Pokémon Episode Guide

Around the Whirlpool

Synopsis: The next few episodes form a side story in the Whirl Islands.

I missed this episode, but this and the following episodes present the Whirl Islands in a different light from the game. In the game they are desolate wastelands full of wild Pokémon and underground caverns. Lugia's lair is at the lowest depth of the system of caverns.

Fly Me to the Moon

A schmaltzy story, but I liked it none the less, especially Meowth's moving dialogue.

Takin' It On The Chinchou!

My favourite scene: The parting scene near the end of the episode. They say goodbye, the wave splashes up over the Pokémon. The wave washes back, and Bright is gone.

A Corsola Caper!

Mantine Overboard!

In the Gold/Silver/Crystal games, the player needs to find a silver feather before Lugia appears in its lair.

Octillery the Outcast

The plot was soooo predictable. You'd think they'd realize by now that the outcast + amazing rescue = hero theme was overdone.

My favourite quote:
Meowth: This is what you call "the ones that got away."
(Well, I thought it was funny, anyway.)

Dueling Heroes

Synopsis: Start of the Whirl Cup.

Christopher was a tough opponent, both because of his tough Pokémon and because of Christopher himself. Even though he is a bit of a show-off, he comes across as a guy with a clear head and a balanced outlook, who knows what he's doing and who must have trained his Kingdra well in advance for the match. Ash on the other hand is portrayed in less favourable light. He did not think ahead, needs to be reminded about his Pokémon and ends up making a rush (and maybe rash) decision.

For sure, Ash would be no push-over, but Christopher had what it takes to beat him. Yet in a surprise move, Totodile does something unpredictable and indeed all the more comical because of it.

The scene had me worried—is Kingdra going to explode? No, but the tension is not released even though Kingdra is, as the hapless dragon flies round the arena like an exhaling balloon. The humour is enhanced by the close-up shot of Christopher's glasses dropping to his nose—a nice touch.

Misty's battle was a close call too. In another comical touch, her opponent's Pokémon got caught in her Corsola's horns, a fluke which soon won her the match.

That night, the two competitors are having trouble sleeping, a nice touch of realism. Little did they know the surprise awaiting them the next day. By the way, I've never noticed Ash wearing slippers before, have you?

Ash facing a friend is not an original plot (remember Richie?), and the effect was diminished on me given the spoilers you read on the web. However, the suspense is there. As I write, I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow.

I can't end this commentary without mentioning Bayleef. Having learnt to trust Ash again not many episodes ago after what seemed like his rejection of her, the infatuated creature finds herself lost, in an unknown house of an unknown stranger. Poor Bayleef! It will be interesting to see if Ash's hasty decision will turn out to be another blunder in this unusual relationship.

My favourite scene: Christopher's glasses dropping to his nose. Kingdra flying around is also nicely done.

The Perfect Match

Synopsis: Misty and Ash face each other in the Whirl Cup.

Misty finally wins a battle against Ash. She had the advantage, though. Water Pokémon are her specialty, of course.

Blooper: Why did Ash and his friends have to defend the priestess from Team Rocket when it was the job of the police? And how did Ash and the others enter the restricted area so easily? Suspending belief for the sake of traditions is poor and/or lazy scriptwriting in my opinion.

Plant It Now...Diglett Later

Hi Ho Silver...Away!

The title is The Lone Ranger's famous call to his horse, Silver.

The Mystery Is History!

Richie and Lugia appear again during this and the next two episodes.

It's amazing what a longer story, some interesting characters, a couple of cliffhangers and more sinister villains can do! Richie's back for the three Lugia episodes, Zippo's evolved and he now has a Pupitar.

A Parent Trapped!

The title of this episode is a pun on the book/movie title, "The Parent Trap".

A Promise is a Promise

Throw In The Noctowl

A particularly pointless filler. It suffers terribly from lack of realism. Yes, of course Pokémon is not realistic, but for me to say that this episode suffers from it means that it's really bad. I'm sure we're agreed that there's no way anyone, human or Pokémon, that can stand on a flying plane. But to use vine whip to hold the engines in place is more far-fetched than Farfetch'd itself.

Nerves of Steelix

Synopsis: Ash challenges Olivine City Gym Leader, Jasmine, and wins a Mineral Badge.

The title of this episode is a pun on the phrase "nerves of steel".

Bulbasaur...The Ambassador!

Synopsis: Bulbasaur is sent to stay permanently with Professor Oak.

Espeon, Not Included

For Ho-Oh The Bell Tolls

An interesting plot. I was hoping for another glimpse of Ho-oh, but we don't get one. Eusine is a character in the Crystal version of the game, whom you have to battle in order to win Suicune.

I suspect that some understanding of Japanese religious beliefs may be needed to figure this episode out. Can anyone enlighten me?

The title is based on the expression, "for whom the bell tolls", from a work by the poet John Donne and also a title of a book by Hemingway.

Extreme Pokémon

Synopsis: Ash receives a Pokémon egg from a couple who run a day-care.

A further development in Ash's relationship with Gary. It appears that Gary has gained some respect for his rival. He takes the loss in good sportsmanship. How two inexperienced kids can earn first and second place, though, is beyond belief.

Added note: watched it again and it appears that Ash and presumably Gary are not completely inexperienced—they used to engage in a similar sport in the vicinity of Pallet Town.

An Egg-Sighting Adventure

An entertaining filler episode and police show spoof.

Hatching a Plan

Synopsis: Ash's egg hatches to reveal a Phanpy.

Ash's egg hatches to reveal a totally boring Phanpy.

TV Tome reports the fact that it knows Rollout and Take Down implies that it must have inherited those moves from its parents as "egg moves". (For those unfamiliar with the game, egg moves are moves or attacks that a newly hatched Pokémon inheritents from its parents. The purpose of this feature is, in part, to allow cross-breeding of species that results in offspring with advanatageous combinations of moves that a normally caught and raised Pokémon would never be able to have.)

However, this may be reading too much into the cartoon series, in which Pokémon seem to know whatever moves suits the scriptwriter's purpose. Move sets are not always consistent between the game and the cartoon—can a Chikorita learn Vine Whip, for instance? Pokémon also don't forget moves, a limitation which makes the game more interesting, but would have come across as unrealisitc in a television program.

Dues and Don'ts!

I believe this episode features Giovanni's first speaking appearance since A Scare in the Air, quite some time ago.

Just Waiting On A Friend

A freaky fantasy story. Seems to be too good to have been original, but who knows? The standard of plots seems to have picked up with Master Quest. The expressive animation of the Ninetale's nine tails is worth noticing.

Blooper: Brock mentions that he had a Ninetales once. AFAIK he had Suzie's Vulpix.

A Tyrogue Full Of Trouble

A better and wittier title IMHO would have been "The Rogue Tyrogue".

Xatu The Future

An episode with some deeper thoughts than you usually find in this cartoon series.

Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution

This episode and the next feature a similar formula to the Richie/Lugia episodes, namely, a longer story with episodes separated with cliff-hangers, a more sinister aspect of Team Rocket, an evil scientist, and a guest star. Still, it works, and makes good viewing.

The red Gyarados in the Lake of Rage is another tie in with the game. I seem to recall Team Rocket was involved in there too. Lance was a member of the Elite Four in Red/Blue/Yellow, and had a slightly different role in the Gold/Silver/Crystal game, which included an additional role similar to the one portrayed in this episode. I can't remember more of the details so I'd be glad if anyone could fill me in.

Can anyone figure out the sense of the title?

Rage of Innocence

The title of this episode is a pun on the expression, "age of innocence".

As Cold as Pryce

The title of this episode is a pun on the expression, "as cold as ice".

Nice Pryce Baby!

Synopsis: Ash challenges Mahogany Town Gym Leader, Pryce. Pryce forfeits the match, awarding Ash a Glacier Badge.

Whichever Way the Wind Blows

This episode raises an issue that has always had me curious about Japan. There is a contradiction between the cultural emphasis on harmony and its group culture. That is to say, behaviour of those inside a group is unacceptable if it disturbs harmony, but how does one ensure harmony between groups?

Some Like It Hot!

Hocus Pokemon

As Clear as Crystal

Same Old Song and Dance

Enlighten Up!

Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?

I've heard that this humorous episode was inspired by the "Impostor Oak" Pokémon card.

Mary is a character from the Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal game. She and Professor Oak have a radio show that airs in the Johto region.

Wish Upon A Star Shape

Outrageous Fortunes

The title of this episode is based on Shakespeare's expression, "outrageous fortune" (Hamlet).

One Trick Phony!

I Politoed Ya So!

The Ice Cave

This episode was not shown in Australia.

Beauty Is Skin Deep

Fangs for Nothin'

Synopsis: Ash challenges the Blackthorn City Gym Leader Clair but Team Rocket interrupts the match.

Great Bowls of Fire!

Synopsis: Ash meets Charizard again.

Better Eight Than Never

Synopsis: Ash challenges Clair again and wins a Rising Badge with the aid of Charizard.

Clair is a tough opponent. I doubt Ash would have pulled it off without Charizard.

We are also introduced to Wynaut, a Ruby/Sapphire Pokémon, and the pre-evolution of Wobbuffet, although it is not named until the next episode.

Why? Wynaut!

Did you notice that Wynaut is only clearly seen by Pokémon, not by people?

Just Add Water

The Lapras of Luxury

Synopsis: Ash meets his old Lapras again.

The title of this episode is a pun on the expression, "the lap of luxury".

Hatch Me If You Can

Synopsis: An egg Ash is taking to Professor Elm hatches to release a Larvitar. Ash is allowed to look after it for a while.

The title of this episode is a pun on the expression, "catch me if you can".

Entei At Your Own Risk

The title of this episode is a pun on the expression, "enter at your own risk".

A Crowning Achievement

Here's Looking At You, Elekid

You're A Star, Larvitar!

Address Unown!

Mother Of All Battles!

Synopsis: The Larvitar is reuinted with its mother.

Pop Goes The Sneasel!

What? Gary is up to his old nastiness again? I don't think so. This time there's no arrogance to his remarks like there was in the Indigo League.

We see Ash and Harrison conquering a hitherto unbeatable Sneasel. What did they do different from the other would-bes? There's no explanation.

A Claim to Flame!

Synopsis: Ash wins the qualifying rounds for the Johto League competitions. Apparently so does Gary.

Ash gets to hold the torch again? Well, at least this time there's a believable reason for it.

Love, Pokemon Style!

We are reminded once more of Misty's affections for Ash. Nice dialogue as Misty endeavours to keep Ash for herself while avoiding the admission that she likes someone who hardly knows she exists. One point about Pokémon is that it has not grown up with its audience, with consequent attrition amongst its numbers. Realistically, Ash would by now have reached the age where a show of romantic interest would be plausible, whether in Misty or anyone else.

Tie One On!

Blooper #1: Brock refers to Magneton's "Icy Wind", when in fact he meant "Thunder Wave".

Blooper #2: A sign in the background artwork reads "POMEMONI". Was it meant to read "POKEMON!"?

The Ties That Bind

Synopsis: Ash begins his match against Gary.

I enjoyed everything in this episode, especially the entertaining flash back. It must have occurred before Ash and Gary got their first Pokémon from Professor Oak, both believing that the Poké Ball they fished out would contain the ideal starter granted them by fate.

While the friendship between Ash and Gary has been to some extent restored, their rivalry has in no way diminished.

We also discover what Gary's starter was. Many people had suggested that it must have been his Eevee come Umbreon. It turns out it was a Squirtle.

My favourite scene: Ash and Gary struggling over the old Poké ball they just fished out.

My favourite quote:
Brock: [about Ash] "Of course he's never been the quickest at downloading data."

Can't Beat the Heat!

Synopsis: Ash wins his match with Gary.

My favourite scene: Ash meeting up with Gary after the match.

Playing with Fire!

Synopsis: Ash battles Harrison.

My favourite scene: Pikachu struck by Kecleon's lick attack.

My favourite quote #1:
Mrs Ketchum: "Now how am I supposed to get a decent picture if it won't even stand still."
(OK, it was a lousy pun, but I like lousy puns.)

My favourite quote #2:
Prof. Oak: "I'm afraid that against Kecleon's speed, invisibility and long tongue, Pikachu could get licked."
(OK, it was a lousy pun, but I like lousy puns.)

Johto Photo Finish

An amazing and suspenseful close tie between Blaziken and Charizard demonstrates what a good trainer Ash has become. Blaziken has that slightly higher stamina that knocked Ash out of the match.

You know, a lot of fan fiction follows the conviction that Ash would go on to win the Pokémon Leagues and become a Master. While Ash started off as an unlikely winner, his talent and determination have seen him through in spite of his faults. Maybe he can do it after all.

What's the point of the incident with the Misdreavus?

Can anyone tell me what Team's Rocket motto lines were? I couldn't make them out.

As the Johto League competition comes to a close, Gary makes a surprise announcement: he's quitting Pokémon training to follow a career as a researcher. Guess it runs in the family. I wonder how much his loss to his childhooh rival had an affect on that decision?

Blooper: The closing scene shows Ash and Gary following different paths. Well they are, metaphorically speaking, but in reality, they're both heading home to Pallet!

Gotta Catch Ya Later

Synopsis: Ash, Misty and Brock go their separate ways. Ash returns home.

There could be much said about this moving episode, but I'll focus on one thing. Misty has been with Ash since day one, but she never gets to reveal to him her true feelings. There were some moments in this episode when we might expect something to happen, but the conversation takes a different route. She says:

Misty: And thanks for always being a good friend to me.

At least it's close. So what's Ash's reply?

Ash: Yeah, sure. Misty?

Misty: ...

Ash: Your bike's there.

What an answer! She's hoping for him to fess that he loves her, and he reminds her that she's got to go! Well, folks, we get one more chance before the episode's over...

Misty: It's just something that I feel I need to tell you.

Ash: Alright.

Misty: Just keep on doing your best.

That was her last chance, and she missed it. Oh well, I guess Brock was present, so it would've been kind of difficult. After all this, is there a happy ending? No, but there is one consolation. Seeing Ash cry at their final parting, Misty realises...

Misty: Well, Ash Ketchum. Finally I know how you feel about me.

With that happy thought, she rides off. This was the point where I burst into tears. Don't know about you, but a lot of people found this episode a tearjerker. Misty has been with Ash from day one, through thick and thin, and losing her company is a genuine loss.

Ho-oh appears to Ash again. Ash surmises that it's headed for Hoenn and decides that's where he wants to go.

Ash never goes back to get the G/S ball.

Hoenn Alone

Synopsis: Ash leaves for Hoenn.