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{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=AG069 |
prevcode=AG069 |
prevtitle=Love, Petalburg Style |
prevtitle=Love, Petalburg Style! |
nextcode=AG071 |
nextcode=AG071 |
nexttitle=A Six Pack Attack! |
nexttitle=A Six Pack Attack! |
series=Advanced Generation series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
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title_en=Balance of Power |
title_en=Balance of Power |
title_ja=トウカジム戦！五つ目のバッジ！！ |
title_ja=トウカジム戦！五つ目のバッジ！！ |
title_ja_trans=Touka Gym! The Fifth Badge!! |
title_ja_trans=Touka Gym Battle! The Fifth Badge!! |
broadcast_jp=April 1, 2004 |
broadcast_jp=April 1, 2004 |
broadcast_us=March 19, 2005 |
broadcast_us=March 19, 2005 |
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footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|ag|070}} }}
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|ag|070}}
'''Balance of Power''' (Japanese: '''トウカジム戦！五つ目のバッジ!!''' ''{{tt|Touka|Petalburg}} Gym! The Fifth Badge!!'') is the 70th episode of the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, and the 344th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 1, 2004 and in the United States on March 19, 2005.  
* {{BMGf|7280|Dub review thread on BMGf}} }}
'''Balance of Power''' (Japanese: '''トウカジム戦！五つ目のバッジ！！''' ''{{tt|Touka|Petalburg}} Gym Battle! The Fifth Badge!!'') is the 70th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'', and the 344th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It first aired in Japan on April 1, 2004, and in the United States on March 19, 2005.  
 
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


== Synopsis ==
==Blurb==
{{Ash}} enters the [[Petalburg Gym]], ready for his {{pkmn|battle}} against [[Norman]]. Norman tells him that he's been waiting for another fight with Ash ever since their [[AG003|last battle]], and Ash says he's more than willing to take Norman up on his offer! Watching from the sidelines, {{an|May}} says she's excited to see how the match turns out. [[Max]] tells her that he already knows the outcome; their dad is certain to win! {{an|Brock}} and [[Caroline]] tell him that he should just relax and enjoy the match without worrying about the final result.
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/7/episode-30-balance-of-power/-->
<i>Ash challenges Gym Leader Norman for a badge. While they battle, Team Rocket is busy digging a tunnel under the Gym.


Outside of town, [[Team Rocket]] begins construction on their new secret base. {{MTR}} says that after they finish building their base, [[Giovanni|the Boss]] will be certain to give them a promotion. With the thoughts of corporate credit cards as their motivation, all of Team Rocket, including {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}}, begin working.
Norman's Slakoth begins with Hidden Power, and Pikachu can't hit it. Pikachu is then immobilized by Slakoth's Blizzard, so Ash switches the Electric-type out for Torkoal. Torkoal takes out Slakoth with Flamethrower.


Back at the Gym, {{ho|Kenny}} announces the rules of the match. Each side will use three {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, but only Ash is allowed substitutions. Raising his flags, Kenny signals for the match to begin and both Ash and Norman send out their first Pokémon, Norman's {{p|Slakoth}} against [[Ash's Pikachu]]. Utilizing Pikachu's {{stat|Speed}}, Ash orders Pikachu to use {{m|Quick Attack}}, Slakoth dodges and counterattacks with {{m|Shadow Ball}}. Jumping out of the way, Pikachu attacks with {{m|Iron Tail}} but misses once again as Slakoth leans out of the way. Dazed, Pikachu is unable to dodge Slakoth's {{m|Hidden Power}}, and is blasted across the arena.
In turn, Torkoal is taken down by a Scratch attack from Vigoroth. Ash sends Pikachu back out, and when the two Pokémon make physical contact, Vigoroth is paralyzed by Pikachu's Static ability. Pikachu uses Iron Tail to knock out Vigoroth, but also faints.


On the sidelines, Brock tells May and Max what kind of attack strategy their father is using. He knew from watching Ash before that favored using Pikachu as an opener, using its powerful speed attacks to knock the enemy off balance and gain control of the battle. By using a slow Pokémon like Slakoth who could dodge Pikachu's attacks, Norman was forcing Ash to fight at his pace, giving him control over the match.
In the end Ash's Grovyle faces off against Norman's Slaking. Slaking manages to counter all of Grovyle's attacks, and then uses Earthquake. The shaking disrupts Team Rocket's plans, and puts them up against some angry Dugtrio.


As Pikachu recovers from Hidden Power, Ash realizes that he needs to change his strategy. He decides to try {{t|Electric}} [[Move|attacks]] and orders Pikachu to attack with {{m|Thunderbolt}}. However Slakoth dodges this attack as well, and responds with {{m|Blizzard}}. The incredible cold keeps Pikachu from attacking back, so Ash recalls it and calls out {{AP|Torkoal}} instead. Torkoal uses {{m|Flamethrower}}, which easily blasts through Slakoth's Blizzard and scores a direct hit, [[fainting|knocking Slakoth out]]. With Slakoth out of commission, Norman calls out his next Pokémon, {{p|Vigoroth}}! Dodging Torkoal's {{m|Overheat}}, Vigoroth scores a [[One-hit knockout move|one-hit KO]] with {{m|Scratch}}. With Torkoal down, Ash sends Pikachu back into the arena. Brock explains to May and Max that by using the hyperactive Vigoroth right after the slow laid back Slakoth Norman is able to disorient his opponents and knock them off balance, as the skills necessary to defeat Vigoroth are completely different from those used against Slakoth. Meanwhile Team Rocket continues construction on their new hideout. Yelling through a megaphone, Meowth orders [[Jessie]] and [[James]] to work harder. They respond by dropping a box on him and telling him to help out too.
Low on HP, Grovyle's Overgrow ability increases its Attack power, and the Grass-type knocks Slaking out with a combination of Pound and Leaf Blade. All his Pokémon defeated, Norman awards the Balance Badge to Ash.


In the arena Vigoroth dodges a Thunderbolt from Pikachu and attacks with Scratch. Pikachu blocks the attack with Iron Tail, but is hit with a surprise attack when Vigoroth uses Flamethrower. Max says that its amazing that Vigoroth can use an attack like Flamethrower, causing Caroline to tell him that Norman is fighting Ash more seriously then he fights normal {{pkmn|Trainer}}s. May says that Ash should substitute Pikachu, but Brock tells her that if he does that, his only reserve Pokémon will be the already injured Pikachu. He has no choice but to use Pikachu as long as possible. Sizing up Vigoroth Ash suddenly comes up with a plan. He orders Pikachu to use Quick Attack, dodging a Flamethrower from Vigoroth Pikachu closes the distance, Norman orders Vigoroth to use Scratch, but is surprised when Ash tells Pikachu to take the hit. Vigoroth's Scratch attack hits home, but the powerful Pokémon is suddenly paralyzed by Pikachu's innate {{a|Static}} [[Ability]]. Seizing the opportunity, Pikachu attacks with Iron Tail, knocking Vigoroth out. However the effort is too much for Pikachu and it passes out as well, resulting in a double KO.
However, Max is upset at his father's loss, so he runs off with the badge. Norman talks things over with Max, explaining that the experience of losing is just as important as winning. Max returns the badge to Ash, who celebrates winning his fifth Gym badge.</i>


After removing Pikachu from the battlefield Ash and Norman send out their last remaining Pokémon, pitting {{TP|Norman|Slaking}} against {{AP|Grovyle}}. Ash attacks first by ordering Grovyle to use {{m|Bullet Seed}}, but Slaking easily blocks the attack with its arm, sustaining no damage at all. Grovyle attacks again with {{m|Leaf Blade}}, but Slaking grabs it mid attack and tosses Grovyle back across the arena. Slaking begins to attack with {{m|Focus Punch}} but is stopped after Grovyle hits it in the face with Bullet Seed. The attack angers Slaking, who begins to go into a rage. It attacks with a powerful {{m|Earthquake}}. In their new hideout, Team Rocket feels the effects of Slaking's Earthquake, which rouses a group of nearby {{p|Dugtrio}}. Blaming the Dugtrio for the Earthquake, Jessie kicks a rock at them. Angrily, the Dugtrio begin to chase Team Rocket around their cave.
==Plot==
{{Ash}} enters the [[Petalburg Gym]], ready for his {{pkmn|battle}} against [[Norman]]. Norman tells him that he's been waiting for another fight with Ash ever since their [[AG003|last battle]], and Ash says he's more than willing to take Norman up on his offer! Watching from the sidelines, {{an|May}} says she's excited to see how the match turns out. [[Max]] tells her that their dad is certain to win. {{an|Brock}} and [[Caroline]] tell him that he should just relax and enjoy the match without worrying about the final result. Outside of town, {{TRT}} begins construction on their new secret base. {{MTR}} says that after they finish building their base, {{an|Giovanni|the Boss}} will be certain to give them a promotion. With the thoughts of corporate credit cards as their motivation, all of Team Rocket, including {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}}, begin working. Back at the Gym, {{ho|Kenny}} is the [[Battle judge|referee]] announces the rules of the match: three {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, but only Ash is allowed substitutions. Raising his flags, Kenny signals for the match to begin and both Ash and Norman send out their first Pokémon, Norman's {{p|Slakoth}} against [[Ash's Pikachu]]. Utilizing Pikachu's {{stat|Speed}}, Ash orders Pikachu to use {{m|Quick Attack}}, but Slakoth dodges and counterattacks with {{m|Shadow Ball}}. Jumping out of the way, Pikachu attacks with {{m|Iron Tail}} but misses once again as Slakoth leans out of the way. Dazed, Pikachu is unable to dodge Slakoth's {{m|Hidden Power}} attack and is blasted across the arena.


Meanwhile Grovyle dodges the Earthquake by jumping. It attempts a {{m|Pound}} attack, but Slaking grabs it in midair and tosses Grovyle into the ceiling. Grovyle counterattacks with Bullet Seed, but Slaking blocks with a powerful {{m|Hyper Beam}}, which cuts through the Bullet Seed and sends Grovyle flying. Watching Grovyle struggle to its feet Norman suggests that Ash withdraw from the match, before Grovyle gets seriously injured. Ash begins to consider it, but stops when Grovyle indicates that it wants to keep fighting. Ash tells Grovyle to show Norman what its made out of. Inspired by Ash's confidence, Grovyle activates its {{a|Overgrow}} Ability, which powers up its {{type2|Grass}} attacks.
On the sidelines, Brock tells May and Max what kind of attack strategy their father is using. He knew from watching Ash before that he favored using Pikachu as an opener, using his powerful speed attacks to knock the enemy off balance and gain control of the battle. By using a slow Pokémon like Slakoth who could dodge Pikachu's attacks, Norman was forcing Ash to fight at his pace, giving him control over the match. As Pikachu recovers from Hidden Power, Ash realizes that he needs to change his strategy. He decides to try {{t|Electric}} [[Move|attacks]] and orders Pikachu to attack with {{m|Thunder}}. However, Slakoth dodges this attack as well and responds with {{m|Blizzard}}. The incredible cold keeps Pikachu from attacking back, so Ash recalls him and calls out {{AP|Torkoal}} instead. Torkoal uses {{m|Flamethrower}}, which easily blasts through Slakoth's Blizzard and scores a direct hit, [[fainting|knocking Slakoth out]]. With Slakoth out of commission, Norman calls out his next Pokémon, {{p|Vigoroth}}. Dodging Torkoal's {{m|Overheat}}, Vigoroth knocks Torkoal out with {{m|Scratch}}. With Torkoal down, Ash sends Pikachu back into the arena. Brock explains that by using the hyperactive Vigoroth right after the slow laid-back Slakoth, Norman is able to disorient his opponents and knock them off balance, as the skills necessary to defeat Vigoroth are completely different from those used against Slakoth. Meanwhile, Team Rocket continues construction on their new hideout. Yelling through a megaphone, Meowth orders [[Jessie]] and [[James]] to work harder. They respond by dropping a box on him and telling him to help out too.


Leaping back into combat, Grovyle dodges both an Earthquake and Slaking's clumsy attempts to grab it. It begins bouncing around the arena. Dodging a Hyper Beam, Grovyle hits Slaking with a powerful Pound. Norman congratulates Ash for his recovery, but tells him that he'll need more than just speed to beat Slaking. He orders Slaking to attack with Focus Punch while Ash tells Grovyle to use Leaf Blade. The two attack each other at the same time, and after a moments pause, Slaking falls to the ground! Ash has won his fifth gym battle! Shocked at his father's loss, Max can only stare in disbelief as Brock and May congratulate Ash on his victory.
In the arena, Vigoroth dodges a Thunderbolt from Pikachu and attacks with Scratch. Pikachu blocks the attack with Iron Tail but is hit with a surprise attack when Vigoroth uses Flamethrower. Max says that it's amazing that Vigoroth can use an attack like Flamethrower, causing Caroline to tell him that Norman is fighting Ash more seriously than he fights normal {{pkmn|Trainer}}s. May says that Ash should substitute Pikachu, but Brock tells her that if he does that, his only reserve Pokémon will be the already injured Pikachu. He has no choice but to use Pikachu as long as possible. Sizing up Vigoroth, Ash suddenly comes up with a plan. He orders Pikachu to use Quick Attack, dodging a Flamethrower from Vigoroth. As Pikachu closes the distance, Norman orders Vigoroth to use Scratch but is surprised when Ash tells Pikachu to take the hit. Vigoroth's Scratch attack hits home, but the powerful Pokémon is suddenly {{status|paralysis|paralyzed}} by Pikachu's innate {{a|Static}} [[Ability]]. Seizing the opportunity, Pikachu attacks with Iron Tail, knocking Vigoroth out. However the effort is too much for Pikachu and he passes out as well, resulting in a double KO. After removing Pikachu from the battlefield, Ash and Norman send out their last remaining Pokémon, pitting {{TP|Norman|Slaking}} against {{AP|Grovyle}}. Ash attacks first by ordering Grovyle to use {{m|Bullet Seed}}, but Slaking easily blocks the attack with its hands, sustaining no damage at all. Grovyle attacks again with {{m|Leaf Blade}}, but Slaking grabs it mid-attack and tosses Grovyle back across the arena. Slaking begins to attack with {{m|Focus Punch}} but is stopped after Grovyle hits it in the face with Bullet Seed. The attack angers Slaking, who begins to go into a rage and attacks with a powerful {{m|Earthquake}}.


Later, Norman presents Ash with the {{badge|Balance}}, however before he can give it away Max grabs it and runs away. Locking himself in the Gym's greenhouse, he tells everybody gathered outside that it was unacceptable for his dad to lose the match and that it's not okay for a Trainer like him to lose in a Pokémon battle. Norman tells him that losing is just as important as winning, and that sometimes life's most important lessons are learned through losing. Ash tells Max that he really doesn't need the badge, beating Norman in a fight taught him enough that he'd be satisfied without one. Touched by their words, Max comes out and gives the [[Badge]] back, but not before promising his Dad that they'll battle too, once he becomes a Trainer.
In their new hideout, Team Rocket feels the effects of Slaking's Earthquake, which rouses a group of nearby {{p|Dugtrio}}. Blaming the Dugtrio for the Earthquake, Jessie kicks a rock at them. Angrily, the Dugtrio begin to chase Team Rocket around their cave. Meanwhile, Grovyle dodges the Earthquake by jumping. It attempts a {{m|Pound}} attack, but Slaking grabs it in midair and tosses Grovyle into the ceiling. Grovyle counterattacks with Bullet Seed, but Slaking blocks with a powerful {{m|Hyper Beam}}, which cuts through the Bullet Seed and sends Grovyle flying. Watching Grovyle struggle to its feet, Norman suggests that Ash should withdraw from the match for Grovyle's safety. Ash begins to consider it, but stops when Grovyle indicates that it wants to keep fighting. Ash tells Grovyle to show Norman what it's made out of. Inspired by Ash's confidence, Grovyle activates its {{a|Overgrow}} Ability, which powers up its {{type|Grass}} attacks.


== Major events ==
Leaping back into combat, Grovyle dodges both an Earthquake and Slaking's clumsy attempts to grab it. It begins bouncing around the arena. Dodging a Hyper Beam, Grovyle hits Slaking with a powerful Pound. Norman congratulates Ash for his recovery but tells him that he'll need more than just speed to beat Slaking. He orders Slaking to attack with Focus Punch while Ash tells Grovyle to use Leaf Blade. The two attack each other at the same time, and after a moment's pause, Slaking falls to the ground. Shocked at his father's loss, Max can only stare in disbelief as Brock and May congratulate Ash on his victory. Later, Norman presents Ash with the {{badge|Balance}} - however, before he can give it away, Max grabs it and runs away. Locking himself in the Gym's greenhouse, he tells everybody gathered outside that it was unacceptable for his dad to lose the match and that it's not okay for a Trainer like him to lose in a Pokémon battle. Norman tells him that losing is just as important as winning and that sometimes life's most important lessons are learned through losing. Ash tells Max that he really doesn't need the Badge, beating Norman in a fight taught him enough that he'd be satisfied without one. Touched by their words, Max comes out and gives the [[Badge]] back, but not before promising his Dad that they'll battle too, once he becomes a Trainer.
 
==Major events==
[[File:Ash Balance Badge.png|thumb|220px|Ash holding the Balance Badge]]
* [[Ash's Pikachu]] is revealed to have {{a|Static}} as his [[Ability]].
* [[Ash's Grovyle]] is revealed to have {{a|Overgrow}} as its Ability.
* {{Ash}} has his Gym match with [[Norman]] and wins, earning him the {{badge|Balance}}.
* {{Ash}} has his Gym match with [[Norman]] and wins, earning him the {{badge|Balance}}.
* [[Ash's Pikachu]] is revealed to have {{a|Static}} as its ability.
* [[Ash's Grovyle]] is revealed to have {{a|Overgrow}} as its ability.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}


=== Debuts ===
===Debuts===
====Pokémon debuts====


== Characters ==
==Characters==
=== Humans ===
===Humans===
* {{Ash}}
* {{Ash}}
* {{an|May}}
* {{an|May}}
Line 72: Line 80:
* {{ho|Kenny}}
* {{ho|Kenny}}


=== Pokémon ===
===Pokémon===
[[File:PTC AG070.png|thumb|200px|right|Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]
[[Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]: {{p|Slugma}}
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
Line 81: Line 91:
* {{p|Slakoth}} ([[Norman]]'s)
* {{p|Slakoth}} ([[Norman]]'s)
* {{p|Slaking}} ({{OP|Norman|Slaking}})
* {{p|Slaking}} ({{OP|Norman|Slaking}})
* {{p|Dugtrio}} (multiple)
* {{p|Dugtrio}} (×3)


== Trivia ==
==Trivia==
* ''[[Challenger!!]]'' replaces ''[[Advance Adventure]]'' as the opening.
* [[Challenger!!]] replaces [[Advance Adventure]] as the [[List of Japanese opening themes|Japanese opening theme]].
* The dub episode's title is a reference to the geopolitical concept ''{{wp|balance of power}}''.
* The dub episode's title is a reference to the geopolitical concept "{{wp|balance of power}}".
* Although abilities are featured prominently in this episode (two of Ash's Pokémon rely on their abilities to turn the tide of the battle), {{a|Truant}} doesn't seem to affect Slaking despite being its main weakness in the games.
* Music from ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' is used in this episode.
* {{TRT}} doesn't recite the {{motto}} in this episode.
* This marks the first time a main character's Pokémon has activated their [[Ability]].
** This is also the first time a [[first partner Pokémon]] has had its Ability confirmed.
* This episode aired on the seventh anniversary of ''[[EP001|Pokémon - I Choose You!]]'' in Japan.
* [[OK!]] is used as background music for the battle between {{TP|Norman|Slaking}} and {{AP|Grovyle}}.  


=== Pokémon Trainer's Choice ===
===Errors===
* In the {{pmin|Latin America}}n dub, when {{Ash}} orders {{AP|Grovyle}} to use {{m|Leaf Blade}}, he refers to the move as {{m|Razor Leaf}}, which is a common error.
** Also in the Latin American dub, when {{an|Brock}} explains the strategy of [[Norman]] between {{p|Slakoth}} and {{p|Vigoroth}}, he calls Slakoth "Slaking".
 
===Dub edits===
* [[Max]] says that Norman is so strong that he will become a member of the [[Elite Four]] in the English dub. In the original Japanese version, he just says Norman is very strong.
 
====[[Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]====
* Question: Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into {{p|Magcargo}}?
* Question: Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into {{p|Magcargo}}?
* Choices: {{p|Torkoal}}, {{p|Corphish}}, {{p|Slugma}}
* Choices: {{p|Torkoal}}, {{p|Corphish}}, {{p|Slugma}}
* Answer: Ok, Trainers! If you chose {{p|Slugma}}, you were right!
* Answer: OK, Trainers! If you chose Slugma, you were right!
 
=== Errors ===
* In the Latin American dub, Ash calls for Grovyle to use Razor Leaf when it uses Leaf Blade, a common error.
 
=== Dub edits ===


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
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{{Epilang|color=9999FF|bordercolor=FF7777
|ja=
|zh_cmn={{tt|橙華道館賽！第五個徽章！|Chénghuá (Petalburg) Gym Battle! The Fifth Badge!}}
|en=
|nl={{tt|Macht vraagt om kracht|Power Requires Strength}}
|ar=
|da={{tt|Magtbalance|Power balance}}
|eu=
|de={{tt|Power zum Umfallen|Power to tumble}}
|bg=
|fi={{tt|Voiman tasapaino|The balance of power}}
|ca=
|fr_eu={{tt|Le grand jour|The big day}}
|zh_yue=
|he=תג האיזון{{tt|tag ha'izun|The Balance Badge}}
|zh_cmn='''{{tt|橙華道館賽！第五個徽章！|Chénghuá (Petalburg) Gym Battle! The Fifth Badge!}}'''
|it={{tt|Il quinto obiettivo|The fifth goal}}
|hr=
|no={{tt|Kraftbalanse|Balance of power}}
|cs=
|pt_br={{tt|Equilíbrio de Forças|Balance of Forces}}
|da=
|pt_eu={{tt|Equilíbrio de Poderes|Balance of Powers}}
|de='''{{tt|Power zum Umfallen|Power to tumble}}'''
|ru={{tt|Равные силы|Equal powers}}
|nl=
|es_la={{tt|¡Equilibrio de poder!|Balance of power!}}
|et=
|es_eu={{tt|El poder del equilibrio|The power of balance}}
|fil=
|sv={{tt|En tuff strid!|A tough battle!}} {{tt|*|left in English on Pokémon TV}}
|fi='''{{tt|Voiman tasapaino|The balance of power}}'''
|ko={{tt|등화체육관, 다섯번째 배지|Petalburg Gym Battle, The Fifth Badge}}
|fr_ca=
|hi=हार जीत तो होती रहती है {{tt|''Haar Jeet toh hoti rehti hai''|Losing and Winning keeps on happening}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|fr_eu='''{{tt|Le grand jour|The big day}}'''
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|he='''תג האיזון''' ''{{tt|tag ha'izun|The Balance Badge}}''
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{{-}}
 
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=AG069 |
prevcode=AG069 |
prevtitle=Love, Petalburg Style |
prevtitle=Love, Petalburg Style! |
nextcode=AG071 |
nextcode=AG071 |
nexttitle=A Six Pack Attack! |
nexttitle=A Six Pack Attack! |
series=Advanced Generation series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
colorscheme=Hoenn }}
colorscheme=Hoenn}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
[[Category:Advanced Generation series episodes|070]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka|344]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Yukihiro Shino|344]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Shigeru Ōmachi|344]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Yūsaku Takeda|344]]
[[Category:Episodes in which Ash gets a badge|344]]
[[Category:Episodes with gym battles|344]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash|344]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Max|344]]


[[de:Power zum umfallen! (Episode)]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:0344}}
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire episodes|070]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Yukihiro Shino]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Shigeru Ōmachi]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Yūsaku Takeda]]
[[Category:Episodes in which Ash gets a Badge]]
[[Category:Episodes with Gym battles]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Max]]
 
[[de:Power zum Umfallen!]]
[[es:EP346]]
[[fr:AG070]]
[[it:AG070]]
[[ja:AG編第70話]]
[[ja:AG編第70話]]
[[pl:AG070]]
[[zh:宝可梦 超世代 第70集]]

Latest revision as of 05:30, 3 September 2024

← AG069 : Love, Petalburg Style!
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG071 : A Six Pack Attack! →
Balance of Power
AG070.png
AG070   EP344
トウカジム戦！五つ目のバッジ！！
Touka Gym Battle! The Fifth Badge!!
First broadcast
Japan April 1, 2004
United States March 19, 2005
English themes
Opening This Dream
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening チャレンジャー!!
Ending スマイル ②
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard しのゆきひろ Yukihiro Shino
Assistant director 大町繁 Shigeru Ōmachi
Animation director たけだゆうさく Yūsaku Takeda
Additional credits

Balance of Power (Japanese: トウカジム戦！五つ目のバッジ！！ Touka Gym Battle! The Fifth Badge!!) is the 70th episode of Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, and the 344th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It first aired in Japan on April 1, 2004, and in the United States on March 19, 2005.

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

Blurb

Ash challenges Gym Leader Norman for a badge. While they battle, Team Rocket is busy digging a tunnel under the Gym.

Norman's Slakoth begins with Hidden Power, and Pikachu can't hit it. Pikachu is then immobilized by Slakoth's Blizzard, so Ash switches the Electric-type out for Torkoal. Torkoal takes out Slakoth with Flamethrower.

In turn, Torkoal is taken down by a Scratch attack from Vigoroth. Ash sends Pikachu back out, and when the two Pokémon make physical contact, Vigoroth is paralyzed by Pikachu's Static ability. Pikachu uses Iron Tail to knock out Vigoroth, but also faints.

In the end Ash's Grovyle faces off against Norman's Slaking. Slaking manages to counter all of Grovyle's attacks, and then uses Earthquake. The shaking disrupts Team Rocket's plans, and puts them up against some angry Dugtrio.

Low on HP, Grovyle's Overgrow ability increases its Attack power, and the Grass-type knocks Slaking out with a combination of Pound and Leaf Blade. All his Pokémon defeated, Norman awards the Balance Badge to Ash.

However, Max is upset at his father's loss, so he runs off with the badge. Norman talks things over with Max, explaining that the experience of losing is just as important as winning. Max returns the badge to Ash, who celebrates winning his fifth Gym badge.

Plot

Ash enters the Petalburg Gym, ready for his battle against Norman. Norman tells him that he's been waiting for another fight with Ash ever since their last battle, and Ash says he's more than willing to take Norman up on his offer! Watching from the sidelines, May says she's excited to see how the match turns out. Max tells her that their dad is certain to win. Brock and Caroline tell him that he should just relax and enjoy the match without worrying about the final result. Outside of town, Team Rocket begins construction on their new secret base. Meowth says that after they finish building their base, the Boss will be certain to give them a promotion. With the thoughts of corporate credit cards as their motivation, all of Team Rocket, including Wobbuffet, begin working. Back at the Gym, Kenny is the referee announces the rules of the match: three Pokémon, but only Ash is allowed substitutions. Raising his flags, Kenny signals for the match to begin and both Ash and Norman send out their first Pokémon, Norman's Slakoth against Ash's Pikachu. Utilizing Pikachu's Speed, Ash orders Pikachu to use Quick Attack, but Slakoth dodges and counterattacks with Shadow Ball. Jumping out of the way, Pikachu attacks with Iron Tail but misses once again as Slakoth leans out of the way. Dazed, Pikachu is unable to dodge Slakoth's Hidden Power attack and is blasted across the arena.

On the sidelines, Brock tells May and Max what kind of attack strategy their father is using. He knew from watching Ash before that he favored using Pikachu as an opener, using his powerful speed attacks to knock the enemy off balance and gain control of the battle. By using a slow Pokémon like Slakoth who could dodge Pikachu's attacks, Norman was forcing Ash to fight at his pace, giving him control over the match. As Pikachu recovers from Hidden Power, Ash realizes that he needs to change his strategy. He decides to try Electric attacks and orders Pikachu to attack with Thunder. However, Slakoth dodges this attack as well and responds with Blizzard. The incredible cold keeps Pikachu from attacking back, so Ash recalls him and calls out Torkoal instead. Torkoal uses Flamethrower, which easily blasts through Slakoth's Blizzard and scores a direct hit, knocking Slakoth out. With Slakoth out of commission, Norman calls out his next Pokémon, Vigoroth. Dodging Torkoal's Overheat, Vigoroth knocks Torkoal out with Scratch. With Torkoal down, Ash sends Pikachu back into the arena. Brock explains that by using the hyperactive Vigoroth right after the slow laid-back Slakoth, Norman is able to disorient his opponents and knock them off balance, as the skills necessary to defeat Vigoroth are completely different from those used against Slakoth. Meanwhile, Team Rocket continues construction on their new hideout. Yelling through a megaphone, Meowth orders Jessie and James to work harder. They respond by dropping a box on him and telling him to help out too.

In the arena, Vigoroth dodges a Thunderbolt from Pikachu and attacks with Scratch. Pikachu blocks the attack with Iron Tail but is hit with a surprise attack when Vigoroth uses Flamethrower. Max says that it's amazing that Vigoroth can use an attack like Flamethrower, causing Caroline to tell him that Norman is fighting Ash more seriously than he fights normal Trainers. May says that Ash should substitute Pikachu, but Brock tells her that if he does that, his only reserve Pokémon will be the already injured Pikachu. He has no choice but to use Pikachu as long as possible. Sizing up Vigoroth, Ash suddenly comes up with a plan. He orders Pikachu to use Quick Attack, dodging a Flamethrower from Vigoroth. As Pikachu closes the distance, Norman orders Vigoroth to use Scratch but is surprised when Ash tells Pikachu to take the hit. Vigoroth's Scratch attack hits home, but the powerful Pokémon is suddenly paralyzed by Pikachu's innate Static Ability. Seizing the opportunity, Pikachu attacks with Iron Tail, knocking Vigoroth out. However the effort is too much for Pikachu and he passes out as well, resulting in a double KO. After removing Pikachu from the battlefield, Ash and Norman send out their last remaining Pokémon, pitting Slaking against Grovyle. Ash attacks first by ordering Grovyle to use Bullet Seed, but Slaking easily blocks the attack with its hands, sustaining no damage at all. Grovyle attacks again with Leaf Blade, but Slaking grabs it mid-attack and tosses Grovyle back across the arena. Slaking begins to attack with Focus Punch but is stopped after Grovyle hits it in the face with Bullet Seed. The attack angers Slaking, who begins to go into a rage and attacks with a powerful Earthquake.

In their new hideout, Team Rocket feels the effects of Slaking's Earthquake, which rouses a group of nearby Dugtrio. Blaming the Dugtrio for the Earthquake, Jessie kicks a rock at them. Angrily, the Dugtrio begin to chase Team Rocket around their cave. Meanwhile, Grovyle dodges the Earthquake by jumping. It attempts a Pound attack, but Slaking grabs it in midair and tosses Grovyle into the ceiling. Grovyle counterattacks with Bullet Seed, but Slaking blocks with a powerful Hyper Beam, which cuts through the Bullet Seed and sends Grovyle flying. Watching Grovyle struggle to its feet, Norman suggests that Ash should withdraw from the match for Grovyle's safety. Ash begins to consider it, but stops when Grovyle indicates that it wants to keep fighting. Ash tells Grovyle to show Norman what it's made out of. Inspired by Ash's confidence, Grovyle activates its Overgrow Ability, which powers up its Grass-type attacks.

Leaping back into combat, Grovyle dodges both an Earthquake and Slaking's clumsy attempts to grab it. It begins bouncing around the arena. Dodging a Hyper Beam, Grovyle hits Slaking with a powerful Pound. Norman congratulates Ash for his recovery but tells him that he'll need more than just speed to beat Slaking. He orders Slaking to attack with Focus Punch while Ash tells Grovyle to use Leaf Blade. The two attack each other at the same time, and after a moment's pause, Slaking falls to the ground. Shocked at his father's loss, Max can only stare in disbelief as Brock and May congratulate Ash on his victory. Later, Norman presents Ash with the Balance Badge - however, before he can give it away, Max grabs it and runs away. Locking himself in the Gym's greenhouse, he tells everybody gathered outside that it was unacceptable for his dad to lose the match and that it's not okay for a Trainer like him to lose in a Pokémon battle. Norman tells him that losing is just as important as winning and that sometimes life's most important lessons are learned through losing. Ash tells Max that he really doesn't need the Badge, beating Norman in a fight taught him enough that he'd be satisfied without one. Touched by their words, Max comes out and gives the Badge back, but not before promising his Dad that they'll battle too, once he becomes a Trainer.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Pokémon Trainer's Choice

Pokémon Trainer's Choice: Slugma

Trivia

Errors

Dub edits

  • Max says that Norman is so strong that he will become a member of the Elite Four in the English dub. In the original Japanese version, he just says Norman is very strong.

Pokémon Trainer's Choice

  • Question: Trainers, which one of these Pokémon evolves into Magcargo?
  • Choices: Torkoal, Corphish, Slugma
  • Answer: OK, Trainers! If you chose Slugma, you were right!

In other languages



← AG069 : Love, Petalburg Style!
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG071 : A Six Pack Attack! →
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