ThePokémonanime is one of the most squeaky-clean, family-friendly anime series out there, and with that comes a reputation for being rather shallow, as such family-friendly series are often afraid to dive into difficult issues that could provide depth to their characters.
Surprisingly,Pokémonhas actually subtly addressed some of these kinds of themes through Brock, though one might be forgiven for missing its implementation.
Brock is introduced as a 15-year-old, making hima fair bit older than Ash and Misty, who are both introduced at age 10. Befitting that age difference, Brock is often the more mature one of the trio, watching over Ash and Misty’s squabbling in the early seasons and putting a stop to it before it goes too far.
Brock is also the main caretaker of the group, cooking meals and providing medical care when needed, especially for Pokémon. Obviously, someone needs to be the cook, so it may as well be Brock, right? But Brock’s role as the group’s caretaker isn’t just something that fell upon him; it’s baked into his character from the beginning.
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Brock’s Family Is the Reason Brock Is Who He Is
In his first appearance,Brock is shown as a fearless and difficult Gym Leader for Ashto defeat, but a man named Flint gives Ash a peek behind the curtain, where it’s revealed that Brock works hard to care for his nine younger brothers and sisters.
He’s shown cooking and cleaning, trying to keep things under control, and still managing to balance his responsibilities as a Gym Leader with those towards his family. In fact, Brock’s responsibilities to his family initially keep him from traveling with Ash, prompting him to instead ask that Ash fulfill his dream for him.
It’s revealed that Flint is Brock’s father, who was too embarrassed to return home after his journey as a Pokémon Trainer became an absolute failure, leaving Brock to raise the family on his own.
Seeing Brock’s situation, Flint gives up his disguise and returns home at last, taking over the gym responsibilities and the family, finally freeing up Brock to leave and travel, giving him the chance to achieve his own dream for himself.
Much later, before heading to Hoenn, it’s shown that Brock’s mother Lola is still alive, and similarly left the family to pursue her own agenda, leaving the kids in Brock’s care.
One wouldn’t generally think of Brock as a character with a tragic backstory, but being abandoned by both parents and left to raise his nine younger siblings all alone as a teenager, all while balancing being a Gym Leader, certainly gives him plenty of claim to one.
It’s not even clear exactly how long Brock had to raise his siblings alone, but the implication is that it’s been years.
Brock’s Parental Traits Come Out in His Interactions
Brock is Often the Adult in the Room
Understanding Brock’s past really does explain his character very well. With the exception of his girl-crazy antics, Brock is always the adult in any situation, often warning Ash against foolhardy plans that could get them into dangerous situations.
While Ash and Misty both seem to appreciate Brock’s cooking, it seems like Brock cooks for them more for himself, as he’s still in that mindset of caring for those younger than him.
In fact, this aspect of Brock’s personality also partially explains his interactions with Professor Ivyduring the Orange Islands arc. Brock falls especially hard for Professor Ivy, in part because she and her assistants really need someone like him around, and cleaning up after them and cooking for them made him feel like a valuable part of the relationship.
It’s actually a bit sad that these acts of service are so entwined with the idea of love for him, and while it’s not known exactly what occurred between him and Professor Ivy, it seems likely she didn’t even realize his behavior was indicative of romantic feelings.
Brock’s ultimate goal of becoming a Pokémon Doctormay also be born of his tendency to care for those around him. Even prior to officially declaring that goal, Brock was often the one applying potions and other needed medical care for injured Pokémon when the group was nowhere near a Pokémon Center.
His previous goal of Pokémon Breeder also had a heavy element of caring for Pokémon to it, raising them from a young age to become exemplary specimens. Whether it’s people or Pokémon, caring for those close to them has always been important for Brock.
Brock is Never Fully Free of His Family
Brock Doesn’t Forget About His Family At Home
Brock’s family don’t just appear in his first episodes, however.Brock parts ways with Ash on a few occasions to go home and check in on his family, who are often experiencing some major problems when he returns.
In one special, for example, Brock returns home from Sinnoh to find that his worthless father hadn’t bothered to report the change in gym leadershipto Pokémon League, leaving it on Brock’s shoulders to keep the gym from being shuttered for good. Brock helps his brother Forrest to become the new official Gym Leader, although by the time ofSun & Moon, he seems to be in charge again.
The aforementioned special was actually never dubbed into English, so many fans may not be aware of thisDiamond and Pearlspecial episode.
Brock’s parents are so unreliable that even once they’ve returned, he doesn’t feel fully comfortable leaving his siblings in their care. While Brock ostensibly returned to Kanto at the end ofDiamond and Pearlto study and enroll in Pokémon medical school, one can’t help but think that concern for his siblings also played a part in drawing him back home (and rightfully so, it would seem).
Brock does end up doing more traveling as part of his medical training, but it seems he’s primarily based out of Pewter City after he leaves, back to looking after his family.
Brock isn’t just a simple supporting character for Ash’s journey; there’s a reason why he takes on that supporting role that has to do with his characterization, giving a greater level of depth to his character than appears at first glance.
Brock is a surprisingly complicated character forPokémon, with a touch of tragic flair that isn’t too emphasized, but nonetheless plays an important role in making Ash’s longest-lasting companion who he is.
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Pokémon follows Ash Ketchum on his journey to become a Pokémon Master, accompanied by his loyal Pikachu. Released in 1997, the series explores Ash’s travels through various regions, where he encounters new friends and challenges, underscoring the themes of adventure and teamwork.
