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artn=8 |
artn=8 |
art1=さとう沙名栄 |
art1=さとう沙名栄 |
art2=佐々木彩香 |
art2=佐々木綾香 |
art3=斎藤和也 |
art3=斎藤和也 |
art4=永田有香 |
art4=永田有香 |
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art7=Suwarin Promjutikanon |
art7=Suwarin Promjutikanon |
art8=Chotanan Pipobworachai |
art8=Chotanan Pipobworachai |
morecredits=no |<!--please don't change to "yes" until the corresponding staff page has been updated-->
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=JN041-JN050 |
epstaffpage=JN041-JN050 |
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ss|048}}
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ss|048}}
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* {{BMGf|285130|Dub review thread on BMGf}}
* {{BMGf|285130|Dub review thread on BMGf}}
}}
}}
'''A Close Call... Practically!''' (Japanese: '''ほぼほぼピカチュウ危機一髪！''' ''A Close Call with Practically Pikachu!'') is the 48th episode of ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and the 1,133rd episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on December 4, 2020 and in the United States on March 5, 2021.
'''A Close Call... Practically!''' (Japanese: '''ほぼほぼピカチュウ危機一髪！''' ''A Close Call with Practically Pikachu!'') is the 48th episode of ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and the 1,133rd episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It first aired in Japan on December 4, 2020 and in the United States on March 5, 2021.
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/23_48-a-close-call-practically/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/23/episode-48-a-close-call-practically/-->
<!--Please do not alter the blurb to fix any errors, they are meant to be presented as they are on the official site.-->
<!--Please do not alter the blurb to fix any errors, they are meant to be presented as they are on the official site.-->
<i>While Ash and Goh eat delectable treats (thanks to Greedent’s eating contest victory), Team Rocket plans to steal Pikachu by switching it with a lookalike called “Practically Pikachu.” When they appear to succeed and make their getaway via bicycle, Lucario and Cinderace chase after them! In response, Meowth shoots a bouncy glue at the two Pokémon, and they end up stuck together. Although this presents real challenges, Lucario and Cinderace figure out a way to work together and send Team Rocket flying. But when they return to Ash and Goh, the two Pokémon are shocked—the real Pikachu had been safely by Ash’s side all along!</i>
<i>While Ash and Goh eat delectable treats (thanks to Greedent’s eating contest victory), Team Rocket plans to steal Pikachu by switching it with a lookalike called “Practically Pikachu.” When they appear to succeed and make their getaway via bicycle, Lucario and Cinderace chase after them! In response, Meowth shoots a bouncy glue at the two Pokémon, and they end up stuck together. Although this presents real challenges, Lucario and Cinderace figure out a way to work together and send Team Rocket flying. But when they return to Ash and Goh, the two Pokémon are shocked—the real Pikachu had been safely by Ash’s side all along!</i>
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{{Ash}} and [[Goh]] have come to [[Castelia City]] to indulge in an all-you-can-eat tour as a part of Goh's prize for [[JN047|winning]] the [[Pokémon Grand Eating Contest]]. Lying in wait, a [[List of Team Rocket's disguises|disguised]] {{TRT}} has set up a fake [[Casteliacone]] van in a bid to steal {{AP|Pikachu}}. {{MTR}} reveals his latest scheme to his teammates, they plan to switch the real Pikachu for a life-like mecha called "[[Team Rocket's mechas|Practically Pikachu]]". [[Jessie]] and [[James]] are impressed by Practically Pikachu's likeness, but quickly spot one flaw: it keeps saying "Hika" instead of "Pika". Meowth admits the [[cry]] was the only thing he couldn't replicate perfectly, hence the robot's name. Jessie sneers as she admits that Ash will be too dumb to notice the difference.
{{Ash}} and [[Goh]] have come to [[Castelia City]] to indulge in an all-you-can-eat tour as a part of Goh's prize for [[JN047|winning]] the [[Pokémon Grand Eating Contest]]. Lying in wait, a [[List of Team Rocket's disguises|disguised]] {{TRT}} has set up a fake [[Casteliacone]] van in a bid to steal {{AP|Pikachu}}. {{MTR}} reveals his latest scheme to his teammates, they plan to switch the real Pikachu for a life-like mecha called "[[Team Rocket's mechas|Practically Pikachu]]". [[Jessie]] and [[James]] are impressed by Practically Pikachu's likeness, but quickly spot one flaw: it keeps saying "Hika" instead of "Pika". Meowth admits the [[cry]] was the only thing he couldn't replicate perfectly, hence the robot's name. Jessie sneers as she admits that Ash will be too dumb to notice the difference.


Ash and Goh finally arrive at the van window, so Team Rocket gets into their positions. Jessie takes the orders, giving the boys a vanilla-flavored ice cream each. She announces that it is Casteliacone's anniversary today and offers them a special bonus to celebrate. Goh says that he prefers plain vanilla. Ash falls for the trap, and gladly accepts the bonus offer, so several more scoops of pink ice cream and fruit are added to his cone. Sitting down on a park bench to enjoy their desserts, Ash decides to leave to wash his hand clean, leaving Pikachu in Goh's care. Team Rocket quickly enact their plan, placing Practically Pikachu beside Pikachu before making the swap. Unexpectedly, the two Pikachu run off and start playing together, making the situation confusing. Goh is distracted, meanwhile, by the fast-melting ice cream. Meowth and its teammates try listening out for the difference in cries before one of the Pikachu coughs on its food and says "Hika". They snatch the other Pikachu and ride off on a bicycle. While Ash returns, unsuspecting of anything amiss, {{TP|Goh|Cinderace}} and {{AP|Lucario}} chase after Team Rocket after spotting Pikachu has been kidnapped. Meowth launches some sticky goop to slow them down, however, Lucario and Cinderace, who have been struggling to get along, find themselves stuck together by their wrists. The rubber-like goop helps the pair ricochet off several light poles, before managing to rebound and rescue Pikachu.
Ash and Goh finally arrive at the van window, so Team Rocket gets into their positions. Jessie takes the orders, giving the boys a vanilla-flavored ice cream each. She announces that it is Casteliacone's anniversary today and offers them a special bonus to celebrate. Goh says that he prefers plain vanilla. Ash falls for the trap, and gladly accepts the bonus offer, so several more scoops of pink ice cream and fruit are added to his cone. Sitting down on a park bench to enjoy their desserts, Ash decides to leave to wash his hand clean, leaving Pikachu in Goh's care. Team Rocket quickly enact their plan, placing Practically Pikachu beside Pikachu before making the swap. Unexpectedly, the two Pikachu run off and start playing together, making the situation confusing. Goh is distracted, meanwhile, by the fast-melting ice cream. Meowth and his teammates try listening out for the difference in cries before one of the Pikachu coughs on its food and says "Hika". They snatch the other Pikachu and ride off on a bicycle. While Ash returns, unsuspecting of anything amiss, {{TP|Goh|Cinderace}} and {{AP|Lucario}} chase after Team Rocket after spotting Pikachu has been kidnapped. Meowth launches some sticky goop to slow them down, however, Lucario and Cinderace, who have been struggling to get along, find themselves stuck together by their wrists. The rubber-like goop helps the pair ricochet off several light poles, before managing to rebound and rescue Pikachu.


Ash and Goh move on to their next [[Unova]] delicacy, {{p|Watchog}} buns; crunchy fried batter with mustard stripes on a stick. Lucario and Cinderace, meanwhile, find themselves at a dead-end with Team Rocket approaching in their Meowth balloon. Cinderace and Lucario try to go in opposite directions, which sparks an intense argument between the two. Meowth fires another goop bomb at them, though this only enables the pair to escape the alleyway, still with Pikachu in hand. The now-extended goop leads Lucario and Cinderace to bounce off several more poles across Castelia City. As Team Rocket tries to survey the area from the skies, Lucario and Cinderace eventually crash straight into them, sending them all blasting off into the distance.
Ash and Goh move on to their next [[Unova]] delicacy, {{p|Watchog}} buns; crunchy fried batter with mustard stripes on a stick. Lucario and Cinderace, meanwhile, find themselves at a dead-end with Team Rocket approaching in their Meowth balloon. Cinderace and Lucario try to go in opposite directions, which sparks an intense argument between the two. Meowth fires another goop bomb at them, though this only enables the pair to escape the alleyway, still with Pikachu in hand. The now-extended goop leads Lucario and Cinderace to bounce off several more poles across Castelia City. As Team Rocket tries to survey the area from the skies, Lucario and Cinderace eventually crash straight into them, sending them all blasting off into the distance.


Ash and Goh continue to indulge in moor food, this time enjoying some {{p|Crustle}} cakes; alternating layers of chocolate sponge and cheesecake with sweet icing that resembles a Crustle's shell. Goh adds that there are also bite-sized {{p|Dwebble}} cakes. While the boys and Pikachu enjoy the cakes, they remain unaware that Lucario and Cinderace are in danger. Ash jokes that the two have probably stuffed themselves full and cannot move.
Ash and Goh continue to indulge in more food, this time enjoying some {{p|Crustle}} cakes; alternating layers of chocolate sponge and cheesecake with sweet icing that resembles a Crustle's shell. Goh adds that there are also bite-sized {{p|Dwebble}} cakes. While the boys and Pikachu enjoy the cakes, they remain unaware that Lucario and Cinderace are in danger. Ash jokes that the two have probably stuffed themselves full and cannot move.


Eventually crash-landing in another part of the city, Team Rocket summon the [[Rocket Prize Master]], receiving a {{p|Sawk}} and {{p|Throh}} to take on Lucario and Cinderace. Sawk makes the first move, attacking with a {{m|Low Sweep}}. Cinderace leaps up to avoid the blow, but Lucario instead takes the hit to the ankles. The pair, still attached at the wrists by the goop, is consequently battered away. James orders Throh use {{m|Circle Throw}}, tossing the pair. Lucario manages to get to its feet, but Cinderace cannot stop its momentum and crashes into its partner. The goop continues to cause havoc for Cinderace and Lucario, as neither can agree on a counter-tactic. Sawk and Throh deal more damage with {{m|Brick Break}} and {{m|Vital Throw}} attacks, respectively. As Jessie remarks that the two look pathetic while stuck together, Cinderace becomes inspired to collaborate with Lucario. Without much warning, it twirls Lucario around before throwing it towards Team Rocket. Lucario recovers from its dizziness and lands {{m|Reversal}} to knock Sawk out. Lucario follows suit, swinging Cinderace to build momentum before Cinderace defeats Throh with a {{m|Blaze Kick}}. The goop has finally reached its optimum stretch and breaks away, leaving Cinderace and Lucario free of any restraint. Together, they launch a {{m|Pyro Ball}} and {{m|Aura Sphere}} combo to send Team Rocket blasting off. Lucario and Cinderace then turn to check on Pikachu, only to see that he is now missing. While blasting off, the Rocket trio notices that {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} nabbed Pikachu during the confrontation. Jessie is initially thrilled, until Pikachu calls out "Hikachu", revealing that it's actually the Practically Pikachu robot. Meowth remarks that the robot proved to be a great replica after all, much to the infuriation of his teammates as they blast off together.
Eventually crash-landing in another part of the city, Team Rocket summon the [[Rocket Prize Master]], receiving a {{p|Sawk}} and {{p|Throh}} to take on Lucario and Cinderace. Sawk makes the first move, attacking with a {{m|Low Sweep}}. Cinderace leaps up to avoid the blow, but Lucario instead takes the hit to the ankles. The pair, still attached at the wrists by the goop, is consequently battered away. James orders Throh to use {{m|Circle Throw}}, tossing the pair. Lucario manages to get to its feet, but Cinderace cannot stop its momentum and crashes into its partner. The goop continues to cause havoc for Cinderace and Lucario, as neither can agree on a counter-tactic. Sawk and Throh deal more damage with {{m|Brick Break}} and {{m|Vital Throw}} attacks, respectively. As Jessie remarks that the two look pathetic while stuck together, Cinderace becomes inspired to collaborate with Lucario. Without much warning, it twirls Lucario around before throwing it towards Team Rocket. Lucario recovers from its dizziness and lands {{m|Reversal}} to knock Sawk out. Lucario follows suit, swinging Cinderace to build momentum before Cinderace defeats Throh with a {{m|Blaze Kick}}. The goop has finally reached its optimum stretch and breaks away, leaving Cinderace and Lucario free of any restraint. Together, they launch a {{m|Pyro Ball}} and {{m|Aura Sphere}} combo to send Team Rocket blasting off. Lucario and Cinderace then turn to check on Pikachu, only to see that he is now missing. While blasting off, the Rocket trio notices that {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} nabbed Pikachu during the confrontation. Jessie is initially thrilled, until Pikachu calls out "Hikachu", revealing that it's actually the Practically Pikachu robot. Meowth remarks that the robot proved to be a great replica after all, much to the infuriation of his teammates as they blast off together.


Cinderace and Lucario rush back to the park in a panicked state. However, they are stunned to see Pikachu happily snacking beside Ash and Goh. As the pair collapse from shock, Ash believes they must be hungry, so Goh gives Cinderace a bag of snacks to enjoy. As Cinderace enjoys the food, it tries to get Lucario to try one for itself. Lucario is unimpressed when Cinderace pushes the snack into its face. It reacts in a rage and chases Cinderace down in retaliation. Ash and Goh remain unaware of Lucario and Cinderace's fiery rivalry, even remarking that the pair appear to get on well.
Cinderace and Lucario rush back to the park in a panicked state. However, they are stunned to see Pikachu happily snacking beside Ash and Goh. As the pair collapse from shock, Ash believes they must be hungry, so Goh gives Cinderace a bag of snacks to enjoy. As Cinderace enjoys the food, it tries to get Lucario to try one for itself. Lucario is unimpressed when Cinderace pushes the snack into its face. It reacts in a rage and chases Cinderace down in retaliation. Ash and Goh remain unaware of Lucario and Cinderace's fiery rivalry, even remarking that the pair appear to get on well.
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* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Lucario}} ({{OP|Ash|Lucario}})
* {{p|Cinderace}} ({{OP|Goh|Cinderace}})
* {{p|Cinderace}} ({{OP|Goh|Cinderace}})
* {{p|Lucario}} ({{OP|Ash|Lucario}})
* {{p|Rotom}} ([[Professor Cerise]]'s; [[Rotom Phone]])
* {{p|Rotom}} ([[Professor Cerise]]'s; [[Rotom Phone]])
* {{p|Pelipper}} ({{OBP|Pelipper|Team Rocket|Team Rocket}})
* {{p|Pelipper}} ({{OBP|Pelipper|Team Rocket|Team Rocket}})
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:JN048 AS.png|175px|thumb|The "After the story" artwork for this episode]]
* [[Get Inspired! Let's Solve a Poké Riddle!!]]: {{p|Sawk}}
* [[Get Inspired! Let's Solve a Poké Riddle!!]]: {{p|Sawk}}
* This marks the first time {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} has visited [[Unova]], due to his absence from [[Jessie]]'s [[party]] during ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''.
* This marks the first time {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} has visited [[Unova]], due to his absence from [[Jessie]]'s [[party]] during ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]''.
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===Errors===
===Errors===
* When {{AP|Lucario}} is leaning against a light post just before it starts pursuing {{TRT}}, the black fur around its shoulders is missing.
* When {{AP|Lucario}} is leaning against a light post just before it starts pursuing {{TRT}}, the black fur around its shoulders is missing.
* When {{TP|Goh|Cinderace}} and Lucario are spun into the air by {{p|Throh}}'s {{m|Circle Throw}}, the patterns below Cinderace's eyes are missing.
* During Lucario and {{TP|Goh|Cinderace}}'s {{pkmn|battle}} against {{p|Throh}} and Sawk, both the [[Rocket Prize Master]] and the Practically Pikachu robot disappear for the rest of the scene.
* During Lucario and Cinderace's {{pkmn|battle}} against Throh and Sawk, both the [[Rocket Prize Master]] and the Practically Pikachu robot disappear for the rest of the scene.
* When Team Rocket is blasted off for the second time, Wobbuffet and their Practically Pikachu robot are missing. However, Wobbuffet's voice can be heard twice.
* When Team Rocket is blasted off for the second time, Wobbuffet and their Practically Pikachu robot are missing
** Later, when Team Rocket realizes that they stole their Practically Pikachu robot instead of Ash's Pikachu, Sawk and Throh are not seen blasting off with them, while Wobbuffet and Practically Pikachu appear instead.
* Later, when Team Rocket realizes that they stole their Practically Pikachu robot instead of Ash's Pikachu, Sawk and Throh are not seen blasting off with them, while Wobbuffet and Practically Pikachu appear instead


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* The Japanese text depicting [[Castelia City]]'s name is edited out.
* The Japanese text depicting [[Castelia City]]'s name is edited out.
* The Japanese texts depicting Sawk and Throh's {{pkmn|category|categories}} and names are edited out.
* The Japanese texts depicting Sawk and Throh's {{pkmn|category|categories}} and names are edited out.
* In {{pmin|Latin America}}, this is the last episode:
** To air on Cartoon Network.
** Where Diana Pérez voiced Jessie, after her death on April 27, 2021.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=D5598C|bordercolor=00A1E9
{{Epilang|color=D5598C|bordercolor=00A1E9
|ar={{tt|!النجاة بأعجوبة|Miraculously escaped!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|擬真皮卡丘千鈞一髮！|A Close Call with Practically Pikachu!}}
|zh_yue={{tt|擬真Pikachu千鈞一髮|A Close Call with Practically Pikachu}}
|cs={{tt|Skoro dokonalý... jenom skoro!|Almost perfect... only almost!}}
|da={{tt|Tæt på... Praktisk talt!|A close call... Practically!}}
|nl={{tt|Bijna, maar net niet!|Almost, But Just Not!}}
|nl={{tt|Bijna, maar net niet!|Almost, But Just Not!}}
|fi={{tt|Läheltä piti... kirjaimellisesti!|A close call... literally!}}
|fi={{tt|Läheltä piti... kirjaimellisesti!|A close call... literally!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Une imitation parfaite... ou presque !|A Perfect Imitation... Or Almost!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Une imitation parfaite... ou presque !|A Perfect Imitation... Or Almost!}}
|de={{tt|Eine knappe Sache ... quasi!|A close thing ... so to say!}}
|he={{tt|!מקרה צמוד... בערך|A Close Call... Practically!}}
|he={{tt|!מקרה צמוד... בערך|A Close Call... Practically!}}
|it={{tt|Ci siete andati vicino o quasi!|You went close or almost!}}
|pl={{tt|Niewiele brakowało!|A close call!}}
|pl={{tt|Niewiele brakowało!|A close call!}}
|pt_br={{tt|São iguais... praticamente!|They're the same... practically!}}
|pt_br={{tt|São iguais... praticamente!|They're the same... practically!}}
|ru={{tt|Пронесло… Ну, почти!|Carried away... Well, almost!}}
|es_la={{tt|Un plan perfecto... ¡prácticamente!|A perfect plan... practically!}}
|es_la={{tt|Un plan perfecto... ¡prácticamente!|A perfect plan... practically!}}
|tr={{tt|Neredeyse Kıl Payı|Almost Hair's Breadth}}
|tr={{tt|Neredeyse Kıl Payı|Almost Hair's Breadth}}
|uk={{tt|Майже вийшло… Майже!|Almost came out... Almost!}}
|hi={{tt|बाल-बाल बचे! ''Baal-Baal Bache!''|Saved by a hair's breadth!}}
|ta={{tt|கிட்டத்தட்ட க்ளோஸ் கால்!|Almost a Close Call!}}
|te={{tt|క్లోజ్ కాల్ ....ప్రాక్టికల్లీ|Close Call.... Practically}}
|bn={{tt|একচুলের জন্যে বাঁচা!|Saved by a hair's breadth!}}
}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
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[[Category:Episodes animated by Ayaka Sasaki]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Ayaka Sasaki]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Kazuya Saitō]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Kazuya Saitō]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Yuka Nagata]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by rere]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Cerberus]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Suwarin Promjutikanon]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Chotanan Pipobworachai]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Nagata Yuka]]
<!--[[Category:Episodes animated by rere]]-->
<!--[[Category:Episodes animated by Cerberus]]-->
<!--[[Category:Episodes animated by Suwarin Promjutikanon]]-->
<!--[[Category:Episodes animated by Chotanan Pipobworachai]]-->
[[Category:Episodes by one-time animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Team Rocket]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Team Rocket]]


Latest revision as of 05:51, 3 September 2024

← JN047 : Crowning the Chow Crusher!
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
JN049 : To Train, or Not to Train! →
A Close Call... Practically!
JN048.png
JN048   EP1133
ほぼほぼピカチュウ危機一髪！
A Close Call with Practically Pikachu!
First broadcast
Japan December 4, 2020
United States March 5, 2021
English themes
Opening The Journey Starts Today
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening １・２・３
Ending ふしぎなふしぎな生きもの*
ポケモンしりとり（ピカチュウ→ミュウVer.）
Credits
Animation Team Kato
Screenplay 赤尾でこ Deko Akao
Storyboard 樋口香里 Kaori Higuchi
Assistant director 葛西良信 Yoshinobu Kasai
Animation directors さとう沙名栄 Sanae Satō
佐々木綾香 Ayaka Sasaki
斎藤和也 Kazuya Saitō
永田有香 Yuka Nagata
rere rere
Cerberus Cerberus
Suwarin Promjutikanon Suwarin Promjutikanon
Chotanan Pipobworachai Chotanan Pipobworachai
Additional credits

A Close Call... Practically! (Japanese: ほぼほぼピカチュウ危機一髪！ A Close Call with Practically Pikachu!) is the 48th episode of Pokémon Journeys: The Series, and the 1,133rd episode of the Pokémon animated series. It first aired in Japan on December 4, 2020 and in the United States on March 5, 2021.

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

Blurb

While Ash and Goh eat delectable treats (thanks to Greedent’s eating contest victory), Team Rocket plans to steal Pikachu by switching it with a lookalike called “Practically Pikachu.” When they appear to succeed and make their getaway via bicycle, Lucario and Cinderace chase after them! In response, Meowth shoots a bouncy glue at the two Pokémon, and they end up stuck together. Although this presents real challenges, Lucario and Cinderace figure out a way to work together and send Team Rocket flying. But when they return to Ash and Goh, the two Pokémon are shocked—the real Pikachu had been safely by Ash’s side all along!

Plot

Ash and Goh have come to Castelia City to indulge in an all-you-can-eat tour as a part of Goh's prize for winning the Pokémon Grand Eating Contest. Lying in wait, a disguised Team Rocket has set up a fake Casteliacone van in a bid to steal Pikachu. Meowth reveals his latest scheme to his teammates, they plan to switch the real Pikachu for a life-like mecha called "Practically Pikachu". Jessie and James are impressed by Practically Pikachu's likeness, but quickly spot one flaw: it keeps saying "Hika" instead of "Pika". Meowth admits the cry was the only thing he couldn't replicate perfectly, hence the robot's name. Jessie sneers as she admits that Ash will be too dumb to notice the difference.

Ash and Goh finally arrive at the van window, so Team Rocket gets into their positions. Jessie takes the orders, giving the boys a vanilla-flavored ice cream each. She announces that it is Casteliacone's anniversary today and offers them a special bonus to celebrate. Goh says that he prefers plain vanilla. Ash falls for the trap, and gladly accepts the bonus offer, so several more scoops of pink ice cream and fruit are added to his cone. Sitting down on a park bench to enjoy their desserts, Ash decides to leave to wash his hand clean, leaving Pikachu in Goh's care. Team Rocket quickly enact their plan, placing Practically Pikachu beside Pikachu before making the swap. Unexpectedly, the two Pikachu run off and start playing together, making the situation confusing. Goh is distracted, meanwhile, by the fast-melting ice cream. Meowth and his teammates try listening out for the difference in cries before one of the Pikachu coughs on its food and says "Hika". They snatch the other Pikachu and ride off on a bicycle. While Ash returns, unsuspecting of anything amiss, Cinderace and Lucario chase after Team Rocket after spotting Pikachu has been kidnapped. Meowth launches some sticky goop to slow them down, however, Lucario and Cinderace, who have been struggling to get along, find themselves stuck together by their wrists. The rubber-like goop helps the pair ricochet off several light poles, before managing to rebound and rescue Pikachu.

Ash and Goh move on to their next Unova delicacy, Watchog buns; crunchy fried batter with mustard stripes on a stick. Lucario and Cinderace, meanwhile, find themselves at a dead-end with Team Rocket approaching in their Meowth balloon. Cinderace and Lucario try to go in opposite directions, which sparks an intense argument between the two. Meowth fires another goop bomb at them, though this only enables the pair to escape the alleyway, still with Pikachu in hand. The now-extended goop leads Lucario and Cinderace to bounce off several more poles across Castelia City. As Team Rocket tries to survey the area from the skies, Lucario and Cinderace eventually crash straight into them, sending them all blasting off into the distance.

Ash and Goh continue to indulge in more food, this time enjoying some Crustle cakes; alternating layers of chocolate sponge and cheesecake with sweet icing that resembles a Crustle's shell. Goh adds that there are also bite-sized Dwebble cakes. While the boys and Pikachu enjoy the cakes, they remain unaware that Lucario and Cinderace are in danger. Ash jokes that the two have probably stuffed themselves full and cannot move.

Eventually crash-landing in another part of the city, Team Rocket summon the Rocket Prize Master, receiving a Sawk and Throh to take on Lucario and Cinderace. Sawk makes the first move, attacking with a Low Sweep. Cinderace leaps up to avoid the blow, but Lucario instead takes the hit to the ankles. The pair, still attached at the wrists by the goop, is consequently battered away. James orders Throh to use Circle Throw, tossing the pair. Lucario manages to get to its feet, but Cinderace cannot stop its momentum and crashes into its partner. The goop continues to cause havoc for Cinderace and Lucario, as neither can agree on a counter-tactic. Sawk and Throh deal more damage with Brick Break and Vital Throw attacks, respectively. As Jessie remarks that the two look pathetic while stuck together, Cinderace becomes inspired to collaborate with Lucario. Without much warning, it twirls Lucario around before throwing it towards Team Rocket. Lucario recovers from its dizziness and lands Reversal to knock Sawk out. Lucario follows suit, swinging Cinderace to build momentum before Cinderace defeats Throh with a Blaze Kick. The goop has finally reached its optimum stretch and breaks away, leaving Cinderace and Lucario free of any restraint. Together, they launch a Pyro Ball and Aura Sphere combo to send Team Rocket blasting off. Lucario and Cinderace then turn to check on Pikachu, only to see that he is now missing. While blasting off, the Rocket trio notices that Wobbuffet nabbed Pikachu during the confrontation. Jessie is initially thrilled, until Pikachu calls out "Hikachu", revealing that it's actually the Practically Pikachu robot. Meowth remarks that the robot proved to be a great replica after all, much to the infuriation of his teammates as they blast off together.

Cinderace and Lucario rush back to the park in a panicked state. However, they are stunned to see Pikachu happily snacking beside Ash and Goh. As the pair collapse from shock, Ash believes they must be hungry, so Goh gives Cinderace a bag of snacks to enjoy. As Cinderace enjoys the food, it tries to get Lucario to try one for itself. Lucario is unimpressed when Cinderace pushes the snack into its face. It reacts in a rage and chases Cinderace down in retaliation. Ash and Goh remain unaware of Lucario and Cinderace's fiery rivalry, even remarking that the pair appear to get on well.

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?: Cinderace

Trivia

The "After the story" artwork for this episode

Errors

  • When Lucario is leaning against a light post just before it starts pursuing Team Rocket, the black fur around its shoulders is missing.
  • During Lucario and Cinderace's battle against Throh and Sawk, both the Rocket Prize Master and the Practically Pikachu robot disappear for the rest of the scene.
  • When Team Rocket is blasted off for the second time, Wobbuffet and their Practically Pikachu robot are missing. However, Wobbuffet's voice can be heard twice.
    • Later, when Team Rocket realizes that they stole their Practically Pikachu robot instead of Ash's Pikachu, Sawk and Throh are not seen blasting off with them, while Wobbuffet and Practically Pikachu appear instead.

Dub edits

  • The Japanese text depicting Castelia City's name is edited out.
  • The Japanese texts depicting Sawk and Throh's categories and names are edited out.
  • In Latin America, this is the last episode:
    • To air on Cartoon Network.
    • Where Diana Pérez voiced Jessie, after her death on April 27, 2021.

In other languages



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Pokémon Journeys: The Series
JN049 : To Train, or Not to Train! →
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