Airdate: August 13th, 1998
Summary: Ash and the gang are headed to Cinnabar island, and Ash learns that there is no gym from Gary Oak, who as always is in rare form. Cinnabar Island is really a tourist trap, and there is no sign of a gym. They run into a hippy-esque quiz master, who gives the gang a riddle, and derides tourism. The master shows the gang where the gym is, and explains Blaine kept beating so many tourists that he quit the gym. The Riddler leaves, and the gang unsuccessfully try and find a room, but they are all full. The gang walks towards the sound of some shamisen music, with hungry tummies. Gary flaunts his food, and Jigglypuff walks in for the start of an eyes wide shut Hypno party (see episode 27 for more details). The gang has to answer a riddle to get to the Big Riddle Inn, just when they get in, they get alerted that Team Rocket has stolen Pokémon from the center, Pikachu and Pidgeotto (criminally underrated) are on the scene. After Pikachu saves the day, he gets to chill in a hot spring. Misty figures out the last riddle to unlock the location of the gym with some help from Togepi. Ash finds the location of the gym, while Ash whiffs on another riddle. Blaine reveals himself as the Riddler, and Ash challenges him. Ash’s Squirtle gets burned, and Ash’s Charizard won’t compete with Rhydon. Pikachu takes the lightning rod Pokémon down by shocking its horn. Magmar emerges from the depths, with some dope, intense battle scene music. Magmar turns the heat to 11, and Pikachu doesn’t seem to stand a chance, will it withstand Magmar’s Fire Blast?
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Misty, she was quick on those riddles, a woman of many talents.
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Ash, couldn’t get any of the riddles, and Blaine owned him in the first truncated battle.
One thing I learned: A Pikachu’s got to eat, and Gary Oak is an asshole.
Pikachu-o-meter: 4/5, a pretty funny Pikachu episode.
Best Quote: “I’m so hungry I could eat a Horsea” -Ash
Best Scene: Magmar rising from the lava.
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