Do we like them?

Do we like Meowth?

A character from Pokémon (anime) (1997–present)

Our score: 6 out of 10. A lovable schemer. His plans are petty and always fail, and he has real loyalty and heart. We'd back him, but we'd keep an eye on our Pikachu.

Meowth is a Normal-type Pokémon and a member of Team Rocket, along with Jessie and James. The trio turn up in nearly every episode with a grand scheme to steal Ash's Pikachu and impress their boss. Meowth is unusual because he taught himself to talk and walk upright.

His backstory is a sad one: he wanted to win the affection of another Pokémon and decided that learning to act like a human was the way to do it. That left him a bit bitter and ambitious, and it explains his talent for schemes and his habit of narrating them. He's the trio's planner, translator and sometimes their conscience.

We score him a 6 because the crimes are petty and rarely work, while his loyalty and occasional kindness keep showing through. He'll turn on a plan if a friend or an innocent Pokémon is in real danger. He's a villain mainly in uniform.