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{{undubbed}}
<!-- fill in the title links with dub titles only -->
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=JN122 |
prevcode=JN122 |
<!--prevtitle= |-->
prevtitle=It's… Champion Time! |
nextcode=JN124 |
nextcode=JN124 |
<!--nexttitle= |-->
nexttitle=Valor: A Strategic Part of Battling! |
series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
colorscheme=Galar}}
colorscheme=Galar}}
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altepcode=EP1208 |
altepcode=EP1208 |
colorscheme=Galar |
colorscheme=Galar |
title_en= |
title_en=Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder! |
title_ja=セミファイナルⅡ　「幻惑」|
title_ja=セミファイナルⅡ　「幻惑」|
title_ja_trans=The Semifinals II: "Dazzle" |
title_ja_trans=The Semifinals II: "Dazzle" |
broadcast_jp=September 2, 2022 |
broadcast_jp=September 2, 2022 |
broadcast_us=<!--Do not assume an air date. If you have an air date you should also provide a title and a source.--> |
broadcast_us=June 23, 2023 |
en_op=<!--[[With You]]--> |
en_op=[[With You]] |
ja_op=[[One, Two, Three|１・２・３]] |
ja_op=[[One, Two, Three|１・２・３]] |
ja_ed=[[Supereffective Type|バツグンタイプ]] |
ja_ed=[[Supereffective Type|バツグンタイプ]] |
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* {{BMGf|293903|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|293903|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|294305|Original review thread on BMGf}}
* {{BMGf|294305|Original review thread on BMGf}}
<!--* {{BMGf||Dub review thread on BMGf}}-->
* {{BMGf|296054|Dub review thread on BMGf}}
}}
}}
(Japanese: '''セミファイナルⅡ　「幻惑」''' ''The Semifinals II: "Dazzle"'') is the 123rd episode of ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and the 1,208th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on September 2, 2022<!-- and is scheduled to air in the United States on *day*-->.
'''Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!''' (Japanese: '''セミファイナルⅡ　「幻惑」''' ''The Semifinals II: "Dazzle"'') is the 123rd episode of ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and the 1,208th episode of the [[Pokémon animated series]]. It first aired in Japan on September 2, 2022, in Canada on February 4, 2023, in South Africa on February 28, 2023, in the United Kingdom on April 5, 2023, in Australia on April 27, 2023, and in the United States on June 23, 2023.
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}
<!--
 
==Blurb==
==Blurb==
Official Blurb from Pokémon.com goes here, with source link-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/25/episode-31-bewitch-battle-and-bewilder/-->
<!--Please do not alter the blurb to fix any errors, they are meant to be presented as they are on the official site.-->
<!--Please do not alter the blurb to fix any errors, they are meant to be presented as they are on the official site.-->
<i>The second match of the Masters Eight Tournament semifinals is here, and it’s Ash versus Cynthia! Our hero wants to battle Leon in the finals, but Cynthia’s determined to keep that from happening. It’s a six-on-six battle, and first is Ash’s Dragonite versus Cynthia’s Spiritomb, who eliminates Dragonite. Then Cynthia switches out Spiritomb, and the next matchup is Roserade versus Gengar. But Roserade is switched out for Spiritomb again, and Gengar goes down. Ash calls out Pikachu, and Cynthia rotates through several of her Pokémon until she reaches Spiritomb again. Pikachu almost lands a win, but Spiritomb has the last laugh with Destiny Bond. Can Ash make a comeback?</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
The second semifinals match of the [[World Coronation Series|Pokémon World Coronation Series]] [[Masters Tournament]] is about to commence, where the winner will earn the right to face Monarch {{an|Leon}} in the finals. At one end of the stadium, [[Goh]] is giving {{Ash}} and his [[Party|team]] words of encouragement, while at the other end, [[Diantha]] is doing the same with {{an|Cynthia}}, believing she will be the one to end Leon's unbroken winning streak. To the surprise of the famous actress, Cynthia reveals that she intends to retire from {{pkmn|battle|battling}} once the tournament has ended.
The second match of the [[World Coronation Series|Pokémon World Coronation Series]] [[Masters Eight Tournament]] semifinals is about to commence, where the winner will earn the right to face Monarch {{an|Leon}} in the finals. At one end of [[Wyndon Stadium]], [[Goh]] is giving {{Ash}} and his [[Party|team]] words of encouragement, while at the other end, [[Diantha]] is doing the same with {{an|Cynthia}}, believing she could be the one to end Leon's unbroken winning streak. To the surprise of the famous actress, Cynthia reveals that she intends to retire from {{pkmn|battle|battling}} once the tournament has ended.


The first {{pkmn|Champion}} of [[Alola]] and the {{pkmn|world}}-famous [[Sinnoh]] Champion both enter the battlefield. As per usual, [[Gym guide|Dan]] explains the rules: the match is a six-on-six [[Full Battle]], with no limits to how many times each {{pkmn|Trainer}} is allowed to [[recall|change]] their Pokémon, and each of them may only use one of either [[Dynamax]], [[Mega Evolution]], or [[Z-Move]]s per battle. While the announcer wonders if they will use the same cards they did in the quarterfinals, the two Champions send out their first Pokémon. Ash's choice is his {{AP|Dragonite}}, while Cynthia unexpectedly leads with the {{pkmn|category|Forbidden Pokémon}} {{p|Spiritomb}}. Backstage, Diantha notes that Cynthia has instantly seized control by leading with a Pokémon that no one anticipated. As the signal to start the match is given, Ash orders a {{m|Draco Meteor}} as his first [[move]], only for Dragonite to be struck back by Spiritomb's {{m|Sucker Punch}}. After getting back on its feet, the Dragon Pokémon completes the use of Draco Meteor, scoring a direct hit, but Spiritomb merely shrugs it off and laughs mockingly. Ash's next attack is a {{m|Dragon Claw}}, but Spiritomb stops Dragonite in its tracks by using {{m|Hypnosis}}, causing Dragonite to fall {{status|asleep}}. With Dragonite left vulnerable, Spiritomb proceeds to use a flurry of {{m|Dream Eater}}s, gradually draining away Dragonite's energy. Ash's pleas for his Pokémon to wake up prove fruitless, with the end result of Dragonite being defeated in its sleep without managing to deal any significant damage to Cynthia.
The first {{pkmn|Champion}} of [[Alola]] and the {{pkmn|world}}-famous [[Sinnoh]] Champion both enter the battlefield. As per usual, [[Gym guide|Dan]] explains the rules: the match is a six-on-six [[Full Battle]], with no limits to how many times each {{pkmn|Trainer}} is allowed to [[recall|change]] their Pokémon and each of them may only use one of either [[Dynamax]], [[Mega Evolution]], or [[Z-Move]]s per battle. While the [[announcer]] wonders if they will use the same cards they did in the quarterfinals, the two Champions send out their first Pokémon. Ash's choice is his {{AP|Dragonite}}, while Cynthia unexpectedly leads with the {{pkmn|category|Forbidden Pokémon}} {{p|Spiritomb}}. Backstage, Diantha notes that Cynthia has instantly seized control by leading with a Pokémon that no one anticipated. As the signal to start the match is given, Ash orders a {{m|Draco Meteor}} shower as his first [[move]], only for Dragonite to be struck back by Spiritomb's {{m|Sucker Punch}}. After getting back on its feet, the Dragon Pokémon completes the use of Draco Meteor, scoring a direct hit, but Spiritomb merely shrugs it off and laughs mockingly. Ash's next attack is a {{m|Dragon Claw}}, but Spiritomb stops Dragonite in its tracks by using {{m|Hypnosis}}, causing Dragonite to fall {{status|sleep|asleep}}. With Dragonite left vulnerable, Spiritomb proceeds to use a flurry of {{m|Dream Eater}}s, gradually draining away Dragonite's energy. Ash's pleas for his Pokémon to wake up prove fruitless, with the end result of Dragonite being defeated in its sleep without managing to deal any real [[damage]] to Cynthia.


While Ash recalls Dragonite and prepares to send out his next Pokémon, Cynthia abruptly recalls Spiritomb as well. Both Trainers' second Pokémon, {{AP|Gengar}} and {{p|Roserade}}, enter the field simultaneously. Roserade's {{m|Bullet Seed}} fails to do much damage due to being {{DL|Type|Type effectiveness|not very effective}}, while Gengar score a direct hit with {{m|Shadow Ball}}. The next exchange of moves comes in the form of a {{m|Will-O-Wisp}} and a {{m|Leaf Storm}}, with both attacks striking their mark. With Roserade now suffering from a {{status|burn}}, Cynthia recalls it and returns Spiritomb to the battlefield. Yet again, another exchange of attacks is made, this time between a {{m|Dazzling Gleam}} and a Sucker Punch. While both sides suffer super effective damage and get back up, unlike Spiritomb, Gengar ends up falling back down and [[fainting]], increasing Cynthia's lead.
While Ash [[recall]]s Dragonite and prepares to send out his next Pokémon, Cynthia abruptly recalls Spiritomb as well. Both Trainers' second Pokémon, {{AP|Gengar}} and {{p|Roserade}}, enter the field simultaneously. Roserade's {{m|Bullet Seed}} barrage fails to do much damage due to being {{DL|Type|Type effectiveness|not very effective}}, while Gengar scores a direct hit with {{m|Shadow Ball}}. The next exchange of moves comes in the form of a {{m|Will-O-Wisp}} and a {{m|Leaf Storm}}, with both attacks striking their mark. With Roserade now suffering from a {{status|burn}}, Cynthia recalls it and returns Spiritomb to the battlefield. Yet again, another exchange of attacks is made, this time between a {{m|Dazzling Gleam}} and a Sucker Punch. While both sides suffer super effective damage and get back up, unlike Spiritomb, Gengar ends up falling back down and [[fainting]], increasing Cynthia's lead.


Once more, Ash recalling his fainted partner is accompanied by Cynthia withdrawing Spiritomb, this time in favor of {{p|Togekiss}}. Just as Cynthia predicted, Ash responds by calling forth his loyal and strongest partner, {{AP|Pikachu}}, in the hopes of turning things around. Pikachu's series of {{m|Thunderbolt}}s fails to make contact with the swiftly moving {{t|Flying}} type, who strikes back with {{m|Air Slash}}. When Togekiss follows up with {{m|Zen Headbutt}}, Ash finds Pikachu [[flinch]]ing and unable to prevent himself from being hit. Diantha and Leon realize that Togekiss's [[Ability]], {{a|Serene Grace}}, helped to make this happen. Making yet another switch, Cynthia sends out her {{p|Gastrodon}} to take the type advantage over Pikachu. Aiming to take out Pikachu here and now, she orders an {{m|Earth Power}}. Pikachu evades the attack by jumping high into the air using the slabs of earth flung up by it, once again following Cynthia's prediction. When Pikachu starts using {{m|Iron Tail}} next, Cynthia has Gastrodon use {{m|Stone Edge}}. This time, though, things are going according to Ash's plan, as, instead of directly attacking Gastrodon, the Iron Tail slices off the tops of some of the stone pillars created by Stone Edge and sends them flying at Gastrodon. While Gastrodon manages to catch the rocks and absorb the impact, this leaves it immobilized and defenseless, allowing Pikachu to use {{m|Quick Attack}} to smash through the rocks and into Gastrodon, finally giving Ash a knockout of his own.
Once more, Ash recalling his fainted partner is accompanied by Cynthia withdrawing Spiritomb, this time in favor of {{p|Togekiss}}. Knowing that Cynthia is setting the pace, Ash responds by sending in {{AP|Pikachu}} in the hopes of stopping her momentum, not realizing Cynthia had expected Ash to send in his strongest partner. Pikachu's series of {{m|Thunderbolt}}s fails to make contact with the swiftly moving {{t|Flying}} type, who strikes back with {{m|Air Slash}}. When Togekiss follows up with {{m|Zen Headbutt}}, Ash finds Pikachu [[flinch]]ing and unable to execute the commanded {{m|Electroweb}}, leaving him to suffer a direct hit. Diantha and Leon realize that Togekiss's [[Ability]], {{a|Serene Grace}}, helped to make this happen. Making yet another switch, Cynthia sends out her {{p|Gastrodon}} to take the type advantage over Pikachu. Aiming to take out Pikachu here and now, she orders an {{m|Earth Power}}. Pikachu evades the attack by jumping high into the air using the slabs of earth flung up by it, once again following Cynthia's prediction. When Pikachu starts using {{m|Iron Tail}} next, Cynthia has Gastrodon use {{m|Stone Edge}}. This time, though, things are going according to Ash's plan, as, instead of directly attacking Gastrodon, the Iron Tail slices off the tops of some of the stone pillars created by Stone Edge and sends them flying at Gastrodon. While Gastrodon manages to catch the rocks and absorb the impact, this leaves it immobilized and defenseless, allowing Pikachu to use {{m|Quick Attack}} to smash through the rocks and into Gastrodon, finally giving Ash a knockout of his own.


Cynthia admires Ash's skill to find an opportunity in the midst of a crisis and Pikachu's ability to exploit it as she recalls her fainted Pokémon. Spiritomb then rejoins the battle yet again; however, Ash is now ready for it and subsequently tells Pikachu to spin around while using Thunderbolt. The resulting vortex of electricity not only successfully repels Spiritomb's Hypnosis, but also strikes it at the same time. Ash identifies the strategy as [[Counter Shield]], a tactic that he came up with while [[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl|he was traveling through Sinnoh]] and which Cynthia recognizes from the [[Lily of the Valley Conference|Sinnoh League]]. Ash assures Cynthia that he's grown much stronger since then and has Pikachu ensnare Spiritomb in an {{m|Electroweb}}, successfully avoiding a Sucker Punch in the process. As Pikachu goes for a finishing Iron Tail, Spiritomb unexpectedly does something unspecified moments before Pikachu's move hits. The Forbidden Pokémon retreats into its [[Odd Keystone]] and the audience cheers, but as Dan inspects Spiritomb, a dark energy suddenly emerges from the keystone and envelops Pikachu, causing him to seize up. The announcer recognizes Spiritomb's last-second move as {{m|Destiny Bond}}, whose effect has now activated. Pikachu is instantly drained of all his remaining strength, causing him to faint alongside Spiritomb. With this double-knockout, Ash's ace has been taken out and his ability to use {{m|10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt}} has been eliminated, giving him a severe handicap as Cynthia continues to stay in control of the battle.
Cynthia admires Ash's skill to find an opportunity in the midst of a crisis and Pikachu's ability to exploit it as she recalls her fainted Pokémon. Replacing her fainted Gastrodon, Spiritomb rejoins the battle yet again; however, Ash is now ready for it and subsequently tells Pikachu to spin around while using Thunderbolt. The resulting vortex of electricity not only successfully repels Spiritomb's Hypnosis, but also strikes it at the same time. Ash identifies the strategy as [[Counter Shield]], a tactic that he came up with while [[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl|he was traveling through Sinnoh]] and which Cynthia recognizes from the [[Lily of the Valley Conference|Sinnoh League]]. Ash assures Cynthia that he's grown much stronger since then and has Pikachu ensnare Spiritomb in an Electroweb, successfully avoiding a Sucker Punch in the process. As Pikachu goes for a finishing Iron Tail, Cynthia orders Spiritomb to do something unspecified. Moments later, Pikachu's move connects, causing the Forbidden Pokémon to retreat into its [[Odd Keystone]] and the audience to cheer. However, as Dan inspects Spiritomb, dark energy suddenly emerges from the keystone and envelops Pikachu, causing him to seize up. The announcer recognizes Spiritomb's last-second move as {{m|Destiny Bond}}, whose effect has now been activated. As a result, Pikachu is instantly drained of all his remaining strength and faints alongside Spiritomb. With this double-knockout, Ash's ace has been taken out, and his ability to use {{m|10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt}} has been eliminated, giving him a severe handicap as Cynthia continues to stay in control of the battle.


==Major events==
==Major events==
<!-- This is not for summarizing everything that happens in this episode. Only events pertaining to the series as a whole, such as catching and releasing Pokémon and obtaining Badges, go here. -->
<!-- This is not for summarizing everything that happens in this episode. Only events pertaining to the series as a whole, such as catching and releasing Pokémon and obtaining Badges, go here. -->
[[File:JN123 Cynthia VS Ash.png|thumb|220px|Cynthia facing Ash]]
[[File:JN123 Cynthia VS Ash.png|thumb|220px|Ash facing Cynthia]]
* {{an|Cynthia}} reveals she plans to retire from {{pkmn|battle|battling}} after the [[Masters Tournament]].
* {{an|Cynthia}} reveals she plans to retire from {{pkmn|battle|battling}} after the [[Masters Eight Tournament]].
* {{Ash}} and Cynthia begin their [[Full Battle]] in the semifinals.
* {{Ash}} and Cynthia begin their [[Full Battle]] in the semifinals.
* Cynthia is revealed to own a {{p|Spiritomb}} and a {{p|Togekiss}}.
* Cynthia is revealed to own a {{p|Spiritomb}} and a {{p|Togekiss}}.
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==Characters==
==Characters==
===Humans===
===Humans===
<!--[[File:Dare da JN122.png|thumb|200px|{{tt|Dare da?|Who's That Pokémon?}}]]-->
* {{Ash}}
* {{Ash}}
* {{Tracey}}
* {{Tracey}}
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* [[Hop]]
* [[Hop]]
* [[Gym guide|Dan]]
* [[Gym guide|Dan]]
* Announcer
* [[Announcer]]
* Crowd
* Crowd


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
<!--[[File:WTP JN122.png|thumb|200px|Who's That Pokémon?]]-->
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
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* {{p|Eldegoss}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Eldegoss}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Hattrem}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Hattrem}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Darumaka}} (Trainer's; {{rf|Galarian|Form}})
* {{p|Darumaka}} (Trainer's; [[Galarian form|Galarian Form]])


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:JN123 AS.png|thumb|175px|The "After the story" artwork for this episode]]
* [[Get Inspired! Let's Solve a Poké Riddle!!]]: {{p|Spiritomb}}
* [[Get Inspired! Let's Solve a Poké Riddle!!]]: {{p|Spiritomb}}
* This episode marks the first main series appearance of a {{p|Togekiss}} other than the [[Dawn's Togekiss|one that belongs to]] {{an|Dawn}}.
* This episode marks the first main series appearance of a {{p|Togekiss}} other than the [[Dawn's Togekiss|one that belongs to]] {{an|Dawn}}.
** This episode also marks the first main series appearance of a {{p|Roserade}} since ''[[XY112|Master Class Is in Session!]]'', 297 episodes earlier.
** This episode also marks the first main series appearance of a {{p|Roserade}} since ''[[XY112|Master Class Is in Session!]]'', 297 episodes earlier.
*** This episode also marks the first main series appearance of {{an|Cynthia}}'s Roserade, following its debut in [[Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles]].
*** This episode also marks the first main series appearance of {{an|Cynthia}}'s Roserade, following its debut in [[Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles]].
* {{AP|Tauros}} and {{AP|Talonflame}} are the only two of {{cat|Ash's Pokémon}} at [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] to not be present in this episode.
* Although the two first met in ''[[DP040|Top-Down Training!]]'', which aired almost fifteen years prior to this episode, this episode marks the first time {{Ash}} has battled {{an|Cynthia}}.
* Although the two first met in ''[[DP040|Top-Down Training!]]'', which aired almost fifteen years prior to this episode, this episode marks the first time {{Ash}} has battled {{an|Cynthia}}.
* Despite Togekiss being classified as a {{2t|Fairy|Flying}} type since {{g|X and Y}}, released almost nine years earlier, this is the first time that its Fairy type is explicitly recognized in the {{pkmn|anime}}.
* Despite Togekiss being classified as a {{2t|Fairy|Flying}} type since {{g|X and Y}}, released almost nine years earlier, this is the first time that its Fairy type is explicitly recognized in the {{pkmn|anime}}.
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*** Cynthia recalls seeing Ash use this technique from said episode in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
*** Cynthia recalls seeing Ash use this technique from said episode in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
** Much like for the purpose it was originally created for, Counter Shield is used here to defend against a {{type|Ghost}} Pokémon's {{m|Hypnosis}}.
** Much like for the purpose it was originally created for, Counter Shield is used here to defend against a {{type|Ghost}} Pokémon's {{m|Hypnosis}}.
* This episode marks the first use of {{m|Destiny Bond}} since its debut in ''[[AG128|Shocks and Bonds!]]'', 806 episodes earlier.
* This episode marks the first use of {{m|Destiny Bond}} since its [[List of moves by animated series debut|debut]] in ''[[AG128|Shocks and Bonds!]]'', 806 episodes earlier.
** Coincidentally, on both occasions, the move was used by a female character during one of Ash's [[Full Battle]]s in a tournament.
** Coincidentally, on both occasions, the move was used by a female character during one of Ash's [[Full Battle]]s in a tournament.
** This episode also marks the first time Ash has faced a female {{pkmn|Trainer}} in a Full Battle since the aforementioned episode and [[AG129|the one following it]].  
** This episode also marks the first time Ash has faced a female {{pkmn|Trainer}} in a Full Battle since the aforementioned episode and [[AG129|the one following it]].  
* The [[Who's That Pokémon?|Dare da?]] segment is replaced with [[eyecatch]]es of Ash, [[Goh]], and {{AP|Pikachu}} for this episode.
* The [[Who's That Pokémon?|Dare da?]] segment is replaced with [[eyecatch]]es of Ash, [[Goh]], and {{AP|Pikachu}} for this episode.
* The episode's English [[dub]] title is a reference to the song "{{wp|Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered}}", and is similar to a [[JN030|previous episode]].
* [[James]], {{MTR}}, [[Jessie]], {{TP|James|Morpeko}}, and {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} narrate the preview for the [[JN124|next episode]].
* [[James]], {{MTR}}, [[Jessie]], {{TP|James|Morpeko}}, and {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} narrate the preview for the [[JN124|next episode]].


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==In other languages==
==In other languages==
<!--{{Epilang|color=D5598C|bordercolor=00A1E9
{{Epilang|color=D5598C|bordercolor=00A1E9
}}-->
|ar={{tt|!غرابة، معركة، ذهول|Strangeness, battle, astonishment!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|準決賽篇Ⅱ「迷惑」|The Semifinals Chapter II: “Delusion”}}
|zh_yue={{tt|準決賽篇Ⅱ，迷惑|The Semifinals Chapter II, Delusion}}
|cs={{tt|Okouzlení, zápas a zakončení!|Bewitching, battle and a conclusion!}}
|nl={{tt|Bevecht, buitel en begoochel!|Fight, Tumble and Delude!}}
|fi={{tt|Lumoa, ottele ja hämmennä!|Bewitch, battle and confuse!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Un combat magique... et ensorcelant ! |A Magical... and Bewitching Battle!}}
|de={{tt|Wechselspiele ohne Ende!|Switching games without end!}}
|he={{tt|!קרב מבלבל|Confusing Battle!}}
|it={{tt|Incanta, lotta e confondi!|Charm, fight and confuse!}}
|no={{tt|Forhekse, kjempe, og forvirre|Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!}}
|pl={{tt|Oczarowanie, ogranie i oszołomienie!|Bewitch, battle and confusion!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Encantar, batalhar e desnortear!|Bewitch, battle and bewilder!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Cativar, combater e confundir!|Captivate, combat and confuse!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Una batalla desconcertante!|A bewildering battle!}}
|sv={{tt|Förhäxning och förvirring!|Bewitching and confusion!}}
|hi={{tt|सम्मोहन, बैटल, और हैरानी! ''Sammohan, Battle, aur Hairaanee!''|Hypontism, Battle, and Astonishment!}}
|ta={{tt|மயக்கு, தாக்கு, குழப்பு!|Enchant, Attack, Confuse!}}
|te={{tt|వశపరచు, పోరాడు ఇంకా కలవరపరచు!|Conquer, Fight and Confuse!}}
|bn={{tt|মুগ্ধ করো, ব্যাটল লড়ো, তাক লাগাও!|Impress, Battle, Amaze!}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
<!-- fill in the title links with dub titles only -->
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=JN122 |
prevcode=JN122 |
<!--prevtitle= |-->
prevtitle=It's… Champion Time! |
nextcode=JN124 |
nextcode=JN124 |
<!--nexttitle= |-->
nexttitle=Valor: A Strategic Part of Battling! |
series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
colorscheme=Galar}}
colorscheme=Galar}}
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[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Hiromasa Amano]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Hiromasa Amano]]
<!--[[Category:Episodes directed by Akihiko Ōta]]-->
[[Category:Episodes directed by Akihiko Ōta]]
[[Category:Episodes by one-time directors]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Yoshitaka Yanagihara]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Yoshitaka Yanagihara]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Shōtarō Hamanaka]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Shōtarō Hamanaka]]
<!--[[Category:Episodes animated by Aiko Ōyama]]-->
[[Category:Episodes animated by Aiko Ōyama]]
<!--[[Category:Episodes animated by Kimiyo Nakamura]]-->
[[Category:Episodes animated by Kimiyo Nakamura]]
[[Category:Episodes by one-time animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Champion appears]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Champion appears]]
[[Category:Episodes with World Coronation Series matches]]
[[Category:Episodes with World Coronation Series matches]]
[[Category:Episodes in which an alternately colored Pokémon appears]]
[[Category:Episodes which aired in Canada before the United States]]
[[Category:Episodes which aired in South Africa before the United States]]
[[Category:Episodes which aired in the United Kingdom before the United States]]
[[Category:Episodes which aired in Australia before the United States]]


[[de:Semi Final II - Genwaku]]
[[de:Wechselspiele ohne Ende!]]
[[es:EP1212]]
[[es:EP1212]]
[[fr:LV123]]
[[fr:LV123]]
[[it:PM123]]
[[it:PM123]]
[[ja:新無印編第123話]]
[[ja:新無印編第123話]]
[[zh:宝可梦 旅途 第123集]]
[[zh:宝可梦 旅途 第121集]]

Latest revision as of 05:16, 3 September 2024

← JN122 : It's… Champion Time!
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
JN124 : Valor: A Strategic Part of Battling! →
Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!
JN123.png
JN123   EP1208
セミファイナルⅡ　「幻惑」
The Semifinals II: "Dazzle"
First broadcast
Japan September 2, 2022
United States June 23, 2023
English themes
Opening With You
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening １・２・３
Ending バツグンタイプ
Credits
Animation Team Kato
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 尼野浩正 Hiromasa Amano
Assistant director 太田彬彦 Akihiko Ōta
Animation directors 柳原好貴 Yoshitaka Yanagihara
濱中章太郎 Shōtarō Hamanaka
大山愛子 Aiko Ōyama
中村季実代 Kimiyo Nakamura
Additional credits

Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder! (Japanese: セミファイナルⅡ　「幻惑」 The Semifinals II: "Dazzle") is the 123rd episode of Pokémon Journeys: The Series, and the 1,208th episode of the Pokémon animated series. It first aired in Japan on September 2, 2022, in Canada on February 4, 2023, in South Africa on February 28, 2023, in the United Kingdom on April 5, 2023, in Australia on April 27, 2023, and in the United States on June 23, 2023.

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

The second match of the Masters Eight Tournament semifinals is here, and it’s Ash versus Cynthia! Our hero wants to battle Leon in the finals, but Cynthia’s determined to keep that from happening. It’s a six-on-six battle, and first is Ash’s Dragonite versus Cynthia’s Spiritomb, who eliminates Dragonite. Then Cynthia switches out Spiritomb, and the next matchup is Roserade versus Gengar. But Roserade is switched out for Spiritomb again, and Gengar goes down. Ash calls out Pikachu, and Cynthia rotates through several of her Pokémon until she reaches Spiritomb again. Pikachu almost lands a win, but Spiritomb has the last laugh with Destiny Bond. Can Ash make a comeback?

Plot

The second match of the Pokémon World Coronation Series Masters Eight Tournament semifinals is about to commence, where the winner will earn the right to face Monarch Leon in the finals. At one end of Wyndon Stadium, Goh is giving Ash and his team words of encouragement, while at the other end, Diantha is doing the same with Cynthia, believing she could be the one to end Leon's unbroken winning streak. To the surprise of the famous actress, Cynthia reveals that she intends to retire from battling once the tournament has ended.

The first Champion of Alola and the world-famous Sinnoh Champion both enter the battlefield. As per usual, Dan explains the rules: the match is a six-on-six Full Battle, with no limits to how many times each Trainer is allowed to change their Pokémon and each of them may only use one of either Dynamax, Mega Evolution, or Z-Moves per battle. While the announcer wonders if they will use the same cards they did in the quarterfinals, the two Champions send out their first Pokémon. Ash's choice is his Dragonite, while Cynthia unexpectedly leads with the Forbidden Pokémon Spiritomb. Backstage, Diantha notes that Cynthia has instantly seized control by leading with a Pokémon that no one anticipated. As the signal to start the match is given, Ash orders a Draco Meteor shower as his first move, only for Dragonite to be struck back by Spiritomb's Sucker Punch. After getting back on its feet, the Dragon Pokémon completes the use of Draco Meteor, scoring a direct hit, but Spiritomb merely shrugs it off and laughs mockingly. Ash's next attack is a Dragon Claw, but Spiritomb stops Dragonite in its tracks by using Hypnosis, causing Dragonite to fall asleep. With Dragonite left vulnerable, Spiritomb proceeds to use a flurry of Dream Eaters, gradually draining away Dragonite's energy. Ash's pleas for his Pokémon to wake up prove fruitless, with the end result of Dragonite being defeated in its sleep without managing to deal any real damage to Cynthia.

While Ash recalls Dragonite and prepares to send out his next Pokémon, Cynthia abruptly recalls Spiritomb as well. Both Trainers' second Pokémon, Gengar and Roserade, enter the field simultaneously. Roserade's Bullet Seed barrage fails to do much damage due to being not very effective, while Gengar scores a direct hit with Shadow Ball. The next exchange of moves comes in the form of a Will-O-Wisp and a Leaf Storm, with both attacks striking their mark. With Roserade now suffering from a burn, Cynthia recalls it and returns Spiritomb to the battlefield. Yet again, another exchange of attacks is made, this time between a Dazzling Gleam and a Sucker Punch. While both sides suffer super effective damage and get back up, unlike Spiritomb, Gengar ends up falling back down and fainting, increasing Cynthia's lead.

Once more, Ash recalling his fainted partner is accompanied by Cynthia withdrawing Spiritomb, this time in favor of Togekiss. Knowing that Cynthia is setting the pace, Ash responds by sending in Pikachu in the hopes of stopping her momentum, not realizing Cynthia had expected Ash to send in his strongest partner. Pikachu's series of Thunderbolts fails to make contact with the swiftly moving Flying type, who strikes back with Air Slash. When Togekiss follows up with Zen Headbutt, Ash finds Pikachu flinching and unable to execute the commanded Electroweb, leaving him to suffer a direct hit. Diantha and Leon realize that Togekiss's Ability, Serene Grace, helped to make this happen. Making yet another switch, Cynthia sends out her Gastrodon to take the type advantage over Pikachu. Aiming to take out Pikachu here and now, she orders an Earth Power. Pikachu evades the attack by jumping high into the air using the slabs of earth flung up by it, once again following Cynthia's prediction. When Pikachu starts using Iron Tail next, Cynthia has Gastrodon use Stone Edge. This time, though, things are going according to Ash's plan, as, instead of directly attacking Gastrodon, the Iron Tail slices off the tops of some of the stone pillars created by Stone Edge and sends them flying at Gastrodon. While Gastrodon manages to catch the rocks and absorb the impact, this leaves it immobilized and defenseless, allowing Pikachu to use Quick Attack to smash through the rocks and into Gastrodon, finally giving Ash a knockout of his own.

Cynthia admires Ash's skill to find an opportunity in the midst of a crisis and Pikachu's ability to exploit it as she recalls her fainted Pokémon. Replacing her fainted Gastrodon, Spiritomb rejoins the battle yet again; however, Ash is now ready for it and subsequently tells Pikachu to spin around while using Thunderbolt. The resulting vortex of electricity not only successfully repels Spiritomb's Hypnosis, but also strikes it at the same time. Ash identifies the strategy as Counter Shield, a tactic that he came up with while he was traveling through Sinnoh and which Cynthia recognizes from the Sinnoh League. Ash assures Cynthia that he's grown much stronger since then and has Pikachu ensnare Spiritomb in an Electroweb, successfully avoiding a Sucker Punch in the process. As Pikachu goes for a finishing Iron Tail, Cynthia orders Spiritomb to do something unspecified. Moments later, Pikachu's move connects, causing the Forbidden Pokémon to retreat into its Odd Keystone and the audience to cheer. However, as Dan inspects Spiritomb, dark energy suddenly emerges from the keystone and envelops Pikachu, causing him to seize up. The announcer recognizes Spiritomb's last-second move as Destiny Bond, whose effect has now been activated. As a result, Pikachu is instantly drained of all his remaining strength and faints alongside Spiritomb. With this double-knockout, Ash's ace has been taken out, and his ability to use 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt has been eliminated, giving him a severe handicap as Cynthia continues to stay in control of the battle.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Trivia

The "After the story" artwork for this episode

Errors

Dub edits

In other languages



← JN122 : It's… Champion Time!
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
JN124 : Valor: A Strategic Part of Battling! →
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