Pokemon Company
Airdate: August 15, 2002
Summary: Our heroes are still on their way to Mt. Silver, and… it looks like the art style is completely different. In fact, this was the first produced episode with digital ink and paint… just keep Ash’s voice the same please… for a few more seasons. Our heroes come upon an Elekid who ramps their power up, however just as they see it Team Rocket catches both Larvitar and Elekid in their net. Both Pokemon escape through the net, and our heroes go looking for them. On their walk, they run into Casey and her Meganium who have been doing great lately but want to catch the Elekid. Meanwhile, Elekid gives Larvitar an apple, teaching it how to eat one and making friends. Team Rocket go and catch Elekid and Larvitar again, this time with an electric-free net. However, Larvitar’s Screech reaches our hero’s ears, and upon finding Team Rocket Meganium’s Razor Leaf does the trick. Forretresses Rapid Spin makes Team Rocket blast off, but the net got caught on a cliff and now both Pokemon are missing. Team Rocket falls onto a spot with the Magikarp salesman who doesn’t give James his money back because he hasn’t returned the Magikarp. However, the salesman tries to trade James his Weepinbell for James’ Victreebel. Jessie, Meowth, and Wobbuffet vote to execute the trade, goodbye Victreebel. James weeps for Victreebel, summons Weepinbell and reminisces about his Victreebel. Weepinbell uses Sweet Scent which attracts both Ash’s party and Elekid/Larvitar until trap holes. Everyone arrives and it pops off, Meganium fights Arbok, Phanpy fights Weepinbell but James’ tears help Victreebel evolve. Upon evolution it eats Jessie’s head, allowing Forretress to free Elekid and Larvitar. Jessie rage quits on Victreebel, sending it flying with Arbok. Meganium’s Razor Leaf/Solarbeam combo sends Team Rocket packing. The Magikarp Salesman hates James’ Victreebel and kicks it into the air, colliding with the other Victreebel, who fall in love and leave to the forest forever. Bye Victreebel(s)! Casey now fights Elekid with Meganium, weakening it enough to catch it. Casey sings the Electabuzz cheer to wave our teammates on to victory in the Silver Conference.
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Magikarp Salesman… this throw back was much needed. Also Casey, love this crazy singing Electabuzz fan!
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: James.. Why did you trade away your beloved Victreebel!
One thing I learned: James fell in love with Weepinbell’s eyes before catching it, taking it to the breeding center and having it evolve.. Now we have closed that loop in continuity.
Who is that Pokémon?: Hypno, hated him early on.. I’m neutral at this point.
Best Quote: “Have you ever seen a more magnificent Magikarp?” – Everytime he shows up it is a blessing and a beautiful scam.
Best Scene: James’ memories of Victreebel, I love humanizing that purple-haired softy.
