Step apart, Pikachu! Pokémon has discovered its new star, and that glittering beacon is a spherical yellow duck with continual complications. Psyduck is the scene-stealing pal of Pokémon Concierge, a brand new stop-motion animated Pokémon sequence from Netflix and dwarf studios. Like several good Pokémon present, this sequence comprises loads of cute little guys to go gaga over, however Psyduck stands out from the gang. Pokémon Concierge is pure Psyduck propaganda, and I’m right here for it.
Pokémon Concierge follows a younger girl named Haru as she takes a brand new job working at a Pokémon resort. In her function, she should hold the Pokémon completely satisfied and ensure they’re having enjoyable (the concierge to the Pokémon, if you’ll). At first, she has hassle discovering the proper Pokémon accomplice, however after an opportunity encounter, she units her coronary heart on befriending Psyduck, who goes on to be her principal bud for the present.
If you wish to love this Psyduck, all you must do is see the dang duck do something. I really like the way in which it scrunches up its eyes when it makes use of its psychic powers or the look of absolute horror because it goes underwater regardless of being a water-type Pokémon. It doesn’t matter what, Psyduck delivers. Even the way in which it rides within the scooter — it makes an cute sound to the hum of the motor — is iconic. In one other second, you possibly can see it put a daily outdated shell as much as its ear, presumably to try to hear the ocean. Each scene with Psyduck is like viewing a quick, however fleeting second of pure, unadulterated inconsiderate bliss.
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Picture: dwarf studios/Netflix
The Psyduck redemption arc feels particularly notable given the historic remedy of the Pokémon in different sequence. Haru has a Pikachu-print scarf and fangirls over a gaggle of Pikachu that go to the resort. (Hilariously sufficient, one among her co-workers feedback on this: “One other hopeless Pikachu lover.”) However even her love of Pikachu can’t take away from the irresistible charms of Psyduck. When assigning Pokémon to particular flavors of sweet, she says, “And the yellow one is Pika— I imply, it’s Psyduck,” and the once-shy duck snuggles proper as much as her.
OLM, the animation studio behind the unique anime, picked Pikachu to be the mascot due to its recognition with younger youngsters within the early years of the franchise. Right this moment, Pikachu is the powerhouse behind Pokémon: Pikachu has been featured within the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for over 20 years. Pikachu was the one Pokémon that caught with Ash from season to season within the anime. It additionally will get to be on an overwhelming quantity of merch and stars as lots of the themed plushies. There’s a Pikachu prepare, and Pikachu even will get total Pikachu parades.
Few others have withstood the all-shining stardom of the electrical mouse. Certain, Eevee has turn into the second-string mascot and Charizard will get to be in quite a lot of video games, however no Pokémon has ever come near Pikachu. In Pokémon Concierge, we do meet an cute Pikachu, however this Pikachu doesn’t get the prized function of being the pal of the primary character. Now that honor goes to Psyduck!
As a child, I bear in mind watching the unique Pokémon anime with Misty’s Psyduck. She verbally abused her Psyduck and overtly hated it. It was portrayed as being unreliable and dumb. Due to this, I form of wrote off Psyduck as a dud of a Pokémon. Nevertheless, I go away my viewing of Pokémon Concierge a modified girl: I can’t ever tolerate any sort of Psyduck slander ever once more — even from Misty.
