Pokemon: Master Quest
Season 5
Pokemon Master Quest Season 5 Logo
General information
 Episodes  52 TV Episodes
 64 Video Release Episodes
 Series  Original Series
 Region  Johto
 Previous season  Johto League Champions
 Following season  Pokemon Advanced
 First Episode  Around the Whirlpool
 Last Episode  Hoenn Alone!
 Related Movie(s)  Pokemon Heroes
Quick menu: Official Description / Episode List / Travelling Companions / Key Events & Gym Battles / Pokemon / TV Broadcasts / Trivia & Facts / DVD, Blu-Ray and Streaming



The opening theme and intro for Pokémon Season 5 - Master Quest

Official Description

With the Olivine City Gym temporarily out of commission, our heroes are off to the Whirl Cup Competition—and Misty wants in on the action! Resuming their journey, they find that Jessie, James, and Meowth aren’t the only members of Team Rocket they need to worry about, though that dastardly trio still has a few tricks up their collective sleeve. After a heated battle with the final Gym Leader, Ash moves on to the Silver Conference, but does he have the mettle to take on his old rival, Gary?

Episode List

Picture Episode #
(Season)
Episode #
(Overall)
Episode name
(Intl / Japan)

Air dates
(Intl / Japan)
Pokemon   210   Around The Whirlpool.MKV snapshot 05.19 1 E# 210

J# 212
"Around the Whirlpool"

"Uzumaki Rettō! Aratanaru Chōsen!!" (うずまきれっとう! あらたなるちょうせん!!)
(The Whirlpool Islands! A New Challenge!!)
September 14, 2002

August 9, 2001
Ash and company are aboard a luxury liner passing through a field of whirlpools. Team Rocket attacks and during the battle both sides are knocked overboard. As Ash and company are struggling in the water, they see a huge shadow of a strange unidentified pokémon. They are rescued by Professor Elm and his corsola, and brought safely on board a ship guided by the tentacruel of Captain Marius. They are brought to Blue Point Island, the nearest of the Whirl Islands to discover that the island is preparing for a World Cup for water pokémon trainers, much to the joy of Misty. Team Rocket also manages to make it safely to shore. While the heroes are discussing the mystery pokémon with Prof Elm and Captain Marius, Team Rocket attack and steal the water pokémon from the pool. They also capture Pikachu. Elm sends out Corsola who is quite a powerhouse and frees both Pikachu and the other kidnapped pokémon. The corsola then sends Team Rocket blasting off again. Misty is now adamant about catching a corsola. Ash and his friends then continue to the next town to prepare for the World Cup which is only a month away.
Pokemon   211   Fly Me To The Moon.MKV snapshot 16.28 2 E# 211
J# 213
"Fly Me to the Moon"
"Poppo to Deka Poppo! Mada Minu Sora e!!" (ポッポとデカポッポ! まだみぬそらへ!!)
(Poppo and the Enormous Poppo! Towards the As Yet Unseen Sky!!)
September 21, 2002

August 16, 2001
On their way to Blue Finland, Ash and company, well, actually Misty spots some corsola on their way to Pudgy Pidgy Isle. Informed by the caretaker that the island is inaccessible by sea because of the whirlpools. Misty insists on going to the island to catch a corsola. So they go with the caretaker across a rather shaky bridge. There they find that the pidgey of the island grow to an enormous size and are too heavy to fly. All except one, a normal-sized pidgey trained by the caretaker named Orville. Orville is different from the rest of the pidgey as he wants to not just fly, but fly higher than any other pokémon.

Team Rocket happens by, listening at the window, learning that the pidgey is potentially a unique pokémon, they disguise themselves and their balloon as meteorologists and offer to help track Orville to verify how high he can fly. Meowth is especially interested as he sees his own struggle to learn to speak human language is the same as Orville’s dream. He encourages Orville to succeed as an inspiration to all pokémon everywhere to do their best and gives the pidgey a headset for communication.

The next morning they are ready. Orville takes off and everyone follows in the weather balloon boosted by rockets. After reaching 10,000 feet, oxygen masks are brought out for the human passengers. A little bit after that, Orville is attacked by a fearow, but Pikachu attacks with a Thunderbolt. the falling fearow catches on the outer covering of the balloon revealing it to be Team Rocket’s. Continuing to go higher, now the atmosphere is too thin for most other pokémon and the rockets sputter out. Team Rocket decides this is not a good time to steal pokémon. Meowth still in contact with Orville and having his own oxygen supply, relays that Orville is determined to fly as high as he possibly can. Even the pudgy pidgeys are listening to the reports with interest now.

Orville reaches the outer atmosphere and despite icing up, begins describing the wonders of the world, the Sun, stars, and the Moon from that altitude. Meowth convinces Orville to return to the ground so he can tell all pokémon about his adventures, and the bird pokémon agrees to return. However he decides to fold his wings and go into a dive. Meowth guides Orville to the balloon, which results in Orville punching a hole in the top. As the balloon falls closer to the ground, the pudgy pidgeys, inspired by Orville, make a concerted effort to rise high enough to break the balloon’s fall.

Team Rocket lands on one of the rockets which turns out to still have enough fuel for one last blast off. Ash and his friends then say their good byes as the overweight pidgeys begin their training to lose weight and fly. Misty apparently has forgotten about the corsolas.

Trivia: The caretaker mentions that he works for the Pokémon Protection Agency. Also the planet is not referred to as Earth, but simply “our planet”. There is only one moon mentioned and it is referred to as The Moon.
Pokemon   212   Takin    It On The Chinchou.MKV snapshot 07.09 3 E# 212

J# 214
"Takin' It on the Chinchou"

"Tabidate Umi e! Chonchī Gyōretsu!!" (たびだてうみへ! チョンチーぎょうれつ!!)
(Set Out to the Sea! Line of Chonchie!!)
September 28, 2002

August 23, 2001
On their way to Blue Finland, Ash winds up getting himself, Brock, and Misty lost. As it turns out, they wind up at Blue Lagoon in time for a ceremony called the March of the Chinchou. This is an annual event where the chinchou return to the sea after hatching in the lagoon. They are invited, by a local boy, Dayton, to participate with the task of making sure the chinchou reach the sea safely. As they come to a bridge which is on the direct route they are met with Team Rocket who want to steal the chinchou herd. Team Rocket’s scheme backfires leaving the bridge destroyed with some of the chinchou with Ash, Dayton and some of the chinchou on the near side.

Things go relatively smoothly for Ash and Dayton, except for having to find Dayton after he topples down a cliff. Despite the delays Ash and Dayton find the others waiting for them at the beach where the chinchou enter the sea. As they approach, both groups of chinchou move towards each other only to fall into a trap set by Team Rocket. Ash and Dayton work together to foil the plot. Dayton bids his chinchou a tearful good bye and the chinchou return to the sea. Ash and company are safely placed on a ship that will take them to their next destination, Yellow Rock Isle.
Pokemon   213   A Corsola Caper .MKV snapshot 14.27 4 E# 213

J# 215
"A Corsola Caper!"

"Sanīgo de Amīgo! Ō Gantō no Taiketsu!!" (サニーゴでアミーゴ! おうがんとうのたいけつ!!)
(Sunnygo the Amigo! Showdown on Yellow Rock Isle!!)
October 5, 2002

August 30, 2001
Ash and company arrive at Yellow Rock Isle a visit a local shop displaying art created from shed corsola horns. Misty has now become determined to catch a corsola. Going to a beach they spot a house that has somehow drifted out to sea with a little girl and a corsola on board. Saving the girl and the house, they are told how the chinchou is a wild pokémon who appeared at their doorstep. They explain that the father is a corsola horn artist and their house is built on a corsola nest, which is a convenient way of obtaining the horns. When the wild corsola showed up it played too rough with the other corsola, so the other corsola left the nest. Without the corsola to maintain the nest, the infrastructure deteriorated and the house broke loose from the moorings and drifted out to sea. Misty is very impressed with the wild corsola’s energy and wants to capture it for her own.

Ash and company help search for and round up the wayward corsola only to have Team Rocket attempt to steal the entire group. With the aid of the wild corsola, Ash and Misty foil Team Rocket and return the corsola to their home. She then has a clear shot at catching the wild corsola, and begins to battle it. Finding out that it has a strong move set, makes her even more determined to catch it. She has polywrath use a series of attacks without allowing corsola a chance to use Recover. This wears corsola down enough for Misty to use a lure ball and finally catch her corsola. Ash and company can now resume their journey to the next stop toward the World Cup on Red Rock Isle.
Pokemon   214   Mantine Overboard .MKV snapshot 10.28 5 E# 214
J# 216
"Mantine Overboard!"
"Mantain to Chinbotsusen!! Nazo no Pokemon no Himitsu!" (マンタインとちんぼつせん!! なぞのポケモンのひみつ!)
(Mantain and the Sunken Ship!! The Secret of the Mysterious Pokémon!)
October 12, 2002

September 6, 2001
Once again Ash and company miss the boat. Along comes a researcher of water pokémon, Luca, who offers them a ride to Red Rock Isle. She explains on the way how she is looking for proof of her grandfather’s discovery of a silver wing, a feather from a mysterious pokémon. This pokémon is possibly the same pokémon Ash and company saw. Ash, Brock and Misty offer to help, and Luca accepts.

Finding the location of the sunken ship, Ash and Luca discover that it is being guarded by a mantine. Coming up with a plan to distract the mantine, they make a second attempt with pikachu, only to be stopped by a pair of remoraids. Deciding to have Misty and Ash use their water pokémon (minus Psyduck), Luca, Ash and Misty make a third attempt. This time Team Rocket make an appearance distracting the mantine and remoraids while the trio enter the hulk. They discover a remoraid nest and finally understand that the mantine helps protect the nest while the remoraid parents protect the mantine.

Team Rocket lose the mantine crashing into the hull of the ship causing the mass of baby remoraids to disperse and expose a chest with the silver wing inside. The villains make off with the chest, then capture the mantine along with the remoraid parents. Ash and Misty send their pokémon to the rescue, and take off in hot pursuit of Team Rocket. Thanks to the mantine Ash and Pikachu are able to catch up to Team Rocket and Recover the chest.

Safely aboard the research ship, the chest is opened and they find the silver wing inside. Luca now has the proof she needs to clear her grandfather’s reputation, and promises to study the wing for clues to prove that the mysterious pokémon that Ash and company saw does exist.

Luca drops Ash and company off at Red Rock Isle in time to prepare for the World Cup.
Pokemon   215   Octillery The Outcast .MKV snapshot 10.47 6 E# 215

J# 217
"Octillery the Outcast"

"Okutan to Teppouo! Uzumaki Kappu Yosen!!" (オクタンとテッポウオ! うずまきカップよせん!!)
(Okutank and Teppouo! Whirlpool Cup Preliminaries!!)
October 19, 2002

September 13, 2001
After Ash and Misty register for the World Cup. Misty runs into, Marcellus, a young trainer who needs to evolve his remoraid into an octillery for the competition. Misty agrees to battle Marcellus using her new Corsola. Marcellus wins and his remoraid evolves into an octillary. After the preliminaries, Ash and Misty see Marcellus again who is sad about losing in the preliminaries. He invites Ash and company to his house for dinner and to see his remoraid collection. There he explains that his octillery used to be considered the leader by the rest of the remoraids, but now they treat him like an outsider. The octillery was so disheartened, that he couldn’t concentrate on winning the battles. Misty and Brock then figured out that because the other remoraids were not around when their friend evolved they are unable to recognize him as their friend. While the trainers have dinner, Team Rocket begins to steal the remoraid collection. They fail to notice the octillery sneaking to their truck and attaching itself to the underside. As Team Rocket makes their getaway, the octillery leaves a trail of splotches for Marcellus to follow.

Team Rocket arrives at the docks and release the tank from the cargo box. The octillery attacks Meowth before he has a chance to load the tank on board the ship. Then attacks Jesse and James using a series of Headbutts. It then continually Headbutts the tank until it breaks open releasing the remoraids into the sea. Just as Meowth goes after the octillery with the crane claws, Marcellus and his guests arrive at the scene. Meowth takes advantage of the distraction to catch the octillery, just as Ash order Pikachu to use Thunderbolt. Unable to electrocute Team Rocket without harming the octillery, Pikachu is stopped. However, the remoraids now realize the identity of the octillery and attack the crane forcing it to release their leader, and cushion his fall. Pikachu is then free to use Thunderbolt. The octillery sends Team Rocket blasting off again using Octazooka. While celebrating their victory, the rest of the remoraids evolve into octilleries together.

The next day Ash and company witness the colosseum being prepared for the World Cup.
Pokemon   217   The Perfect Match .MKV snapshot 01.20 7 E# 216

J# 218
"Dueling Heroes"

"Uzumaki Kappu! Mizu no Koroshiamu de Daibatoru!!" (うずまきカップ! みずのコロシアムでだいバトル!!)
(Whirlpool Cup! A Big Battle in the Water Colosseum!!)
October 26, 2002

September 20, 2001
The big day has arrived. The opening ceremonies involve the Sea Priestess Mia releasing the power of the Sea Spirit, a gem at the head of a scepter that allows trainers to communicate with their water pokémon. The first one to enter a battle is Ash using Totodile against an opponent with a kingdra. Ash is able to pull off a win. The next day is Misty’s turn as she chooses Corsola to go up against a qwilfish. Misty holds off while Corsola takes damage, then has it use Recover. The qwilfish then attacks with take down while Corsola is unable to move, and gets stuck in Corsola’s horns. Misty then has Corsola use spike cannon to free the qwilfish and send it flying. Misty wins. Oh, yeah. Team Rocket disguised as food vendors make a failed attempt to snatch the Sea Spirit.

After the end of the day’s battles, Misty and Ash check the boards to see who they will be up against next.
Pokemon   217   The Perfect Match .MKV snapshot 08.11 8 E# 217

J# 219
"The Perfect Match!"

"Satoshi Tai Kasumi! Uzumaki Kappu Saigo no Tatakai!!" (サトシVSカスミ! うずまきカップさいごのたたかい!!)
(Satoshi vs. Kasumi! The Final Battle in the Whirlpool Cup!!)
November 2, 2002

September 27, 2001
As it turns out, Ash and Misty will be facing each other sooner than expected. They are allowed two pokémon. Misty sends out Poliwhirl while Ash sends out Totodile. The match goes to Poliwhirl. The next match Ash sends out Kingler. Kingler defeats Poliwhirl with Crabhammer. Misty then decides on sending out Corsola, but Psyduck pops out unexpectedly and almost drowns. It looks bad for Psyduck, but Ash has Kingler use Vice Grip holding Psyduck by the head. This causes Psyduck to have a terrible headache and Misty instructs the hapless pokémon to use Confusion. The match goes to Psyduck and Misty wins the round. (The look on Pikachu’s face. Priceless.)

While wrapping up a conversation with Prof Oak, Misty’s next opponent, Trinity, pays them a visit to meet Misty and offer her good wishes for what promises to be a great battle. Misty opens with Poliwhirl. Trinity opens with a gyarados. Poliwhirl’s Bubble Beam is no match for the gyarados’ Hyper Beam. The match goes to Trinity. Misty then calls out Corsola, and Corsola comes out. The gyarados attacks with Hydro Pump and Corsola uses Mirror Coat. When Hydro Pump is reflected, Trinity has her gyarados use Hyper Beam. Corsola dives out of the way in time and remains underwater. Trinity order her gyarados to dive and Misty calls for Spike Cannon. The gyarados is knocked out. Trinity calls out a chinchou. The chinchou overpowers Corsola with Spark followed by Confuse Ray. Confused, Corsola was unable to withstand the chinchou’s Water Gun. Trinity wins the round.

The next day, Team Rocket makes their move just as Trinity’s battle begins. Probably attempting a theft in a colosseum full of powerful trainers wasn’t a good idea. Trinity doesn’t finish as the winner, but training goes on. Ash and company will continue on to their next adventure in the Whirl Islands.
Pokemon   218   Plant It Now... Diglett Later.MKV snapshot 08.32 9 E# 218

J# 220
"Plant It Now... Diglett Later"

"Diguda no Mura o Mamore! Otoshiana Daisakusen!?" (ディグダのむらをまもれ! おとしあなだいさくせん!?)
(Protect the Digda Village! The Big Pitfall Strategy!?)
November 9, 2002

October 4, 2001
Ash and company are on their way to Transit Town in order to return to Olivine City. Meanwhile they are getting hungry and tired. Team Rocket is ahead of them and realize that this would be the time to grab Pikachu. They dig a pit for a trap to catch our heroes, but wind up with both groups falling into two different pits. Soon a couple of young girls show up to apologize for the pits, that they create with the help of digletts. They offer both Ash and company and Team Rocket a banquet in their honor, explaining that they need the services of expert trainers.

After the banquet, the mayor and the town council ask for something, but are a little confused as to what they need. Suddenly a bandit shows up to announce that the local band of thieves will be coming the next day to steal the current crop of digletts. The bandit leader then leaves and the elders explain that they have lived on the land for many years, but most of their children have left for the big city. Since then they have been harassed once a year by the bandits who take their best digletts that help them till the soil for their crops. They tell the group that if they refuse after being given such an expansive banquet they would have to consider them “thankless and insensitive”. This triggers James to take umbrage and he declares that no matter what any other evil they do, they do not turn their backs on people who have helped them and are oppressed. Team Rocket and Ash’s company agree to work together to protect the village.

The next day, James assumes command and creates a strategy to defend the village sending the three heroes to steal the dodrios that the thieves use for transportation. While sneaking into the enemy camp they discover the two girls who initiated contact with them talking with the thieves as if they were friends. The thieves are then honor bound to reveal that they are in reality the children of the villagers. They explained that they created a wonderful retirement home for their elders, but the elders refused the offer. The elders preferred staying in the village tending their fields with the digletts as they had always done. So the children of the elders decided to stage a ruse to keep the older people alert and healthy, while ensuring their comfort in their declining years. They then asked Ash and company to keep their secret and not to worry about hitting them with full force. Proving to them that even Pikachu’s Thunderbolt could not get through their special armor.

Not having time to let Team Rocket in on the secret, they stage a mock battle making it look as if their dodrios had been successfully stolen. At the end when Team Rocket started using bombs on the “thieves”, harming the diglett as well. Ash had no choice but to have Pikachu use his Thunderbolt on them. Team Rocket was confused about still being attacked as they blasted off again.

In gratitude the elders presented Ash and company with a badge, which incorporated the silver wing into its design. They then tell them the badge comes from Silver Rock Isle, an island in the Whirl Islands. The group decides they should go there in search of any clues to the silver wing and possibly the mystery pokémon.

Trivia: This episode was loosely based on the classic 1954 Japanese film, 七人の侍, Shichinin no Samurai (Seven Samurai).
Pokemon   219   Hi Ho Silver... Away .MKV snapshot 10.27 10 E# 219

J# 221
"Hi Ho Silver... Away!"

"Gin'iro no Hane no Densetsu! Gin Gantō no Tatakai!!" (ぎんいろのはねのでんせつ! ぎんがんとうのたたかい!!)
(The Legend of Silver Wings! Battle at Silver Rock Island!!)
November 16, 2002

October 11, 2001
Ash and company arrive on Silver Rock Isle which is literally covered with the symbol from the badge. They meet Arienne, a jewelry store owner who they ask about legends connected with the silver wing symbol. Arienne recommends they talk with her friend, Genero, a craftsman and would-be sculptor. Arriving at his house, Arienne finds it strangely quiet. Going inside, Ash trips over an sick sandslash, and Arienne finds her friend collapsed from overwork and lack of eating. Their constant outbursts of bickering makes it clear to Misty that they are actually in love with each other, much to Brock’s dismay.

Meanwhile Team Rocket arrives in town and is taken in by a con man who convinces them that his fake jewelry is authentic and will bring them luck.

Brock tends to the sandslash, while Arienne cares for Genero. Genero invites them to stay the night. Genero tells a very old story handed down through the family. He tells them that the ship in the story landed on Oki Island. Later that night Pikachu hears noises and alerts the kids to a missing Genero. They find him outside working on perfecting a pin. He tells them he had to finish making the most perfect pin ever for Arienne’s birthday adding that he intends to propose to her. He also reveals he is very nervous about doing so.

The next day, in a white suit and the pin in a gift box, Genero is about to give up until Misty orders him to go to Arienne and propose immediately. No one refuses an order from Misty. Unfortunately, Team Rocket, emboldened by the fake good luck charms, strikes at that time with a huge vacuum hose sucking up all of the silver wing jewelry from the stores and the people in the street—including Genero’s gift.

Ash and his friends take chase. Noctowl is used to puncture the balloon and the sandslash uses Sandstorm to cover Pikachu so he can use Thunderbolt. The fake jewelry is exposed and Team Rocket looses their confidence and are ultimately defeated. Genero finds the gift and finally finds the courage to ask Arienne to marry him. Arienne accepts.

The young couple tell Ash and company how to reach Oki Island through a tunnel that connects the two islands. They travel through the tunnel without incident. Once outside at the other end, they spot another pikachu. When it turns around they recognize it as Sparky!

Trivia: The silver wing in the story must be the same silver wing recovered by Luca’s grandfather.
Pokemon   220   The Mystery Is History.MKV snapshot 12.38 11 E# 220

J# 222
"The Mystery Is History"

"Nazono Pokemon X!!" (なぞのポケモンX!!)
(Mysterious Pokémon X!!)
November 23, 2002

October 18, 2001
Ash and company arrive on Oki Island and are reunited with Richie and Sparkie who are also looking for the mysterious pokémon. They decide to start by searching a small deserted islet off the coast. Ash’s party comes upon a young boy, Oliver and his pet lanturn. They ask him about a mysterious pokémon, but he became very evasive. He excuses himself, and leaves. Away from the group, it is revealed that he plays with a baby lugia that he named Silver. It is then revealed that one of the branches of the real Team Rocket led by Prof Namba has had Oliver under observation. They spot Silver and report to the professor. The Rocket grunts are then ordered to capture Silver without harming it. Ash and his party are still searching for clues and are seen and eavesdropped on by Jessie and James.

Team Rocket attacks but Oliver and the pokémon escape and make a run for it, coming into the view of Ash’s search party, and Jessie and James. When Ash’s party realizes that Silver is a mystery pokémon and is in danger from Team Rocket led by Butch and Cassidy, they take action to rescue Oliver and the pokémon. At the last moment Luca, who had been researching the silver wing found off Red Rock Island, joined the fray and turned the tide in the kids’ favor.

As the kids and Luca compare notes the parent lugia arrives and they make friends with it. Cut to the Team Rocket undersea base where Jessie and James in standard issue uniforms sneak aboard. Jessie wants to show up Cassidy and steal credit for a successful mission from her. In the process they learn of the professor’s plans for a Pokémon Power Magnifying Project.

Luca runs an errand for food and firewood leaving the kids on the island alone. While she is gone Butch and Cassidy catch Silver with a decoy. Then Jessie and James show up to steal Silver from Butch and Cassidy. A three-way battle ensues, but Cassidy and Butch win and take Silver with them, swamping the magikarp sub in the process.
Pokemon   221   A Parent Trapped .MKV snapshot 18.55 12 E# 221

J# 223
"A Parent Trapped!"

"Torawareno Rugia" (とらわれのルギア)
(The Captive Lugia)
November 30, 2002

October 25, 2001
Prof Namba gloats over the capture of Silver and plots to use it as bait to catch its parent. The kids are disheartened over the loss of Silver and the knowledge that the parent lugia will be upset. Sure as they think of it, the lugia comes for its child and when it discovers it missing creates a violent storm and begins destroying targets at random. Ash and Richie try to talk to the lugia to calm it down, finally succeeding. Butch and Cassidy put the caged Silver on shore setting a trap for its parent. Trying to warn off the lugia and fight Butch and Cassidy prove to be too much as not only is the parent lugia caught, but the four trainers are taken prisoner as well.
Pokemon   222   A Promise Is A Promise.MKV snapshot 17.51 13 E# 222

J# 224
"A Promise is a Promise"

"Rugia to no Yakusoku!" (ルギアとのやくそく!)
(The Promise with Lugia!)
December 7, 2002

November 1, 2001
Oliver rushes off to rescue Ash and his crew. Prof Namba is satisfied with the capture of the parent lugia. Ash and his friends try to find a way to escape when the professor decides to attach provoker headbands to Pikachu and Sparky. Jessie and James, intent on capturing the lugia for themselves, create diversions by freeing Ash and his friends. During their escape, they discover that destroying the provoker headbands is the key to defeating the enraged pokémon.

Jessie and James are detected trying to release the parent lugia. Butch and Cassidy try to stop them and both sides wind up destroying the force field generator containing the lugia. The parent lugia starts destroying the base and Team Rocket begins evacuating. Unable to get through the electrabuz’s Light Screen to destroy the provoker headband, they realize that they need to aim for the device the professor is holding that controls it. Once the have defeated the professor, they free Silver. Once the parent realizes that Silver is freed and okay, it calms down and helps Ash and his team escape the base. Once the young trainers are out of range, the entire secret base explodes. Richie stays to explore the Whirl Islands and Luca takes Ash and company to Transit Town where they can catch a ferry to Olivine City.
Pokemon   223   Throwing In The Noctowl .MKV snapshot 16.14 14 E# 223

J# 225
"Throwing in the Noctowl"

"Tobe Hōhō-gō! Asagi o Mezashi!!" (とべホーホーごう! アサギをめざし!!)
(Fly Flight Hoho! Head for Asagi!!)
December 14, 2002

November 8, 2001
Having rescheduled a gym battle with the gym in Olivine City, Ash and company make plans to catch the next ferry from Transit Town. However, they wind up an hour too late. They wind up catching a plane ride with an old aviator, partner noctowl, and plane. Part-way there they run into a storm and pick up non-other than Team Rocket who are stranded in their balloon. The aviator cites that their mischief on land makes no difference, aviators help anyone in need. Once on board Team Rocket is genuinely repentant and even helpful. Considering that the plane is falling apart as they travel through the storm it is excellent timing as all hands will be needed for everyone to arrive in Olivine City safely.
Pokemon   224   Nerves Of Steelix .MKV snapshot 01.58 15 E# 224

J# 226
"Nerves of Steelix!"

"Asagi Jimu! Tai Haganēru!!" (アサギジム! VSハガネール!!)
(Asagi Gym! Vs. Haganeil!!)
December 21, 2002

November 15, 2001
Ash is training at the beach in Olivine City. Team Rocket makes an attempt to steal Pikachu and is foiled by Jasmine’s steelix. Ash then arrives at the Olivine Gym to claim the mineral badge, and wins it. The next badge is in Mahogany Town, and the quickest way there is through Ecruteak City where they had been before.

Trivia: Contemporary Pokéworld writing is clearly seen in the plaque on the wobbuffet warrior. It reads:
He who puts his Pokémon here
Will win his battles without fear.
Pokemon   225   Bulbasaur... The Ambassador .MKV snapshot 13.14 16 E# 225

J# 227
"Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!"

"Sayonara Fushigidane! Ōkido-tei no Bōken" (さよならフシギダネ! オーキドていのぼうけん)
(Farewell, Fushigidane! Adventure at Dr. Okido's)
September 23, 2002

November 22, 2001
Ash and company, and Team Rocket are on their way to Ecruteak City, but the real story centers on Bulbasaur helping to handle territorial disputes among the pokémon living in the gardens of Oak’s research facilities. For the most part, Bulbasaur is able to solve the problem, but disputes keep breaking out requiring Bulbasaur to stay indefinitely.
Pokemon   226   Espeon  Not Included.MKV snapshot 08.51 17 E# 226

J# 228
"Espeon, Not Included"

"Ēfi to Sakura! Enju Shitei Futatabi!!" (エーフィとサクラ! エンジュシティふたたび!!)
(Eifie and Sakura! Enju City Once Again!!)
September 24, 2002

November 29, 2001
Ash and company arrive at Ecruteak City, and are greeted by Sakura and her newly evolved espeon. Team Rocket poses as dance instructors to catch all of the known eeveelutions of the time. Although they did not realize that the youngest sister is not part of the dance troupe. So it becomes up to Sakura, with a slight assist from Misty and Corsola, to rescue her sisters’ pokémon. This results in Sakura being treated as an equal by her sisters.
Pokemon   227   For Ho Oh The Bells Toll .MKV snapshot 02.00 18 E# 227

J# 229
"For Ho-Oh the Bells Toll!"

"Suikun to Minaki! Hōō no Densetsu!!" (スイクンとミナキ! ホウオウのでんせつ!!)
(Suikun and Minaki! The Legend of Houou!!)
September 25, 2002

December 6, 2001
Ash and company prepare to leave Ecruteak City for Mahogany Town, but the ringing of the bells of Tin Tower begin to ring. Now Ash and his friends, Morty, and Eusine must retrieve the missing crystal bells of ho-oh that were stolen by Team Rocket. In order to do that they must find a way to calm the grass and bug pokémon of the forest.
Pokemon   228   Extreme Pokemon .MKV snapshot 19.08 19 E# 228

J# 230
"Extreme Pokémon!"

"Pokemon Raido de Tsuppashire!!" (ポケモンライドでつっぱしれ!!)
(Run Quickly Along the Pokémon Ride!!)
January 4, 2003

December 13, 2001
On their way to Mahogany Town Ash and company make a stop at Exeter where trainers from all over are preparing for the Extreme Pokémon Race. Most have been training for weeks, but the race is only a few days away. One of the contestants is Gary! So naturally, Ash has to enter the race too. Team Rocket is on hand to steal the front runner. So who wins? Gary, Ash, or someone else? For saving the eggs from the daycare center from Team Rocket, Ash is given a special egg to hatch.
Pokemon   229   An EGG Sighting Adventure .MKV snapshot 04.24 20 E# 229

J# 231
"An EGG-sighting Adventure!"

"Meitantei Junsā! Kieta Tamago no Nazo!!" (めいたんていジュンサー! きえたタマゴのなぞ!!)
(Famous Detective Junsar! The Mystery of the Disappeared Egg!!)
 
So now the Ash has the egg of an unknown pokémon he is excited to see what it will hatch into. Team Rocket doesn’t care even if it’s only good for breakfast. While Ash and company stay the night at a PokéCenter, Team Rocket breaks in to steal the egg, only for togepi to use Metronome/Teleport on the egg. Undaunted and hungry Team Rocket settles for raiding the kitchen. Meanwhile the egg winds up in a nearby forest and found by a kangaskhan. Officer Jenny is called on to solve the mystery. Through luck and a comedy of errors, the egg is recovered and Team Rocket chalks up another failed theft.
Pokemon   230   Hatching A Plan.MKV snapshot 04.06 21 E# 230

J# 232
"Hatching a Plan"

"Tamago, Kaeru" (タマゴ、かえる)
(Egg, Hatch)
January 18, 2003

December 27, 2001
The unknown egg is about to hatch, and Team Rocket is as interested in what might be inside the egg as anyone. It turns out to be a phanpy. Unfortunately, Phanpy doesn’t know about getting into a pokéball. It thinks it’s a game. Then Team Rocket grabs it just as Pikachu uses Thunderbolt on them. The electricity also shocks Phanpy causing it to be afraid of Ash and Pikachu and run away blindly. Eventually the shock wears off and it comes across Team Rocket again. But after being betrayed by Team Rocket and working with Pikachu to escape them, it learns who its real friends are.
Pokemon   231   Dues And Don   ts.MKV snapshot 06.12 22 E# 231

J# 233
"Dues and Don'ts"

"Roketto-dan to Deribādo!" (ロケットだんとデリバード!)
(Rocket-dan and Delibird!)
January 25, 2003

January 10, 2002
Jessie and James learn they are no longer members of Team Rocket. Meowth isn’t even a registered Team Rocket pokémon. Besides they still owe the organization a large sum of money. A Team Rocket recruiting manager suggests they re-enlist. She gives them an entry test to battle the first random travelers that come along. She even lends them her delibird. Of course the lucky travelers would be Ash, Misty, and Brock. Things are going great for Jessie and James until one of the delibird’s Presents heals Pikachu and he retaliates with Thunder. Well, Giovanni re-hires them in order for them to pay off their debt.
Pokemon   232   Just Waiting On A Friend.MKV snapshot 07.12 23 E# 232

J# 234
"Just Waiting On a Friend"

"Kiri no Naka no Kyūkon!" (きりのなかのキュウコン!)
 (The Kyukon in the Fog!)
September 26, 2002

January 17, 2002
On there way to Mahogany Town, Ash and company come to a thick fog and are invited to stay at a castle by a beautiful, but strange, young woman with a ninetales. The ninetales seems to have taken a liking to Brock while the young woman seems to be the woman of his dreams. Ash and Misty try to solve the mystery of who the woman really is, and what spell has overcome Brock. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is caught up in their own fantasy. Eventually all is revealed as only an illusion created by a lonely ninetales.
Pokemon   233   A Tyrogue Full Of Trouble.MKV snapshot 02.03 24 E# 233

J# 235
"A Tyrogue Full of Trouble"

"Barukī to Karateō Nobuhiko!" (バルキーとからておうノブヒコ!)
(Balkie and the Karate King Nobuhiko!)
February 1, 2003

January 24, 2002
Taking a shortcut through a mountain tunnel, Ash and company come to a lone tyrogue with a bitter attitude. They meet Kiyo who wants to earn the tyrogue’s trust. The tyrogue is extremely strong which attracts the attention of Team Rocket. But Kiyo must prove himself in oder to earn the tyrogue’s trust.
Pokemon   234   Xatu The Future.MKV snapshot 02.53 25 E# 234

J# 236
"Xatu the Future"

"Neitio no Daiyogen!" (ネイティオのだいよげん!)
(Natio's Big Prediction!)
February 8, 2003

January 31, 2002
Ash and company along with Team Rocket fall into a pit and land in a man-made hallway. Soon they see a young girl in a white dress holding a watch voicing concern about being late. (Shades of Lewis Carroll!) They follow her and find an underground civilization dependent on the predictions of the future given by three xatus (Xatu 1, Xatu 2, and Xatu 3). But the xatus are getting on in years and their predictions seem to make no sense. This may be the day predicted centuries ago, that the civilization is coming to an end.
Pokemon   235   Talkin       Bout An Evolution.MKV snapshot 02.06 26 E# 235

J# 237
"Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution"

"Wataru to Akai Gyaradosu!" (ワタルとあかいギャラドス!)
(Wataru and the Red Gyarados!)
February 15, 2003

February 7, 2002
While lost in the forest near Lake Gyarados, Ash and company stumble upon a Team Rocket plan to create the ultimate pokémon army with an evolution inducement machine. The side effect of this experiment has led them to a new weapon that makes pokémon weak and listless. Jessie and James also stumble upon their operation, and have been helping them in order to feel like useful contributors (and eat) again. They meet Lance the dragon master who is investigating the operations. He sends Ash and company away, but they return to help the red gyarados, and wind up being captured instead.

Trivia: The text print out on the screen is Greek in reverse.
Pokemon   236   Rage Of Innocence.MKV snapshot 17.28 27 E# 236

J# 238
"Rage of Innocence"

"Akai Gyaradosu no Ikari!" (あかいギャラドスのいかり!)
(Red Gyarados's Anger!)
February 22, 2003

February 14, 2002
Team Rocket is now set to send the red gyarados to their main headquarters. Ash and company with Lance must stop them and find a way to heal the suffering endured by the gyarados when it was forced to evolve. Meanwhile, Ash meets a cranky old man with a dewgong who saves him from an attack by the gyarados. Jessie, James, and Meowth return to operating on their own.
Pokemon   237   As Cold As Pryce.MKV snapshot 16.05 28 E# 237

J# 239
"As Cold as Pryce"

"Inomū to Fuyu no Yanagi!" (イノムーとふゆのヤナギ!)
(Inomoo and Yanagi of the Winter!)
March 1, 2003

February 21, 2002
Ash arrives at the gates to the Mahogany Town Gym only to learn the gym leader, Pryce, is meditating in the mountains. A local woman, Sheila, takes them there. Team Rocket is trailing them as usual in order to snatch Pikachu at the first opportunity. They reach Pryce, to discover that he is the cranky old man with the dewgong. As Ash and company learn of the tragic consequences that created the cold-hearted gym leader, a series of accidents cause them to find Pryce’s beloved piloswine and restores his caring nature. Ash then arranges a gym battle for the next morning.
Pokemon   238   Nice Pryce  Baby .MKV snapshot 03.00 29 E# 238

J# 240
"Nice Pryce, Baby!"

"Chōji Jimu! Kōri no Tatakai!" (チョウジジム! こおりのたたかい!)
(Chouji Gym! Ice Battle!)
March 8, 2003

February 28, 2002
The opening of this episode is a much better synopsis of the last episode than the one I wrote.

Team Rocket plans to break into the gym to steal pokémon and wind up frozen for a few days instead. Meanwhile in the gym, Ash battles Pryce for the Glacier Badge.

Ash wins the Glacier Badge.
Pokemon   239   Whichever Way The Wind Blows.MKV snapshot 17.05 30 E# 239

J# 241
"Whichever Way the Wind Blows"

"Kireihana to Rafureshia! Sōgen no Heiwa!" (キレイハナとラフレ シア! そうげんのへいわ!)
 (Kireihana and Ruffresia! Peace in Meadow!)
March 22, 2003

March 7, 2002
On their way to Blackthorn City, Ash and company get involved in a war between vileplumes and bellossoms, caused by territorial disputes. Team Rocket wants to collect some of each of them, but the grass pokémon all join forces to keep that from happening. The local researcher, Ash, Misty, and Brock finally give up trying to prevent and break up the fights. They allow the bellossoms and vileplumes to battle until they are all injured, and point out that neither side won. Finally realizing that there is no point to the battle and that they can live in harmony with each other, they end the territorial dispute and live together sharing the entire field.
Pokemon   240   Some Like It Hot .MKV snapshot 16.13 31 E# 240

J# 242
"Some Like It Hot!"

"Magukarugo! Atsui Kokoro de Getto da ze!!" (マグカルゴ! あついこころでゲットだぜ!!)
(Magcargot! Getting the Hot Heart!!)
March 29, 2003

March 14, 2002
On their way to Blackthorn City, Ash and company pass through a valley full of volcanic activity and fire pokémon. They cross paths with Egan, a fire pokémon trainer who becomes a heated rival against Misty. Egan uses the advice Misty gave him to catch a giant magcargo. But Team Rocket appears to steal the pokéball with the magcargo inside. Misty and Egan work together to defeat Team Rocket, and Pikachu sends them on their way. Ash and company, and Egan part ways as friends.
Pokemon   241   Hocus Pokemon.MKV snapshot 12.49 32 E# 241

J# 243
"Hocus Pokémon"

"Pokemon Mahō de Daihenshin!?" (ポケモンまほうでだいへんしん!?)
(A Huge Transformation with Pokémon Magic!?)
April 5, 2003

March 21, 2002
Walking toward their destination in a forest, Ash and company meet Lilly, a pokémon magician. Lilly explains she is on a quest to find the ingredients she needs to cast a spell that would enable humans to read the minds of pokémon to understand each other. Ash and company agree to help her.
 
Team Rocket overhears what she is trying to do and realizes they could use the spell to their advantage. Despite Team Rocket’s interference, Lilly is able to get her ingredient at last so she can now create the spell only to discover that the spell continues onto the next page of her book, but on that page the ink is smeared and almost illegible.
 
Trivia: The book is written in “ancient text from Pokémonia from roughly the age of the third king”. The text shown on the page is based on runes. Most likely the same set used to create the Ancient Mew card.
Pokemon   242   As Clear As Crystal.MKV snapshot 07.45 33 E# 242

J# 244
"As Clear as Crystal"

"Sandā to Kurisutaru! Mizūmi no Himitsu!" (サンダーとクリスタル! みずうみのひみつ!)
(Thunder and the Crystal! Secret of the Lake!)
April 12, 2003

March 28, 2002
Team Rocket appears again and inexplicably is able to grab Pikachu and place him in a trap that siphons off the energy of his electric attacks. Ash has Pikachu overload the circuits which frees Pikachu and sends Team Rocket blasting off again. The effort has taken its toll. Pikachu is drained of energy. A young lady comes along to lead the adventurers to a hidden lake that heals and restores electric pokémon. It is due to an ancient temple that sank into the lake with a crystal at its apex that recharges the power of electric pokémon.
 
Unfortunately, Team Rocket is nearby with audio equipment and overhears the whole conversation. They steal the crystal and take off in a balloon with a new device that actively drains the power from all electric pokémon in the area. This attracts the attention of a zapdos who has sensed the danger to the electric pokémon. Working together with the zapdos, Ash and company are able to restore the crystal to the temple.
Pokemon   243   Same Old Song And Dance.MKV snapshot 05.07 34 E# 243

J# 245
"Same Old Song and Dance"

"Futago no Pupurin Tai Purin! Utau Pokemon Konsāto!" (ふたごのププリンVSプリン! うたうポケモンコンサート!)
(Pupurin Twins vs. Purin! Singing Pokémon Concert!)
April 19, 2003

April 11, 2002
Ash and company meet Brittany, the star of a television show and her twin igglybuffs, Gigglybiff and Gigglybuff. Unknown to Ash and company, they have been found and followed by the microphone-bearing Sleep jigglypuff. Also tracking them is Team Rocket who now have designs on the trained twin igglybuffs.
 
Team Rocket steals the twin igglybuffs. Ash and friends catch up with Team Rocket and a battle begins. Even Sleep Jigglypuff joins the battle. Team Rocket is sent blasting off and Brittany returns to finish the concert with her igglybuffs. Then Sleep Jigglypuff closes the concert with putting everyone asleep. In revenge for everyone falling asleep on its performance it uses its marker to draw on everyone’s face.
Pokemon   244   Enlighten Up .MKV snapshot 07.09 35 E# 244

J# 246
"Enlighten Up!"

"Yadon no Satori! Satoshi no Satori!" (ヤドンのさとり! サトシのさとり!)
(Yadon's Comprehension! Satoshi's Comprehension!)
April 26, 2003

April 18, 2002
Ash and company arrive at Slowpoke Lake aka the Lake of Enlightenment. Waiting for them is Team Rocket. The two teams decide to have an outright battle, but are interrupted by the arrival of a slowpoke and Madeline, a student cleric at the Slowpoke Temple. Ash and company and Team Rocket decide to stay for a while to become enlightened. Actually, Team Rocket decide to bide their time while they come up with a plan to steal the statue. True to form, Team Rocket bungle again and fail in their attempt to steal the statue. While the young cleric displays her unwavering faith in the slowpoke. Ash and company go on their way, but Team Rocket are left behind for more “training”.
Pokemon   245   Will The Real Oak Please Stand Up.MKV snapshot 09.34 36 E# 245

J# 247
"Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?"

"Nise Ōkido!? Pokemon Senryū Taiketsu!!" (にせオーキド!? ポケモンせんりゅうたいけつ!!)
(Fake Okido!? Pokémon Senryu Confrontation!!)
September 27, 2002

April 25, 2002
Prof Oak is scheduled to make a public appearance in Maroon Town which just happens to be the next stop on the way to Blackthorn City for Ash and company. Team Rocket happens to be in Maroon Town and notice the posters for the show tomorrow. They also notice that there will be a buffet after the show for the celebrities. So they dress up as Oak, Mary and a producer to fool the host Nurse Joy into feeding them. James, disguised as Oak, bluffs his way through a question and answer session with the local children.
 
When the real Prof Oak shows up there is a lot of confusion. Ash and company can vouch for him, but there is no proof in that either. So a challenge is made to have a show down on stage and whoever is the real Oak wins. The knowledge contest ends up as a poetry contest as a tie breaker, and Oak wins. Team Rocket start to get away with the after show brunch, but the food is recovered and Oak sends a pidgey to send Team Rocket off (in an intact balloon this time). The professor’s reputation is restored and the children have all kinds of questions for him.
Pokemon   246   Wish Upon A Star Shape.MKV snapshot 00.49 37 E# 246

J# 248
"Wish Upon a Star Shape"

"Pī to Pippi to Nagareboshi!" (ピィとピッピとながれぼし!)
(Py, Pippy and the Shooting Star!)
May 3, 2003

May 2, 2002
Having stopped for the night and admiring the stars, Ash and company watch as a mysterious object cuts an erratic path. It turns out to be a cleffa, the pre-evolved form of clefairy. The group wonders if the UFO could be the clefairy ship they had encountered before, and make the decision to take the cleffa to the ship to find out.
 
Just at that time a pair of young scientists obsessed with studying about pokémon at all costs appear to take measurements of the cleffa and insist on taking it for study. They are Ken and Mary, calling themselves the Pokémon Mystery Club. Team Rocket overhears the insult while spying on Ash and company and reveal themselves. A rivalry between the two groups begins as both teams try to capture the cleffa. Ash and company find that the ship is, indeed, the clefairy that they had encountered before.
 
The PMC and Team Rocket compete against each other to capture the clefairy and their ship, only to find that the clefairy are taking their machines apart to fix their spacecraft. With the clefairy ship restored and the cleffa returned to them as a newly evolved clefairy, the clefairy take of for parts unknown. Team Rocket is sent blasting off again with the PMC.
 
――――‧⁓«※»⁓‧――――
Just before going into the next episode this occurred to me.
In the games and in real life trainers get cash for winning battles. Especially, they receive a lot of cash from gym leaders. No one in the anime does! This really does not make sense, as Ash and Misty are essentially professional trainers, not just enthusiasts.
――――‧⁓«※»⁓‧――――
Pokemon   247   Outrageous Fortunes.MKV snapshot 08.46 38 E# 247

J# 249
"Outrageous Fortunes"

"Nyorozo no Shinka!" (ニョロゾのしんか!)
(Nyorozo's Evolution!)
May 10, 2003

May 9, 2002
Ash and company come to the next town and find Delaney, a trainer with a poliwrath taking on all comers. Misty winds up challenging him with Poliwhirl, but loses. Ash takes him on next with Bayleef and Brock calls the battle a draw on account that the poliwrath is now in the eighth straight battle in a row and could become ill, even if it does win.
 
Ash slips on a wet floor and his backpack spills its contents. While everyone is helping him pick everything else, Misty doesn’t notice Poliwhirl picking up Ash’s king’s rock and puts it in its pokéball so it can be healed in the Health Restoration Machine. Team Rocket tricks Delaney into giving them the pokéball that contains his poliwrath. Ash and company have arrived at the scene and everyone gives chase to Team Rocket. The group arrives and challenge Team Rocket for possession of the poliwrath. The battle heats up and Misty calls up Poliwhirl who is wearing the king’s rock which forces it into evolving into a politoad. Team Rocket’s pokémon are knocked into their masters and the poliwrath’s pokéball is caught by Delaney. Pikachu then uses Thunderbolt and send Team Rocket blasting off again.
 
The next day the heroes say their good-byes and continue on to Blackthorn City.
Pokemon   248   One Trick Phony .MKV snapshot 05.37 39 E# 248

J# 250
"One Trick Phony!"

"Batoru Pāku! Tai Kamekkusu, Rizādon, Fushigibana!" (バトルパーク! VSカメックス・リザードン・フシギバナ!)
(Battle Park! Vs. Kamex, Lizardon, Fushigibana!)
May 17, 2003

May 16, 2002
Ash battles a trainer who has a smoochum. She concedes defeat and recommends that Ash try the Battle Park where trainers go to pit their skills against almost any known pokémon. Ash takes the advice. As it happens, Team Rocket is there working as park assistants. The park is closed today so their boss leaves them to clean the park while he goes shopping for supplies. Then Ash and company show up. Team Rocket see this as a golden opportunity to finally snatch Pikachu.
 
They let them in and set them up with three trainers who also came to the park. They quickly disguise themselves as trainers (Meowth and the wobbuffet as a human) and challenge Ash with one of three pokéballs at random. Jessie becomes upset at losing, and sends out her arbok, and James and Meowth put the grab on Pikachu. Ash and company rush to the crash site followed by the park ranger. Team Rocket is confident and sends out all three pokémon that they had used for battle. The park ranger then informs them that park pokémon are extremely obedient—in the park. The three pokémon turn on Team Rocket. Firing all at once, they send Team Rocket blasting off again.
 
All warmed up, Ash is now raring to go to beat the last gym in Blackthorn City.
 
Trivia: Jessie states the park is open 24/7/365. This means the Pokéworld has an Earth-like orbit and rotation. (At least for the anime.)
Pokemon   249   I Politoed Ya So .MKV snapshot 17.43 40 E# 249

J# 251
"I Politoed Ya So!"

"Nyorotono no Chiarīdeingu!" (ニョロトノのチア リーディング!)
(Nyorotono's Cheerleading!)
May 24, 2003

May 23, 2002
Ash and company stop for a picnic. After a nap they break camp, and Misty notices Politoad is missing. They start looking around, but fall into another Team Rocket pitfall. The lost politoad with the red headband happens by and Team Rocket becomes distracted. Ash and friends climb out of the pit and stop them. Ash and company go into town to return the politoad to its owner and find Politoad. The trio are introduced to Tammy and learns the politoad is called Bean. Tammy borrows Politoad for a little while to help her pokémon practice for an important cheerleading contest. Tiffany decides that Bean can no longer be on the squad.

Bean feeling useless, runs off. Ash tries to convince Bean to return, while Brock and Misty try to convince Tammy that she needs to reconsider. Team Rocket snatches everyone. Then Bean arrives and frees its friends. Misty and Tammy then work together to fight Team Rocket and douse their robot in water so Pikachu can use his Thunderbolt. Pikachu is free and Team Rocket is blasting off again. Everyone says their good-byes and...

Roll credits.
Pokemon   249.5   The Ice Cave  Jap   Eng sub .MP4 snapshot 17.43 E# N/A - Banned

J# 41
E# N/A -Banned

J# 252
N/A

"Kōri no Dōkutsu!" (こおりのどうくつ!)
(The Ice Cave!)
N/A

May 30, 2002
Ash and company take a shortcut through the ice caves on their way to Blackthorn City, they run into Team Rocket and in the scuffle, Brock catches a cold. While he recovers at the PokéCenter in the caves, Team Rocket make another attempt to steal Pikachu and all the ice pokémon there.

This episode was pulled because of complaints from Americans about so-called racist stereotypes.

Read more about why this episode was banned.
Pokemon   250   Beauty Is Skin Deep.MKV snapshot 01.55 E# 41

J# 42
E# 250

J# 253
"Beauty Is Skin Deep"

"Ibuki to Miniryū!" (イブキとミニリュウ!)
(Ibuki and Miniryu!)
May 31, 2003

June 6, 2002
Ash and company wind up helping Claire, the Blackthorn City gym leader, protect a dratini who is about to shed its skin. Even so, today is the day that she must perform an important ritual. So she must wait until the vulnerable dratini sheds its skin then perform the ritual before midnight. The caretaker has brought the dragon fang which must be purified with him for her to do this as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Jessie of Team Rocket spots the dratini and wants it for her own. Team Rocket use a ruse to catch dratini and carry it off. A battle begins during which dratini evolves into dragonair. Dratini was not preparing to shed, but evolve. Team Rocket is defeated. The dragonair leads everyone to Riverhead Falls which is the source of Blackthorn Lake where the ritual usually is done. Claire performs the ritual and a light emitted from the dragon fang takes the shape of a dragon which climbs into the night sky toward the moon.
 
The next morning Ash finally arrives at Blackthorn City.
Pokemon   251   Fangs For Nothing.MKV snapshot 17.28 E# 42

J# 43
E# 251

J# 254
"Fangs for Nothin'"

"Fusube Jimu no Ryū no Kiba!" (フスベジムのりゅうのきば!)
(Fusube Gym's Dragon Fang!)
June 7, 2003

June 13, 2002
The gym battle between Claire and Ash begins. Halfway through the match, the gym battle is interrupted by Team Rocket’s theft of the ancient dragon fang. While escaping Team Rocket ducks into Dragon’s Den and all the way into the Dragon Holy Land. Here they con a trusting dragonite into helping them telling it that Claire and Ash’s party are evil humans who want to steal the dragon fang and enslave the pokémon. When it spots Ash and company the dragonite attacks them, then helps Team Rocket to escape. Claire catches up with the kids, and compare notes. Just then a silhouette appears in the sky of a large winged pokémon.
Pokemon   252   Great Bowls Of Fire .MKV snapshot 01.36 E# 43

J# 44
E# 252

J# 255
"Great Bowls of Fire!"

"Kairyū! Gekirin Hatsudō!" (カイリュー! げきりんはつどう!)
(Kairyu! Use Imperial Rage!)
June 14, 2003

June 20, 2002
It’s Charizard!! and he brought Liza with him. Team Rocket, not satisfied with the ancient dragon fang, also try to steal the golden bowl containing the Prayer Flame. They drop it and start a fire that quickly spreads. Defiling the prayer flame makes the dragonite realize their true nature and it goes berserk. He then goes into Attack Rage [Dragon Rage], a state of confusion where it cannot stop attacking, and will attack anything that moves. Now Claire, Liza, Ash, Misty, Brock, and the caretaker have their hands full putting out the fire, saving the pokémon, and calming the dragonite down. It takes the combined efforts of the dratini, Charizard and Pikachu to return the dragonite to its senses. Team Rocket is sent packing, and the ancient dragon fang is recovered.
 
Now that everything is restored to order as much as possible, Claire and Ash must start their battle over again... in the morning after a well-deserved rest.
Pokemon   253   Better Eight Than Never.MKV snapshot 01.56 E# 44

J# 45
E# 253

J# 256
"Better Eight Than Never"

"Fusube Jimu! Saigo no Bajji!!" (フスベジム! さいごのバッジ!!)
(Fusube Gym! The Final Badge!!)
June 21, 2003

June 27, 2002
The battle begins again. Team Rocket are now tunneling to get the ancient dragon fang. It fails. The battle comes down to Charizard against the newly evolved dragonair. The dragonair avoids Charizard’s attacks by diving under the water. Charizard dodges and uses fire attacks to completely evaporate the water. Charizard wins the battle by combining Seismic Toss and Fire Spin, turning his attack into a Flaming Seismic Toss. BOOM.
 
Ash now has all eight badges. But all through the past three episodes, some pokémon has been stealing food. Arms like a wobbuffet, but the cry is not identifiable.
Pokemon   254   Why  Whynaut .MKV snapshot 07.23 E# 45

J# 46
E# 254

J# 257
"Why? Wynaut!"

"Sōnano!? Jimu Bajji to Sōnansu!!" (ソーナノ!? ジムバッジとソーナンス!!)
(Sohnano!? Gym Badges and Sonans!!)
June 28, 2003

July 4, 2002
While having breakfast with Claire on the terrace of a hotel, Ash and company are being spied on by Team Rocket who are so impressed with Ash’s badges, they plan to steal them. Meanwhile the mystery pokémon snatches Jessie’s donuts and Wobbuffet gets the blame again. A little later, Team Rocket tricks Ash and swipes the badges. They give the badges to Wobbuffet for safekeeping while they finish dealing with Ash.
 
Wobbuffet finds the meeting place and waits. He then notices some berry trees nearby. Wishing to get out of trouble for the disappearing donut holes, Wobbuffet picks some berries and puts them in the case with the badges and sits down to continue waiting. Out from the bushes blue arms grab the case full of berries, and Wobbuffet tries to stop the theft. Now the thief is revealed to be a whynaut. Team Rocket fails to understand Wobbuffet, but guess that it was a wooper that stole the badges and start looking for woopers. Spotting one, they immediately assume it is the thief and give chase.
 
While Team Rocket is on a wild wooper chase. Claire, Misty, and Brock help Ash look for Team Rocket. Ash releases Bayleef and Noctowl to help look as well. Bayleef finds the whynaut and the missing badges. Team Rocket manage to get the badges, and escapes in their balloon. Ash has Noctowl take Pikachu after the balloon and send Team Rocket packing. The badges and the case go flying through the air and everyone tries to grab for the badges. Ash misses seeing the whynaut searching for the last badge. The rest of the search party catches up to him and are relieved that he found all of his badges. The next morning Claire points out the road to take and give directions on how to get to their next destination, New Bark Town.
Pokemon   255   Just Add Water.MKV snapshot 02.31 E# 46

J# 47
E# 255

J# 258
"Just Add Water"

"Ryūgū Jimu! Mizu no Nakade Batoru da ze!" (リュウグウジム! みずのなかでバトルだぜ!)
(Ryugu Gym! Battle in the Water!)
July 12, 2003

July 11, 2002
Ash and company make it to the coast and start traveling to New Bark Town. On their way they decide to stop off an watch a water show at a brand new water stadium. The owner, Dorian, is a fan of the Cerulean gym and Misty’s sisters, so he decided to build his own gym featuring an underwater arena. Misty and Dorian decide to have a battle and go at it with a three on three. Team Rocket are having mechanical difficulties with their Magikarp sub and surface for repairs near the water gym. Unwilling to listen to Team Rocket trying to explain their damaged sub. Ash and Dorian attack it and send them on their way. Team Rocket are justifiably miffed in being treated so badly.
 
Misty and Dorian battle and are tied at one loss and one win each, when Team Rocket decides to capture their pokémon out of spite. Team Rocket catches all their water pokémon except for Psyduck. Misty and Dorian are taken captive as well. Team Rocket knocks out Ash and Brock and make good their escape. Ash and Brock go after Team Rocket, but before they have a chance to counter-attack them a very angry Psyduck challenges Team Rocket. Psyduck uses Confusion and then Psychic. All by itself, Psyduck sends Team Rocket blasting off again.
 
Dorian and Misty decide to call their battle a draw. Dorian compliments Misty on her abilities as a trainer and tells her that he will tell her sisters that she is doing just fine as a trainer. Brock comments that it is too bad no one knows about his gym. Then Ash makes the offer to tell everyone at the Johto League Silver Conference about his gym. They then say their goodbyes and continue to New Bark Town.
 
Trivia: Apparently, everyone forgets their promise. No one will make any mention of the Coastline Gym at the conference.
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"Lapras of Luxury"

"Rapurasu no Uta!" (ラプラスのうた!)
(Laplace's Song!)
July 26, 2003

July 18, 2002
Ash and company stop in at a PokéCenter and call Prof Birch. He then asks Ash to stop by the Marine Pokémon Laboratory and pick up an egg and bring it to him. They stop off at the lab and meet Naomi. She is researching marine migration and communication. Specifically the travel songs of the lapras and how they relate to finding their way through the seas so precisely. As it turns out the herd that just arrives is the same heard from the Orange Islands that Ash and company had traveled with.
 
Team Rocket has happened along and captures the entire heard with a huge net and tows them off behind their new Gyarados sub. Naomi, Ash and company get into her mini-sub and follow. Ash’s lapras and Naomi are able to catch up to the heard and they use their singing to communicate and follow where Team Rocket’s submarine beached with the netted laprases. A brief scuffle occurs and Team Rocket is sent blasting off again.
 
Everyone returns to the lab to see the lapras heard off, and they witness the leader handing over the leadership of the heard to Ash’s lapras. Naomi then says her goodbyes as Ash and company, with the egg in their possession, leave for Prof Birch’s lab.
Pokemon   257   Hatch Me If You Can.MKV snapshot 00.34 E# 48

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"Hatch Me If You Can"

"Tamago o Mamore! Arashi no Naka de Umareta Inochi!" (タマゴをまもれ! あらしのなかでうまれたいのち!)
(Protecting the Egg! The Life Born in a Storm!)
August 9, 2003

July 25, 2002
Ash and company didn’t get very far before the egg started hatching. Team Rocket continues to spy on them and watch as the egg hatches into a larvitar. But the larvitar is still in a dormant stage. They locate a nearby PokéCenter and rush to get the larvitar there. They try contacting Prof Elm, but he is away from his lab greeting Prof Oak and Delia. Team Rocket sabotaged both the power supply and the backup generator in order to get access to the larvitar. Their scheme is foiled, but the larvitar still needs heat. Prof Elm, Prof Oak and his mom arrive just in time to reverse the dropping body temperature. But Prof Elm is still concerned at the larvitar’s continued lack of response.
 
Ash figures out that the larvitar has withdrawn from life, because it was aware of the dangers it suffered as an egg. Ash manages to win over larvitar’s trust when he protects it from Team Rocket again. Prof Elm then asks Ash to take the larvitar back to Mount Silver where it was born. The larvitar has opened up to Ash, but is still wary of the others, particularly Misty.
Pokemon   258   Entei At Your Own Risk.MKV snapshot 16.38 E# 49

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"Entei at Your Own Risk"

"Entei to Onsen no Nakama-tachi!" (エンテイとおんせんのなかまたち!)
(Entei and Friends of the Hot Spring!)
August 16, 2003

August 1, 2002
Ash and company happen on some hot springs and a trainer named Nelson who is trying to capture an entei. He has a secret weapon to insure the entei doesn’t escape; a misdreavus with Mean Look. Team Rocket has followed them and tries a couple of schemes to catch first, all of Ash’s pokémon, then all the wild pokémon in the hot springs. During the second attempt Brock’s pineco evolves into Forretress, and the entei appears to end Team Rocket’s trap. Nelson then makes an attempt to catch the entei.
Pokemon   259   A Crowning Achievement .MKV snapshot 06.21 E# 50

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"A Crowning Achievement"

"Yadokingu! Ōja no Shirushi!" (ヤドキング! おうじゃのしるし!)
(Yadoking! King's Symbol!)
August 23, 2003

August 8, 2002
Ash and company hear a waterfall on the path ahead of them and decide to have a picnic there. When they get there though, they find the water level of the lake is extremely low and many slowpoke and slowbro suffering from the lack of fresh water. They also see a king’s rock perched atop a tall rock in the middle of the lake. They meet an archaeologist and his daughter who has a pet slowpoke, who show them a cave drawing of a legend that tells of a slowpoke paradise that was revealed the last time the water level of the lake dropped. According to the legend a slowpoke was able to reach the king’s rock, then bitten on the head by a shellder and evolved into a great leader who was able to find the way to the slowpoke paradise. They hope to find the special slowpoke who will become that leader, but they must make sure that the king’s rock is not stolen by the annoying Team Rocket.
Pokemon   260   Here   s Lookin    At You Elekid .MKV snapshot 03.09 E# 51

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"Here's Lookin' at You Elekid!"

"Nanako to Erekiddo!" (ナナコとエレキッド!)
(Nanako and Elekid!)
August 30, 2003

August 15, 2002
While on a picnic, Ash and company are surprised by an elekid. Then they are surprised by Team Rocket capturing the elekid and larvitar. Still more surprises as they are met with Casey and her new meganium who are out in search of the elekid that Team Rocket captured. Everyone then goes off to track down the terrible trio of trouble. Team rocket lose their prey and while searching for it run into the pokémon peddler. The peddler offers a trade for his weepinbell with Sweet Scent, and they trade James’ victreebel for it. Using the weepinbell’s Sweet Scent they are not only able to draw back the pokémon they lost, but help Ash and his friends to find them. During the battle weepinbell evolves into a victreebel and promptly attacks Jessie. Jessie gives it the boot at the same time the pokémon peddler gives Jame’s victreebel the boot. The two pokémon wind up crashing into each other, fall in love, and return to the wild together. Casey makes short work of Team Rocket, then fights and catches the elekid for her home team.
Pokemon   261   You   re A Star Larvitar .MKV snapshot 12.36 E# 52

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"You're a Star, Larvitar!"

"Yōgirasu Ganbaru!" (ヨーギラスがんばる!)
(Do Your Best, Yogiras!)
September 6, 2003

August 22, 2002
Stopping off at a PokéCenter at the base of Mount Silver, Ash is challenged by Satchel, a trainer with a magby. They battle and Ash realizes his pokémon need a lot more training to compete at the Silver Conference. While he trains his pokémon, Team Rocket attack the other trainers and steals their pokémon including Satchel’s magby. Then Ash accidentally gets caught as well, but the larvitar clings to the gondola of the balloon. Team Rocket doesn’t notice larvitar, but they tie up Ash while loading the rest of the pokémon on a truck.
 
Misty, Brock, and Satchel set out to find Team Rocket. Noctowl spots the truck and alerts the search party, who follow it to where Team Rocket is. After freeing Ash, Larvitar delays team rocket and under instructions from Ash, helps free the other pokémon. The search party arrives and Satchel sends his magby in to battle Team Rocket. This enables his magby to evolve into a magmar. Together, Ash and Satchel send Team Rocket on their way. Ash and company are now on their way to the Pokémon Preservation Center where larvitar was born.
Pokemon   262   Address Unown .MP4 snapshot 02.56 E# 53

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"Address Unown!"

"Fushigi no Kuni no Annōn" (ふしぎのくにのアンノーン)
(Unknown of the Country of Mystery)
September 13, 2003

August 29, 2002
On their way to the Pokémon Preservation Center, Ash and company see a dimensional rift in the sky. An unown falls out of it hitting Misty. From the contact, Misty is able to tell Ash and Brock that the unown is not feeling well and is now anxious about being separated from its home and friends. They do what they can to make the unown comfortable. The larvitar seems to be especially worried about the larvitar and watches over it. In the morning the unown is feeling much better and begins playing with larvitar. Team Rocket attacks just then to capture both the unown and the larvitar. The larvitar protects its new friend, and fires Hidden Power at Team Rocket. The wobbuffet counters with Counter and just before it hits, the unown begins to glow.

Ash and company awake to find themselves in a dimension created when the unown merged its mind with the larvitar’s. They find an egg wit a black thorn sticking into it. Ash touches it and finds larvitar trapped in a thorny maze of its fears. The adventurers help the larvitar break free of its prison, and are returned to their camp. The unown returned the care it received by helping to cure larvitar of its anxieties. The unown returns to its dimension, and the larvitar now allows even Misty to touch it. The heroes continue their journey to bring the larvitar home.
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"Mother of All Battles"

"Bangirasu to Yōgirasu!" (バンギラスとヨーギラス!)
(Bangiras and Yogiras!)
September 15, 2003

September 5, 2002
Ash and company finally reach the home of the larvitar and are immediately attacked by a tyranitar. It turns out to be the mother of the larvitar Ash has been caring for. Eventually they are able to convince her that they are friends. Just then the Poacher brothers attack and bag the tyranitar. Brock sends his crobat to watch where they go. Just then the ranger they were going to meet to hand over the larvitar shows up. The poachers encounter Team Rocket and give them their machine to capture Pikachu and the larvitar while they steal their balloon to make their getaway. Despite the new machine Team Rocket is defeated, but the poachers grab Pikachu and Ranger Mason’s croconaw. The larvitar uses Screech and its mother frees herself. Then both mother and child team up to free Pikachu and the croconaw, and damage the balloon. The poachers are apprehended and the larvitar is safely at home with its mother. Ash and company bid their farewells and leave for the Silver Conference.
Pokemon   264   Pop Goes The Sneasel.MP4 snapshot 01.45 E# 55

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"Pop Goes the Sneasel"

"Nyūra to Seinaru Honō!" (ニューラとせいなる ほのお!)
(Nyula and the Sacred Flame!)
September 16, 2003

September 12, 2002
As Ash and company approach the conference they stop to see the start of the lighting of the torch ceremony at the Ho-oh Shrine. Soon there is an announcement that the ceremony will be delayed. Ash and company and Harrison, a trainer from the Hoenn region are asked to help capture a sneasel who has taken up residence at the shrine along with a machop and a machoke. Everyone accepts the quest. Harrison is looking forward to catching a sneasel, and the one at the shrine seems especially feisty. Despite an attempt by Team Rocket to catch the sneasel to replace Meowth, they succeed in beating off the machop and machoke. Harrison is then able to catch the sneasel with a pokémon he brought from the Hoenn region, a blaziken. Now that the ceremony is able to proceed, Ash and Harrison are both looking forward to battling at the Silver Conference.
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"A Claim to Flame!"

"Shirogane Rīgu Kaimaku! Shigeru Futatabi!" (シロガネリーグかいまく! シゲルふたたび!)
(Silver League Begins! Shigeru Returns!)
September 17, 2003

September 19, 2002
Having completed the paperwork for entering the Silver Conference, Ash meets Gary who is also competing. Gary taunts Ash with his half of a poké ball that they fought over, calling the draw a loss since it was against such a loser. Ash makes it through the screening process along with Gary and Harrison. While in line to enter the trainers field for the lighting of the torch ceremony, Team Rocket tricks Ash into coming with them and then tying him up and stealing Pikachu. Gary had seen Ash leave with them and frees him in time to give chase. Team Rocket run into the torch bearer and injures him. After getting Pikachu back and disposing of Team Rocket, Gary looks after the torch bearer while Ash completes the ceremony.
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"Love, Pokémon Style"

"Yosen Rīgu! Magumarashi Honō no Batoru!!" (よせんリーグ! マグマラシほのおのバトル!!)
(League Preliminaries! Battle of the Magmarashi Flame!!)
September 18, 2003

September 26, 2002
Ash checks the boards to see who he will be battling against in the semi-finals. One of his chosen competitors, Macy, challenges him to a battle to check out what she’s up against. Before they can start though, Team Rocket steals both Pikachu and Macy’s vulpix. When Ash goes after Team Rocket and rescues their pokémon, Macy is impressed and falls in love with Ash. Misty immediately steps in to ward off Macy, only to back down when challenged to actually make a confession. The next day Ash and Macy battle. Ash wins with Squirtle who insisted on going to the conference to help Ash. Macy is still impressed, and her slugma evolved into magcargo to always remind her of Ash. Macy decides to postpone their date and train more for a chance at the semi-finals. Ash, of course, is going to do the same.
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"Tie One On!"

"Meganiumu Tai Fushigidane! Kusa Taipu no Iji!" (メガニウムVSフシギダネ! くさタイプのいじ!)
(Meganium vs. Fushigidane! Spirit of the Grass Types!)
September 19, 2003

October 3, 2002
Macy battles Jackson next and wins. Next it is Ash against Jackson. Jackson puts up a tough fight, but Bulbasaur and his meganium, despite the difference in development, are too evenly matched and stubborn. They both fight until they collapse ending the match in a tie, so Ash is the one of the three to move on to the semi-finals. Macy is there, and vows to root for Ash all the way to the championship. Gary has a different outcome in mind as he will be Ash’s next opponent in the finals.

Trivia 1: The magneton paralyzing Pikachu with Thunder Wave should not have happened. Electric pokémon are immune to paralysis by electric attacks.

Trivia 2: This episode is the last Macy is ever heard from again. However, in the next four episodes, true to her word, she can be seen in the crowd watching Ash battle. After that, she has never been seen again.
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"The Ties That Bind"

"Kesshō Rīgu! Furu Batoru Roku Tai Roku!!" (けっしょうリーグ! フルバトル6VS6!!)
(League Finals! Full Battle 6 vs. 6!!)
September 20, 2003

October 10, 2002
Harrison defeats his opponent in the first match of the first round of the finals. Next up is Ash versus Gary. It’s a difficult six on six match and Gary has realized he has been underestimating Ash and his pokémon. His only chance is to make Ash lose control and make a mistake, but Ash is used to fighting more than just trainers. Gary tries to convince himself that Ash’s recklessness is his weakness. But Gary still battles using all the technically correct strategies without any creativity. Ash may always have faith in himself as a champion, but he never insults people on their skills as a trainer, unless they abuse their pokémon. The match continues.
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"Can't Beat the Heat!"

"Raibaru Taiketsu! Kamekkusu Tai Rizādon!!" (ライバルたいけつ! カメックスVSリザードン!!)
(Rival Confrontation! Kamex vs. Lizardon!!)
September 27, 2003

October 17, 2002
The epic battle continues Gary still feels he can out maneuver Ash no matter how creative his rival is. But Ash refuses to give in continuing to come up with new strategies on the fly. Eventually it comes down to Gary’s blastoise against Charizard. However, Ash has Charizard use basically the same strategy to defeat the blastoise, that he used to defeat Claire’s dragonair; by changing the battlefield. Ash wins much to his own amazement. Gary calmly walks away from the field. Later, they meet and Gary congratulates Ash, giving him Gary’s half of the pokéball saying he now knows Ash was never a loser.
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"Playing with Fire"

"Bashāmo Futatabi! Hazuki to no Tatakai!!" (バシャーモふたたび! ハヅキとのたたかい!!)
(Bursyamo Returns! Battle Against Hazuki!)
October 4, 2003

October 24, 2002
Round two of the finals, and Ash now faces Harrison, who has his pokémon from Hoenn with him. Half the pokémon on his team are completely unfamiliar to Ash. Fortunately Prof Oak updated his PokéDex to include Hoenn pokémon. Ash starts out well, but the tide turns against him when the referees call for a break. This gives Harrison time to make corrections to his strategy. They are reduced to one pokémon each, Hamilton with his blaziken, and Ash with Charizard.
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"Johto Photo Finish"

"Furu Batoru no Hate ni! Sorezore no Michi!!" (フルバトルのはてに! それぞれのみち!!)
(To the End of the Destiny Battle! Respective Way!)
October 11, 2003

October 31, 2002
Ash and Harrison are now at the end of their battle to see who will be going to the next round of the finals. It’s down to Harrison’s blaziken, and Charizard. Harrison has already seen Charizard battle, and blazikens are not native to Johto or Kanto. Afterwards Ash and company, Gary, and Harrison rescue a misdreavus trapped under a tree. Gary tells Ash of his decision to switch from being a pokémon trainer to becoming a pokémon researcher. Then after the conference ends, Ash, Gary, and Harrison join forces to keep Team Rocket from stealing Pikachu before going their separate ways.
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"Gotta Catch Ya Later!"

"Sayonara... Soshite, Tabidachi!" (サヨナラ…そして、たびだち!)
(Goodbye... And Then, Setting Off!)
October 18, 2003

November 7, 2002
Ash and company have had a lot of fun and adventures together, but sadly it looks like destiny will break them up. Misty gets her bike back, but her sisters are going on a trip around the world and dumping the responsibilities of running the gym on her. Brock receives an email that he has some errands to run for the family. Ash is saddened by the fact that his friends will no longer be traveling with him, but he promises they will see each other again. He finds out that even Gary is leaving off on his own with only the blastoise he started with, and gives him a going away present. No longer rivals, they part as true friends. Ash sees a (the?) ho-oh flying in the direction of Hoenn. So Ash decides to take Harrison’s advice and Gary’s lead, and travel to Hoenn alone with only Pikachu. With new clothes and gear from his mom, and the latest model of Pokédex from Prof Oak, Ash is ready to go.
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"Hoenn Alone!"

"Pikachū to no Wakare...!" (ピカチュウとのわかれ!)
(Parting with Pikachu...!)
October 25, 2003

November 14, 2002
Ash and Pikachu are on their way to Hoenn. The “New” Team Rocket is still up to their same old plan to steal Pikachu. While the ship has stopped off for repairs, Ash goes off to get Pikachu back. After they make it back to the ship, though, Pikachu becomes ill just as they arrive in Hoenn.

Trivia: In the anime, the ship travels between the Seafoam Islands, Kanto and Little Root Town, Hoenn. The trip seems to take two to three days, depending on when the ship left and what time it was when Ash asked the captain about the arrival time.


Ash's Travelling Companions

Brock and Misty.

Key Events & Gym Battles

Events of note
Misty competed in the Water Tournament and beat Ash... with Psyduck.
They foil Team Rocket’s scheme at Lake Gyarados, and help Lance, the dragon master, rehabilitate a red gyarados.
Returning the larvitar to its birthplace on Mount Silver.
Gary decides to be a pokémon researcher. Brock and Misty are called home.
Ash leaves for Hoenn with only Pikachu as a companion.

Gym battles
Winona for the Mineral Badge.
Pryce for the Glacier Badge.
Claire for the Rising Badge.
The Johto Silver Conference where Ash finally beats Gary.

Pokemon: Captures, Changes, Encounters & Evolutions

At Lake Gyarados, they find a red gyarados.
Bulbasaur is sent home to help Professor Oak with maintaining peace and order in his gardens.

New Pokemon captured by Ash & Other Characters
Ash hatches a phanpy
Misty catches a corsola

Pokemon released back into the wild
Ash delivered the larvitar (technically he never owned it) safe and sound to the Pokemon Nature Preserve on Mount Silver. They even found the larvitar’s mother.


Evolution
We see Poliwhirl evolve into Politoed this season.

TV Broadcasts & Original Airing Dates

You are too late. You missed all of them.

Trivia & Facts

White Phoenix does not like picking nits. Most trivia is... well... trivial. Besides, he put the trivia in the synopses.

DVD & Blu-Ray / Streaming