Pokémon Horizons Episode 79 Delayed: Fans Speculate, and Memes Ensue!

The Pokémon fandom is buzzing, and not just because of Pikachu's electrifying cuteness. Episode 79 of Pokémon Horizons: The Series, originally scheduled for December 27, has been officially delayed due to the New Year holidays. Fans will have to wait until January 10, 2025, for the continuation of Liko and Roy's adventures. While delays in anime releases are not uncommon, this announcement has sparked a whirlwind of reactions, speculations, and, of course, memes across social media platforms. Let’s dive into what’s happening.

Why the Delay?

The Pokémon Company announced that the two-week postponement is a result of the New Year holiday season in Japan. It’s not unusual for TV programming to adjust during major holidays, as networks prioritize seasonal content and give production teams a well-deserved break.

However, some fans are pointing fingers at possible production delays, with whispers about tight schedules and the ever-present specter of burnout in the anime industry. Others are more understanding, appreciating the effort and quality the team at OLM (Oriental Light and Magic) consistently delivers.

How Fans Are Reacting

1. Theories Abound

• A two-week gap gives fans ample time to speculate. Theories range from plausible to downright bizarre:
• “Plot-Twist Predictions”: Fans are dissecting every trailer and promotional image, predicting game-changing reveals in Episode 79. Will Friede uncover a shocking truth about Captain Pikachu’s origins? Is Amethio secretly related to Liko?
• “Hidden Messages”: Some eagle-eyed fans claim to have spotted hidden clues in Episode 78 that hint at upcoming surprises. Others believe the delay is a marketing ploy to generate hype before a big reveal.

2. The Meme Tsunami

• Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram are flooded with memes. Some of the fan favorites include:
• “Captain Pikachu Takes a Holiday”: A fan-made image shows Captain Pikachu lounging on a beach, sipping a drink, with the caption: “Brb, holidays. See you on Jan 10th!”
• “Delayed Like a Zubat in a Cave”: Comparisons to how Zubat always shows up when you least expect it but never when you need it.

3. Nostalgia Trips

• This delay has also given fans time to revisit older Pokémon series. Social media groups are buzzing with rewatch discussions about classics like Pokémon: Indigo League and Pokémon: Advanced. This renewed interest has sparked debates on how Horizons compares to earlier generations.

What’s Next for Liko and Roy?

For those not caught up, Pokémon Horizons follows Liko and Roy as they embark on a globe-trotting adventure filled with mysteries, legendary Pokémon, and encounters with new allies and rivals. Episode 79 promises to push the story further, with fans eagerly awaiting developments around Friede’s team, Captain Pikachu’s battles, and Amethio’s plans.

The delay has only amplified the anticipation. Fans are theorizing about potential plot twists, new Pokémon reveals, and whether Episode 79 could kick off a climactic arc.

Community Reactions

We scoured fan forums to capture the pulse of the Pokémon community. Here are some gems:

@PikaFan4Life: “Not mad about the delay. Take your time, OLM! Just give me more Captain Pikachu content and I’m good.”

@LikoRoyShipper: “Two weeks? 😭 I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. Are they hinting at a Liko-Roy team-up episode?”

@AnimeChronicles: “Delays happen. At least we know the quality won’t drop. Horizons has been 🔥 so far!”

Meanwhile, platforms like Reddit are hosting countdown threads, encouraging fans to share predictions and artwork while they wait.

Behind the Scenes at OLM

OLM, the studio responsible for bringing Pokémon Horizons to life, has a history of producing high-quality animation despite tight schedules. This brief hiatus might offer the team some breathing room to polish the episode further.

It’s worth noting that the anime industry has faced criticism for its grueling work conditions. Many fans hope this delay reflects a growing awareness of the need to prioritize the well-being of animators and production staff.

Other Pokémon Projects to Check Out

Can’t wait until January 10? Here’s a list of Pokémon content to tide you over:

• Pokémon Concierge: The stop-motion anime on Netflix offers a cozy, unique take on the Pokémon world.
• Pokémon Masters EX 4.5 Shuunenkinen: This special celebrates the popular mobile game’s anniversary.
• Pokémon (2019): Revisit Ash’s journey with a nostalgic binge of his final chapters as a Pokémon trainer.

Final Thoughts

While the two-week delay might feel like an eternity for eager fans, it also highlights the dedication of the Pokémon Horizons production team. With the extra time, Episode 79 could very well exceed expectations, delivering an unforgettable installment.

Until then, fans can continue speculating, sharing memes, and diving into the rich history of Pokémon adventures. As Liko and Roy would say, the journey is just as important as the destination—and we’re all on this journey together.

Stay tuned, trainers! The countdown to January 10 is on. 💥