While lame, the state of the show has been lame anyway. Ash doesn't have his hat, so nothing is credible.

why does a cyndaquil - a motherfucking johto starter - have to be doomed to a lifetime of cuteness and contests, which are obsolete now anyway?

>>244
Please, it's been the same as always for over a decade.

Well, I think this may be more of a plus if anything. If Dawn gets Cyndaquil, then there's a possibility for Ash's Cyndaquil to pay a visit for a same species bonding episode or perhaps even put one of his old Jhoto Pokemon on his team.

>>246
And then rid of Cyndaquil when Gen V rolls around.
>:[