>>45880656The writers had no idea what they wanted to do with him.
He was supposed to be a more down to earth trainer that relied purely on tactics and strict training, to contrast Ash.
But he also did some pretty reprehensible shit, mainly to Chimchar, that went way beyond strict training.
So even though everyone from his brother to fucking Cynthia knew he was an asshole, nobody besides Ash would call him out because "dude, he's got his methods, live and let live".
