View source for DP066

{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=DP065 |
prevtitle=Sleight of Sand! |
nextcode=DP067 |
nexttitle=Crossing the Battle Line! |
series=Diamond & Pearl series |
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
epcode=DP066 |
altepcode=EP532|
colorscheme=Sinnoh|
screen=yes|
title_en=Lost Leader Strategy!|
title_ja=ルカリオ！怒りのはどうだん!!|
title_ja_trans=Lucario! Wave Bomb of Anger!!|
broadcast_jp=February 7, 2008 |
broadcast_us=July 19, 2008 |
en_series= |
en_op=[[We Will Be Heroes]] |
ja_op=[[Together]] |
ja_ed=[[Message of the Wind|風のメッセージ]] |
olmteam=Team Iguchi |
scenario=冨岡淳広 |
storyboardn=1 |
storyboard=浅田裕二 |
directorn=1 |
director=浅田裕二|
artn=1 |
art=岩根雅明 |
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=DP061-DP070 |
footnotes=*[[filb-eppics:dp066|Screenshots on Filb.de]]
}}
'''Lost Leader Strategy!''' (Japanese: '''ルカリオ！怒りのはどうだん!!''' ''Lucario! {{tt|Wave Bomb|Aura Sphere}} of Anger!!'') is the 66th episode of {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, and the 532nd episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on February 7, 2008, and in the United States on July 19, 2008.

== Synopsis ==
{{Ash}} and {{ashfr|his friends}} are excited as they spot [[Veilstone City]]. Their excitement is cut short when a blue sphere of energy flies towards them. They ducked and noticed multiple spheres coming from one spot, Ash identifying them as {{m|Aura Sphere}}s. They head to the source, {{AP|Pikachu}} and {{TP|Dawn|Piplup}} leading. A blast destroys a portion of a fence, which the group uses as an observation point. Inside, [[Pokémon]] watch as a [[Maylene|pink-haired woman]] dodges an oncoming {{TP|Maylene|Lucario}}. Ash, having [[Lucario and the Mystery of Mew|encountered a Lucario before]], is thrilled to see it and checks his [[Pokédex]] as Lucario battles the woman. She dodges the Pokémon’s attacks and even kicks an Aura Sphere back to Lucario, the Pokémon standing aside and dodging the attack. Ash is awed while [[Brock]] fills {{an|Dawn}} in on what Aura Spheres are and how they’re connected to [[aura]]. Lucario prepares a {{m|Bone Rush}}, which the woman anticipates, somersaulting and dodging multiple strikes. The Bone Rush eventually fades mid-strike as Dawn notices the battling being too intense for {{pkmn|training}}. 

Suddenly, {{m|Thunder|an electric attack}} strikes near Ash and his friends, tossing Piplup facedown onto the field as Pikachu defends Piplup. An {{TP|Paul|Electabuzz}} comes out from behind a tree snickering, Pikachu shocked at the adversary. Ash and his friends notice as Piplup rushes towards Electabuzz, Pikachu following. Piplup {{m|headbutt}}s Electabuzz right in the chest, but it repulses the Penguin Pokémon, making it crash into Pikachu. Both Pikachu and Piplup are angry and get into a melee with Electabuzz. Ash and his friends try to stop the fight, but wind up getting shocked. The woman and Lucario stop sparring and notice the situation, Lucario launching an Aura Sphere into the fiasco, stopping the battle and dazing the Pokémon. She rushes up to them and apologizes for Lucario’s rough action, but Lucario shrugs it off. A [[Reggie|purple-haired man]] comes up to help, identifying [[Maylene]], who in turn identifies him as [[Reggie]]. Electabuzz tries to sneak away, but Reggie catches the Pokémon, Electabuzz turning around laughing. Ash suggests that maybe the Electabuzz is [[Paul]]’s, which Pikachu confirms. Maylene and Reggie take note of the comment and Reggie identifies Pikachu as one that can use {{m|Volt Tackle}}. He formally introduces himself and mentions that he is Paul’s older brother, shocking Ash and his friends, as well as confirming that the Electabuzz is indeed Paul’s and that he leaves some of {{cat|Paul's Pokémon|his Pokémon}} with Reggie to train since he's a {{pkmn|Breeder}}. After formal introductions, Ash brings up his goal form a [[gym]] battle and asks if Paul has already won a [[badge]] in Veilstone. Reggie mentions that Paul defeated Maylene, pointing her as the [[gym leader]]. Ash formally asks for a gym battle, but she declines, which causes Lucario to blast her with an Aura Sphere. Reggie explains why Lucario is upset at Maylene for wanting to give up and is simply trying to help her out. [[Team Rocket]] eavesdrops nearby and plans to steal the powerful Lucario.

Maylene gets up after Lucario’s attack as a group of {{OBP|Black Belt|Trainer class}}s meets her, displeased at her complaints. Reggie mentions that despite being well respected as a battler, her short rein as gym leader is causing her to have doubts about her fighting abilities. Maylene continues to plead as Lucario launches another Aura Sphere, which Maylene blocks without looking. Reggie confronts her, asking if what Paul said upset her. Ash asks what happened, and Reggie fills Ash in regarding what happened in Paul's battle against Maylene.

The [[Veilstone Gym]] is a {{type2|Fighting}} Gym, and therefore Paul brought {{type2|Flying}} Pokémon to use {{t|Flying|type advantage}}. Reggie explains that Paul's {{TP|Paul|Murkrow}} had recently [[Evolution|evolved]] into a {{p|Honchkrow}} which took out Maylene’s {{p|Meditite}} and {{p|Machoke}} in no time. When Maylene then brought out Lucario, Paul used a {{TP|Paul|Magmar}} and as Lucario is part {{type2|Steel}} it was defeated just as quickly by Magmar's {{type2|Fire}} moves. Maylene acknowledges her poor performance and lack of sync with her Pokémon and says that what Paul said after she gave him his badge was true. Ash asks what Paul said.

''"You're the weakest. The weakest leader I ever fought, and this lightweight badge is just like you."''

Reggie admits that Paul always had a cruel streak, but Maylene is upset at the memory and runs off, Lucario starting to follow but stopping. Reggie offers to console Maylene and apologizes to Ash about the situation. Brock suggests to find another gym for the time being but Dawn steps forward and offers to talk to Maylene instead. Lucario leads Dawn and Piplup to the location as Ash wonders what her plan is.

Maylene tries to meditate near a river as she senses Lucario. However, seeing Dawn gets her attention. Back at Reggie's home, he feeds Pikachu and {{AP|Chimchar}} while talking to Ash and Brock about Maylene's doubts about being a gym leader, something Brock [[Pewter Gym|is familiar with]]. Dawn talks with Maylene about her similar feelings, having suffered [[DP049|two]] [[DP061|previous]] {{pkmn|Contest}} letdowns recently which have led to her taking a break from contests for a while. While Piplup exercises and swims, both continue to share their similar doubts, how Dawn may tie down Ash's progress and Maylene letting down Lucario. Team Rocket, eavesdropping the whole time, reveal themselves and recite their [[Team Rocket mottos|motto]], wanting Lucario. Maylene gets ready to battle, as with Lucario. 

Meanwhile, Reggie pets Chimchar, remembering it as Paul’s former. Reggie asks how Ash tolerates Paul’s [[rival|rivalry]] and brutal training tactics, which angers him and wanting to be one with his Pokémon. Reggie looks forward to a battle between Ash and Paul. While Team Rocket tries to sway Lucario to join, the Pokémon simply prepares a Bone Rush and sends them flying. Maylene thanks Lucario as Dawn realizes Lucario only wants to battle. Dawn asks for a battle with Maylene as she agrees, Lucario also pleased.

Meanwhile, Reggie asks Ash to battle, wanting to evaluate him as a rival. Ash plans a three-on-three battle, similar to [[DP003|the one Ash and Paul had]], and Ash and {{cat|Ash's Pokémon|his Pokémon}} rush out. Reggie notes Chimchar is far happier now that it ever was with Paul as Brock notices that on top of the fireplace are a complete collection of badges from [[Kanto]], [[Johto]], [[Hoenn]] and [[Sinnoh]] and six of the seven [[symbol]]s from the Kanto [[Battle Frontier]]. Brock thinks they're Paul’s, but they're actually Reggie’s. Dawn and Maylene arrive in time to watch the battle begin. Ash brings out {{AP|Gligar}}, which comes down on Ash's head. Ash asks Gligar to watch. Ash summons {{AP|Turtwig}} as the first as Reggie summons {{p|Bibarel}}. Turtwig fires {{m|Energy Ball}}, but Bibarel uses {{m|Super Fang}} to negate the attack before using {{m|Secret Power}} to consume Turtwig. Due to the grassy field, the effect puts Turtwig to {{status|sleep}}. Bibarel sends Turtwig flying with {{m|Take Down}}, but it wakes Turtwig. Bibarel charges with Super Fang, but Turtwig dodges and uses {{m|Razor Leaf}}. Ash mentions his inspiration from [[Gardenia]]'s {{TP|Gardenia|Turtwig}} as Turtwig prepares Energy Ball. Bibarel fires {{m|Ice Beam}}, but Turtwig jumps to dodge and fires Energy Ball, [[Unable to battle|knocking out]] Bibarel.

Reggie recalls Bibarel while Turtwig happily latches onto Ash's arm. Ash gets the first win as Dawn mentions his consistent training for Energy Ball. Lucario notices Maylene watching Ash’s battle skill intently. Reggie summons {{p|Swalot}} as Ash recalls Turtwig, checking his Pokédex before sending out {{AP|Staravia}}. Staravia launches {{m|Quick Attack}}, but Swalot absorbs it and uses {{m|Stockpile}}, gaining size and power. Ash repeats Quick Attack, and Swalot repeats Stockpile. Brock notices the pattern and predicts the outcome. Staravia switches to {{m|Aerial Ace}}, but Swalot uses {{m|Spit Up}} to unleash the energy, striking Staravia. Swalot returns to normal size as Staravia recovers and uses Aerial Ace. Swalot shoots the Pokémon down with {{m|Sludge Bomb}}, and Ash catches Staravia from the fall, giving the win to Reggie.

Reggie complements Ash’s Staravia and offers to demonstrate a [[move]]. Reggie summons {{p|Staraptor}}, stunning Staravia as Ash checks his Pokédex. Ash has Staravia watch as Pikachu takes the lead. Pikachu fires {{m|Thunderbolt}} as Staraptor dodges and charges with {{m|Brave Bird}}. Pikachu tries to spin-dodge past, but Staraptor extends its wing and strikes Pikachu, knocking it down and hitting with the full attack. Staraptor flies away as sparks emit from both Pokémon taking damage. Staraptor charges with {{m|Steel Wing}} as Pikachu uses {{m|Iron Tail}} to jump and dodge. Pikachu comes down with Volt Tackle as Staraptor uses {{m|Wing Attack}} to counter. Both attacks land and Pikachu lands, shaken but standing. Staraptor took the full hit and hits the ground, unable to battle. Ash wins the match. Reggie recalls Staraptor as the two {{pkmn|Trainer}}s thank each other. Ash knows that Brave Bird was the move demonstrated, and Reggie offers to teach it to Staravia, which Ash and Staravia agree to. Reggie asks Maylene to reconsider the match between her and Ash, but Dawn objects as she asked for a Gym Battle first, shocking everyone else. The episode ends as Dawn prepares for her first ever Gym Battle, which may hopefully help both Maylene and Dawn regain their shattered confidence.

== Major events ==
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr|his friends}} arrive in [[Veilstone City]] and meet [[Maylene]], the local [[Gym Leader]].
* Ash meets [[Reggie]], [[Paul]]'s brother and a [[Pokémon Breeder]] who takes care of {{cat|Paul's Pokémon|Paul's additional Pokémon}}; one of them being {{TP|Paul|Electabuzz}}.
* Reggie reveals some events that happened to [[Paul]].
** Paul's {{p|Murkrow}} evolved into {{TP|Paul|Honchkrow}}
** Paul captured a {{TP|Paul|Magmar|Magmortar}}, replacing his {{AP|Chimchar|Monferno}}.
** Paul easily defeated Maylene and earned the {{badge|Cobble}}.
* {{an|Dawn}} decides to {{pkmn|battle}} Maylene to rebuild Maylene's confidence.
===Debuts===
* [[Maylene]]
* [[Reggie]]
====Pokémon debuts====

=====TV episode debuts=====
* {{p|Lucario}} ({{OP|Maylene|Lucario}})
* {{p|Honchkrow}} ({{OP|Paul|Honchkrow}})

== Characters ==
=== Humans ===
* {{Ash}}
* [[Brock]]
* {{an|Dawn}}
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[Maylene]] 
* [[Reggie]] 
* [[Paul]] (flashback)
* [[Connally]]
* Gym assistants

=== Pokémon ===
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Piplup}} ({{OP|Dawn|Piplup}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Turtwig}} ({{OP|Ash|Turtwig}})
* {{p|Staravia}} ({{OP|Ash|Staravia}})
* {{p|Chimchar}} ({{OP|Ash|Chimchar}})
* {{p|Gligar}} ({{OP|Ash|Gligar}})
* {{p|Electabuzz}} ({{OP|Paul|Electabuzz}})
* {{p|Magmar}} ({{OP|Paul|Magmar}}, new; flashback)
* {{p|Honchkrow}} ({{OP|Paul|Honchkrow}}, newly evolved; flashback; debut)
* {{p|Machoke}} ([[Maylene|Maylene's]], flashback)
* {{p|Meditite}} ([[Maylene|Maylene's]], flashback; Seiyū: 西村ちなみ ''[[Chinami Nishimura]]'', ''Kayzie Rogers in the dub'')
* {{p|Lucario}} ({{OP|Maylene|Lucario}}, debut)
* {{p|Swalot}} ([[Reggie]]'s)
* {{p|Bibarel}} ([[Reggie]]'s)
* {{p|Staraptor}} ([[Reggie]]'s)
* {{p|Starly}}
* {{p|Bidoof}}
* {{p|Cherubi}}
* {{p|Shinx}}
* {{p|Kricketot}}

== Trivia ==
* This episode begins the four-part Veilstone City arc. 
* [[Professor Oak's lecture]]: {{p|Ambipom}}
* [[Rachael Lillis]] (previously the voice of [[Misty]] and [[Jessie]] among others when the show was dubbed by [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]]) returns to the series in this episode as the voice of [[Maylene]], making her the first main cast member to return to the series since the voice change. 
* The {{mov|Lucario|Lucario|8}} of ''[[Lucario and the Mystery of Mew]]'' is referenced by Ash's enthusiasm on seeing Maylene's Lucario, Ash knowing some things about it, such as its name and its {{m|Aura Sphere|move}}, and Jessie offering a bar of chocolate to it.
* This episode first aired in Japan one week after the release of [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]], which features Lucario as an unlockable playable character.

=== Errors ===
=== Dub edits ===
=== In other languages ===
* Dutch: '''{{tt|Strategie van een lijdende leider!|A suffering leader's strategy!}}'''
* German: '''{{tt|Erfolg ist ein hartes Geschäft!|Success is a hard business!}}'''
* Latin American Spanish: '''{{tt|¡La estrategia del líder perdido!|Lost Leader Strategy!}}'''
* Iberian Spanish: '''{{tt|Estrategia de Líder Derrotado|Defeat Leader Strategy}}'''
* Finnish: '''{{tt|Mestaritason ratkaisu|The masterful desicision}}'''
* Italian: '''{{tt|Strategia da Capopalestra perduta!|Lost Leader strategy!}}'''
* Brazilian Portuguese: '''{{tt|Animando uma Líder Derrotada!|Animating a Defeated Leader!}}'''
* Polish: '''{{tt|Zagubiona liderka|Lost Leader}}'''
* Czech: '''{{tt|Strategie ztracené trenérky|Lost (female) Trainer Strategy}}'''

{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=DP065 |
prevtitle=Sleight of Sand! |
nextcode=DP067 |
nexttitle=Crossing the Battle Line! |
series=Diamond & Pearl series |
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
[[Category:Diamond & Pearl series episodes|066]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka|532]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Yūji Asada|532]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaaki Iwane|532]]

[[de:Erfolg ist ein hartes Geschäft! (Episode)]]
[[fr:Épisode 531]]
[[ja:DP編第66話]]
[[pl:DP066]]