Yeah I guess I just don't like terms like "fan productions" used in reference to the show since it slights the efforts that went into the animation. People tend to forget that these are the livelihoods of animators and even if you don't like the style, a lot of effort goes into it to bring out the expressiveness. So to call it cheap really undermines all the effort that went into it, even if you don't like it or can't see it. I think that's why I try to not be overly negative with stuff since I know how much effort goes into anime, one of the few remaining forms of 2D animation out there. And I really appreciate that Kunihiko Yuyama, who has directed every season of the anime and every film, finally gave Ash the win he deserved. The minds behind the anime haven't changed, they were just experimenting, and I think saying that it was no better than "a fan production" isn't really okay. Saying you didn't like it, sure, but I think people just forget that people like Yuyama dedicated their whole lives to make the show. Without him, we wouldn't have the show at all, at least not in the form we know it, for better or for worse.

Either way I'm looking forward to the new season. I like that they're experimenting more with the show and the games. I like that they're trying new things. I'm hoping there won't be too much Kanto pandering and that it won't be just a rehashing of old adventures, but I'm really excited to see where they go with it.