Brief Summary
In this 50th episode of Silph Radio, Nathan is joined by Marcus Wolford to discuss "Pokemon: The First Movie - Mewtwo Strikes Back." They explore the movie's themes of slavery, identity, and the value of life, while also sharing personal anecdotes about their experiences with Pokemon. They also discuss the cultural impact of Pokemon, its initial backlash, and its lasting appeal.
- The movie explores themes of slavery and identity through Mewtwo's character.
- Personal anecdotes highlight the cultural impact and emotional connection to Pokemon.
- The discussion includes the movie's score, animation, and its place in anime history.
Intro
Nathan expresses gratitude to listeners, fans, and contributors for the show's success, highlighting Veronica Taylor's (voice of Ash Ketchum) introduction as a dream come true. He acknowledges the contributions of co-hosts and guest hosts, expressing excitement for the next 50 episodes. The special 50th episode will focus on the first Pokemon movie, "Mewtwo Strikes Back," featuring Marcus Wolford, a published author and podcast host.
Guest Intro
Marcus Wolford expresses his honor to be on the show for the 50th episode, emphasizing his passion for Pokemon, particularly the first movie, and acknowledges the cultural impact of having Veronica Taylor introduce the show. He thanks Nathan for the opportunity to discuss something he loves. Listeners can hear more of Marcus on the "Fair Enough" podcast.
Movie Intro
The hosts transition into discussing "Pokemon: The First Movie," originally titled "Pocket Monsters the Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back" in Japan. Released in Japan in 1998 and in America in 1999 with the short "Pikachu's Vacation," the movie held cultural significance for the hosts during their college and high school years. They reminisce about engaging in Pokemon battles and watching the show, despite some cultural backlash at the time.
Personal Connection
Marcus shares a personal story about how his interest in Pokemon waned as he became more interested in girls, marking it as the end of his innocence. He recalls taking his four-year-old daughter to see the movie in theaters and both of them crying, emphasizing the emotional impact of the film. Nathan recounts how a difficult breakup led him back to Pokemon and his Gameboy.
Ash's Loss
Nathan explains that he stopped watching Pokemon when Ash lost to Gary in the league, which was emotionally devastating. Marcus describes intense Pokemon battles with a friend, including entering a "spectral world" to enhance their battles. He also shares memories of carrying painted Pokeballs and wearing a link cable necklace in eighth grade.
Slavery Theme
The discussion shifts to the movie's themes, particularly the idea of slavery, as Mewtwo continuously refers to himself as a slave. Marcus mentions a Japanese radio drama and a 10-minute prequel, "The Origins of Mewtwo," which detail Mewtwo's creation. They plan to discuss the origins of Mewtwo and the character Amber.
Amber's Story
The hosts discuss Amber, Mr. Fuji's daughter, who communicates with a young Mewtwo telepathically in the prequel. Her dialogue about stars providing light so we don't feel alone is highlighted as particularly poetic and impactful. Giovanni funds the cloning research to create a Mew clone for his own purposes.
Mewtwo's Trauma
The death of Amber deeply affects Mewtwo, marking the beginning of his transformation. His question, "These tears, what are they good for?" is seen as a pivotal moment. In the Japanese version, Mewtwo is not focused on destroying humanity but is angry and wants to test his strength.
Mewtwo's Manga
The hosts discuss a manga adaptation of "Mewtwo Strikes Back" by Toshihiro Ono, noting differences from the movie. In the manga, Dr. Fuji befriends Mew before betraying it. Amber's death sparks Mewtwo's awakening and destruction of the lab. Mewtwo questions his identity, echoing a theme found in literature.
Giovanni's Manipulation
Giovanni approaches Mewtwo amidst the destruction, offering partnership and a way to focus his powers. He provides Mewtwo with metal armor that suppresses his abilities. The hosts discuss leaked images of Mewtwo in armor, which were initially thought to be Mew 3.
Mewtwo's Reflection
As Mewtwo emerges, he looks at his hand with revulsion, drawing a parallel to Eve in Milton's "Paradise Lost." This moment highlights Mewtwo's struggle to reconcile his form and his relationship to humanity. The hosts question whether Ash or Mewtwo is the hero of the movie.
Mewtwo's Rebellion
Giovanni's armor suppresses Mewtwo's powers, leading to a montage of Mewtwo overpowering Giovanni's forces. Mewtwo realizes he is being enslaved and burns the lab to the ground, rejecting Giovanni's control. The hosts emphasize the gravitas of Mewtwo's lines and the power of his voice.
Mewtwo's Manga Rebellion
In the manga, Mewtwo confronts Giovanni about suppressing his power and ultimately burns the lab at Dr. Fuji's request to prevent further exploitation. This adds another layer to the story, making it more intense than the anime. The hosts discuss the beauty of anime and its ability to explore intense themes.
Cultural Impact
The hosts discuss the cultural backlash against Pokemon when it first debuted, particularly from the black church, which viewed it as devilish. Marcus shares his personal experience of feeling pressure to shy away from Pokemon due to these perceptions. He defends Pokemon as a creation of a Japanese kid who liked animals and plants.
Invitation
The discussion transitions to Ash, Misty, and Brock relaxing before being interrupted by a trainer challenging Ash to a battle. The hosts note Ash's eagerness to battle. Team Rocket appears with a Donphan, a 2nd generation Pokemon not yet released, adding to the excitement of the movie.
Soundtrack
The hosts critique the pop song cover used during the battle, contrasting it with the soulful intro of the anime. They discuss the English theme song of Pokemon and its cultural introduction to American culture. Marcus expresses his dislike for the pandering pop music in the movie.
Race and Stereotypes
The hosts discuss the lack of diversity in older cartoons and the use of racial stereotypes. They reference examples from "Transformers" and "GI Joe," where black characters were often portrayed in stereotypical ways. Marcus notes the underlying level of insult in these portrayals.
Team Rocket
The hosts discuss Team Rocket's continued obsession with capturing Pikachu, despite their repeated failures. They debate whether Team Rocket should be more involved in the plot or remain comedic foils. The scene shifts to someone watching Ash through surveillance and sending out a Dragonite with invitations to a tournament on New Island.
Manga Invitation
The hosts compare the movie's invitation scene to the manga version, where Mewtwo challenges the champion to a battle and distributes invitations to the crowd. They agree that both versions are compelling, highlighting the badass nature of the series and the movie.
Storm
The hosts describe Mewtwo stirring up a storm to test the trainers' dedication. Only the most dedicated trainers brave the storm to reach New Island. Besides Ash, Misty, and Brock, three other trainers make it to the island, while one girl with a Fearow disappears.
Porygon Incident
The hosts discuss the "Porygon incident," where an episode of the anime caused seizures in viewers due to flashing red and blue lights. This incident led to Pokemon being taken off the air for three months and altered the movie's release and content. The scenes with Mewtwo's origins were added because certain anime episodes detailing his backstory were delayed.
Minnesota Vikings Joke
The hosts critique a joke about the Minnesota Vikings in the movie, calling it out of place and breaking the fourth wall. They suggest it was included to remind viewers that it was a movie and not a regular episode.
Arrival at New Island
Ash and his friends arrive at New Island, where they encounter Jessie and James disguised as Vikings. They are met by a Nurse Joy controlled by Mewtwo, who leads them to Mewtwo's lair. The hosts discuss the ancient Pokemon that follows Team Rocket and the pervy character of Brock.
Trainers
The hosts describe the other trainers present: Misha, Fergus, and Cory. They discuss the Pokemon each trainer has, such as Cory's Pidgeotto, Scyther, Hitmonlee, Venusaur, Rhyhorn, and Sandslash.
Mewtwo's Entrance
The lights go out, and Mewtwo enters, declaring himself the one who makes the rules. He erases Nurse Joy's memory of the last few weeks, which the hosts find creepy. Team Rocket finds the laboratory where clones are being made, and Jessie accidentally activates the cloning machine, creating a Mew clone.
Team Rocket's Role
The hosts discuss Team Rocket's role in the movie, comparing them to Invader Zim. They speculate on why Team Rocket is so obsessed with Pikachu, despite there being other Pikachu. Mewtwo explains his plan to destroy humanity, at least in the English version.
Clones
Ash challenges Mewtwo to a real Pokemon battle, but Mewtwo instead has his cloned Pokemon battle Ash's Pokemon. The hosts express their dislike for clone storylines in science fiction. They discuss the inconsistencies in the movie, such as how the clones are superior.
Mirror Battle
The hosts discuss the mirror battling and the reason why it was necessary. They talk about how the movie is changing up the formula and doing things that you didn't think would happen in the series.
Pikachu's Tears
Mew appears, and Mewtwo and Mew begin to fight. Pikachu refuses to fight its clone, but the clone continues to attack it. Ash runs out and gets caught in the crossfire, turning to stone. Pikachu cries, and its tears revive Ash.
Emotional Impact
The hosts discuss the emotional impact of Ash's death and Pikachu's tears. Marcus shares that he cried in the theater when he first saw the movie. He emphasizes the raw pain in Pikachu's voice and the heartbreaking nature of the scene.
Pokemon Tears
The hosts discuss the lines of dialogue in the movie and how the movie takes an opportunity to troll itself. They talk about how the movie ends and how the entire growth of the characters is right.
Pokemon Training
The hosts discuss the idea of Pokemon training and whether it is a sport. Marcus doesn't like coaches, but Nathan argues that it is the union between the two of them that helps both of them grow.
Evolution
The hosts discuss the evolution of Pokemon and how it means death for the previous form. Marcus expresses that he is not a fan of things dying or changing.
Ash's Sacrifice
The hosts discuss Ash running out and getting caught in the crossfire between Mewtwo and Mew, turning to stone. Pikachu runs out and cries, and its tears revive Ash.
Misty's Role
The hosts discuss Misty's role in the series and how she is always trying to cut Ash down. They also discuss how she never cured her wait until later.
Misty and Brock
The hosts discuss Misty and Brock and how they are always traveling with Ash. They also discuss how Misty represents a girl that's a little older and she's a little more knowledgeable in the world.
Anime
The hosts discuss the anime and how it is a great story. They also discuss how the movie showed exactly why it's endeared for over two decades and that's because it has heart.
Goodness
The hosts discuss how Pokemon is about goodness and how Ash is someone that wants to go into the world and do right.
Innocence
The hosts discuss how Pokemon served as the last vestige of innocence for them. They also discuss how it was a turning point and how it was a crazy time in 99.
Millennials
The hosts discuss Millennials and how they are a great generation. They also discuss how they are passionate about people being their best and getting the most out of life.
Mysteries
The hosts discuss some mysteries, one in particular the original Japanese trailer for this movie.
Trailer
The hosts discuss the trailer and how Misty probably isn't older. They also discuss how the lady who sang the song provided the voice for her in the movie.
Outro
The hosts thank everyone for their support for 50 episodes. Marcus thanks Nathan and says that everything that he's a part of is great.
