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'''Playing with Fire!''' (Japanese: '''バシャーモふたたび!ハヅキとのたたかい!!''' ''{{tt|Bursyamo|Blaziken}} Returns! Battle Against {{tt|Hazuki|Harrison}}!!'') is the 271st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on October 24, 2002 and in the United States on October 4, 2003.  
* {{BMGf|3955|Dub review thread on BMGf}}}}
'''Playing with Fire!''' (Japanese: '''バシャーモふたたび!ハヅキとのたたかい!!''' ''{{tt|Bursyamo|Blaziken}} Returns! Battle Against {{tt|Hazuki|Harrison}}!!'') is the 271st episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It first aired in Japan on October 24, 2002, and in the United States on October 4, 2003.  
 
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}
== Synopsis ==
Ash has chosen Pikachu to battle Harrison's {{p|Kecleon}}. Kecleon uses its {{a|Color Change}} ability to escape detection, while lashing out at Pikachu {{m|Lick|with its tongue}}. Pikachu is successful in catching Kecleon's tongue he uses a {{m|Thunderbolt}}, knocking it out!
Harrison then sends out {{p|Sneasel}}, the same one he captured before the tournament opened. Pikachu uses another {{m|ThunderShock}}, but Sneasel leads with a {{m|Metal Claw}}, knocking out Pikachu.
Ash takes a second to collect Pikachu from the field, then sends out {{AP|Totodile}}. Totodile {{m|bite}}s down on Sneasel's arm and dances around its Metal Claw, then uses a {{m|Water Gun}} to take Sneasel out of the fight.


Harrison chooses {{p|Hypno}} to fight next. Totodile uses {{m|Leer}}, but Hypno is totally unfazed by the attack. Hypno then uses {{m|Hypnosis}}, taking full control of Totodile. Next Hypno uses a {{m|Psychic}} attack to knock Totodile out of the field!  
==Blurb==
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/5/episode-61-play-with-fire/-->
<i>Ash is battling Harrison from Hoenn at the Johto League Silver Conference. Pikachu is very excited to be battling, but Harrison's Kecleon knocks Pikachu out in Round 1. It's a close match the whole way through, but one by one Harrison knocks out Totodile, Snorlax, and Noctowl. Ash cleverly guides Bayleef through a rough battle with Harrison's Houndoom. Houndoom is a fire type Pokémon so it has the advantage, but Ash had Bayleef use its Vine Whip attack to close Houndoom's mouth. In the end, Bayleef is able to knock out Houndoom! But Bayleef is no match for Harrison's last Pokémon. Harrison's sixth Pokémon is one that Ash has never seen before—Blaziken. It's a fire type Pokémon and it's at a really high level. Ash has saved Charizard for last. With two strong fire types in the arena, it's hard to predict the outcome! (To be continued!)</i>


Ash sends out {{AP|Snorlax}}... but Snorlax is still asleep! Hypno takes the advantage of the situation by using {{m|Dream Eater}} on Snorlax. Snorlax then wakes up, angry at having its dreams stolen. Hypno is blasted by a {{m|Hyper Beam}} and is knocked out.  
==Plot==
{{Ash}} has chosen {{AP|Pikachu}} to {{pkmn|battle}} {{jo|Harrison}}'s {{p|Kecleon}}. Ash takes a moment to check his [[Pokédex]] for information, which alerts him to Kecleon's unique {{a|Color Change|ability to change its body color}}. Soon enough Kecleon camouflages itself, making itself almost invisible besides a red zigzag on its stomach. Ash soon realizes that Kecleon hasn't moved yet, but before Pikachu can attack, Kecleon jumps into the long grass for cover. To counter this maneuver Ash orders Pikachu to listen out for Kecleon. However, Kecleon uses its {{m|Lick}} attack to confuse Pikachu, then tosses him aside with its tongue. Harrison orders a {{m|Psybeam}}, and the attack narrowly clips Pikachu as he tries to evade it. Pikachu stands up and rushes into the grass to hide. But Kecleon uses its tongue to cut down the lawn. Pikachu bides his time before grabbing a hold of Kecleon's tongue, using it as a wire to deliver a direct {{m|Thunderbolt}}, knocking Kecleon out. Harrison quickly recalls Kecleon.


There's a five minute intermission now that Harrison has lost three of his Pokémon. Ash is confident that he will win as he has the advantage, but Misty reminds him that he was in the same situation with Gary, and managed to pull through.
For his second Pokémon, Harrison sends out {{TP|Harrison|Sneasel}}, the same one he captured [[EP265|before the tournament opened]]. Pikachu uses another Thunderbolt, but Sneasel dodges and lashes Pikachu with a {{m|Metal Claw}} to claim the round. Ash takes a second to collect Pikachu from the field before calling out {{AP|Totodile}}. He orders a {{m|Water Gun}}, but Sneasel runs forward and attempts to use Metal Claw. However, Totodile {{m|Bite}}s down on Sneasel's arm, effectively immobilizing it. Totodile performs a happy dance, knocking Sneasel into the ground in the process. After Totodile swats it away with his tail, it leaves Sneasel unable to continue.


As the second half begins, Ash takes out {{AP|Noctowl}} and Harrison chooses {{p|Steelix}}. Noctowl hits Steelix with {{m|Confusion}}, but Steelix counters with {{m|Sandstorm}}. Noctowl attempts to use Hypnosis, but Steelix uses a combination of {{m|Dig}} and {{m|Iron Tail}}. Noctowl is defeated.  
Harrison chooses {{p|Hypno}} to fight next. Totodile tries a {{m|Scary Face}}, but Hypno is totally unfazed by the attack. Hypno replies with a bout of {{m|Hypnosis}}, taking full control of Totodile. Next, Hypno uses a {{m|Psychic}} attack to send Totodile flying, knocking him out cold. Ash sends out his {{AP|Snorlax}}, who emerges from its {{i|Poké Ball}} sleeping peacefully. Although Snorlax's slumbering state prevents it from being affected by Hypnosis, Hypno takes advantage of the situation by using {{m|Dream Eater}}. As Hypno slowly absorbs Snorlax's energy, its target soon wakes up in a rage from having its dreams stolen. With a single {{m|Hyper Beam}}, Hypno is blasted out of the match. The announcer orders a five-minute intermission due to three of Harrison's Pokémon being unable to battle.  


Ash sends Snorlax back out. Steelix is able to trap Snorlax with a {{m|Bind}} attack, but Snorlax is able to launch an {{m|Ice Punch}} and get out of Steelix's grip. Snorlax then launches a Hyper Beam at Steelix and knocks it out.  
From the sidelines, {{an|Brock}} and {{an|Misty}} remind Ash that he needs to remain focused. He reassures them, declaring that he hopes to make {{Gary}} proud. Meanwhile, the [[Team Rocket trio]] watch as construction goes ahead on their ever-expanding business venture. [[James]] takes all of the credit, remarking that his excellent pin designs made all the difference. However, [[Jessie]] reminds him that her marketing strategies were invaluable. As the pair squabble, {{MTR}} orders them to settle down and focus on the business instead.


Harrison's next Pokémon is {{p|Houndoom}}. Snorlax uses Hyper Beam once more. However, Houndoom uses {{m|Counter}} to deflect the attack. Snorlax ends up getting blasted by his own Hyper Beam, and is taken out of the fight. {{an|Brock}} is amazed that Harrison's Houndoom can use Counter.
The second half of the battle begins, Ash sends out {{AP|Noctowl}} and Harrison chooses {{p|Steelix}}. Noctowl hits Steelix with a {{m|Confusion}}, but Steelix blinds it with {{m|Sandstorm}}. Noctowl is hit with a {{m|Dig}} attack from Steelix. Noctowl recovers and attempts to use Hypnosis. However, Steelix knocks it out of the sky with a powerful {{m|Iron Tail}}, winning Harrison the round. Ash sends Snorlax back out. As Snorlax prepares to use its Hyper Beam, Steelix {{m|Bind}}s it up and uses a {{m|Crunch}} attack. Snorlax manages to free itself from Steelix's Bind with an {{m|Ice Punch}} before proceeding to knock Steelix out with a Hyper Beam.


Ash's next Pokémon is... {{AP|Bayleef}}?! Everyone is shocked that he's using a {{type2|Grass}} to battle a {{type2|Fire}}. Houndoom's {{m|Flamethrower}} manages to damage Bayleef before Ash gets the idea to use {{m|Vine Whip}} and prevent Houndoom from using any more Fire attacks. Bayleef takes Houndoom down with a {{m|Body Slam}}.  
Harrison's next Pokémon is {{TP|Harrison|Houndoom}}. Snorlax uses Hyper Beam once more. However, Houndoom uses {{m|Counter}} to deflect the attack, and Snorlax ends up getting blasted by its own Hyper Beam at twice its original power, knocking the {{pkmn|category|Sleeping Pokémon}} out. {{an|Brock}} is amazed that Harrison's Houndoom can use Counter. Ash's next Pokémon is {{AP|Bayleef}}. The decision surprises Harrison, however, as a {{type|Grass}} Pokémon like Bayleef is weak against {{t|Fire}} Pokémon like Houndoom. Brock and {{an|Professor Oak}} have their doubts, but they hope that Ash can overcome the type disadvantage. Bayleef starts with {{m|Razor Leaf}}, but a {{m|Flamethrower}} attack from Houndoom burns through the leaves. Ash orders {{m|Headbutt}}, while Harrison orders {{m|Bite}}. The attacks miss, but then, Bayleef uses {{m|Vine Whip}} to shut Houndoom's muzzle, which prevents Houndoom from using Flamethrower and Bite. Bayleef tosses Houndoom to the ground and then finishes the battle off with a {{m|Body Slam}}.


Harrison is down to his last Pokémon - {{TP|Harrison|Blaziken}}. Ash is worried, thinking that Bayleef might not be able to beat a second {{type2|Fire}}. Bayleef tries to use {{m|Razor Leaf}}, but Blaziken merely incinerates the leaves. Ash decides to keep a good distance for Blaziken while attacking it and tells Bayleef to use Vine Whip, but Blaziken just grabs the vines and pulls Bayleef at itself. Ash tells Bayleef to use the momentum for another Body Slam, but Blaziken uses a {{m|Fire Punch}} and takes Bayleef out of the match!
Harrison is down to his last Pokémon—{{TP|Harrison|Blaziken}}. Oak is surprised to see Blaziken, and he informs {{Delia}} that the rare [[Hoenn]] Pokémon will be interesting to watch. Brock notes that Bayleef has to battle yet another type-advantaged Pokémon. Ash consults his Pokédex once again, which reveals Blaziken can use its long legs to make incredible leaps. Bayleef starts with Razor Leaf, but Blaziken uses its legs to kick the leaves away in a flash. This impressive display of strength and speed causes Ash to reconsider his strategy. He settles on keeping Bayleef away from Blaziken as much as possible. Ash orders a Vine Whip, but the vines are easily caught by Blaziken. Ash is shocked at yet another incredible display of reflexes while Blaziken proceeds to reel Bayleef in. Ash orders a Body Slam to use Blaziken's power against it, but Blaziken lands a close-range {{m|Fire Punch}} on Bayleef and knocks her out.


Now Ash is also down to his last Pokémon. And he chooses {{AP|Charizard}}. The both Pokémon launch their Flamethrowers and the attacks meet in mid-air, resulting a huge ball of fire.
Now Ash is also down to his last Pokémon, {{AP|Charizard}}. Harrison knows the round will be challenging as Ash's Charizard is a high-level Pokémon. Both Pokémon launch their Flamethrowers and the attacks clash in mid-air, resulting in a huge ball of fire.


The episode ends as the two Fire Pokémon square off....
==Major events==
* {{Ash}} and {{jo|Harrison}} continue their [[Full Battle]] in the quarterfinals.
* Harrison is revealed to own a {{p|Hypno}} and a {{p|Steelix}}.
* [[Ash's Bayleef]] is revealed to know {{m|Headbutt}}.
{{animeevents}}


== Major events ==
===Debuts===
* {{Ash}} continues his battle with {{jo|Harrison}}, and the two get down to their last Pokémon.
====Pokémon debuts====
=== Debuts ===
<!-- Events such as new characters, or first screen appearance of Pokémon go here. -->


== Characters ==
==Characters==
=== Humans ===
===Humans===
[[File:PMTV EP271.png|thumb|200px|right|{{tt|Pocket Monster TV|Who's That Pokémon}}]]
* {{Ash}}
* {{Ash}}
* {{an|Misty}}
* {{an|Misty}}
Line 71: Line 73:
* {{Gary}}
* {{Gary}}
* {{jo|Harrison}}
* {{jo|Harrison}}
* [[Professor Oak]]
* [[Vincent|Jackson]]
* [[Macy]]
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* {{Delia}}
* {{Delia}}


=== Pokémon ===
===Pokémon===
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Ariados}} ''(English)'', {{p|Snorlax|Kabigon}} ''(Japanese)''
[[File:WTP EP271.png|thumb|200px|right|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Ariados}} ''(U.S. and international)'', {{p|Snorlax}} ''(Japan)''
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
Line 81: Line 86:
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Charizard}} ({{OP|Ash|Charizard}})
* {{p|Charizard}} ({{OP|Ash|Charizard}})
* {{p|Muk}} ({{OP|Ash|Muk}}; recap)
* {{p|Snorlax}} ({{OP|Ash|Snorlax}})
* {{p|Snorlax}} ({{OP|Ash|Snorlax}})
* {{p|Heracross}} ({{OP|Ash|Heracross}}; recap)
* {{p|Bayleef}} ({{OP|Ash|Bayleef}})
* {{p|Bayleef}} ({{OP|Ash|Bayleef}})
* {{p|Totodile}} ({{OP|Ash|Totodile}})
* {{p|Totodile}} ({{OP|Ash|Totodile}})
* {{p|Noctowl}} ({{OP|Ash|Noctowl}})
* {{p|Noctowl}} ({{OP|Ash|Noctowl}}; {{Shiny}})
* {{p|Psyduck}} ({{OP|Misty|Psyduck}}; recap)
* {{p|Politoed}} ({{OP|Misty|Politoed}})
* {{p|Politoed}} ({{OP|Misty|Politoed}})
* {{p|Blastoise}} ({{OP|Gary|Blastoise}}; recap)
* {{p|Houndoom}} ({{OP|Harrison|Houndoom}})
* {{p|Arcanine}} ({{OP|Gary|Arcanine}}; recap)
* {{p|Scizor}} ({{Gary}}'s; recap)
* {{p|Golem}} ({{Gary}}'s; recap)
* {{p|Blaziken}} ({{OP|Harrison|Blaziken}})
* {{p|Blaziken}} ({{OP|Harrison|Blaziken}})
* {{p|Sneasel}} ({{OP|Harrison|Sneasel}})
* {{p|Kecleon}} ({{jo|Harrison}}'s)
* {{p|Kecleon}} ({{jo|Harrison}}'s)
* {{p|Sneasel}} ({{jo|Harrison}}'s)
* {{p|Hypno}} ({{jo|Harrison}}'s)
* {{p|Hypno}} ({{jo|Harrison}}'s)
* {{p|Steelix}} ({{jo|Harrison}}'s)
* {{p|Steelix}} ({{jo|Harrison}}'s)
* {{p|Houndoom}} ({{jo|Harrison}}'s)
* {{p|Machoke}}
* {{p|Machoke}}
* {{p|Machamp}}
* {{p|Machamp}}


== Trivia ==
==Trivia==
* This episode can be found on the second [[Game Boy Advance Video|GBA video]].
* This episode can be found on the second [[Game Boy Advance Video]] Pokémon cartridge.
* Professor Oak says "Snorlax's Hyper Beam was sent back to ''him'' at double the power." This may confirm that Ash's Snorlax is male.
* This episode marks the last time to date in which {{Ash}} has used {{AP|Bayleef}} or {{AP|Totodile}} in an official battle onscreen.
* {{TRT}} doesn't blast off or recite the {{motto}} in this episode.
 
===Errors===
* On [[Pokémon.com]], the title used to read "Play with Fire!" instead of "Playing with Fire!".
** Additionally, the blurb for this episode states that {{jo|Harrison}}'s {{p|Kecleon}} knocks {{AP|Pikachu}} out of the battle in the first round; however, it is actually Pikachu who defeats Kecleon in the first round. Pikachu is instead knocked out by [[Harrison's Sneasel]] in the second round.
* During the introduction, the narrator says that Harrison is using Pokémon Ash has never seen before, but it shows Kecleon as an example, even though Kecleon is one of the few [[Hoenn]] Pokémon Ash has [[EP205|seen before]]. Pikachu, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} appeared not to recognize the Kecleon either.
* When Pikachu is hit by Kecleon's {{m|Lick}}, he is shown with spiral eyes, which is normally used as an indication that a Pokémon has been [[fainting|knocked out]], and yet is still able to battle. To make matters more confusing, when Pikachu is knocked out a couple of minutes later, he is shown with the standard spiral eyes.
* When Ash sends out Totodile, he throws a normal {{i|Poké Ball}}, despite the fact that he caught him with a [[Lure Ball]].
* At the halfway point, the announcer incorrectly refers to the quarterfinals as the semifinals.
* Harrison's {{p|Steelix}} hits [[Ash's Noctowl]] with {{m|Dig}}, which should not be possible since Noctowl is a {{t|Flying}} type, and as such should not be affected by a {{type|Ground}} move.
* When Ash sends out {{AP|Snorlax}} for the second time, the cream part of its belly is disconnected from the cream part of its face.
* In the English dub:
** Totodile's {{m|Scary Face}} is incorrectly referred to as {{m|Leer}}.
** Steelix's {{m|Bind}} is incorrectly referred to as {{m|Wrap}}. In addition, Steelix [[Animated series move errors|cannot legally learn]] Wrap.
* In the {{pmin|Poland|Polish}} dub, {{TP|Misty|Politoed}}'s voice is absent.


=== Errors ===
<gallery>
* When Ash sent out Totodile, he threw a [[Poké Ball]], despite the fact that he captured it with a Lure Ball.
EP271 error.png|Totodile's Poké Ball
* Harrison's Steelix hits Ash's Noctowl with {{m|Dig}} which shouldn't be possible since Noctowl is a {{type|Flying}} and as such should not be affected by a {{type|Ground}} move.
EP271 error 2.png|Snorlax's belly
* During the introduction the narrator says that Harrison is using Pokémon Ash has never seen before but it shows {{p|Kecleon}} as an example, even though Kecleon is one of the few [[Hoenn]] Pokémon Ash has seen before. Ash, Misty, and Brock appeared not to recognize the Kecleon either.
</gallery>
* When {{AP|Pikachu}} is hit by {{p|Kecleon}}'s {{m|Lick}}, he is shown with spiral eyes (which is normally used as an indication that a Pokémon has been [[Unable to battle|knocked out]]) and yet is still able to battle. To make matters more confusing, when Pikachu is knocked out a couple of minutes later he is shown with the standard spiral eyes.


=== Dub edits ===
===Dub edits===


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
* Finnish: '''{{tt|Leikkiä tulella|Playing with fire}}'''
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
* French: '''{{tt|Un match brûlant|A burning match}}'''
|zh_cmn={{tt|再度遭遇火焰雞!!與葉越的戰鬥!!|Meeting Blaziken Again!! Battle Against Harrison!!}}
* German: '''{{tt|Spiel mit dem Feuer|Playing with fire}}'''
|da={{tt|Leg Med Ild|Play With Fire}}
* Hebrew: '''!משחקים באש''' ''{{tt|mesakhkim be'esh!|Playing with Fire!}}''
|de={{tt|Spiel mit dem Feuer|Playing with fire}}
* Italian: '''{{tt|Il torneo della vittoria (terza parte)|The victory tournament (part 3)}}'''
|nl={{tt|Spelen met Vuur|Playing with Fire}}
* Mandarin: '''{{tt|再度遭遇火焰雞!!與葉越的戰鬥!!|Meeting Blaziken Again!! Battle Against Harrison!!}}'''
|fi={{tt|Leikkiä tulella|Playing with fire}}
* Portuguese (Brazilian): '''{{tt|Brincando com Fogo!|Playing with Fire!}}'''
|fr_eu={{tt|Un match brûlant|A burning match}}
* Spanish:
|he=!משחקים באש{{tt|mesakhkim be'esh!|Playing with Fire!}}
** Iberian Spanish: '''{{tt|Jugando con fuego|Playing with fire}}'''
|it={{tt|Il torneo della vittoria (terza parte)|The victory tournament (part 3)}}
** Latin American Spanish: '''{{tt|¡Jugando con fuego!|Playing with fire!}}'''
|no={{tt|Å leke med ilden!|To play with the fire!}}
* Swedish: '''{{tt|Eld mot Eld|Fire towards Fired!}}'''
|pt_br={{tt|Brincando com Fogo!|Playing with Fire!}}
 
|pt_eu={{tt|Brincar com Fogo!|Playing with Fire!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Jugando con fuego!|Playing with fire!}}
|es_eu={{tt|Jugando con fuego|Playing with fire}}
|sv={{tt|Eld mot Eld!|Fire VS. Fire!}}
|pl={{tt|Igranie z ogniem!|Playing with fire!}}
|hi=आग से खेलना! {{tt|''Aag se khelna!''|Playing with Fire!}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
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series=Original series |
series=Original series |
episodelist=List of original series episodes |
episodelist=List of original series episodes |
colorscheme=Johto }}
colorscheme=Johto}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:0271}}
[[Category:Original series episodes|271]]
[[Category:Original series episodes|271]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka|271]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Toshiaki Suzuki|271]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Toshiaki Suzuki]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura|271]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Toshiaki Suzuki]]
[[Category:Pokémon League episodes|271]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Toshiaki Suzuki]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash|271]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura]]
[[Category:Pokémon League episodes]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes in which an alternately colored Pokémon appears]]


[[de:Spiel mit dem Feuer! (Episode)]]
[[de:Spiel mit dem Feuer!]]
[[es:EP273]]
[[fr:EP271]]
[[it:EP271]]
[[ja:無印編第271話]]
[[ja:無印編第271話]]
[[pl:EP271]]
[[zh:宝可梦 第272集]]
[[pt:EP271]]

Latest revision as of 05:01, 3 September 2024

EP270 : Can't Beat the Heat!
Original series
EP272 : Johto Photo Finish
Playing with Fire!
EP271.png
  EP271  
バシャーモふたたび!ハヅキとのたたかい!!
Bursyamo Returns! Battle Against Hazuki!!
First broadcast
Japan October 24, 2002
United States October 4, 2003
English themes
Opening Believe in Me
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening Ready Go!
Ending ポケッターリ・モンスターリ
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 鈴木敏明 Toshiaki Suzuki
Assistant director 鈴木敏明 Toshiaki Suzuki
Animation director 志村泉 Izumi Shimura
Additional credits

Playing with Fire! (Japanese: バシャーモふたたび!ハヅキとのたたかい!! Bursyamo Returns! Battle Against Hazuki!!) is the 271st episode of the Pokémon animated series. It first aired in Japan on October 24, 2002, and in the United States on October 4, 2003.

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

Blurb

Ash is battling Harrison from Hoenn at the Johto League Silver Conference. Pikachu is very excited to be battling, but Harrison's Kecleon knocks Pikachu out in Round 1. It's a close match the whole way through, but one by one Harrison knocks out Totodile, Snorlax, and Noctowl. Ash cleverly guides Bayleef through a rough battle with Harrison's Houndoom. Houndoom is a fire type Pokémon so it has the advantage, but Ash had Bayleef use its Vine Whip attack to close Houndoom's mouth. In the end, Bayleef is able to knock out Houndoom! But Bayleef is no match for Harrison's last Pokémon. Harrison's sixth Pokémon is one that Ash has never seen before—Blaziken. It's a fire type Pokémon and it's at a really high level. Ash has saved Charizard for last. With two strong fire types in the arena, it's hard to predict the outcome! (To be continued!)

Plot

Ash has chosen Pikachu to battle Harrison's Kecleon. Ash takes a moment to check his Pokédex for information, which alerts him to Kecleon's unique ability to change its body color. Soon enough Kecleon camouflages itself, making itself almost invisible besides a red zigzag on its stomach. Ash soon realizes that Kecleon hasn't moved yet, but before Pikachu can attack, Kecleon jumps into the long grass for cover. To counter this maneuver Ash orders Pikachu to listen out for Kecleon. However, Kecleon uses its Lick attack to confuse Pikachu, then tosses him aside with its tongue. Harrison orders a Psybeam, and the attack narrowly clips Pikachu as he tries to evade it. Pikachu stands up and rushes into the grass to hide. But Kecleon uses its tongue to cut down the lawn. Pikachu bides his time before grabbing a hold of Kecleon's tongue, using it as a wire to deliver a direct Thunderbolt, knocking Kecleon out. Harrison quickly recalls Kecleon.

For his second Pokémon, Harrison sends out Sneasel, the same one he captured before the tournament opened. Pikachu uses another Thunderbolt, but Sneasel dodges and lashes Pikachu with a Metal Claw to claim the round. Ash takes a second to collect Pikachu from the field before calling out Totodile. He orders a Water Gun, but Sneasel runs forward and attempts to use Metal Claw. However, Totodile Bites down on Sneasel's arm, effectively immobilizing it. Totodile performs a happy dance, knocking Sneasel into the ground in the process. After Totodile swats it away with his tail, it leaves Sneasel unable to continue.

Harrison chooses Hypno to fight next. Totodile tries a Scary Face, but Hypno is totally unfazed by the attack. Hypno replies with a bout of Hypnosis, taking full control of Totodile. Next, Hypno uses a Psychic attack to send Totodile flying, knocking him out cold. Ash sends out his Snorlax, who emerges from its Poké Ball sleeping peacefully. Although Snorlax's slumbering state prevents it from being affected by Hypnosis, Hypno takes advantage of the situation by using Dream Eater. As Hypno slowly absorbs Snorlax's energy, its target soon wakes up in a rage from having its dreams stolen. With a single Hyper Beam, Hypno is blasted out of the match. The announcer orders a five-minute intermission due to three of Harrison's Pokémon being unable to battle.

From the sidelines, Brock and Misty remind Ash that he needs to remain focused. He reassures them, declaring that he hopes to make Gary proud. Meanwhile, the Team Rocket trio watch as construction goes ahead on their ever-expanding business venture. James takes all of the credit, remarking that his excellent pin designs made all the difference. However, Jessie reminds him that her marketing strategies were invaluable. As the pair squabble, Meowth orders them to settle down and focus on the business instead.

The second half of the battle begins, Ash sends out Noctowl and Harrison chooses Steelix. Noctowl hits Steelix with a Confusion, but Steelix blinds it with Sandstorm. Noctowl is hit with a Dig attack from Steelix. Noctowl recovers and attempts to use Hypnosis. However, Steelix knocks it out of the sky with a powerful Iron Tail, winning Harrison the round. Ash sends Snorlax back out. As Snorlax prepares to use its Hyper Beam, Steelix Binds it up and uses a Crunch attack. Snorlax manages to free itself from Steelix's Bind with an Ice Punch before proceeding to knock Steelix out with a Hyper Beam.

Harrison's next Pokémon is Houndoom. Snorlax uses Hyper Beam once more. However, Houndoom uses Counter to deflect the attack, and Snorlax ends up getting blasted by its own Hyper Beam at twice its original power, knocking the Sleeping Pokémon out. Brock is amazed that Harrison's Houndoom can use Counter. Ash's next Pokémon is Bayleef. The decision surprises Harrison, however, as a Grass-type Pokémon like Bayleef is weak against Fire Pokémon like Houndoom. Brock and Professor Oak have their doubts, but they hope that Ash can overcome the type disadvantage. Bayleef starts with Razor Leaf, but a Flamethrower attack from Houndoom burns through the leaves. Ash orders Headbutt, while Harrison orders Bite. The attacks miss, but then, Bayleef uses Vine Whip to shut Houndoom's muzzle, which prevents Houndoom from using Flamethrower and Bite. Bayleef tosses Houndoom to the ground and then finishes the battle off with a Body Slam.

Harrison is down to his last Pokémon—Blaziken. Oak is surprised to see Blaziken, and he informs Delia that the rare Hoenn Pokémon will be interesting to watch. Brock notes that Bayleef has to battle yet another type-advantaged Pokémon. Ash consults his Pokédex once again, which reveals Blaziken can use its long legs to make incredible leaps. Bayleef starts with Razor Leaf, but Blaziken uses its legs to kick the leaves away in a flash. This impressive display of strength and speed causes Ash to reconsider his strategy. He settles on keeping Bayleef away from Blaziken as much as possible. Ash orders a Vine Whip, but the vines are easily caught by Blaziken. Ash is shocked at yet another incredible display of reflexes while Blaziken proceeds to reel Bayleef in. Ash orders a Body Slam to use Blaziken's power against it, but Blaziken lands a close-range Fire Punch on Bayleef and knocks her out.

Now Ash is also down to his last Pokémon, Charizard. Harrison knows the round will be challenging as Ash's Charizard is a high-level Pokémon. Both Pokémon launch their Flamethrowers and the attacks clash in mid-air, resulting in a huge ball of fire.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pocket Monster TV

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Ariados (U.S. and international), Snorlax (Japan)

Trivia

Errors

  • On Pokémon.com, the title used to read "Play with Fire!" instead of "Playing with Fire!".
    • Additionally, the blurb for this episode states that Harrison's Kecleon knocks Pikachu out of the battle in the first round; however, it is actually Pikachu who defeats Kecleon in the first round. Pikachu is instead knocked out by Harrison's Sneasel in the second round.
  • During the introduction, the narrator says that Harrison is using Pokémon Ash has never seen before, but it shows Kecleon as an example, even though Kecleon is one of the few Hoenn Pokémon Ash has seen before. Pikachu, Misty, and Brock appeared not to recognize the Kecleon either.
  • When Pikachu is hit by Kecleon's Lick, he is shown with spiral eyes, which is normally used as an indication that a Pokémon has been knocked out, and yet is still able to battle. To make matters more confusing, when Pikachu is knocked out a couple of minutes later, he is shown with the standard spiral eyes.
  • When Ash sends out Totodile, he throws a normal Poké Ball, despite the fact that he caught him with a Lure Ball.
  • At the halfway point, the announcer incorrectly refers to the quarterfinals as the semifinals.
  • Harrison's Steelix hits Ash's Noctowl with Dig, which should not be possible since Noctowl is a Flying type, and as such should not be affected by a Ground-type move.
  • When Ash sends out Snorlax for the second time, the cream part of its belly is disconnected from the cream part of its face.
  • In the English dub:
  • In the Polish dub, Politoed's voice is absent.

Dub edits

In other languages



EP270 : Can't Beat the Heat!
Original series
EP272 : Johto Photo Finish
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.