Serena (Pokémon)
Serena received positive feedback for her character portrayal in the anime, which was different from her depiction in the video games. In this version, Serena's character development happened gradually. Initially introduced as a shy person, she transformed into someone wise and capable of making tough decisions. This change was also evident in her evolving hairstyle and clothing throughout the season, including when she returned in Pokémon Journeys. Additionally, Serena became well-known for her close relationship with Ash Ketchum, which developed into romantic feelings. Megan Peters from Comic Book described Serena as one of Ash's best friends, if not the best, who not only showcased character growth since her first appearance but also formed a heartfelt connection with Ash. This caused fans to have mixed feelings, some liking it and some not. Similarly, Brian Ashcraft from Kotaku mentioned that Serena wasn't just a regular friend to Ash, as they had known each other since childhood. For the first time, albeit subtly, the Pokémon anime portrayed a romantic connection between the two main characters.