In episode #11 of Pokémon Horizons, Mollie, a member of the airship crew, took center stage along with Liko and Roy. Revelations about her past hinted that she may be the outcast of the Nurse Joy family. Given the numerous shared traits among the characters, Mollie being a Joy raises intriguing inquiries among fans.
Mollie Breaks Everything Pokémon Fans Know About Nurse Joy
Mollie serves as the doctor on the airship alongside her trusty companion, Chansey. Just like Nurse Joy, Mollie proudly displays a Chansey drawing on the back of her jacket. While Mollie's distinct pink hair initially drew comparisons to Nurse Joy, many believed it was simply a nod to the famous Joy family rather than a direct affiliation. However, in episode #11 of Pokémon Horizons, Mollie opens up to Liko about her past, strongly hinting that she is, in fact, a member of the extensive Joy family. She even confirms that prior to joining Friede's crew, she had previously worked at a Pokémon Center.
Nurse Joy has become an ongoing joke in the anime ever since Ash's second visit to a Pokémon Center. In each town, there is an identical Nurse Joy, and the explanations for their connections to each other have become increasingly absurd. This phenomenon has even extended across different regions, with Nurse Joys appearing in every region except Paldea, which has not yet had the opportunity. Additionally, most Nurse Joys share the same personality, essentially making them the same character. Interestingly, none of the Nurse Joys have been given a first name until now, making Mollie the first.
Pokémon Horizons Is Making Huge Changes To The Franchise's Lore
Mollie clearly distinguishes herself from the Nurse Joy family solely by her appearance, exuding a slightly punky style that mirrors her rebellious attitude. In the episode, Mollie engages in a phone conversation with her family, expressing her inability to fulfill their demands. When confiding in Liko about her background, Mollie discloses that she hails from a lineage deeply rooted in Pokémon care; nevertheless, she consciously opted against working in Pokémon Centers due to the fact that not every injured Pokémon can access such facilities. Mollie's strong determination to aid wounded wild Pokémon seems to have caused a significant discord within her extended family, resulting in her unwavering refusal to step foot inside a Pokémon Center.
Intriguingly, the Orange Islands arc featured a Nurse Joy who passionately cared for wild Pokémon. Just like Mollie, she journeyed from one island to another, offering assistance wherever needed. While there is still much to discover about Mollie and her relationship with the Joy family, this revelation reinforces the fact that Pokémon Horizons is genuinely committed to revolutionizing numerous facets of the beloved yet often repetitive franchise.