Pokemon Company
Airdate: October 10, 2002
Summary: Ash is challenged by Gary, but loses his temper just at the thought of battling Gary and the broken Poke Ball that he has, what is the story of this? Ash pulls out a bag with the other half of the Poke Ball, Ash remembers how he was fishing one day when he tries to catch a Magikarp that smacks him around in front of Gary, who stunts on Ash for his lack of knowledge of Magikarp and catching Pokemon. They both cast their reels and catch the same Pokemon, competing feverishly to get the Pokemon. The Poke Ball is broken by both of them, Ash wants to call it a draw, but Gary says tying with Ash is just as bad as losing. Ash says that half of the ball carries all his dreams of being a Pokemon master, but that Ash is ready now to beat him. Misty tells Ash that tomorrow is a day off before his match with Gary, Brock suggests Ash work on his strategy. Team Rocket schemes to make money with a commemorative pin sale. Misty walks in on Ash deep in the middle of studying Gary’s team. Our heroes take a break and eat some lunch, talking about how Gary does not prefer any type of Pokemon. While they are eating, Charizard comes in hot, giving Ash a Flamethrower when Gary walks by for an old-fashioned Texas standoff. Delia and Oak pop-up… together… again… and tell Gary and Ash to relax. Oak updates their Pokedex, Brock suggests they create a better match strategy, Delia is proud of Ash. Ash and Gary step up to the battlefield, which is constantly changing after seeing Harrison’s Sneasel knock off a Machamp. Harrison gives Ash some words of encouragement, saying that he will see him in the second round. It’s Gary vs. Ash, here we go! Ash has Brock and Misty, Gary has his cheering squad, the first field type is Rock! Here we go! Gary chooses Nidoqueen first, while Ash uses Tauros, his big match special weapon. Nidoqueen uses Rock Smash, while Tauros knocks the rock away and uses a Horn Attack. Nidoqueen grabs Tauros by the horns and uses a direct Hyper Beam which makes the cow faint.. bad strategy by Ash here. Ash pulls out Heracross, throwback! Gary recalls Nidoqueen and sends out Magmar. Magmar uses Flamethrower and hits Magmar with a tough Fury Swipes. Magmar’s Fire Blast combines with a Body Slam hitting Heracross, along with a Flamethrower. Heracross blows the flames away with its wings before using a Megahorn that blows through a Flamethrower, making Magmar faint. Gary chooses Blastoise, his OG Pokemon from Day 1. Heracross uses a Fury Swipes, Blastoise a Hydro Pump, what will happen?!
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Ash, I love how he cares so much about this match that he is studying more than he ever has.
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Team Rocket, I love the hustle but James is losing his beans a bit as the bills are coming in.
One thing I learned: Ash and Gary have more lore than I thought.
Who is that Pokémon?: Umbreon, top-10 at least Johto Pokemon, top 25 overall for sure.
Best Quote: “And not a moment too soon, with a smorgasbord of beauty” – Brock, all-time quote here.
Best Scene: Magmar’s Fire Blast body slam, very cool!
