Pokemon Company
Airdate: September 19, 2002
Summary: Our heroes are at the Mt. Silver Pokemon Center where they run into Gary, who is very confident that he will beat Ash after he challenges him. Our heroes head to the Athlete Village where they run into Mr. Goodshow giving out balloons! Throwback! Meanwhile, Jessie and James are working as wait staff at a restaurant when a young girl calls Jessie an old lady making her crash out. Our heroes’ room has a beautiful room with a view of the lake, while Ash watches screening matches Brock tells Ash that this stage goes from 200 to 48 in three one-on-one battles. Ash has his first battle vs. Salvatore of Cherrygrove City, Ash uses a Pikachu and Salvatore uses a Furret… who Misty says is a Ground-type.. Incorrectly. It’s a Normal-type Misty. Furret uses a tough Double Team/Swift combination that hits Pikachu hard. Then, Furret uses Dig to try and hit Pikachu with Headbutt attacks out of the ground. Pikachu is on its last rope before Ash has Pikachu jump on Furret while using a Thunderbolt under the ground, blasting the ground and hitting Furret with a direct Quick Attack. Ash beats a Machoke with Phanpy and an Exeggutor with Cyndaquil to make the top 48. Harrison and Gary both get through the screening. Mr. Goodshow explains all the rules for getting into the top 16. Ash tries to go to sleep but can’t he goes on a walk with Pikachu and runs into Gary who can’t sleep as well as they look at the moon and talk about how their paths started in Pallet Town and led them to where they are. Gary is starting to think about the future, but has his eye on the prize this tournament. Oak watches the opening ceremonies on TV with Tracy, Delia watches with Mimey, Elm watches while studying, and the torch bearer is at the stadium. James and Jessie try to pawn off a Pokemon panel and catch a gullible Ash and his Pikachu. Gary follows them and Team Rocket runs into the torch bearer before getting blasted off into the sky. As usual, the torch bearer hurts his ankle so Ash delivers it himself… typical!
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Mr. Goodshow, he sounds weird and has a rather undefined role but he is the man.
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Ash’s Sleep Schedule, he is always so wound up but it provides a great moment with Gary.
One thing I learned: Silver Conference has all sorts of point schemes before we get to the Sweet Sixteen.
Who is that Pokémon?: Scizor, all-time GOAT just behind the Poliwag line as my favorite of all time.
Best Quote: “Yeah now, until I blow past him with a victory” – Ash, his confidence might be his downfall.
Best Scene: Ash and Gary looking at the moon and reminiscing, a beautiful moment.
