Pokemon Company
Airdate: September 12, 2002
Summary: We are at the Silver Conference which means it is torch meddling time! Our heroes go to the site of the torch but the runner is not here on time… sounds like Kanto. The torch bearer says that folks are scared to try to get Ho-Oh’s Sacred Flame because of a wild Sneasel protecting it, but a guy named Harrison from Littleroot Town in Hoenn joins our heroes to grab the sacred flame up the stone steps. Team Rocket shows up at the flame, but Sneasel says that this is his turf and to stay off. Sneasel Fury Swipes Arbok, Slashes Meowth, and then has his Machop and Machoke goons Karate Chop Team Rocket into oblivion. Our heroes reach the top, where Machop and Machoke are waiting for them. Misty brings out Corsola and its Spike Cannon, while Harrison’s Houndoom uses Flamethrower. Ash tries to open the Sacred Flame but Sneasel rebuffs him. Ash calls Totodile, who gets hit with a Feint Attack from Sneasel, while Harrison and Misty take care of the bash brothers. Totodile’s Water Gun misses Sneasel, who hits Totodile with a critical Slash/Shadow Ball combination. Jessie tries to talk James into ditching Meowth and having Sneasel replace them, with Meowth overhearing them… Meowth agrees but secretly plots against them. Sneasel and his body guards launch another attack, with Phanpy and Houndoom sending them down the stairs. Harrison says he is going to catch Sneasel, but Team Rocket shows up in a Sneasel balloon, and on such short notice! Meowth is dressed as Sneasel, and sabotages Team Rocket’s smoke bomb plan, but it somehow works out for them in terms of escape, but not in terms of catching Sneasel. Meowth tears into James and Jessie before sending them blasting with some cat scratch fever. Harrison sends out Blaziken, which Dexter doesn’t even know exists, and it hits Sneasel pretty hard with a Flamethrower/Fire Punch before Harrison catches it. The Sacred Flame is safe and ready to run to the opening ceremonies, while Machop and Machoke are now the guardians of the shrine permanently. On to the Silver League!
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Sneasel, I like a crafty Pokemon with a bit of edge, great catch!
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Jessie, what a way to totally ditch your best pal.
One thing I learned: Team Rocket has a really quick turn around time on their custom hot air balloons.
Who is that Pokémon?: Elekid, I think the best baby Pokemon, especially from being able to catch it in Black and White 2.
Best Quote: “No losers are going to put this Meowth out to pasture and get away with it” – Meowth, go off king!
Best Scene: Harrison catching Sneasel, I always love a good catch scene.
