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nexttitle=The Lotad Lowdown |
nexttitle=The Lotad Lowdown |
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footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|ag|011}}  
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* {{BMGf|4208|Dub review thread on BMGf}}
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'''A Bite to Remember''' (Japanese: '''グラエナとポチエナ!進化の神秘!!''' ''{{tt|Graena|Mightyena}} and {{tt|Pochiena|Poochyena}}! Mystery of Evolution!!'') is the 11th episode of the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, and the 285th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on February 6, 2003 and in the United States on December 13, 2003.  
'''A Bite to Remember''' (Japanese: '''グラエナとポチエナ!進化の神秘!!''' ''{{tt|Graena|Mightyena}} and {{tt|Pochiena|Poochyena}}! Mystery of Evolution!!'') is the 11th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'', and the 285th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on February 6, 2003, and in the United States on December 13, 2003.  


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/06_23-a-bite-to-remember/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/6/episode-11-a-bite-to-remember/-->
<i>As our heroes travel on towards Rustboro City, they stumble into a forest filled with many different kinds of Pokémon. It turns out that the area is actually a Pokémon preserve, and it's looked after by a girl named Katrina. Katrina takes care of all of the Pokémon in the area and helps to nurse them back to health when they are sick. Max takes a particular liking to her Poochyena and he's determined to see it evolve before they leave the preserve. All of the Poochyena's companions who were born at the same time have already evolved, but this one Poochyena just doesn't seem ready. Max decides to coach the Pokémon and leads it out into the forest. Team Rocket has followed Max and they decide to play a trick on him to take the Poochyena. They claim to be researchers working on an evolution machine. Max is too smart too be fooled, but that doesn't stop Team Rocket from taking Poochyena. Luckily, Katrina and Ash show up just in time. This time Poochyena gets in on the action, too. That last battle turns out to be just what this little Poochyena needs—it evolves right before Max's eyes!</i>
<i>As our heroes travel on towards Rustboro City, they stumble into a forest filled with many different kinds of Pokémon. It turns out that the area is actually a Pokémon preserve, and it's looked after by a girl named Katrina. Katrina takes care of all of the Pokémon in the area and helps to nurse them back to health when they are sick. Max takes a particular liking to her Poochyena and he's determined to see it evolve before they leave the preserve. All of the Poochyena's companions who were born at the same time have already evolved, but this one Poochyena just doesn't seem ready. Max decides to coach the Pokémon and leads it out into the forest. Team Rocket has followed Max and they decide to play a trick on him to take the Poochyena. They claim to be researchers working on an evolution machine. Max is too smart too be fooled, but that doesn't stop Team Rocket from taking Poochyena. Luckily, Katrina and Ash show up just in time. This time Poochyena gets in on the action, too. That last battle turns out to be just what this little Poochyena needs—it evolves right before Max's eyes!</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
{{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} are traveling through a forest with many {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. [[Max]] keeps exclaiming loudly and moving towards various Pokémon, scaring them away. Then a group of {{p|Mightyena}} come around and display hostility. [[Ash's Pikachu]], [[Brock's Forretress]] and [[May's Torchic]] are ordered to attack them. They start to battle, but then a {{p|Poochyena}} comes running in, followed by {{OBP|Katrina|AG011}}. She explains that this is a Pokémon reserve. {{an|Brock}} starts trying to woo her, causing her to get uncomfortable, and the Mightyena attack him. The scene cuts to {{TRT}}, who have heard that the woods are supposed to be full of Pokémon, but haven't seen any. Then they notice one and suddenly they spot several more that they'd overlooked. {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} pops up, holding some kind of sign. Reading it, they see that it's a notice indicating that this is a Pokémon reserve. They immediately start plotting to steal Pokémon.
{{an|May}} and [[Max]] take a moment to do some {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} spotting while the others prepare the camp. However, Max's enthusiasm keeps scaring the [[wild Pokémon]] off. May orders her brother to calm down, but Max explains that the real life experience is far more interesting than what he has read in books. {{Ash}} shares Max's sentiments, declaring that winning {{pkmn|battle}}s and making new friends is fantastic. The group suddenly finds themselves surrounded by a trio of hostile {{p|Mightyena}}. Ash takes a moment to check his [[Pokédex]] as May orders him to use some of his real life experience to combat the situation. So Ash sends {{AP|Pikachu}} forward, and he is soon joined by [[Brock's Forretress]] and [[May's Torchic]] to even the match up. Pikachu is first to be struck down before a {{p|Poochyena}} comes running in, followed by {{OBP|Katrina|AG011}}. She explains that the area is a Pokémon Preserve. May replies that they are simply traveling through to reach [[Rustboro City]]. Katrina apologizes for her suspicions. As everyone introduces themselves, {{an|Brock}} cuts in with his overwhelming affection, causing Katrina to become uncomfortable, and the Mightyena promptly attack him. The scene cuts to {{TRT}}, who have heard that the woods are supposed to be full of Pokémon, but haven't seen any. Then they notice one and suddenly they spot several more that they'd overlooked. {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} pops up, holding some kind of sign. Reading it, they see that it's a notice indicating that the area is a Pokémon Preserve. They immediately start plotting to steal Pokémon.


It cuts back to Ash and his friends, who have followed Katrina to the preserve center, when the sick and injured Pokémon are cared for. Brock starts claiming that he, too, is a doctor and while going on about it, the Poochyena {{m|Tackle}}s him. Katrina scolds it and Brock claims that she even scolds beautifully! Soon after, Poochyena is sleeping and Max listens to the [[Pokédex]] entry about it. Then he and Katrina start talking about when Poochyena will [[evolution|evolve]], and she reveals that Poochyena is the same age as the group of Mightyena they met, but hasn't evolved yet, probably because it only uses Tackle. Katrina says that she is not worried - it's not a problem if it takes a long time to evolve or even if it never evolves. Max protests that Mightyena are much more powerful than Poochyena, and starts extolling the benefits of evolving to the Poochyena.
Katrina takes the group back to the Preserve Center, where she nurses sick Pokémon back to health. Brock claims that he, too, is a doctor, though Poochyena {{m|Tackle}}s him to end the spiel. Katrina scolds it and Brock claims that she even scolds beautifully. Soon after, Poochyena is sleeping and Max takes the opportunity to scan it with the Pokédex. He declares that Poochyena must be ready to [[evolution|evolve]], though Katrina doubts it, revealing that Poochyena is the same age as the group of Mightyena seen earlier. Katrina declares that it hasn't evolved yet, probably because it only uses Tackle. Katrina says that she is not worried - it's not a problem if it takes a long time to evolve or even if it never evolves. Max protests that Mightyena are much more powerful than Poochyena, and starts extolling the benefits of evolving to the Poochyena. May starts thinking about her Torchic evolving, and she learns from her Pokédex that Torchic evolves into {{p|Combusken}}. Max and May are instantly keen to have Torchic evolve soon, but Ash dashes their hopes of an instant result. He explains that Pokémon have to gain [[experience]] through battling first, and it takes a while. Max complains about why things take so long, and Brock offers him another perspective, admitting that if it were easy to evolve Pokémon, it would not be so fun. Ash elaborates that getting to know each other overtime is part of the experience. May queries why Pikachu hasn’t evolved, and Ash says there are different kinds of evolution. Brock proceeds with an impromptu lecture on evolution, demonstrating that many Pokémon like {{p|Pineco}} and Poochyena evolve with experience, while others such as Pikachu need an [[Evolution stone]] to evolve. He also touches on branched Evolution, using {{p|Eevee}} as his example.


May starts thinking about her Torchic evolving, and her and Max talk about how much he wants to see a Pokémon evolve and how they might get her Torchic to evolve. Ash tells them they can't just get a Pokémon to evolve because they want it to - they have to gain [[experience]] first, and it takes a while. Max complains about why things take so long, and Brock says if it were easy to evolve Pokémon, it would not be so fun. Ash elaborates that Pokémon only evolve after they've done a lot of work with their {{pkmn|Trainer}}, and says that the getting to know each other as the Pokémon are getting experience is part of the experience. They start talking about why Pikachu has not evolved after all this time, and Ash says there are different kinds of evolution. Brock explains that some Pokémon, such as Torchic and Poochyena, evolve with experience, while others such as Pikachu need a certain item to evolve.
Max insists he wants to stay there awhile because Poochyena must be ready to evolve. Katrina says there's no guarantee Poochyena will evolve soon, but she does have room if they want to stay. Ash wants to hurry on his way to challenge the next [[Gym]], but Brock immediately accepts in the hopes of getting closer to Katrina. Max tells Poochyena he'll do everything he can to help it evolve. Outside, Max gets Poochyena to battle Torchic, urging it to use {{m|Bite}} instead of Tackle. Torchic finally gets fed up and scorches both of them with an {{m|Ember}} before walking off. Max rushes back inside the cabin to ask Ash if he can borrow Pikachu or another of Ash's Pokémon to fight Poochyena. Ash seemingly agrees, but May enters the room and declares that Max will probably just get the Pokémon to lose deliberately so Poochyena can evolve. Ash says that such faked battles aren't good for Poochyena.


Max insists he wants to stay there awhile because Poochyena must be ready to evolve any time. Katrina says there's no guarantee Poochyena will evolve soon, but she does have room if they want to stay. Ash wants to hurry on his way to challenge the next [[Gym]], but Brock immediately accepts. Max tells Poochyena he'll do everything he can to help it evolve. It cuts to Max getting Poochyena to battle Torchic and urging him to use {{m|Bite}} instead of Tackle. Torchic finally gets fed up and scorches both of them before walking away. Then it cuts to Ash feeding Pikachu a snack and Max comes in to ask if he can borrow Pikachu or another of Ash's Pokémon to fight Poochyena. May says he'll probably just get them to lose deliberately so Poochyena can evolve, to which Ash says that such faked battles aren't good for Poochyena.
Later, Max is watching Poochyena fight one of the Mightyena, using Tackle over and over, and he becomes discouraged. Ash approaches him and says lots of Pokémon are happy the way they are and don't want to evolve, such as Pikachu. He asks if Max understands, and Max says he knows Ash doesn't want him to cheat, and unexpectedly calls Poochyena and runs off with it. Ash and May are left puzzled, but Katrina alerts them to something she found during one of her patrols; part of a trap for catching Pokémon. Ash and May realize there are [[Pokémon poacher]]s in the forest. Meanwhile, Team Rocket proudly gaze at their pile of trapped Pokémon. They start fantasizing about a promotion and the benefits that will result, such as [[Jessie]] getting a new house. But {{MTR}} interjects, alerting his teammates to Max, who is by himself as he wanders through the Preserve with Poochyena.  


Later, Max is watching Poochyena fight one of the Mightyena, using Tackle over and over, and get discouraged. Ash comes up and says lots of Pokémon are happy the way they are and don't want to evolve, such as Pikachu. He asks if Max understands, and Max says he knows Ash doesn't want him to cheat, and unexpectedly calls Poochyena and runs off with him. Ash and May are puzzled, but then Katrina comes up and shows them part of a trap for catching Pokémon. Ash and May realize there are poachers in the forest. It cuts to Team Rocket standing beside a pile of Pokémon trapped in a net and saying "we rock!" Then they start fantasizing about a promotion and the benefits that will result, such as [[Jessie]] getting a new house.
The Rocket trio quickly puts a plan into motion to fulfill Max's evolution ambitions. As Max starts looking for an easy target for Poochyena to attack, he spots a [[Team Rocket's mechas|machine]]. Max tries to ignore it, but as he prepares to walk away, Jessie and [[James]], [[List of Team Rocket's disguises|disguised as scientists]] declare that they're doing top secret research and don't want Max to tell anyone about it. Max agrees, then asks what they're researching. [[James]] keeping up the ploy intentionally lets it slip that the machine is a part of their latest evolution research. Max is instantly intrigued, so Jessie offers him a free demonstration. She promptly places Meowth inside the machine, and with the hatch closed, Meowth emerges in a {{p|Persian}} costume. Max is fooled and very amazed, even asking for another demonstration. Team Rocket turns the "Persian" into a {{p|Sunflora}}, which really surprises Max, who protests that it's not possible for a Persian to evolve into a Sunflora. Jessie says that's what they told {{wp|Albert Einstein}} before he invented the {{wp|Incandescent light bulb|light bulb}}, but Max corrects her by saying that {{wp|Thomas Edison}} invented the light bulb. James tries to keep up the ploy, but Meowth becomes confused by all of the quick changes and emerges in a Pokémon fusion costume. Jessie and James try to hide the mix up, but Max has become suspicious. As he prepares to walk away, Jessie snatches Poochyena and reassures Max that the machine will work. They drop Poochyena into the machine and the doors promptly slide shut. Jessie and James restrain Max by his arms as Meowth causes the evolution machine to explode.  


It cuts to Max and Poochyena, Max saying "this looks like a good spot" and discussing plans to attack any Pokémon who aren't flying-type and don't have special attacks. Team Rocket is watching and plots to steal the Poochyena from the "mini-twerp". Max then tells Poochyena that although it is good at tackling, it's only effective if the opponent is its size or smaller, so he has to start using Bite. Team Rockets comments that he's trying to evolve it into a Mightyena, and decide to give him some "help". Max then starts looking for something for Poochyena to attack, and spots a machine. He starts examining it with interest, then decides to just walk away from it. Team Rocket, disguised as scientists, come up and explain that they're doing top secret research and don't want Max to tell anyone about it. Max agrees, then asks what they're researching. [[James]] says they don't want to tell him, but "unintentionally" let it slip in the process. He gets sheepish, and Jessie says that now that Max knows, why shouldn't they demonstrate? They put {{MTR}} into the machine, pull a lever, and open it to reveal Meowth in a {{p|Persian}} costume. Max is fooled and very amazed.
Soon after, Team Rocket is thanking Max as they are about to leave with Poochyena and the other stolen Pokémon in their Meowth balloon. Max insists they give Poochyena back, and they refuse. Just then, Katrina, Ash and friends arrive on the scene. Katrina accuses Team Rocket of being the poachers and they proceed to unmask themselves and recite their {{motto}} and use a machine to grab Pikachu and start to float away. The three Mightyena lead the pursuit. Ash calls on {{AP|Taillow}}'s assistance. Taillow quickly reaches the balloon and begins {{m|Peck}}ing the trio, forcing them to stop piloting their balloon which gradually floats towards the ground. Max urges Poochyena to Bite through the net in order to free itself and the other Pokémon. Poochyena is scared, but with enough encouragement, it does so. They all fall to the ground, Team Rocket looks dismayed and just then, Taillow's persistent Pecking causes James to loosen his hold on the Pikachu-grabber. With Pikachu now free, Ash orders a dose of {{m|Thunderbolt}}, which causes Team Rocket to blast off.


Max asks if they can do it some more, and they turn the "Persian" into a {{p|Sunflora}}, which really surprises Max, who protests that it's not possible for a Persian to evolve into a Sunflora. Jessie says that's what they told {{wp|Albert Einstein}} before he invented the {{wp|Incandescent light bulb|light bulb}}, to which Max says {{wp|Thomas Edison}} invented the light bulb. They quickly move on and proceed to go through a series of other such changes, then it cuts to Meowth trying to decide which costume to put on next. He delays too long and they knock on the machine, so he hurriedly puts on several pieces of different costumes. This really makes Max suspicious. Jessie and James stand in front of the machine and offer to give the Poochyena a try. Max says he knows it's rigged and starts to leave with Poochyena, but Jessie snatches it and reassures him that they do it all the time. They put Poochyena into the machine, and a moment later are holding Max back as he tries to get free. They tell Meowth to go ahead and the machine appears to explode.
Max congratulates Poochyena on finally using Bite and saving the day. He says Ash is rightPoochyena's great whether he evolves or not. Poochyena comments happily before bursting into a bright white glow. Max and May are confused by the phenomena, but Katrina explains that it's beginning to evolve. The newly evolved Mightyena lets out a triumphant howl, Max is amazed, and the other three Mightyena come to congratulate their companion.
 
Next thing, Team Rocket is thanking Max as they are about to leave with Poochyena and the other stolen Pokémon in their Meowth balloon. Max insists they give it back, and they refuse. Just then, Katrina, Ash and friends arrive, and Katrina accuses Team Rocket of being the poachers and they proceed to unmask themselves and do the {{motto}}. Then they use a machine to grab Pikachu and start to float away. Katrina, Ash and his friends give chase. Ash releases his {{AP|Taillow}}, who starts {{m|Peck}}ing Jessie and James. They stop piloting their balloon and it gradually floats to the ground, for which Ash congratulates Taillow. Max urges Poochyena to bite through the net in order to free himself and all his friends. Poochyena is scared, but with enough encouragement, he does it. They all fall to the ground, Team Rocket looks dismayed, and just then Taillow's persistent pecking causes James to loosen his hold on the Pikachu-grabber, and it releases Pikachu. Then Ash orders Pikachu to use {{m|Thunderbolt}}, which causes Team Rocket to blast off again.
 
It cuts to Max congratulating Poochyena for finally using Bite and saving the day. He says Ash is right - Poochyena's great whether he evolves or not. Poochyena comments happily and then begins to evolve! Max and May don't understand why Poochyena is glowing, but Katrina explains that it's beginning to evolve. The newly evolved Mightyena lets out a triumphant howl, Max is amazed, and the other three Mightyena come to congratulate their companion.


==Major events==
==Major events==
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* {{p|Sudowoodo}}
* {{p|Sudowoodo}}
* {{p|Murkrow}}
* {{p|Murkrow}}
* {{p|Stantler}}
* {{p|Zigzagoon}}
* {{p|Zigzagoon}}
* {{p|Shroomish}}
* {{p|Azurill}}
* {{p|Azurill}}
* {{p|Furret}} (×2)
* {{p|Furret}} (×2)
* {{p|Stantler}} (×3)
* {{p|Sentret}} (multiple)
* {{p|Sentret}} (multiple)
* {{p|Beautifly}} (multiple)
* {{p|Beautifly}} (multiple)
* {{p|Aipom}} (multiple)
* {{p|Aipom}} (multiple)
* {{p|Shroomish}} (multiple)
* {{p|Poochyena}} (evolves; fantasy)
* {{p|Poochyena}} (evolves; fantasy)
* {{p|Mightyena}} (newly evolved; fantasy)
* {{p|Mightyena}} (newly evolved; fantasy)
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* {{p|Espeon}} (newly evolved; fantasy)
* {{p|Espeon}} (newly evolved; fantasy)
* {{p|Umbreon}} (newly evolved; fantasy)
* {{p|Umbreon}} (newly evolved; fantasy)
* {{p|Combusken}} ([[Pokédex]] image)


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* This episode title is based from the saying "''A night to remember''".
* This episode title is derived from the phrase "A night to remember".
* [[Advance Adventure]] is used as background music.
* [[Advance Adventure]] is used as background music.
* After {{p|Poochyena}} uses {{m|Bite}} to free itself and the other Pokémon from {{TRT}}'s net, {{MTR}} makes a pop culture reference to {{wp|McGruff the Crime Dog}}'s motto "Take a bite out of crime".
* After {{p|Poochyena}} uses {{m|Bite}} to free itself and the other Pokémon from {{TRT}}'s net, {{MTR}} makes a [[List of references to popular culture in Pokémon|reference]] to {{wp|McGruff the Crime Dog}}'s motto "Take a bite out of crime".
* This episode is featured on the ''Volume 6: Dark'' copy of [[Pokémon Elements]].
* This episode is featured on the ''Volume 6: Dark'' copy of [[Pokémon Elements]].
* This is the third time where Meowth is dressed as a {{p|Sunflora}}.
* This is the third time Meowth dresses up as a {{p|Sunflora}}.
* {{Ash}} criticizes [[Max]] for making Poochyena [[Evolution|evolve]] into a {{p|Mightyena}} by faking a {{pkmn|battle}}, although he ironically did the same thing in ''[[EP044|The Problem with Paras]]''.
* {{Ash}} criticizes [[Max]] for making Poochyena [[Evolution|evolve]] into a {{p|Mightyena}} by faking a {{pkmn|battle}}, although he ironically did the same thing in ''[[EP044|The Problem with Paras]]'' and would go on to do so again in ''[[DP030|Some Enchanted Sweetening!]]''.
* This episode marks one of the very few times in the anime when a [[Pokédex]] entry is shown for a Pokémon that doesn't otherwise appear in the episode (in this case, {{p|Combusken}}). This wouldn't happen again until ''[[BW004|The Battle Club and Tepig's Choice!]]'', 376 episodes later.
* This episode marks the first time in the {{pkmn|anime}} when a [[Pokédex]] entry is shown for a Pokémon that doesn't otherwise appear in the episode. This wouldn't happen again until ''[[BW004|The Battle Club and Tepig's Choice!]]'', 376 episodes later.


===Errors===
===Errors===
* When the [[wild Pokémon]] are trapped, one {{p|Azurill}} says ''"Marill"'' instead of ''"Azurill"''.
[[File:AG011 error.png|thumb|200px|Raichu's arm error]]
** A similar error happens in the dub, when Meowth is dressed like Azurill and also says ''"Marill"''.
* When {{an|Brock}} is explaining Pokémon [[evolution]], Raichu is missing the brown patches on its arms.
* When the [[wild Pokémon]] are trapped, one {{p|Azurill}} says "{{p|Marill}}" instead of "Azurill".
** A similar error happens in the English dub, when Meowth is dressed like Azurill and also says "Marill".


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* In the original Japanese version, Brock does a Pokémon senryu with the session music in the background. In the English dub, he just talks about a test to give them and that his teaching is done.
* In the original Japanese version, Team Rocket talks about being promoted. In the English dub, Jessie says she can buy a new house, James says he can move out of his parents' house, and they both then say they can party.
* In the original Japanese version, when Team Rocket supposedly turns a {{p|Persian}} into a Sunflora and Max comments that it's impossible, Jessie says that science advances very quickly. In the English dub, she instead states that the same was said to {{wp|Albert Einstein}} when he invented the lightbulb, which Max corrects her on by saying that it was {{wp|Thomas Edison}} who did so.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
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nextcode=AG012 |
nextcode=AG012 |
nexttitle=The Lotad Lowdown |
nexttitle=The Lotad Lowdown |
series=Advanced Generation series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
colorscheme=Hoenn}}
colorscheme=Hoenn}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:0285}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:0285}}
[[Category:Advanced Generation series episodes|011]]
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire episodes|011]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Aya Matsui]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Aya Matsui]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Ryūji Kimura]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Ryūji Kimura]]
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[[it:AG011]]
[[it:AG011]]
[[ja:AG編第11話]]
[[ja:AG編第11話]]
[[zh:精灵宝可梦 超世代 第11集]]
[[zh:宝可梦 超世代 第11集]]

Latest revision as of 05:17, 3 September 2024

AG010 : You Said a Mouthful!
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG012 : The Lotad Lowdown
A Bite to Remember
AG011.png
AG011   EP285
グラエナとポチエナ!進化の神秘!!
Graena and Pochiena! Mystery of Evolution!!
First broadcast
Japan February 6, 2003
United States December 13, 2003
English themes
Opening I Wanna Be a Hero
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening アドバンス・アドベンチャー
Ending そこに空があるから
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 松井亜弥 Aya Matsui
Storyboard 木村竜二 Ryūji Kimura
Assistant director 大町繁 Shigeru Ōmachi
Animation director たけだゆうさく Yūsaku Takeda
Additional credits

A Bite to Remember (Japanese: グラエナとポチエナ!進化の神秘!! Graena and Pochiena! Mystery of Evolution!!) is the 11th episode of Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, and the 285th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It was first broadcast in Japan on February 6, 2003, and in the United States on December 13, 2003.

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

Blurb

As our heroes travel on towards Rustboro City, they stumble into a forest filled with many different kinds of Pokémon. It turns out that the area is actually a Pokémon preserve, and it's looked after by a girl named Katrina. Katrina takes care of all of the Pokémon in the area and helps to nurse them back to health when they are sick. Max takes a particular liking to her Poochyena and he's determined to see it evolve before they leave the preserve. All of the Poochyena's companions who were born at the same time have already evolved, but this one Poochyena just doesn't seem ready. Max decides to coach the Pokémon and leads it out into the forest. Team Rocket has followed Max and they decide to play a trick on him to take the Poochyena. They claim to be researchers working on an evolution machine. Max is too smart too be fooled, but that doesn't stop Team Rocket from taking Poochyena. Luckily, Katrina and Ash show up just in time. This time Poochyena gets in on the action, too. That last battle turns out to be just what this little Poochyena needs—it evolves right before Max's eyes!

Plot

May and Max take a moment to do some Pokémon spotting while the others prepare the camp. However, Max's enthusiasm keeps scaring the wild Pokémon off. May orders her brother to calm down, but Max explains that the real life experience is far more interesting than what he has read in books. Ash shares Max's sentiments, declaring that winning battles and making new friends is fantastic. The group suddenly finds themselves surrounded by a trio of hostile Mightyena. Ash takes a moment to check his Pokédex as May orders him to use some of his real life experience to combat the situation. So Ash sends Pikachu forward, and he is soon joined by Brock's Forretress and May's Torchic to even the match up. Pikachu is first to be struck down before a Poochyena comes running in, followed by Katrina. She explains that the area is a Pokémon Preserve. May replies that they are simply traveling through to reach Rustboro City. Katrina apologizes for her suspicions. As everyone introduces themselves, Brock cuts in with his overwhelming affection, causing Katrina to become uncomfortable, and the Mightyena promptly attack him. The scene cuts to Team Rocket, who have heard that the woods are supposed to be full of Pokémon, but haven't seen any. Then they notice one and suddenly they spot several more that they'd overlooked. Wobbuffet pops up, holding some kind of sign. Reading it, they see that it's a notice indicating that the area is a Pokémon Preserve. They immediately start plotting to steal Pokémon.

Katrina takes the group back to the Preserve Center, where she nurses sick Pokémon back to health. Brock claims that he, too, is a doctor, though Poochyena Tackles him to end the spiel. Katrina scolds it and Brock claims that she even scolds beautifully. Soon after, Poochyena is sleeping and Max takes the opportunity to scan it with the Pokédex. He declares that Poochyena must be ready to evolve, though Katrina doubts it, revealing that Poochyena is the same age as the group of Mightyena seen earlier. Katrina declares that it hasn't evolved yet, probably because it only uses Tackle. Katrina says that she is not worried - it's not a problem if it takes a long time to evolve or even if it never evolves. Max protests that Mightyena are much more powerful than Poochyena, and starts extolling the benefits of evolving to the Poochyena. May starts thinking about her Torchic evolving, and she learns from her Pokédex that Torchic evolves into Combusken. Max and May are instantly keen to have Torchic evolve soon, but Ash dashes their hopes of an instant result. He explains that Pokémon have to gain experience through battling first, and it takes a while. Max complains about why things take so long, and Brock offers him another perspective, admitting that if it were easy to evolve Pokémon, it would not be so fun. Ash elaborates that getting to know each other overtime is part of the experience. May queries why Pikachu hasn’t evolved, and Ash says there are different kinds of evolution. Brock proceeds with an impromptu lecture on evolution, demonstrating that many Pokémon like Pineco and Poochyena evolve with experience, while others such as Pikachu need an Evolution stone to evolve. He also touches on branched Evolution, using Eevee as his example.

Max insists he wants to stay there awhile because Poochyena must be ready to evolve. Katrina says there's no guarantee Poochyena will evolve soon, but she does have room if they want to stay. Ash wants to hurry on his way to challenge the next Gym, but Brock immediately accepts in the hopes of getting closer to Katrina. Max tells Poochyena he'll do everything he can to help it evolve. Outside, Max gets Poochyena to battle Torchic, urging it to use Bite instead of Tackle. Torchic finally gets fed up and scorches both of them with an Ember before walking off. Max rushes back inside the cabin to ask Ash if he can borrow Pikachu or another of Ash's Pokémon to fight Poochyena. Ash seemingly agrees, but May enters the room and declares that Max will probably just get the Pokémon to lose deliberately so Poochyena can evolve. Ash says that such faked battles aren't good for Poochyena.

Later, Max is watching Poochyena fight one of the Mightyena, using Tackle over and over, and he becomes discouraged. Ash approaches him and says lots of Pokémon are happy the way they are and don't want to evolve, such as Pikachu. He asks if Max understands, and Max says he knows Ash doesn't want him to cheat, and unexpectedly calls Poochyena and runs off with it. Ash and May are left puzzled, but Katrina alerts them to something she found during one of her patrols; part of a trap for catching Pokémon. Ash and May realize there are Pokémon poachers in the forest. Meanwhile, Team Rocket proudly gaze at their pile of trapped Pokémon. They start fantasizing about a promotion and the benefits that will result, such as Jessie getting a new house. But Meowth interjects, alerting his teammates to Max, who is by himself as he wanders through the Preserve with Poochyena.

The Rocket trio quickly puts a plan into motion to fulfill Max's evolution ambitions. As Max starts looking for an easy target for Poochyena to attack, he spots a machine. Max tries to ignore it, but as he prepares to walk away, Jessie and James, disguised as scientists declare that they're doing top secret research and don't want Max to tell anyone about it. Max agrees, then asks what they're researching. James keeping up the ploy intentionally lets it slip that the machine is a part of their latest evolution research. Max is instantly intrigued, so Jessie offers him a free demonstration. She promptly places Meowth inside the machine, and with the hatch closed, Meowth emerges in a Persian costume. Max is fooled and very amazed, even asking for another demonstration. Team Rocket turns the "Persian" into a Sunflora, which really surprises Max, who protests that it's not possible for a Persian to evolve into a Sunflora. Jessie says that's what they told Albert Einstein before he invented the light bulb, but Max corrects her by saying that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. James tries to keep up the ploy, but Meowth becomes confused by all of the quick changes and emerges in a Pokémon fusion costume. Jessie and James try to hide the mix up, but Max has become suspicious. As he prepares to walk away, Jessie snatches Poochyena and reassures Max that the machine will work. They drop Poochyena into the machine and the doors promptly slide shut. Jessie and James restrain Max by his arms as Meowth causes the evolution machine to explode.

Soon after, Team Rocket is thanking Max as they are about to leave with Poochyena and the other stolen Pokémon in their Meowth balloon. Max insists they give Poochyena back, and they refuse. Just then, Katrina, Ash and friends arrive on the scene. Katrina accuses Team Rocket of being the poachers and they proceed to unmask themselves and recite their motto and use a machine to grab Pikachu and start to float away. The three Mightyena lead the pursuit. Ash calls on Taillow's assistance. Taillow quickly reaches the balloon and begins Pecking the trio, forcing them to stop piloting their balloon which gradually floats towards the ground. Max urges Poochyena to Bite through the net in order to free itself and the other Pokémon. Poochyena is scared, but with enough encouragement, it does so. They all fall to the ground, Team Rocket looks dismayed and just then, Taillow's persistent Pecking causes James to loosen his hold on the Pikachu-grabber. With Pikachu now free, Ash orders a dose of Thunderbolt, which causes Team Rocket to blast off.

Max congratulates Poochyena on finally using Bite and saving the day. He says Ash is right. Poochyena's great whether he evolves or not. Poochyena comments happily before bursting into a bright white glow. Max and May are confused by the phenomena, but Katrina explains that it's beginning to evolve. The newly evolved Mightyena lets out a triumphant howl, Max is amazed, and the other three Mightyena come to congratulate their companion.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Hitmontop

Trivia

Errors

Raichu's arm error
  • When Brock is explaining Pokémon evolution, Raichu is missing the brown patches on its arms.
  • When the wild Pokémon are trapped, one Azurill says "Marill" instead of "Azurill".
    • A similar error happens in the English dub, when Meowth is dressed like Azurill and also says "Marill".

Dub edits

  • In the original Japanese version, Brock does a Pokémon senryu with the session music in the background. In the English dub, he just talks about a test to give them and that his teaching is done.
  • In the original Japanese version, Team Rocket talks about being promoted. In the English dub, Jessie says she can buy a new house, James says he can move out of his parents' house, and they both then say they can party.
  • In the original Japanese version, when Team Rocket supposedly turns a Persian into a Sunflora and Max comments that it's impossible, Jessie says that science advances very quickly. In the English dub, she instead states that the same was said to Albert Einstein when he invented the lightbulb, which Max corrects her on by saying that it was Thomas Edison who did so.

In other languages



AG010 : You Said a Mouthful!
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG012 : The Lotad Lowdown
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