Pokemon Company
Airdate: December 5, 2002
Summary: Ash is in Petalburg City, he is looking to battle the gym leader, which May is not excited for. Ash explains badges to May, asks her if wants to compete in the Hoenn League, May explains that the leader is handsome, kind, and strong. Ash goes into the gym, when a kid named Max talks about watching Ash’s loss in the second round of the Silver Conference. Max recounts that final battle and how cool it was. Then, Norman, her dad and the gym leader, May, and their mother, Caroline, are all in the same room after Max lied about being the gym leader, which he said should have been obvious to Ash. May shows her family her Torchic, who pecks Max to death. Ash challenges Norman over lunch, but he says Ash needs three Pokemon. Ash wants to start off right from the beginning in the Hoenn Region, and he plans to come back with three Pokemon. Norman agrees to battle him 1-on-1 in an official capacity. Norman chooses Vigoroth, a wild monkey with a potent Scratch that hits Pikachu hard on the first go. Pikachu dodges a Scratch, but is hit on the second shot, while Vigoroth dodges a Quick Attack. Team Rocket schemes to get Vigoroth. Vigoroth and Pikachu trade blows for a bit, Vigoroth getting the best of our favorite electric mouse. Team Rocket blows a hole in the gym, with a Hollywood effects style. Arbok and Weezing do their best, and the Smokescreen is too tough. May brings Torchic out but it gets hit by Arbok. Team Rocket ends up nabbing their Torchic, not knowing it isn’t Pikachu. Caroline and Norman locate their balloon while May and Max blow their cover and run into a hole, the Petalburg first family doesn’t know all of his tricks. Ash tries to call Bayleef, but forgets he can’t. Pikachu attacks Arbok as Ash helps the family out of their hole. Norman is angry, sending Vigoroth to use Scratch attack while Max grabs Torchic for May. Max gets hit with an Ember as May is trying to fight off Arbok and Weezing to help Norman and Ash. Vigoroth and Pikachu send them flying. Ash and May decide to leave together, but Max decides to travel along because he knows a lot about Pokemon. Norman gives Ash and May a badge case, and Max a PokeNav. Off to Rustboro City!
Best Trainer/Pokémon: Caroline, trying to see the best in Team Rocket was a funny moment.
Worst Trainer/Pokémon: Max, a bit annoying but I will warm up to him soon.
One thing I learned: You can livestream the Indigo League.
Who is that Pokémon?: Cleffa, we had this not so long ago and frankly I am not so high on this line. Especially with Togepi being a better Metronome Pokemon for me.
Best Quote: “Of course Ash is good, he did make it to the second Victory round of the Silver Conference, you know?” – Max, finally warming up to Ash.
Best Scene: Max bugging Ash the entire episode, and then flopping when May barely hits him.
