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nextcode=DP190 |
nextcode=DP190 |
nexttitle=The Brockster Is In! |
nexttitle=The Brockster Is In! |
series=Diamond & Pearl series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl |
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
{{EpisodeInfobox|
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title_en=The Semi-Final Frontier!|
title_en=The Semi-Final Frontier!|
title_ja=シンオウリーグ準決勝！ダークライ登場！！|
title_ja=シンオウリーグ準決勝！ダークライ登場！！|
title_ja_trans=Shin'ō League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!!! |
title_ja_trans=Sinnoh League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!! |
broadcast_jp=August 26, 2010 |
broadcast_jp=August 26, 2010 |
broadcast_us=January 22, 2011 |
broadcast_us=January 22, 2011 |
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artn=1 |
artn=1 |
art=夏目久仁彦 |
art=夏目久仁彦 |
morecredits=no |<!--please don't change to "yes" until the corresponding staff page has been updated-->
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=DP171-DP180 |
epstaffpage=DP181-DP191 |
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|dp|189}}
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|dp|189}}
}}
}}
'''The Semi-Final Frontier!''' (Japanese: '''シンオウリーグ準決勝！ダークライ登場！！''' ''{{tt|Shin'ō|Sinnoh}} League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!!'') is the 189th episode of the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, and the 655th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on August 26, 2010, and in the United States on January 22, 2011.
'''The Semi-Final Frontier!''' (Japanese: '''シンオウリーグ準決勝！ダークライ登場！！''' ''Sinnoh League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!!'') is the 189th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'', and the 655th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It first aired in Japan on August 26, 2010, and in the United States on January 22, 2011.


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/tv-episodes/season-13/episode-32-13_32-the-semi-final-frontier/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/13/episode-32-the-semi-final-frontier/-->
<i>The semifinal battle gets under way, pitting Ash against Tobias. The talented Trainer is preceded by his reputation—he’s been defeating his opponents using only his Darkrai. Tobias comes on strong and quick, defeating Ash’s Heracross, Torkoal, and Gible one after another! But when Ash brings out Sceptile, a spirited skirmish begins, and for the first time during the Sinnoh League, Darkrai is defeated!
<i>The semifinal battle gets under way, pitting Ash against Tobias. The talented Trainer is preceded by his reputation—he’s been defeating his opponents using only his Darkrai. Tobias comes on strong and quick, defeating Ash’s Heracross, Torkoal, and Gible one after another! But when Ash brings out Sceptile, a spirited skirmish begins, and for the first time during the Sinnoh League, Darkrai is defeated!


Line 49: Line 49:


==Plot==
==Plot==
It's now time for the semi-finals of the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]], and {{Ash}} has found himself up against {{si|Tobias}}, the Trainer who has managed to defeat all the [[Sinnoh]] [[Gym Leader]]s and all the other competitors using only his {{p|Darkrai}}. As battle commences, Tobias unsurprisingly sends out Darkrai to battle first, whilst Ash sends out his {{AP|Heracross}}. {{an|Brock}} comments that it's a good choice to use a {{type|Bug}} like Heracross against a {{type|Dark}} Pokémon like Darkrai. Tobias tells Darkrai to use {{m|Ice Beam}} whilst Ash has Heracross use {{m|Hyper Beam}} and the two attacks collide. Ash then commands {{m|Horn Attack}}, but Darkrai intercepts it with a {{m|Dark Void}} putting Heracross straight to {{status|sleep}}. Luckily Ash is prepared for this and calls out for a {{m|Sleep Talk}}, which turns into {{m|Megahorn}}. The Megahorn slams into Darkrai, who quickly rebounds and knocks out Heracross with a {{m|Dream Eater}} attack.  
{{Ash}} is up against {{si|Tobias}}, the {{pkmn|Trainer}} who managed to defeat all the [[Sinnoh]] [[Gym Leader]]s and all the other competitors in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]] using only his {{p|Darkrai}}. As the {{pkmn|battle}} commences, Tobias sends out Darkrai to battle first, while Ash sends out his {{AP|Heracross}}. {{an|Brock}} comments that it is a good choice to use a {{t|Bug}}- and {{type|Fighting}} Pokémon like Heracross against a {{type|Dark}} Pokémon like Darkrai. Tobias tells Darkrai to use {{m|Ice Beam}} whilst Ash has Heracross use {{m|Hyper Beam}}, and the two attacks collide. Ash then commands Heracross to use {{m|Horn Attack}}, but Darkrai intercepts it with {{m|Dark Void}}, putting Heracross straight to {{status|sleep}}. However, Ash expected this, and has Heracross use {{m|Sleep Talk}}, which turns into {{m|Megahorn}}; the powerful Bug-type attack slams into Darkrai and causes it massive [[damage]]. However, it was ultimately in vain, because Darkrai fires right back with a super-effective {{m|Dream Eater}} attack, not only healing itself but also [[Fainting|knocking Heracross out]] in one shot.


Ash recalls Heracross and sends out {{AP|Torkoal}}, commanding a {{m|Flamethrower}}. Darkrai intercepts it with {{m|Dark Pulse}} and causes a huge explosion which sends Torkoal flying back and knocking it out. Now that two of his Pokémon have fainted, Ash knows Tobias and Darkrai are living up to their reputations. Ash decides to send out {{AP|Gible}} next and has him begin with {{m|Rock Smash}} which manages to land a direct hit. Tobias calls for Ice Beam, and Ash orders Gible to keep dodging. Eventually Gible fires a {{m|Draco Meteor}}, but Darkrai dodges and uses Dark Pulse, knocking out Gible. Tobias compliments Ash on Gible's power, and admits that the Draco Meteor would have knocked out Darkrai had it made contact.
Ash [[recall]]s Heracross and sends out {{AP|Torkoal}}, whom he commands to use {{m|Flamethrower}} as Tobias commands Darkrai to use {{m|Dark Pulse}}. Darkrai's attack completely overpowers Torkoal's and knocks it out in one shot as well, and Ash is quickly realizing that Tobias and Darkrai are living up to their reputation. Ash decides to send out {{AP|Gible}} next and has him begin with {{m|Rock Smash}}, which lands and causes Darkrai super-effective damage. Tobias calls for an Ice Beam, which Gible dodges before launching a {{m|Draco Meteor}}. However, Darkrai dodges it and knocks Gible out with Dark Pulse, getting itself a third single-shot victory. Tobias compliments Ash on Gible's performance, revealing that he has not let his power go to his head, before asking who his next Pokémon will be.
[[File:Ash Sceptile vs Tobias Darkrai.png|thumb|left|250px|Sceptile defeating Darkrai]]
Ash chooses {{AP|Sceptile}} as his fourth Pokémon, and Darkrai uses Ice Beam. Sceptile dodges and uses {{m|Quick Attack}}, but Darkrai dodges it. Ash orders Sceptile to use {{m|Leaf Storm}}, but Darkrai hits it with a close-range Ice Beam before the attack can be launched. Sceptile is hurt and stumbles, which allows Darkrai to land a hit with Dark Void to put Sceptile to sleep, before following up with Dream Eater. After taking the attack, Sceptile is shown in the midst of a dream, lost in a dark, empty void. Moments later, the {{pkmn|category|Forest Pokémon}} sees a light in the distance, from which it hears its Trainer's voice calling out to it; it immediately wakes up, much to Tobias's shock. Ash commands Sceptile to use {{m|Leaf Blade}}, and it lands two brutal hits on Darkrai, finally managing to take the Pitch-Black Pokémon out of the battle. The whole stadium cheers in disbelief for Ash for managing to make history and be the first Trainer to defeat Tobias's Darkrai, but Brock reminds {{an|Dawn}} and {{an|Barry}} that he is not out of the woods yet, since Tobias still has five other Pokémon for him to defeat.


Ash sends out his next Pokémon: {{AP|Sceptile}}, who has speed and power on its side. Darkrai fires an Ice Beam, but Sceptile dodges and uses {{m|Quick Attack}}, which Darkrai also avoids. Ash then orders Sceptile to use {{m|Leaf Storm}} but Darkrai dodges and hits with Sceptile with a close range Ice Beam. Sceptile is hurt and stumbles, allowing Darkrai to land a Dark Void and put Sceptile to sleep. Darkrai then attacks Sceptile with Dream Eater which hits Sceptile and causes him to react in pain from the attack. At this point, Sceptile is floating in his dream, wondering what's happening, when he hears Ash's voice calling to him and wakes up immediately in response much to Tobias's surprise and shock. Ash tells Sceptile to use {{m|Leaf Blade}}, and Sceptile strikes hard on Darkrai, finally managing to take the Pitch-Black Pokémon out of the fight. Everyone cheers for Ash, but Brock reminds {{an|Dawn}} and {{an|Barry}} that Tobias still has five other Pokémon to battle.
Tobias recalls Darkrai into its {{i|Poké Ball}}, and, impressed with Ash, admits that he earned his spot in the semi-final round for accomplishing what no other Trainer could whilst battling him. For the first time in Sinnoh, he now has to send out a second Pokémon. However, he shows no signs of worry and throws a Poké Ball into the air, releasing his second Pokémon: a {{p|Latios}}. This puts Ash, Dawn, Brock, and Barry in disbelief, but Ash quickly gets over it and has Sceptile use another Leaf Blade attack as Tobias commands Latios to counter with {{m|Giga Impact}}. The attacks collide and cause a massive explosion, but Sceptile gets the worst of it and faints.


Tobias recalls Darkrai into its [[Poké Ball]], impressed with Ash, admitting that he earned his spot in the semi-final rounds for accomplishing what no other Trainer could while battling him. For the first time in Sinnoh, he now has to send out a second Pokémon. Not worried in the slightest, he throws a Poké Ball into the air which releases Tobias's second Pokémon, a {{p|Latios}}.
Ash recalls Sceptile and thanks him for a stellar performance before sending out his fifth Pokémon, {{AP|Swellow}}. After Swellow and Latios let out their battle cries, the former goes in for a Quick Attack, but Latios easily dodges. The battle then turns into an aerial chase as the Swallow and Eon Pokémon keep in pursuit of one another. However, despite the former's amazing speed, it pales in comparison to that of the latter; Latios has Swellow beat both on offense and defense, being more than fast enough to not only dodge all of its offensive advances but also stay right on its tail. This is further proven when Swellow's attempt to throw Latios off with a nosedive fails, and further still when, after Swellow flies high up in the air and quickly descends with {{m|Aerial Ace}}, Latios intercepts it with a powerful {{m|Luster Purge}}, knocking it out in a single shot.


The Eon Pokémon descends from the sky, strafes past an astounded Ash, {{AP|Pikachu}} and Sceptile, streaks around the stadium, then heads over to Tobias, ready to battle. Ash can't believe what he's seeing, while an equally surprised Dawn looks Latios up on her [[Pokédex]], which explains that Latios can fly faster than a jet plane. Barry is confident in Sceptile's abilities.
Ash recalls Swellow and thanks it for trying its best, before bowing his head in desperation now that he only has one Pokémon left to take on his opponent's remaining five. {{AP|Pikachu}} is also upset at the seemingly hopeless situation, but Ash tells him that, no matter how bleak things may look, he has no intentions of giving up, a sentiment with which Pikachu agrees. Ash pulls his {{AP|hat}} backward and sends Pikachu in as his sixth and final Pokémon, both of them more than ready to give it their all. Despite having gained respect for his opponent, Tobias is certain that this will be their last bout and gets ready to end this battle once and for all.
[[File:Ash Pikachu Volt Tail.png|thumb|250px|Pikachu clashing with Latios]]
Pikachu starts off with a Quick Attack, and Latios tries to dodge, but Pikachu manages to land a glancing blow on him. Pikachu turns around and uses {{m|Volt Tackle}}, but Latios overpowers him with a Giga Impact. Latios prepares to use another Giga Impact, and Ash has Pikachu use {{m|Iron Tail}} to try and counter, but he ends up getting overpowered again and lands on his stomach. Latios then mimics Swellow's earlier trick and flies high up in the sky, before coming down fast while at the same time charging a Luster Purge. Ash commands Pikachu to dodge, and despite the severe damage he has taken up to this point, he narrowly does so, before jumping onto Latios's back once he flies past him. Pikachu follows up with a close-range {{m|Thunderbolt}}, causing Latios considerable damage. Tobias commands Latios to shake Pikachu off, and he tries to do so by flying around erratically, but Pikachu manages to keep hold of him and use another close-range Thunderbolt, pushing Latios closer to his limit. Tobias orders Latios to use {{m|Light Screen}}, which causes Pikachu's relentless Thunderbolts to not even faze him. Latios then flies high up in the sky again, and, as his Light Screen wears off, he finally manages to shake Pikachu off. With Pikachu in a vulnerable freefall, Tobias commands Latios to return to the ground and finish him off with Luster Purge. However, Ash commands Pikachu to use Volt Tackle, which slowly but surely cuts through the Luster Purge. Ash then yells at the top of his lungs for an Iron Tail attack, which, in conjunction with the Volt Tackle, completely cuts through the Luster Purge and scores a direct hit on Latios, causing a giant explosion that knocks out all of the monitors.


Ash tells Sceptile to use Leaf Blade on Latios, but Tobias is ready for this and commands a {{m|Giga Impact}} from Latios who is far faster than Sceptile. Latios hits Sceptile in mid-air, knocking it out in one hit, to Ash's shock.
The battlefield is covered with smoke and everyone is desperate to see what happened. Eventually, the smoke clears and reveals that Pikachu has gone down, but not without taking Latios down with him. As Ash has no Pokémon able to continue, Tobias is declared the winner by default, meaning he'll be advancing to the finals. [[Paul]] is shown having watched the battle on [[Television|TV]], and walks away in disappointment that his former [[rival]] has lost. Tobias approaches Ash and they thank each other for a spectacular battle. Dawn and Barry are upset over Ash's loss, but Brock points out that Ash was amazing and that this marks the first time he's ever made it into the Top 4.


Ash thanks Sceptile for a great job after recalling it, and sends out his {{AP|Swellow}} to combat Latios next. The two let out a battle-cry at each other, and Brock and Dawn feel that Swellow has a very good chance of winning since it'll be able to take Latios on in the sky. Ash tells Swellow to use Quick Attack, and Swellow speeds forward. However, Latios easily dodges it. Despite its high speed, Swellow is no match for Latios and finds itself on the run from the Eon Pokémon. It manages to get behind Latios and tries another attack, but Latios once again dodges and begins chasing Swellow. Ash tells Swellow to head to the ground and then use {{m|Aerial Ace}}. Swellow flies up towards the sun blocking it from view and then descends quickly with Aerial Ace powered up. Tobias orders Latios to use {{m|Luster Purge}}, and Latios hits Swellow in the middle of the descent. Swellow crashes to the ground, knocked out with not a single blow scored on Latios.
Tobias is later shown defeating a Trainer's {{p|Magmortar}} with his Darkrai in the finals, winning him the Lily of the Valley Conference. Tobias is presented the Winners' Trophy by {{an|Cynthia}} and [[Charles Goodshow|Mr. Goodshow]] as fireworks fire off around the stadium. Later, Ash stands outside the stadium ready to get on his way when Dawn arrives and notes that although their journey together is ending soon, it feels like they've just begun. Brock then arrives and reminds them both that their journeys really are just beginning. Ash agrees, knowing he's still got a lot of work to do if he's ever going to get into the {{DL|Pokémon League|Champion League}}, while Dawn comments that she's got a lot to do if she's ever to become a [[Top Coordinator]]. Brock is happy to see that his friends still following their dreams, but this leaves him to wonder if he's following his own. Just then, Barry turns up, telling Ash that while he might be stronger than him now, he plans to train and defeat him in their next battle. Ash laughs, and the two rivals say a final goodbye before Barry leaves, full of energy as always. And so, the group prepares to set forth on the final leg of their journey back to [[Twinleaf Town]].


Ash recalls Swellow thanking it for trying its best, but fights back tears as the reality of the situation sets in. He only has one Pokémon left to fight and he looks ready to forfeit. Dawn, Brock, and Barry, unwilling to see Ash give up, tell him that he could still make a comeback. Ash looks at the scoreboard, which displays the daunting fact that Ash has only one Pokémon left which Tobias still has Latios and four others. {{AP|Pikachu}} is also upset at the seemingly hopeless situation but Ash tells Pikachu that he isn't giving up yet and Pikachu lets his Trainer know he's ready to battle. Ash pulls back his [[Ash's hat|hat]] backwards and sends Pikachu in knowing that no matter what, he and his Pokémon will always give it their all. Despite having gained respect for his opponent, Tobias is certain that this will be their last bout, and hopes that they'll both do their best.
==Major events==
 
[[File:Tobias Winning.png|thumb|220px|Tobias holding the championship trophy]]
Pikachu starts off with a Quick Attack, and lands a small hit. Pikachu turns around and uses {{m|Volt Tackle}} and Latios spins around and uses Giga Impact to counter. The two attacks collide, and Pikachu comes out of it the worst as he is sent flying backwards. Wincing, Pikachu lands on his feet and watches as Latios flies into the air and begins another Giga Impact. Pikachu tries to intercept once again with {{m|Iron Tail}}, but like before is sent flying backwards. Latios flies high up in the sky until it was barely visible, then flies back down, a sparkling pink Luster Purge glowing at its mouth. Ash sees Pikachu lying on the ground injured, and orders Pikachu to dodge, which Pikachu does, the Luster Purge narrowly missing.
 
Latios flies by and arcs up back into the sky, and unbeknownst to it, Pikachu has managed to get onto its back. Latios turns and sees Pikachu hanging on tightly. Pikachu uses {{m|Thunderbolt}} on the flying Latios, causing severe damage. Tobias tells Latios to shake Pikachu off, and Latios flies around trying to shake Pikachu off. However, he is hanging on for dear life and uses Thunderbolt again, causing Latios more damage which is now beginning to take its toll. Tobias then orders Latios to use {{m|Light Screen}}, which cuts the power of Thunderbolt when Pikachu uses it again.
 
Pikachu tries again and again to knock out Latios but to no avail, while Latios flies high into the sky. Latios twists suddenly to descend and as Light Screen wears off, Pikachu loses his grip and starts falling. Latios lands inches from the ground and Tobias tells Latios to finish Pikachu with Luster Purge. Ash yells out for a Volt Tackle and Pikachu somersaults and dives directly towards Latios with Volt Tackle fully powered. The Luster Purge meets the Volt Tackle, but the Volt Tackle slowly cuts through. Pikachu's strength is waning and he is struggling to cut through the attack. Ash yells at the top of his lungs for an Iron Tail, which cuts through the Luster Purge fully and scores a direct hit on Latios, causing a giant explosion which nearly knocks Ash and Tobias off their feet and manages to knock out all of the monitors.
 
The battlefield is covered with smoke as everyone is desperate to see what happened. Eventually the smoke clears and it turns out that Pikachu successfully took down Latios but was also knocked out in the process. As Ash has no Pokémon able to continue, Tobias is declared the winner by default. [[Paul]] is watching the battle on TV and walks away, disappointed for Ash upon seeing him lose. Tobias approaches Ash and they thank each other for the battle. Dawn and Barry are upset over Ash's loss, but Brock points out that Ash was amazing and that this marks the first time he's ever made it into the Top 4.
 
Tobias is then shown defeating a Trainer's Magmortar with his Darkrai, winning him the Lily of the Valley Conference. Tobias is presented the Winners' Trophy by Cynthia and [[Charles Goodshow|Mr. Goodshow]] as fireworks fire off around the stadium.
 
Later, Ash stands outside the stadium ready to get on his way when Dawn arrives and notes that although their journey together is ending soon, it feels like they've just begun. Brock then arrives and reminds them both that their journeys really are just beginning. Ash agrees, knowing he's still got a lot of work to do if he's ever going to get into the Champions League, while Dawn comments that she's got a lot to do if she's ever to become a Top Coordinator. Brock is happy to see that his friends still following their dreams, but this leaves him to wonder if he's following his own. Just then Barry turns up, telling Ash that while he might be stronger than him now, he plans to train and defeat him in their next battle. Ash laughs, and the two rivals say a final goodbye before Barry leaves, full of energy as always. And so, the gang prepare to set forth on the final leg of their journey back to [[Twinleaf Town]].
 
==Major events==  
* {{Ash}} battles the mysterious Trainer {{si|Tobias}} in the semi-finals and loses, placing Top 4 in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
* [[Ash's Heracross]] is revealed to have learned {{m|Hyper Beam}}.
* [[Ash's Heracross]] is revealed to have learned {{m|Hyper Beam}}.
* [[Ash's Sceptile]] is revealed to have learned {{m|Leaf Storm}}.
* [[Ash's Sceptile]] is revealed to have learned {{m|Leaf Storm}}.
* {{si|Tobias}} is revealed to own a {{p|Latios}}.
* {{si|Tobias}} is revealed to own a {{p|Latios}}.
* {{si|Tobias}} wins the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
* {{Ash}} battles Tobias in the semifinals and loses, placing Top 4.
* Tobias defeats his opponent in the finals, thus winning the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
* The Lily of the Valley Conference ends.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}


Line 88: Line 80:
====Pokémon debuts====
====Pokémon debuts====
=====TV episode debuts=====
=====TV episode debuts=====
*{{p|Latios}}
* {{p|Latios}}


==Characters==
==Characters==
Line 97: Line 89:
* [[Jessie]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[James]]
* {{si|Tobias}}
* [[Paul]]
* [[Paul]]
* {{an|Barry}}
* {{an|Barry}}
* {{an|Cynthia}}
* {{si|Tobias}}
* [[Charles Goodshow]]
* [[Charles Goodshow]]
* [[Cynthia]]
* Referee
* Referee
* Audience
* Audience
Line 119: Line 111:
* {{p|Latios}} ({{si|Tobias}}'s)
* {{p|Latios}} ({{si|Tobias}}'s)
* {{p|Magmortar}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Magmortar}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Granbull}} (Trainer's, on a screen)
* {{p|Empoleon}} (Trainer's, on a screen)
* {{p|Rhyperior}} (Trainer's, on a screen)
* {{p|Zangoose}} (Trainer's, on a screen)
* {{p|Mismagius}} (Trainer's, on a screen)


==Trivia==  
==Trivia==
[[File:Ash DP backwards hat.png|thumb|right|250px|Ash with his hat on backwards]]
[[File:Ash DP backwards hat.png|thumb|250px|Ash with his hat on backwards]]
* There is no [[Professor Oak's lecture]] at the end of this episode. Instead, a minute-long preview for the {{series|Best Wishes}} is shown.
* There is no [[Professor Oak's Big Pokémon Examination]] at the end of this episode. Instead, a minute-long preview for ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]'' is shown.
* Another [[AG190|episode]] has a similar English title as this episode.
* This episode concludes the eight-part [[Lily of the Valley Conference]] arc.
* This episode marks the only time {{Ash}} has flipped his {{TP|Ash|hat}} in the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} during battle.
* [[AG190|Another episode]] has a similar English [[dub]] title as this episode.
* Following ''[[DP183|League Unleashed!]]'', this episode marks the third time a [[Legendary Pokémon]] is entered in a Pokémon League tournament. All of these Legendary Pokémon were entered in the same tournament as well, the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
** Also, both of these episodes were the third to last of their respective [[series]], and featured the final {{pkmn|battle}} of {{Ash}}'s main quest at that time.
* Even though Ash has defeated Legendaries before, this episode marks the first time Ash has defeated more than one in a single battle.
* This episode marks the only time Ash has flipped his {{AP|hat}} in ''[[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl]]'' during battle.
* Music from ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias]]'', ''[[M10|The Rise of Darkrai]]'' and ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]'' was used in this episode.
* Music from ''[[M05|Pokémon Heroes: Latios and Latias]]'', ''[[M10|The Rise of Darkrai]]'', and ''[[M11|Giratina and the Sky Warrior]]'' are used in this episode.
* This episode's English title is a reference to the phrase ''the final frontier''.
** Additionally, the former of these movies is made [[canon]] by this episode, as Ash and Brock recognize Latios, and the only time they've seen one before was in ''Pokemon Heroes''.
* This is the only episode of ''[[S13|Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Sinnoh League Victors]]'' that kept the entire Japanese music unaltered, including the title card music.
* This episode's English dub title is a reference to the phrase "the final frontier".
* This currently is the farthest that Ash has ever gotten in a Pokémon League, reaching the Top 4.
* This is the only episode of [[S13|Pokémon Diamond & Pearl: Sinnoh League Victors]] that keeps all Japanese music intact, including the [[title card]] music.
* This episode marks the final appearances of Paul and Barry.
* This episode marks the final appearances of {{an|Barry}} and [[Charles Goodshow]].
* This episode marks the last time in which Ash has used {{AP|Heracross}}, {{AP|Swellow}}, {{AP|Sceptile}}, {{AP|Torkoal}}, or {{AP|Gible}} in an onscreen battle.
** This is also the last time Torkoal and Gible have been shown in Ash's active party.
* This is the only episode in ''Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl'' to feature a [[Full Battle]] not involving [[Paul]].
* This marks the only time when one of Ash's Full Battles has completely taken place within a single episode.
* This would mark the last time Ash brought Pokémon from [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] into his active [[party]] until ''[[JN137|The Road Most Traveled!]]'', 567 episodes later.


===Errors===
===Errors===
[[File:DP189 error.png|220px|thumb|right|Scoreboard error]]
* The second time {{AP|Sceptile}} hits {{p|Darkrai}} with {{m|Leaf Blade}}, Sceptile's tail doesn't connect to its body.
* After Tobias defeated Ash, in the scoreboard a {{p|Mismagius}} silhouette appears in place of Swellow's. Additionally, the Torkoal and Darkrai silhouettes are slightly different from before.
* After commanding {{AP|Pikachu}} to use {{m|Quick Attack}} the first time, Ash then commands Pikachu to use {{m|Volt Tackle}}. However, when Pikachu collides with {{p|Latios}}'s {{m|Giga Impact}}, he appears to be using Quick Attack instead of Volt Tackle.
* After Ash told Pikachu to use Quick Attack the first time, he said for Pikachu to use Volt Tackle. When it hit Latios's Giga Impact, it was Quick Attack.
* After {{si|Tobias}} defeats Ash, the scoreboard shows a {{p|Mismagius}} silhouette in place of {{AP|Swellow}}'s. Additionally, the {{AP|Torkoal}}, Sceptile and Darkrai silhouettes are enlarged.
 
<gallery>
DP189.png|Sceptile's tail error
DP189 error.png|The scoreboard errors
</gallery>


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* In the English dub, [[Jessie]] says to the customers that they shouldn't watch on an empty stomach and to eat some of the food. In the Japanese version, she specifies that she has rice crackers, caramel, juice, and popcorn.
* In the English dub, a customer asks if she has Darkrai merchandise. In the Japanese version, the customer wants an actual Darkrai.
* In the English dub, the announcer says that it was the first time Tobias's Darkrai was defeated. In the Japanese version, the announcers adds that it's the first time Tobias's second Pokémon had to be used in the league.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=FFCCCC|bordercolor=9999FF
{{Epilang|color=FCC|bordercolor=99F
|zh_cmn={{tt|神奧聯盟準決賽！達克萊伊登場！！|Shén’aò (Sinnoh) League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|神奧聯盟準決賽！達克萊伊登場！！|Shén'aò (Sinnoh) League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!!}}
|cs={{tt|Semifinále|The semifinals}}
|cs={{tt|Semifinále|The semifinals}}
|nl={{tt|De Grens van de Halve Finale!|The Border of the Semi-final!}}
|da={{tt|En grænse for semifinalen!|The Semi-Final Frontier!}}
|nl={{tt|De grens van de halve finale!|The Border of the Semi-final!}}
|fi={{tt|Semifinaaliottelu!|The semi-final match!}}
|fi={{tt|Semifinaaliottelu!|The semi-final match!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|La frontière des demi-finales !|The Semi-final frontier !}}
|de={{tt|Unbesiegbar, gibt's nicht!!|Invincible, impossible!!}}
|de={{tt|Unbesiegbar, gibt's nicht!!|Invincible, impossible!!}}
|id={{tt|Semi-Final Liga Sinnoh! Darkrai Tampil!!|Sinnoh League Semi-Final! Darkrai Appears!!}}
|id={{tt|Semi-Final Liga Sinnoh! Darkrai Tampil!!|Sinnoh League Semi-Final! Darkrai Appears!!}}
|it={{tt|La semifinale!|The semi-final!}}
|it={{tt|La semifinale!|The semi-final!}}
|ko={{tt|신오리그 준결승전! 다크라이 등장!|Sinnoh League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!}}
|no={{tt|Semifinaleslaget!|The semi-final battle!}}
|no={{tt|Semifinaleslaget!|The semi-final battle!}}
|pt_br={{tt|A Fronteira da Semi-Final!}}
|pl={{tt|Półfinałowa przeszkoda!|Semi-final obstacle!}}
|pt_br={{tt|A Fronteira da Semi-Final!|The Semi-Final Frontier!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|A Penúltima Fronteira!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|A Penúltima Fronteira!}}
|pl={{tt|Półfinałowa przeszkoda!|Semi-final obstacle!}}
|ru={{tt|Полуфинальный рубеж!|Semi-final frontier!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡La frontera Semi-Final!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡La frontera Semi-Final!}}
|es_eu={{tt|¡La frontera de las semi-finales!|The Semi-Finals Frontier!}}
|es_eu={{tt|¡La frontera de las semi-finales!|The Semi-Finals Frontier!}}
|ru={{tt|Полуфинальный рубеж!|}}
|sv={{tt|Semifinalgränsen!|The semi-final frontier!}}
|sv={{tt|Semifinalgränsen!|The semi-final frontier!}}
}}
}}
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nextcode=DP190 |
nextcode=DP190 |
nexttitle=The Brockster Is In! |
nexttitle=The Brockster Is In! |
series=Diamond & Pearl series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl |
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
colorscheme=Sinnoh}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
[[Category:Diamond & Pearl series episodes|189]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Masashi Sogo|655]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Hiroyuki Yamada|655]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Kazuomi Koga|655]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Kunihiko Natsume|655]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash|655]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu|655]]
[[Category:Pokémon League episodes|655]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a legendary Pokémon appears|655]]


[[pl:DP189]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:0655}}
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl episodes|189]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Masashi Sogo]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Hiroyuki Yamada]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Kazuomi Koga]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Kunihiko Natsume]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu]]
[[Category:Pokémon League episodes]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Legendary Pokémon appears]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Mythical Pokémon appears]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Champion appears]]


[[de:Unbesiegbar gibt's nicht!! (Episode)]]
[[de:Unbesiegbar gibt's nicht!!]]
[[es:DP189]]
[[es:EP658]]
[[fr:DP189]]
[[fr:DP189]]
[[it:DP189]]
[[it:DP189]]
[[ja:DP編第189話]]
[[ja:DP編第189話]]
[[zh:DP187]]
[[zh:宝可梦 钻石＆珍珠 第187集]]

Latest revision as of 20:48, 4 September 2024

← DP188 : Battling a Thaw in Relations!
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
DP190 : The Brockster Is In! →
The Semi-Final Frontier!
DP189.png
DP189   EP655
シンオウリーグ準決勝！ダークライ登場！！
Sinnoh League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!!
First broadcast
Japan August 26, 2010
United States January 22, 2011
English themes
Opening We Will Carry On!
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening 「サイコー・エブリディ！」（ＢＡＮＤ　ＶＥＲＳＩＯＮ）
Ending 君の胸にＬａＬａＬａ
Credits
Animation Team Kato
Screenplay 十川誠志 Masashi Sogo
Storyboard 山田浩之 Hiroyuki Yamada
Assistant director 古賀一臣 Kazuomi Koga
Animation director 夏目久仁彦 Kunihiko Natsume
Additional credits

The Semi-Final Frontier! (Japanese: シンオウリーグ準決勝！ダークライ登場！！ Sinnoh League Semi-Finals! Enter Darkrai!!) is the 189th episode of Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, and the 655th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It first aired in Japan on August 26, 2010, and in the United States on January 22, 2011.

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

Blurb

The semifinal battle gets under way, pitting Ash against Tobias. The talented Trainer is preceded by his reputation—he’s been defeating his opponents using only his Darkrai. Tobias comes on strong and quick, defeating Ash’s Heracross, Torkoal, and Gible one after another! But when Ash brings out Sceptile, a spirited skirmish begins, and for the first time during the Sinnoh League, Darkrai is defeated!

Tobias is unfazed by this turn of events. He next brings out Latios, another surprisingly powerful Pokémon. And with one move, Ash’s Sceptile is unable to battle.

Ash follows up by bringing out Swellow, and a sky battle between Swellow and Latios ensues. Latios proves too powerful for Swellow, and Ash is left with one Pokémon, while Tobias still has five!

When Ash turns to Pikachu as his final Pokémon, the action-filled bout gets even more intense, and eventually both Latios and Pikachu are rendered unable to battle at the same time. And since Pikachu is Ash’s last Pokémon, Tobias is declared the winner! This is the first time Ash has made it to the final four of an event of this magnitude, and he has gained the respect of Tobias—who then goes on to triumph in his final battle and is declared the winner of the Sinnoh League!

We leave our heroes as Barry bids them all farewell. Both Ash and Dawn vow to continue pursuing their dreams, while in the face of their determination, Brock finds himself questioning his own plans…

Plot

Ash is up against Tobias, the Trainer who managed to defeat all the Sinnoh Gym Leaders and all the other competitors in the Lily of the Valley Conference using only his Darkrai. As the battle commences, Tobias sends out Darkrai to battle first, while Ash sends out his Heracross. Brock comments that it is a good choice to use a Bug- and Fighting-type Pokémon like Heracross against a Dark-type Pokémon like Darkrai. Tobias tells Darkrai to use Ice Beam whilst Ash has Heracross use Hyper Beam, and the two attacks collide. Ash then commands Heracross to use Horn Attack, but Darkrai intercepts it with Dark Void, putting Heracross straight to sleep. However, Ash expected this, and has Heracross use Sleep Talk, which turns into Megahorn; the powerful Bug-type attack slams into Darkrai and causes it massive damage. However, it was ultimately in vain, because Darkrai fires right back with a super-effective Dream Eater attack, not only healing itself but also knocking Heracross out in one shot.

Ash recalls Heracross and sends out Torkoal, whom he commands to use Flamethrower as Tobias commands Darkrai to use Dark Pulse. Darkrai's attack completely overpowers Torkoal's and knocks it out in one shot as well, and Ash is quickly realizing that Tobias and Darkrai are living up to their reputation. Ash decides to send out Gible next and has him begin with Rock Smash, which lands and causes Darkrai super-effective damage. Tobias calls for an Ice Beam, which Gible dodges before launching a Draco Meteor. However, Darkrai dodges it and knocks Gible out with Dark Pulse, getting itself a third single-shot victory. Tobias compliments Ash on Gible's performance, revealing that he has not let his power go to his head, before asking who his next Pokémon will be.

Sceptile defeating Darkrai

Ash chooses Sceptile as his fourth Pokémon, and Darkrai uses Ice Beam. Sceptile dodges and uses Quick Attack, but Darkrai dodges it. Ash orders Sceptile to use Leaf Storm, but Darkrai hits it with a close-range Ice Beam before the attack can be launched. Sceptile is hurt and stumbles, which allows Darkrai to land a hit with Dark Void to put Sceptile to sleep, before following up with Dream Eater. After taking the attack, Sceptile is shown in the midst of a dream, lost in a dark, empty void. Moments later, the Forest Pokémon sees a light in the distance, from which it hears its Trainer's voice calling out to it; it immediately wakes up, much to Tobias's shock. Ash commands Sceptile to use Leaf Blade, and it lands two brutal hits on Darkrai, finally managing to take the Pitch-Black Pokémon out of the battle. The whole stadium cheers in disbelief for Ash for managing to make history and be the first Trainer to defeat Tobias's Darkrai, but Brock reminds Dawn and Barry that he is not out of the woods yet, since Tobias still has five other Pokémon for him to defeat.

Tobias recalls Darkrai into its Poké Ball, and, impressed with Ash, admits that he earned his spot in the semi-final round for accomplishing what no other Trainer could whilst battling him. For the first time in Sinnoh, he now has to send out a second Pokémon. However, he shows no signs of worry and throws a Poké Ball into the air, releasing his second Pokémon: a Latios. This puts Ash, Dawn, Brock, and Barry in disbelief, but Ash quickly gets over it and has Sceptile use another Leaf Blade attack as Tobias commands Latios to counter with Giga Impact. The attacks collide and cause a massive explosion, but Sceptile gets the worst of it and faints.

Ash recalls Sceptile and thanks him for a stellar performance before sending out his fifth Pokémon, Swellow. After Swellow and Latios let out their battle cries, the former goes in for a Quick Attack, but Latios easily dodges. The battle then turns into an aerial chase as the Swallow and Eon Pokémon keep in pursuit of one another. However, despite the former's amazing speed, it pales in comparison to that of the latter; Latios has Swellow beat both on offense and defense, being more than fast enough to not only dodge all of its offensive advances but also stay right on its tail. This is further proven when Swellow's attempt to throw Latios off with a nosedive fails, and further still when, after Swellow flies high up in the air and quickly descends with Aerial Ace, Latios intercepts it with a powerful Luster Purge, knocking it out in a single shot.

Ash recalls Swellow and thanks it for trying its best, before bowing his head in desperation now that he only has one Pokémon left to take on his opponent's remaining five. Pikachu is also upset at the seemingly hopeless situation, but Ash tells him that, no matter how bleak things may look, he has no intentions of giving up, a sentiment with which Pikachu agrees. Ash pulls his hat backward and sends Pikachu in as his sixth and final Pokémon, both of them more than ready to give it their all. Despite having gained respect for his opponent, Tobias is certain that this will be their last bout and gets ready to end this battle once and for all.

Pikachu clashing with Latios

Pikachu starts off with a Quick Attack, and Latios tries to dodge, but Pikachu manages to land a glancing blow on him. Pikachu turns around and uses Volt Tackle, but Latios overpowers him with a Giga Impact. Latios prepares to use another Giga Impact, and Ash has Pikachu use Iron Tail to try and counter, but he ends up getting overpowered again and lands on his stomach. Latios then mimics Swellow's earlier trick and flies high up in the sky, before coming down fast while at the same time charging a Luster Purge. Ash commands Pikachu to dodge, and despite the severe damage he has taken up to this point, he narrowly does so, before jumping onto Latios's back once he flies past him. Pikachu follows up with a close-range Thunderbolt, causing Latios considerable damage. Tobias commands Latios to shake Pikachu off, and he tries to do so by flying around erratically, but Pikachu manages to keep hold of him and use another close-range Thunderbolt, pushing Latios closer to his limit. Tobias orders Latios to use Light Screen, which causes Pikachu's relentless Thunderbolts to not even faze him. Latios then flies high up in the sky again, and, as his Light Screen wears off, he finally manages to shake Pikachu off. With Pikachu in a vulnerable freefall, Tobias commands Latios to return to the ground and finish him off with Luster Purge. However, Ash commands Pikachu to use Volt Tackle, which slowly but surely cuts through the Luster Purge. Ash then yells at the top of his lungs for an Iron Tail attack, which, in conjunction with the Volt Tackle, completely cuts through the Luster Purge and scores a direct hit on Latios, causing a giant explosion that knocks out all of the monitors.

The battlefield is covered with smoke and everyone is desperate to see what happened. Eventually, the smoke clears and reveals that Pikachu has gone down, but not without taking Latios down with him. As Ash has no Pokémon able to continue, Tobias is declared the winner by default, meaning he'll be advancing to the finals. Paul is shown having watched the battle on TV, and walks away in disappointment that his former rival has lost. Tobias approaches Ash and they thank each other for a spectacular battle. Dawn and Barry are upset over Ash's loss, but Brock points out that Ash was amazing and that this marks the first time he's ever made it into the Top 4.

Tobias is later shown defeating a Trainer's Magmortar with his Darkrai in the finals, winning him the Lily of the Valley Conference. Tobias is presented the Winners' Trophy by Cynthia and Mr. Goodshow as fireworks fire off around the stadium. Later, Ash stands outside the stadium ready to get on his way when Dawn arrives and notes that although their journey together is ending soon, it feels like they've just begun. Brock then arrives and reminds them both that their journeys really are just beginning. Ash agrees, knowing he's still got a lot of work to do if he's ever going to get into the Champion League, while Dawn comments that she's got a lot to do if she's ever to become a Top Coordinator. Brock is happy to see that his friends still following their dreams, but this leaves him to wonder if he's following his own. Just then, Barry turns up, telling Ash that while he might be stronger than him now, he plans to train and defeat him in their next battle. Ash laughs, and the two rivals say a final goodbye before Barry leaves, full of energy as always. And so, the group prepares to set forth on the final leg of their journey back to Twinleaf Town.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

TV episode debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Trivia

Ash with his hat on backwards

Errors

  • Sceptile's tail error

    Sceptile's tail error

  • The scoreboard errors

    The scoreboard errors

Dub edits

  • In the English dub, Jessie says to the customers that they shouldn't watch on an empty stomach and to eat some of the food. In the Japanese version, she specifies that she has rice crackers, caramel, juice, and popcorn.
  • In the English dub, a customer asks if she has Darkrai merchandise. In the Japanese version, the customer wants an actual Darkrai.
  • In the English dub, the announcer says that it was the first time Tobias's Darkrai was defeated. In the Japanese version, the announcers adds that it's the first time Tobias's second Pokémon had to be used in the league.

In other languages



← DP188 : Battling a Thaw in Relations!
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
DP190 : The Brockster Is In! →
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