The following contains spoilers for Episode 80 of Pokemon Journeys, "Trial on a Golden Scale!," now streaming on Netflix.
Ash has some new friends in Pokemon Journeys, as Goh becomes his new travel companion on his mission to defeat Leon and become the top trainer of the Masters Eight. Goh, on the other hand, dreams of owning every Pokemon possible, with Mew sitting right at the top of his list.
Since Goh's sweeping declaration to add the legendary Pokemon to his team, not much more has been explored regarding his connection to Project Mew, up until now of course. "Trial on a Golden Scale" is set in the Unova region, and it's up to Ash and Goh to solve the mystery of the disappearing Volcarona.
What is Project Mew?
An exclusive group of hand-selected Pokemon trainers has been gathered, who each share a similar goal: to capture Mew. Project Mew is essentially a research organization, where its members travel across the Regions to collect valuable data from various Pokemon. The intended Pokemon is either caught and sent through to Professor Amaranth, or a sample of their DNA is gathered so that a detailed analysis of each species may take place. Each successful mission will be rewarded with a special token (not so different from the Pokemon GO research concept.)
Goh has finally been recruited into Project Mew thanks to Quillon's approval following a rescue-type mission at Mt. Coronet. where Goh's task is to catch an Alolan Ninetales and save it from villainous hunters in "Leaping Toward the Dream!" His success leads Goh to join Ash's rival Gary Oak, Horace, Danika, Quillon, and Professor Amaranth (Leader) as the newest (and youngest) member of Project Mew.
In "Trial Mission! Ulgamoth's Golden Scales!!" Goh finally receives his first order of business and has to choose between three possible tasks. Drawn to the idea of golden scales, Ash and Goh make their way (back) to the Desert Resort in Unova to track down the fascinating Volcarona, holding thumbs that one might actually be gilded.
The Legend of the Volcarona
According to local folklore, the Unova islanders need not worry about the wrath of the vulcanos that are scattered across the archipelago, because they have the Guardian of Fire to rely on. This Guardian is said to emerge when a volcanic eruption takes place to save all the innocents from the red-hot lava.
It has been commonly accepted by the people of Unova that the mighty Volcarona is their custodian, but unfortunately, very few of these fantastic creatures have been spotted lately. Once free to roam the land, it seems that all the Volcarona has been forced into hiding as the Unova Region is overrun by pretentious Pokemon Hunters.
What are Pokemon Hunters?
For those who are not aware, there is indeed a darker side to Pokemon trading, whereby these creatures are unfairly captured and essentially forced into slavery. The unfortunate Pokemon are not given the opportunity of a fair fight, or the ability to accept defeat and convert from a wild Pokemon to a team player. Instead, they are herded up and poached from their homes (in large groups as opposed to individually captured) and dismally destined for the black market. Team Rocket is one of the most well-known poacher organizations among viewers, however, several other criminal groups have popped up over the years. Thankfully, trainers such as Danika, Quillon, and Lance have dedicated their energy to tracking down these money-hungry villains, before handing them over to Officer Jenny and rehabilitating their Pokemon.
Goh Takes The Spotlight
As to be expected, Goh manages to gather some more Pokemon for his personal collection whilst out on his mission for Project Mew. While navigating the tunnels in an abandoned Gold Rush Town, the boys came face to face with a wild Roggenrola and a rogue Ferrothorn, which Goh captures with minimal effort. However, he makes no attempt to claim ownership of any of the Larvesta and is only focused on rescuing the Pokemon and their eggs from deplorable poachers.
At one point, Ash, Goh, and several Pokemon's lives are in danger due to an out-of-control fire, and it is up to Goh to calm down the enraged Larvesta and stop them from causing more havoc. Fans are well aware that this episode is focused on Goh's journey as he is the candidate for Project Mew. However, surely it would have made more sense to send Ash for the particular task of communicating with the Pokemon? Ash and Pikachu have an especially close connection to the point where there seems to be no language barrier. If Pikachu relayed the humans' compassionate words to the out-of-control Larvesta, the situation could have possibly been resolved much sooner. It is as if Pikachu was rendered mute, leaving Goh to get the point across - not the most practical decision-making.
It is quite possible that Quillon had an ulterior motive for sending Goh on this specific assignment. As focused as he is on irradicating Pokemon Hunters, Danika and Quillion were more than likely fully aware of the poaching situation in the Unova Region. However, Goh wasn't tasked with the job of arresting hunters; the only request made was for the DNA of a golden Volcarona. Fans believe that this was a trick question so to speak, to adequately assess Goh's virtue.
If the boy was only concerned with his own success, he might have simply collected the necessary data and then been off on his next adventure (or even attempted to claim the rare Vocarona for himself). Quillon is doubtlessly eager to see if Goh would take things one step further by tracking down and restraining the Pokemon hunters in the process, on his own accord.