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m (Text replacement - "episode of the Pokémon anime" to "episode of the Pokémon animated series")
 
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title_ja=ライバルとうじょう！ |
title_ja=ライバルとうじょう！ |
title_ja_trans=A Rival Enters! |
title_ja_trans=A Rival Enters! |
screen=yes |
screen=hd |
broadcast_jp=January 7, 1999 |
broadcast_jp=January 7, 1999 |
broadcast_us=November 20, 1999 |
broadcast_us=November 20, 1999 |
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footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|pm|080}}
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|pm|080}}
}}
}}
'''A Friend In Deed''' (Japanese: '''ライバルとうじょう！''' ''A Rival Enters!'') is the 78th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on January 7, 1999 and in the United States on November 20, 1999.
'''A Friend In Deed''' (Japanese: '''ライバルとうじょう！''' ''A Rival Enters!'') is the 78th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on January 7, 1999, and in the United States on November 20, 1999.


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Synopsis==
==Blurb==
The episode starts with {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} going to get something to eat after Ash's victory in the fourth round of the [[Indigo League]]. When they arrive at the restaurant they find {{Delia|Ash's mom}} and {{an|Professor Oak}} standing outside. Ash's mom then heads into the restaurant and begins to cook at the stove, while the cooks look on in confusion. After the food is done the group goes and sits down to eat and talk.
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/2/episode-24-a-friend-in-deed/-->
<i>Ash's Mom and Professor Oak make a surprise visit to watch Ash battle in the Pokémon League Tournament. Professor Oak informs Ash that if he wins his next battle he'll be able to use six Pokémon in battle instead of three. He also tells Ash to remember that if he does his best but loses his matches, he's still a winner! On their way back from dinner, Ash meets another trainer who's also competing in the tournament and also has a Pikachu. Ash and Richie become fast friends especially when they have to fight the unrelenting Team Rocket that steals all of their Pokéballs, along with both of their Pikachu.</i>


They all head into the elevator and as the doors begin to close a [[Ritchie|boy]] runs up, asking them to hold the elevator. He sees {{AP|Pikachu}} and pets him on the head. Ash warns him that Pikachu might shock him, but to his surprise Pikachu is enjoying the experience. Suddenly, the elevator stops! The boy tells them that he can get it running again and asks Ash if he can use Pikachu for his {{m|ThunderShock}} attack. Ash agrees, and the boy opens the device and lets Pikachu use ThunderShock on it. The lights in the elevator turn back on and the elevator begins to run again. Professor Oak remarks he's glad they opened the door for him.
==Plot==
{{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} are planning to have a big meal to celebrate Ash's last victory, and they meet {{Delia}} and {{an|Professor Oak}} outside their cabin. Delia says that she's going to cook them Ash's favorite meal and takes them all to a restaurant, where she goes to the kitchen and makes the meal herself instead of the restaurant cooks, who merely look at her in confusion. As everyone settles down to eat, Professor Oak tells Ash that the battles after the fifth round are going to be [[Full Battle]]s and asks if he's already decided which Pokémon to use. Ash says that he'll wait to see who he's going to be battling first. After finishing their meal, they all head into the elevator, whereupon a boy named [[Ritchie]] asks them to hold it open. Professor Oak manages to keep the doors open long enough for him to enter. Ritchie sees {{AP|Pikachu}} and pets him on the head. Ash warns him that Pikachu might shock him, but to his surprise, Pikachu is enjoying the experience. Suddenly, the power goes out and the elevator stops. Ritchie tells them that he can get it running again and asks Ash if he can use Pikachu for his {{m|Thunder Shock}} attack. Ash agrees, and Ritchie opens the elevator's control box and has Pikachu use Thunder Shock on it. The lights in the elevator turn back on and the elevator begins to run again.


Later on, {{TRT}} decides to pull off another elaborate scheme: a "physical examination" of sorts. If Trainers do not comply, they will be disqualified. Unfortunately, when [[Jessie]] attempts to stuff Pikachu into a sack (getting shocked in the process), [[James]] lets slip Jessie's name, causing Ash and Ritchie to realize who they were. Team Rocket performs their usual {{motto}}, and, behind the cover of {{TP|James|Weezing}}'s {{m|Smog}}, escape with the [[Poké Ball]]s and Pikachu. Ash and Ritchie chase after them, cutting through the mountains to reach the escaping van. Suddenly, the come onto the road where the Rockets are traversing upon. When seeing the "[[twerp]]s", James swerves off the road and down a hill and into a river.  
Later on, {{TRT}} decides to arrange a fake physical examination in order to steal some Pokémon. They cruise through the streets, using their vans loudspeaker to get everyone's attention. They claim that if {{pkmn|Trainer}}s do not comply with the examination, they will be disqualified from the [[Indigo League]]. Unfortunately, when [[Jessie]] attempts to stuff Pikachu into a sack, getting shocked in the process, [[James]] says Jessie's name, causing Ash and Ritchie to realize who they are. Team Rocket performs their {{motto}}, and use {{TP|James|Weezing}}'s {{m|Smog}} to escape with the looted {{i|Poké Ball}}s and Pikachu. Ash and Ritchie chase after them, cutting through the mountains to reach the escaping van. Eventually, James is forced to swerve off the road, and Team Rocket drives into a river. Ash and Ritchie chase after them as the van floats down stream.


It's nighttime, and Ash and Ritchie still haven't confronted Team Rocket. They camp out, vowing to find their Pokémon at sun-up the following day. Meanwhile, the scene cuts to Team Rocket feasting by moonlight. After doing a "Poke-dance", the scene switches back to Ash and Ritchie, staring up at the stars.
When nighttime falls, Ritchie suggests they camp out and Ash concedes. Over a shared meal and moment of {{pkmn|constellation|stargazing}}, the pair discover they are equally passionate about Pokémon and competitive. The next morning, Ash and Ritchie follow a set of tracks and discover the van along with a sleeping Team Rocket. They creep through the camp and into the van, where they find Pikachu and the stolen Poké Balls. However, Team Rocket wakes up, finds them, traps them in the van, and drives off. However, Ash and Ritchie decide to use the hundreds of Poké Balls in the van at their disposal. Ritchie immediately identifies his Pokémon due to star-shaped stickers, but Ash sends out a {{p|Drowzee}}, a {{p|Slowbro}}, and even a {{p|Magikarp}} before Pikachu sniffs out {{AP|Bulbasaur}}'s Poké Ball. Bulbasaur uses {{m|Tackle}} and {{m|Razor Leaf}} on the van wall, but to no avail.


Morning arrives. The search continues, and the pair come across tire tracks. Ash and Ritchie follow the tracks, and discover the van along with the sleeping trio of Rockets. They creep through the camp towards the van, and find a muffled voice. It's Pikachu! They are reunited, and the Poké Balls are there too! However, Team Rocket has woken up and finds them trespassing. The quickly rush out of the van, lock the doors, and drive. Still in the van, the twin twerps must think of a way out...  
Ritchie sends out his {{p|Charmander}}, [[Zippo]], and orders it to {{m|slash}} open the van wall. The tactic is successful, and the wall breaks to reveal Team Rocket. Jessie sends out {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}}, but before Pikachu could use {{m|Thunderbolt}} on it, James swerves the van, causing Pikachu to lose balance and leaving it vulnerable to Arbok. Ritchie then sends out his own Pikachu, [[nickname]]d [[Sparky]]. Jessie orders an attack, while Sparky and Pikachu both counter with {{m|Agility}}. Arbok is overwhelmed, and both Pikachu Thunderbolt the van. The front portion explodes, blasting Team Rocket off, but the back of the van is still driving towards a cliff. {{AP|Pidgeotto}} and Ritchie's {{p|Butterfree}}, nicknamed Happy, use {{m|Whirlwind}} as parachutes, catching their respective Trainers, the Poké Balls, and Pikachu. They land safely as a group of SUVs, which turns out to be the Trainers, plus {{an|Brock}} and {{an|Misty}}, pull up to claim their Pokémon.


Finally, they remember that they in a van with 100+ Poké Balls at their disposal. Ritchie identifies his Pokémon due to star-shaped stickers, but Ash sends out a {{p|Drowzee}}, {{p|Slowbro}}, and even a {{p|Magikarp}} before Pikachu sniffs out {{AP|Bulbasaur}}'s Poké Ball. Bulbasaur uses {{m|Tackle}} and {{m|Razor Leaf}} on the van wall, but to no avail. Ritchie sends out his {{p|Charmander}} [[Zippo]] and orders it to Slash open the van wall. The tactic is successful, and the wall breaks to reveal Team Rocket. Jessie sends out {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}}, which is matched by Pikachu. But before Pikachu lets loose a {{m|Thunderbolt}}, James uses 'turn attack,' which causes Pikachu to lose balance. Arbok hits Pikachu back. Ritchie then sends out [[Sparky]], his own Pikachu! Jessie orders an attack, while Sparky and Pikachu both counter with {{m|Agility}}. Arbok is overwhelmed, and both Electric Mice Thunderbolt the van. The front portion explodes, leaving the heroes safe and sound. However, even in Anime Physics, inertia still applies, which means the back of the van is still driving along a mountain road- and off a cliff. Pidgeotto and {{DL|Ritchie|Happy}} (Ritchie's Butterfree) act as parachutes, catching their respective Trainers (Poké Balls and Pikachu included). After using {{m|Whirlwind}} to land safely, a group of SUVs (which turns out to be the Trainers, plus Brock and Misty) pull up to claim their Pokémon.
Ash and his friends return to the Indigo Plateau's registration center. The attendant instructs Ash to fish for a Magikarp to find out his next opponent, and he finds it is Ritchie.
 
After they return, we leave off with Ash and Ritchie finding out that their next opponents are... each other!


==Major events==
==Major events==
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} meet Trainer [[Ritchie]] and his [[Sparky|Pikachu]].
<!-- This is not for summarizing everything that happens in this episode. Only events pertaining to the series as a whole, such as catching and releasing Pokémon and obtaining Badges, go here. -->
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} meet [[Ritchie]].
* Ash learns he will be battling Ritchie in the fifth round.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}


Line 57: Line 59:
====Pokémon debuts====
====Pokémon debuts====
* [[Sparky]]
* [[Sparky]]
* [[Zippo]]


==Characters==
==Characters==
Line 69: Line 72:
* {{Delia}}
* {{Delia}}
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* [[Nurse Joy]]
* [[Officer Jenny]] (multiple)
* {{pkmn|Trainer}}s
* Chefs


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
[[File:WTP EP078.png|thumb|200px|right|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[File:WTP EP078.png|thumb|200px|right|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Diglett}} ''(U.S. and international)'', {{p|Weezing}} ''(Japan)''
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Diglett}} ''(US and international)'', {{p|Weezing}} ''(Japan)''


* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
Line 80: Line 85:
* {{p|Pidgeotto}} ({{OP|Ash|Pidgeotto}})
* {{p|Pidgeotto}} ({{OP|Ash|Pidgeotto}})
* {{p|Bulbasaur}} ({{OP|Ash|Bulbasaur}})
* {{p|Bulbasaur}} ({{OP|Ash|Bulbasaur}})
* {{p|Muk}} ({{OP|Ash|Muk}}; flashback)
* {{p|Arbok}} ({{OP|Jessie|Arbok}})
* {{p|Arbok}} ({{OP|Jessie|Arbok}})
* {{p|Weezing}} ({{OP|James|Weezing}})
* {{p|Weezing}} ({{OP|James|Weezing}})
* {{p|Charmander}} (Ritchie's, [[Zippo]])
* {{p|Charmander}} ([[Ritchie]]'s; [[Zippo]])
* {{p|Pikachu}} (Ritchie's, [[Sparky]])
* {{p|Pikachu}} ([[Ritchie]]'s; [[Sparky]])
* {{p|Butterfree}} (Ritchie's, {{DL|Ritchie|Happy}})
* {{p|Butterfree}} ([[Ritchie]]'s; Happy)
* {{p|Scyther}} ([[Jeanette Fisher|Jeanette]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Slowbro}} ({{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Bellsprout}} ([[Jeanette Fisher|Jeanette]]'s; flashback)
* {{p|Drowzee}} ({{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Slowbro}} (unnamed {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Magikarp}} ({{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Drowzee}} (unnamed {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Magikarp}} (unnamed {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Magikarp}} ([[Pokémon League]]'s)
* {{p|Magikarp}} ([[Pokémon League]]'s)


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* [[Professor Oak's lecture]]: <!--Description here.-->
* [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Lecture]]: <!--Description here.-->
** Pokémon senryū summary: Various limited edition goods, souvenir salesman.
** Pokémon senryū summary: Various limited edition goods, souvenir salesman.
* This episode as well as the next two episodes both have the word "friend" in the title, referencing {{Ash}}'s ongoing friendship with [[Ritchie]].
* This episode, as well as the next two episodes, each have the word "friend" in the title, referencing {{Ash}}'s ongoing friendship with [[Ritchie]].
* This marks [[Ritchie]]'s first appearance in the anime.
* Ritchie mentions being able to identify his Poké Balls from the rest of the stolen ones because he placed star stickers on them. This can be considered an early precursor of the [[Sticker|Seal]] concept before its introduction in [[Generation IV]].
* Ritchie mentions being able to identify his Poké Balls from the rest of the stolen ones because he placed Star Stickers on them which can be considered an early precursor of the [[Seal]] concept before its introduction in [[Generation IV]].
* [[Ritchie]]'s Charmander is called Zippo, which may be a reference to the American refillable cigarette lighter brand, Zippo.
* An instrumental of ''[[Together Forever]]'' can be heard, as well as ''Tears, After the Cloudy Weather''.
* {{Delia}} abruptly working behind the counter at a restaurant may be a reference to ''[[Pocket Monsters: The Animation]]'', where she acted as the proprieter of Pallet House restaurant.


===Errors===
===Errors===
[[File:EP078 error.png|230px|thumb|right|Professor Oak's discolored eyebrows]]
* The blurb misspells Poké Balls as ''Pokéballs''.
* When it turns dark in the lift, Professor Oak's eyebrows turn gray. The same error happens again when they're outside the elevator.
* When it turns dark in the elevator, Delia's shirt is colored blue instead of yellow.
* Though the power goes out while the characters are in the elevator, when they emerge into the lobby, all the lights are on. Although, everyone in the elevator assumes that the power went out, when it could have just been the elevator that had broken down.
* When {{an|Professor Oak}} says that Ritchie has a good idea, his eyebrows turn gray.
* Though the power goes out while the characters are in the elevator, when they emerge into the lobby, all the lights are on. However, everyone in the elevator assumes that the power went out, when it could have just been the elevator that had broken down. Either way, elevators are never set on the same power groups in buildings as the main rooms.
* When Ash and Ritchie put their Poké Balls in the bag, Ritchie's hand passes through it.
* When James commands Weezing to use Smog for the first time, his glove is missing.
* When James commands Weezing to use Smog for the first time, his glove is missing.
* Through most of the Team Rocket motto and a little bit after, Jessie's eyes are different colors. This is most noticeable when she says "blast off at the speed of light."
* When Ash is chasing Team Rocket, he turns around after Ritchie calls after him and Ash's eyes are a lighter color than normal.
* When Ash is chasing Team Rocket, he turns around after Ritchie calls after him and Ash's eyes are a lighter color than normal.
* After Arbok is shown dizzy, Ritchie's eyes are blue.
* When Team Rocket blasts off, {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}} disappears.
* Ash initially cannot find his Poké Balls, save for {{AP|Bulbasaur}}. However, after {{AP|Pikachu}} and [[Sparky]] defeat Team Rocket, he immediately calls on {{AP|Pidgeotto}}.
* Ash initially cannot find his Poké Balls, save for {{AP|Bulbasaur}}. However, after {{AP|Pikachu}} and [[Sparky]] defeat Team Rocket, he immediately calls on {{AP|Pidgeotto}}.
* Although Jessie and James appear to have all the Poké Balls when Jessie tries to take Pikachu a Trainer can be seen with a full belt of Poké Balls.
* When Ash and Ritchie fly out of the van, they are layered behind it.
 
<gallery>
EP078 error.png|Coloring errors
EP078 error 2.png|James's missing glove
</gallery>


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* [[Pikachu's Jukebox]]: [[My Best Friends]]
* Misty mentions the chef asking for Delia's croquette recipe in the dub, while in the original, Misty marvels at the difference between Delia's food from normal restaurant food.
* In the dub, Ash recognizes the Rocket trio in their disguises by James calling Jessie by name. In the original, he doesn't call her by name and instead he's suspicious because he said "we got what we came for". Also, Ritchie recognizes Team Rocket in the dub but not the original.
* At the campfire, Ash expresses worry he won't ever see his Pokémon again in the dub but more specifically worries that they are starving in the original.
* Team Rocket performs a Pokémon-themed parody of the folk song [[wikipedia:99 Bottles of Beer|99 Bottles of Beer]] in the dub on two separate occasions. In the original, they sing a different song with indistinct lyrics.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=AAFFAA|bordercolor=FFAAAA
{{Epilang|color={{colorschemelight|Kanto}}|bordercolor={{colorschemedark|Kanto}}
|ar={{tt|الصديق عند الضيق|A friend in need}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|勁敵登場|Rival Enters}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|勁敵登場|Rival Enters}}
|cs={{tt|Opravdový přítel|A true friend}}
|cs={{tt|Opravdový přítel|A true friend}}
|da={{tt|En Vaskeægte Ven|A Genuine Friend}}
|nl={{tt|Een Echte Vriend|A True Friend}}
|nl={{tt|Een Echte Vriend|A True Friend}}
|fi={{tt|Ystävä hädässä|A friend in need}}
|fi={{tt|Ystävä hädässä|A friend in need}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Un nouvel ami|A new friend}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Un nouvel ami|A new friend}}
|de={{tt|Echte Freundschaft!|Real friendship!}}
|de={{tt|Echte Freundschaft!|Real friendship!}}
|he=חבר בצרה {{tt|chaver betsara|Friend in trouble}}
|he=חבר בצרה {{tt|''Khaver betzara''|A friend in trouble}}
|hi=एक सच्चा दोस्त {{tt|''Ek saccha dost''|A True Friend}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|hu={{tt|Az igaz barát|The True Friend}}
|hu={{tt|Az igaz barát|The True Friend}}
|it={{tt|Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro|Who finds a friend, finds a treasure}}
|it={{tt|Chi trova un amico trova un tesoro|Who finds a friend finds a treasure}}
|ko=새로운 라이벌 등장
|no={{tt|En venn i nøden|A friend in need}}
|pl={{tt|Przyjaciel na śmierć i życie|A friend for death and life}}
|pt_br={{tt|Amigo de Verdade|True Friend}}
|pt_br={{tt|Amigo de Verdade|True Friend}}
|pt_eu={{tt|O Amigo Verdadeiro|The True Friend}}
|pt_eu={{tt|O Amigo Verdadeiro|The True Friend}}
|ro={{tt|Un Prieten Adevărat|A True Friend}}
|ru={{tt|Настоящий друг|True friend}}
|ru={{tt|Настоящий друг|True friend}}
|sr={{tt|Прави пријатељ|True Friend}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Amigos y héroes!|Friends and heroes!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Amigos y héroes!|Friends and heroes!}}
|es_eu={{tt|Un amigo de verdad| A true friend}}
|es_eu={{tt|Un amigo de verdad| A true friend}}
|sv={{tt|En vän i nöden|A friend in need}}
|sv={{tt|En vän i nöden|A friend in need}}
|pl={{tt|Przyjaciel na śmierć i życie|A friend for death and life}}
|ro={{tt|Un Prieten Adevărat|A True Friend}}
}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
Line 144: Line 165:
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:0078}}
[[Category:Original series episodes|078]]
[[Category:Original series episodes|078]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shōji Yonemura|078]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shōji Yonemura]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Osamu Inoue|078]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Osamu Inoue]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Shin'ichirō Kajiura|078]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Osamu Inoue]]
[[Category:Pokémon League episodes|078]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Osamu Inoue]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash|078]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Shin'ichirō Kajiura]]
[[Category:Pokémon League episodes]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]


[[de:Echte Freundschaft (Episode)]]
[[de:Echte Freundschaft]]
[[fr:Épisode 78]]
[[es:EP080]]
[[fr:EP078]]
[[it:EP078]]
[[ja:無印編第78話]]
[[ja:無印編第78話]]
[[pl:EP078]]
[[zh:宝可梦 第79集]]
[[pt:EP078]]

Latest revision as of 04:44, 3 September 2024

← EP077 : The Fourth Round Rumble
Original series
EP079 : Friend and Foe Alike →
A Friend In Deed
EP078.png
  EP078  
ライバルとうじょう！
A Rival Enters!
First broadcast
Japan January 7, 1999
United States November 20, 1999
English themes
Opening Pokémon Theme
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening めざせポケモンマスター
Ending タイプ・ワイルド
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 米村正二 Shōji Yonemura
Storyboard 井上修 Osamu Inoue
Assistant director 井上修 Osamu Inoue
Animation director 梶浦紳一郎 Shin'ichirō Kajiura
Additional credits

A Friend In Deed (Japanese: ライバルとうじょう！ A Rival Enters!) is the 78th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It was first broadcast in Japan on January 7, 1999, and in the United States on November 20, 1999.

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

Blurb

Ash's Mom and Professor Oak make a surprise visit to watch Ash battle in the Pokémon League Tournament. Professor Oak informs Ash that if he wins his next battle he'll be able to use six Pokémon in battle instead of three. He also tells Ash to remember that if he does his best but loses his matches, he's still a winner! On their way back from dinner, Ash meets another trainer who's also competing in the tournament and also has a Pikachu. Ash and Richie become fast friends especially when they have to fight the unrelenting Team Rocket that steals all of their Pokéballs, along with both of their Pikachu.

Plot

Ash and his friends are planning to have a big meal to celebrate Ash's last victory, and they meet Delia and Professor Oak outside their cabin. Delia says that she's going to cook them Ash's favorite meal and takes them all to a restaurant, where she goes to the kitchen and makes the meal herself instead of the restaurant cooks, who merely look at her in confusion. As everyone settles down to eat, Professor Oak tells Ash that the battles after the fifth round are going to be Full Battles and asks if he's already decided which Pokémon to use. Ash says that he'll wait to see who he's going to be battling first. After finishing their meal, they all head into the elevator, whereupon a boy named Ritchie asks them to hold it open. Professor Oak manages to keep the doors open long enough for him to enter. Ritchie sees Pikachu and pets him on the head. Ash warns him that Pikachu might shock him, but to his surprise, Pikachu is enjoying the experience. Suddenly, the power goes out and the elevator stops. Ritchie tells them that he can get it running again and asks Ash if he can use Pikachu for his Thunder Shock attack. Ash agrees, and Ritchie opens the elevator's control box and has Pikachu use Thunder Shock on it. The lights in the elevator turn back on and the elevator begins to run again.

Later on, Team Rocket decides to arrange a fake physical examination in order to steal some Pokémon. They cruise through the streets, using their vans loudspeaker to get everyone's attention. They claim that if Trainers do not comply with the examination, they will be disqualified from the Indigo League. Unfortunately, when Jessie attempts to stuff Pikachu into a sack, getting shocked in the process, James says Jessie's name, causing Ash and Ritchie to realize who they are. Team Rocket performs their motto, and use Weezing's Smog to escape with the looted Poké Balls and Pikachu. Ash and Ritchie chase after them, cutting through the mountains to reach the escaping van. Eventually, James is forced to swerve off the road, and Team Rocket drives into a river. Ash and Ritchie chase after them as the van floats down stream.

When nighttime falls, Ritchie suggests they camp out and Ash concedes. Over a shared meal and moment of stargazing, the pair discover they are equally passionate about Pokémon and competitive. The next morning, Ash and Ritchie follow a set of tracks and discover the van along with a sleeping Team Rocket. They creep through the camp and into the van, where they find Pikachu and the stolen Poké Balls. However, Team Rocket wakes up, finds them, traps them in the van, and drives off. However, Ash and Ritchie decide to use the hundreds of Poké Balls in the van at their disposal. Ritchie immediately identifies his Pokémon due to star-shaped stickers, but Ash sends out a Drowzee, a Slowbro, and even a Magikarp before Pikachu sniffs out Bulbasaur's Poké Ball. Bulbasaur uses Tackle and Razor Leaf on the van wall, but to no avail.

Ritchie sends out his Charmander, Zippo, and orders it to slash open the van wall. The tactic is successful, and the wall breaks to reveal Team Rocket. Jessie sends out Arbok, but before Pikachu could use Thunderbolt on it, James swerves the van, causing Pikachu to lose balance and leaving it vulnerable to Arbok. Ritchie then sends out his own Pikachu, nicknamed Sparky. Jessie orders an attack, while Sparky and Pikachu both counter with Agility. Arbok is overwhelmed, and both Pikachu Thunderbolt the van. The front portion explodes, blasting Team Rocket off, but the back of the van is still driving towards a cliff. Pidgeotto and Ritchie's Butterfree, nicknamed Happy, use Whirlwind as parachutes, catching their respective Trainers, the Poké Balls, and Pikachu. They land safely as a group of SUVs, which turns out to be the Trainers, plus Brock and Misty, pull up to claim their Pokémon.

Ash and his friends return to the Indigo Plateau's registration center. The attendant instructs Ash to fish for a Magikarp to find out his next opponent, and he finds it is Ritchie.

Major events

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

Debuts

Humans

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Dare da?

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Diglett (US and international), Weezing (Japan)

Trivia

  • Professor Oak's Pokémon Lecture:
    • Pokémon senryū summary: Various limited edition goods, souvenir salesman.
  • This episode, as well as the next two episodes, each have the word "friend" in the title, referencing Ash's ongoing friendship with Ritchie.
  • Ritchie mentions being able to identify his Poké Balls from the rest of the stolen ones because he placed star stickers on them. This can be considered an early precursor of the Seal concept before its introduction in Generation IV.
  • Ritchie's Charmander is called Zippo, which may be a reference to the American refillable cigarette lighter brand, Zippo.
  • An instrumental of Together Forever can be heard, as well as Tears, After the Cloudy Weather.
  • Delia abruptly working behind the counter at a restaurant may be a reference to Pocket Monsters: The Animation, where she acted as the proprieter of Pallet House restaurant.

Errors

  • The blurb misspells Poké Balls as Pokéballs.
  • When it turns dark in the elevator, Delia's shirt is colored blue instead of yellow.
  • When Professor Oak says that Ritchie has a good idea, his eyebrows turn gray.
  • Though the power goes out while the characters are in the elevator, when they emerge into the lobby, all the lights are on. However, everyone in the elevator assumes that the power went out, when it could have just been the elevator that had broken down. Either way, elevators are never set on the same power groups in buildings as the main rooms.
  • When Ash and Ritchie put their Poké Balls in the bag, Ritchie's hand passes through it.
  • When James commands Weezing to use Smog for the first time, his glove is missing.
  • When Ash is chasing Team Rocket, he turns around after Ritchie calls after him and Ash's eyes are a lighter color than normal.
  • When Team Rocket blasts off, Arbok disappears.
  • Ash initially cannot find his Poké Balls, save for Bulbasaur. However, after Pikachu and Sparky defeat Team Rocket, he immediately calls on Pidgeotto.
  • When Ash and Ritchie fly out of the van, they are layered behind it.
  • Coloring errors

    Coloring errors

  • James's missing glove

    James's missing glove

Dub edits

  • Pikachu's Jukebox: My Best Friends
  • Misty mentions the chef asking for Delia's croquette recipe in the dub, while in the original, Misty marvels at the difference between Delia's food from normal restaurant food.
  • In the dub, Ash recognizes the Rocket trio in their disguises by James calling Jessie by name. In the original, he doesn't call her by name and instead he's suspicious because he said "we got what we came for". Also, Ritchie recognizes Team Rocket in the dub but not the original.
  • At the campfire, Ash expresses worry he won't ever see his Pokémon again in the dub but more specifically worries that they are starving in the original.
  • Team Rocket performs a Pokémon-themed parody of the folk song 99 Bottles of Beer in the dub on two separate occasions. In the original, they sing a different song with indistinct lyrics.

In other languages



← EP077 : The Fourth Round Rumble
Original series
EP079 : Friend and Foe Alike →
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