Pokémon Concierge

So long as it's cute and largely family friendly, it seems there are few things the Pokémon franchise won't try, as proven with the latest miniseries put out on Netflix, Pokémon Concierge. This incredibly short series only consists of four fifteen-minute episodes, but in that time it managed to hook me more successfully than most television shows out there.

Pokémon Concierge follows Haru, a young professional who decides to quit her job after a particularly horrible week and become the new concierge at the Pokémon Resort. The resort is a place where both people and their pocket monsters can enjoy rest and relaxation, and the Pokémon especially can let loose in the open wilderness of the tropical island setting.

From our introduction to the resort, we're treated to four different plots revolving around Haru and Pokémon on the island each finding their place and learning to be happy. It's a very simple premise, and something that could easily have become a bit boring if it wasn't for dwarf studios' incredible animation. The combination of clay, felt, and other real elements to make the Pokémon and people in this miniseries come to life is incredible. The level of detail (personal favourite was Psyduck's eyebrows) just makes everything come to life, and you can see why we're only getting four episodes as you watch it. As much as I'd love for more of this series, I know that creating stop-motion animation of this quality takes time, and it'll likely be years before we get a return to the Pokémon Resort.

Whether you're a long-time Pokémon fan or not, it's hard not to want to spend some time at the Pokémon Resort. The use of colour, the charm and irresistible cuteness of it all is such a breath of fresh air, and it perfectly encapsulates what Nintendo wants Pokémon to be about. No battles, no capturing, just chilling out with your Psyduck bro as you wake up to another day in paradise. I also loved the use of Psyduck here, as it gives us a fresh perspective on an often overlooked Pokémon. I wouldn't be surprised if you see Psyduck plushies sell out quicker than Pikachu ones after the portrayal of this chunky yellow fellow.

While you don't really have to dig deep to find the themes at play in Pokémon Concierge, they are wonderfully woven in the 60 odd minutes that you get with this first season. It's all about self-acceptance, something that Haru has to learn if she wants to be good at her job, and a lesson she teaches to the other people and Pokémon visitors to the resort. It's clear, but not heavy handed, so you don't have to worry about being conked on the head with a wider message at the end of every episode. If anything, it just helps the overall wholesomeness and atmosphere of the series without taking away from the light-hearted fun running throughout this show's core.

There isn't really much else to analyse about this show. If I had to find some weak points, I would say that the third episode does feel a bit tangled compared to the other three, which each have smooth, streamlined plots that take you from point A to point B. Also, despite the limited number of episodes reflecting the short and sweet experience I'd imagine staying at the Pokémon Resort provides, it doesn't always do wonders for the show. I would've loved maybe just a couple of more episodes to give us some more insight into certain characters. Then again, maybe I'm just saying that so I can spend more time in what is without a doubt the cosiest show I've ever seen. When the winter nights are getting harsh, I will definitely be heading back to the sunny Pokémon Resort, and I suggest you do the same for some rest and relaxation when you need it.