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title_ja=でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム |
title_ja=でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム |
title_ja_trans=Electric Shock Showdown! Kuchiba Gym |
title_ja_trans=Electric Shock Showdown! Kuchiba Gym |
screen=yes |
screen=hd |
broadcast_jp=July 1, 1997 |
broadcast_jp=July 1, 1997 |
broadcast_us=September 25, 1998 |
broadcast_us=September 25, 1998 |
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epstaffpage=EP011-EP020 |
epstaffpage=EP011-EP020 |
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|pm|014}}
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|pm|014}}
* [https://youtu.be/WolsIJI3sqc でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム] on the official Japanese Pokémon [[YouTube]] channel
}}
}}
'''Electric Shock Showdown''' (Japanese: '''でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム''' ''Electric Shock Showdown! {{tt|Kuchiba|Vermilion}} Gym'') is the 14th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on July 1, 1997 and in the United States on September 25, 1998.  
'''Electric Shock Showdown''' (Japanese: '''でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム''' ''Electric Shock Showdown! {{tt|Kuchiba|Vermilion}} Gym'') is the 14th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on July 1, 1997, and in the United States on September 25, 1998.


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Synopsis==
==Blurb==
After two weeks of traveling, {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} have finally made it to [[Vermilion City]]. Brock and Misty can't wait to get cleaned up, but Ash is more concerned about finding the [[Vermilion Gym]]. However, Brock stops Ash, and points out that {{AP|Pikachu}} is in no condition to battle. Pikachu and Ash are also very hungry, so first things first.
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/1/episode-14-electric-shock-showdown/-->
<i>Our heroes finally reach Vermillion City<!--sic-->, and they discover that the Pokémon Center is filled with Pokémon hurt during battles with Lt. Surge, the Vermillion City Gym Leader.


At the [[Pokémon Center]], [[Nurse Joy]] says she'll take good care of Pikachu. Noticing Ash and his friends staring, she guesses that they're surprised because all the Nurse Joys look the same. She explains that her first cousin works at [[Pewter City]], and her second cousin at [[Viridian City]]. She claims she believes she's the cutest one, though, and Brock agrees.
Ash and Pikachu head to the Vermillion City Gym, where Lt. Surge is proud of his Raichu. (Lt. Surge's attitude is to evolve Pokémon as soon as possible.) The two Electric-type Pokémon battle, and Raichu, being the evolved form of Pikachu, delivers stronger attacks that send Pikachu to the hospital. Even Team Rocket, spying the scene from outside, is disappointed.


Suddenly, the doors open and a {{TP|Nurse Joy|Chansey}} and a {{pkmn|Trainer}} run in. On a roller table pushed by the Chansey is a badly beaten-up {{p|Rattata}}. Brock wonders what happened, and Nurse Joy mentions that this is the fifteenth one that month.
Nurse Joy offers Ash a Thunderstone, which is required for a Pikachu to evolve. As a Raichu, Pikachu would have a better chance of defeating Lt. Surge's Raichu, but if it evolves, it can never go back to being a Pikachu.


Ash and his friends are taken to a room where there are many badly injured Pokémon, including a {{p|Caterpie}}, an {{p|Oddish}}, a {{p|Sandshrew}}, and the previously seen Rattata. Nurse Joy explains that they have all lost to [[Lt. Surge]], the Vermilion City Gym Leader. Ash is starting to get worried that this Lt. Surge must be a great Trainer, and Misty taunts him for getting scared.
What will Pikachu decide? Are there disadvantages to evolving Pokémon as soon as possible? And why is Team Rocket rooting for Pikachu?</i>


Misty reminds him that he only got his first two Badges out of pity, but Ash retorts that a Badge is a Badge. Misty gives him a nose-flick, and says that if he's so strong, why doesn't he prove it at the Vermilion Gym? Misty also reminds Ash that she and Brock gave him Badges, so how would they look if Ash got crushed by Lt. Surge? At this point Ash is about ready to hit her, but Nurse Joy stops him, reminding him that they're in a hospital. She then jokingly suggests that if two people fight, they must really care about each other. Ash and Misty angrily and hastily deny this.
==Plot==
After two weeks of traveling, {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} have finally made it to [[Vermilion City]]. {{an|Brock}} and {{an|Misty}} are eager to get cleaned up, but Ash is more concerned about finding the [[Vermilion Gym]]. However, Brock stops Ash and points out that {{AP|Pikachu}} is in no condition to have a {{pkmn|battle}}. Pikachu and Ash are also very hungry. However, at the [[Pokémon Center]], the group witness [[Nurse Joy's Chansey]] and a {{pkmn|Trainer}} run in. On a stretcher pushed by the Chansey is a badly beaten-up {{p|Rattata}}. Brock wonders what happened, and Nurse Joy sadly comments on all of the injured {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that have been coming in. Ash and his friends are taken to a room where there are many badly injured Pokémon. Nurse Joy explains that they have all lost to [[Lt. Surge]], the Vermilion City Gym Leader. At this, Ash begins to worry over his upcoming Gym battle against Surge.


Just then, the Pokémon Center jingle is heard, which means Ash's Pokémon are fully recovered. Pikachu is happily eating an apple, and Ash tells it that it's time to go take on the Gym. Suddenly, another Trainer with an injured {{p|Pidgey}} comes in. Misty speculates they must have come from the Gym, too.
Misty unhelpfully reminds Ash that he only received his first two Badges out of pity, but Ash retorts that a Badge is a Badge. After a heated exchange with Misty on the subject, a bell chimes to signal that Ash's Pokémon are fully recovered. However, upon seeing the injured Pokémon, Pikachu becomes frightened to take on Lt. Surge and flatly refuses to battle. Ash drags Pikachu with him to the [[Vermilion Gym]] anyway, and enters the Gym declaring his intention to win a {{badge|Thunder}}. Lt. Surge's two subordinates in the Gym mock Pikachu, and the man himself is even crueler, christening Ash "baby" and Pikachu a "baby Pokémon". Surge calls on his {{TP|Lt. Surge|Raichu}}, a Pokémon that has a personality very like its Trainer's. Despite Surge's assertion that Ash should have evolved Pikachu already, Ash protests, claiming that there is more to a Pokémon battle than evolution.


Hearing this frightens Pikachu, who refuses to go to the Gym. Ash grows angry at it for being a coward, but Pikachu retorts, asking if Ash really cares that it could end up like that Pidgey. Ash admits that Pikachu had a point, but tells Pikachu not to worry, because they are going to win. Pikachu still refuses to go, even going far enough to {{m|ThunderShock}} Ash. Misty mentions that with the way they fight, they must really care about each other, too.
Listening to Surge's taunts, Pikachu decides that he is ready to fight Raichu. Lt. Surge accepts Ash's challenge and the battle promptly begins. Both Pokémon begin with a {{m|Thunder Shock}} attack, but Raichu's is significantly stronger and does far more damage to Pikachu than Pikachu deals to Raichu. Brock realizes that Pikachu simply cannot stand up to Raichu's more powerful attacks and recommends that Ash withdraw Pikachu. However, when Ash tells Pikachu to return, he refuses and charges again at Raichu. The resulting trade-off between Pikachu and his adversary leaves Pikachu severely damaged by a {{m|Mega Punch}} and {{m|Mega Kick}} from Raichu. Outside, {{TRT}} is looking in, seeing Pikachu getting knocked around. They begin to worry that if Pikachu is getting beaten up like this, then maybe he is not worth stealing after all, and all their efforts have been in vain. {{MTR}} suggests that they could steal Raichu instead, but [[Jessie]] and [[James]] decide that they should root for Pikachu. However, Lt. Surge and Raichu have already won, with Raichu unleashing a powerful {{m|Thunderbolt}} that defeats Pikachu easily.


Soon enough, though, they are outside the Gym. Misty tells Ash it's not too late to back out, but Ash is still set on going in there and winning. They end up getting into another argument, but Brock cuts this one off by asking if they're ever going to go inside.
Later, at the Pokémon Center, Pikachu awakens, and Ash is relieved that he is all right. Pikachu, however, is upset to have been beaten so badly by Raichu. Nurse Joy enters the room, revealing that she has come across a [[Thunder Stone]]. With it, Ash could evolve his Pikachu into a Raichu as well. Brock warns him to think hard about this, because once he evolves Pikachu, there is no way to [[devolution|change him back]]. At this, Ash is extremely torn. He knows that if he evolves Pikachu into Raichu, he might be able to defeat Lt. Surge. However, he also realizes that if he were to evolve Pikachu just to battle, he would be no better than Lt. Surge. Finally, he decides to let Pikachu choose. Outside, Team Rocket watch intently to see what choice Pikachu will make. Pikachu stands up and whacks away the Thunder Stone with his tail and goes into a tirade, which moves even Meowth to tears. Meowth explains that Pikachu doesn't want to change; he wants to battle Lt. Surge again, but as a {{p|Pikachu}}; he wants to win in the name of all Pikachu everywhere. Ash agrees with Pikachu's decision and promises that they will win together. Brock suggests a strategy change, but Ash is convinced that they can find a way. Pikachu says he will fight to defend both his honor and Ash's. While waiting for Pikachu to fully recover, Brock believes that there might be a solution to defeat Lt. Surge and his Raichu after all when learning that Lt. Surge had evolved his Raichu the moment he caught it.


They enter the Gym, Ash declaring his intent to battle for the [[Badge#Thunder Badge|Thunder Badge]]. The two subordinates in the room call that there's another victim for the Emergency Room. The rather large Lt. Surge then steps into view. Brock and Misty are amazed by his size.
Later, Ash and the fully recovered Pikachu head back towards the Vermilion Gym. After receiving bizarre cheers from Team Rocket, they arrive at the Gym, ready for their rematch. Once again, it is to be Lt. Surge's Raichu against Ash's Pikachu. The battle begins, and Ash tells Pikachu to stick to their planned strategy. Lt. Surge uses the same strategy as last time, but Ash orders Pikachu to dodge Raichu's heavy attacks, causing Raichu to give itself recoil damage from moves like {{m|Body Slam}}. Ash orders Pikachu to use {{m|Agility}}, and Pikachu accelerates to full speed. Repeated Body Slam attempts from Raichu all miss completely, as Pikachu is simply too fast. Brock reveals the strategy: because Lt. Surge evolved his Pikachu into a Raichu too fast, it never had a chance to learn the speed attacks it can only learn as a Pikachu. Lt. Surge, growing aggravated, orders Raichu to fill the entire Gym with a vicious {{m|Thunderbolt}} attack. Raichu rips up the arena floor and even blows out all the windows around the arena. At first, Lt. Surge is convinced he has won, but the smoke clears, revealing the unharmed Pikachu standing on his tail.


Lt. Surge expresses pleasure in his next challenger being a cutie, and hugs Misty. Misty clarifies that she's not the challenger, and Ash reveals that he is. Lt. Surge laughs, calling him a baby; Ash takes offense to this. Lt. Surge then sees his Pikachu, and quips, "The little baby brought a little [[baby Pokémon]]."  Now Pikachu is angry as well. Ash asks why he's making fun of Pikachu, and Lt. Surge answered the question by showing off his {{TP|Lt. Surge|Raichu}}.
Brock explains that Pikachu used his tail as a ground to insulate himself from the electric shocks. Lt. Surge orders another Thunderbolt, but Raichu is unable to muster up the electricity for it. Ash orders a {{m|Quick Attack}}, to which Lt. Surge responds by ordering a {{m|Take Down}}. The quicker Pikachu manages to strike first, slamming into Raichu's stomach before slamming into Raichu again while surrounding himself with electricity, knocking out his opponent and winning the match. Conceding defeat, Lt. Surge awards Ash with the Thunder Badge. He no longer refers to Ash as "baby", and Raichu even shows kindness and respect for Pikachu as well. As Ash and Pikachu share an electrifying hug, Team Rocket walk off, with James realizing that [[breaking the fourth wall|they had spent the entire episode helping Ash and his friends]].
 
After Ash uses his [[Pokédex]] to scope out Raichu, Lt. Surge mentions that it's not too late to back out, his Raichu mirroring his poses. Ash refuses to back down, as does Pikachu. Lt. Surge laughs again, claiming that an {{type|Electric}} Pokémon is only useful if it is [[evolution|evolved]] quickly and taught all the Electric attacks. Ash counters, saying there's more to Pokémon than forcing evolution, and that he likes Pikachu the way it is.
 
Pikachu itself has had all it can take, and begins sparking, ready for battle. Brock is surprised by how ready Pikachu is to battle. Ash says he's counting on Pikachu for this. Lt. Surge accepts the challenge, saying he's going to show that fighting with the big boys can be a shocking experience.
 
Not long after, they are set up on the arena floor. Raichu and Pikachu charge each other, Pikachu using a ThunderShock. Raichu however, is unfazed, and counters with a ThunderShock of its own, knocking Pikachu for a loop. Brock tells Ash to recall Pikachu, saying that it can't match up to Raichu's electrical attacks. Ash orders Pikachu to return, but Pikachu gets up and refuses, charging in once more.
 
Lt. Surge gives Pikachu credit for guts, and orders Raichu to use {{m|Mega Punch}}, immediately followed by {{m|Mega Kick}}, hitting Pikachu hard.
 
Outside, [[Team Rocket trio|Team Rocket]] is looking in, seeing Pikachu getting knocked around. They begin to worry that if Pikachu is getting beat up like this, then maybe it isn't worth stealing after all, and all their efforts have been in vain. {{MTR}} suggests that they could steal Raichu instead, but [[Jessie]] and [[James]] give him a whack to the head and start rooting for Pikachu.
 
However, Lt. Surge orders the big finale, and Raichu complies instantly, unleashing a powerful {{m|ThunderShock}} that gives Pikachu the shock of its life.
 
Later, at the Pokémon Center, Pikachu awakens, and Ash is glad to see that it is okay. Pikachu, however, is upset to have been beaten so badly by Raichu. Ash is convinced they can win if Pikachu tries harder, but Misty opines that Pikachu was already trying as hard as it could the last time.
 
Nurse Joy interrupts, saying there might be a way Pikachu can win. She walks in, revealing that she has come across a {{evostone|Thunderstone}}. With it, Ash could evolve his Pikachu into a Raichu as well. Brock warns him to think hard about this, because once he evolves Pikachu, there's no way to change it back.
 
Ash is torn. He knows that if he evolves Pikachu into Raichu, he might be able to defeat Lt. Surge. But he also realizes that if he were to evolve Pikachu just to battle, he would be no better than Lt. Surge. Finally, he decides to let Pikachu choose. Outside, Team Rocket watch intently to see what choice Pikachu will make.
 
Pikachu stands up and whacks away the Thunderstone with its tail. Pikachu then goes into a tirade, which moves even Meowth to tears. Meowth explains that Pikachu doesn't want to change; it wants to battle Lt. Surge again, but as a Pikachu; it wants to win in the name of all Pikachu everywhere. This moves James to tears, who says that it is beautiful.
 
Ash promises that, together, they will win. Brock suggests a strategy change, but Ash is convinced they can find a way. Pikachu says it will fight to defend both its honor and Ash's, which moves James to tears again. Pikachu is ready to go, but ends up flopping back into the bed. Nurse Joy suggested they let it rest a little while longer.
 
Out in the lobby, Misty is worried. Ash inquires when she started caring about him, but Misty immediately argues she's not worried about Ash, but Pikachu. Brock suddenly pipes up, saying that if Lt. Surge evolved his Pikachu into a Raichu as soon as he got it, then there might be a way for Ash to win.
 
Later, Ash and the fully recovered Pikachu step out of the Pokémon Center. Ash boldly claims that their lucky star is shining today. Pikachu looks at the sky in confusion, and so does Misty. Ash says he didn't mean it that way, and they head off for the Gym again.
 
However, they are soon blocked by the disguised Team Rocket. Jessie and James start to say their {{motto}}, but are quickly cut off by Meowth. They proceed into a very strange cheer for Pikachu and Ash, then run off. Brock finds this disturbing, but Misty cheerily waves Team Rocket off. They are surprised that she recognized them, but they keep running. Ash chuckles at the humorous scene, but soon gets back to business.
 
Momentarily, they arrive at the Gym for the rematch. Once again, it is to be Lt. Surge's Raichu against Ash's Pikachu. The battle begins, and Ash tells Pikachu to stick to the strategy. Lt. Surge just laughs, "They've come up with a new way to lose!", and sends Raichu out. Raichu starts things off with a move similar to {{m|Tail Whip}}.
 
Lt. Surge then orders a {{m|Body Slam}}, which Raichu does, dropping all its weight on Pikachu. Lt. Surge orders a finish with another Body Slam, but this time, Pikachu jumps out of the way, and Raichu hits the arena floor hard, damaging itself.
 
Ash orders Pikachu to use {{m|Agility}}, and Pikachu accelerates to full speed. Repeated Body Slam attempts from Raichu all miss completely; Pikachu is just too fast. Brock then reveals the strategy: because Lt. Surge evolved his Pikachu into a Raichu too fast, it never had a chance to learn the speed attacks it can only learn in Pikachu form.
 
Lt. Surge, growing aggravated, orders Raichu to unleash a {{m|Thunderbolt}} attack. Raichu rips up the arena floor and even blows out all the windows around the arena. Team Rocket, who are watching outside, are forced to duck so they don't get shocked. Lt. Surge declares the end of the match... but the smoke clears, revealing the unharmed Pikachu standing on its tail.
 
Brock explains that Pikachu used its tail as a ground to dodge the electric shocks. Lt. Surge orders another Thunderbolt, but Raichu can't muster up the electricity for it. Brock says that Raichu has run out of electricity.
 
Ash orders a {{m|Quick Attack}}, to which Lt. Surge responded by ordering a {{m|Take Down}}. The quicker Pikachu manages to strike first, slamming into the Raichu's stomach. It then adds to the punishment with what can be best described as an electric version of a {{m|Slam}} attack, sparking up its tail and hammering the Raichu with it. Raichu is down and out, and Pikachu wins the match.
 
Lt. Surge congratulates Ash and Pikachu on a job well done, and awards Ash the Thunder Badge. Ash gets a round of applause from everyone, and even the Raichu applauds Pikachu, which embarrasses it. Ash hugs Pikachu, saying this was its victory, and the happy Pikachu electrifies Ash, who claims now he can see lots of lucky stars.
 
The episode ends with Team Rocket walking off towards the sunset. James claims that that Pikachu really was special, which, Jessie adds, is why it's worth stealing. Meowth suggests that maybe once they capture the Pikachu, they can start earning their own Badges. Suddenly, it occurs to James that they wasted the whole episode cheering for the good guys; he points this out, [[breaking the fourth wall]].


==Major events==
==Major events==
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} arrive at [[Vermillion City]] and meet the local [[Gym Leader]], [[Lt. Surge]].
<!-- 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. -->
* Lt. Surge defeats Ash on his first try.
[[File:Ash Thunder Badge.png|thumb|220px|Ash holding the Thunder Badge]]
* Ash receives a {{evostone|Thunderstone}} from [[Nurse Joy]].
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} arrive at [[Vermilion City]] and meet the local [[Gym Leader]], [[Lt. Surge]].
* Ash's Pikachu refuses to evolve into {{p|Raichu}}.
* Ash has a [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}} with Lt. Surge, but is defeated.
* Ash's Pikachu learns {{m|Quick Attack}} and {{m|Agility}}.
* Ash receives a [[Thunder Stone]] from [[Nurse Joy]].
* Ash earns a {{badge|Thunder}} by defeating Lt. Surge on his second try.
* [[Ash's Pikachu]] refuses to evolve into {{p|Raichu}}.
* Ash's Pikachu learns {{m|Agility}} and {{m|Quick Attack}}.
* Ash challenges Lt. Surge to a [[rematch]] and wins, earning a {{badge|Thunder}}.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}


Line 123: Line 84:
* [[Nurse Joy]]
* [[Nurse Joy]]
* [[Lt. Surge]]
* [[Lt. Surge]]
* Trainers
* Vermilion Gym Trainers


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
Line 132: Line 95:
* {{p|Chansey}} ({{OP|Nurse Joy|Chansey}})
* {{p|Chansey}} ({{OP|Nurse Joy|Chansey}})
* {{p|Raichu}} ({{OP|Lt. Surge|Raichu}}; debut)
* {{p|Raichu}} ({{OP|Lt. Surge|Raichu}}; debut)
* {{p|Caterpie}} (unnamed {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Caterpie}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Pidgey}} (unnamed {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Pidgey}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Rattata}} (unnamed {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Rattata}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Sandshrew}} (unnamed {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Sandshrew}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Oddish}} (unnamed {{pkmn|Trainer}}'s)
* {{p|Oddish}} (Trainer's)
{{right clear}}
{{-}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* Pikachu's disliking of {{p|Raichu}} is revealed. However, it never appears to have this sort of animosity towards Raichu again until ''[[DP074|Pika and Goliath!]]''.
* This was chosen by Nicole Fujita as the ninth episode of ''[[Pocket Monsters Premier 10]]''.
* In the original Japanese version, Lt. Surge uses English curse words such as "Goddamn".
* {{AP|Pikachu}}'s dislike of {{p|Raichu}} is revealed. However, he only rarely appears to have this sort of animosity towards Raichu in the future, including in ''[[DP074|Pika and Goliath!]]'' and ''[[SM013|Racing to a Big Event!]]''.
* When Pikachu first battles Raichu, Meowth is seen polishing an extra coin. However, Meowth is later seen to not be able to use {{m|Pay Day}}.
* When Pikachu first battles [[Lt. Surge's Raichu]], {{MTR}} is seen polishing an extra coin. However, Meowth is [[EP096|later]] revealed to be unable to use {{m|Pay Day}}.
* Ash keeps the Thunderstone he recieves in this episode until ''[[DP074|Pika and Goliath!]]'', where it is stolen by {{TRT}}.
* {{Ash}} keeps the [[Thunder Stone]] he receives in this episode until ''[[DP074|Pika and Goliath!]]'', 523 episodes later, where it is stolen by {{TRT}}.
* Misty asks "How can you see a star in the middle of the day?" The Sun, in fact, is a star, and its appearance in the sky traditionally defines the period as daytime.
* This is the first time in the {{pkmn|anime}} where Team Rocket [[List of Team Rocket's disguises|disguises themselves]].
* This is one of the few times that at least one of the main characters were able to recognize Team Rocket in disguise completely. Misty even thanked Team Rocket for their support, much to Team Rocket's shock. Ironically, this is the first time they disguised themselves.
** Team Rocket's disguise is a reference to the gag manga series ''Ay! Flower Cheering Team'' (''Ā! Hana no Ōendan''). [[Jessie]] even does the main character's pose when she sticks her tongue out.
* This is the first episode where Ash wins a Gym Badge for actually defeating the Gym Leader.
* This is the first episode where Ash wins a [[Gym]] [[Badge]] for actually defeating the [[Gym Leader]] in {{pkmn|battle}}.
* This is one of the few episodes where [[Team Rocket trio|Team Rocket]] do not attempt to steal Pikachu, or anything else for that matter. Instead they decide to support Pikachu in its aim to beat {{TP|Lt. Surge|Raichu}}. In fact, this is the first time it happens.
* This episode marks the first time that Team Rocket refers to Ash by name (in this case, Meowth), when they show their support for "the brave Pikachu and Ash." This is also the first time they express support for a main character.
* James breaks the fourth wall in this episode at the end by saying "Drat, we wasted this episode cheering the good guys!" This also marks the first time when Team Rocket has broken the fourth wall.
* [[James]] [[Breaking the fourth wall|breaks the fourth wall]] in this episode at the end by saying, "Drat, we wasted this episode cheering the good guys!" This also marks the first time when Team Rocket has broken the fourth wall.
* The book ''[[I Choose You!]]'' is partially based on this episode.
* Team Rocket does not blast off in this episode.
* This episode was partially adapted into the book {{book|I Choose You!}}.
* Pikachu and Raichu's respective [[List of Japanese voice actors|voice actors]] could be a [[List of references to popular culture in Pokémon|reference]] to the series ''{{wp|Bakusō Kyōdai Let's & Go!!}}'', where two brothers share these same voice actors.


===Errors===
===Errors===
[[File:EP014 error.png|thumb||175px|Misty's discolored suspenders]]
* Pokémon.com's blurb for this episode misspells [[Vermilion City]] as Vermi'''l'''lion City.
* In one of the Pokémon Center shots, Misty's suspenders are shown as light blue instead of red.
* When Ash realizes that he is hungry, his [[bag]] is missing. This also happens with {{an|Misty}} when [[Nurse Joy]] says she looks like the other Nurse Joys.
* When Nurse Joy is explaining that all Nurse Joys look alike, she says the one in [[Pewter City]] is her first cousin, and the one in [[Viridian City]] is her second cousin. In ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'', the Nurse Joy in Viridian City called the one in Pewter City her sister. If they were sisters, they would both share the same relationship with the one in [[Vermilion City]], such as both being first cousins or second cousins.
* In one shot of the [[Pokémon Center]], {{an|Misty}}'s suspenders are light-blue instead of red.
* When Pikachu shocks Ash at the Pokémon Center, Ash's Japanese voice can be heard.
* When [[Nurse Joy]] is explaining that all Nurse Joys look alike, she says the one in [[Pewter City]] is her first cousin, and the one in [[Viridian City]] is her second cousin. However, in ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency!]]'', the Nurse Joy in Viridian City called the one in Pewter City her sister. If they were sisters, they would both share the same relationship with the one in [[Vermilion City]], such as both being first cousins or second cousins.
* During the scene in which [[Nurse Joy]] gives Ash the {{evostone|Thunderstone}}, the symbol on her hat changes from orange to light blue, then back to orange.
* When a [[Pokémon Trainer]] comes in with a {{p|Rattata}}, {{TP|Nurse Joy|Chansey}}'s pouch is the same color as the rest of its body.
* When [[Lt. Surge]] sends out his Raichu for the first time, the screen freezes for a few seconds.
* During the scene in which Nurse Joy gives Ash the Thunder Stone, the symbol on her hat changes from orange to green, then back to orange.
** In the same scene, she speaks without moving her mouth. This also happens with Ash when he thanks Lt. Surge.
* When Ash says that Pikachu might be able to defeat Raichu, part of the bow on Nurse Joy's apron is the same color as her dress.
* When Team Rocket watches Pikachu make his decision to evolve, Jessie's lips move before any sound comes out.
* When Pikachu knocks the Thunder Stone away with his tail, his bandage does not completely cover his cheek, although it did earlier in the scene.
* When Ash asks if Pikachu is ready, his gloves turn completely dark-green.
* In this episode, it is mentioned that Pikachu is faster than Raichu. In fact, Raichu's base Speed is higher than Pikachu's. However, this may be due to the fact that Pikachu used multiple {{m|Agility}} attacks.
* In this episode, it is mentioned that Pikachu is faster than Raichu. In fact, Raichu's base Speed is higher than Pikachu's. However, this may be due to the fact that Pikachu used multiple {{m|Agility}} attacks.
* When Team Rocket begins looking into the [[Vermilion Gym]] window, [[Jessie]] and [[James]] lack gloves.
* After Pikachu first dodges Raichu's Body Slam, Jessie's earrings are colored blue instead of green.
* In the English dub, when Pikachu shocks Ash at the Pokémon Center, Ash's Japanese voice can be heard.
<gallery>
EP014 error.png|Misty's miscolored suspenders
EP014 error 2.png|Chansey's miscolored pouch
EP014 error 3.png|Nurse Joy's miscolored bow
</gallery>


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* [[Rachael Lillis]] provided Pikachu's voice in the scene where it is shocking Ash.
* [[Kanto Pokérap]]: Day 4
* Raichu's Pokédex entry didn't actually state {{p|Dragonite}} in the Japanese version. Originally it mentioned an {{wp|Indian elephant}}.
** For its rerun the week of August 8, 1999, it instead featured the television premiere of [[Double Trouble]]. Rather than being a [[Pikachu's Jukebox]] segment, it was introduced as a "Pokémon Music Video" using footage of the [[Kids' WB!]] backlot.
* Brock's stance on Pikachu evolving is more neutral in the original version than in the dubbed version. He also implied in the dub that Pokémon generally change completely upon evolution, while no such implication was present in the Japanese version.
* [[Rachael Lillis]] provides Pikachu's voice in the scene where he is shocking Ash.
* During the original Japanese version of the scene where Pikachu was making its decision whether to evolve or not, there was no music playing in the background.
* Raichu's Pokédex entry in the Japanese version mentioned an {{wp|Indian elephant}} instead of {{p|Dragonite}}.
* Lt. Surge said that he didn't need to use {{t|Electric}} attacks, and would do fine with {{t|Normal}} attacks in the Japanese version.
** In the Polish version, it instead mentions a dragon.
* The shot of Raichu constantly trying to {{m|Body Slam}} but missing Pikachu is longer in the English dub than it is in the original Japanese version. Raichu tries to Body Slam Pikachu twice in the Japanese version, but in the English dub, Raichu tries ''three times''.
* In the original version, the welcome sign says "Welcome to {{tt|Kuchiba City|Vermilion City}}", while in the dub, it just says "Vermilion City".
* Originally Lt. Surge told Raichu to finish Pikachu with a {{m|Thunderbolt}}. In the dub, he just tells Raichu to "give us the big finale".
* Brock's implication that Pokémon generally change completely upon evolution is not in the Japanese version.
* The shot where Raichu launches its final Thunderbolt is slightly shorter in the English dubbed version than in the Japanese one.
* In the original version, no music is played during the scene where Pikachu is making its decision on whether to evolve or not.
* In the original version, Lt. Surge says that he doesn't need to use {{t|Electric}} attacks, and would do fine with {{t|Normal}} attacks, explaining why Raichu doesn't use Electric moves for most of the battle.
* The shot of Raichu constantly trying to {{m|Body Slam}} but missing Pikachu is longer in the English dub than it is in the original Japanese version. Raichu tries to Body Slam Pikachu twice in the Japanese version, but in the English dub, Raichu tries three times.
* In the original Japanese version, Lt. Surge uses English curse words when Pikachu uses Agility. The dub changes it to "Okay!"
* In the dub, Lt. Surge tells Raichu to finish Pikachu with a {{m|Thunderbolt}}. In the original version, he tells Raichu to "cut off the baby's movements".
* The shot where Raichu launches its final Thunderbolt is slightly shorter in the English dubbed version than in the Japanese version.
* Pikachu and Raichu's voices are removed in the English dub from the scene where Pikachu confuses Raichu with {{m|Agility}}.
* Pikachu and Raichu's voices are removed in the English dub from the scene where Pikachu confuses Raichu with {{m|Agility}}.
* The scene where {{TRT}} were commenting on how Pikachu grounded the attack was rewritten in the dub. In the original version, Jessie mentioned how Pikachu used its tail as an ''assu'', meaning ground. James replaces it with Dog''assu'', explaining why he's holding his {{TP|James|Koffing}}. Meowth then hits and scolds them for not taking them seriously. In the dub, Team Rocket recites one of the most infamous pun sequences of the early episodes. Jessie starts in with "What a ''shocking'' story!" James follows up with "That was quite a ''tale''!" Meowth finishes the sequence by hitting them while saying "And now you have both been ''PUN''-ished."
* The scene where {{TRT}} were commenting on how Pikachu grounded the attack was rewritten in the dub. In the original version, Jessie mentioned how Pikachu used his tail as an ''assu'', meaning ground. James replaces it with {{tt|Dog''assu''|Koffing}}, explaining why he's holding his {{TP|James|Koffing}}. Meowth then hits and scolds them for not taking them seriously. In the dub, this is replaced by a series of puns. Jessie starts in with "What a ''shocking'' story!" James follows up with "That was quite a ''tale''!" Meowth finishes the sequence by hitting them while saying "And now you have both been ''PUN''-ished."
* The music briefly stops when Pikachu is first hit by Raichu's {{m|Thunder Shock}} in the dub.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=AAFFAA|bordercolor=FFAAAA
{{Epilang|color=AFA|bordercolor=FAA
|ar={{tt|مباراة التيار الصاعق|Electric Shock Battle}}
|ar={{tt|مباراة التيار الصاعق|Electric Shock Battle}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|對擊電戰枯葉道館 / 电击对战枯叶道馆|Electric Battle against Kūyè (Vermilion) Gym}}'''
|zh_yue={{tt|電擊大對決|Electric Shock Showdown}} {{tt|*|TVB dub}}<br>{{tt|電擊對戰！枯葉道館！|Electric Shock Showdown! Vermilion Gym!}} {{tt|*|i-Cable dub}}<br>{{tt|電擊對戰！枯葉道館|Electric Shock Showdown! Vermilion Gym}} {{tt|*|Pokémon HK YouTube title}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|枯叶会馆的电击对战|The Electric Battle in the Vermilion Gym}} {{tt|*|Mainland China}}
|cs={{tt|Elektrický zápas|Electric Battle}}
|cs={{tt|Elektrický zápas|Electric Battle}}
|da={{tt|En Dyst Med Stød I|A battle with shock in it}}
|nl={{tt|Een schokkende uitdaging|A shocking challenge}}
|nl={{tt|Een schokkende uitdaging|A shocking challenge}}
|fi={{tt|Shokkihoitoa kerrakseen|Lots of shock caring}} <!--Please, if possible, provide a better FI to EN translation for this. -->
|fi={{tt|Shokkikäsittelyä kerrakseen|Plenty of shock therapy}} {{tt|*|spoken}}<br>{{tt|Shokkihoitoa kerrakseen|Plenty of shock therapy}} {{tt|*|Pokémon TV title}}
|fr_ca={{tt|Confrontation électrique|Electric confrontation}}
|fr_ca={{tt|Confrontation électrique|Electric confrontation}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Confrontation électrique|Electric confrontation}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Confrontation électrique|Electric confrontation}}
|de={{tt|Vorsicht Hochspannung|Caution High Voltage}}
|de={{tt|Vorsicht Hochspannung!|Caution High Voltage!}}
|he=מכת ברק {{tt|makat barak|Thunderbolt}}
|he={{tt|מכת ברק|Thunderbolt}}
|hi={{tt|ईलेक्ट्रिक शॉक शोदौन!|Electric Shock Showdown!}}
|hu={{tt|Többet ésszel, mint erővel|Mind is Stronger than Power}}
|hu={{tt|Többet ésszel, mint erővel|Mind is Stronger than Power}}
|it={{tt|Un incontro da Elettroshock|An Electroshock battle}}
|it={{tt|Un incontro da elettroshock|An electroshock match}} {{tt|*|Italia 1 dub}}<br>{{tt|Uno scontro elettrico|An electric clash}} {{tt|*|K2 dub}}
|ko=피카츄! 기본으로 돌아가라 {{tt|pikachyu! gibon-eulo dol-agala|Pikachu! Get Back to Normal}}<!--This too might need better translation. -->
|ko={{tt|피카츄! 기본으로 돌아가라|Pikachu! Back to the basics}}
|pl={{tt|Elektrowstrząs, ostateczna rogrywka|Electric shock, the final match}}
|no={{tt|Elektrosjokk-møte|Electric shock meeting}}
|pt_br={{tt|A Exibição do Choque Elétrico|Exhibition of the Electric Shock}}
|pl={{tt|Elektrowstrząs, ostateczna rozgrywka|Electric shock, the final match}}
|pt_br={{tt|A Exibição do Choque Elétrico|The Exhibition of the Electric Shock}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Confronto Eléctrico|Electric confrontation}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Confronto Eléctrico|Electric confrontation}}
|ru={{tt|Решительный удар молнии|The defenitive Thunderbolt}}
|ro={{tt|Confruntare Șocantă|Shocking Showdown}}
|ru={{tt|Решающий удар молнии|The decisive Thunderbolt}}
|sr={{tt|Шок окршај|Shock Showdown}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Duelo Eléctrico!|Electric Duel!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Duelo Eléctrico!|Electric Duel!}}
|es_eu={{tt|Competición de descarga eléctrica|Electric discharge confrontation}}
|es_eu={{tt|Competición de descarga eléctrica|Electric discharge confrontation}}
|sv={{tt|Den elektriska duellen|The electric duel}}
|sv={{tt|Den elektriska duellen|The electric duel}} {{tt|*|spoken & Pokémon TV title}}<br>{{tt|En elektrisk stöt|An electric shock}} {{tt|*|VHS release}}
|ro={{tt|Confruntare Șocantă|Shocking Showdown}}
|tr={{tt|Elektrik Şok Gösterisi|Electric Shock Show}} {{tt|*|TV Dub}}<br>{{tt|Elektrik Şoku Karşılaşması|Electric Shock Showdown}} {{tt|*|Netflix}}
|vi={{tt|Cuộc đối đầu giữa điện. Nhà thi đấu Kuchiba|Electric Battle against Kūyè (Vermilion) Gym}}
|uk={{tt|Електро-Шокове Шоу|Electric Shock Show}}
|vi={{tt|Cuộc đối đầu giữa điện. Nhà thi đấu Kuchiba|Electric Battle. Vermilion Gym}}
}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=EP013 |
prevcode=EP013 |
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colorscheme=Kanto}}
colorscheme=Kanto}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:0014}}
[[Category:Original series episodes|014]]
[[Category:Original series episodes|014]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka|014]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Masamitsu Hidaka|014]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Masamitsu Hidaka]]
[[Category:Episodes by one-time directors|014]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Masamitsu Hidaka]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Takayuki Shimura|014]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Masamitsu Hidaka]]
[[Category:Episodes with Gym battles|014]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Takayuki Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes in which Ash gets a Badge|014]]
[[Category:Episodes with Gym battles]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu|014]]
[[Category:Episodes in which Ash gets a Badge]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash|014]]
[[Category:Episodes in which Ash loses a Gym Battle]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character's Pokémon learns a new move|014]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character's Pokémon refuses to evolve|014]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character's Pokémon learns a new move]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character's Pokémon refuses to evolve]]


[[de:Vorsicht Hochspannung! (Episode)]]
[[de:Vorsicht Hochspannung!]]
[[fr:Épisode 14]]
[[es:EP014]]
[[fr:EP014]]
[[it:EP014]]
[[it:EP014]]
[[ja:無印編第14話]]
[[ja:無印編第14話]]
[[pl:EP014]]
[[zh:宝可梦 第14集]]
[[pt:EP014]]

Latest revision as of 05:10, 3 September 2024

← EP013 : Mystery at the Lighthouse
Original series
EP015 : Battle Aboard the St. Anne →
Electric Shock Showdown
EP014.png
  EP014  
でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム
Electric Shock Showdown! Kuchiba Gym
First broadcast
Japan July 1, 1997
United States September 25, 1998
English themes
Opening Pokémon Theme
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening めざせポケモンマスター
Ending ひゃくごじゅういち
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 日高政光 Masamitsu Hidaka
Assistant director 日高政光 Masamitsu Hidaka
Animation director 志村隆行 Takayuki Shimura
Additional credits

Electric Shock Showdown (Japanese: でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム Electric Shock Showdown! Kuchiba Gym) is the 14th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It was first broadcast in Japan on July 1, 1997, and in the United States on September 25, 1998.

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

Blurb

Our heroes finally reach Vermillion City, and they discover that the Pokémon Center is filled with Pokémon hurt during battles with Lt. Surge, the Vermillion City Gym Leader.

Ash and Pikachu head to the Vermillion City Gym, where Lt. Surge is proud of his Raichu. (Lt. Surge's attitude is to evolve Pokémon as soon as possible.) The two Electric-type Pokémon battle, and Raichu, being the evolved form of Pikachu, delivers stronger attacks that send Pikachu to the hospital. Even Team Rocket, spying the scene from outside, is disappointed.

Nurse Joy offers Ash a Thunderstone, which is required for a Pikachu to evolve. As a Raichu, Pikachu would have a better chance of defeating Lt. Surge's Raichu, but if it evolves, it can never go back to being a Pikachu.

What will Pikachu decide? Are there disadvantages to evolving Pokémon as soon as possible? And why is Team Rocket rooting for Pikachu?

Plot

After two weeks of traveling, Ash and his friends have finally made it to Vermilion City. Brock and Misty are eager to get cleaned up, but Ash is more concerned about finding the Vermilion Gym. However, Brock stops Ash and points out that Pikachu is in no condition to have a battle. Pikachu and Ash are also very hungry. However, at the Pokémon Center, the group witness Nurse Joy's Chansey and a Trainer run in. On a stretcher pushed by the Chansey is a badly beaten-up Rattata. Brock wonders what happened, and Nurse Joy sadly comments on all of the injured Pokémon that have been coming in. Ash and his friends are taken to a room where there are many badly injured Pokémon. Nurse Joy explains that they have all lost to Lt. Surge, the Vermilion City Gym Leader. At this, Ash begins to worry over his upcoming Gym battle against Surge.

Misty unhelpfully reminds Ash that he only received his first two Badges out of pity, but Ash retorts that a Badge is a Badge. After a heated exchange with Misty on the subject, a bell chimes to signal that Ash's Pokémon are fully recovered. However, upon seeing the injured Pokémon, Pikachu becomes frightened to take on Lt. Surge and flatly refuses to battle. Ash drags Pikachu with him to the Vermilion Gym anyway, and enters the Gym declaring his intention to win a Thunder Badge. Lt. Surge's two subordinates in the Gym mock Pikachu, and the man himself is even crueler, christening Ash "baby" and Pikachu a "baby Pokémon". Surge calls on his Raichu, a Pokémon that has a personality very like its Trainer's. Despite Surge's assertion that Ash should have evolved Pikachu already, Ash protests, claiming that there is more to a Pokémon battle than evolution.

Listening to Surge's taunts, Pikachu decides that he is ready to fight Raichu. Lt. Surge accepts Ash's challenge and the battle promptly begins. Both Pokémon begin with a Thunder Shock attack, but Raichu's is significantly stronger and does far more damage to Pikachu than Pikachu deals to Raichu. Brock realizes that Pikachu simply cannot stand up to Raichu's more powerful attacks and recommends that Ash withdraw Pikachu. However, when Ash tells Pikachu to return, he refuses and charges again at Raichu. The resulting trade-off between Pikachu and his adversary leaves Pikachu severely damaged by a Mega Punch and Mega Kick from Raichu. Outside, Team Rocket is looking in, seeing Pikachu getting knocked around. They begin to worry that if Pikachu is getting beaten up like this, then maybe he is not worth stealing after all, and all their efforts have been in vain. Meowth suggests that they could steal Raichu instead, but Jessie and James decide that they should root for Pikachu. However, Lt. Surge and Raichu have already won, with Raichu unleashing a powerful Thunderbolt that defeats Pikachu easily.

Later, at the Pokémon Center, Pikachu awakens, and Ash is relieved that he is all right. Pikachu, however, is upset to have been beaten so badly by Raichu. Nurse Joy enters the room, revealing that she has come across a Thunder Stone. With it, Ash could evolve his Pikachu into a Raichu as well. Brock warns him to think hard about this, because once he evolves Pikachu, there is no way to change him back. At this, Ash is extremely torn. He knows that if he evolves Pikachu into Raichu, he might be able to defeat Lt. Surge. However, he also realizes that if he were to evolve Pikachu just to battle, he would be no better than Lt. Surge. Finally, he decides to let Pikachu choose. Outside, Team Rocket watch intently to see what choice Pikachu will make. Pikachu stands up and whacks away the Thunder Stone with his tail and goes into a tirade, which moves even Meowth to tears. Meowth explains that Pikachu doesn't want to change; he wants to battle Lt. Surge again, but as a Pikachu; he wants to win in the name of all Pikachu everywhere. Ash agrees with Pikachu's decision and promises that they will win together. Brock suggests a strategy change, but Ash is convinced that they can find a way. Pikachu says he will fight to defend both his honor and Ash's. While waiting for Pikachu to fully recover, Brock believes that there might be a solution to defeat Lt. Surge and his Raichu after all when learning that Lt. Surge had evolved his Raichu the moment he caught it.

Later, Ash and the fully recovered Pikachu head back towards the Vermilion Gym. After receiving bizarre cheers from Team Rocket, they arrive at the Gym, ready for their rematch. Once again, it is to be Lt. Surge's Raichu against Ash's Pikachu. The battle begins, and Ash tells Pikachu to stick to their planned strategy. Lt. Surge uses the same strategy as last time, but Ash orders Pikachu to dodge Raichu's heavy attacks, causing Raichu to give itself recoil damage from moves like Body Slam. Ash orders Pikachu to use Agility, and Pikachu accelerates to full speed. Repeated Body Slam attempts from Raichu all miss completely, as Pikachu is simply too fast. Brock reveals the strategy: because Lt. Surge evolved his Pikachu into a Raichu too fast, it never had a chance to learn the speed attacks it can only learn as a Pikachu. Lt. Surge, growing aggravated, orders Raichu to fill the entire Gym with a vicious Thunderbolt attack. Raichu rips up the arena floor and even blows out all the windows around the arena. At first, Lt. Surge is convinced he has won, but the smoke clears, revealing the unharmed Pikachu standing on his tail.

Brock explains that Pikachu used his tail as a ground to insulate himself from the electric shocks. Lt. Surge orders another Thunderbolt, but Raichu is unable to muster up the electricity for it. Ash orders a Quick Attack, to which Lt. Surge responds by ordering a Take Down. The quicker Pikachu manages to strike first, slamming into Raichu's stomach before slamming into Raichu again while surrounding himself with electricity, knocking out his opponent and winning the match. Conceding defeat, Lt. Surge awards Ash with the Thunder Badge. He no longer refers to Ash as "baby", and Raichu even shows kindness and respect for Pikachu as well. As Ash and Pikachu share an electrifying hug, Team Rocket walk off, with James realizing that they had spent the entire episode helping Ash and his friends.

Major events

Ash holding the Thunder Badge
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?: Raichu


Trivia

  • This was chosen by Nicole Fujita as the ninth episode of Pocket Monsters Premier 10.
  • Pikachu's dislike of Raichu is revealed. However, he only rarely appears to have this sort of animosity towards Raichu in the future, including in Pika and Goliath! and Racing to a Big Event!.
  • When Pikachu first battles Lt. Surge's Raichu, Meowth is seen polishing an extra coin. However, Meowth is later revealed to be unable to use Pay Day.
  • Ash keeps the Thunder Stone he receives in this episode until Pika and Goliath!, 523 episodes later, where it is stolen by Team Rocket.
  • This is the first time in the anime where Team Rocket disguises themselves.
    • Team Rocket's disguise is a reference to the gag manga series Ay! Flower Cheering Team (Ā! Hana no Ōendan). Jessie even does the main character's pose when she sticks her tongue out.
  • This is the first episode where Ash wins a Gym Badge for actually defeating the Gym Leader in battle.
  • This episode marks the first time that Team Rocket refers to Ash by name (in this case, Meowth), when they show their support for "the brave Pikachu and Ash." This is also the first time they express support for a main character.
  • James breaks the fourth wall in this episode at the end by saying, "Drat, we wasted this episode cheering the good guys!" This also marks the first time when Team Rocket has broken the fourth wall.
  • Team Rocket does not blast off in this episode.
  • This episode was partially adapted into the book I Choose You!.
  • Pikachu and Raichu's respective voice actors could be a reference to the series Bakusō Kyōdai Let's & Go!!, where two brothers share these same voice actors.

Errors

  • Pokémon.com's blurb for this episode misspells Vermilion City as Vermillion City.
  • When Ash realizes that he is hungry, his bag is missing. This also happens with Misty when Nurse Joy says she looks like the other Nurse Joys.
  • In one shot of the Pokémon Center, Misty's suspenders are light-blue instead of red.
  • When Nurse Joy is explaining that all Nurse Joys look alike, she says the one in Pewter City is her first cousin, and the one in Viridian City is her second cousin. However, in Pokémon Emergency!, the Nurse Joy in Viridian City called the one in Pewter City her sister. If they were sisters, they would both share the same relationship with the one in Vermilion City, such as both being first cousins or second cousins.
  • When a Pokémon Trainer comes in with a Rattata, Chansey's pouch is the same color as the rest of its body.
  • When Lt. Surge sends out his Raichu for the first time, the screen freezes for a few seconds.
  • During the scene in which Nurse Joy gives Ash the Thunder Stone, the symbol on her hat changes from orange to green, then back to orange.
    • In the same scene, she speaks without moving her mouth. This also happens with Ash when he thanks Lt. Surge.
  • When Ash says that Pikachu might be able to defeat Raichu, part of the bow on Nurse Joy's apron is the same color as her dress.
  • When Team Rocket watches Pikachu make his decision to evolve, Jessie's lips move before any sound comes out.
  • When Pikachu knocks the Thunder Stone away with his tail, his bandage does not completely cover his cheek, although it did earlier in the scene.
  • When Ash asks if Pikachu is ready, his gloves turn completely dark-green.
  • In this episode, it is mentioned that Pikachu is faster than Raichu. In fact, Raichu's base Speed is higher than Pikachu's. However, this may be due to the fact that Pikachu used multiple Agility attacks.
  • When Team Rocket begins looking into the Vermilion Gym window, Jessie and James lack gloves.
  • After Pikachu first dodges Raichu's Body Slam, Jessie's earrings are colored blue instead of green.
  • In the English dub, when Pikachu shocks Ash at the Pokémon Center, Ash's Japanese voice can be heard.
  • Misty's miscolored suspenders

    Misty's miscolored suspenders

  • Chansey's miscolored pouch

    Chansey's miscolored pouch

  • Nurse Joy's miscolored bow

    Nurse Joy's miscolored bow

Dub edits

  • Kanto Pokérap: Day 4
    • For its rerun the week of August 8, 1999, it instead featured the television premiere of Double Trouble. Rather than being a Pikachu's Jukebox segment, it was introduced as a "Pokémon Music Video" using footage of the Kids' WB! backlot.
  • Rachael Lillis provides Pikachu's voice in the scene where he is shocking Ash.
  • Raichu's Pokédex entry in the Japanese version mentioned an Indian elephant instead of Dragonite.
    • In the Polish version, it instead mentions a dragon.
  • In the original version, the welcome sign says "Welcome to Kuchiba City", while in the dub, it just says "Vermilion City".
  • Brock's implication that Pokémon generally change completely upon evolution is not in the Japanese version.
  • In the original version, no music is played during the scene where Pikachu is making its decision on whether to evolve or not.
  • In the original version, Lt. Surge says that he doesn't need to use Electric attacks, and would do fine with Normal attacks, explaining why Raichu doesn't use Electric moves for most of the battle.
  • The shot of Raichu constantly trying to Body Slam but missing Pikachu is longer in the English dub than it is in the original Japanese version. Raichu tries to Body Slam Pikachu twice in the Japanese version, but in the English dub, Raichu tries three times.
  • In the original Japanese version, Lt. Surge uses English curse words when Pikachu uses Agility. The dub changes it to "Okay!"
  • In the dub, Lt. Surge tells Raichu to finish Pikachu with a Thunderbolt. In the original version, he tells Raichu to "cut off the baby's movements".
  • The shot where Raichu launches its final Thunderbolt is slightly shorter in the English dubbed version than in the Japanese version.
  • Pikachu and Raichu's voices are removed in the English dub from the scene where Pikachu confuses Raichu with Agility.
  • The scene where Team Rocket were commenting on how Pikachu grounded the attack was rewritten in the dub. In the original version, Jessie mentioned how Pikachu used his tail as an assu, meaning ground. James replaces it with Dogassu, explaining why he's holding his Koffing. Meowth then hits and scolds them for not taking them seriously. In the dub, this is replaced by a series of puns. Jessie starts in with "What a shocking story!" James follows up with "That was quite a tale!" Meowth finishes the sequence by hitting them while saying "And now you have both been PUN-ished."
  • The music briefly stops when Pikachu is first hit by Raichu's Thunder Shock in the dub.

In other languages



← EP013 : Mystery at the Lighthouse
Original series
EP015 : Battle Aboard the St. Anne →
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.
Retrieved from "https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/w/index.php?title=EP014&oldid=4100866"