December 2023 was a hectic month. On top of the typical holiday shenanigans, our writers here at The Punished Backlog were busy creating some incredibly heartfelt Best of 2023 op-eds. And yet, as we ring in the new year, it’s hard to shake the feeling that we left some equally incredible experiences behind.
Pokémon Concierge is the proof backing that claim. The show, created by Dwarf Studios in collaboration with The Pokémon Company and Netflix, caught my eye back in November thanks to its refreshingly wholesome reveal trailer and gorgeous stop-motion animation. After a few short weeks of waiting, I had my chance to sample the full thing when Pokémon Concierge debuted on Netflix on December 28.
Why the 28th? I have no clue. Between New Year’s parties and packed airports, that certainly wouldn’t be my first choice to generate buzz. It doesn’t help that the show received next to no promotion leading up to its release. (Netflix/Pokémon Company: Y’all got pockets. How about a Times Square ad?)
But don’t let me bury the lede. Yes, the timing was terrible and the marketing non-existent, but I harp from a place of love. Pokémon Concierge may have had a quiet release, but its debut season has plenty to say—and shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Leave Your Stress at the Door
Pokémon Concierge opens on a surprisingly bleak note. Haru, the show’s protagonist, recently went through a breakup and is stumbling from one anxiety-riddled moment to the next. After suffering the last straw (stepping in gum—twice), she leaves her previous life behind and takes up a new job at the Pokémon Resort. Her title: Concierge.
Over four episodes, which range in length from 15 to 20 minutes, Haru learns to let go of her figurative (and literal) baggage and devote herself to this island paradise. Where once she created slide decks for her demanding corporate job, now she’s taking up yoga and crafts alongside Pokémon and other resort guests. Picture Emily in Paris, minus the baguettes and messy love triangles.
A Delicious Dessert…
I’ll refrain from sharing the finer details, as saying more would give away the entire plot. At just 72 minutes total (including those lengthy Netflix credit rolls), Pokémon Concierge has a shorter run-time than most movies, let alone TV shows. Structurally, too, it feels more like a proof of concept than a show with a traditional beginning, middle, and end.
Don’t get me wrong—what’s here is great. Haru’s a relatable protagonist who speaks to many a millenial (myself included). The juxtaposition of her gentle demeanor and manic inner monologues feels like something straight out of a TikTok sketch, and her rocky journey to unwind at the resort will resonate with anyone who’s ever doom-scrolled or chuckled at the prospect of never owning a home. It’s as if Pokémon Concierge is speaking directly to the viewer and saying, “Dealing with some ish? Take a deep breath and count to five.” In other words, it’s comfort food—a wonderful slice of chocolate cake at the end of a long day.
Yet, ironically, therein lies my main critique of Pokémon Concierge: It’s a wonderful dessert (who doesn’t like cake?), but I want a full-course meal. Typing this review took me longer than it did for me to watch the actual show.
…Or Perhaps an Appetizer?
Of course, this may well be just the beginning for Pokémon Concierge. It’s possible the show is just a proof of concept, a la Castlevania’s initial four-episode season, and that we’ll see future seasons. (It’s Pokémon, after all; the anime’s going strong with no end in sight.)
Even if this does end up being it, however, Pokémon Concierge is still worth a watch. As a standalone package, the show accomplishes a lot: It introduces a cast of likable characters and adorable Pokémon, tackles themes like anxiety and purpose, and even sports a wonderful theme song from Japanese pop legend Mariya Takeuchi. Oh, and that animation is divine.
Selfishly, though, I hope people watch it. I need more of Haru and the rest of the resort gang in my life.
Final Thoughts
Pokémon Concierge is a wonderfully accessible entry point into the world of Pokémon. Perhaps more importantly, it’s a welcome (albeit brief) respite for anyone looking to escape the world of our own making.
I wish it were a full season, but even as is, Pokémon Concierge’s vibrant world and uplifting story beg to be enjoyed. Young or old, gamer or not, seasoned fan or new to the franchise, you’ll find plenty of fun in the sun here.
