Tinkatink's Hammer Wasn't Built In A Day - Pokémon Horizons Episode 70 Review - Stop! Hammer Time!

Congrats on the 70th episode mark, Pokémon Horizons! This was a cute episode starring Dot’s Tinkatink. It’s nice that she finally gets some focus, as she's rarely had much attention. I do like when we get episodes like this focused on specific characters. Human or Pokémon, the Pokémon Horizons team really go all out on them.

While I do wish that Tinkatink’s hammer upgrade was shown on-screen, it’s nice that Tinkatink’s evolution revolved around said hammer as it’s synonymous with her species. I mostly liked how the bond between Dot, her Quaxwell, and her Tinkatink were shown. They have a strong bond, seriously. Dot was also very understanding of Tinkatink’s focus on wanting to upgrade her hammer, and she always gives positive feedback to her. With Quaxwell, I love how he's like a dependable older brother to Tinkatink, in particular the part where he got the iron back from Bombirdier. It gave off huge “Don’t bully my little sister” sort of vibes. I also like how Tinkatink’s love for both Dot and Quaxwell compelled her to want to help out with the fight between the two Bombirdier. Her hammer became heavier for her to hold, yet she still wanted to help fight, which triggered her evolution to becoming Tinkatuff and her learning Play Rough. She’s growing up so fast—heck, they even added her to the ending sequence.

I know you guys know my favorite Pokémon is Jumpluff, but have you ever wondered what my least favorite is? It was originally Swoobat, but playing Violet made me develop a hatred for Bombirdier. Seeing how it’s the main conflict of the episode made me excited because I knew it’ll get beaten up. Though, it is interesting how they finally show wild Pokémon Terstallizing in a region outside of Paldea. They could’ve done this in the previous arc… and it’s awful how Dot was thinking of Terastallizing in the wild, but they made it so that she couldn’t. It felt rather contrived to me, but hey, Tinkatuff got to be the star so I’m alright with that. Disdain for the bird aside, I do love how it’s portrayed as the menace it is. My favorite part was when it tried to throw water balloons at Tinkatink who was busy smashing the iron. It threw the balloons three times, and the way the music was going to change into the song that usually plays when something dangerous is happening but didn’t was seriously creative. It then dropped an exploding Pineco, and another one dropped a rock behind Dot and Quaxwell just like it did in the game. I never liked the bird, but I do like how its portrayal lined up with the in-game canon.

I also liked the little details shown in the earlier parts of the episode. like the other members of the Rising Volt Tacklers being at the Community Center to help out with cultural exchange. The baked candy apples from the previous episode make another appearance, as Murdock is trying to sell them by advertising that they make one look cute. Orla didn’t think so at first, but when her Metagross was holding it, she gushed. I also liked how Ludlow gave his candy apple to his Quagsire when it dropped its own. Murdock was right, there really were a bunch of cute moments here. Other things I liked in the episode included the appearance of the Mossui Town Pokémon Center Lady, and the difference between her and Mollie’s personalities; and the wild Pokémon the group finds in their trip up the mountain. The part with Captain Pikachu and the group of Pichu was just adorable.

Anyways, this entire episode was the group being sidetracked from their goal of meeting Briar at the Crystal Pool. Now that Tinaktuff is here, they can finally be on track. I honestly can’t wait for next episode. What are your thoughts on this one?