Since the first episode aired in 1997, a lot of Pokémon have appeared in the Pokémon anime. The different Pokémon evolutions that a Pokémon can go through play a significant role in Ash’s journey and significant moments in the program.
Because it’s necessary to evolve to finish the Pokédex and stay competitive, evolving is at the foundation of the franchise’s gameplay. A well-known and cherished feature of Pokémon is that multi-stage Pokémon will naturally develop if a trainer takes excellent care of their companion by engaging in battle with them, providing them with a certain item, or completing other requirements.
The show does not depict all of Ash’s Pokémon evolving, though. Specifically, only Ash’s Charmander evolves, although all three of the first generation’s starter Pokémon—Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle—can.
According to a Reddit user, Charizard is the reason Bulbasaur and Squirtle decided against evolving. As a Charmander, it was obvious that they were close friends; an example of this friendship is the episode “Island of the Giant Pokémon.” But as he develops, Charmander loses his amiable demeanor and starts often violating commands, sleeping at work, and disregarding and attacking Ash.
The fan claims that Bulbasaur and Squirtle were shocked by the sudden change in their friend’s mentality and vowed never to evolve for fear of turning out the same. It has been questioned why Charmeleon and later Charizard refused to listen to Ash.
Many individuals noted that if a traded Pokémon’s level rises too much, they won’t listen to their trainers. Technically speaking, Charmander wasn’t traded. Damian, his previous trainer, simply got up and left him; no Pokémon, cash, or things were exchanged.
Charizard’s disobedience might have resulted from Ash’s poor instructions and the fact that he didn’t win his first few badges. But before, Ash had given strange orders that had been carried out. Several remarks on the Reddit thread mentioned that Charmander was mistreated by Damian, which may have harmed how he evolved.
Whatever the situation, Bulbasaur and Squirtle seem to be unwilling to develop since they don’t want to become like their ex-friend. However, as one reader noted, there is another Pokémon—Pikachu—that might have had an impact on this choice and others that followed.
Pikachu is known for not evolving, initially out of disdain for Lt. Surge’s Raichu and later just out of a wish to remain a Pikachu. Pikachu, though, is unquestionably one of Ash’s strongest Pokémon and is capable of defeating Legendaries. Most likely not, given that Bulbasaur and Squirtle were two of Ash’s top performers and had powerful moves like Solar Beam and Hydro Pump.
Additionally, the fact that it is hinted that this is the Pokémon’s decision gives them more depth, a quality that propelled the franchise through its early years.
