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{{Samename|original EP039|Holiday Hi-Jynx}}
{{Samename|original EP039|Holiday Hi-Jynx}}
{{redirect|Pikachu's Goodbye|the song|The Time Has Come (Pikachu's Goodbye)}}
{{redirect|Pikachu's Goodbye|the song|The Time Has Come (Pikachu's Goodbye)}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{PrevNext|
prevcode=EP038 |
prev=''Snow Way Out!'' |
nextcode=EP040 |
prevlink=Snow Way Out! |
nexttitle=The Battling Eevee Brothers |
next=EP040 : ''The Battling Eevee Brothers'' |
nextlink=EP040 |
series=Original series |
series=Original series |
colorscheme=Kanto| }}
list=original series episodes |
colorscheme=Kanto}}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
{{EpisodeInfobox|
epcode=EP039 |
epcode=EP039 |
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footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|pm|039}}
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|pm|039}}
* {{BMGf|235652|Original review thread on BMGf}}
* {{BMGf|235652|Original review thread on BMGf}}
* [https://youtu.be/fbI_tMPt2D4 ピカチュウのもり] on the official Japanese Pokémon [[YouTube]] channel
* The original airing credited 志村泉 ''Izumi Shimura'' and 岩根雅明 ''[[Masaaki Iwane]]'' as animation directors in addition to Hiroshi Sakai.}}
* The original airing credited 志村泉 ''Izumi Shimura'' and 岩根雅明 ''[[Masaaki Iwane]]'' as animation directors in addition to Hiroshi Sakai.}}
'''Pikachu's Goodbye''' (Japanese: '''ピカチュウのもり''' ''Forest of Pikachu'') is the 39th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 16, 1998 and in the United States on November 20, 1998. It was the first episode to air after the [[EP038]] incident. Notably, it is also, with [[EP040]], the first hour-long Pokémon special.
'''Pikachu's Goodbye''' (Japanese: '''ピカチュウのもり''' ''Forest of Pikachu'') is the 39th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 16, 1998, and in the United States on November 20, 1998. It was the first episode to air after the [[EP038]] incident. Notably, it is also, with [[EP040]], the first hour-long Pokémon special.


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/01_36-pikachus-goodbye/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/1/episode-36-pikachus-goodbye/-->
<i>Misty and Brock continue to journey with Ash as he seeks to become a Pokémon Master. Passing through a beautiful forest, the three of them stop for a rest. As they enjoy the restful mood, Pikachu notices something staring at them from the shadows of the bush around them. Realizing that they are being watched by a group of wild Pikachu, Pikachu bounds after them into the woods. Paying no heed to Ash's call, Pikachu runs further and further into the wild unknown. Though they seem frightened at first, the group eventually opens up to Pikachu and they play together as friends. Will the group be as receptive to Ash when he makes his presence known?</i>
<i>Misty and Brock continue to journey with Ash as he seeks to become a Pokémon Master. Passing through a beautiful forest, the three of them stop for a rest. As they enjoy the restful mood, Pikachu notices something staring at them from the shadows of the bush around them. Realizing that they are being watched by a group of wild Pikachu, Pikachu bounds after them into the woods. Paying no heed to Ash's call, Pikachu runs further and further into the wild unknown. Though they seem frightened at first, the group eventually opens up to Pikachu and they play together as friends. Will the group be as receptive to Ash when he makes his presence known?</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
{{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} rest in a forest clearing. Meanwhile, {{Ash}} swings on a vine, but he slams into a tree trunk. {{AP|Pikachu}} rushes to Ash's side, though he notices a small Pikachu. Pikachu runs after it, as Ash, Misty, and Brock follow him. The pursuit ends at a forest clearing, where they find a whole clan of Pikachu with the small Pikachu. Pikachu, eager to say hello, jumps forward, but the {{pkmn2|wild}} {{p|Pikachu}} become scared and run off. Pikachu becomes disheartened, but the small Pikachu comes over and shakes tails to greet him. Soon after, the other Pikachu surround Ash's, and Brock claims they must have accepted him. Ash, also eager to join the Pikachu clan, runs toward them, but they feel scared and flee.
As {{an|Misty}} and {{an|Brock}} rest in a forest clearing, {{Ash}} swings on a vine when suddenly he slams into a tree trunk. {{AP|Pikachu}} rushes to Ash's side, but notices a small, {{pkmn2|wild}} Pikachu nearby. Ash's Pikachu runs after it, as Ash and {{ashfr}} follow close behind. The pursuit ends at a forest clearing, where they find a whole clan of Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu, eager to say hello, jumps forward, but the wild {{p|Pikachu}} become scared and run off. Ash's Pikachu becomes disheartened, but the small Pikachu comes over and shakes tails to greet him. Soon after, the other Pikachu surround Ash's, and Brock notes that they must have accepted him. Ash, also eager to join the Pikachu clan, runs toward them, but they flee in fear.


Later, Ash asks Brock and Misty why the Pikachu ran away. Brock tells him that he probably scared the Pikachu because they were not used to human contact. The small Pikachu, watching their conversation from a nearby tree branch, falls into a river and Ash's Pikachu jumps in to save it. Before the pair are about to go down a waterfall, the other Pikachu grab each other's tails to save them, and they succeed. As a reward for his effort, Ash's Pikachu receives an apple and is hoisted up by the other Pikachu, who cheer. Brock keeps Ash back from Pikachu, encouraging him to just observe. Meanwhile, {{TRT}} sees the group of Pikachu and decide to capture all of them for {{an|Giovanni|their Boss}}.
Later, Ash asks Brock and Misty why the Pikachu ran away. Brock tells him that he probably scared the Pikachu because they were not used to human contact. The small Pikachu, watching their conversation from a nearby tree branch, falls into a river and Ash's Pikachu jumps in to save it. Before the pair are about to go down a waterfall, the other Pikachu grab each other's tails to save them, and they succeed. As a reward for his effort, Ash's Pikachu receives an apple and is hoisted up by the other Pikachu, who cheer. Brock keeps Ash back from the Pikachu, encouraging him to just observe. Meanwhile, {{TRT}} sees the group of Pikachu and decide to capture all of them for {{an|Giovanni|their Boss}}.


Night falls, and all of the Pikachu start singing their Pikachu chant. Ash and {{ashfr}} watch on and see how happy Ash's Pikachu is. Over dinner, Ash becomes sad and loses his appetite, but when asked what was wrong, he claims it was nothing. He stays up, watching the fire, to reflect on Pikachu's happiness, and concludes that Pikachu should be with his own kind. Suddenly, the Pikachu scream for help, waking Misty and Brock. The trio goes to investigate and finds all of the Pikachu captured by Team Rocket in an electric-proof net. [[James]] ensnares Ash and his friends in another net while they make their getaway. Pikachu begins chewing through the net; the others follow suit, and they soon begin their escape. Ash and his friends hold up the net they were captured in and the Pikachu jump into it unharmed. However, Ash's Pikachu, who escaped first, makes its way to Team Rocket and bites a hole in the balloon, sending them blasting off.
Night falls, and all of the Pikachu start singing their Pikachu chant. Ash and his friends watch on and see how happy Ash's Pikachu is. Over dinner, Ash becomes sad and loses his appetite, but when asked what was wrong, he dismisses it as nothing. He stays up, watching the fire, to reflect on his Pikachu's happiness, and concludes that Pikachu should be with his own kind. Suddenly, the Pikachu scream for help, waking Misty and Brock. The group goes to investigate and finds all of the Pikachu captured by Team Rocket in an electric-proof net. [[James]] ensnares Ash and his friends in another net while they make their getaway. Ash's Pikachu begins chewing through the net, and the others follow suit before they soon begin their escape. Ash and his friends hold up the net they were captured in and the Pikachu jump into it unharmed. However, Ash's Pikachu, who escaped first, makes its way to Team Rocket and bites a hole in the balloon, sending them blasting off.


Ash catches his friend, though he soon decides to leave him with the other Pikachu. Misty and Brock confront Ash by the campsite, where he announces his plans and claims Pikachu would be happier with its own kind. Pikachu reappears and starts following him, but Ash yells at him to stay behind and runs away. Eventually, Ash stops running, with Misty and Brock catching up to him. As the sun rises, Ash's Pikachu shakes tails with the small Pikachu and all of the wild Pikachu started chanting, before Pikachu runs into Ash's arms. Ash is touched by the gesture, and he starts to cry.
Ash catches his Pikachu, though he soon decides to leave him with the other Pikachu. Misty and Brock confront Ash by the campsite, where he announces his plans and claims that his Pikachu would be happier with its own kind. Ash's Pikachu then reappears and starts following him, but Ash yells at him to stay behind. Ash then begins to run away. Eventually, Ash stops running, with Misty and Brock catching up to him. As the sun rises, Ash's Pikachu shakes tails with the small Pikachu and all of the wild Pikachu started chanting, before Pikachu runs into Ash's arms. Ash is touched by the gesture, and he starts to cry.


===Explanation of EP038 incident===
===Explanation of EP038 incident===
[[File:EP038 incident explanation.png|200px|thumb|right|Miyuki explaining the incident]]
[[File:EP038 incident explanation.png|200px|thumb|Miyuki explaining the incident]]
The first broadcast begins with Miyuki Yadama formally greeting the viewers while surrounded by Pokémon dolls. Miyuki mentions that the Pocket Monsters anime will be starting again soon. Miyuki then mentions the details of the incident and apologies for the issue and its effects on the viewers.
The first broadcast in Japan begins with Miyuki Yadama formally greeting the viewers while surrounded by Pokémon dolls. Miyuki mentions that the Pocket Monsters anime will be starting again soon. Miyuki then mentions the details of the incident and apologies for the issue and its effects on the viewers.


Miyuki continues by discussing the hiatus and the reason why the anime was taken off the air, mentioning that research was conducted into how the incident occurred with the help of doctors, Japanese government officials, and the broadcasting stations. She highlights that the main cause of the issue was a scene where the colors red and blue were rapidly switched at a rate higher than 24 frames per second. She then notes early hypotheses that had been rejected, such as the effect of strong lights. She mentions that the research found that striped or swirling patterns and the color red should be used with care.
Miyuki continues by discussing the hiatus and the reason why the anime was taken off the air, mentioning that research was conducted into how the incident occurred with the help of doctors, Japanese government officials, and the broadcasting stations. She highlights that the main cause of the issue was a scene where the colors red and blue were rapidly switched at a rate higher than 24 frames per second. She then notes early hypotheses that had been rejected, such as the effect of strong lights. She mentions that the research found that striped or swirling patterns and the color red should be used with care.
Line 73: Line 76:
* [[Jessie]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[James]]
* {{an|Professor Oak}} (flashback)
* [[Erika]] (flashback; Japanese version only)
* [[Erika]] (flashback; Japanese version only)
* {{an|Professor Oak}} (flashback)


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
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* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} (multiple)
* {{p|Pidgeotto}} ({{OP|Ash|Pidgeotto}}; flashback)
* {{p|Pidgeotto}} ({{OP|Ash|Pidgeotto}}; flashback)
* {{p|Starmie}} ({{OP|Misty|Starmie}}; flashback; Japanese version only)
* {{p|Starmie}} ({{OP|Misty|Starmie}}; flashback; Japanese version only)
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* {{p|Gloom}} ([[Erika]]'s; flashback; Japanese version only)
* {{p|Gloom}} ([[Erika]]'s; flashback; Japanese version only)
* {{p|Spearow}} (multiple; flashback)
* {{p|Spearow}} (multiple; flashback)
* {{p|Pikachu}} (multiple)


===Initial broadcast===
===Initial broadcast===
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====Pokémon dolls====
====Pokémon dolls====
* {{p|Bulbasaur}}
* {{p|Bulbasaur}}
* {{p|Charmander}}
* {{p|Charmander}}
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* {{p|Snorlax}}
* {{p|Snorlax}}
* {{p|Mew}}
* {{p|Mew}}
* [[Poké Ball]]


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* This episode was not included in the original schedule before the [[EP038]] incident, so it is possible that the episode was created after the incident.
* This episode was not included in the original schedule before the [[EP038]] incident, so it is possible that the episode was created after the incident.
* The episode aired as a one-hour special (放送再開スペシャル（放送再開スペシャル やっとあえるね！）１時間{{j|SP}}) with ''[[EP040|The Battling Eevee Brothers]]'' to celebrate the return of the anime to airwaves.
* The episode aired as a one-hour special (放送再開スペシャル（放送再開スペシャル やっとあえるね！）１時間{{j|SP}}) with [[EP040]] to celebrate the {{pkmn|anime}}'s return to airwaves.
* This was chosen by [[Asuca Hayashi]] as the fifth episode of ''[[Pocket Monsters Anime Premier 10]]''.
* This was chosen by [[Asuca Hayashi]] as the fifth episode of ''[[Pocket Monsters Premier 10]]''.
* Not counting the flashbacks, {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Meowth}} were the only two species of Pokémon seen in this episode. This is the lowest number of Pokémon species appearing in an anime episode.
* Not counting the flashbacks, {{p|Pikachu}} and {{p|Meowth}} were the only two species of Pokémon seen in this episode. This is the lowest number of Pokémon species appearing in an anime episode.
* The events of ''[[EP034|The Kangaskhan Kid]]'' were referenced in the beginning of this episode.
* The episode's plot later became similar to that of ''[[SM091|A Plethora of Pikachu!]]'', which also revolves around a location where a large number of Pikachu live. In addition, that episode marked the anime's move from its Thursday 6:55 PM time-slot to a Sunday 6:00 PM slot, the first time the show changed its airing day since the aforementioned EP038 incident.
* In this episode, {{Ash}} crashes into a tree. In response, {{an|Misty}} says "Watch out for that tree", a catchphrase from the ''{{wp|George of the Jungle}}'' universe.
* The events of ''[[EP034|The Kangaskhan Kid]]'' are referenced in the beginning of this episode.
* A short version of [[Goodnight, My Pikachu]] can be heard in the Japanese version.
* A short version of [[Goodnight, My Pikachu]] is used as an insert song in the Japanese version.
* The book {{book|I Choose You!}} is partially based on this episode.
* This episode was partially adapted into the book {{book|I Choose You!}}.
* This episode is featured on ''Volume 1: Pikachu'' from [[Viz Media]]'s {{OBP|Pokémon All-Stars|Region 1}} series.
* This episode is featured on ''Volume 1: Pikachu'' from [[Viz Media]]'s {{OBP|Pokémon All-Stars|Region 1}} series.
* This episode is featured on ''Pokémon All-Stars: Pikachu'' from {{wp|Magna Pacific}}'s {{OBP|Pokémon All-Stars|Region 4}} series.
* This episode is featured on ''Pokémon All-Stars: Pikachu'' from {{wp|Magna Pacific}}'s {{OBP|Pokémon All-Stars|Region 4}} series.
* After {{TRT}} finishes their {{motto}}, [[James]] says, "We'd like to thank all of our fans for their loyalty and support. This victory is for them". This obviously [[Breaking the fourth wall|breaks the fourth wall]], and possibly referencing how Pokémon fans in Japan helped get the anime back on air after EP038.
* After {{TRT}} finishes their {{motto}}, [[James]] says, "We'd like to thank all of our fans for their loyalty and support. This victory is for them." This obviously [[Breaking the fourth wall|breaks the fourth wall]], and possibly references how Pokémon fans in Japan helped get the anime back on air after the EP038 incident.
* The episode title is spelled ''Pickachu's Goodbye'' on the back of the box of the Australian VHS release.
* This was the first episode to premiere in the US the same year as it did in Japan.


===Errors===
===Errors===
* When the {{pkmn2|wild}} Pikachu save the smaller Pikachu and Ash's Pikachu from going over the waterfall, all of the wild Pikachu in the chain have a torn tail. This is a result of the animation studio cycling the animation in order to save time.
* When Ash and {{ashfr}} run over to save the little Pikachu, Misty's [[bag]] is briefly layered over Ash.
** Some care was taken into this scene as only the leader Pikachu has torn ears.
* When the {{pkmn2|wild}} Pikachu save the smaller Pikachu and [[Ash's Pikachu]] from going over the waterfall, all of the wild Pikachu in the chain have a torn tail. This is a result of the animation studio cycling the animation in order to save time. However, some care was taken into this scene as only the leader Pikachu has torn ears.
** In the same scene, the leader Pikachu is missing the brown at the base of its tail when its rear end is facing the viewer.
** Later scenes are inconsistent with the number of Pikachu which have torn tails. This could be up for interpretation as the number of Pikachu Team Rocket steals is much greater than depicted in any other scene.
** Later scenes are inconsistent with the number of Pikachu which have torn tails. This could be up for interpretation as the number of Pikachu Team Rocket steals is much greater than depicted in any other scene.
** At this time, the leader Pikachu is missing the brown at the base of its tail when its rear end is facing the viewer.
* When Ash and his friends realize that Team Rocket captured the Pikachu, Ash's glove is missing.
* The number of Pikachu changes throughout the episode. Although about 30 Pikachu are present when Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty first see the group of Pikachu, the number of Pikachu increases greatly when Team Rocket steal the Pikachu and fly off with their balloon.
* The number of Pikachu changes throughout the episode. Although about 30 Pikachu are present when Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty first see the group of Pikachu, the number of Pikachu increases greatly when Team Rocket steal the Pikachu and fly off with their balloon.
* When Pikachu begins chewing the net, a Pikachu is missing its cheek pouch.
* The episode title is spelled ''Pickachu's Goodbye'' on the back of the Australian VHS release box.
<gallery>
EP039 error.png|The leader Pikachu's tail
EP039 error 2.png|Ash's missing glove
EP039 error 3.png|A Pikachu's missing cheek pouch
</gallery>


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* [[PokéRap]]: Day 4
* [[Kanto Pokérap]]: Day 4
* In the Japanese version of the scene leading up to the Ash and Pikachu montage, Ash originally yelled at Misty and Brock to shut up when they asked why he's leaving Pikachu. Then, when he was saying his goodbyes to Pikachu, Ash's voice was trembling as he was trying not to cry. Additionally, there was originally no music playing from the moment Ash puts out the campfire until he starts running away.
* In the Japanese version of the scene leading up to the Ash and Pikachu montage, Ash originally yelled at Misty and Brock to shut up when they asked why he's leaving Pikachu. Then, when he was saying his goodbyes to Pikachu, Ash's voice was trembling as he was trying not to cry. Additionally, there was originally no music playing from the moment Ash puts out the campfire until he starts running away.
* The original montage of Ash and Pikachu is different in both versions. The original Japanese version has clips that are shown in chronological episodic order. The dubbed English version have clips from certain episodes in random order, with many clips missing from the original Japanese version, and it also has some clips not present in the original Japanese version.
* The original montage of Ash and Pikachu is different in both versions. The original Japanese version has clips that are shown in chronological episodic order. The dubbed English version have clips from certain episodes in random order, with many clips missing from the original Japanese version, and it also has some clips not present in the original Japanese version.
* In the [[Pokémon in South Asia#Hungama TV|Tamil Hungama TV dub]] of this episode, there is no voice of the narrator throughout the episode.
* In the [[Pokémon in South Asia#Hungama TV|Tamil Hungama TV dub]] of this episode, there is no voice of the narrator throughout the episode.
* [[The Time Has Come (Pikachu's Goodbye)]] replaces [[Goodnight, My Pikachu]] during the flashback scene.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=AFA|bordercolor=FAA
{{Epilang|color=AFA|bordercolor=FAA
|ar={{tt|وداعا يا بيكاتشو|Goodbye Pikachu}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|皮卡丘的森林|Pikachu's forest}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|皮卡丘的森林|Pikachu's forest}}
|ca={{tt|Adéu, Pikachu|Goodbye, Pikachu}}
|cs={{tt|Sbohem, Pikachu|Goodbye, Pikachu}}
|cs={{tt|Sbohem, Pikachu|Goodbye, Pikachu}}
|da={{tt|Pikachus Farvel|Pikachu's Farewell}}
|da={{tt|Pikachus Farvel|Pikachu's Farewell}}
Line 148: Line 161:
|fr_eu={{tt|Au revoir, Pikachu|Goodbye, Pikachu}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Au revoir, Pikachu|Goodbye, Pikachu}}
|de={{tt|Pikachus Abschied|Pikachu's goodbye}}
|de={{tt|Pikachus Abschied|Pikachu's goodbye}}
|he=להתראות פיקאצ'ו {{tt|lehitraot Pikachu|Goodbye Pikachu}}
|he=להתראות פיקאצ'ו {{tt|''Lehitrahot Pikachu''|Goodbye Pikachu}}
|hi=अलविदा Pikachu {{tt|''Alvida Pikachu!''|Bye bye Pikachu!/Goodbye Pikachu!}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|hi=अलविदा Pikachu {{tt|''Alvida Pikachu!''|Bye bye Pikachu!/Goodbye Pikachu!}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|ta=Pikachu's குட்பை ''Pikachu's Goodbye'' {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|ta=Pikachu's குட்பை ''Pikachu's Goodbye'' {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
Line 165: Line 178:
|es_eu={{tt|Adiós Pikachu|Goodbye Pikachu}}
|es_eu={{tt|Adiós Pikachu|Goodbye Pikachu}}
|sv={{tt|Pikachus farväl|Pikachu's farewell}}
|sv={{tt|Pikachus farväl|Pikachu's farewell}}
|uk={{tt|Прощання з Пікачу|Farewell to Pikachu}}
|tr={{tt|Pikachu'nun Vedası|Pikachu's Farewell}}
}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}


{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{PrevNext|
prevcode=EP038 |
prev=''Snow Way Out!'' |
nextcode=EP040 |
prevlink=Snow Way Out! |
nexttitle=The Battling Eevee Brothers |
next=EP040 : ''The Battling Eevee Brothers'' |
nextlink=EP040 |
series=Original series |
series=Original series |
colorscheme=Kanto }}
list=original series episodes |
colorscheme=Kanto}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}


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[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Masamitsu Hidaka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Masamitsu Hidaka]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Kiyotaka Itani]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Kiyotaka Itani]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Hiroshi Sakai]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Keishi Sakai]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
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[[it:EP039]]
[[it:EP039]]
[[ja:無印編第39話]]
[[ja:無印編第39話]]
[[zh:精灵宝可梦 第38集]]
[[zh:宝可梦 第38集]]

Latest revision as of 04:45, 3 September 2024

If you were looking for the original EP039, see Holiday Hi-Jynx.
Pikachu's Goodbye redirects here. For the song, see The Time Has Come (Pikachu's Goodbye).
← Snow Way Out!
Original series
EP040 : The Battling Eevee Brothers →
Pikachu's Goodbye
EP039.png
  EP039  
ピカチュウのもり
Forest of Pikachu
First broadcast
Japan April 16, 1998
United States November 20, 1998
English themes
Opening Pokémon Theme
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening めざせポケモンマスター
Ending ポケットにファンタジー
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 藤田伸三 Shinzō Fujita
Storyboard 日高政光 Masamitsu Hidaka
Assistant director 井硲清高 Kiyotaka Itani
Animation director 酒井啓史 Keishi Sakai
Additional credits

Pikachu's Goodbye (Japanese: ピカチュウのもり Forest of Pikachu) is the 39th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 16, 1998, and in the United States on November 20, 1998. It was the first episode to air after the EP038 incident. Notably, it is also, with EP040, the first hour-long Pokémon special.

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

Blurb

Misty and Brock continue to journey with Ash as he seeks to become a Pokémon Master. Passing through a beautiful forest, the three of them stop for a rest. As they enjoy the restful mood, Pikachu notices something staring at them from the shadows of the bush around them. Realizing that they are being watched by a group of wild Pikachu, Pikachu bounds after them into the woods. Paying no heed to Ash's call, Pikachu runs further and further into the wild unknown. Though they seem frightened at first, the group eventually opens up to Pikachu and they play together as friends. Will the group be as receptive to Ash when he makes his presence known?

Plot

As Misty and Brock rest in a forest clearing, Ash swings on a vine when suddenly he slams into a tree trunk. Pikachu rushes to Ash's side, but notices a small, wild Pikachu nearby. Ash's Pikachu runs after it, as Ash and his friends follow close behind. The pursuit ends at a forest clearing, where they find a whole clan of Pikachu. Ash's Pikachu, eager to say hello, jumps forward, but the wild Pikachu become scared and run off. Ash's Pikachu becomes disheartened, but the small Pikachu comes over and shakes tails to greet him. Soon after, the other Pikachu surround Ash's, and Brock notes that they must have accepted him. Ash, also eager to join the Pikachu clan, runs toward them, but they flee in fear.

Later, Ash asks Brock and Misty why the Pikachu ran away. Brock tells him that he probably scared the Pikachu because they were not used to human contact. The small Pikachu, watching their conversation from a nearby tree branch, falls into a river and Ash's Pikachu jumps in to save it. Before the pair are about to go down a waterfall, the other Pikachu grab each other's tails to save them, and they succeed. As a reward for his effort, Ash's Pikachu receives an apple and is hoisted up by the other Pikachu, who cheer. Brock keeps Ash back from the Pikachu, encouraging him to just observe. Meanwhile, Team Rocket sees the group of Pikachu and decide to capture all of them for their Boss.

Night falls, and all of the Pikachu start singing their Pikachu chant. Ash and his friends watch on and see how happy Ash's Pikachu is. Over dinner, Ash becomes sad and loses his appetite, but when asked what was wrong, he dismisses it as nothing. He stays up, watching the fire, to reflect on his Pikachu's happiness, and concludes that Pikachu should be with his own kind. Suddenly, the Pikachu scream for help, waking Misty and Brock. The group goes to investigate and finds all of the Pikachu captured by Team Rocket in an electric-proof net. James ensnares Ash and his friends in another net while they make their getaway. Ash's Pikachu begins chewing through the net, and the others follow suit before they soon begin their escape. Ash and his friends hold up the net they were captured in and the Pikachu jump into it unharmed. However, Ash's Pikachu, who escaped first, makes its way to Team Rocket and bites a hole in the balloon, sending them blasting off.

Ash catches his Pikachu, though he soon decides to leave him with the other Pikachu. Misty and Brock confront Ash by the campsite, where he announces his plans and claims that his Pikachu would be happier with its own kind. Ash's Pikachu then reappears and starts following him, but Ash yells at him to stay behind. Ash then begins to run away. Eventually, Ash stops running, with Misty and Brock catching up to him. As the sun rises, Ash's Pikachu shakes tails with the small Pikachu and all of the wild Pikachu started chanting, before Pikachu runs into Ash's arms. Ash is touched by the gesture, and he starts to cry.

Explanation of EP038 incident

Miyuki explaining the incident

The first broadcast in Japan begins with Miyuki Yadama formally greeting the viewers while surrounded by Pokémon dolls. Miyuki mentions that the Pocket Monsters anime will be starting again soon. Miyuki then mentions the details of the incident and apologies for the issue and its effects on the viewers.

Miyuki continues by discussing the hiatus and the reason why the anime was taken off the air, mentioning that research was conducted into how the incident occurred with the help of doctors, Japanese government officials, and the broadcasting stations. She highlights that the main cause of the issue was a scene where the colors red and blue were rapidly switched at a rate higher than 24 frames per second. She then notes early hypotheses that had been rejected, such as the effect of strong lights. She mentions that the research found that striped or swirling patterns and the color red should be used with care.

The scene then switches to a board with letters, drawings, and postcards from viewers in support of the anime. After focusing on two of the drawings, Miyuki thanks the viewers for the letters of encouragement.

After the scene changes back, Miyuki makes a request for all viewers to watch television at a distance from the screen and in a room that is well lit. The debriefing ends with a shot of the Pokémon around Miyuki.

Major events

For a list of all major events in the animated series, please see the history page.

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Dare da?

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Pikachu (US and international), Pikachu (Ash's, and smaller sized) (Japan)

Initial broadcast

Humans

  • Miyuki Yamada

Pokémon dolls

Trivia

  • This episode was not included in the original schedule before the EP038 incident, so it is possible that the episode was created after the incident.
  • The episode aired as a one-hour special (放送再開スペシャル（放送再開スペシャル やっとあえるね！）１時間SP) with EP040 to celebrate the anime's return to airwaves.
  • This was chosen by Asuca Hayashi as the fifth episode of Pocket Monsters Premier 10.
  • Not counting the flashbacks, Pikachu and Meowth were the only two species of Pokémon seen in this episode. This is the lowest number of Pokémon species appearing in an anime episode.
  • The episode's plot later became similar to that of A Plethora of Pikachu!, which also revolves around a location where a large number of Pikachu live. In addition, that episode marked the anime's move from its Thursday 6:55 PM time-slot to a Sunday 6:00 PM slot, the first time the show changed its airing day since the aforementioned EP038 incident.
  • The events of The Kangaskhan Kid are referenced in the beginning of this episode.
  • A short version of Goodnight, My Pikachu is used as an insert song in the Japanese version.
  • This episode was partially adapted into the book I Choose You!.
  • This episode is featured on Volume 1: Pikachu from Viz Media's Pokémon All-Stars series.
  • This episode is featured on Pokémon All-Stars: Pikachu from Magna Pacific's Pokémon All-Stars series.
  • After Team Rocket finishes their motto, James says, "We'd like to thank all of our fans for their loyalty and support. This victory is for them." This obviously breaks the fourth wall, and possibly references how Pokémon fans in Japan helped get the anime back on air after the EP038 incident.
  • This was the first episode to premiere in the US the same year as it did in Japan.

Errors

  • When Ash and his friends run over to save the little Pikachu, Misty's bag is briefly layered over Ash.
  • When the wild Pikachu save the smaller Pikachu and Ash's Pikachu from going over the waterfall, all of the wild Pikachu in the chain have a torn tail. This is a result of the animation studio cycling the animation in order to save time. However, some care was taken into this scene as only the leader Pikachu has torn ears.
    • In the same scene, the leader Pikachu is missing the brown at the base of its tail when its rear end is facing the viewer.
    • Later scenes are inconsistent with the number of Pikachu which have torn tails. This could be up for interpretation as the number of Pikachu Team Rocket steals is much greater than depicted in any other scene.
  • When Ash and his friends realize that Team Rocket captured the Pikachu, Ash's glove is missing.
  • The number of Pikachu changes throughout the episode. Although about 30 Pikachu are present when Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Misty first see the group of Pikachu, the number of Pikachu increases greatly when Team Rocket steal the Pikachu and fly off with their balloon.
  • When Pikachu begins chewing the net, a Pikachu is missing its cheek pouch.
  • The episode title is spelled Pickachu's Goodbye on the back of the Australian VHS release box.
  • The leader Pikachu's tail

    The leader Pikachu's tail

  • Ash's missing glove

    Ash's missing glove

  • A Pikachu's missing cheek pouch

    A Pikachu's missing cheek pouch

Dub edits

  • Kanto Pokérap: Day 4
  • In the Japanese version of the scene leading up to the Ash and Pikachu montage, Ash originally yelled at Misty and Brock to shut up when they asked why he's leaving Pikachu. Then, when he was saying his goodbyes to Pikachu, Ash's voice was trembling as he was trying not to cry. Additionally, there was originally no music playing from the moment Ash puts out the campfire until he starts running away.
  • The original montage of Ash and Pikachu is different in both versions. The original Japanese version has clips that are shown in chronological episodic order. The dubbed English version have clips from certain episodes in random order, with many clips missing from the original Japanese version, and it also has some clips not present in the original Japanese version.
  • In the Tamil Hungama TV dub of this episode, there is no voice of the narrator throughout the episode.
  • The Time Has Come (Pikachu's Goodbye) replaces Goodnight, My Pikachu during the flashback scene.

In other languages



← Snow Way Out!
Original series
EP040 : The Battling Eevee Brothers →
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