When Episode 140 aired, it was praised for its frantic pacing and high animation quality. Fans who had complained that the Alola League lacked the "world at stake" feel of the Team Flare arc in Pokémon XY were treated to a movie-level threat squeezed into a weekly television episode.
This episode serves as the final precursor to the much-anticipated exhibition match between Ash and Professor Kukui in Episode 141. Kukui exhibition match?
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This episode is often praised for giving the entire supporting cast a "moment to shine." Unlike many previous series where the final battle is handled solely by Ash, this episode emphasizes the theme of the Sun & Moon anime: friendship and community. Every student from the Pokémon School contributes to the victory.
emerge from Ultra Wormholes, forcing the Alolan heroes into three distinct fronts to defend the stadium: The Kahunas and Tapus: Pokemon Sun Moon Episode 140
The celebration of Ash's victory is interrupted by three Guzzlord (known as Akuziking in Japanese) appearing from Ultra Wormholes.
The Sun & Moon anime style was initially controversial for its loose, expressive art style compared to the rigid, sharp lines of the previous XY&Z series. However, Episode 140 is a prime example of why this art direction was chosen. The fluidity of movement during the Z-Move sequences and the sheer impact of physical collisions are rendered with breathtaking kinetic energy. The animators maximize the squash-and-stretch techniques to make the moves feel incredibly powerful and unpredictable. The Cultural Impact of the Exhibition Match
9/10 – A perfect blend of lore and action.
This post contains major plot details for Episode 140 of Pokémon Sun & Moon . When Episode 140 aired, it was praised for
If you'd like, I can: Compare this battle to the final fight in Pokemon Journeys Break down the stats of Naganadel's return List the best, most-iconic moments from the Alola League Let me know how you'd like to continue this deep dive ! Pokemon Sun and Moon Episode 140 (Recap & Review)
The episode culminates in a massive cooperative effort where the trainers use various Z-Moves to send the Guzzlord back through the wormholes. "Solid Paper" Connection
Fans generally regarded this episode as one of the highlights of the later part of the Sun & Moon series, offering a nice balance of high-stakes action and lighthearted comedy, notes a Reddit discussion . Conclusion
The turning point of the episode comes when Ash realizes that standard moves will not work. He suggests a coordinated attack using Z-Moves. This leads to a spectacular sequence where every active trainer on the field performs their Z-Move pose simultaneously. Kukui exhibition match
This episode is a great example of Sun & Moon balancing slice-of-life with plot progression. While the "Akuzi Brothers" are mostly comic relief villains (and a clever nod to Team Rocket's disguises), the real heart comes from Kiawe and Mimo's relationship. Watching Kiawe struggle between pushing his sister hard and protecting her is genuinely touching.
Kiawe, Lana, Lillie, Mallow, Sophocles, and Gladion coordinate their attacks to contain the second Guzzlord.
Ash and his friends head to Wela Volcano Park to help their new acquaintance, Kiawe's little sister, Mimo, train for her upcoming island challenge. But things heat up when the troublesome Akuzi Brothers (Team Rocket in disguise) arrive, looking to steal rare Fire-type Pokémon. Meanwhile, a strange rumor spreads about a legendary "storm" appearing near the volcano—something that excites and unnerves Kiawe. The episode delivers solid character moments for Kiawe as a protective older brother, and ends with a mysterious silhouette hinting at the return of a certain Legendary Pokémon. A fun, warm-hearted (pun intended) prelude to the climax of the Alola arc.
This is the main event. Ash and the Masked Royal find themselves trapped on the docks with the third Guzzlord. The Masked Royal's Lucario valiantly fights back but is eventually defeated as the Ultra Wormhole begins to close. With no Electric-type Pokémon to strike the Guzzlord's weakness, hope seems lost.