Team Rocket Disbanding, Fans Shocked

In the latest episode of Pokémon Journeys: The Series that aired in Japan last week, fans were shocked when Team Rocket abruptly disbanded. The dispanding of the villainous team comes as the series nears the end of Ash and Pikachu’s journey after 25 years.

Already receiving a synopsis for the final episode, titled “Rainbow and the Pokémon Master!,” fans have been prepared for certain episodes in the final arc to provide an ending for beloved characters. But the end of Team Rocket in with the Aim To Be A Pokémon Master Arc came as an unexpected surprise.

Episode 9 of the arc saw Jesse, James, and Meowth reunite with the Pokémon they collected over the past seasons and enact their final effort to capture Pikachu. The intervention of legendary Pokémon Latias puts an end to the plan and sends them blasting off once again. The three proceed to argue and ultimately decide to end Team Rocket officially, going their separate ways in an emotional farewell.

Aside from being shocked, fans have been vocal about the ending for Team Rocket, expressing that the iconic trio deserved better.