list of pokemon episodes and the summaries(season 1)
"Pokémon, I Choose You!""Pokemon! I Choose You!" (ポケモン！きみにきめた！ Pokemon! Kimi ni kimeta!)
April 1, 1997
September 8, 1998
Ash's Pokémon journey gets off with a rough start when he receives his first Pokémon, a reluctant Pikachu who seems to somewhat hate him. After unable to capture a Pidgey, he throws a stone and accidentally hits a Spearow. The Spearow becomes enraged and summons a whole flock of Spearow. While running away, he meets Misty while fishing and uses her bike to escape. Will Ash and Pikachu be able to evade the angry Spearows?The previously unknown Pokémon, Ho-Oh is seen towards the end of the episode.
2
2
"Pokémon Emergency!""Battle! Pokémon Center!" (たいけつ！ポケモンセンター！ Taiketsu! Pokemon Sentā!)
April 8, 1997
September 9, 1998
Ash takes his injured Pikachu to the Viridian City Pokémon Center to be healed. While Pikachu is being treated, mysterious members of the organization, known as Team Rocket, attack the Pokémon Center with the intent of stealing "rare and valuable" Pokémon inside. But Pikachu was too powerful and they blasted off to the sky. This episode marks the first appearance of Team Rocket in the series and the Team Rocket members Jessie, James, and Meowth.
3
3
"Ash Catches a Pokémon""I caught a Pokémon!" (ポケモンゲットだぜ！ Pokemon getto da ze!)
April 15, 1997
September 10, 1998
Ash and Misty travel through Viridian Forest, where Ash makes his very first two captures; Caterpie (who Misty is scared of) and Pidgeotto. Caterpie evolves into Metapod after a battle with Team Rocket.
4
4
"Challenge of the Samurai""Samurai Challenge!" (サムライしょうねんのちょうせん！ Samurai shōnen no chōsen!)
April 22, 1997
September 11, 1998
Ash wanted to capture a Weedle in Viridian Forest but a trainer challenges him to a battle, causing the Weedle to escape. So, Ash is challenged to his first Pokémon battle; but wild Beedrills disrupt the battle and kidnap Ash's Metapod, which evolves into Butterfree to save him.
5
5
"Showdown in Pewter City""Battle of Pewter Gym!" (ニビジムのたたかい！ Nibi Jimu no tatakai!)
April 29, 1997
September 14, 1998
Ash and Misty finally reach Pewter City and meets a man who sells rocks. He brings them to the Pokémon Center and Ash heals his Pokémon. Ash is ready to challenge the Pewter City Gym Leader, Brock, for his first Badge, but loses to Brock. The man he met earlier takes Ash and Pikachu to a watermill to make Pikachu stronger. Then, Ash battles Brock again. Pikachu Thunderbolts the whole field. When Ash is about to lose again, Brock stops the battle. Then, a fire broke out and water came down. Ash was going to defeat Brock when Brock's siblings stop him. Ash leaves the Gym but Brock catches up to him and gives Ash the Boulder Badge. The mysterious man from earlier turns out to be Brock's father and takes over the Gym for Brock. Brock decides to join Ash on his journey.
6
6
"Clefairy and the Moon Stone""Clefairy and the Moon Stone" (ピッピとつきのいし Pippi to Tsuki no Ishi)
May 6, 1997
September 15, 1998
Ash, Misty and Brock arrive at Mt. Moon to find Team Rocket damaging the local wildlife. Brock catches a Zubat.
7
7
"The Water Flowers of Cerulean City""The Water Flowers of Cerulean City" (ハナダシティのすいちゅうか Hanada Shiti no suichūka)
May 13, 1997
September 16, 1998
Ash arrives in Cerulean City, eager to get a second Badge. When he gets to the Gym, he finds out that Misty is the Gym Leader.
8
8
"The Path to the Pokémon League""The Road to the Pokémon League" (ポケモンリーグへのみち Pokemon Rīgu e no michi)
May 20, 1997
September 17, 1998
Ash battles a seemingly barbaric Pokémon Trainer who runs an unofficial Pokémon Gym.
9
9
"The School of Hard Knocks""Pokémon Victory Manual" (ポケモンひっしょうマニュアル Pokemon hisshō manyuaru)
May 27, 1997
September 18, 1998
Ash and his friends stumble upon a school made for Pokémon Trainers who would rather study than collect badges.
10
10
"Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village""Bulbasaur of the Hidden Village" (かくれざとのフシギダネ Kakurezato no Fushigidane)
June 3, 1997
September 21, 1998
Ash and his friends find a hidden village of recovering abandoned Pokémon, guarded by a surly and protective Bulbasaur. Then, Ash catches the Bulbasaur.
11
11
"Charmander – The Stray Pokémon""The Lost Pokémon – Charmander" (はぐれポケモン・ヒトカゲ Hagure Pokemon Hitokage)
June 10, 1997
September 22, 1998
A loyal Charmander is abandoned by its trainer who only wants tough Pokémon. Weakened by sitting in the rain, it is taken to a nearby Pokémon Center by Ash and his friends. Then, Ash capture the Charmander, gaining a new friend and Pokémon.
12
12
"Here Comes the Squirtle Squad""Enter Squirtle Corps!" (ゼニガメぐんだんとうじょう！ Zenigame-gundan tōjō!)
June 17, 1997
September 23, 1998
Ash arrives in a town that is being terrorized by a gang of Squirtle, known as Squirtle Squad, and decides it's time to put a stop to the madness. In the end, he caught the leader of the Squirtle Squad, gaining yet another friend and Pokémon.
13
13
"Mystery at the Lighthouse""Bill's Lighthouse" (マサキのとうだい Masaki no tōdai)
June 24, 1997
September 24, 1998
When the Krabby Ash catches disappears, he goes to a nearby lighthouse to see if it reached Professor Oak's lab. The keeper of the lighthouse is Bill, a Pokémon Watcher who is searching for a mysterious Pokémon. Bill teaches them about Pokémon and they get to see a mysterious Pokémon.
14
14
"Electric Shock Showdown""Electric Shock Showdown! Vermilion Gym" (でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム Dengeki taiketsu! Kuchiba Jimu)
July 1, 1997
September 25, 1998
Ash finally arrives in Vermilion City and is ready to prove that he can defeat a Gym Leader through battle rather than sympathy. However, his opponent has a very tough Raichu that has made the Pokémon Center very busy...
15
15
"Battle Aboard the St. Anne""Battle of the St. Anne!" (サントアンヌごうのたたかい！ Santo Annu gō no tatakai!)
July 8, 1997
September 28, 1998
Ash 'wins' a ticket to take a trip on a luxury cruise ship, the Saint Anne. However, this is a scheme devised by Giovanni, who plans to steal the Pokémon of all the trainers onboard.Note: This was the first episode to air in the USA on September 7, 1998 as a "sneak preview episode". The actual series began the following day on September 8, 1998. [9]
16
16
"Pokémon Shipwreck""Pokémon Adrift" (ポケモンひょうりゅうき Pokemon hyōryūki)
July 15, 1997
September 29, 1998
The St. Anne flips over and sinks to the bottom of the sea after a perilous storm. All the passengers managed to escape, except for Ash, Misty, Brock and Team Rocket, who are trapped on board. After regaining consciousness, Ash, Misty, Brock and Team Rocket discover their predicament and have to work together to escape.
17
17
"Island of the Giant Pokémon""Island of Giant Pokémon!?" (きょだいポケモンのしま!? Kyodai Pokemon no shima!?)
July 22, 1997
September 30, 1998
Now hit by a Dragon Rage attack from wild Gyarados at sea, the humans are separated from their Pokémon on an island containing many giant Pokémon run by none other than the wicked Team Rocket boss Giovanni himself.
18
18
"Beauty and the Beach""Holiday at Porta Vista" (アオプルコのきゅうじつ Aopuruko no kyūjitsu)
July 29, 1997
June 24, 2000
Ash and his friends have finally arrived in Porta Vista, a beachside tourist town. After destroying an old man's ship, they must help in the old man's business.Note: The dubbing of this episode was skipped due to a scene where James puts on inflatable breasts. When it was finally dubbed and aired in 2000, the scenes were removed.[10][2]
19
19
"Tentacool & Tentacruel""Tentacruel, Tentacool" (メノクラゲドククラゲ Menokurage Dokukurage)
August 5, 1997
October 1, 1998
Stuck in Porta Vista because they missed the boat, Ash and friends sit around waiting for the next boat and witness a great explosion. They later discover that it is a group of Tentacool that is attacking the boats. Ash and his friends manage to appease the Tentacool and continue on their journey.Note: This episode was removed from rotation following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.[10][11]
20
20
"The Ghost of Maiden's Peak""The Poison/Grass/Water Pokémon and the Summer Festival" (ゆうれいポケモンとなつまつり Yūrei Pokemon to natsumatsuri)
August 12, 1997
October 2, 1998
The boat that Ash and his friends was, lands at a small town. This town is celebrating Obon. Brock and James both see a girl standing by the sea who disappears, and while Brock falls for this mirage girl, Ash, Misty and Team Rocket have a different plan. They try to stop Brock and James and suddenly, the maiden reveals herself as Ghastly, a ghost Pokémon. It is revealed that the maiden actually exists as a ghost and is still waiting for the one she loves to return. When Ash battles the Gastly with Squirtle/Bulbasaur, he turns to Venustoise (Venusaur + Blastoise).
21
21
"Bye Bye Butterfree""Bye Bye Butterfree" (バイバイバタフリー Bai Bai Batafurī)
August 19, 1997
October 5, 1998
As the group continues on their way, they notice a flock of Butterfree out over the ocean. Brock informs Ash that it is the mating season for all of the Butterfree. Ash releases Butterfree so that it can mate.
22
22
"Abra and the Psychic Showdown""Sabrina! Psychic Showdown!" (ケーシィ！ちょうのうりょくたいけつ！ Kēshī! Chōnōryoku taiketsu!)
August 26, 1997
October 6, 1998
Ash and his friends finally arrived at Saffron City. Ash has found the Saffron Gym, but is warned by a strange man not to go in. Ash goes in anyway to discover a strange training facility. He battles Sabrina who has two personalities; that of an evil trainer, and that of a little girl. Transported into a toy box set, the group is rescued by the strange man who gives Ash a tip that he may be able to beat Sabrina with a ghost Pokémon from Lavender Town.
23
23
"The Tower of Terror""I Got it at Pokémon Tower!" (ポケモンタワーでゲットだぜ！ Pokemon Tawā de getto da ze!)
September 2, 1997
October 7, 1998
On their way to Lavender Town, the woods suddenly become foggy. The group fights a bit and arrives at the ghost tower. Team Rocket encounters the ghost Pokémon while setting a trap for Ash and his friends, and end up getting frightened by the ghost Pokémon. The gang hear screaming from the tower and are afraid to go in. They learn that it was a Gastly, Haunter and Gengar looking for playmates. After having fun with Ash, Haunter decides to follow Ash as his new Pokémon.Note: After the September 11 attacks, this episode was banned on certain TV networks due to the title.[10][12]
24
24
"Haunter versus Kadabra""Haunter vs. Kadabra!" (ゴーストＶＳエスパー！ Gōsuto VS Esupā!)
September 9, 1997
October 8, 1998
Ash and his friends go back to Saffron City ready to try again for the Marsh Badge in the Gym. Ash asks Haunter for help to defeat Sabrina and Haunter agrees. Haunter disappears on Ash during the match and Brock and Misty get turned into dolls. During the next match, Haunter suddenly appears in front of Sabrina while Kadabra and Pikachu are battling. Sabrina and her Kadabra become unable to battle after being sent into peals of laughter by Haunter, giving Ash the victory.
25
25
"Primeape Goes Bananas""Don't Get Angry, Primeape!" (おこらないでねオコリザル！ Okoranaide ne Okorizaru!)
September 16, 1997
October 9, 1998
Ash is on his way towards Celadon City, and they encounter a Mankey. The Mankey starts chasing them. Later on, the Mankey steals Ash's hat. Ash tries to get it back and fails. Team Rocket arrive to get Pikachu and when Mankey walks by, James kicks it away and it evolves into Primeape. They run away from it. After remembering the words Prof. Oak say, Ash captures it.
26
26
"Pokémon Scent-sation!""Erika and Gloom" (エリカとクサイハナ Erika to Kusaihana)
September 23, 1997
October 9, 1998
When Ash reaches the Celadon Gym, he is kicked out. He soon discovers that it is only for people who love perfume. So, with the help of Team Rocket, Ash sneaks into the Gym disguised as a girl. In the Gym, his disguise is ruined by Misty, Brock and Pikachu. During the battle, Team Rocket interrupts and sets the Gym on fire. After rescuing Gloom, Ash is presented with the Rainbow Badge.
27
27
"Hypno's Naptime""Sleeper and Pokémon Hypnotism!?" (スリーパーとポケモンがえり！？ Surīpā to Pokemon gaeri!?)
September 30, 1997
October 13, 1998
Ash has won his fifth badge and is still behind his rival, Gary. Meanwhile, Ash and his friends arrived at a town where many of the town's children are disappearing. Ash and his friends found the culprit which was Hypno. Drowzee manages to change all the children and Pokémon back to normal. Misty effortlessly captures a Psyduck she does not want.
28
28
"Pokémon Fashion Flash""Vulpix! Breeder Showdown!" (ロコン！ブリーダーたいけつ！ Rokon! Burīdā taiketsu!)
October 7, 1997
October 14, 1998
Team Rocket plans a scheme to steal many Pokémon by opening a barber shop. Ash and his friends meet Susie, a famous Pokémon breeder. At the end, Brock gains a Vulpix when Susie tells him to look after it as she goes off to learn more about Pokémon breeding.
29
29
"The Punchy Pokémon""Fighting Pokémon! Huge Battle!" (かくとうポケモン！だいバトル！ Kakutō Pokemon! Dai Batoru!)
October 14, 1997
October 15, 1998
To make a father go home to his daughter, Ash enters a fighting tournament with his Primeape. After winning, the man promise to make Primeape stronger so, Ash gives it away.
30
30
"Sparks Fly for Magnemite""Do Coil Dream of Electric Mice!?" (コイルはでんきネズミのユメをみるか!? Koiru wa denki nezumi no yume o miru ka!?)
October 21, 1997
October 16, 1998
The group arrives in Gringy City where everything is dark and gloomy. A Magnemite follows Pikachu everywhere ever since it caught a peculiar illness, but it's the Grimers and Muk that are causing trouble in a local Power Plant. Ash captures Muk, but sends it to Professor Oak because of the smell leaking out of Ash's Pokéball.
31
31
"Dig Those Diglett""Full of Digda!" (ディグダがいっぱい！ Diguda ga ippai!)
October 28, 1997
October 19, 1998
Ash finds himself among a group of Pokémon Trainers hired to protect a construction site from interfering ground Pokémon. Jessie's Ekans and James' Koffing evolve into Arbok and Weezing respectively. The construction is shut down after it is revealed that the construction site is interfering by the Digletts.
32
32
"The Ninja Poké-Showdown""Sekichiku Ninja Showdown!" (セキチクにんじゃたいけつ！ Sekichiku ninja taiketsu!)
November 4, 1997
October 20, 1998
The group finds a strange looking mansion-sized ninja style building. They explore it and encounter various traps. They discover that this is the Fuchsia Gym and Ash battles the Gym Leader for the Soul Badge.
33
33
"The Flame Pokémon-athon!""The Great Race of Fire Pokémon!" (ほのおのポケモンだいレース！ Honō no Pokemon dai rēsu!)
November 11, 1997
October 21, 1998
The group arrive at the Laramy Ranch where a family of ranchers prepares for an annual Pokémon race. Ash takes over as Ponyta's rider when Laura gets hurt. Then, the Ponyta evolves and wins the race.
34
34
"The Kangaskhan Kid""Kangaskhan's Lullaby" (ガルーラのこもりうた Garūra no komori uta')
November 18, 1997
October 22, 1998
Ash and his friends have arrived in the Safari Zone. They come across a wild boy named Tommy that leads a herd of Kangaskhan. They eventually find Tommy's parents who were searching for him since he was only three.
35
--
"The Legend of Dratini" (ミニリュウのでんせつ Miniryū no densetsu)
November 25, 1997
UNAIRED
Ash and his friends get challenged by Team Rocket in seeing who can capture the most Pokémon within the Safari Zone, with Ash catching a whole herd of Tauros. As soon as Ash and his friends head out Pokémon hunting, Team Rocket manages to get the drop on the game warden (Mr. Kaiza) and forces him into giving up the location on where Dratini is (the Dragon Valley). In the end, Ash, his friends, Team Rocket, and Kaiza end up seeing the legendary Dratini and Dragonair, with our heroes saving the day.Note: In North America, this episode was banned due to the excessive use of guns which subsequently caused continuity problems due to Ash capturing a herd of Tauros.[10][13]
36
35
"The Bridge Bike Gang""Stormy Cycling Road" (あらしのサイクリングロード Arashi no Saikuringu Rōdo)
December 2, 1997
October 23, 1998
Continuing their journey, the group came across a bridge which could be used as a shortcut to the next town. They soon discovered that the bridge is too long to walk and they would need bicycles to cross. They go to the Pokémon Center where Nurse Joy asks them to take some medicine to a sick Pokémon across the bridge. Can they make in time? On their way, a Bicycle gang appears to cause trouble!
37
36
"Ditto's Mysterious Mansion""Metamon and the Copycat" (メタモンとものまねむすめ Metamon to monomane musume)
December 9, 1997
October 26, 1998
During a storm, Ash and his friends arrives at a mysterious Mansion. While at the Mansion, Ash met a girl with a Ditto that doesn’t transform well. Ash and his friends decide to help out the girl and her Ditto. Meanwhile, Team Rocket tries to steal the Ditto so it can transform into a Dratini which they can give to the boss.
38
--
"Computer Soldier Porygon" (でんのうせんしポリゴン Dennō senshi Porigon)
December 16, 1997
UNAIRED
Ash and his friends arrive at a chaotic Pokémon Center; Ash asks Nurse Joy what is wrong. She tells our heroes that the Pokéball transfer machine is having problems. The Pokémon she sends arrive at another Pokémon Center as a different Pokémon! Professor Akihabara, the inventor of the Pokémon Transport System, explains that some thieves have intruded on the system and are causing havoc. The professor then sends our heroes and his Porygon into the virtual world, will they be able to help Nurse Joy and avoid getting deleted?Note: This episode caused over 700 Japanese children to suffer seizures due to a flashing strobe effect of a red and blue flash.[10][14][15] The episode was never commercially released or re-broadcast anywhere in the world. The show went on a four month hiatus in Japan following this event.
39
37
"Pikachu's Goodbye""Pikachu's Forest" (ピカチュウのもり Pikachū no mori')
April 16, 1998
November 20, 1998
The group come into a forest where it is quiet and peaceful. They notice a large group of Pikachu that Ash's Pikachu tries to make friends with. At the end, Ash tries to leave Pikachu behind, thinking it is better off with its own kind. Note: This episode was created after the EP038 incident: the episode schedule did not include this episode before the incident. The original EP039 was supposed to be "Holiday Hi-Jynx".Later, it was first aired as a 1 hour special along with "The Battling Eevee Brothers".[2][16]
40
38
"The Battling Eevee Brothers""The 4 Eievui Brothers" (イーブイ４きょうだい Ībui yon kyōdai)
April 16, 1998
October 27, 1998
While traveling through the woods, the group encounters an Eevee that was apparently abandoned by a tree. They take it to its address in Stone Town and find it belongs to a little boy. All the Pokémon at the Evolution Party gets stolen by Team Rocket. They are eventually defeat by Mikey and Eevee who saved his 3 brothers and their Jolteon, Flareon and Vaporeon. Note: It was originally going to air on January 6, 1998.Later, it was first aired as the second part of a 1 hour special along with "Pikachu's Goodbye".[2][16]
41
39
"Wake Up Snorlax!""Wake Up! Kabigon!" (おきろ！カビゴン！ Okiro! Kabigon!)
April 23, 1998
October 28, 1998
Ash and his friends continue on their journey. The group arrived at a town which is having problems with their water source. It seems that a Snorlax is blocking the water path.
42
40
"Showdown at Dark City""Showdown! Pokémon Gym!" (たいけつ！ポケモンジム！ Taiketsu! Pokemon Jimu!)
April 30, 1998
October 29, 1998
Entering Dark City, Ash and his friends discover that Pokémon Trainers aren't liked due to two warring Gyms who involve Ash and the gang as well as Team Rocket in their feuds. Can Ash stop the feud?
43
41
"The March of the Exeggutor Squad""The Huge March of the Nassy Squad!" (ナッシーぐんだんだいこうしん！ Nasshī gundan daikōshin!)
May 7, 1998
October 30, 1998
When at a carnival, Ash and his friends meet a Magician who is really losing his touch and no longer very well. In his effort to get good, he decides to hypnotise Ash and uses his Pokémon to capture loads of Exeggutor. But the Exeggutor end up hypnotising themselves. Luckily, they were saved by Charmander. Later, Ash's Charmander evolves into a disobedient Charmeleon.Note: In the first US run of the series, this was the final episode to be shown on Cartoon Network before it was moved to Kids WB. The show also went on a 3 month hiatus in the US.[2]
44
42
"The Problem with Paras""Paras and Parasect" (パラスとパラセクト Parasu to Parasekuto)
May 14, 1998
February 13, 1999
Having ran out of medicine, Ash and his friends go to a local place to get some Potions. However, they don't have much due to the owner's Paras being weak. Can Ash and company help train the Paras so it can evolve into Parasect?[2]
45
43
"The Song of Jigglypuff""Sing! Purin!" (うたって！プリン！ Utatte! Purin!)
May 21, 1998
February 20, 1999
Entering a bustling Metropolis where everyone is tired and rude, Ash and his friends find a Jigglypuff who is too shy to sing. Realising they can kill two birds with one stone... Misty tries to teach the Jigglypuff to sing.
46
44
"Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon""Revival!? Fossil Pokémon!" (ふっかつ!? かせきポケモン！ Fukkatsu!? Kaseki Pokemon!)
May 28, 1998
February 27, 1999
Arriving at a canyon to find an old fashioned fossil hunt, Ash, Gary and the gang decided to join in. But Team Rocket arrives and intends to blow the canyon up. In doing so, Ash and Pikachu fall into a pit which is full of awakened ancient Pokémon. Their only hope may last in Ash's disobedient Charmeleon, which evolves into a still disobedient Charizard even though he possess 6 Gym Badges allowing Pokémon up to level 70 to obey him.
47
45
"A Chansey Operation""Lucky's Medical Records" (ラッキーのカルテ Rakkī no karute)
June 4, 1998
March 6, 1999
After Pikachu gets an apple stuck in its throat, Ash and his friends rush it to a hospital. After being treated, they hear of a traffic accident that has left many Pokémon injured so Ash and the gang are recruited to help treat the Pokémon.
48
46
"Holy Matrimony!""Gardie and Kojirō" (ガーディとコジロウ Gādi to Kojirō)
June 11, 1998
March 13, 1999
After finding a missing person sign featuring James, Ash and his friends decide to find James and inform him of his parents' demise. However when James' parents turn out to be alive, they concoct a plan to get James married to Jessibelle. Will James suffer the wrath of Jessibelle or will he stay with Team Rocket and Jessie?
49
47
"So Near, Yet So Farfetch'd""Kamonegi's Easy Mark" (カモネギのカモ Kamonegi no Kamo)
June 18, 1998
March 20, 1999
When Misty's Pokéballs are stolen by Farfetch'd, Ash and the gang go to investigate to try and find the thief and get all the stolen things back.Note: This episode was supposed to be aired after "Princess Versus Princess, because Jessie claims to already have Lickitung, yet Lickitung wasn't caught until a later episodes.
50
48
"Who Gets to Keep Togepi?""Togepy is Whose!?" (トゲピーはだれのもの!? Togepī wa dare no mono!?)
June 25, 1998
March 27, 1999
When the egg Ash found hatches into a brand new Pokémon, everyone wants to own it. So they decided to do a small Pokémon Tournament. Ash, who found it, claims he should be the one to keep it.
51
49
"Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden""Fushigidane's Mysterious Garden" (フシギダネのふしぎのはなぞの Fushigidane no fushigi na hanazono)
July 2, 1998
April 3, 1999
When Bulbasaur gets injured in a battle, it starts to feel different. Noting that it was time for the Bulbasaur festival, Bulbasaur gets kidnapped by a group of Bulbasaur and taken to the festival to evolve.
52
50
"Princess vs. Princess""Fierce Fighting! Pokémon Hinamatsuri" (げきとう！ポケモンひなまつり Gekitō! Pokemon Hinamatsuri)
July 9, 1998
September 4, 1999
It is the Princess Festival and Misty and Jessie are going all out for it. After hours of shopping, they both decide to enter the Princess Festival Battle Tournament.Note: This episode was originally scheduled to air on Girls' Day itself, on March 3, 1998, but was rescheduled in the aftermath of EP038. The original airing schedule suggests that this episode takes place between EP047 and EP048.[17][18][2]
53
51
"The Purr-fect Hero""It's Children's Day! Everyone Gather!" (こどものひだよ！ぜんいんしゅうごう！ Kodomo no Hi da yo! Zen'in shūgō!)
July 9, 1998
September 11, 1999
Ash and his friends arrive at a small school on "Kids Day" and let the children play with their Pokémon. One of the children only wants to meet Meowth after being saved by a wild one from a Beedrill when he was young. Team Rocket's Meowth pretends to be his hero, but is soon caught out by Misty. Later, Timmy is saved again by the wild Meowth again.Note: This episode was originally scheduled to air on Children's Day itself, on May 5, 1998, but was rescheduled in the aftermath of EP038.[19][18][2]
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52
"The Case of the K-9 Capers!""Gardie the Police Dog" (けいさつけんガーディ Keisatsuken Gādi)
July 16, 1998
April 10, 1999
When Ash and his friends see a group of Growlithe training against a Policeman posing as a robber, Ash decides for him and Pikachu to do the same training to get the best they can be. However when Team Rocket comes to steal them, the Pokémon get mixed up.
55
53
"Pokémon Paparazzi""The Photo Op is Pikachu" (シャッターチャンスはピカチュウ Shattā chansu wa Pikachū)
July 23, 1998
April 17, 1999
Ash meets a photographer named Todd.
56
54
"The Ultimate Test""Pokémon League License Test!?" (ポケモンけんていしけん!? Pokemon Rīgu kentei shiken!?)
July 30, 1998
April 24, 1999
While travelling, Ash notes it has been a long time since his last Badge, so Todd suggests he takes the Pokémon League exam. Winning this will get you immediate entry into the Pokémon League.
57
55
"The Breeding Center Secret""The Breeding Center Secret!" (そだてやのひみつ！ Sodateya no himitsu!)
August 6, 1998
May 1, 1999
After putting Psyduck in a breeding center, Misty relises she needs it to get some food from a generous chef. But when she goes to get it, Ash and the gang discover a diabolical plot by 2 new Team Rocket members, Cassidy and Butch, who are trying to steal Pokémon, and in doing so, Ash and the gang get captured and arrested.Note: In Japan, this was the final Original 1st Season Episode of Pokémon, and in the US, this was the final episode to end with the PokéRap. From the next episode, and up until the end of Season 2, episodes ended with Pikachu's Jukebox.[20]
58
56
"Riddle Me This""Burn! Guren Gym!" (もえろ！グレンジム！ Moero! Guren Jimu!)
August 13, 1998
September 18, 1999
Heading to Cinnabar Island, Ash is dismayed to find the Gym gone from the Island. Desperate for his 7th badge, Ash goes around and meets Blaine, a riddle master who tells him that the Gym had moved.
59
57
"Volcanic Panic""Decisive Battle! Guren Gym！" (けっせん！グレンジム Kessen! Guren Jimu!)
August 20, 1998
September 18, 1999
Having lost his match at the Cinnabar Gym, Ash is upset and intends to battle again. But when Team Rocket invade the Gym and cause the volcano to begin erupting, Ash and Blaine, along with their Charizard and Magmar, must work together to stop it. After that, Ash battles Blaine again.
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58
"Beach Blank-Out Blastoise""Kamex's Island" (カメックスのしま Kamekkusu no shima)
August 27, 1998
September 20, 1999
On their way back to Kanto, Ash discovers that the ruler of a small island will not awake from its slumber.
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59
"The Misty Mermaid""Hanada Gym! Underwater Battle!" (ハナダジム！すいちゅうのたたかい！ Hanada Jimu! Suichū no tatakai!)
September 3, 1998
September 23, 1999
Back into Cerulean City, Misty has been asked to help out with a new performance by her sisters. She decides to help for this underwater play with Pokémon, but Team Rocket arrive and ruin things.
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"Clefairy Tales""Piipi vs. Purin" (ピッピVSプリン Pippi VS Purin)
September 10, 1998
September 25, 1999
In Viridian City, Ash and his friends are victim to several thefts by some Clefairy. Whilst investigating with Professor Boffin, they discover the Clefairy are building a space ship.
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"The Battle of the Badge""Tokiwa Gym! The Last Badge!" (トキワジム！さいごのバッジ！ Tokiwa Jimu! Saigo no Bajji!)
September 17, 1998
September 25, 1999
In Viridian City, Ash goes to the Gym, but Gary gets in there before him and gets beaten by a never before seen Pokémon, Mewtwo. Luckily Giovanni leaves the Gym and puts Jessie and James in charge.
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"It's Mr. Mime Time""Barrierd of the Pokémon Circus" (ポケモンサーカスのバリヤード Pokemon Sākasu no Bariyādo)
September 24, 1998
September 27, 1999
Heading back to Pallet Town, Ash and his friends see a Mr. Mime trying to escape from its trainer who runs a circus. Unable to get the Mr. Mime to act, Ash and the gang have to find another one. The gang choose to dress up Ash so he can look like a Mr. Mime.
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63
"Holiday Hi-Jynx""Rougela's Christmas" (ルージュラのクリスマス Rūjura no Kurisumasu)
October 5, 1998
December 11, 1999
Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu and Togepi(unseen) must return a lost Jynx to Santa before Christmas, with the help of a Lapras. Meanwhile, Jessie attempts to take revenge on Santa for stealing her favorite doll when she was young.Note: This episode shows Ash battling a Jynx with his Charmander, when he has had a Charizard for a long while. Because this episode was supposed to be aired as EP39, but due to EP38, it was aired at a later date.[21][2][22]
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64
"Snow Way Out""Iwark the Bivouac" (イワークでビバーク Iwāku de Bibāku)
October 5, 1998
December 18, 1999
Ash and his friends are trapped in a snow storm. Brock suggests that the group uses his Onix to create a bivouac. They're about to start when a strong gust of wind blows Pikachu away, which cause Ash to go save Pikachu. After saving Pikachu who is about to fall off a cliff, Ash finds himself separated from the rest of the group.Note: This episode was supposed to be aired as EP40, but due to EP38, it was aired at a later date.[23][2][22]
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"Showdown at the Po-Ké Corral""Rival Showdown! Okido Research Lab" (ライバルたいけつ！オーキドけんきゅうじょ Raibaru taiketsu! Ōkido kenkyūjo)
October 8, 1998
September 30, 1999
Back in Pallet Town, Ash finds Gary already there wanting to partake in the Pokémon League. Having a constant quarrel with Gary, Oak tells them both the meaning of Pokémon. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is trying to get inside the Lab to steal the Pokémon.
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66
"The Evolution Solution""When Yadon Becomes Yadoran" (ヤドンがヤドランになるとき Yadon ga Yadoran ni naru toki)
October 15, 1998
October 2, 1999
Ash goes to the Seafoam Islands to help Professor Oak with his research. There, Professor Westwood V is trying to discover the mystery of how Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro. Jessie then captures a Shellder, and tries to rush a Slowpoke's evolution, forcing Psyduck to stall the evolution.
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67
"The Pi-Kahuna""The Legend of the Surfing Pikachu" (なみのりピカチュウのでんせつ Naminori Pikachū no densetsu)
October 22, 1998
October 2, 1999
Ash and the gang take some time off to go surfing. However, while surfing, Ash passes out, but thankfully rescued by a surfer named Victor and his Pikachu, Puka. Victor then reveals his plans to surf a tsunami called "Humungadunga" and become a surfing legend.
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68
"Make Room for Gloom""Kusaihana of the Botanical Garden" (しょくぶつえんのクサイハナ Shokubutsuen no Kusaihana)
October 29, 1998
October 4, 1999
Ash goes to a flower garden to get some fertilizer for Delia. But Bulbasaur sniffs the flowers and becomes paralyzed.
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69
"Lights, Camera, Quack-tion!""Pokémon the Movie!" (ポケモン・ザ・ムービー！ Pokemon za Mūbī!)
November 5, 1998
October 8, 1999
When there's a Pokémon movie made nearby, Ash and his friends put their Pokémon in for audition. Misty's Psyduck gets the main role while the others get minor roles.
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"Go West Young Meowth""Nyarth's ABCs" (ニャースのあいうえお Nyāsu no aiueo)
November 12, 1998
October 9, 1999
Ash and his friends have gone to Hollywood to see the premier of the movie. Team Rocket follows them to find Meowth has history in this town; it is where he learnt to speak to win the heart of a female Meowth. However, that Meowth has become part of a gang of Persians.Note: An alternate title for the episode on the third Indigo League box set is "Hollywood Heartbreak".[24][25]
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"To Master the Onix-pected""Enter Elite Four Shiba!" (してんのうシバとうじょう！ Shitennō Shiba tōjō!)
November 19, 1998
October 11, 1999
After watching Elite Four member Bruno on TV, Ash and his friends decide to do training in the mountains to be as strong as Bruno. However, they meet Bruno and Bruno manipulates them to do some menial tasks for him. Meanwhile, a giant Onix is on a rampage.
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72
"The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis""Clash! Super-Ancient Pokémon" (げきとつ！ちょうこだいポケモン Gekitotsu! Chō kodai Pokemon)
November 26, 1998
October 14, 1999
While training, Ash and his friends accidentally uncover some ruins of Pokémopolis, an ancient city. After a bit of research, they find a giant Gengar and a giant Alakazam and start fighting.
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"Bad to the Bone""Garagara's Bone Club" (ガラガラのホネこんぼう Garagara no Hone konbō)
December 3, 1998
October 16, 1999
Ash and his friends offer to help a Trainer that's heading for the Pokémon League to retrieve his stolen Gym Badges from Team Rocket.
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"All Fired Up!""Fire! The Pokémon League Opening Ceremony!" (ファイヤー！ポケモンリーグかいかいしき！ Faiyā! Pokemon Rīgu kaikaishiki!)
December 10, 1998
October 23, 1999
They're here... the Indigo Pokémon League. It is at the time of running the Moltres flame to the League. Ash, as a participant, is free to carry the flame but when Team Rocket steals it, the League may be cancelled.
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"Round One – Begin!""Pokémon League Commencement! Water Field!" (ポケモンリーグかいまく！みずのフィールド！ Pokemon Rīgu kaimaku! Mizu no Fīrudo!)
December 17, 1998
October 30, 1999
Ash faces a trainer named Mandy, who uses a Golbat, an Exeggutor and a Seadra.
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"Fire and Ice""Ice Field! Fire Battle!" (こおりのフィールド！ほのおのたたかい！ Kōri no Fīrudo! Honō no tatakai!)
December 24, 1998
November 6, 1999
Ash gets lost in town, which may delay his next match.
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"The Fourth Round Rumble""Grass Field! An Unexpectedly Powerful Opponent!" (くさのフィールド！いがいなきょうてき！ Kusa no Fīrudo! Igai na kyōteki!)
January 1, 1999
November 13, 1999
In the fourth round, Ash must defeat a Beedrill, a Scyther and a Bellsprout to advance.
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"A Friend in Deed""Enter Rival!" (ライバルとうじょう！ Raibaru tōjō!)
January 7, 1999
November 20, 1999
Ash meets a new trainer named Richie, who is eerily similar to Ash. However, Team Rocket makes another attempt to steal Ash and Richie's Pokémon.
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"Friend and Foe Alike""Sekiei Stadium! Vs. Hiroshi!" (セキエイスタジアム！VSヒロシ！ Sekiei Sutajiamu! VS Hiroshi!)
January 14, 1999
November 27, 1999
After making a promise with Richie that he'll have the best battle of his life, Ash is kidnapped by Team Rocket, who scheme to prevent him from participating in his fifth round match against Richie, let alone steal Pikachu. Ash isn't about to let Team Rocket make him break the promise he made with Richie, so he eventually escapes, but loses the match due to a disobedient Charizard at the final battle.
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"Friends to the End""Pokémon League! The Last Battle!" (ポケモンリーグ！さいごのたたかい！ Pokemon Rīgu! Saigo no tatakai!)
January 21, 1999
November 27, 1999
After losing to Richie, Ash is moping around annoyed that he lost. He is convinced by Misty that he should support Richie who is now in the Quarter Finals. However when Richie loses, they both have to look inside themselves to see if they are good Trainers
