This article is about an episode of the Pokémon anime that has not been dubbed into English. As such, its coverage may contain romanized Japanese names, rather than dub names.
As of this episode, Ash has reunited with all of his non-temporary Pokémon that he has formally released.
Ash examines a Poliwag swimming on its back, which could be a reference to his Japanese namesake, Satoshi Tajiri, and his favorite Pokémon being Poliwag.
The scene of Ash and Pikachu running from the rain to find cover is similar to that same scene in the original opening Aim to Be a Pokémon Master.
Ash reveals his definition for the term "Pokémon Master" in this episode.
The shoes that Ash wears at the end of the episode have the Pokémon League Expo logo on them, which is notably the same logo that is on Ash's hat from the original series.
Ash and Pikachu coming across a crossroads with Ash tossing a twig into the air to decide which way to go is a nod to the first episode of the Aim to Be a Pokémon Master arc.
Similar to the final episode of the first four series, the usual To be continued is replaced with Next Time... A New Beginning!.
This also marks the first time since Pokémon the Series: Black & White in which this ending message was used for the final episode of a series.
The font used for the text is similar to the text from the original series, with the arrow that follows it.