8 Crazy Pokemon Fan Theories That Are DEFINITELY True
4. Ash Is Dead
A lot of TV shows have a ‘protagonist is dead’ theory somewhere, but here it’s got some legs. There is the fact that he doesn't age, although a lot of cartoons have this issue and it doesn't always mean there's a death going on.
In the likes of Family Guy or The Simpsons, while there are minor developments in Quahog and Springfield, it feels like the episodes could occur in almost any order without much difference to the plot. In Pokemon, Ash clearly makes progress, moving from town to town, region to region, losing League to League.
One of the main ropes tying this theory together is the legendary Johto Pokemon, Ho-Oh. Soon after Ash's near death experience with a swarm of Spearow, he sees the creature sparkling through the air. Despite the fact Ash is in Kanto, Johto is nearby, and it's expected Ho-Oh would roam the skies freely, being a mighty bird and all.
Ho-Oh is said to grant eternal happiness to all who see it. Is it a symbol of Ash in heaven? Perhaps this is why Ash loses the League every time. It gives him a sense of purpose. If he wins, that purpose his over.