Pokemon Company
Airdate: September 26, 2002
Summary: Ash is off to start the 3-person round robin semifinal section of the tournament. Ash runs into Macey, his first opponent in the round robin and challenges her to a match but Team Rocket steals Pikachu and her Vulpix. Ash and Macey run after their Pokemon, but Macey falls. Ash catches her and she goes googoogaga over him as Bayleef saves the two Pokemon and sends Team Rocket flying. Macey then puts down Misty and her Water Pokemon while she talks about her fiery Fire-Pokemon. Macey is putting the full-court press on Ash love, I wonder what will happen in this match. Macey uses all Fire Pokemon, including Vulpix, Slugma, and Quilava. Ash selects his Pokemon but it is a surprise we will have to wait for. Team Rocket makes fake badges from bottle caps. Ash calls out Kingler who he is going to use, but a bunch of Voltorb electrocute Kingler who was his ace in the hole until… is that Officer Jenny’s Music! Squirtle!!! Ash switches from Kingler to Squirtle right before the battle. Macey sends out Slugma while Ash brings out Totodile. Slugma uses Flamethrower and Double Team to avoid Bubblebeam, hitting Totodile with a Flamethrower. Totodile uses Water Gun on a Double Team, making Slugma have to retreat. Macey sends out Electabuzz while Phanpy is out for Ash. Macey recalls Electabuzz for Slugma, who is hit with an Earthquake/Rollout. Slugma uses Body slam, but Phanpy’s Earthquake/Take Down combo makes Slugma faint. Quilava is now sent out, and it looks strong. Phanpy’s Rollout is countered by Flame Wheel/Quick Attack, sending Phanpy flying. Phanpy uses a Take Down but Quilava’s Flame Wheel is too tough. Macey sends out Electabuzz to fight Totodile, who uses Water Gun but is countered by Electabuzz’s Light Screen. Electabuzz uses a Thunderpunch that knocks out Totodile. Ash only has Squirtle left, an OG OG partner, time for a victory Ash! Squirtle’s Water Gun is super powerful from its training, cue the old Kanto music.. Here we go! Electabuzz uses an Iron Tail to extinguish Squirtle’s Water attacks, but it uses a direct hit Water Gun while Electabuzz is striking to hit it critically. Electabuzz’s Thunder backfires as Squirtle hits it with a tough Skull Bash, knocking it out. Now Quilava is out, using Flame Wheel and Swift to counter Bubble and Skull Bash, but Squirtle can see in the smoke and hits Quilava with a critical Water Gun. However, a Quilava Quick Attack/Flame Wheel attack has Squirtle on its back. Squirtle uses a spinning Hydro Pump to recover and knock Macey out. One down, one to go! Macey gives Ash credit for a tough victory, James is really engaged with capitalism, and Ash looks towards his next opponent. Macey shows Ash his Magcargo, which evolved during their battle, Macey tells Ash to “take care sweetie”.. He has a fan.
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Squirtle, love this dude.
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Slugma, got absolutely bodied the entire time.
One thing I learned: Quilava’s Flame Wheel is tough stuff.
Who is that Pokémon?: Skiploom, this line has grown on me but its still a bit meh.
Best Quote: “Everytime I see your face there is nothing stopping me” – Brock, he actually has some rizz on this one.
Best Scene: Any scene with Squirtle Squad glasses is an all-timer.
