The Hidden Menace: Unveiling the Terrifying Secrets of a Forgotten Bug Pokémon

Bug-type Pokémon are commonly encountered early on in Pokémon games. However, one Bug-type Pokémon is breaking the norm and has become a highly profitable target for smugglers in the anime. Vivillon, which is similar to Butterfree in the Kalos region, takes center stage in an episode where it becomes the focus of a criminal plot to make quick money.

Vivillon is renowned for its ability to exhibit a variety of wing patterns, with each pattern corresponding to a different real-world location. This makes them challenging to collect in the games. Some patterns are especially rare and valuable, making them desirable for trading. Exploiting this unique trait of Vivillon, the Pokémon XY episode "To Catch A Pokémon Smuggler!" portrays how these rare patterns can attract the attention of the wrong people. The smuggler in question, known as Dolan, operates a Pokémon breeding operation with the hope of obtaining Scatterbug that can evolve into these sought-after Vivillon patterns.

Vivillon's Rare Patterns Open Up a Dark World of Pokémon Smuggling

Ash and his friends become entangled in a plot when a Scatterbug accidentally falls off Dolan's truck while he is being pursued by Officer Jenny. Upon discovering that Dolan has been keeping other Scatterbug and Spewpa in captivity, they decide to intervene and put an end to his illegal Pokémon smuggling operation. Their elaborate plan culminates in the release of numerous rare patterned Vivillon into the wild after Spewpa evolves. Utilizing its powers, Vivillon manages to calm Dolan, allowing Officer Jenny to apprehend him and effectively dismantle his Pokémon smuggling enterprise.

Although the Pokémon anime rarely explores the theme of illegal Pokémon trade, it appears to be a highly lucrative business, despite the ease of capturing wild Pokémon. The unique patterns of certain Vivillon make them especially desirable in the underground market. Dolan's mistreatment of the Pokémon he possesses, neglecting even to confine them in Poké Balls, mirrors the alarming conditions found in puppy mills. Surprisingly, it seems to be a recurring pattern among Pokémon smugglers to disregard the welfare of their captive creatures, despite their wealthy clientele's likely preference for well-cared-for Pokémon.

Smuggling Makes A Lot Of Sense In The Pokémon World

The concept of Pokémon smugglers catering to affluent clients makes sense - many individuals, particularly adults, may not have the means to embark on adventures to capture Pokémon like Ash does. Consequently, purchasing them becomes a convenient means to acquire desired Pokémon. Nevertheless, as Brock has divulged, legitimate Pokémon breeders exist, operating akin to legal dog breeders in the real world. The issue lies not in the act of buying and selling Pokémon per se, but rather in the manner by which it is done, and Dolan's approach is far from commendable. Although Vivillon's value as a black market Pokémon may come as a surprise, the illicit Pokémon trade represents a seldom-seen dark facet of the anime.