Airdate: March 23rd, 2000
Summary: Our gang is followed closely by Team Rocket who uses their patented pitfall plan. Team Rocket gets offered the chance to battle a Scizor, not a good choice. Our gang hears their screams, and meets Muramasa, who takes the gang to his training dojo where many students come from all around to train under him. Shingo, one of his students, talks about how Muramasa’s Scizor, the Crimson streak, is unimpressive now. He then accesses Ash’s trainer file and says his Pokémon have no chance. Shingo diagnoses Ash’s battle strategy to a tee, and recounts all of Ash’s successes and failures. He says Ash is lucky, and that the data says he would lose if Shingo battled him. Shingo has lost his love of battling, and wants someone to teach him something he doesn’t already know. Muramasa laments his prize student’s computer use, what a boomer. But seriously, Ash takes up the challenge to pull Shingo out of the screen and into reality. Team Rocket attempts to download Shingo’s whole computer, but Jessie takes Meowth on a terrible ride, and our favorite cat gets stopped by Scizor. Shingo jumps to get his computer while Team Rocket try and battle them. Shingo gets on his computer but has nothing in his database about Team Rocket. Shingo makes Team Rocket blast off, and Ash talks to Shingo about the value of practice. Shingo accepts his challenge. It’s Heracross versus Shingo’s Scizor, Blade. Blade’s Quick Attack is too quick for Heracross’ Leer attack, and it uses a Metal Claw that almost sinks Heracross. But Blade is hurt by Heracross’ defensive speed, and Ash talks about his guts. Heracross and Blade tussle, Heracross relaxes and lets Scizor come to it before it counters. Heracross uses a Fury attack to end Blade, and Shingo learns a valuable lesson. This is another top episode of the season, and a prime candidate for battle of the season.
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Heracross, this bug has some serious power and stamina.
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Shingo, I know he gets better but he is annoying.
One thing I learned: Victory is earned, not won on a simulation.
Who is that Pokémon?: Cyndaquil, another banger of a Pokémon. This string of episodes!!!!
Best Quote: “I don’t need it anymore, I forgot what real matches are like” -Shingo
Best Scene: Team Rocket entering the digital age.
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