Paldean Winds #03:
Take a Breath

This episode of Paldean Winds focuses on Hohma and his Quaxly, the third and final member of the trio. I was the most excited about this episode because very little was teased about Hohma’s personality and goals (and also because Quaxly is one of my favourite starters). The very simple plot sees Hohma entering one of Team Star’s bases to get the scoop for an upcoming news article that he plans to write for the Academy. Upon entering, he meets Eri and gets roped into a tough training session which ends with even more commotion, as the base’s Starmobile suddenly loses control. 

Personally, I felt this was the weakest episode of the series so far. Aliquis’ story at least had the advantage to have been established in the first episode. Hohma’s Quaxly evolves by the end of the episode, but the moment falls a bit flat with no time for the climax to build up.

An additional gripe I have with the episode is the choice to include Eri as the character from Scarlet and Violet, instead of Penny. This breaks the pattern of each episode introducing one of the main companions from the videogame.

The same problem from previous episodes remains – the lack of runtime to establish stronger characters – but unfortunately this time the issue is not counterbalanced by impressively animated battles, like Aliquis vs. Nemona.

We still do not know much about the next and final episode, but presumably it will be an ensemble finale. I hope that, having now established all three characters, the final episode will deliver a visually and emotionally impressive end to this unconventional re-telling of the Paldean region!

originally written on Sunday, 3 December 2023