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|footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|pm|008}}
|footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|pm|008}}
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'''The Path to the Pokémon League''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンリーグへのみち''' ''The Road to the Pokémon League'') is the eighth episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on May 20, 1997 and in United States on September 17, 1998.
'''The Path to the Pokémon League''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンリーグへのみち''' ''The Road to the Pokémon League'') is the eighth episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on May 20, 1997, and in the United States on September 17, 1998.


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/01_08-the-path-to-the-pokemon-league/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/1/episode-8-the-path-to-the-pokemon-league/-->
<i>On the way to Vermillion City, Ash meets AJ, a Gym Leader at an unsanctioned Gym who has 98 wins and zero losses. They battle, and Ash is surprised that AJ's Ground-type Sandshrew can easily beat his Flying-type Pokémon. (Flying-type Pokémon are usually strong against Ground-type Pokémon.)
<i>On the way to Vermillion City<!--sic-->, Ash meets AJ, a Gym Leader at an unsanctioned Gym who has 98 wins and zero losses. They battle, and Ash is surprised that AJ's Ground-type Sandshrew can easily beat his Flying-type Pokémon. (Flying-type Pokémon are usually strong against Ground-type Pokémon.)


Ash and his friends later see that AJ puts his Pokémon through very tough training—he makes his Sandshrew, normally weak to Water-type attacks, train in a swimming pool! Although Ash doesn't approve of the intensive training session, Brock is impressed. Ash begs for a rematch, but AJ refuses. The two argue a bit and when they fall into the pool, AJ's Sandshrew goes missing.
Ash and his friends later see that AJ puts his Pokémon through very tough training—he makes his Sandshrew, normally weak to Water-type attacks, train in a swimming pool! Although Ash doesn't approve of the intensive training session, Brock is impressed. Ash begs for a rematch, but AJ refuses. The two argue a bit and when they fall into the pool, AJ's Sandshrew goes missing.
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==Plot==
==Plot==
{{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} are on their way to [[Vermilion City]]. Along the way, Ash has a {{pkmn|battle}} with another {{pkmn|Trainer}}, and {{AP|Pidgeotto}} defeats a {{p|Rattata}}, securing his tenth victory. The Trainer admires Ash's two Badges, leading Misty to muse that giving Ash the Badge may have been a mistake. The Trainer points Ash to an unofficial [[Gym]], where a strong Trainer named [[A.J.]], who has purportedly never lost a match, trains savage Pokémon.
{{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} are on their way to [[Vermilion City]]. Along the way, Ash has a {{pkmn|battle}} with another {{pkmn|Trainer}}, and {{AP|Pidgeotto}} defeats a {{p|Rattata}}, securing his tenth victory. The Trainer admires Ash's two Badges, leading {{an|Misty}} to muse that giving Ash the Badge may have been a mistake. The Trainer points Ash to an unofficial [[Gym]], where a strong Trainer named [[A.J.]], who has purportedly never lost a match, trains savage {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}.


The sign outside A.J.'s Gym indicates that the Gym is unlicensed by the [[Pokémon League]] and he has a record of 98 wins to zero losses. As Misty insults Ash, A.J. walks up and challenges him to a battle. A.J. snaps a whip, making Ash jump. He says that he plans to start competing for Badges after his 100<sup>th</sup> consecutive win. Ash smugly tells him that he has ten wins and two Gym Badges, at which point A.J. insults the Gyms, angering Misty and Brock. A.J. summons his {{p|Sandshrew}} to battle against Ash's Pokémon. Misty reminds Ash that Pikachu's electricity is useless against a {{t|Ground}} Pokémon, but Ash rejects her advice. He summons Pidgeotto to battle Sandshrew. Brock notes that a {{t|Flying}} Pokémon should have the advantage. However, Sandshrew rolls itself into a ball and hurls itself into the air, striking and eliminating Pidgeotto.
The sign outside A.J.'s Gym indicates that the Gym is unlicensed by the [[Pokémon League]] and that he has a record of 98 wins to zero losses. As Misty insults Ash, A.J. walks up and challenges him to a battle. A.J. snaps a whip, making Ash jump. He says that he plans to start competing for Badges after his 100<sup>th</sup> consecutive win. Ash smugly tells him that he has ten wins and two Gym Badges, at which point A.J. insults the Gyms, angering Misty and {{an|Brock}}. A.J. summons his {{p|Sandshrew}} to battle against Ash's Pokémon. Misty reminds Ash that Pikachu's electricity is useless against a {{t|Ground}} Pokémon, but Ash rejects her advice. He summons Pidgeotto to battle Sandshrew. Brock notes that a {{t|Flying}} Pokémon should have the advantage. However, Sandshrew rolls itself into a ball and hurls itself into the air, striking and eliminating Pidgeotto.


Ash then calls out {{AP|Butterfree}}. Ash orders a {{m|Stun Spore}} attack, but A.J. cracks his whip and Sandshrew {{m|dig}}s underground, avoiding it. It bursts out of the ground, eliminating Butterfree as well. Although Ash wants Pikachu to fight, Pikachu grabs hold of the edge of the playing field and refuses to go, finally {{m|Thunder Shock|shocking}} Ash. While all of this is happening, {{TRT}} is spying on the match from a tree nearby. They decide they wanted to steal A.J.'s Sandshrew. Refusing to believe that anyone's Pokémon could be so strong, Ash accuses A.J. of cheating and demands a rematch at another location, but A.J. tells him to quit whining. Later, Ash overhears A.J. training his Pokémon, yelling angrily and cracking his whip. Ash intervenes to stop A.J. from hurting the Pokémon, but A.J. tells him to mind his own business. His Sandshrew is wearing a strength intensifier brace invented by A.J. himself. It enables the Sandshrew to withstand the weakening effects of water. A.J. says he's tougher on Sandshrew than his other Pokémon because it was his very first.
Returning Pidgeotto to its ball, Ash calls out {{AP|Butterfree}} to fight Sandshrew. He orders a {{m|Stun Spore}} attack, but A.J. cracks his whip and Sandshrew {{m|dig}}s underground, avoiding it. It bursts out of the ground, eliminating Butterfree as well. Although Ash wants Pikachu to fight, Pikachu grabs hold of the edge of the playing field and refuses to go, finally {{m|Thunder Shock|shocking}} Ash. While all of this is happening, {{TRT}} is spying on the match from a tree nearby and decides to steal Sandshrew. Refusing to believe that anyone's Pokémon could be so strong, Ash accuses A.J. of cheating and demands a rematch, but A.J. tells him to quit whining. Later, Ash overhears A.J. training his Pokémon, yelling angrily and cracking his whip. Ash intervenes to stop A.J. from hurting the Pokémon, but A.J. tells him to mind his own business. His Sandshrew is wearing a strength intensifier brace invented by A.J. himself. It enables the Sandshrew to withstand the weakening effects of water. A.J. says he's tougher on Sandshrew than his other Pokémon because it was his very first.


Appalled at A.J.'s training methods, Ash asserts that a great Pokémon Trainer should make friends with his Pokémon. He asks for Brock's input, but Brock only wants to know what kind of {{pkmn|food}} A.J. is using. A.J., like Brock, mixes his own food to a secret recipe. Pikachu attempts to pick up one of Sandshrew's dumbbells, but falls backward under the weight, while Sandshrew does rapid exercises. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is crouched behind A.J.'s tent, preparing for their attempted heist. After the training, A.J.'s Pokémon are all exhausted. A.J. insults Pikachu, and Ash takes a swing at him, causing them both to fall into the pool. Pikachu tries on the strength intensifier, but it fits badly and pulls him into a ball. Sandshrew then makes fun of Pikachu and rolls itself into a ball as well.
Appalled at A.J.'s training methods, Ash asserts that a great Pokémon Trainer should make friends with his Pokémon. He asks for Brock's input, but Brock only wants to know what kind of {{pkmn|food}} A.J. is using. A.J., like Brock, mixes his own food from a secret recipe. Pikachu attempts to pick up one of Sandshrew's dumbbells, but falls backward under the weight, while Sandshrew does rapid exercises. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is crouched behind A.J.'s tent, preparing for their attempted heist. After the training, A.J.'s Pokémon are all exhausted. A.J. insults Pikachu, and Ash takes a swing at him, causing them both to fall into the pool. Pikachu tries on the strength intensifier, but it fits badly and pulls him into a ball. Sandshrew laughs at Pikachu’s comical appearance and rolls itself into a ball as well.


Team Rocket rolls into the tent inside a rubber ball, intending to steal Pikachu, but they instead grab Sandshrew. After A.J. ends the rest break, he realizes that Sandshrew is missing. He releases Pikachu from the harness, but Pikachu doesn't know where Sandshrew is either. Ash suggests that it ran away because it saw that Pikachu was treated better. A.J. is extremely insulted at this, insisting Sandshrew would not have run away after all they had been through together. He sends his other Pokémon to look for Sandshrew, but Ash tries to convince A.J.'s Pokémon to leave with him. Despite the way A.J. has treated them, they ignore Ash. Meanwhile, while arguing over who carries the bag, Team Rocket is startled when Sandshrew flies out. Meowth bites Sandshrew's tail and Sandshrew burrows underground in pain. While Ash and A.J. are still arguing, Sandshrew bursts out of the ground next to him, dragging Meowth. Seeing how happy A.J. and Sandshrew are to be back together, Ash, Misty, and Brock realize how deeply A.J. cares for his Pokémon.
Team Rocket rolls into the tent inside a rubber ball, intending to steal Pikachu, but they instead grab Sandshrew. After A.J. ends the rest break, he realizes that Sandshrew is missing. He releases Pikachu from the harness, but Pikachu doesn't know where Sandshrew is either. Ash suggests that it ran away because it saw that Pikachu was treated better. A.J. is extremely insulted at this, insisting Sandshrew would not have run away after all they had been through together. He sends his other Pokémon to look for Sandshrew, but Ash tries to convince A.J.'s Pokémon to leave with him. Despite the way A.J. has treated them, they ignore Ash. Meanwhile, while arguing over who carries the bag, Team Rocket is startled when Sandshrew flies out. Meowth {{m|bite}}s Sandshrew's tail and Sandshrew burrows underground in pain. While Ash and A.J. are still arguing, Sandshrew bursts out of the ground next to him, dragging Meowth. Seeing how happy A.J. and Sandshrew are to be back together, Ash and the gang realize how deeply A.J. cares for his Pokémon.


Surrounded by angry Pokémon and their Trainers, Meowth tries to figure a way out of his situation, when James and Jessie begin their {{motto|standard litany}}. Jessie tells A.J. that taking his Sandshrew was a mistake; James calls it second-rate, earning A.J's ire. He challenges them to a battle. Sandshrew avoids {{TP|James|Koffing}}'s {{m|Sludge}} and {{TP|Jessie|Ekans}}'s {{m|Wrap}} and takes them out, then defeats Meowth, who tries to bite its armored skin. Team Rocket flees after Sandshrew's {{m|Fissure}} attack. As this is A.J.'s 100<sup>th</sup> win, he and his Pokémon now leave to begin earning Badges. Like Ash, he too wants to be the world's greatest [[Pokémon Master]]. They part as friendly rivals, agreeing to meet in the future at one of the League competitions.
Surrounded by angry Pokémon and their Trainers, Meowth tries to figure a way out of his situation, when James and Jessie begin their {{motto}}. Jessie tells A.J. that taking his Sandshrew was a mistake; James calls it second-rate, earning A.J's ire. He challenges them to a battle. Sandshrew avoids {{TP|James|Koffing}}'s {{m|Sludge}} and {{TP|Jessie|Ekans}}'s {{m|Wrap}} and takes them out, then defeats Meowth, who tries to Bite its armored skin. Team Rocket flees after Sandshrew's {{m|Fissure}} attack. As this is A.J.'s 100<sup>th</sup> win, he and his Pokémon now leave to begin earning Badges. Like Ash, he too wants to be the world's greatest [[Pokémon Master]]. They part as friendly rivals, agreeing to meet in the future at one of the League competitions.


==Major events==
==Major events==
<!-- This is not for summarizing everything that happens in this episode. Only events pertaining to the series as a whole, such as catching and releasing Pokémon and obtaining Badges, go here. -->
<!-- This is not for summarizing everything that happens in this episode. Only events pertaining to the series as a whole, such as catching and releasing Pokémon and obtaining Badges, go here. -->
* {{Ash}} learns that there is [[Vermilion Gym|a Gym]] in [[Vermilion City]].
* {{Ash}} learns that there is [[Vermilion Gym|a Gym]] in [[Vermilion City]].
* [[Jessie's Ekans]] is revealed to know {{m|Wrap}}.
* {{MTR}} is revealed to know {{m|Bite}}.
* {{MTR}} is revealed to know {{m|Bite}}.
* [[Jessie's Ekans]] is revealed to know {{m|Wrap}}.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}


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* [[James]]
* [[James]]
* [[A.J.]]
* [[A.J.]]
* Unnamed Trainer
* Trainer


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
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* This is the first [[filler episode|"filler" episode]] in the {{pkmn|anime}}.
* This is the first [[filler episode|"filler" episode]] in the {{pkmn|anime}}.
* This is also the first episode without any {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} debuts.
* This is also the first episode without any {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} debuts.
* This episode is the last in which [[Ted Lewis]] voices [[James]], as well as [[Eric Stuart]]'s first episode voicing James. He takes over the role when James summons {{p|Koffing}} in {{pkmn|battle}}. This was because Ted Lewis left for a time to do theater.
* This episode is the last in which [[Ted Lewis]] voices [[James]], as well as [[Eric Stuart]]'s first episode voicing James. He takes over the role when James summons {{p|Koffing}} in {{pkmn|battle}}. Lewis had left for a time to do theater, only to eventually return as {{an|Giovanni}} and {{Tracey}}.
* This is the first episode not explicitly set within a location from the {{pkmn|games}}.
* This is the first episode not explicitly set within a location from the {{pkmn|games}}.
* The English version of this episode is one of the few times a real animal is mentioned. {{an|Misty}} claims that [[A.J.]] controls {{p|Sandshrew}} with the crack of his whip just like a {{wp|lion tamer}}. In the Japanese version, she simply remarks that it is amazing A.J. can control Sandshrew with the crack of his whip.
* The English dub of this episode mentions a real animal. {{an|Misty}} claims that [[A.J.]] controls {{p|Sandshrew}} with the crack of his whip just like a {{wp|lion tamer}}. In the Japanese version, she simply remarks that it is amazing A.J. can control Sandshrew with the crack of his whip.
* Early in the episode Team Rocket expresses an interest in Sandshrew. However, later on they say they take no interest in A.J.'s "second rate" Sandshrew.
* Early in the episode, {{TRT}} expresses an interest in Sandshrew. However, later on they say they take no interest in A.J.'s "second rate" Sandshrew.
* This episode marks the first time a [[one-hit knockout move]] is seen in the anime.
* This episode marks the first time a [[one-hit knockout move]] is seen in the anime.
* Parts of this episode are remade in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]''.
* Parts of this episode are remade in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]''.
* {{Ash}}'s nose extending is a reference to the Japanese saying "{{tt|{{wp|Tengu}} ni naru|Becoming a Tengu}}", which is used to describe a person getting a swelled head.
* {{Ash}}'s nose extending is a reference to the Japanese saying "{{tt|{{wp|Tengu}} ni naru|Becoming a Tengu}}", which is used to describe a person getting a swelled head.
* This is the first episode where an unofficial Pokémon Gym is shown.
* A.J.'s Sandshrew's strength intensifier resembles a [[Macho Brace]], an item that does not appear until [[Generation III]].


===Errors===
===Errors===
* When Ash knocks out the young Trainer's Rattata at the start of the episode, the Trainer calls its name out in dismay, but accidentally calls it "Rattatak", its prototype name in Red and Green.
* Pokémon.com's blurb for this episode misspells {{ci|Vermilion}} as Vermil'''l'''ion. This is the first episode in which it did so.
* When Misty says that she and {{an|Brock}} giving {{Ash}} the [[Badge]]s was a mistake, the strap of her bag is the same color as her shirt.
* When Ash and {{ashfr}} are standing in front of [[A.J.]]'s [[Gym]], Ash's sleeves are briefly colored blue instead of white.
* When Ash and his friends turn to see A.J, Ash's left hand briefly overlaps {{an|Brock}}.
* When A.J.'s Butterfree takes A.J.'s bag, the straps on Ash's bag are colored black instead of green.
* Sandshrew hits {{AP|Butterfree}} with {{m|Dig}}, despite the fact that Butterfree, as a {{type|Flying}} is immune to a {{type|Ground}} move such as Dig.
* Sandshrew hits {{AP|Butterfree}} with {{m|Dig}}, despite the fact that Butterfree, as a {{type|Flying}} is immune to a {{type|Ground}} move such as Dig.
* In this episode, [[A.J.]]'s Sandshrew used Defense Curl. However, in the games Sandshrew couldn't learn Defense Curl until [[Generation II]].
* When Team Rocket is sneaking around A.J.'s Gym while inside of a ball, {{MTR}}'s forepaws are colored orange instead of cream.
* Pokemon.com's blurb for this episode misspells Vermilion as Vermil'''l'''ion. This is the first episode in which it did so.
* In this episode, A.J.'s Sandshrew uses {{m|Defense Curl}}. However, in the games, Sandshrew couldn't learn Defense Curl until [[Generation II]].
* In the English dub:
** When Ash tells A.J. that Sandshrew are weakened by water, he incorrectly says "Sandshrews." The plural of a specific species of Pokémon is the same as the singular.
** When Pikachu is holding a pillow, Ash's Japanese voice can be heard.
 
<gallery>
File:EP008 error.png|Ash's miscolored straps
File:EP008 error 2.png|Meowth's miscolored forepaw
</gallery>


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* [[PokéRap]]: Day 3
* [[Kanto Pokérap]]: Day 3
* The sign over the Gym is heavily edited:
* The sign over the [[Gym]] is heavily edited:
** The text is translated.
** The text is translated.
** The background changes from plain white to a gray that fades into white.
** The background changes from plain white to a gray that fades into white.
** The numbers are made into a dot-matrix format. In the original, they were in a 7-segment LED format.
** The numbers are made into a dot-matrix format. In the original version, they were in a 7-segment LED format.
** The number of losses (0) is added.
** The number of losses (0) is added.
* A sign inside the tent saying "Fight! Work Harder!" is changed to a picture of a Poké Ball being hit with a whip.
* A sign inside the tent saying "Fight! Work Harder!" is changed to a picture of a {{i|Poké Ball}} being hit with a whip.
* The scene where Pikachu's holding a pillow is different between the two versions, mostly due to the fact that it's an untranslatable pun. The original version had Ash telling A.J. that Sandshrew (known as ''Sand'' in the Japanese version) is not a ''sandbag'', Pikachu mistook sandbag for ''pillow'' since ''zabuton'' (pillow) and the Japanese word for sandbag sound similar. Ash then shouts at Pikachu for not taking him seriously. In the dubbed version, however, it was rewritten to have Ash mishear A.J. thinking he said ''pacing'', not ''passing'', and thus get stammered with Pikachu's pillow.
* The scene where {{AP|Pikachu}} holds a pillow is different between the two versions, due to the original Japanese version incorporating both an untranslatable pun and pop culture reference. In said original version, {{Ash}} tells [[A.J.]] that Sandshrew (whose Japanese name is "サンド (Sand)") is not a "サンドバッグ" (or "sandbag", which is the Japanese word for {{wp|punching bag}}), and Pikachu pulling out a ''{{wp|zabuton}}'' (a type of pillow) is a reference to the Japanese comedy program ''{{wp|Shōten}}'', where participants are awarded with ''zabuton'' for giving humorous responses, causing Ash to shout at Pikachu for not taking him seriously. In the English dub, the script was rewritten to have Ash mishear A.J., thinking he said ''pacing'', not ''passing'', and Pikachu's pillow further stammers him into saying ''padding''.
* Team Rocket experiment with a different motto:
* {{TRT}} experiments with a different motto:
** Japanese:
** Japanese:
*** Jessie: "We are the pretty thieves..."
*** [[Jessie]]: "We are the pretty thieves..."
*** James: "Target: Pikachu!"
*** [[James]]: "Target: Pikachu!"
** Dub:
** English dub:
*** Jessie: "Team Rocket will do what it has to do..."
*** Jessie: "Team Rocket will do what it has to do..."
*** James: "To snatch that little Pikachu!"
*** James: "To snatch that little Pikachu!"
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{{Epilang|color=AFA|bordercolor=FAA
{{Epilang|color=AFA|bordercolor=FAA
|ar={{tt|الطريق إلى دوري البوكيمون|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|ar={{tt|الطريق إلى دوري البوكيمون|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|邁向神奇寶貝的擂台之路|The Path to the Pokémon Arena}}
|zh_yue={{tt|百戰百勝的小明|The ever-victorious A.J.}} {{tt|*|TVB dub}}<br>{{tt|通往精靈寶可夢擂台之道|The Road to the Pokémon arena}} {{tt|*|i-Cable dub}}<br>{{tt|邁向寶可夢聯盟之路|The Road to the Pokémon League}} {{tt|*|Pokémon HK YouTube title}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|通往神奇寶貝擂台之道|The Road to the Pokémon arena}}
|ca_vc={{tt|El camí cap a la lliga Pokémon|The main road to the Pokémon League}}
|cs={{tt|Cesta do Pokémonové ligy|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|cs={{tt|Cesta do Pokémonové ligy|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|da={{tt|Vejen Til Pokémon Ligaen|Road to Pokémon League}}
|da={{tt|Vejen Til Pokémon Ligaen|Road to Pokémon League}}
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|fr_ca={{tt|En route vers la Ligue de dressage|On the way to the Trainers' League}}
|fr_ca={{tt|En route vers la Ligue de dressage|On the way to the Trainers' League}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Le chemin qui mène à la Ligue Pokémon|The path that leads to the Pokémon League}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Le chemin qui mène à la Ligue Pokémon|The path that leads to the Pokémon League}}
|de={{tt|Harte Schale - weicher Kern|Hard shell - soft core}}'''
|de={{tt|Harte Schale - weicher Kern|Hard shell - soft core}}
|he=הדרך לליגת הפוקימונים {{tt|haderech leligat haPokémonim|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|el={{tt|Ο Δρόμος για το Πρωτάθλημα Πόκεμον|The Road to the Pokémon Championship}}
|hi=पोकेमोन लीग की ओर! {{tt|''Pokémon League ki oor!''|Towards the Pokémon League!}} {{tt|*|CN dub}}<br>पोकेमोन लिग मे जाने का रास्ता! {{tt|''Pokémon league me jaane ka rasta!''|The Road to go to the Pokémon League!}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|he=הדרך לליגת הפוקימונים ''{{tt|Ha'derekh le'ligat ha'Pokémonim|The path to the Pokémon League}}''
|hi=पोकेमोन लीग की ओर! ''{{tt|Pokémon League ki oor!|Towards the Pokémon League!}}'' {{tt|*|CN dub}}<br>पोकेमोन लिग मे जाने का रास्ता! ''{{tt|Pokémon league me jaane ka rasta!|The Road to go to the Pokémon League!}}'' {{tt|*|Hungama TV dub}}
|hu={{tt|A Pokémon liga|The Pokémon League}}
|hu={{tt|A Pokémon liga|The Pokémon League}}
|it={{tt|Impegnati e vincerai|If you apply yourself you'll win}}{{tt|*|Original 2000 dub}}<br>{{tt| Il viaggio verso la Lega Pokémon|The trip to the Pokémon League}}{{tt|*|2014 K2 TV dub}}
|it={{tt|Impegnati e vincerai|If you apply yourself you'll win}} {{tt|*|Italia 1 dub}}<br>{{tt|Il viaggio verso la Lega Pokémon|The trip to the Pokémon League}} {{tt|*|K2 TV dub}}
|ko=가자, 포켓몬 리그로! {{tt|gaja, pokesmon ligeulo!|Let's go to the Pokémon League!}}
|ko=가자, 포켓몬 리그로! ''{{tt|Gaja, Pokesmon ligeulo!|Let's go to the Pokémon League!}}''
|no={{tt|Veien til Pokémon-ligaen|The road to the Pokémon League}}
|no={{tt|Veien til Pokémon-ligaen|The road to the Pokémon League}}
|pl={{tt|Droga do Ligi Pokemon|The Way to the Pokémon League}}
|pl={{tt|Droga do Ligi Pokémon|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|pt_br={{tt|O Caminho para a Liga Pokémon|The Path to the Pokémon League}}
|pt_br={{tt|O Caminho para a Liga Pokémon|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|pt_eu={{tt|O Caminho para a Liga Pokémon|The Path to the Pokémon League}}
|pt_eu={{tt|O Caminho para a Liga Pokémon|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|ro={{tt|Drumul Către Liga Pokémon|The Path to the Pokémon League}}
|ro={{tt|Drumul Către Liga Pokémon|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|ru={{tt|Путь в Лигу Покемонов|Road to the Pokémon League}}
|ru={{tt|Путь в Лигу Покемонов|Road to the Pokémon League}}
|sr={{tt|Пут до покемон лиге|Road to the Pokémon League}}
|sr={{tt|Пут до покемон лиге|Road to the Pokémon League}}
|es_la={{tt|¡El Camino a la Liga Pokémon!|The Path to the Pokémon League!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡El Camino a la Liga Pokémon!|The path to the Pokémon League!}}
|es_eu={{tt|El camino hacia la Liga Pokémon|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|es_eu={{tt|El camino hacia la Liga Pokémon|The path to the Pokémon League}}
|sv={{tt|Vägen till Pokémon Ligan|The Path to the Pokémon League}}{{tt|*|Pokémon TV}}<br>{{tt|Vägen till Pokémon-ligan|The Path to the Pokémon League}}{{tt|*|VHS release}}
|sv={{tt|Vägen till Pokémon Ligan|The path to the Pokémon League}} {{tt|*|Pokémon TV title}}<br>{{tt|Vägen till Pokémon-ligan|The path to the Pokémon League}} {{tt|*|VHS release}}
|tr={{tt|Pokémon Ligi'ne Doğru Giden Yol|The path that goes to the Pokémon League}}
|tr={{tt|Pokémon Ligi'ne Doğru Giden Yol|The path that goes to the Pokémon League}}
|uk={{tt|Дорога до Ліги Покемонів|Road to the League of Pokémon}}
|uk={{tt|Дорога до Ліги Покемонів|Road to the League of Pokémon}}
|vi={{tt|Cuộc so tài Pokemon|The Path to the Pokémon League}}
|vi={{tt|Cuộc so tài Pokemon|The path to the Pokémon League}}
}}
}}
<br>
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[[zh:宝可梦 第8集]]

Revision as of 00:25, 9 March 2024

← EP007 : The Water Flowers of Cerulean City
Original series
EP009 : The School of Hard Knocks →
The Path to the Pokémon League
EP008.png
  EP008  
ポケモンリーグへのみち
The Road to the Pokémon League
First broadcast
Japan May 20, 1997
United States September 17, 1998
English themes
Opening Pokémon Theme
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening めざせポケモンマスター
Ending ひゃくごじゅういち
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 鈴木敏明 Toshiaki Suzuki
Assistant director 鈴木敏明 Toshiaki Suzuki
Animation director 志村隆行 Takayuki Shimura
Additional credits

The Path to the Pokémon League (Japanese: ポケモンリーグへのみち The Road to the Pokémon League) is the eighth episode of the Pokémon anime. It first aired in Japan on May 20, 1997, and in the United States on September 17, 1998.

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

Blurb

On the way to Vermillion City, Ash meets AJ, a Gym Leader at an unsanctioned Gym who has 98 wins and zero losses. They battle, and Ash is surprised that AJ's Ground-type Sandshrew can easily beat his Flying-type Pokémon. (Flying-type Pokémon are usually strong against Ground-type Pokémon.)

Ash and his friends later see that AJ puts his Pokémon through very tough training—he makes his Sandshrew, normally weak to Water-type attacks, train in a swimming pool! Although Ash doesn't approve of the intensive training session, Brock is impressed. Ash begs for a rematch, but AJ refuses. The two argue a bit and when they fall into the pool, AJ's Sandshrew goes missing.

Are AJ's training methods too tough? Will Ash get his rematch? And what happened to AJ's Sandshrew?

Plot

Ash and his friends are on their way to Vermilion City. Along the way, Ash has a battle with another Trainer, and Pidgeotto defeats a Rattata, securing his tenth victory. The Trainer admires Ash's two Badges, leading Misty to muse that giving Ash the Badge may have been a mistake. The Trainer points Ash to an unofficial Gym, where a strong Trainer named A.J., who has purportedly never lost a match, trains savage Pokémon.

The sign outside A.J.'s Gym indicates that the Gym is unlicensed by the Pokémon League and that he has a record of 98 wins to zero losses. As Misty insults Ash, A.J. walks up and challenges him to a battle. A.J. snaps a whip, making Ash jump. He says that he plans to start competing for Badges after his 100th consecutive win. Ash smugly tells him that he has ten wins and two Gym Badges, at which point A.J. insults the Gyms, angering Misty and Brock. A.J. summons his Sandshrew to battle against Ash's Pokémon. Misty reminds Ash that Pikachu's electricity is useless against a Ground Pokémon, but Ash rejects her advice. He summons Pidgeotto to battle Sandshrew. Brock notes that a Flying Pokémon should have the advantage. However, Sandshrew rolls itself into a ball and hurls itself into the air, striking and eliminating Pidgeotto.

Returning Pidgeotto to its ball, Ash calls out Butterfree to fight Sandshrew. He orders a Stun Spore attack, but A.J. cracks his whip and Sandshrew digs underground, avoiding it. It bursts out of the ground, eliminating Butterfree as well. Although Ash wants Pikachu to fight, Pikachu grabs hold of the edge of the playing field and refuses to go, finally shocking Ash. While all of this is happening, Team Rocket is spying on the match from a tree nearby and decides to steal Sandshrew. Refusing to believe that anyone's Pokémon could be so strong, Ash accuses A.J. of cheating and demands a rematch, but A.J. tells him to quit whining. Later, Ash overhears A.J. training his Pokémon, yelling angrily and cracking his whip. Ash intervenes to stop A.J. from hurting the Pokémon, but A.J. tells him to mind his own business. His Sandshrew is wearing a strength intensifier brace invented by A.J. himself. It enables the Sandshrew to withstand the weakening effects of water. A.J. says he's tougher on Sandshrew than his other Pokémon because it was his very first.

Appalled at A.J.'s training methods, Ash asserts that a great Pokémon Trainer should make friends with his Pokémon. He asks for Brock's input, but Brock only wants to know what kind of food A.J. is using. A.J., like Brock, mixes his own food from a secret recipe. Pikachu attempts to pick up one of Sandshrew's dumbbells, but falls backward under the weight, while Sandshrew does rapid exercises. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is crouched behind A.J.'s tent, preparing for their attempted heist. After the training, A.J.'s Pokémon are all exhausted. A.J. insults Pikachu, and Ash takes a swing at him, causing them both to fall into the pool. Pikachu tries on the strength intensifier, but it fits badly and pulls him into a ball. Sandshrew laughs at Pikachu’s comical appearance and rolls itself into a ball as well.

Team Rocket rolls into the tent inside a rubber ball, intending to steal Pikachu, but they instead grab Sandshrew. After A.J. ends the rest break, he realizes that Sandshrew is missing. He releases Pikachu from the harness, but Pikachu doesn't know where Sandshrew is either. Ash suggests that it ran away because it saw that Pikachu was treated better. A.J. is extremely insulted at this, insisting Sandshrew would not have run away after all they had been through together. He sends his other Pokémon to look for Sandshrew, but Ash tries to convince A.J.'s Pokémon to leave with him. Despite the way A.J. has treated them, they ignore Ash. Meanwhile, while arguing over who carries the bag, Team Rocket is startled when Sandshrew flies out. Meowth bites Sandshrew's tail and Sandshrew burrows underground in pain. While Ash and A.J. are still arguing, Sandshrew bursts out of the ground next to him, dragging Meowth. Seeing how happy A.J. and Sandshrew are to be back together, Ash and the gang realize how deeply A.J. cares for his Pokémon.

Surrounded by angry Pokémon and their Trainers, Meowth tries to figure a way out of his situation, when James and Jessie begin their motto. Jessie tells A.J. that taking his Sandshrew was a mistake; James calls it second-rate, earning A.J's ire. He challenges them to a battle. Sandshrew avoids Koffing's Sludge and Ekans's Wrap and takes them out, then defeats Meowth, who tries to Bite its armored skin. Team Rocket flees after Sandshrew's Fissure attack. As this is A.J.'s 100th win, he and his Pokémon now leave to begin earning Badges. Like Ash, he too wants to be the world's greatest Pokémon Master. They part as friendly rivals, agreeing to meet in the future at one of the League competitions.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Dare da?

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Sandshrew

Trivia

  • This is the first "filler" episode in the anime.
  • This is also the first episode without any Pokémon debuts.
  • This episode is the last in which Ted Lewis voices James, as well as Eric Stuart's first episode voicing James. He takes over the role when James summons Koffing in battle. Lewis had left for a time to do theater, only to eventually return as Giovanni and Tracey.
  • This is the first episode not explicitly set within a location from the games.
  • The English dub of this episode mentions a real animal. Misty claims that A.J. controls Sandshrew with the crack of his whip just like a lion tamer. In the Japanese version, she simply remarks that it is amazing A.J. can control Sandshrew with the crack of his whip.
  • Early in the episode, Team Rocket expresses an interest in Sandshrew. However, later on they say they take no interest in A.J.'s "second rate" Sandshrew.
  • This episode marks the first time a one-hit knockout move is seen in the anime.
  • Parts of this episode are remade in I Choose You!.
  • Ash's nose extending is a reference to the Japanese saying "Tengu ni naru", which is used to describe a person getting a swelled head.
  • This is the first episode where an unofficial Pokémon Gym is shown.
  • A.J.'s Sandshrew's strength intensifier resembles a Macho Brace, an item that does not appear until Generation III.

Errors

  • Pokémon.com's blurb for this episode misspells Vermilion as Vermillion. This is the first episode in which it did so.
  • When Misty says that she and Brock giving Ash the Badges was a mistake, the strap of her bag is the same color as her shirt.
  • When Ash and his friends are standing in front of A.J.'s Gym, Ash's sleeves are briefly colored blue instead of white.
  • When Ash and his friends turn to see A.J, Ash's left hand briefly overlaps Brock.
  • When A.J.'s Butterfree takes A.J.'s bag, the straps on Ash's bag are colored black instead of green.
  • Sandshrew hits Butterfree with Dig, despite the fact that Butterfree, as a Flying-type is immune to a Ground-type move such as Dig.
  • When Team Rocket is sneaking around A.J.'s Gym while inside of a ball, Meowth's forepaws are colored orange instead of cream.
  • In this episode, A.J.'s Sandshrew uses Defense Curl. However, in the games, Sandshrew couldn't learn Defense Curl until Generation II.
  • In the English dub:
    • When Ash tells A.J. that Sandshrew are weakened by water, he incorrectly says "Sandshrews." The plural of a specific species of Pokémon is the same as the singular.
    • When Pikachu is holding a pillow, Ash's Japanese voice can be heard.
  • Ash's miscolored straps

    Ash's miscolored straps

  • Meowth's miscolored forepaw

    Meowth's miscolored forepaw

Dub edits

  • Kanto Pokérap: Day 3
  • The sign over the Gym is heavily edited:
    • The text is translated.
    • The background changes from plain white to a gray that fades into white.
    • The numbers are made into a dot-matrix format. In the original version, they were in a 7-segment LED format.
    • The number of losses (0) is added.
  • A sign inside the tent saying "Fight! Work Harder!" is changed to a picture of a Poké Ball being hit with a whip.
  • The scene where Pikachu holds a pillow is different between the two versions, due to the original Japanese version incorporating both an untranslatable pun and pop culture reference. In said original version, Ash tells A.J. that Sandshrew (whose Japanese name is "サンド (Sand)") is not a "サンドバッグ" (or "sandbag", which is the Japanese word for punching bag), and Pikachu pulling out a zabuton (a type of pillow) is a reference to the Japanese comedy program Shōten, where participants are awarded with zabuton for giving humorous responses, causing Ash to shout at Pikachu for not taking him seriously. In the English dub, the script was rewritten to have Ash mishear A.J., thinking he said pacing, not passing, and Pikachu's pillow further stammers him into saying padding.
  • Team Rocket experiments with a different motto:
    • Japanese:
      • Jessie: "We are the pretty thieves..."
      • James: "Target: Pikachu!"
    • English dub:
      • Jessie: "Team Rocket will do what it has to do..."
      • James: "To snatch that little Pikachu!"
  • At the end, a five-second panning of the battle field is cut by three seconds and replaced by a three-second clip from earlier in the episode.

In other languages



← EP007 : The Water Flowers of Cerulean City
Original series
EP009 : The School of Hard Knocks →
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.
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