Airdate: December 21st, 2000
Summary: Our friends are walking when they see a bunch of grass Pokémon, including a Skiploom named Skippy who runs to their trainer, Ephram. Ash and Ephram battle, with Chikorita vs. Skiploom, Chikorita uses Razor Leaf and Skiploom uses Double Team. Chikorita knocked Skiploom out, and when they go to Ephram’s place they meet his cool hippie dad. Ephram’s parents show Ash how his parents grow flowers and plants with the help of their grass Pokémon, while mentioning the local grass Pokémon tournament. Team Rocket sees the flyer for the tournament, and James decides to use Victrebell with Jessie employing Meowth (more like coercing). Ephram is training, while Ash refuses to practice showing his childish arrogance. Ash wins easily in his first match of the tournament, while Ephram struggles with James’ Victrebell. Skippy won’t attack, it pulls a Cyndaquil until throwing out a Leech Seed which turns the tide. Skippy uses a Double Team finisher to end Victrebell. Ephram’s parents embarrass him after his win, talking about how he changed his own diapers. In the second round it is Ash vs. Meowth, and after some surprise Fury Swipes in his Sunflora costume, Bulbasaur exposes Meowth. Team Rocket sings their motto, and tries to grab the Leaf Stone before being thrown out. It’s the final round, Ash vs. Ephram. Skiploom’s Double Team works better than the first matchup, and Bulbasaur has trouble with Skiploom’s attacks. Skippy turns the tide after Bulbasaur charges at it, blowing it back with a Solarbeam. Skippy wins, and Ash learns a valuable lesson.
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Ephram, this dude has the positive energy needed to get better.
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Ash, this dude was setup for a little reality-check before his next gym battle.
One thing I learned: Grass Pokémon are one of the three best types in Pokémon.
Who is that Pokémon?: Girafarig, this is such a cool Pokémon, I wish it got a pre-evolution or evolution or buff.
Best Quote: “We fought hard to get here Ash, and we didn’t come to lose” -Ephram.
Best Scene: Skiploom’s Double Team.
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