Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s Mable is the Pokemon Professor I Never Knew I Wanted

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As a longtime Pokémon fan, I’m really excited about *Pokémon Legends: Z-A*. Like *Arceus* before it, it’s shaking up a lot of what we expect from a Pokémon game, and I think that’s fantastic! The real-time battles and focus on just Lumiose City are huge changes. But it’s not a complete break from tradition – we still get that classic Pokémon professor character. I’ve seen a *lot* of professors over the years, those older, slightly messy-haired mentors. And honestly? I think Mable, in *Z-A*, is the best one yet – she really brings something fresh to the role.

Okay, so most of the professors you meet in these games feel brand new to the whole Pokemon thing, but Mable is different. I actually remember her! She was a researcher for Team Flare way back in *Pokemon X* and *Y*. Apparently, five years have passed in the game since then, and wow, she’s really changed – she’s now running the Pokemon Research Lab while Professor Sycamore’s away. But honestly, what really struck me is that Mable isn’t exactly nice. She’s got a bit of a temper and doesn’t hold back what she thinks, just like in *X* and *Y*. It made me realize how much she stands out from the usual professors, and honestly, that’s what makes her one of the best!

Mable doesn’t have a major role in the *Pokémon X* and *Y* video games, but she’s a more prominent character in the *Pokémon the Series* anime and the *Pokémon Adventures* manga.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A Makes Mable’s Faults Into Her Greatest Strengths

Pokemon professors are usually kind and helpful, but Mable in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A* is different. She immediately comes across as blunt and quick-tempered, even calling someone a “nitwit” while discussing changes to Lumiose City. However, Game Freak makes it clear that Mable’s anger comes from a place of caring – she’s passionate about protecting the wild Pokemon of Lumiose. While she can be frustrated and outspoken, it’s because she wants what’s best for them. I think this flawed personality makes her a more realistic and interesting professor than many we’ve seen before.

To emphasize this, Mable’s relationship with the player isn’t based on kindness like many other professors. She doesn’t simply *give* the player a Pokemon; instead, she intentionally set a challenge – requiring five Pokedex entries for a reward – to find someone capable of helping with her research. She openly admits this was her plan! From there, she recognizes the player’s skill but doesn’t offer empty praise. She wants results, and she’s just as likely to be sharp with you if you’re rude (which I definitely experienced!). I found this dynamic both humorous and very memorable.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A is Mable’s Fresh Start

It’s also important to include Mable’s character development. I really enjoy stories where characters try to make up for past mistakes – I even named my Pokémon trainer after Zuko because of it! So, I’m particularly interested in seeing Mable, a former Team Flare member, change for the better. She used to be uncaring while working for Lysandre and helped create a dangerous situation, but now she’s using her skills to help people and Pokémon in Lumiose City. In a way, she’s returning to her original goal of helping others, but this time she’s looking up to Professor Sycamore instead of Lysandre.

Mable is Another Stage of Pokemon’s Growth

I’ve really been enjoying Mable in *Pokemon Legends: Z-A*, which I didn’t anticipate. Recent leaks about the next *Pokemon* games have already got me thinking about how the professors will be handled in Gen 10. The professors in *Pokemon Scarlet* and *Violet* were interesting and did things a little differently, so I’m optimistic that *Pokemon* will keep innovating with these characters. But for now, I’m excited to see what research tasks Mable has for me.

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2025-10-18 00:35