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nexttitle=Second Time's the Charm! |
nexttitle=Second Time's the Charm! |
series=Advanced Generation series |
series=Advanced Generation series |
colorscheme=Emerald }}
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{{EpisodeInfobox|
{{EpisodeInfobox|
epcode=AG169 |
epcode=AG169 |
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footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|ag|169}}}}
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ag|169}}}}
'''Talking a Good Game!''' (Japanese: '''タワータイクーン、リラ登場!!''' ''Enter the {{tt|Tower Tycoon, Lila|Salon Maiden Anabel}}!!'') is the 169th episode of the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, and the 443rd episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on March 23, 2006 and in the United States on November 25, 2006.
'''Talking a Good Game!''' (Japanese: '''タワータイクーン、リラ登場!!''' ''Enter the {{tt|Tower Tycoon|Salon Maiden}}, {{tt|Lila|Anabel}}!!'') is the 169th episode of the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, and the 443rd episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on March 23, 2006 and in the United States on November 25, 2006.


<!-- Short summary goes here. -->
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


== Synopsis ==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/09_24-talking-a-good-game/-->
<i>As Ash eagerly heads for the Battle Tower and his sixth challenge, he accidentally stirs up a horde of Beedrill who chase him down! Fortunately, he's saved by a stranger who calms down the Beedrill and an upset Gyarados nearby. Just then, Team Rocket makes another Pikachu snatch attempt, but they're stopped by Pikachu and the stranger's Alakazam. Ash's friends catch up to him and everyone is invited back to their new friend's house to dry off.
 
Their new friend is named Anabel, but Ash doesn't stick around long—he has a Battle Tower to get to! Once he gets to the Battle Tower, he discovers that Anabel is in fact the Salon Maiden of the Battle Tower! Ash sends out Corphish against Anabel's Alakazam, but Anabel's uncanny ability to mentally communicate with Pokémon means Ash doesn't even known what commands she's going to give. It doesn't take long for Alazakam to knock out Corphish, so Ash brings out his Tauros, which he had sent over just for this battle. But brute strength won't win the day—Alakazam knocks it out too!
 
Now it's up to Pikachu, but it's confused by Alakazam's Psybeam. To keep Pikachu from hurting itself, Ash throws himself in front of its Volt Tackle, which snaps Pikachu out of its confusion. Pikachu goes on to defeat Alakazam, but Anabel has another heavy hitter lined up: Metagross! Though Pikachu does its best, Metagross has powerful attacks and its Hyper Beam finally knocks Pikachu out. With his Battle Tower challenge ending in defeat, what is Ash going to do now?</i>
 
==Plot==
Running alongside {{AP|Pikachu}}, {{Ash}} heads towards the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Tower}} for his sixth [[Symbol]]. The background includes lush forests and a body of water to the left of our heroes.
Running alongside {{AP|Pikachu}}, {{Ash}} heads towards the {{DL|Battle Frontier (Generation III)|Battle Tower}} for his sixth [[Symbol]]. The background includes lush forests and a body of water to the left of our heroes.


Pikachu comes to a stop as a {{p|Beedrill}} starts to attack Ash and Pikachu. As the Beedrill closes in on our hero, {{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}} appears to stop Beedrill from attacking them. She explains that the Beedrill is just simply attempting to protect its offspring. Ash introduces himself to Anabel as the water explodes and a {{p|Gyarados}} arrives on the scene. Gyarados begins to attack, but Anabel moves in to calm it. Anabel calms Gyarados as she removes a twig lodged in its back. After she removes the foreign object, Gyarados cries in pleasure and heads off in the opposite direction.
Pikachu comes to a stop as a {{p|Beedrill}} starts to attack him and Ash. As the Beedrill closes in on our hero, {{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}} appears to stop Beedrill from attacking them. She explains that the Beedrill is simply protecting its offspring. Ash introduces himself to Anabel, but suddenly a {{p|Gyarados}} bursts out of the nearby body of water. Gyarados begins to attack, but Anabel goes to calm it. She removes a twig lodged in its side, successfully quelling the Atrocious {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Gyarados cries in pleasure and heads off in the opposite direction.


Meanwhile, {{TRT}} is spying on Ash as usual, while [[James]] and {{MTR}} both notice how Anabel cares for {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. [[Jessie]] is quick to remind the team of their true objective to capture Pikachu.
Meanwhile, {{TRT}} are spying on Ash, as usual. [[James]] and {{MTR}} both notice how Anabel cares for Pokémon, but [[Jessie]] is quick to remind the team of their true objective: to capture Pikachu.


Anabel and Ash sit on the shore with Pikachu making its introduction with Anabel. A net explodes from the distance enveloping Anabel and Pikachu as they are hoisted into the air. Making a unusual early introduction, Team Rocket moves into the {{TP|Team Rocket|usual Rocket theme|mottos}}. With Team Rocket as confident as ever, it appears their plan may actually prove successful. As Team Rocket gains distance between themselves and Ash, he releases {{AP|Corphish}} to help him. Corphish uses a {{m|BubbleBeam}} attack, breaking the net and releasing Anabel and Pikachu. Ash then quickly dives into the nearby water swimming towards Pikachu. Team Rocket land their {{TP|Team Rocket|balloon|mechas}} and move in for a ground attack. Jessie releases her {{TP|Jessie|Seviper}} as it lunges forward with a {{m|Poison Tail}}, striking Ash on his back. {{an|May}}, [[Max]] and {{an|Brock}} are now visible as they run towards Ash's location. James moves for the next attack, calling upon his {{TP|James|Cacnea}}. As usual, Cacnea grabs onto James ignoring the current {{pkmn|battle}}. Anabel takes advantage of this situation and releases her {{p|Alakazam}}. Cacnea launches an array of {{m|Pin Missile}}s at Ash and Anabel as Alakazam diverts the attack's course with {{m|Psychic}}, letting the pins smash into the surrounding area around Team Rocket as they manage to evade the attack. Alakazam then lifts Ash and Anabel onto the ground with its Psychic power. Team Rocket goes for the second phase of attack as Alakazam begins with a {{m|Psybeam}} attack. The beam makes a direct hit with Cacnea and Seviper as both Pokémon become easily confused and begin attacking each other.
Anabel and Ash sit on the shore, and Pikachu introduces himself to Anabel. A net explodes from the distance, hoisting Anabel and Pikachu into the air. Making an unusually early introduction, Team Rocket begin their {{motto}}. With Team Rocket as confident as ever, it appears their plan may actually prove successful. Before they can get away, Ash releases {{AP|Corphish}} to use {{m|BubbleBeam}} to break the net, releasing Anabel and Pikachu. He then dives into the water and swims toward Pikachu. Team Rocket land their {{TP|Team Rocket|balloon|mechas}} and move in for a ground attack. Jessie releases her {{TP|Jessie|Seviper}} to attack with {{m|Poison Tail}}, striking Ash on his back. {{an|May}}, [[Max]], and {{an|Brock}} appear and run to the scene. James releases {{TP|James|Cacnea}} to fight as well, but it briefly ignores the {{pkmn|battle}} and hugs him. Anabel takes advantage of this and releases her {{p|Alakazam}}. Cacnea fires {{m|Pin Missile}} at Ash and Anabel, but Alakazam diverts the attack's course with {{m|Psychic}}, making the Pin Missiles land all around Team Rocket. Alakazam then lifts Ash and Anabel out of the water and onto land with its psychic power. Team Rocket moves to attack, but Alakazam uses {{m|Psybeam}}, which hits both Cacnea and Seviper and makes them attack each other in {{stat|confusion}}. Ash finishes Team Rocket off with Pikachu's {{m|Thunderbolt}}, blasting them away. Anabel thanks him for his assistance in the battle.


Pikachu finally recovers from Team Rocket's prior attack and follows up with a devastating {{m|Thunderbolt}} attack blasting Team Rocket off like a brilliant star. Anabel thanks Ash for his assistance with Team Rocket and the battle effort.
At Anabel's house, the friends freshen up from the battle. Anabel, May, Max, and Brock finally give their proper introductions to one another. Now sitting at a table, our heroes enjoy refreshments prepared by Anabel. She notices Ash's strong bond with his Pokémon when he shielded Pikachu from Seviper's Poison Tail. Ash is quick to interrupt her and suddenly runs off, saying that he is in search of the [[Frontier Brain]] of the Battle Tower, and his friends follow his rash exit. Everyone is gone before Anabel can tell them that she is actually the Frontier Brain.


At Anabel's house, Ash freshens up from the prior battle. May, Max, and Brock finally give their proper introductions to Anabel. Now sitting at a table, our heroes enjoy refreshments prepared by Anabel. She notices Ash's bonding with his Pokémon when he previously shielded Seviper's Poison Tail attack from Pikachu. Ash is quick to interrupt her as he dashes off telling her that he is in search for the [[Frontier Brain]] of the Battle Tower. Anabel attempts to inform Ash that she is the Frontier Brain but he manages to ignore the information as he blasts off into the distance, exiting the house.
Ash arrives at the Battle Tower and says to the assistant that he wishes to challenge the Frontier Brain. As Ash is guided onto the battlefield, the assistant introduces the Salon Maiden, Anabel, much to the surprise of Ash and company. The referee states that the three-on-three battle is officially underway. Anabel calls upon her Alakazam, while Ash releases Corphish.


Ash successfully arrives at the Battle Tower and quickly informs the assistant that he wishes to challenge the Frontier Brain. As Ash is guided onto the battlefield, the assistant introduces the Salon Maiden, Anabel. When the doors finally open, Ash is astonished that Anabel is actually the Frontier Brain of the Battle Tower. The announcer initiates the battle as a three-on-three. Anabel calls upon her Alakazam as Ash releases Corphish.
Corphish begins the battle with a {{m|Crabhammer}} but is enveloped by Alakazam's psychic power and thrust backward. While it is suspended in the air, Corphish fights back with {{m|BubbleBeam}}, but Alakazam negates the move with Psybeam. Both Anabel and Alakazam are in sync as she has the ability to telepathically command attacks to Alakazam without having to speak. As a thick plume of smoke covers the battlefield, Alakazam lunges toward Corphish and strikes with a {{m|Focus Punch}}.


Corphish begins the battle with a {{m|Crabhammer}} but is enveloped by Alakazam's psychic power and is thrust backwards. While Corphish is suspended in the air, Corphish launches a barrage of bubbles towards Alakazam. Alakazam shields against this attack with a Psybeam. Both Anabel and Alakazam are in sync as she has the ability to command attacks to Alakazam without having to verbally launch the attack. As a thick plume of smoke covers the battlefield, Alakazam lunges toward Corphish and strikes with a {{m|Focus Punch}}.
Corphish is thrown backward by the powerful attack. Ash realizes that he will have to battle Anabel without knowing her strategy. Corphish goes for a Crabhammer attack, but it is easily avoided and countered with another Focus Punch. Alakazam takes advantage of the battle by ascending into the air and striking with a final Psybeam that renders Corphish [[fainting|unable to battle]].


Corphish is thrown backwards by the devastating attack. Ash realizes that he will have to combat Anabel without knowing her intent or strategy. Corphish goes for a Crabhammer attack but the attack is easily avoided and counterattacked with another Focus Punch. Alakazam takes advantage of the battle and ascends into the air and strikes with a final Psybeam. The attack makes a direct hit as Corphish is announced as [[fainting|unable to battle]].
Ash returns Corphish and releases {{AP|Tauros}} from its {{Ball|Poké}}. Tauros begins the attack, stampeding toward Alakazam's position. Alakazam is quick to interrupt the attack by lifting Tauros into the air with its psychic power and then dropping it back down. Tauros gets back up and charges again. Alakazam charges as well, dodges to the side, and then sends Tauros skyward with Focus Punch. Alakazam finishes the airborne Pokémon off with Psybeam. Ash selects Pikachu to be his last chance in the battle. Pikachu lands the first blow in this match-up with {{m|Thunderbolt}}.


A solitary [[Poké Ball]] rotates from Ash's hand as his {{AP|Tauros}} is released from its captive ball. Tauros begins the attack, stampeding towards Alakazam's position. Alakazam is quick to interrupt the attack with its power, following up with a Focus Punch. A devastating Psybeam launches towards Tauros hitting it directly and announced as unable to battle. Ash makes his last and final move of desperation as his long lasting companion steps onto the battlefield. Pikachu goes on the attack with a {{m|Thunderbolt}} which makes for a direct hit on Alakazam.
Max, May, and Brock greet [[Scott]] as he sits down to watch the battle, and he begins to examine and explain Anabel's battle strategy. As Alakazam takes ongoing damage from Thunderbolt, Anabel telepathically tells it to use {{m|Recover}}. Ash knows that he must pile on the damage before Alakazam fully regains health. He has Pikachu move in and use {{m|Iron Tail}}, which Alakazam matches with Focus Punch. Right after the clash, Pikachu uses Thunderbolt, but is countered yet again by Alakazam's Psybeam, which hits its mark and causes confusion. Pikachu tries to use {{m|Volt Tackle}}, only to begin charging right at a wall. Ash dives into Pikachu's path, cushioning his best friend's impact with the wall. Pikachu appears to have come out of its confusion as Anabel and the audience commend Ash's deed. Ash calls for a Thunderbolt attack, which Alakazam counters yet again with Psybeam. Both Pokémon maximize the power of their attacks, and Pikachu's Thunderbolt manages to overcome Psybeam in the end, resulting in an explosion that knocks out Alakazam. Anabel congratulates Ash on his first victory and then calls upon her {{p|Metagross}}.


Scott arrives on the scene with Max, May, and Brock greeting him. Scott takes a seat as he begins to examine and explain Anabel's battle strategy. Alakazam disperses Pikachu's electrical attack as Pikachu responds with an Iron Tail. The two forces clash as Alakazam's {{m|Focus Punch}} and Pikachu's {{m|Iron Tail}} go hand in hand. While the two forces clash, Pikachu goes for another Thunderbolt attack but is once more counterattacked with Alakazam's Psybeam, making for direct damage. Pikachu moves into a {{m|Volt Tackle}}, but moved in the incorrect direction. Pikachu moves for a direct collision course with one of the tower's walls as Ash moves to shield Pikachu from the collision. Pikachu once more goes for a Thunderbolt attack as Alakazam moves in again for an additional Psybeam attack. The Psybeam and Thunderbolt clash, as Alakazam and Pikachu increase the output. The two long range attacks continue to collide but Pikachu's attack manages to overcome the Psybeam making contact with Alakazam. The two forces explode as Alakazam is thrown backwards and is announced as unable to battle. Anabel congratulates Ash on his short victory as she then calls upon her Metagross.
As Pikachu moves in with another Thunderbolt attack, Metagross uses {{m|Psychic}} to redirect the attack back at Pikachu, who crashes to the ground. Pikachu gets back up and launches forward with a {{m|Quick Attack}} that makes contact with Metagross. Unfazed, Metagross strikes Pikachu with {{m|Meteor Mash}}, a powerful blow that shocks Ash's friends. Pikachu manages to get back up and start using Volt Tackle, but Metagross uses {{m|Hyper Beam}} before he can even get to speed. The beam lands a direct hit, and Pikachu is defeated in a flash of white light. The referee declares Pikachu unable to battle and awards the victory to Salon Maiden Anabel. Ash appears astonished by his loss as the narrator wonders whether this is the end of Ash's journey.


As Pikachu moves in with another Thunderbolt attack, Metagross also harnesses its telekinetic powers to direct the attack back towards Pikachu. Pikachu launches forward with a {{m|Quick Attack}} and makes contact with Metagross. Metagross successfully defends against Pikachu's attack. Pikachu continues with a Volt Tackle as Metagross launches a devastating {{m|Hyper Beam}} attack making direct contact with Pikachu and it is announced unable to battle.
==Major events==
 
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} meet [[Salon Maiden Anabel]], the sixth [[Frontier Brain]], with whom Ash strikes up [[AbilityShipping|a friendship]].
== Major events ==
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr|his friends}} meet [[Salon Maiden Anabel]], the sixth [[Frontier Brain]] who Ash strikes up a friendship with.
* [[Ash's Tauros]] temporarily returns from [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] to battle.
* [[Ash's Tauros]] temporarily returns from [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] to battle.
* Ash {{pkmn|battle}}s Anabel, but loses the match, resulting in his first {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} loss.
* Ash {{pkmn|battle}}s Anabel, but loses the match, resulting in his first {{Gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} loss.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}


=== Debuts ===
===Debuts===
====Humans====
* {{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}}
* {{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}}


== Characters ==
==Characters==
=== Humans ===
===Humans===
* {{Ash}}
* {{Ash}}
* {{an|May}}
* {{an|May}}
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* [[Maron]]
* [[Maron]]


=== Pokémon ===
===Pokémon===
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Corphish}} ({{OP|Ash|Corphish}})
* {{p|Tauros}} ({{OP|Ash|Tauros}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Mime Jr.}} ({{OP|James|Mime Jr.}})
* {{p|Mime Jr.}} ({{OP|James|Mime Jr.}})
* {{p|Tauros}} ({{OP|Ash|Tauros}})
* {{p|Corphish}} ({{OP|Ash|Corphish}})
* {{p|Seviper}} ({{OP|Jessie|Seviper}})
* {{p|Seviper}} ({{OP|Jessie|Seviper}})
* {{p|Cacnea}} ({{OP|James|Cacnea}})
* {{p|Cacnea}} ({{OP|James|Cacnea}})
* {{p|Alakazam}} ({{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}}'s)  
* {{p|Alakazam}} ({{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}}'s)  
* {{p|Metagross}} ({{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}}'s)  
* {{p|Metagross}} ({{FB|Salon Maiden|Anabel}}'s)  
* {{p|Beedrill}} (two, parents)
* {{p|Beedrill}} (×2)
* {{p|Weedle}} (two, children)
* {{p|Weedle}} (×2)
* {{p|Gyarados}}
* {{p|Gyarados}}


== Trivia ==
==Trivia==
* This is the first time {{Ash}} loses against a [[Frontier Brain]].
* This is {{Ash}}'s first loss against a [[Frontier Brain]].
* Stock animal noises are used for Gyarados.
* Stock animal noises are used for Gyarados, including those of a {{wp|bear}}.


=== Errors ===
===Errors===
[[File:AG169 error.png|thumb|right|Lip error]]
[[File:AG169 error.png|thumb|200px|right|Lip error]]
* When there was a close-up shot of the Gyarados that Anabel was talking to, the Gyarados had pink lips.
* During a close-up shot of Gyarados, its lips are pink.
* If one looks closely, you can see Ash sending out his Tauros in a regular Poké Ball, despite being caught in a Safari Ball.
* In one brief scene, Ash can be seen sending out his Tauros in a regular {{Ball|Poké}}, despite having been caught in a Safari Ball.
* In the Japanese version, at the end, the narrator says 六つ目のバッジ ''sixth badge'', which is incorrect - these are ''Frontier Symbols''.
** However, this is consistent with other appearances of Tauros.
* When Ash and Team Rocket battles, James says to Cacnea to use Pin missiles, not Pin missile.
* In the Japanese version, at the end, the narrator says 六つ目のバッジ ''sixth Badge'', which is incorrect—these are ''Frontier Symbols''.
* When Corphish uses Crabhammer the first time, it doesn't shine as it usually would.
* When Ash and Team Rocket battle, James tells Cacnea to use Pin ''Missiles'', not Pin Missile.
* Corphish's claw doesn't glow the first time it uses Crabhammer.


=== Dub edits ===
===Dub edits===


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=77FF77|bordercolor=55DD55
{{Epilang|color=77FF77|bordercolor=55DD55
|zh_cmn={{tt|對戰大君,莉拉登場!|Battle Tycoon (Maiden), Anabel Appears!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|對戰大君,莉拉登場!|Battle Tycoon (Maiden), Anabel Appears!}}
|nl={{tt|Spreken is zilver, zwijgen is goud!|Speech is Silver, Silence is Gold!}}
|de={{tt|Der Pokémon-Flüsterer|The Pokémon-whisperer}} {{tt|*|This episode shares its German title with a Johto episode, EP195 - The Pokémon Spokesman}}
|de={{tt|Der Pokémon-Flüsterer|The Pokémon-whisperer}} {{tt|*|This episode shares its German title with a Johto episode, EP195 - The Pokémon Spokesman}}
|fi={{tt|Puhumalla paras|The more said the better}}
|fi={{tt|Puhumalla paras|The more said the better}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Tout est une question de mental!|All is a question of the mind!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Tout est une question de mental!|All is a question of the mind!}}
|he={{tt|מגדל הקרב|The battle tower}}
|it={{tt|Un'amica o una rivale|A friend or a rival?}}
|it={{tt|Un'amica o una rivale|A friend or a rival?}}
|es_la={{tt|El gran juego|The Great Game}}
|es_la={{tt|El gran juego|The Great Game}}
|es_eu={{tt|Hablando con los Pokémon|Talking with the Pokémon}}
|es_eu={{tt|Hablando con los Pokémon|Talking with the Pokémon}}
|sv={{tt|Snack utan ord|Talk without words}}
|sv={{tt|Snack utan ord|Talk without words}}
|pt_br={{tt|Falando Sobre um Bom Jogo!|Talking About a Good Game!}}
}}
}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
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nexttitle=Second Time's the Charm! |
nexttitle=Second Time's the Charm! |
series=Advanced Generation series |
series=Advanced Generation series |
colorscheme=Emerald }}
colorscheme=Emerald}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
[[Category:Advanced Generation series episodes|169]]
[[Category:Advanced Generation series episodes|169]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shōji Yonemura|443]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shōji Yonemura|443]]
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[[Category:Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura|443]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Izumi Shimura|443]]


[[de:Der Pokémon-Flüsterer (Staffel 9) (Episode)]]
[[de:Der Pokémon-Flüsterer (Staffel 9)]]
[[fr:AG169]]
[[it:AG169]]
[[ja:AG編第169話]]
[[ja:AG編第169話]]
[[pl:AG169]]
[[pl:AG169]]

Revision as of 09:45, 15 September 2016

AG168 : Three Jynx and a Baby!
Advanced Generation series
AG170 : Second Time's the Charm!
Talking a Good Game!
AG169.png
AG169   EP443
タワータイクーン、リラ登場!!
Enter the Tower Tycoon, Lila!!
First broadcast
Japan March 23, 2006
United States November 25, 2006
English themes
Opening Battle Frontier
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening スパート!
Ending GLORY DAY 〜輝くその日〜
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 米村正二 Shōji Yonemura
Storyboard 日高政光 Masamitsu Hidaka
Assistant director ながはまのりひこ Norihiko Nagahama
Animation director 志村泉 Izumi Shimura
Additional credits

Talking a Good Game! (Japanese: タワータイクーン、リラ登場!! Enter the Tower Tycoon, Lila!!) is the 169th episode of the Advanced Generation series, and the 443rd episode of the Pokémon anime. It first aired in Japan on March 23, 2006 and in the United States on November 25, 2006.

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

Blurb

As Ash eagerly heads for the Battle Tower and his sixth challenge, he accidentally stirs up a horde of Beedrill who chase him down! Fortunately, he's saved by a stranger who calms down the Beedrill and an upset Gyarados nearby. Just then, Team Rocket makes another Pikachu snatch attempt, but they're stopped by Pikachu and the stranger's Alakazam. Ash's friends catch up to him and everyone is invited back to their new friend's house to dry off.

Their new friend is named Anabel, but Ash doesn't stick around long—he has a Battle Tower to get to! Once he gets to the Battle Tower, he discovers that Anabel is in fact the Salon Maiden of the Battle Tower! Ash sends out Corphish against Anabel's Alakazam, but Anabel's uncanny ability to mentally communicate with Pokémon means Ash doesn't even known what commands she's going to give. It doesn't take long for Alazakam to knock out Corphish, so Ash brings out his Tauros, which he had sent over just for this battle. But brute strength won't win the day—Alakazam knocks it out too!

Now it's up to Pikachu, but it's confused by Alakazam's Psybeam. To keep Pikachu from hurting itself, Ash throws himself in front of its Volt Tackle, which snaps Pikachu out of its confusion. Pikachu goes on to defeat Alakazam, but Anabel has another heavy hitter lined up: Metagross! Though Pikachu does its best, Metagross has powerful attacks and its Hyper Beam finally knocks Pikachu out. With his Battle Tower challenge ending in defeat, what is Ash going to do now?

Plot

Running alongside Pikachu, Ash heads towards the Battle Tower for his sixth Symbol. The background includes lush forests and a body of water to the left of our heroes.

Pikachu comes to a stop as a Beedrill starts to attack him and Ash. As the Beedrill closes in on our hero, Anabel appears to stop Beedrill from attacking them. She explains that the Beedrill is simply protecting its offspring. Ash introduces himself to Anabel, but suddenly a Gyarados bursts out of the nearby body of water. Gyarados begins to attack, but Anabel goes to calm it. She removes a twig lodged in its side, successfully quelling the Atrocious Pokémon. Gyarados cries in pleasure and heads off in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket are spying on Ash, as usual. James and Meowth both notice how Anabel cares for Pokémon, but Jessie is quick to remind the team of their true objective: to capture Pikachu.

Anabel and Ash sit on the shore, and Pikachu introduces himself to Anabel. A net explodes from the distance, hoisting Anabel and Pikachu into the air. Making an unusually early introduction, Team Rocket begin their motto. With Team Rocket as confident as ever, it appears their plan may actually prove successful. Before they can get away, Ash releases Corphish to use BubbleBeam to break the net, releasing Anabel and Pikachu. He then dives into the water and swims toward Pikachu. Team Rocket land their balloon and move in for a ground attack. Jessie releases her Seviper to attack with Poison Tail, striking Ash on his back. May, Max, and Brock appear and run to the scene. James releases Cacnea to fight as well, but it briefly ignores the battle and hugs him. Anabel takes advantage of this and releases her Alakazam. Cacnea fires Pin Missile at Ash and Anabel, but Alakazam diverts the attack's course with Psychic, making the Pin Missiles land all around Team Rocket. Alakazam then lifts Ash and Anabel out of the water and onto land with its psychic power. Team Rocket moves to attack, but Alakazam uses Psybeam, which hits both Cacnea and Seviper and makes them attack each other in confusion. Ash finishes Team Rocket off with Pikachu's Thunderbolt, blasting them away. Anabel thanks him for his assistance in the battle.

At Anabel's house, the friends freshen up from the battle. Anabel, May, Max, and Brock finally give their proper introductions to one another. Now sitting at a table, our heroes enjoy refreshments prepared by Anabel. She notices Ash's strong bond with his Pokémon when he shielded Pikachu from Seviper's Poison Tail. Ash is quick to interrupt her and suddenly runs off, saying that he is in search of the Frontier Brain of the Battle Tower, and his friends follow his rash exit. Everyone is gone before Anabel can tell them that she is actually the Frontier Brain.

Ash arrives at the Battle Tower and says to the assistant that he wishes to challenge the Frontier Brain. As Ash is guided onto the battlefield, the assistant introduces the Salon Maiden, Anabel, much to the surprise of Ash and company. The referee states that the three-on-three battle is officially underway. Anabel calls upon her Alakazam, while Ash releases Corphish.

Corphish begins the battle with a Crabhammer but is enveloped by Alakazam's psychic power and thrust backward. While it is suspended in the air, Corphish fights back with BubbleBeam, but Alakazam negates the move with Psybeam. Both Anabel and Alakazam are in sync as she has the ability to telepathically command attacks to Alakazam without having to speak. As a thick plume of smoke covers the battlefield, Alakazam lunges toward Corphish and strikes with a Focus Punch.

Corphish is thrown backward by the powerful attack. Ash realizes that he will have to battle Anabel without knowing her strategy. Corphish goes for a Crabhammer attack, but it is easily avoided and countered with another Focus Punch. Alakazam takes advantage of the battle by ascending into the air and striking with a final Psybeam that renders Corphish unable to battle.

Ash returns Corphish and releases Tauros from its Poké Ball. Tauros begins the attack, stampeding toward Alakazam's position. Alakazam is quick to interrupt the attack by lifting Tauros into the air with its psychic power and then dropping it back down. Tauros gets back up and charges again. Alakazam charges as well, dodges to the side, and then sends Tauros skyward with Focus Punch. Alakazam finishes the airborne Pokémon off with Psybeam. Ash selects Pikachu to be his last chance in the battle. Pikachu lands the first blow in this match-up with Thunderbolt.

Max, May, and Brock greet Scott as he sits down to watch the battle, and he begins to examine and explain Anabel's battle strategy. As Alakazam takes ongoing damage from Thunderbolt, Anabel telepathically tells it to use Recover. Ash knows that he must pile on the damage before Alakazam fully regains health. He has Pikachu move in and use Iron Tail, which Alakazam matches with Focus Punch. Right after the clash, Pikachu uses Thunderbolt, but is countered yet again by Alakazam's Psybeam, which hits its mark and causes confusion. Pikachu tries to use Volt Tackle, only to begin charging right at a wall. Ash dives into Pikachu's path, cushioning his best friend's impact with the wall. Pikachu appears to have come out of its confusion as Anabel and the audience commend Ash's deed. Ash calls for a Thunderbolt attack, which Alakazam counters yet again with Psybeam. Both Pokémon maximize the power of their attacks, and Pikachu's Thunderbolt manages to overcome Psybeam in the end, resulting in an explosion that knocks out Alakazam. Anabel congratulates Ash on his first victory and then calls upon her Metagross.

As Pikachu moves in with another Thunderbolt attack, Metagross uses Psychic to redirect the attack back at Pikachu, who crashes to the ground. Pikachu gets back up and launches forward with a Quick Attack that makes contact with Metagross. Unfazed, Metagross strikes Pikachu with Meteor Mash, a powerful blow that shocks Ash's friends. Pikachu manages to get back up and start using Volt Tackle, but Metagross uses Hyper Beam before he can even get to speed. The beam lands a direct hit, and Pikachu is defeated in a flash of white light. The referee declares Pikachu unable to battle and awards the victory to Salon Maiden Anabel. Ash appears astonished by his loss as the narrator wonders whether this is the end of Ash's journey.

Major events

For a list of all major events in the anime, please see the history page.

Debuts

Humans

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

Trivia

  • This is Ash's first loss against a Frontier Brain.
  • Stock animal noises are used for Gyarados, including those of a bear.

Errors

Lip error
  • During a close-up shot of Gyarados, its lips are pink.
  • In one brief scene, Ash can be seen sending out his Tauros in a regular Poké Ball, despite having been caught in a Safari Ball.
    • However, this is consistent with other appearances of Tauros.
  • In the Japanese version, at the end, the narrator says 六つ目のバッジ sixth Badge, which is incorrect—these are Frontier Symbols.
  • When Ash and Team Rocket battle, James tells Cacnea to use Pin Missiles, not Pin Missile.
  • Corphish's claw doesn't glow the first time it uses Crabhammer.

Dub edits

In other languages



AG168 : Three Jynx and a Baby!
Advanced Generation series
AG170 : Second Time's the Charm!
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