Warning: Spoilers for Pokémon Horizons, episode 64Pokémon Horizonshas seen the villainous Explorers return in full force, but the enemy team’s efforts weren’t so much against Liko in this episode as they were against one of their own–Amethio. Despite ostensibly being on the same side, Spinel’s plot seemed to be aimed at killing his rival, making it one of the darkest betrayals inPokémonanime history.
The Explorers as a team have been set on obtaining Liko’s pendant, or as it’s now known, the Pokémon Terapagos. Amethio has done his best to obtain Terapagos, but has failed at every turn, and it seems his teammates' patience with him is running thin. Amethio and Liko encountered one another on Mount Glaseado, sparking a fight over Terapagos in which Amethio had the edge, when Spinel appeared.Using a mysterious substance known as Laquiumon his Umbreon, Spinel attacked Amethio out of nowhere, defeating his Ceruledge with ease and ending his fight with Liko.
After the Laquium wore off thanks to Terapagos' interference, Spinel made a run for it, with Amethio and Liko both chasing behind him.
Spinel’s Betrayal Seems Intended to Kill Amethio
Spinel Wants His Rival to “Disappear”
Spinel led Amethio into a cave system nearby, luring him deep into the cave before triggering a cave-in that trapped both Liko and Amethio deep inside. Spinel used his Beheeyem’s Teleport to escape, and on the outside met up with another member of the Explorers, Chalce, explaining that Amethio needed to “disappear.” Chalce seemed rather nonchalant about Spinel’s sudden betrayal of their supposed ally, more concerned that Spinel had used up the Laquium than about the fate of Amethio.
While Amethio and Liko are likely to escape from this dangerous situation in the next episode, that doesn’t change the fact that Spinel was not only willing, but eager to kill a member of his own team.While rivalries within an evil team have been seen before, like withButch and Cassidy’s rivalry with Jessie and James, and they’ve even reached the point of interfering with each other’s plans, they’ve never tried to actually harm a fellow member of their team before. That puts Spinel on a level of deviousness that very fewPokémonvillains have ever reached.
What Will Amethio Do After This Betrayal?
Amethio’s Ties to the Explorers May Be Weakening
Fans have long speculated about a potential redemption arc for Amethio, and it’s hard to imagine an incident more likely to get him to break ties with the Explorers than this. On the other hand, Amethio has blood ties tothe Explorers' boss, Gibeon, who is his grandfather; it’s possible it could be Spinel who’s overplayed his hand here, and may be facing the wrath of their boss. What is clear is that Amethio and Liko are going to have to work together to escape this cave, and this situation may force them to see each other in a new light.
Such an unexpected betrayal is certainly an exciting turn forPokémon Horizonsto take, and with any luck, it just might begin to open Amethio’s eyes as to who he’s been working with.
Pokémon Horizons
Cast
Pokémon Horizons: The Series follows Liko and Roy as they explore and uncover secrets alongside characters like Friede and Captain Pikachu. Released in 2023, this addition to the Pokémon franchise invites viewers into exciting new adventures with familiar and new faces.
