The Pokémon series has seen a whole lot of supporting characters accompany the series protagonist on his journey, with the introduction of new characters becoming increasingly frequent. While this keeps the show fresh, there are still some companions we’d like to see back, although we’re glad some have bowed out too.
In this list, we’ve even considered Pokémon as potential companions as long as their relationship with Ash was more friendly than that of being his pet. The list also doesn’t mean that any companions we don’t want back were bad, but rather those who wouldn’t elevate the series further than when they used to be on.
10 Don't Want: Tracey
It was a welcome change when we had Tracey take the role of a new companion on the show as this was the first time fans had seen it happen, but the return of Brock highlighted problems that came with Tracey.
All in all, he was kind of like Misty in that he was the voice of reason at many points and was generally a straight person character without too many quirks. His habit of sketching was a distinct quality, but there’s just not enough characterization here to excite us of Tracey’s return.
9 Want: Misty
She remains the very favorite for most Pokémon fans to this day despite having been written out as a main character over a decade ago. The reason for Misty’s popularity is a combination of the nostalgia factor and because she had the best chemistry with Ash.
It was the “will they/won’t they” intrigue that came with the relationship between Ash and Misty that kept fans talking. Her friendship was Brock was also significant enough to keep Misty relevant away from Ash, and we’re missing her spunky personality in the series. While she has returned in a recurring capacity, it just doesn’t carry the same meaning.
8 Don't Want: Max
He was a nice enough kid whom fans could see as the younger version of Ash, and his role in keeping Brock in check like Misty had was also welcome. However, Max suffered from always being seen as May’s younger brother, and having him back even on his own won’t be much fun.
He could return as a challenger for Ash as he’d promised the latter during their farewell, but that should only be a one-off, and it’s better to keep Max as a fond memory from those quality movies he was featured in rather than return him as a main character.
7 Want: May
Now, here’s one character from the Advanced generation we’d like to see back in a regular role, as May can build upon the development she’d been on before her character was written out. She’d suffered from being deemed a "Misty replacement," but there was definite mileage left in May.
With enough separation between seasons from when she was last a main character, May’s return can be a triumphant one as we see her established in her pursuits. She could now be shown as someone people would want to challenge rather than her be the challenger.
6 Don't Want: Cilan
A boy with a lovely personality and a very likable character, Cilan didn’t have anything wrong with him to be worthy of any real criticism and had a nice few seasons’ worth of a stay. However, Cilan did suffer from being really similar to Brock in many aspects.
He was good at cooking, was older than Ash, had more of a mentor-like role, among other similar habits, so having him back wouldn’t do much to separate how he was when he was a main character. If Cilan would be brought back, people would ask why not simply bring Brock back.
5 Want: Iris
Ash’s companions always start off having something very different about them compared to other characters but usually revert to being normal in personality. Iris was a very nice exception to this rule, as she would retain that wild nature of hers.
It would be nice to see Iris continue her outlandish antics, as these were never overdone and brought in a certain whimsy to the show. It would also be nice to dive into the dragon type Pokémon plot angles that came with Iris.
4 Don't Want: Serena
There have been a lot of jokes at Ash’s expense for not getting the signals from Serena that she was clearly in love with him, and this was an angle used by the series throughout the tenure she had in the story.
Unfortunately, it means if we see Serena again the show will once again have her be all over Ash, which is something we can’t say we’re looking forward to. Should Serena be shown as her own person, then there’s some intrigue; since the chances of that happening are very unlikely, it’s better to keep her away.
3 Want: Dawn
After a few seasons where we’d had a larger set of main characters, Dawn’s inclusion was very welcome as her dynamic with Brock and Ash proved to be on par with the one Misty had with the two previously.
She didn’t bring any drama or weird storylines, and it was great to see a regular character be as likable as she was. It would be ideal if the same trio goes back to traveling again, but Dawn returning in any capacity would bring the right kind of normalcy on the show.
2 Don't Want: Charizard
Yes, we’re well aware that this was a Pokémon rather than a real person, and also that Charizard was one of the Pokémon Ash let go. However, it was never treated as Ash’s Pokémon and was its own thing. Charizard’s rebellious personality was such that it appeared as if Ash was constantly following it rather than the other way around.
Charizard did return at one point in the Best Wishes! series, but it was established as a companion and not a strictly trained Pokémon. However, there was just too much drama where it was involved and Charizard broke Ash’s heart way too many times. Bringing Charizard back as a constant companion would again open up the toxic relationship he had with Ash, and nobody wants that.
1 Want: Brock
It’s a surprise when one considers that Brock hasn’t been a main character in about a decade, but fans will never consider him truly gone as Brock remains the longest-lasting companion Ash ever had. Brock was there through all good and bad times with Ash, and he loved him like a little brother unconditionally.
He’s reappeared on a recurring basis, but Brock is best enjoyed when he’s there in each episode. We’d love to see him re-inject the series with his trademark love-at-first-sight moments, as well as the sensitive aspect he brought when Ash was down and out.