Airdate: July 1st, 1997
Summary: Our gang is dirty as hell, Pikachu is tired and hungry, it’s time to hit the Vermillion City Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy goes meta, and hints at a Ash and Misty flirtation. Pikachu is all better, and ready to face Lt. Surge… or not. Ash heads inside the gym, and is met by Lt. Surge and his goons. Pikachu meets its evolution, Raichu, and gets amped to pummel that orange wanna be. Raichu gives Pikachu one shock and he is down, but not for the count. Pikachu is knocked out by a Mega Kick/Thunderbolt combo, and is rushed to the Pokémon Center. Pikachu is sad, his ego bruised, and Nurse Joy gives him a Thunder Stone to potentially evolve. Pikachu rejects the stone, citing personal pride in being a Pikachu and a defense of Ash’s honor. After his impassioned speech, Pikachu needs a rest. Team Rocket does a god-awful cheer routine for Pikachu as they make their way back to the gym, Misty susses them out. Lt. Surge is confident they will pummel Pikachu again, but after taking a few body slams Pikachu starts running around the gym faster than Raichu can catch up with. Raichu gives it a tunda bult but Pikachu’s tail is a lightning rod, and Raichu is toast. Ash has badge #3!
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Pikachu and Raichu, they both battled well, and showed the spirit of electric Pokémon.
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Ash, he has a generally good episode, but going into all of his battles with some strategy would be a welcome change.
One thing I learned: Pikachu is a battler, finally we see his skills in battle.
Pikachu-o-meter: 5/5, a classic Pikachu episode.
Best Quote: “I guess you’ll learn that playing with the big boys is a shocking experience.” -Lt. Surge
Best Scene: Pikachu sending that thunderstone to the ground and pleading to Ash that he can beat Raichu as he is.
Will Reviews Things 