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AG143: Difference between revisions

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<!-- fill in the title links with dub titles only -->
{{EpicodePrevNext
{{EpisodePrevNext|
|prevcode=AG142
prevlink=AG142 |
|prevtitle=Caterpie's Big Dilemma
prevtitle=AG142: Caterpie's Big Dilemma |
|nextcode=AG144
nextlink=AG144 |
|nexttitle=A Hurdle for Squirtle
nexttitle=AG144: A Hurdle for Squirtle |
|series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
series=Advanced Generation |
|colorscheme=Emerald}}
episodelist=List of Advanced Generation episodes }}
{{EpisodeInfobox
{{EpisodeInfobox|
|epcode=AG143
epcode=AG143 |
|altepcode=EP417
title_en=The Saffron Con |
|colorscheme=Emerald
title_ja=ポケモンコンテスト・ヤマブキ大会！（前編） |
|title_en=The Saffron Con
title_ja_trans=Pokémon Contest: Yamabuki Conference! (Part One) |
|title_ja=ポケモンコンテスト・ヤマブキ大会！（前編）
screen=yes |
|title_ja_trans=Pokémon Contest - Yamabuki Conference! (Part One)
screenshot=TheSaffronCon.jpg |
|screen=yes
broadcast_jp=September 15, 2005 |
|broadcast_jp=September 15, 2005
broadcast_us=June 17, 2006 |
|broadcast_us=June 17, 2006
en_series= |
|en_series=
en_op=[[Unbeatable]] |
|en_op=[[Unbeatable]]
ja_op=[[Battle Frontier (song)|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=[[Pokémon Counting Song|ポケモンかぞえうた]] |
|ja_ed=[[Pokémon Counting Song|ポケモンかぞえうた]]
olmteam=Team Ota |
|olmteam=Team Ota
scenario=冨岡淳広 |
|scenario=冨岡淳広
storyboard=志村錠児 |
|storyboard=志村錠児
director=志村錠児 |
|director=志村錠児
art=志村泉 |
|art=志村泉
footnotes=*[[a:Category:AG143 screenshots|Screenshots on Bulbagarden Archives]]
|morecredits=no
*[[filb-eppics:ag143|Screenshots on Filb.de]]}}
|epstaffpage=AG141-AG150
'''The Saffron Con''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンコンテスト・ヤマブキ大会！（前編）''' ''Pokémon Contest: {{tt|Yamabuki|Saffron}} Conference! (Part One)'') is episode 143 of Advanced Generation. It was first broadcast in Japan on September 15, 2005 and in the United States on June 17, 2006.  
|footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ag|143}}}}
<!-- Short summary goes here. -->
'''The Saffron Con''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンコンテスト・ヤマブキ大会！（前編）''' ''Pokémon Contest - {{tt|Yamabuki|Saffron}} Conference! (Part One)'') is the 143rd episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'', and the 417th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on September 15, 2005, and in the United States on June 17, 2006.  
 
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}
= Synopsis =
<!-- Detailed synopsis goes here. -->


Another day and another adventure begins our story as May releases her three Pokémon and begins her speech about the Kanto Pokémon Contest. Her Pokémon seem to not be that much insterested in the contest. Inside of the Stadium, preperations are being made for the contest just as May steps in. She is very exluberant and estatic about the contest. The announcer steps up to the middle of the stadium and calls out an Espeon. The stadium lights shine upon Espeon's magnificent coat. Espeon then launches a {{m|Swift}} Attack and then quickly responds with a {{m|Psybeam}} which causes the stars to form several rings which Espeon then rotates through majestically landing in an astonishing feat. May's Squirtle rushes down to the center of the ring and begins relasing a small array of bubbles. The announcer quickly picks Squirtle up and hands it back to May. While being grasped between May's arms, Squirtle begins crying frantically. The announcer points out that Squirtle wants to get on stage as it then responds in glory. Lilian seems to be participating in the contest this time.
==Blurb==
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/8/episode-50-the-saffron-con/-->
<i>May and friends arrive in Saffron City, where May is so excited about the upcoming Pokémon Contest that she heads straight for the Contest Hall. She sees people going in to check out the hall, so she goes inside too. On stage is a woman who looks suspiciously like Vivian from the Hoenn region, practicing with an Espeon. May's Squirtle gets so excited that it runs on stage. It turns out that the woman is actually Lillian, Vivian's younger sister.


At the nearby Pokémon Center, everyone is enjoying cold drinks as May wonders about the contest. Everyone explains to May that she will do fine just as someone pushing a cart interrupts their conversation. May is excited that her Pokémon have returned to normal health but comes to notice that Harley is pushing the cart. May seems to be confused as to why Harley is there.
May takes her Pokémon to the Pokémon Center for a check-up, and is surprised to meet Nurse Joy's new assistant—Harley! Harley is overwhelmingly nice to May, and even tells her that she can switch Pokémon during the contest, which turns out to be true. Harley also tells her that she can register with her Hoenn Contest Pass until 11 the next day—which isn't true. But May believes him since he was telling the truth before.


Dressed in a exliburant and exciting costume, Jessie steps in the contest registration room and presents her contest card to the personnel. There seems to be a mistake as Jessie hits the ground while Meowth and James appear announcing Jessie. The announcer explains that the card she has is a Hoenn registration card as the one they require is the Kanto Region card. Jessie then quickly reveals her card and Wobbuffet pops in with the usual greeting.
Meanwhile, a disguised Jessie registers for the Pokémon Contest, and asks James if she can borrow Cacnea. But when Jessie tries to form a bond with Cacnea, it ends up getting stuck in her hair and James and Meowth rush her to the Pokémon Center. At the PC, they get the idea to steal everyone else's Pokémon so Jessie can win by default.


Jessie seems to be excited about the contest as Meowth interrupts saying that she doesn't have any Pokémon to use. Jessie then begs James to use his Pokémon. James then calls out Cacnea which welcomes him with the usual greeting.
May and Ash begin to battle outside when James and Meowth fly over in their balloon and start snatching Pokémon. May ends up teaming up with Harley to free the Pokémon, and even more unexpected help comes from Squirtle, who uses a newly-learned Ice Beam to send the thieves blasting off.


May asks Harley why he is there while he explains that he works at the [[Pokémon Center]]. Harley goes on to explain that he is helping Joy at the Pokémon Center. Joy then appears in the doorway as Harley rushes over to grab her hand and greet her. Harley then turns around and introduces May to Joy.
When May finally goes to register, she turns out to be too late. Luckily, Lillian happens to be walking by, and after hearing mention of May's heroics, the attendant lets her register for the contest.</i>


Jessie calls then calls out Cacnea as it seems to be frightened from Jessie and quickly jumps onto James. As James tries removing it from his chest, it seems to reject and stays clinged to his chest. Cacnea then turns around and jumps onto Jessie as she screams in pain.
==Plot==
{{an|May}} sends out {{cat|May's Pokémon|her three Pokémon}} and begins her speech about the [[Kanto]] [[Pokémon Contest]] circuit. However, {{TP|May|Munchlax}} and {{TP|May|Squirtle}} seem to not be interested, to which {{an|Brock}} admits that it will be their first Contest experience. The group notices that there are already people entering the [[Saffron City]] [[Contest Hall]], which a guy with his {{p|Mankey}} tells them that it is open so that people can check out the stage. Inside the Contest Hall, preparations are being made just as May steps in. The group notices the [[Contest announcer|announcer]] in the middle of the stage and are unsure whether she is [[Vivian Meridian]] or not. As part of a rehearsal, the announcer steps into the stadium centre and calls out her {{p|Espeon}}, whose magnificent coat shimmers under the stadium lights. She tells Espeon to use {{m|Swift}}, followed by a {{m|Psychic}} blast which causes the stars to form several rings. Espeon leaps and somersaults several times through the rings and gracefully lands on the stage. May's Squirtle becomes excited and rushes down to the center of the ring, whereupon it unleashes a spray of {{m|Bubble}}s. The announcer picks Squirtle up, admitting it was a cute act, and hands it back to May, who apologizes. While in May's arms, Squirtle begins to cry. The announcer thinks that Squirtle wants to be on stage, which is confirmed by its sudden joy. May greets her familiarly as Vivian, but the announcer says that they have not met before. The woman clarifies that her name is [[Lilian Meridian|Lilian]], Vivian's younger sister and the master of ceremonies for [[Kanto]] Pokémon Contests.


Harley and everyone are discussing the contest as Jessie runs through the nearby doors interrupting the conversation with Cacnea attached to her hair. Meowth and James arrive to assist but prove to be helpless as a Chansey rushes to Jessie and carries her off. Joy then calls Harley to come help her with the operation.
At the nearby [[Pokémon Center]], everyone is enjoying cold drinks as May considers using Squirtle in the Saffron Contest, which she ultimately decides to do so. [[Nurse Joy]] announces that the Pokémon belonging to contestant #45 are fully recovered and are being brought out. May rushes over, but is completely shocked to see [[Harley]] pushing the cart containing her Pokémon. May asks fearfully why he is here, but Harley appears pleasantly surprised to see her.


Outside of the stadium, everyone's Pokémon seem to be enjoying themselves as May releases Squirtle. An arm appears out of the distance and grasps onto Squirtle and Pikachu realing them into a cage attached to Team Rocket's balloon. With only two rocket members left, an introduction is given without Jessie. Ash goes to give Pikachu a command but notices that squirtle is also inside of the confinment.
Dressed in a gown-like costume and going under the pseudonym "Jessabella", [[Jessie]] steps into the Contest registration room and presents her [[Contest Pass]] to a lady at the counter. The lady informs her that her Contest Pass is invalid because it is for [[Hoenn]] Contests, whereas [[Kanto]] Contests require a Kanto Pass. Jessie explains how famous she is and demands a Kanto Pass as {{MTR}} and [[James]] appear as Jessabella's assistants Meowthison and Jamison. Outside, Jessie is confident that she will win the Saffron Contest and eventually become a [[Top Coordinator]], but Meowth notes that she didn't win a single [[Ribbon]] in Hoenn. Jessie plants her foot in Meowth's face and then asks James to lend her {{TP|James|Cacnea}}. Meowth says that the plan is crazy enough to work and convinces James to go with it. When he calls Cacnea out, though, it greets James with the usual prickly hug, which Jessie is not enthused about.


Inside the Pokémon Center operating room, Jessie's hair seems to be twisted around Cacnea's body very badly as Joy and Harley appear with a Scizor. Jessie looks at Scizor's sharp claws and then faints on the operating table.
When May asks Harley why he is here, he explains that he became Nurse Joy's volunteer orderly as thanks after she nursed his {{TP|Harley|Cacturne}} back to health. He says that he came here for the Contest, of course, and that the rules in Kanto are a little different: {{pkmn|Coordinator}}s may switch their {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} between the [[Appeal|first]] and [[Contest Battle|second]] rounds. [[Max]] accuses him of playing more dirty tricks, and Harley begs them to believe that he's a different person now, but their doubt remain. Joy appears in the doorway to Brock's delight. Harley rushes over too and begs her to tell the group that the rules are indeed different, which she confirms. May and her friends are surprised to hear that Harley is telling the truth and has been a big help in the Pokémon Center. May decides to use Squirtle and {{TP|May|Combusken}} in the Contest, and the two respond by athletically jumping off of the gurney and landing with a pose. As Nurse Joy leaves, Harley tells May that her Hoenn Pass will also work in Kanto and that registration is until 11 AM the next day. They agree to go eat lunch, but Harley grows a smirk on his face and chuckles.


A nearby Mankey and Vulpix are also captured by Team Rocket as they seem to be aquiring contest Pokémon at a high rate. James and Meowth rush off into the distance as Harley appears and releases a Spinarak. It fires a gigantic stream of web towards the balloon which envelops it and its contents. May then calls upon Combusken which quickly releases a Mega Punch into the bottom of the cage. The bottom easily crumbles and falls towards the ground releasing all of the contest Pokémon from their prison.
Jessie calls out Cacnea in an attempt to bond with it, but it is immediately frightened of her and jumps onto James. James desperately tries to break its embrace, but it submits and reluctantly jumps at Jessie. Jessie's cry rings out from the forest. Harley, May and her friends are discussing the Contest as Jessie runs through the Pokémon Center doors with Cacnea tangled up in her hair, causing her pain and distress. A {{TP|Nurse Joy|Chansey}} puts them onto a gurney and Nurse Joy sends them to the operating room—to Jessie's surprise—and calls Harley to come help her. Inside the Pokémon Center operating room, Jessie's hair is twisted around Cacnea's body. Nurse Joy calls for Jessie's hair to be cut, which she protests. A {{p|Scizor}} appears and demonstrates its sharp claws, making Jessie faint on the operating table. Joy tells Harley to get Jessie's friends so that they offer her some moral support.


Meowth then shows his sharp claws and attempts to cut the web from their balloon. Squirtle responds sending a devasting Ice Beam towards the balloon and sending James and Meowth blasting off into the sky at the speed of light. May and Ash ares urprised at Squirtle's usage of Ice Beam. Max then suggests that May should use Squirtle in the contest as she then thanks Squirtle for its hard work. Harley and May wish each other luck in the contest exchanging greetings.
The group heads outside so that May can train her Pokémon. Ash offers to battle her, but just after she sends out Squirtle, mechanical arms snatch it and {{AP|Pikachu}} away and drop them into a cage suspended by {{TRT}}'s {{DL|Team Rocket's mechas|Meowth Balloon}}. James and Meowth perform the {{motto}} themselves, with the group noticing Jessie's absence. Seeing Squirtle inside the cage alongside Pikachu, Ash cannot order any {{t|Electric}} attacks. Team Rocket acquire more Pokémon at a high rate. James and Meowth begin to float away, but Harley runs outside and has his {{p|Ariados}} use {{m|Spider Web}} to prevent their escape. Harley urges May to follow up, and she calls out Combusken to use {{m|Sky Uppercut}} on the bottom of the cage, breaking it and releasing the Pokémon into their Trainers' arms. James is still determined to make their getaway, so Meowth readies his claws to cut the web with {{m|Fury Swipes}}. Squirtle suddenly fires an {{m|Ice Beam}} at the balloon, exploding it and sending a {{status|freeze|frozen}} James and Meowth blasting off. Everyone is surprised at Squirtle's spontaneous new [[move]]. The group acknowledges May and Squirtle for saving the Pokémon, but she extends the honor to Harley. She and Harley shake hands and wish each other luck in the Contest. That night, James and Meowth, still bruised, report to Jessie that they attempted to capture the other Contest Pokémon so she could win. Jessie is touched by the gesture, though admits that she and Cacnea will win tomorrow. James and Meowth are glad to see Jessie is confident despite her signature locks being severely cut, much to Jessie’s embarrassment.  


In the nearby forest, Cacnea has already been successfully removed from Jessie's hair but when revealed is cut to a much shorter length. The usual self-confidence building speech is given by Jessie building everyone's confidence up once again.
The next morning, May goes to register for the Contest, but the concierge woman not only tells her that her Pass is invalid, but the deadline to register was 10 AM. May is distraught from the news, and her friends realize that Harley had tricked them once again. Around a dark corner, Harley observes the scene and considers this to be revenge. However, Lilian comes to her rescue, informing the concierge that May saved the contestants' Pokémon the previous day, and that without her, there wouldn't be a Contest. The woman slyly says that she did in fact get May's registration and Pass, but had forgotten. She gives May her Contest Pass and a Ribbon case, and May thanks Lilian. Harley is annoyed his plan failed, though he remains determined to keep May from winning the Saffron Ribbon.


May goes to register for the contest as the same problem that arose with Jessie's registration appears. She is trying to register with her Hoenn card but a Kanto card is required at this contest. Time seems to be running low for the team as Max states his disbelief as May falls to the ground. Harley seems to have noticed that May can't enter the contest and appears to be happy about the situtation.
==Major events==
[[File:May Kanto Contest Pass.png|thumb|220px|May's Kanto Pass and Ribbon case]]
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} arrive in [[Saffron City]] and meet up with [[Harley]].
* Harley is revealed to have obtained an {{p|Ariados}}.
* [[May's Squirtle]] learns {{m|Ice Beam}}.
* {{an|May}} and [[Jessie]] each obtain a [[Kanto]] [[Contest Pass]], allowing them to compete in Kanto [[Pokémon Contest]]s.
{{animeevents}}


Lilian appears and questions the personnel why May can't be registered. She goes on to explain that May is trying to register with a Hoenn Contest Pass. Lilian convinces the woman to register her for the Kanto region as she then hands her a Kanto Contest Card and a Ribbon Box. May thanks Lilian for her actions as she then steps off into the nearby room. With May succesfully registering for the Kanto Pokémon Contest, a hard yet exciting contest awaits our hero as another day passes by in the Kanto region. (Written by: bgt)
===Debuts===
====Humans====
* [[Lilian Meridian]]


= Major events =
====Pokémon debuts====
<!-- Events such as captures, releases go here. -->
== Debuts ==
* Lilian Meridian
* Harley's Ariados
* Lilian's Espeon


= Characters =
==Characters==
== Humans ==
===Humans===
* [[Ash Ketchum]]
* {{Ash}}
* [[May (anime)|May]]
* {{an|May}}
* [[Brock]]
* {{an|Brock}}
* [[Max]]
* [[Max]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[Jessie]]
Line 80: Line 85:
* [[Lilian Meridian|Lilian]]
* [[Lilian Meridian|Lilian]]
* [[Vivian Meridian|Vivian]] (flashback)
* [[Vivian Meridian|Vivian]] (flashback)
* Miscellaneous coordinators
* {{pkmn|Coordinator}}s
* Contest hall staff
* [[Contest Hall]] staff
== Pokémon ==
 
* {{p|Pikachu}} ([[Ash's Pikachu|Ash's]])
===Pokémon===
* {{p|Meowth}} ([[Meowth (Team Rocket)|Team Rocket]])
[[File:PTC AG143.png|thumb|200px|right|Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]
* {{p|Combusken}} ([[May's Combusken|May's]])
[[Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]: {{p|Registeel}}
* {{p|Munchlax}} ([[May's Munchlax|May's]])
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Squirtle}} ([[May's Squirtle|May's]])
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ([[Jessie's Wobbuffet|Jessie's]])
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Cacnea}} ([[James's Cacnea|James's]])
* {{p|Combusken}} ({{OP|May|Combusken}})
* {{p|Chansey}} ([[Joy's Chansey|Nurse Joy's]])
* {{p|Munchlax}} ({{OP|May|Munchlax}})
* {{p|Ariados}} ([[Harley]]'s, debut)
* {{p|Squirtle}} ({{OP|May|Squirtle}})
* {{p|Espeon}} ([[Lilian]]'s, debut)
* {{p|Cacnea}} ({{OP|James|Cacnea}})
* {{p|Weedle}}
* {{p|Chansey}} ({{OP|Nurse Joy|Chansey}})
* {{p|Pidgey}}
* {{p|Scizor}} ([[Nurse Joy]]'s)
* {{p|Rattata}}
* {{p|Ariados}} ([[Harley]]'s)
* {{p|Sandshrew}}
* {{p|Espeon}} ([[Lilian Meridian]]'s)
* {{p|Vulpix}}
* {{p|Weedle}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Jigglypuff}}
* {{p|Pidgey}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Oddish}}
* {{p|Rattata}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Venonat}}
* {{p|Sandshrew}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Psyduck}}
* {{p|Vulpix}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Mankey}}
* {{p|Jigglypuff}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Poliwag}}
* {{p|Oddish}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Bellsprout}}
* {{p|Venonat}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Marill}}
* {{p|Psyduck}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Hoppip}}
* {{p|Mankey}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Jumpluff}}
* {{p|Poliwag}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Aipom}}
* {{p|Bellsprout}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Espeon}}
* {{p|Marill}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Hoppip}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Jumpluff}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Aipom}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Espeon}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Phanpy}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Shedinja}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Skitty}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Illumise}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Trapinch}} (Coordinator's)
* {{p|Scizor}}
* {{p|Scizor}}
* {{p|Phanpy}}
==Trivia==
* {{p|Shedinja}}
* This is one of the few episodes where [[Jessie]]'s hair is cut.
* {{p|Skitty}}
* {{MTR}} fills in for Jessie during [[Team Rocket mottos#Meowth filling in for Jessie or James|Team Rocket's motto]] for the third time.
* {{p|Illumise}}
* In the bottom-right corner of the Contest Passes, the first letter of {{an|May}} and Jessie's Japanese names, Haruka and Musashi, are signed. This was not changed in the English dub.
* {{p|Trapinch}}
* This is one of the few episodes where one of {{TRT}}'s members doesn't blast off. Only [[James]] and {{MTR}} blast off in this episode.
= Trivia =
* The [[Nurse Joy]] that appears in this episode and [[AG144|the next]] would later appear in [[DPS02]] as the member of the [[Pokémon Inspection Agency]] who nearly shuts down [[Pewter Gym]] (it is specifically mentioned there that {{an|Brock}} and this Nurse Joy had met before).
== Pokémon Trainer's Choice ==
 
* Question: Trainers, Which of these Pokémon is the tallest?
===Errors===
 
===Dub edits===
* Jessie's cleavage is erased in one shot.
 
====[[Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]====
* Question: Trainers, which of these Pokémon is the tallest?
* Choices: {{p|Regirock}}, {{p|Registeel}}, {{p|Regice}}
* Choices: {{p|Regirock}}, {{p|Registeel}}, {{p|Regice}}
* Answer: OK trainers! If you chose {{p|Registeel}}, you were right!
* Answer: OK, Trainers! If you chose {{p|Registeel}}, you were right!


== Errors ==
==In other languages==
== Dub edits ==
{{Epilang|color=77FF77|bordercolor=55DD55
|zh_cmn={{tt|神奇寶貝華麗大賽，金黃大會（前篇）|Pokémon Contest, Jīnhuáng (Saffron) Convention (Part 1)}}'''
|nl={{tt|De Saffron strijd!|The Saffron Match!}}
|da={{tt|Snyderi i Saffron City!|Cheating in Saffron City!}}
|de={{tt|Reingelegt!|Diddled!}}
|fi={{tt|Saffronin kilpailu|The Saffron contest}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Le concours de Safrania|The Saffron contest}}
|he={{tt|סיפור סאפרון!|Saffron Story}}
|hi=Saffron का झोल {{tt|''Saffron ka Jhol''|The Con of Saffron}}{{tt|*|Disney XD dub}}
|it={{tt|Sete di vendetta|Thirst for revenge}}
|ko={{tt|포켓몬 콘테스트 노랑 시티 대회! -전편-|Pokémon Contest Saffron City Convention! -Part 1-}}
|no={{tt|Saffron-konkurransen|The Saffron competition}}
|pt_br={{tt|O Torneio de Saffron|The Saffron Contest}}
|ru={{tt|Обман в Саффроне|Fraud in Saffron (City)}}
|es_la={{tt|El concurso Saffron|Saffron Contest}}
|es_eu={{tt|El engaño en Azafrán|The trick in Saffron}}
|sv={{tt|Harleys återkomst!|Harley's return!}}
}}
{{-}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=AG142 |
prevtitle=Caterpie's Big Dilemma |
nextcode=AG144 |
nexttitle=A Hurdle for Squirtle |
series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
colorscheme=Emerald }}
{{Project Anime notice}}


=In other languages=
{{DEFAULTSORT:0417}}
<!-- fill in with official titles only -->
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire episodes|143]]
* French: '''{{tt|Le concours de Safrania|The Saffron contest}}'''
{{epstub}}
<!-- fill in the title links with dub titles only -->
{{EpisodePrevNext|
prevlink=AG142 |
prevtitle=AG142: Caterpie's Big Dilemma |
nextlink=AG144 |
nexttitle=AG144: A Hurdle for Squirtle |
series=Advanced Generation |
episodelist=List of Advanced Generation episodes }}
{{Project Anime notice}}
[[Category:Advanced Generation episodes]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Jōji Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Jōji Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Jōji Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Jōji Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on May]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Jessie]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Harley]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character's Pokémon learns a new move]]


[[de:Reingelegt!]]
[[es:EP420]]
[[fr:AG143]]
[[ja:AG編第143話]]
[[ja:AG編第143話]]
[[zh:宝可梦 超世代 第142集]]

Latest revision as of 09:05, 19 March 2024

← AG142 : Caterpie's Big Dilemma
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG144 : A Hurdle for Squirtle →
The Saffron Con
AG143.png
AG143   EP417
ポケモンコンテスト・ヤマブキ大会！（前編）
Pokémon Contest - Yamabuki Conference! (Part One)
First broadcast
Japan September 15, 2005
United States June 17, 2006
English themes
Opening Unbeatable
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening バトルフロンティア
Ending ポケモンかぞえうた
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 志村錠児 Jōji Shimura
Assistant director 志村錠児 Jōji Shimura
Animation director 志村泉 Izumi Shimura
No additional credits are available at this time.

The Saffron Con (Japanese: ポケモンコンテスト・ヤマブキ大会！（前編） Pokémon Contest - Yamabuki Conference! (Part One)) is the 143rd episode of Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, and the 417th episode of the Pokémon anime. It was first broadcast in Japan on September 15, 2005, and in the United States on June 17, 2006.

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

May and friends arrive in Saffron City, where May is so excited about the upcoming Pokémon Contest that she heads straight for the Contest Hall. She sees people going in to check out the hall, so she goes inside too. On stage is a woman who looks suspiciously like Vivian from the Hoenn region, practicing with an Espeon. May's Squirtle gets so excited that it runs on stage. It turns out that the woman is actually Lillian, Vivian's younger sister.

May takes her Pokémon to the Pokémon Center for a check-up, and is surprised to meet Nurse Joy's new assistant—Harley! Harley is overwhelmingly nice to May, and even tells her that she can switch Pokémon during the contest, which turns out to be true. Harley also tells her that she can register with her Hoenn Contest Pass until 11 the next day—which isn't true. But May believes him since he was telling the truth before.

Meanwhile, a disguised Jessie registers for the Pokémon Contest, and asks James if she can borrow Cacnea. But when Jessie tries to form a bond with Cacnea, it ends up getting stuck in her hair and James and Meowth rush her to the Pokémon Center. At the PC, they get the idea to steal everyone else's Pokémon so Jessie can win by default.

May and Ash begin to battle outside when James and Meowth fly over in their balloon and start snatching Pokémon. May ends up teaming up with Harley to free the Pokémon, and even more unexpected help comes from Squirtle, who uses a newly-learned Ice Beam to send the thieves blasting off.

When May finally goes to register, she turns out to be too late. Luckily, Lillian happens to be walking by, and after hearing mention of May's heroics, the attendant lets her register for the contest.

Plot

May sends out her three Pokémon and begins her speech about the Kanto Pokémon Contest circuit. However, Munchlax and Squirtle seem to not be interested, to which Brock admits that it will be their first Contest experience. The group notices that there are already people entering the Saffron City Contest Hall, which a guy with his Mankey tells them that it is open so that people can check out the stage. Inside the Contest Hall, preparations are being made just as May steps in. The group notices the announcer in the middle of the stage and are unsure whether she is Vivian Meridian or not. As part of a rehearsal, the announcer steps into the stadium centre and calls out her Espeon, whose magnificent coat shimmers under the stadium lights. She tells Espeon to use Swift, followed by a Psychic blast which causes the stars to form several rings. Espeon leaps and somersaults several times through the rings and gracefully lands on the stage. May's Squirtle becomes excited and rushes down to the center of the ring, whereupon it unleashes a spray of Bubbles. The announcer picks Squirtle up, admitting it was a cute act, and hands it back to May, who apologizes. While in May's arms, Squirtle begins to cry. The announcer thinks that Squirtle wants to be on stage, which is confirmed by its sudden joy. May greets her familiarly as Vivian, but the announcer says that they have not met before. The woman clarifies that her name is Lilian, Vivian's younger sister and the master of ceremonies for Kanto Pokémon Contests.

At the nearby Pokémon Center, everyone is enjoying cold drinks as May considers using Squirtle in the Saffron Contest, which she ultimately decides to do so. Nurse Joy announces that the Pokémon belonging to contestant #45 are fully recovered and are being brought out. May rushes over, but is completely shocked to see Harley pushing the cart containing her Pokémon. May asks fearfully why he is here, but Harley appears pleasantly surprised to see her.

Dressed in a gown-like costume and going under the pseudonym "Jessabella", Jessie steps into the Contest registration room and presents her Contest Pass to a lady at the counter. The lady informs her that her Contest Pass is invalid because it is for Hoenn Contests, whereas Kanto Contests require a Kanto Pass. Jessie explains how famous she is and demands a Kanto Pass as Meowth and James appear as Jessabella's assistants Meowthison and Jamison. Outside, Jessie is confident that she will win the Saffron Contest and eventually become a Top Coordinator, but Meowth notes that she didn't win a single Ribbon in Hoenn. Jessie plants her foot in Meowth's face and then asks James to lend her Cacnea. Meowth says that the plan is crazy enough to work and convinces James to go with it. When he calls Cacnea out, though, it greets James with the usual prickly hug, which Jessie is not enthused about.

When May asks Harley why he is here, he explains that he became Nurse Joy's volunteer orderly as thanks after she nursed his Cacturne back to health. He says that he came here for the Contest, of course, and that the rules in Kanto are a little different: Coordinators may switch their Pokémon between the first and second rounds. Max accuses him of playing more dirty tricks, and Harley begs them to believe that he's a different person now, but their doubt remain. Joy appears in the doorway to Brock's delight. Harley rushes over too and begs her to tell the group that the rules are indeed different, which she confirms. May and her friends are surprised to hear that Harley is telling the truth and has been a big help in the Pokémon Center. May decides to use Squirtle and Combusken in the Contest, and the two respond by athletically jumping off of the gurney and landing with a pose. As Nurse Joy leaves, Harley tells May that her Hoenn Pass will also work in Kanto and that registration is until 11 AM the next day. They agree to go eat lunch, but Harley grows a smirk on his face and chuckles.

Jessie calls out Cacnea in an attempt to bond with it, but it is immediately frightened of her and jumps onto James. James desperately tries to break its embrace, but it submits and reluctantly jumps at Jessie. Jessie's cry rings out from the forest. Harley, May and her friends are discussing the Contest as Jessie runs through the Pokémon Center doors with Cacnea tangled up in her hair, causing her pain and distress. A Chansey puts them onto a gurney and Nurse Joy sends them to the operating room—to Jessie's surprise—and calls Harley to come help her. Inside the Pokémon Center operating room, Jessie's hair is twisted around Cacnea's body. Nurse Joy calls for Jessie's hair to be cut, which she protests. A Scizor appears and demonstrates its sharp claws, making Jessie faint on the operating table. Joy tells Harley to get Jessie's friends so that they offer her some moral support.

The group heads outside so that May can train her Pokémon. Ash offers to battle her, but just after she sends out Squirtle, mechanical arms snatch it and Pikachu away and drop them into a cage suspended by Team Rocket's Meowth Balloon. James and Meowth perform the motto themselves, with the group noticing Jessie's absence. Seeing Squirtle inside the cage alongside Pikachu, Ash cannot order any Electric attacks. Team Rocket acquire more Pokémon at a high rate. James and Meowth begin to float away, but Harley runs outside and has his Ariados use Spider Web to prevent their escape. Harley urges May to follow up, and she calls out Combusken to use Sky Uppercut on the bottom of the cage, breaking it and releasing the Pokémon into their Trainers' arms. James is still determined to make their getaway, so Meowth readies his claws to cut the web with Fury Swipes. Squirtle suddenly fires an Ice Beam at the balloon, exploding it and sending a frozen James and Meowth blasting off. Everyone is surprised at Squirtle's spontaneous new move. The group acknowledges May and Squirtle for saving the Pokémon, but she extends the honor to Harley. She and Harley shake hands and wish each other luck in the Contest. That night, James and Meowth, still bruised, report to Jessie that they attempted to capture the other Contest Pokémon so she could win. Jessie is touched by the gesture, though admits that she and Cacnea will win tomorrow. James and Meowth are glad to see Jessie is confident despite her signature locks being severely cut, much to Jessie’s embarrassment.

The next morning, May goes to register for the Contest, but the concierge woman not only tells her that her Pass is invalid, but the deadline to register was 10 AM. May is distraught from the news, and her friends realize that Harley had tricked them once again. Around a dark corner, Harley observes the scene and considers this to be revenge. However, Lilian comes to her rescue, informing the concierge that May saved the contestants' Pokémon the previous day, and that without her, there wouldn't be a Contest. The woman slyly says that she did in fact get May's registration and Pass, but had forgotten. She gives May her Contest Pass and a Ribbon case, and May thanks Lilian. Harley is annoyed his plan failed, though he remains determined to keep May from winning the Saffron Ribbon.

Major events

May's Kanto Pass and Ribbon case
For a list of all major events in the anime, please see the history page.

Debuts

Humans

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Pokémon Trainer's Choice

Pokémon Trainer's Choice: Registeel

Trivia

  • This is one of the few episodes where Jessie's hair is cut.
  • Meowth fills in for Jessie during Team Rocket's motto for the third time.
  • In the bottom-right corner of the Contest Passes, the first letter of May and Jessie's Japanese names, Haruka and Musashi, are signed. This was not changed in the English dub.
  • This is one of the few episodes where one of Team Rocket's members doesn't blast off. Only James and Meowth blast off in this episode.
  • The Nurse Joy that appears in this episode and the next would later appear in DPS02 as the member of the Pokémon Inspection Agency who nearly shuts down Pewter Gym (it is specifically mentioned there that Brock and this Nurse Joy had met before).

Errors

Dub edits

  • Jessie's cleavage is erased in one shot.

Pokémon Trainer's Choice

In other languages



← AG142 : Caterpie's Big Dilemma
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG144 : A Hurdle for Squirtle →
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