>>33132867Actually, I'd argue it started dipping during Johto when the executives stopped giving the writers so much leeway once the GS Ball Fiasco happened.
After that things started to get toned down and there wasn't as much room for shenanigans aside from the rare filler episode, and things were mostly played safe more and more.
Even Alola is relatively by the books for a setting without Gyms, the only difference is there's more wacky faces and exaggerated reactions to things happening.
