Pokemon 178: Ariados, Amigos

Airdate: December 7^th, 2000

Summary: Our friends are stopped by a river, when Misty spots a bug Pokémon. Ash and Brock run and join Misty, and so does Aya who claims the Ariados is hers. Apparently this Ariados was part of a test, Aya runs after it with their Venonat. Venonat is netted by Ariados and her tutor, a master of Pokémon jujitsu. Ash wants Aya to train his Pineco to be better than it is, and Ash wants Pikachu to get better as well. Ash will study battle techniques, Misty will learn about health and nutrition, and Brock will learn about making his attacks more effective. Misty doesn’t want the health class, until she learns it will make her look like a movie star. Unfortunately, this class is centered on a Spinarak mask. Brock uses its Spikes attack and impresses the instructor, but it explodes. Ash watches a battle between a Hypno and a Houndour, Houndour crushes Hypno. Ash battles Aya, and Bulbasaur faces Venonat. Bulbasaur is able to hit Venonat with the same Vine Whip-Leech Seed combo, but now it gets out of it with a Supersonic attack. Bulbasaur avoids a Tackle attack and KO’s Venonat. Aya and Venonat practice in the middle of the night, and Ash is impressed by their persistence. Venonat senses that something is wrong, all of the Pokémon are gone. Team Rocket does a magician motto, and shows themselves as the thieves before taking Pikachu. The master uses its kite matched with Ariados’ web to fly him to Team Rocket’s balloon, close enough to drop it with some shuriken. Brock takes the Poke balls in the face as they drop, and Ash grabs Pikachu from a tree. The Master is injured, and Arbok attacks him. Aya defends them with Venonat, kicking Team Rocket’s ass with Stun Spore, Poison Sting, and Tackle. Pikachu sends Team Rocket flying. 

Best Trainer/Pokémon: Misty, she faced her bug fear, ever so slightly. 

Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Aya, she can’t catch a break losing her first two battles of the day. 

One thing I learned: Aya still has a lot to learn like Ash did (does). 

Who is that Pokémon?: Ditto, why is it here… shouldn’t it have been three episodes ago. 

Best Quote: “At least you didn’t get your face blown up” -Brock

Best Scene: Aya and Venonat finally winning a battle.