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'''Beauty is Skin Deep''' (Japanese: '''イブキとミニリュウ！''' ''{{tt|Ibuki|Clair}} and {{tt|Miniryu|Dratini}}!'') is the 251st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on June 6, 2002 and in the United States on May 31, 2003.  
'''Beauty is Skin Deep''' (Japanese: '''イブキとミニリュウ！''' ''{{tt|Ibuki|Clair}} and {{tt|Miniryu|Dratini}}!'') is the 251st episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on June 6, 2002, and in the United States on May 31, 2003.  


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/tv-episodes/season-5/episode-41-05_41-beauty-is-skin-deep/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/5/episode-41-beauty-is-skin-deep/-->
<i>Finally reaching the outskirts of Blackthorn City, Ash pushes to quickly seek out the gym where he hopes to earn his final Johto badge. Before he has the opportunity, he chances into a Dratini and learns that its eager trainer, Clair, is in fact the Blackthorn Gym leader. Ash's attempt to challenge her to a duel—and Brock's attempts at getting her phone number—are both cut short when Team Rocket arrives, intent on stealing the Gym Leader's Dratini right out from under her. After dispatching with these hapless villains, Ash secures Clair's promise to face him in her gym. Cheerfully Ash and friends march the last few miles into the city.</i>
<i>Finally reaching the outskirts of Blackthorn City, Ash pushes to quickly seek out the gym where he hopes to earn his final Johto badge. Before he has the opportunity, he chances into a Dratini and learns that its eager trainer, Clair, is in fact the Blackthorn Gym leader. Ash's attempt to challenge her to a duel—and Brock's attempts at getting her phone number—are both cut short when Team Rocket arrives, intent on stealing the Gym Leader's Dratini right out from under her. After dispatching with these hapless villains, Ash secures Clair's promise to face him in her gym. Cheerfully Ash and friends march the last few miles into the city.</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Having nearly arrived at [[Blackthorn City]], {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} find a {{p|Dratini}} lying on the ground. However, when they try to get a closer look, a {{p|Gyarados}} appears and keeps them at bay using a {{m|Hydro Pump}}. A mysterious woman appears, threatening them if they try to harm the Dratini. After the confusion is sorted, the woman introduces herself as [[Clair]], and that her Gyarados was simply trying to protect her Dratini. However, when Dratini leaves, Clair and Gyarados leaves in pursuit. Ash then runs into her elderly assistant, [[Kaburagi]], who reveals to them that Clair is the Blackthorn Gym Leader, and must perform a ritual with the Dragon Fang. As they slowly follow Clair and her Dratini upstream, Kaburagi reveals the local history: an unidentified dragon Pokémon had terrorized local residents, until it was defeated by the first Blackthorn Gym Leader, who took one of its fangs as a sign of victory. Since then, the Dragon Fang has been handed down through generations, and today is the day that they must perform a purification ritual.
Having nearly arrived at [[Blackthorn City]], {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} find a {{p|Dratini}} curled up and sleeping underneath a tree. However, when they try to get a closer look, a {{p|Gyarados}} appears and keeps them at bay using a {{m|Hydro Pump}}. A mysterious woman appears, threatening them if they try to harm the Dratini. She introduces herself as [[Clair]] and explains that her Gyarados was simply trying to protect her Dratini. However, when Dratini begins swimming away, Clair and Gyarados leave in pursuit. Ash runs into her elderly assistant, [[Kaburagi]], who informs them that Clair is the Blackthorn [[Gym Leader]], and must perform a ritual with the [[Dragon Fang]]. As they follow Clair and her Dratini upstream, Kaburagi reveals the local history: an unidentified {{t|Dragon}} Pokémon had terrorized local residents until it was defeated by the {{OBP|Gym Leader|EP253|first Blackthorn Gym Leader}}, who took one of its fangs as a sign of victory. Since then, the Dragon Fang has been handed down through generations, and today is the day that they must perform a purification ritual.


Meanwhile, {{TRT}}, further upstream, is relaxing when Dratini passes by. [[Jessie]] is enamored by the Dratini, hoping to catch one for her own. As [[James]] sends out {{TP|James|Weezing}}, they are suddenly washed in Gyarados' Hydro Pump, and meet face to face with Clair. When Team Rocket try to threaten her, she sends them flying by using another one of Gyarados' Hydro Pump attacks. Meanwhile, Ash and company, with Kaburagi, manage to make up their ground with Clair. Kaburagi implores Clair to return in time for the ritual, but Clair objects, seeing as Dratini is preparing to shed her skin - a point in which Dratini are the most vulnerable. When Dratini leaves, Clair and Gyarados follow, and Ash and company have no choice but to follow them, and let Dratini shed her skin before preparing for the ritual. Team Rocket, intending on stealing Dratini, is also in pursuit - though James contends that Dratini would fetch a high price either on the open market or as a gift to {{an|Giovanni}}, Jessie is adamant that she keep Dratini for herself, thinking that she is cute.
Meanwhile, {{TRT}}, further upstream, is relaxing when Dratini passes by. [[Jessie]] is enamored by the Dratini, hoping to catch one for herself. As [[James]] sends out {{TP|James|Weezing}}, they are suddenly doused in Gyarados's Hydro Pump, and soon come face-to-face with Clair. When Team Rocket tries to threaten her, she has her Gyarados use another Hydro Pump to send them blasting off. Meanwhile, Ash and company, with Kaburagi, manage to make up their ground with Clair. Kaburagi implores Clair to return in time for the ritual, but Clair objects, seeing as Dratini is preparing to shed its skin, a point in which Dratini are the most vulnerable. When Dratini leaves, Clair and Gyarados follow, and Ash and his friends have no choice but to follow them and let Dratini shed its skin before preparing for the ritual. Team Rocket, intent on stealing Dratini, is also in pursuit. James contends that Dratini would fetch a high price either on the open market or as a gift to {{an|Giovanni}}, but Jessie is adamant that she is keeping Dratini for herself, thinking that it is cute.


Knowing that pursuing Dratini may take the entire day, Clair takes a break for lunch. This gives an opportunity for Ash to challenge Clair, which Clair accepts. Kaburagi, noticing that Ash had won the Badge from [[Mahogany Town]], asks them whether the rumors of a [[Red Gyarados]] rampaging near town were true. Ash and company proceed to tell them the whole story, including how they had met [[Lance]], and how they were in the middle of the entire situation. Clair and her assistant is surprised at the fact that Lance is a Pokémon G-Man, which surprises Ash (not knowing that they, too, are acquainted with Lance). Clair reveals that the two are both {{t|Dragon}}-type Trainers who had trained with each other. Knowing this, Ash and Clair are both excited for their upcoming battle. Their lunch is disrupted by an elderly couple, who wants to take pictures with Dratini. Though Clair is reluctant, she allows the couple to go near Dratini, only for the couple to trap Dratini in a net. The couple reveal themselves as Jessie and James, while {{MTR}} covers their escape using a smoke bomb.
Knowing that pursuing Dratini may take the entire day, Clair takes a break for lunch. This gives an opportunity for Ash to challenge Clair, which Clair accepts. Kaburagi, noticing that Ash [[EP238|had won]] the [[Badge]] from [[Mahogany Town]], asks them whether the rumors of a {{TP|Lance|Red Gyarados|Gyarados}} rampaging near town were true. Ash and company proceed to tell them the [[EP235|whole]] [[EP236|story]] and how they met {{an|Lance}}. Clair and her assistant are surprised at the fact that Lance is a [[Pokémon G-Men|Pokémon G-Man]], which surprises Ash, not knowing that they, too, are acquainted with Lance. Clair reveals that the two are both Dragon {{pkmn|Trainer}}s who had trained with each other. Knowing this, Ash and Clair are both excited about their upcoming battle. Their lunch is disrupted by [[List of Team Rocket's disguises|an elderly couple]], who wants to take pictures with Dratini. Although Clair is reluctant, she allows the couple to go near Dratini, only for the couple to trap Dratini in a net. The couple reveals themselves to be Jessie and James, while {{MTR}} covers their escape using a smoke bomb.


While Clair is in hot pursuit of Team Rocket's balloon, Dratini tries desperately to break free by rocking the balloon. When the balloon crashes, she makes a desperate attempt into the water, which Jessie quickly stops. This allows Clair to catch up. Trying to defend themselves, James sends out Weezing, but is dispatched easily by Gyarados. Pikachu tries to {{m|Thunderbolt}} Team Rocket to send them flying, but {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}}'s {{m|Counter}} deflects the attack in all directions - hitting Ash, Pikachu, Team Rocket, and nearly hitting {{an|Misty}}, {{an|Brock}}, and Kaburagi. When an errant Thunderbolt is about to hit Dratini, Clair dives to protect her. Just at that moment, Dratini evolves into {{p|Dragonair}}, much to Jessie's dismay (who contends that she was cuter as a Dratini). As Dragonair is far more rare, Team Rocket presses on their attack, but thanks to Gyarados' {{m|Hyper Beam}} and Dragonair's {{m|Twister}}, they are sent flying.
While Clair is in hot pursuit of Team Rocket's {{DL|Team Rocket's mechas|Meowth Balloon}}, Dratini desperately tries to break free by rocking the balloon. When the balloon crashes, it makes a desperate attempt to escape into the water, which Jessie quickly stops. This allows Clair to catch up. Trying to defend themselves, James sends out Weezing, but it is dispatched easily by Gyarados. {{AP|Pikachu}} tries to fire a {{m|Thunderbolt}} at Team Rocket, but {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} {{m|Counter}}s the attack, sending the strong eletric blast in all directions, hitting Ash, Pikachu, Team Rocket, and nearly hitting {{an|Misty}}, {{an|Brock}}, and Kaburagi. As one of the errant bolts is about to hit Dratini, Clair dives to protect it. In that moment, Dratini [[Evolution|evolves]] into {{p|Dragonair}}, much to Jessie's dismay who contends that it was much cuter as a Dratini. As Dragonair is far rarer, Team Rocket presses on their attack, but thanks to Gyarados's {{m|Hyper Beam}} and Dragonair's {{m|Twister}}, they are sent blasting off again.


Just as they celebrate their victory, Dragonair leaves, with everyone in pursuit. They are led to Riverhead Falls, the source of the water that leads into Blackthorn City, and the perfect place for the ritual. Ash and company are witnesses to the purification ritual, in which Clair says a prayer and proceeds to drench the [[Dragon Fang]] in the lake water. The Dragon Fang reacts, and sends a dragon-shaped beam of light into the sky. Kaburagi explains that after a dragon Pokémon dies, its body becomes a star in the sky.
Just as they celebrate their victory, Dragonair leaves, with everyone in pursuit. By nightfall, they all reach Riverhead Falls, the source of the water that leads into Blackthorn City, and the perfect place for the ritual. Ash and company are witnesses to the purification ritual, in which Clair says a prayer and proceeds to drench the Dragon Fang in the lake water. The Dragon Fang reacts and sends a dragon-shaped beam of light into the sky. Kaburagi explains that after a Dragon Pokémon dies, its body becomes a star in the sky.


The next day, Ash and his friends finally make it to the city gates of Blackthorn City, as the Blackthorn Gym awaits.
The next day, Ash and his friends finally make it to the entry gates of the [[Blackthorn Gym]], getting Ash fired up at the prospect of earning his eighth [[Johto]] Badge.


==Major events==
==Major events==
* {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}} and {{an|Brock}} get to [[Blackthorn City]] and meet [[Clair]], the local [[Gym Leader]].
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} reach [[Blackthorn City]] and meet [[Clair]], the local [[Gym Leader]].
* Ash challenges Clair to a Gym battle.
* Ash challenges Clair to a [[Gym]] battle.
* Clair's {{p|Dratini}} evolves into {{TP|Clair|Dragonair}}.
* Clair's {{p|Dratini}} evolves into {{TP|Clair|Dragonair}}.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}
Line 57: Line 57:
====Humans====
====Humans====
* [[Clair]]
* [[Clair]]
* [[Kaburagi]]
====Pokémon debuts====
====Pokémon debuts====
* [[Clair's Dragonair]]
=====English dub debuts=====
=====English dub debuts=====
* {{p|Dratini}}
* {{p|Dratini}} ({{OP|Clair|Dragonair}})


==Characters==
==Characters==
===Humans===
===Humans===
[[File:PMTV EP251.png|thumb|200px|right|{{tt|Pocket Monster TV|Who's That Pokémon}}]]
[[File:PMTV EP251.png|thumb|200px|{{tt|Pocket Monster TV|Who's That Pokémon}}]]
* {{Ash}}
* {{Ash}}
* {{an|Misty}}
* {{an|Misty}}
Line 69: Line 72:
* [[Jessie]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[James]]
* {{an|Lance}} (flashback)
* [[Clair]]
* [[Clair]]
* [[Kaburagi]]
* [[Kaburagi]]
* [[Lance]] (flashback)


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
[[File:WTP EP251.png|thumb|200px|right|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[File:WTP EP251.png|thumb|200px|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Goldeen}} ''(US and international)'', {{p|Dratini}} ''(Japan)''
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Goldeen}} ''(US and international)'', {{p|Dratini}} ''(Japan)''
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
Line 82: Line 85:
* {{p|Arbok}} ({{OP|Jessie|Arbok}})
* {{p|Arbok}} ({{OP|Jessie|Arbok}})
* {{p|Weezing}} ({{OP|James|Weezing}})
* {{p|Weezing}} ({{OP|James|Weezing}})
* {{p|Dratini}} ({{OP|Clair|Dratini}}, evolves; debut)
* {{p|Dragonite}} ({{OP|Lance|Dragonite}}; flashback)
* {{p|Dragonair}} ({{OP|Clair|Dragonair}}, newly evolved)
* {{p|Gyarados}} ({{OP|Lance|Gyarados}}; [[Red Gyarados]]; flashback)
* {{p|Gyarados}} ([[Clair|Clair's]])
* {{p|Dratini}} ({{OP|Clair|Dragonair}}; evolves)
* {{p|Gyarados}} ([[Red Gyarados]], [[Lance|Lance's]]; flashback)
* {{p|Dragonair}} ({{OP|Clair|Dragonair}}; newly evolved)
* {{p|Gyarados}} ([[Clair]]'s)


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* This episode begins the five part [[Blackthorn City]] arc.
* This episode begins the five-part [[Blackthorn City]] arc.
* The English title of this episode is based on the saying ''Beauty is only skin deep''.
* The episode's English [[dub]] title is a reference to the phrase "beauty is only skin deep".
** A similar English dub title was also used with [[SM114|a future episode]].
* Music from ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' and ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'' can be heard in the background.
* Music from ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' and ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'' can be heard in the background.
* Near the end of the episode, [[Kaburagi]] says, "Yes, once a dragon Pokemon becomes a star, it watches over all dragon Pokémon. At least, that's what the popular legends tell us happens". This may be a reference to the movie ''{{wp|Dragonheart}}'', which also tells that in their legends, when a dragon dies, it becomes a star in the sky where it watches over us from.
* Due to the [[Banned episodes|banning]] of [[EP035]], this episode marks the physical debut of a {{p|Dratini}} in the English dub, effectively making it the final [[Generation I]] Pokémon to debut in the dub.


===Errors===
===Errors===
* [[Clair]]'s Dratini's eyes are all black at the beginning of the episode, but for the remainder of the episode, there is red at the bottom of its eyes.
* When {{Ash}} shows his [[Badge]]s to Clair, he is shown standing up. However, in the next shot, he is sitting down, even though he was never shown sitting down.
* The beams connecting the basket to the {{MTR}} head on {{TRT}}'s balloon appear to be entirely green for a second.
* The beams connecting the basket to the {{MTR}} head on {{TRT}}'s balloon appear to be entirely green for a second.
* [[Clair]]'s {{p|Dratini}}'s eyes are all black at the beginning of the episode, but the rest of the time there is red on the bottoms of her eyes.
* When [[James]] sends out his {{TP|James|Weezing}}, it is facing the opposite direction.
* {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} uses Counter against {{AP|Pikachu}}'s Thunderbolt, when it should have been Mirror Coat.
* {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} uses Counter against {{AP|Pikachu}}'s Thunderbolt, when it should have been Mirror Coat.
* When [[James]] sends out his {{TP|James|Weezing}}, it's facing the opposite direction.
* In the {{pmin|Poland|Polish}} dub, the echo effect is not present in the flashback of {{an|Lance}} {{pkmn2|caught|catching}} {{TP|Lance|Gyarados}}, and {{m|Hyper Beam}} is referred to as {{m|Thunder Wave}}.
* When Ash was showing his badges to Clair, it is seen that he stands up. But in the next seen he is sitting down even though it never showed him sitting down.
 
<gallery>
Clair Dratini.png|Dratini's miscolored eyes
EP251 error 2.png|The Meowth Balloon's miscolored beams
</gallery>


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* Clair refers to her rice balls as sandwiches.
* Clair refers to her [[rice ball]]s as sandwiches.
* Clair's skirt was lengthened.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
|bg={{tt|Красотата е повърхностна|Beauty is superficial}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|小樁跟迷你龍|Clair and Dratini}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|小樁跟迷你龍|Clair and Dratini}}
|de={{tt|Porentief rein!|Pore refining clean!}}
|de={{tt|Porentief rein!|Clean down to the pores!}}
|nl={{tt|Schoonheid Zit van Binnen|Beauty is on the inside}}
|nl={{tt|Schoonheid Zit van Binnen|Beauty is on the inside}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Un adorable petit Pokémon|An adorable small Pokémon}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Un adorable petit Pokémon|An adorable small Pokémon}}
Line 115: Line 130:
|es_eu={{tt|La belleza está en el interior|The beauty is on the inside}}
|es_eu={{tt|La belleza está en el interior|The beauty is on the inside}}
|pl={{tt|Piękno tkwi w głębi|Beauty lies in the inside}}
|pl={{tt|Piękno tkwi w głębi|Beauty lies in the inside}}
|hi=Dratini से Dragonite तक {{tt|''Dratini se Dragonite tak''|From Dratini to Dragonite}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
}}
}}


Line 126: Line 142:
colorscheme=Johto }}
colorscheme=Johto }}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:0251}}
[[Category:Original series episodes|251]]
[[Category:Original series episodes|251]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shinzō Fujita|251]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shinzō Fujita]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Yoshito Hata|251]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Yoshito Hata]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaru Fukumoto|251]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Yoshito Hata]]
 
[[Category:Episodes directed by Yoshito Hata]]
[[pt:EP251]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaru Fukumoto]]
[[Category:Episodes in which an alternately colored Pokémon appears]]


[[de:Porentief rein (Episode)]]
[[de:Porentief rein]]
[[es:EP253]]
[[fr:EP251]]
[[fr:EP251]]
[[it:EP251]]
[[ja:無印編第251話]]
[[ja:無印編第251話]]
[[pl:EP251]]
[[zh:宝可梦 第252集]]
[[zh:EP252]]

Latest revision as of 04:42, 3 September 2024

← EP250
Original series
EP252 : Fangs for Nothin' →
Beauty is Skin Deep
EP251.png
  EP251  
イブキとミニリュウ！
Ibuki and Miniryu!
First broadcast
Japan June 6, 2002
United States May 31, 2003
English themes
Opening Believe in Me
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening Ready Go!
Ending ポケッターリ・モンスターリ
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 藤田伸三 Shinzō Fujita
Storyboard 秦義人 Yoshito Hata
Assistant director 秦義人 Yoshito Hata
Animation director 福本勝 Masaru Fukumoto
Additional credits

Beauty is Skin Deep (Japanese: イブキとミニリュウ！ Ibuki and Miniryu!) is the 251st episode of the Pokémon animated series. It was first broadcast in Japan on June 6, 2002, and in the United States on May 31, 2003.

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

Blurb

Finally reaching the outskirts of Blackthorn City, Ash pushes to quickly seek out the gym where he hopes to earn his final Johto badge. Before he has the opportunity, he chances into a Dratini and learns that its eager trainer, Clair, is in fact the Blackthorn Gym leader. Ash's attempt to challenge her to a duel—and Brock's attempts at getting her phone number—are both cut short when Team Rocket arrives, intent on stealing the Gym Leader's Dratini right out from under her. After dispatching with these hapless villains, Ash secures Clair's promise to face him in her gym. Cheerfully Ash and friends march the last few miles into the city.

Plot

Having nearly arrived at Blackthorn City, Ash and his friends find a Dratini curled up and sleeping underneath a tree. However, when they try to get a closer look, a Gyarados appears and keeps them at bay using a Hydro Pump. A mysterious woman appears, threatening them if they try to harm the Dratini. She introduces herself as Clair and explains that her Gyarados was simply trying to protect her Dratini. However, when Dratini begins swimming away, Clair and Gyarados leave in pursuit. Ash runs into her elderly assistant, Kaburagi, who informs them that Clair is the Blackthorn Gym Leader, and must perform a ritual with the Dragon Fang. As they follow Clair and her Dratini upstream, Kaburagi reveals the local history: an unidentified Dragon Pokémon had terrorized local residents until it was defeated by the first Blackthorn Gym Leader, who took one of its fangs as a sign of victory. Since then, the Dragon Fang has been handed down through generations, and today is the day that they must perform a purification ritual.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket, further upstream, is relaxing when Dratini passes by. Jessie is enamored by the Dratini, hoping to catch one for herself. As James sends out Weezing, they are suddenly doused in Gyarados's Hydro Pump, and soon come face-to-face with Clair. When Team Rocket tries to threaten her, she has her Gyarados use another Hydro Pump to send them blasting off. Meanwhile, Ash and company, with Kaburagi, manage to make up their ground with Clair. Kaburagi implores Clair to return in time for the ritual, but Clair objects, seeing as Dratini is preparing to shed its skin, a point in which Dratini are the most vulnerable. When Dratini leaves, Clair and Gyarados follow, and Ash and his friends have no choice but to follow them and let Dratini shed its skin before preparing for the ritual. Team Rocket, intent on stealing Dratini, is also in pursuit. James contends that Dratini would fetch a high price either on the open market or as a gift to Giovanni, but Jessie is adamant that she is keeping Dratini for herself, thinking that it is cute.

Knowing that pursuing Dratini may take the entire day, Clair takes a break for lunch. This gives an opportunity for Ash to challenge Clair, which Clair accepts. Kaburagi, noticing that Ash had won the Badge from Mahogany Town, asks them whether the rumors of a Red Gyarados rampaging near town were true. Ash and company proceed to tell them the whole story and how they met Lance. Clair and her assistant are surprised at the fact that Lance is a Pokémon G-Man, which surprises Ash, not knowing that they, too, are acquainted with Lance. Clair reveals that the two are both Dragon Trainers who had trained with each other. Knowing this, Ash and Clair are both excited about their upcoming battle. Their lunch is disrupted by an elderly couple, who wants to take pictures with Dratini. Although Clair is reluctant, she allows the couple to go near Dratini, only for the couple to trap Dratini in a net. The couple reveals themselves to be Jessie and James, while Meowth covers their escape using a smoke bomb.

While Clair is in hot pursuit of Team Rocket's Meowth Balloon, Dratini desperately tries to break free by rocking the balloon. When the balloon crashes, it makes a desperate attempt to escape into the water, which Jessie quickly stops. This allows Clair to catch up. Trying to defend themselves, James sends out Weezing, but it is dispatched easily by Gyarados. Pikachu tries to fire a Thunderbolt at Team Rocket, but Wobbuffet Counters the attack, sending the strong eletric blast in all directions, hitting Ash, Pikachu, Team Rocket, and nearly hitting Misty, Brock, and Kaburagi. As one of the errant bolts is about to hit Dratini, Clair dives to protect it. In that moment, Dratini evolves into Dragonair, much to Jessie's dismay who contends that it was much cuter as a Dratini. As Dragonair is far rarer, Team Rocket presses on their attack, but thanks to Gyarados's Hyper Beam and Dragonair's Twister, they are sent blasting off again.

Just as they celebrate their victory, Dragonair leaves, with everyone in pursuit. By nightfall, they all reach Riverhead Falls, the source of the water that leads into Blackthorn City, and the perfect place for the ritual. Ash and company are witnesses to the purification ritual, in which Clair says a prayer and proceeds to drench the Dragon Fang in the lake water. The Dragon Fang reacts and sends a dragon-shaped beam of light into the sky. Kaburagi explains that after a Dragon Pokémon dies, its body becomes a star in the sky.

The next day, Ash and his friends finally make it to the entry gates of the Blackthorn Gym, getting Ash fired up at the prospect of earning his eighth Johto Badge.

Major events

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

Debuts

Humans

Pokémon debuts

English dub debuts

Characters

Humans

Pocket Monster TV

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Goldeen (US and international), Dratini (Japan)

Trivia

  • This episode begins the five-part Blackthorn City arc.
  • The episode's English dub title is a reference to the phrase "beauty is only skin deep".
  • Music from Mewtwo Strikes Back and The Power of One can be heard in the background.
  • Near the end of the episode, Kaburagi says, "Yes, once a dragon Pokemon becomes a star, it watches over all dragon Pokémon. At least, that's what the popular legends tell us happens". This may be a reference to the movie Dragonheart, which also tells that in their legends, when a dragon dies, it becomes a star in the sky where it watches over us from.
  • Due to the banning of EP035, this episode marks the physical debut of a Dratini in the English dub, effectively making it the final Generation I Pokémon to debut in the dub.

Errors

  • Clair's Dratini's eyes are all black at the beginning of the episode, but for the remainder of the episode, there is red at the bottom of its eyes.
  • When Ash shows his Badges to Clair, he is shown standing up. However, in the next shot, he is sitting down, even though he was never shown sitting down.
  • The beams connecting the basket to the Meowth head on Team Rocket's balloon appear to be entirely green for a second.
  • When James sends out his Weezing, it is facing the opposite direction.
  • Wobbuffet uses Counter against Pikachu's Thunderbolt, when it should have been Mirror Coat.
  • In the Polish dub, the echo effect is not present in the flashback of Lance catching Gyarados, and Hyper Beam is referred to as Thunder Wave.
  • Dratini's miscolored eyes

    Dratini's miscolored eyes

  • The Meowth Balloon's miscolored beams

    The Meowth Balloon's miscolored beams

Dub edits

  • Clair refers to her rice balls as sandwiches.
  • Clair's skirt was lengthened.

In other languages



← EP250
Original series
EP252 : Fangs for Nothin' →
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