The final scene is a tear-jerker: Ash looks out the plane window as Solgaleo appears in the clouds, racing alongside the aircraft for one final "Alola!" salute. Why it Works
(grinning) “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean goodbye forever! Alola will always be my second home.”
receives orders to return to HQ, leading to a tearful goodbye with their Alolan Pokémon (Bewear and Mimikyu), whom they leave behind for their own safety and happiness.
Episode 146 serves as the emotional and narrative climax of the entire Sun & Moon saga. Airing as the penultimate episode of the series (preceding the finale, "Thank You, Alola!"), this installment concludes the drawn-out farewell arc of Ash Ketchum’s partner, Poipole. It is an episode defined by heartwarming reunions, tearful goodbyes, and the ultimate evolution of one of Ash’s most unique Ultra Beast companions. Pokemon Sun and Moon -Dub- Episode 146
Are you interested in the between the Japanese and English dub finales?
A breakdown of the in the Sun & Moon English dub theme songs.
A few useful points about this episode:
After winning the first-ever Alola League, Ash decides to return to Pallet Town to start a new adventure. He leaves his Alolan Pokémon in the care of Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet. Lillie’s Quest:
Throughout the episode, Ash carries his own heavy secret. He has decided to return to his home region of Kanto and his hometown of Pallet Town to begin a brand-new adventure, but he struggles to find the words to tell his Alolan family. This emotional core of the episode is mirrored by Team Rocket, who are also preparing for a departure of their own. Following orders from their boss, Giovanni, to return to Team Rocket HQ, Jessie and James are forced to make the difficult decision to leave their beloved Alolan Pokémon—Jessie's Mimikyu and James's Mareanie—behind in the region they have come to call home.
(smiling softly) “You taught us that being strong means relying on each other.” The final scene is a tear-jerker: Ash looks
This episode marks the end of Ash's journey in Alola before transitioning to the Pokémon Journeys Major Plot Points
A brief, silent appearance by the island deity acknowledges Ash’s growth from a "Z-Ring novice" to a Champion.