After HUNDREDS of episodes, they decided that since Ash had become less brash and he didn’t need a tsundere to check his ego, and they couldn’t change the status quo at the time, that getting rid of Misty for new companions was the right call.
She still has returned more than any other girl in the series, and is returning this season in fact!
>>36569064source.
>>36569196also this, fresh meat for boys.
>>36569660source.
Reminder that Misty just got the highest ranking (of Ash’s travelling companions, losing only slightly to Jessie, a woman) as “most likely to be the best pokegirl mother” in a Japanese poll. She’s still super popular and liked.
