AG153: Difference between revisions

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|nextcode=AG154
|nextcode=AG154
|nexttitle=Reversing the Charges
|nexttitle=Reversing the Charges
|series=Advanced Generation series
|series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
|colorscheme=Emerald}}
|colorscheme=Emerald}}
{{EpisodeInfobox
{{EpisodeInfobox
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|en_series=
|en_series=
|en_op={{OBP|Battle Frontier|dub}}
|en_op={{OBP|Battle Frontier|dub}}
|en_ed={{so|Pokémon Go!}}
|ja_op={{so|Battle Frontier|バトルフロンティア}}
|ja_op={{so|Battle Frontier|バトルフロンティア}}
|ja_ed=[[GLORY DAY ~That Shining Day~|GLORY DAY 〜輝くその日〜]] ③
|ja_ed=[[GLORY DAY ~That Shining Day~|GLORY DAY 〜輝くその日〜]] ③
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|art1=玉川明洋
|art1=玉川明洋
|art2=岩根雅明
|art2=岩根雅明
|morecredits=no
|morecredits=yes
|epstaffpage=AG151-AG160
|epstaffpage=AG151-AG160
|footnotes=
|footnotes=
*{{filb-eppics|ag|153}}}}
*{{filb-eppics|ag|153}}}}
'''Tactics Theatrics!!''' (Japanese: '''バトルドーム!炎と水のフュージョン!! ''' ''Battle Dome! Fusion of Fire and Water!!)'' is the 153rd episode of the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, and the 427th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on November 24, 2005 and in the United States on September 30, 2006.  
'''Tactics Theatrics!!''' (Japanese: '''バトルドーム!炎と水のフュージョン!! ''' ''Battle Dome! Fusion of Fire and Water!!)'' is the 153rd episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'', and the 427th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on November 24, 2005, and in the United States on September 30, 2006.  


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/09_08-tactics-theatrics/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/9/episode-8-tactics-theatrics/-->
<i>Ash has finally reached the Battle Dome, and what a reception! An eager crowd of journalists wants to meet the new challenger who's going to take on Tucker, the famous Dome Ace. Ash is whisked off to his first press conference and he's having fun until he admits he doesn't know who Tucker the Dome Ace is, to the horror of all the reporters.
<i>Ash has finally reached the Battle Dome, and what a reception! An eager crowd of journalists wants to meet the new challenger who's going to take on Tucker, the famous Dome Ace. Ash is whisked off to his first press conference and he's having fun until he admits he doesn't know who Tucker the Dome Ace is, to the horror of all the reporters.


Line 46: Line 47:


==Plot==
==Plot==
Successfully arriving at the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Dome}}, {{Ash}} is flooded by many reporters and personnel. [[Scott]] pops out, saying to go to the press conference. A press conference takes place with various reporters questioning Ash about his upcoming {{pkmn|battle}} in the Battle Dome. Meanwhile, {{TRT}} is grooming the [[Frontier Brain]], [[Dome Ace Tucker]], and making battle preparations. Arriving at an inner platform within the Battle Dome, Ash can easily see the battle platform from above. Team Rocket is doing their usual errands with serving the normal concessions and snacks.
Successfully arriving at the [[Battle Dome]], {{Ash}} is flooded by many reporters and personnel. [[Scott]] pops out, saying to go to the press conference. A press conference takes place with various reporters questioning Ash about his upcoming {{pkmn|battle}} in the Battle Dome. Meanwhile, {{TRT}} is grooming the [[Frontier Brain]], [[Tucker|Dome Ace Tucker]], and making battle preparations. Arriving at an inner platform within the Battle Dome, Ash can easily see the battle platform from above. Team Rocket is doing their usual errands while serving the normal concessions and snacks.


The lights dim within the arena as a nearby screen illuminates displaying various information about Ash from [[Pallet Town]]. A giant plume of smoke and dust erupts in the arena as Ash makes his appearance. The arena then lightens with various colors of light as Tucker, the Frontier Brain, makes his appearance. Landing majestically atop the adjacent platform, the crowd goes hysterical. Seeing the Dome Ace of the Battle Dome for the first time gives [[Max]] and {{an|May}} thoughts of [[Norman|their father]].
The lights dim within the arena as a nearby screen illuminates, displaying various information about Ash from [[Pallet Town]], including his achievements in the [[Orange League|Orange]], [[Indigo League|Indigo]], [[Johto League|Johto]], and [[Hoenn League]]s. A giant plume of smoke and dust erupts in the arena as Ash makes his appearance. The arena lightens with various colors of light as Tucker, the Frontier Brain, makes his appearance. Landing majestically atop the adjacent platform, the crowd goes hysterical. Seeing the Dome Ace of the Battle Dome for the first time gives [[Max]] and {{an|May}} thoughts of [[Norman|their father]].


The battle about to take place, Tucker displays the coin for defeating him in this battle as he then sends out both {{p|Arcanine}} and {{p|Swampert}} in a veil of fire and water. This battle will be a [[Double Battle|two-on-two Pokémon battle]]. Ash analyzes Tucker's choice and then chooses to call upon {{AP|Swellow}} and {{AP|Corphish}}.
The battle about to take place, Tucker displays the coin for defeating him in this battle as he sends out both {{p|Arcanine}} and {{p|Swampert}} in a veil of fire and water. This battle will be a [[Double Battle|two-on-two Pokémon battle]]. Ash analyzes Tucker's choice and chooses to call upon {{AP|Swellow}} and {{AP|Corphish}}.


The battle quickly goes underway with Swellow launching into a devastating {{m|Quick Attack}} towards Swampert. Arcanine then rushes towards Swampert and is thrust into the air reaching a high velocity and collides with Swellow knocking it backwards. Swellow recovers from the attack as Corphish attacks with an array of {{m|BubbleBeam}}. Swampert then jumps in front of Arcanine to shield themselves from the attack with {{m|Protect}}. {{an|Brock}} notes that both Pokémon support each other with Arcanine's {{stat|Speed}} and Swampert's {{stat|Defense}}.
The battle quickly goes underway with Swellow launching into a devastating {{m|Quick Attack}} towards Swampert. Arcanine rushes towards Swampert and is thrust into the air, reaching a high velocity, and collides with Swellow, knocking it backward. Swellow recovers from the attack as Corphish attacks with a {{m|Bubble Beam}}. Swampert jumps in front of Arcanine to shield themselves from the attack with {{m|Protect}}. {{an|Brock}} notes that both Pokémon support each other with Arcanine's {{stat|Speed}} and Swampert's {{stat|Defense}}.


Swellow goes for another attack flying around to reach a high speed with Arcanine running to achieve an equal speed and jumps into the air to defend against Swellow's attack. The two attacks collide thrusting Swellow backwards and forcing Arcanine to the ground unable to stop himself from the fall. Corphish sees the opening and goes for the attack with {{m|Vice Grip}} while Swampert launching a {{m|Mud Shot}} attack right behind Arcanine. Just before Arcanine and Corphish make contact, Arcanine dodges Swampert's attack with Corphish taking direct damage and slamming into the nearby wall. With both Arcanine and Swampert as battle ready then ever, will Ash come to defeat Tucker?
Swellow goes for another attack, flying around at high speed with Arcanine running to achieve an equal speed and jumping into the air to defend against Swellow's attack. The two attacks collide, thrusting Swellow backwards and forcing Arcanine to the ground, unable to stop itself from the fall. Corphish sees the opening and goes for the attack with {{m|Vise Grip}} while Swampert launches a {{m|Mud Shot}} attack right behind Arcanine. Just before Arcanine and Corphish make contact, Arcanine dodges Swampert's attack with Corphish taking direct damage and slamming into the nearby wall.


Scott goes to explain that Tucker is known for his astonishing battle tactics while both May and Max are surprised. Tucker thanks Ash on his battle spirit and effort but Swampert quickly resumes the battle with a {{m|Water Gun}}. Both Swellow and Corphish dodge this attack with Corphish thrusting towards Swampert with a devastating {{m|Crabhammer}}. Swampert retaliates with a {{m|DynamicPunch}} as both attacks collide in an explosion of light and color. Arcanine then dashes toward Swampert to perform another aerial attack. While Swellow comes forward for the {{m|Peck}}, Arcanine launches a strategic {{m|Flamethrower}} towards Swellow but the attack is avoided with {{m|Double Team}}. Arcanine then increases its fire power with {{m|Fire Blast}}, hitting Swellow. May comments that it's like watching a [[Contest Battle]].
Scott explains that Tucker is known for his astonishing battle tactics while both May and Max are surprised. Tucker thanks Ash for his battle spirit and effort but Swampert quickly resumes the battle with a {{m|Water Gun}}. Both Swellow and Corphish dodge this attack, with Corphish thrusting towards Swampert with a devastating {{m|Crabhammer}}. Swampert retaliates with a {{m|Dynamic Punch}} as both attacks collide in an explosion of light and color. Arcanine dashes toward Swampert to perform another aerial attack. While Swellow comes forward for the {{m|Peck}}, Arcanine launches a strategic {{m|Flamethrower}} towards Swellow but the attack is avoided with {{m|Double Team}}. Arcanine increases its firepower with {{m|Fire Blast}}, hitting Swellow. May comments that it was like watching a [[Contest Battle]].


Meanwhile, Swampert is controlling the water from the air and shaping it with a {{m|Water Pulse}} attack. Swellow dodges Arcanine's first attack, ExtremeSpeed and launches towards Arcanine once more with the second attacks making contact creating a gigantic explosion. Corphish goes for an opening with Crabhammer as Swampert forces the nearby Water Pulse towards Swellow and Corphish which collides creating a structure formed of water and ice. Arcanine launches a devastating Fire Blast within the structure rotating around creating a fusion of fire and water, Tucker's greatest of tactics.
Meanwhile, Swampert is controlling the water from the air and shaping it with a {{m|Water Pulse}} attack. Swellow dodges Arcanine's first attack, {{m|Extreme Speed}}, and launches towards Arcanine once more, with the second attack making contact and creating a gigantic explosion. Corphish goes for an opening with Crabhammer as Swampert forces the nearby Water Pulse towards Swellow and Corphish, which collides creating a structure formed of water and ice. Arcanine launches a devastating Fire Blast within the structure rotating around creating a fusion of fire and water, Tucker's greatest of tactics.


Both Swellow and Corphish are suspended within this structure as a gigantic explosion taking place between the two forces and both Pokémon are forced towards the ground. Team Rocket is spectating the battle as neither Corphish or Swellow have enough energy to continue the battle. Both Pokémon revive with a fighting spirit greater than ever. Both Arcanine and Swampert launch a Flamethrower and {{m|Water Gun}} towards Corphish. Both attacks are diverted by Corphish's BubbleBeam attack. Swellow then thrusts towards with quick attack as Swampert uses DynamicPunch, and just as Arcanine goes for the opening, Swellow dodges forcing Arcanine into Swampert for a direct hit. A giant plume of smoke and dust engulfs the arena. Arcanine launches another Fire Blast attack but this is again diverted by another BubbleBeam attack. Visibility is lowered by a great amount of fog lingering within the arena.
Both Swellow and Corphish are suspended within this structure as a gigantic explosion takes place between the two forces and both Pokémon are forced towards the ground. Team Rocket is spectating the battle as neither Corphish nor Swellow has enough energy to continue the battle. Both Pokémon revive with a fighting spirit greater than ever. Both Arcanine and Swampert launch a Flamethrower and {{m|Water Gun}} towards Corphish. Both attacks are diverted by Corphish's Bubble Beam attack. Swellow thrusts towards with Quick Attack as Swampert uses Dynamic Punch, and just as Arcanine goes for the opening, Swellow dodges forcing Arcanine into Swampert for a direct hit. A giant plume of smoke and dust engulfs the arena. Arcanine launches another Fire Blast attack but this is again diverted by another Bubble Beam attack. Visibility is lowered by a great amount of fog lingering within the arena.


Both Arcanine and Swampert are confused of Swellow's exact location and fly towards Corphish and Swellow. Just as both attacks are to make contact, Swellow floats to the left and flies from the bottom making a direct hit with Corphish's Crabhammer and Swellow's {{m|Aerial Ace}}. Both Arcanine and Swampert are now [[fainting|unable to continue]] after taking the hits, granting Ash the win.
Both Arcanine and Swampert are unsure of Swellow's exact location and fly towards Corphish and Swellow. Just as both attacks are to make contact, Swellow floats to the left and flies from the bottom, making a direct hit with Corphish's Crabhammer and Swellow's {{m|Aerial Ace}}. Both Arcanine and Swampert are now [[fainting|unable to continue]] after taking the hits, granting Ash the win.


Most of the female crowd are disappointed with Tucker's loss as Tucker congratulates Ash for his victory, with the crowd crying out wildly. He mentions that he's a top tactician. As Tucker congratulates Ash, everyone begins to scream. Tucker thanks Ash for the battle. As Tucker leaves, Ash mentions that he forgot to give him the [[Symbol|Tactics Symbol]]. Tucker points to the top of his hat as Ash then pulls it from atop his head and happily displays his newly obtained Symbol.
Most of the female crowd is disappointed with Tucker's loss as Tucker congratulates Ash for his victory, with the crowd crying out wildly. He mentions that he's a top tactician. As Tucker congratulates Ash, everyone begins to scream. Tucker thanks Ash for the battle. As Tucker leaves, Ash mentions that he forgot to give him the [[Symbol|Tactics Symbol]]. Tucker points to the top of his hat as Ash pulls it from atop his head and happily displays his newly obtained Symbol.


==Major events==
==Major events==
[[File:Ash Tactics Symbol.png|thumb|220px|Ash holding the Tactics Symbol]]
[[File:Ash Tactics Symbol.png|thumb|220px|Ash holding the Tactics Symbol]]
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} arrive at the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Dome}} and meet [[Dome Ace Tucker]], the third [[Frontier Brain]].
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} arrive at the [[Battle Dome]] and meet [[Tucker|Dome Ace Tucker]], the third [[Frontier Brain]].
* Ash {{pkmn|battle}}s Tucker and wins, earning the [[Symbol|Tactics Symbol]].
* Ash {{pkmn|battle}}s Tucker and wins, earning the [[Symbol|Tactics Symbol]].
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}
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===Debuts===
===Debuts===
====Humans====
====Humans====
* {{FB|Dome Ace|Tucker}}
* [[Tucker]]


====Pokémon debuts====
====Pokémon debuts====
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* [[Jessie]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[James]]
* [[Norman]] (fantasy)
* [[Tucker]]
* [[Scott]]  
* [[Scott]]  
* [[Norman]] (fantasy)
* {{FB|Dome Ace|Tucker}}
* {{OBP|Victor|AG153}}
* {{OBP|Victor|AG153}}
* Female reporter
* Female reporter
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* {{p|Swellow}} ({{OP|Ash|Swellow}})
* {{p|Swellow}} ({{OP|Ash|Swellow}})
* {{p|Corphish}} ({{OP|Ash|Corphish}})
* {{p|Corphish}} ({{OP|Ash|Corphish}})
* {{p|Arcanine}} ({{FB|Dome Ace|Tucker}}'s)
* {{p|Arcanine}} ([[Tucker]]'s)
* {{p|Swampert}}  ({{FB|Dome Ace|Tucker}}'s)
* {{p|Swampert}}  ([[Tucker]]'s)


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:Brains Lineup 3.png|thumb|210px|Tucker in the opening]]
[[File:Brains Lineup 3.png|thumb|210px|Tucker in the opening]]
* The opening animation changes a fourth time to include Tucker.
* The opening animation changes a fourth consecutive time to reveal [[Tucker]].
* This is the first time in the anime where {{m|Aerial Ace}} is used by a Pokémon that can't fly. In the games, many Pokémon who can learn the move have no flight-related abilities.
* This is the first time in the anime where {{m|Aerial Ace}} is used by a Pokémon that can't fly. In the games, many Pokémon who can learn the move have no flight-related abilities.
* [[Bill Rogers]] revealed at the Men of Anime convention that it was his intention that his dub of Tucker sounded similar to the performance of [[Kenta Miyake]], his Japanese voice.
* [[Bill Rogers]] revealed at the Men of Anime convention that it was his intention that his dub of Tucker sounded similar to the performance of [[Kenta Miyake]], his Japanese voice.
* {{so|Battle Frontier}} and music from ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' are used.
* {{so|Battle Frontier}} and music from ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' are used as background music.
* [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] background music is used in this episode.
* This is the first episode since [[AG147|its debut]] where [[James's Mime Jr.]] does not appear.
* This is the first episode since [[AG147|its debut]] where [[James's Mime Jr.]] does not appear.
* {{TRT}} doesn't blast off in this episode.
* {{TRT}} doesn't blast off in this episode.
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===Errors===
===Errors===
* When {{AP|Swellow}} gets knocked back by {{p|Arcanine}}'s {{m|Extreme Speed}}, part of Swellow's head is cut off.
** The same thing occurs later when Swellow gets knocked back by Arcanine's {{m|Aerial Ace}}.
* In one scene, {{an|Brock}} mentions that {{p|Arcanine}} can use {{m|Protect}}. However, it was {{p|Swampert}} who could use Protect, not Arcanine.
* In one scene, {{an|Brock}} mentions that {{p|Arcanine}} can use {{m|Protect}}. However, it was {{p|Swampert}} who could use Protect, not Arcanine.
* During the battle, [[Scott]] quotes {{Ash}} as having said at the press conference that "the best offense is a good defense." What Ash actually said was that "the best defense is a strong offense."
* When Ash speaks right before he calls out to {{AP|Corphish}} and {{AP|Swellow}}, his mouth overlaps on {{AP|Pikachu}}.
* When Ash speaks right before he calls Swellow and {{AP|Corphish}}, his mouth overlaps on {{AP|Pikachu}}.
* When Swellow is knocked back by Arcanine's {{m|Extreme Speed}}, part of its head is cut off. This also occurs when it is knocked back by Arcanine's {{m|Aerial Ace}}.


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
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{{Epilang|color=77FF77|bordercolor=55DD55
{{Epilang|color=77FF77|bordercolor=55DD55
|zh_cmn={{tt|對戰巨蛋!炎與水的融合!|Battle Dome! Fusion of Fire and Water!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|對戰巨蛋!炎與水的融合!|Battle Dome! Fusion of Fire and Water!}}
|da={{tt|Taktik Tak|Tactic Please / Thank you}}
|da={{tt|Taktik, tak!!|Tactic, Please!!}}
|nl={{tt|Theatrale tactieken!!|Theatrics Tactics}}
|nl={{tt|Theatrale tactieken!!|Theatrics Tactics}}
|de={{tt|Taktisches Theater!|Tactical theater!}}
|fi={{tt|Taktiikkapeliä|Tactic game}}
|fi={{tt|Taktiikkapeliä|Tactic game}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Tactique et coups de théatre!|Tactics and theatrical blows!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Tactique et coups de théatre!|Tactics and theatrical blows!}}
|de={{tt|Taktisches Theater!|Tactical theater!}}
|hi=टाक्टिक सिम्बल {{tt|''Tactic Symbol''|Tactics Symbol}}{{tt|*|Disney XD dub}}
|he={{tt|עניין של טקטיקה|Matter of Tactics}}
|he={{tt|עניין של טקטיקה|Matter of Tactics}}
|it={{tt|Ash a lezione di strategia|Ash at strategy lesson}}
|it={{tt|Ash a lezione di strategia|Ash at strategy lesson}}
|ko={{tt|배틀돔에서의 불꽃 대결!|Fiery Battle at the Battle Dome!}}
|ko={{tt|배틀돔에서의 불꽃 대결!|Fiery Battle at the Battle Dome!}}
|no={{tt|Taktikk, Takk!|Tactic, Please!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Táticas Teatrais|Theatrical Tactics}}
|pt_br={{tt|Táticas Teatrais|Theatrical Tactics}}
|ru={{tt|Тактика и шоу|Tactics and show}}
|ru={{tt|Тактика и шоу|Tactics and show}}
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|es_eu={{tt|¡Tácticas teatrales!|Theater Tactics!}}
|es_eu={{tt|¡Tácticas teatrales!|Theater Tactics!}}
|sv={{tt|Taktik som musik!|Tactics as music!}}
|sv={{tt|Taktik som musik!|Tactics as music!}}
|no={{tt|Taktikk, Takk!|Tactic, Please!}}
}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
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nextcode=AG154 |
nextcode=AG154 |
nexttitle=Reversing the Charges |
nexttitle=Reversing the Charges |
series=Advanced Generation series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
colorscheme=Emerald }}
colorscheme=Emerald }}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:0427}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:0427}}
[[Category:Advanced Generation series episodes|153]]
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire episodes|153]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Yūji Asada]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Yūji Asada]]
Line 162: Line 163:
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaaki Iwane]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaaki Iwane]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes with Frontier Brain challenges]]
[[Category:Episodes in which Ash receives a Frontier Symbol]]
[[Category:Episodes in which Ash receives a Frontier Symbol]]


[[de:Taktisches Theater]]
[[de:Taktisches Theater]]
[[es:EP430]]
[[fr:AG153]]
[[fr:AG153]]
[[ja:AG編第153話]]
[[ja:AG編第153話]]
[[pl:AG153]]
[[zh:宝可梦 超世代 第152集]]
[[zh:AG152]]

Latest revision as of 04:50, 3 September 2024

AG152 : On Olden Pond
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG154 : Reversing the Charges
Tactics Theatrics!!
AG153.png
AG153   EP427
バトルドーム!炎と水のフュージョン!!
Battle Dome! Fusion of Fire and Water!!
First broadcast
Japan November 24, 2005
United States September 30, 2006
English themes
Opening Battle Frontier
Ending Pokémon Go!
Japanese themes
Opening バトルフロンティア
Ending GLORY DAY 〜輝くその日〜
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 浅田裕二 Yūji Asada
Assistant director 浅田裕二 Yūji Asada
Animation directors 玉川明洋 Akihiro Tamagawa
岩根雅明 Masaaki Iwane
Additional credits

Tactics Theatrics!! (Japanese: バトルドーム!炎と水のフュージョン!! Battle Dome! Fusion of Fire and Water!!) is the 153rd episode of Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, and the 427th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It was first broadcast in Japan on November 24, 2005, and in the United States on September 30, 2006.

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

Blurb

Ash has finally reached the Battle Dome, and what a reception! An eager crowd of journalists wants to meet the new challenger who's going to take on Tucker, the famous Dome Ace. Ash is whisked off to his first press conference and he's having fun until he admits he doesn't know who Tucker the Dome Ace is, to the horror of all the reporters.

Team Rocket knows who Tucker is—when they're not selling snacks at the Battle Dome, they're busy pretending to be his hairdressers. Tucker knows how to please a crowd, and Ash makes his big Battle Dome entrance only to be outshone by Tucker and his tons of screaming fans! Tucker sends out Swampert and Arcanine, so Ash chooses his Corphish and Swellow. But type advantage won't be enough against Swampert and Arcanine's teamwork and combos!

The battle heats up immediately and there are plenty of surprises in store for Ash. For one thing, Tucker's speedy Arcanine knows Aerial Ace, and goes head to head with Swellow! Ash also needs to find a way around Swampert's strong defense. It turns out Tucker's all about strategy as well as showmanship, so Ash has a rough time until he figures out how to counter Tucker's tactics with a few of his own. Corphish and Swellow then deal a knock-out combination to win the round. Ash leaves the Battle Dome with a shiny new Tactics Symbol and memories of an amazing experience!

Plot

Successfully arriving at the Battle Dome, Ash is flooded by many reporters and personnel. Scott pops out, saying to go to the press conference. A press conference takes place with various reporters questioning Ash about his upcoming battle in the Battle Dome. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is grooming the Frontier Brain, Dome Ace Tucker, and making battle preparations. Arriving at an inner platform within the Battle Dome, Ash can easily see the battle platform from above. Team Rocket is doing their usual errands while serving the normal concessions and snacks.

The lights dim within the arena as a nearby screen illuminates, displaying various information about Ash from Pallet Town, including his achievements in the Orange, Indigo, Johto, and Hoenn Leagues. A giant plume of smoke and dust erupts in the arena as Ash makes his appearance. The arena lightens with various colors of light as Tucker, the Frontier Brain, makes his appearance. Landing majestically atop the adjacent platform, the crowd goes hysterical. Seeing the Dome Ace of the Battle Dome for the first time gives Max and May thoughts of their father.

The battle about to take place, Tucker displays the coin for defeating him in this battle as he sends out both Arcanine and Swampert in a veil of fire and water. This battle will be a two-on-two Pokémon battle. Ash analyzes Tucker's choice and chooses to call upon Swellow and Corphish.

The battle quickly goes underway with Swellow launching into a devastating Quick Attack towards Swampert. Arcanine rushes towards Swampert and is thrust into the air, reaching a high velocity, and collides with Swellow, knocking it backward. Swellow recovers from the attack as Corphish attacks with a Bubble Beam. Swampert jumps in front of Arcanine to shield themselves from the attack with Protect. Brock notes that both Pokémon support each other with Arcanine's Speed and Swampert's Defense.

Swellow goes for another attack, flying around at high speed with Arcanine running to achieve an equal speed and jumping into the air to defend against Swellow's attack. The two attacks collide, thrusting Swellow backwards and forcing Arcanine to the ground, unable to stop itself from the fall. Corphish sees the opening and goes for the attack with Vise Grip while Swampert launches a Mud Shot attack right behind Arcanine. Just before Arcanine and Corphish make contact, Arcanine dodges Swampert's attack with Corphish taking direct damage and slamming into the nearby wall.

Scott explains that Tucker is known for his astonishing battle tactics while both May and Max are surprised. Tucker thanks Ash for his battle spirit and effort but Swampert quickly resumes the battle with a Water Gun. Both Swellow and Corphish dodge this attack, with Corphish thrusting towards Swampert with a devastating Crabhammer. Swampert retaliates with a Dynamic Punch as both attacks collide in an explosion of light and color. Arcanine dashes toward Swampert to perform another aerial attack. While Swellow comes forward for the Peck, Arcanine launches a strategic Flamethrower towards Swellow but the attack is avoided with Double Team. Arcanine increases its firepower with Fire Blast, hitting Swellow. May comments that it was like watching a Contest Battle.

Meanwhile, Swampert is controlling the water from the air and shaping it with a Water Pulse attack. Swellow dodges Arcanine's first attack, Extreme Speed, and launches towards Arcanine once more, with the second attack making contact and creating a gigantic explosion. Corphish goes for an opening with Crabhammer as Swampert forces the nearby Water Pulse towards Swellow and Corphish, which collides creating a structure formed of water and ice. Arcanine launches a devastating Fire Blast within the structure rotating around creating a fusion of fire and water, Tucker's greatest of tactics.

Both Swellow and Corphish are suspended within this structure as a gigantic explosion takes place between the two forces and both Pokémon are forced towards the ground. Team Rocket is spectating the battle as neither Corphish nor Swellow has enough energy to continue the battle. Both Pokémon revive with a fighting spirit greater than ever. Both Arcanine and Swampert launch a Flamethrower and Water Gun towards Corphish. Both attacks are diverted by Corphish's Bubble Beam attack. Swellow thrusts towards with Quick Attack as Swampert uses Dynamic Punch, and just as Arcanine goes for the opening, Swellow dodges forcing Arcanine into Swampert for a direct hit. A giant plume of smoke and dust engulfs the arena. Arcanine launches another Fire Blast attack but this is again diverted by another Bubble Beam attack. Visibility is lowered by a great amount of fog lingering within the arena.

Both Arcanine and Swampert are unsure of Swellow's exact location and fly towards Corphish and Swellow. Just as both attacks are to make contact, Swellow floats to the left and flies from the bottom, making a direct hit with Corphish's Crabhammer and Swellow's Aerial Ace. Both Arcanine and Swampert are now unable to continue after taking the hits, granting Ash the win.

Most of the female crowd is disappointed with Tucker's loss as Tucker congratulates Ash for his victory, with the crowd crying out wildly. He mentions that he's a top tactician. As Tucker congratulates Ash, everyone begins to scream. Tucker thanks Ash for the battle. As Tucker leaves, Ash mentions that he forgot to give him the Tactics Symbol. Tucker points to the top of his hat as Ash pulls it from atop his head and happily displays his newly obtained Symbol.

Major events

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

Debuts

Humans

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Trivia

Tucker in the opening
  • The opening animation changes a fourth consecutive time to reveal Tucker.
  • This is the first time in the anime where Aerial Ace is used by a Pokémon that can't fly. In the games, many Pokémon who can learn the move have no flight-related abilities.
  • Bill Rogers revealed at the Men of Anime convention that it was his intention that his dub of Tucker sounded similar to the performance of Kenta Miyake, his Japanese voice.
  • Battle Frontier and music from Mewtwo Strikes Back are used as background music.
  • 4Kids background music is used in this episode.
  • This is the first episode since its debut where James's Mime Jr. does not appear.
  • Team Rocket doesn't blast off in this episode.
  • James and May narrate the preview for the next episode.

Errors

  • In one scene, Brock mentions that Arcanine can use Protect. However, it was Swampert who could use Protect, not Arcanine.
  • When Ash speaks right before he calls out to Corphish and Swellow, his mouth overlaps on Pikachu.
  • When Swellow is knocked back by Arcanine's Extreme Speed, part of its head is cut off. This also occurs when it is knocked back by Arcanine's Aerial Ace.

Dub edits

In other languages



AG152 : On Olden Pond
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG154 : Reversing the Charges
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.