Grookey, Meowth and others in “When a House is Not a Home!”

[As both Pokéballs fly to Grookey, it swats the Rocket ball back to Jessie hitting her in the face, before catching itself into Goh's]

[Note: Many fans often claim that "Ash should have gotten Grookey because it is tradition that Ash catches at least one starter per series and that Grookey has the same personality as him." However, had Grookey been caught by Ash, it can be universally hated by fans for being a Rowlet ripoff (comic relief and using a special gimmick), a Bulbasaur ripoff (similar to Torterra and Snivy), a Bayleef ripoff if it only remained in its midstage or a Sceptile ripoff if it is intended to be the main ace. Also, because Ash is an official region Champion, had the writers continued giving Ash more starters, it will be seen as a permanent downgrade in Ash's skills. This is why the writers gave Goh all three Galar starters similar to Ash owning all three starters from Kanto, Johto and Unova.]