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'''Gettin' The Bugs Out''' (Japanese: '''ヒワダジム！もりのバトルフィールド！！''' ''{{tt|Hiwada|Azalea}} Gym! Forest Battlefield!!'') is the 144th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on April 20, 2000 and in the United States on March 17, 2001.  
'''Gettin' The Bugs Out''' (Japanese: '''ヒワダジム！もりのバトルフィールド！！''' ''{{tt|Hiwada|Azalea}} Gym! Forest Battlefield!!'') is the 144th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on April 20, 2000, and in the United States on March 17, 2001.  


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/03_39-gettin-the-bugs-out/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/3/episode-39-gettin-the-bugs-out/-->
<i>When Ash reaches the Hive Gym, he has just the Pokémon to challenge the Gym Leader's Bug Pokémon. But what's this? Cyndaquil, the Fire Pokémon can't get its burners going.</i>
<i>When Ash reaches the Hive Gym, he has just the Pokémon to challenge the Gym Leader's Bug Pokémon. But what's this? Cyndaquil, the Fire Pokémon can't get its burners going.</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
As {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} walk to the [[Azalea Gym]], {{an|Misty}}, posing as a reporter and using her canteen as a microphone, stops and asks Ash how the {{pkmn|battle}} will go. When Ash declares that he will be victorious, Misty points out that it may be a hard match without {{AP|Charizard}} on his team. Ash retorts that he still has {{AP|Cyndaquil}}.
As {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} walk to the [[Azalea Gym]], {{an|Misty}}, posing as a reporter and using her canteen as a microphone, stops and asks Ash how the {{pkmn|battle}} will go. When Ash declares that he will be victorious, Misty points out that it may be a hard match without {{AP|Charizard}} on his team. Ash retorts that he still has {{AP|Cyndaquil}} to provide him with plenty of firepower.


The group soon enters the [[Gym]], which resembles a forest garden. Misty becomes immediately anxious and soon enough her worst fears are confirmed as a {{p|Caterpie}} dangles in front of her face. She freaks out and runs away only to come face to face with a horde of {{p|Metapod}}. Misty runs again, crouching down to catch her breath before declaring that the Gym is more like a torture chamber. Her criticism is overheard by a boy sitting in a tree. He declares that his favorite [[type]] of Pokémon are {{t|Bug}}s and calls Misty ignorant. His comments irritate Misty. The boy asks who Ash and his friends are and Ash announces that he wishes to challenge the Azalea [[Gym Leader]]. The boy reveals that he is [[Bugsy]], the [[Gym Leader]], and a Bug-type specialist. Bugsy accepts Ash's challenge, and then asks Ash to help him out of the tree. Ash sets the ladder up and Bugsy climbs down before declaring that he accidentally knocked it because of Ash and his friends' unexpected arrival.
The group soon enters the [[Gym]], which resembles a forest garden. Misty becomes immediately anxious and soon enough her worst fears are confirmed as a {{p|Caterpie}} dangles in front of her face. She freaks out and runs away only to come face to face with a horde of {{p|Metapod}}. Misty runs again, crouching down to catch her breath before declaring that the Gym is more like a torture chamber. Her criticism is overheard by a boy sitting in a tree. He declares that his favorite [[type]] of Pokémon are {{t|Bug}}s and calls Misty ignorant. His comments irritate Misty. The boy asks who Ash and his friends are and Ash announces that he wishes to challenge the Azalea [[Gym Leader]]. The boy reveals that he is [[Bugsy]], the Gym Leader, and a Bug-type specialist. Bugsy accepts Ash's challenge, and then asks Ash to help him out of the tree. Ash sets the ladder up and Bugsy climbs down before declaring that he accidentally knocked it because of Ash and his friends' unexpected arrival.


Meanwhile, outside the Gym, {{TRT}} is planning on stealing {{AP|Pikachu}}. They [[List of Team Rocket's disguises|disguise themselves]] as plants; [[Jessie]] as a flower, [[James]] as a tree and {{MTR}} as a bit of grass. [[James's Victreebel]] lets out a shrill [[cry]] alerting the Bug Pokémon to their presence, and soon enough the Pokémon use {{m|String Shot}} to tie them up.
Meanwhile, outside the Gym, {{TRT}} is planning on stealing {{AP|Pikachu}}. They [[List of Team Rocket's disguises|disguise themselves]] as plants; [[Jessie]] as a flower, [[James]] as a tree and {{MTR}} as a bit of grass. [[James's Victreebel]] lets out a shrill [[cry]] alerting the Bug Pokémon to their presence, and soon enough the Pokémon use {{m|String Shot}} to tie them up.


Ash arrives at the battlefield, which appears flat and surrounded by trees. The [[Battle judge]] announces the battle's conditions; each {{pkmn|Trainer}} may use up to three Pokémon each. Before the match starts, Bugsy tells Ash a saying about Bug Pokémon, but this only confuses Ash. Misty and Brock watch from the sidelines, noting that Bugsy is truly Bug obsessed. Bugsy then starts the match and sends out his {{p|Spinarak}}, while Ash sends out Cyndaquil with the obvious type advantage. Ash hopes to use Cyndaquil's fire attacks, but it still appears tired and has no flame on it back. Bugsy has Spinarak use String Shot to cover the field, ensnaring Cyndaquil in the sticky thread. Ash orders Cyndaquil to attack with {{m|Flamethrower}}, but feeble smoke comes out instead. Spinarak attacks with {{m|Poison Sting}}, landing a direct hit on Cyndaquil. Ash then decides to recall Cyndaquil to its {{i|Poké Ball}} before another Poison Sting hits.
Ash arrives at the battlefield, which appears flat and surrounded by trees. The [[battle judge]] announces the battle's conditions; each {{pkmn|Trainer}} may use up to three Pokémon each. Before the match starts, Bugsy tells Ash a saying about Bug Pokémon, but this only confuses Ash. Misty and Brock watch from the sidelines, noting that Bugsy is truly Bug obsessed. Bugsy then starts the match and sends out his {{p|Spinarak}}, while Ash sends out Cyndaquil with the obvious type advantage. Ash hopes to use Cyndaquil's fire attacks, but it still appears tired and has no flame on it back. Bugsy has Spinarak use String Shot to cover the field, ensnaring Cyndaquil in the sticky thread. Ash orders Cyndaquil to attack with {{m|Flamethrower}}, but feeble smoke comes out instead. Spinarak attacks with {{m|Poison Sting}}, landing a direct hit on Cyndaquil. Ash then decides to recall Cyndaquil to its {{i|Poké Ball}} before another Poison Sting hits.


Ash is aware of the type disadvantage but sends out {{AP|Chikorita}} anyway. Chikorita appears from its Poké Ball, giving Ash a hug. Bugsy questions Ash's decision to use the {{type|Grass}}, but Ash retorts that his choices are based on instinct. Misty and Brock remain skeptical, though they are also aware of Ash’s unconventional strategies. The battle resumes, and Spinarak makes the first move, a Sting Shot attack. Chikorita manages to dodge it and replies with a {{m|Vine Whip}}. Spinarak, however, uses its threads to evade the attack and reach a nearby tree. Spinarak then swings from tree to tree using it String Shot. Ash orders Chikorita to focus in and use Vine Whip, though Spinarak continues to dodge. Spinarak uses Poison Sting, but Ash has Chikorita counter the attack with {{m|Razor Leaf}}. Chikorita then catches Spinarak off guard with her {{m|Sweet Scent}} and follows up with a {{m|Tackle}}, winning Ash the round. Bugsy is surprised, while Chikorita is overjoyed with her victory and hugs Ash as a result. Meanwhile, Team Rocket continue plotting and they settle on digging a pitfall trap to capture Pikachu.
Ash is aware of the type disadvantage, but sends out {{AP|Chikorita}} anyway. Chikorita appears from its Poké Ball, giving Ash a hug. Bugsy questions Ash's decision to use the {{t|Grass}} type, but Ash retorts that his choices are based on instinct. Misty and Brock remain skeptical, though they are also aware of Ash’s unconventional strategies. The battle resumes, and Spinarak makes the first move, a Sting Shot attack. Chikorita manages to dodge it and replies with a {{m|Vine Whip}}. Spinarak, however, uses its threads to evade the attack and reach a nearby tree. Spinarak then swings from tree to tree using its String Shot. Ash orders Chikorita to focus in and use Vine Whip, though Spinarak continues to dodge. Spinarak uses Poison Sting, but Ash has Chikorita counter the attack with {{m|Razor Leaf}}. Chikorita then catches Spinarak off guard with her {{m|Sweet Scent}} and follows up with a {{m|Tackle}}, winning Ash the round. Bugsy is surprised, while Chikorita is overjoyed with her victory and hugs Ash as a result. Meanwhile, Team Rocket continue plotting and they settle on digging a pitfall trap to capture Pikachu.


Bugsy then sends out Metapod much to Ash's surprise. Misty and Brock urge Ash to be cautious and note that Metapod must be strong otherwise Bugsy wouldn't use it in a Gym battle. Ash reassures them that he will be fine and then has Chikorita use {{m|Vine Whip}}. Metapod uses {{m|Harden}} to increase its {{DL|Statistic|Defense|defenses}} and blocks the attack. Chikorita tries a {{m|Razor Leaf}}, but no avail with another Harden. Bugsy tells his Metapod to jump and use Tackle, surprising Ash and knocking out Chikorita.
Bugsy then sends out Metapod much to Ash's surprise. Misty and Brock urge Ash to be cautious and note that Metapod must be strong otherwise Bugsy wouldn't use it in a Gym battle. Ash reassures them that he will be fine and then has Chikorita use Vine Whip. Metapod uses {{m|Harden}} to increase its {{stat|defense}}s and blocks the attack. Chikorita tries a {{m|Razor Leaf}}, but no avail with another Harden. Bugsy tells his Metapod to jump and use Tackle, surprising Ash and knocking out Chikorita.


With Pikachu's nod of approval, Ash sends him out on to the field. Metapod uses Tackle and Pikachu avoids it which causes the Tackle to stir up a cloud of dust. Pikachu avoids another Tackle from Metapod, causing it to land into a tree. The resulting falling leaves allows Metapod to camouflage itself and seemingly vanished. Pikachu listens for Metapod and he dodges its Tackle. Metapod jumps and uses Tackle again, which Pikachu avoids by using {{m|Agility}}. Pikachu then latches onto Metapod's back and delivers the finishing blow, a close range {{m|Thunderbolt}}. Bugsy recalls Metapod to its Poké Ball and thanks it for its efforts.
With Pikachu's nod of approval, Ash sends him out on to the field. Metapod uses Tackle and Pikachu avoids it which causes the Tackle to stir up a cloud of dust. Pikachu avoids another Tackle from Metapod, causing it to land into a tree. The resulting falling leaves allows Metapod to camouflage itself and seemingly vanished. Pikachu listens for Metapod and he dodges its Tackle. Metapod jumps and uses Tackle again, which Pikachu avoids by using {{m|Agility}}. Pikachu then latches onto Metapod's back and delivers the finishing blow, a close range {{m|Thunderbolt}}. Bugsy recalls Metapod to its Poké Ball and thanks it for its efforts.


Before Bugsy sends out his third and final Pokémon, he informs Ash that no Trainer has reached the last round in a while. Bugsy then sends out his {{p|Scyther}}. Ash has Pikachu use Agility, though Scyther remains standing on the spot. Underground, {{MTR}} uses a stethoscope and reports to his teammates that Pikachu appears to have stopped moving. The trio then recites their {{motto}} to a bongo beat before breaking the surface with their shovel. [[James]] pokes his head out of the hole and is faced with Scyther's leg. Pikachu unleashes a Thunderbolt and Scyther dodges it using a {{m|Double Team}}, but Team Rocket are accidentally struck by the attack instead. Bugsy then tells Scyther to use {{m|Slash}}. Pikachu unleashes a Thunderbolt to blast Scyther's Double Team, but they all disappear much to Pikachu's surprise. The real Scyther then appears behind Pikachu and knocks him out after an onslaught of {{m|Fury Cutter}} attacks.
Before Bugsy sends out his third and final Pokémon, he informs Ash that no Trainer has reached the last round in a while. Bugsy then sends out his {{TP|Bugsy|Scyther}}. Ash has Pikachu use Agility, though Scyther remains standing on the spot. Underground, Meowth uses a stethoscope and reports to his teammates that Pikachu appears to have stopped moving. The trio then recites their {{motto}} to a bongo beat before breaking the surface with their shovel. James pokes his head out of the hole and is faced with Scyther's leg. Pikachu unleashes a Thunderbolt and Scyther dodges it using a {{m|Double Team}}, but Team Rocket are accidentally struck by the attack instead. Bugsy then tells Scyther to use {{m|Slash}}. Pikachu unleashes a Thunderbolt to blast Scyther's Double Team, but they all disappear much to Pikachu's surprise. The real Scyther then appears behind Pikachu and knocks him out after an onslaught of {{m|Fury Cutter}} attacks.


Ash is now forced to send out Cyndaquil, who looks tired from its battle with Spinarak. Scyther uses Fury Cutter while Cyndaquil dodges and its back now bursts with blaring flames. Scyther tries Double Team while it uses another Fury Cutter, this time faster than the other Fury Cutter, while Cyndaquil is still able to dodge. This gets Cyndaquil really fired up and Cyndaquil uses Flamethrower, which got rid of Scyther's Double Team, but the real Scyther deflects it by using {{m|Swords Dance}} and hits Cyndaquil. Bugsy explains that he developed strategies like Scyther's Sword Dance to combat its weaknesses. Ash considers his next move before the battle resumes. Scyther approaches with another Fury Cutter, but as soon as Ash commands Cyndaquil to use Flamethrower he has Scyther perform Sword Dance. Ash replies with his strategy, he has Cyndaquil jump into the air and go into a spin above Scyther. Cyndaquil then unleashes a powerful Flamethrower which engulfs Scyther. The damage stops Scyther's Sword Dance and Cyndaquil then Tackles its opponent to the ground. The referee says Scyther is unable to battle and declares Ash victorious. Bugsy congratulates Ash on overcoming his strategies and gives him the {{Badge|Hive}} to commemorate the win. Ash poses with his second [[Johto League]] Badge overall. Bugsy then asks Ash for a rematch if he returns to [[Azalea Town]], and Ash gladly accepts the challenge. The pair shake hands before Ash and his friends leave to continue their {{pkmn|journey}}.
Ash is now forced to send out Cyndaquil, who looks tired from its battle with Spinarak. Scyther uses Fury Cutter while Cyndaquil dodges and its back bursts with blaring flames. Scyther tries Double Team while it uses another Fury Cutter, this time faster than the other Fury Cutter, while Cyndaquil is still able to dodge. This gets Cyndaquil really fired up and Cyndaquil uses Flamethrower, which got rid of Scyther's Double Team, but the real Scyther deflects it by using {{m|Swords Dance}} and hits Cyndaquil. Bugsy explains that he developed strategies like Scyther's Swords Dance to combat its weaknesses. Ash considers his next move before the battle resumes. Scyther approaches with another Fury Cutter, but as soon as Ash commands Cyndaquil to use Flamethrower he has Scyther perform Swords Dance. Ash replies with his strategy, he has Cyndaquil jump into the air and go into a spin above Scyther. Cyndaquil then unleashes a powerful Flamethrower which engulfs Scyther. The damage stops Scyther's Swords Dance and Cyndaquil then Tackles its opponent to the ground. The referee says Scyther is unable to battle and declares Ash victorious. Bugsy congratulates Ash on overcoming his strategies and gives him the {{Badge|Hive}} to commemorate the win. Ash poses with his second [[Johto League]] Badge overall. Bugsy then asks Ash for a rematch if he returns to [[Azalea Town]], and Ash gladly accepts the challenge. The pair shake hands before Ash and his friends leave to continue their {{pkmn|journey}}.


When Ash, Misty, and Brock are about to leave Azalea Town, [[Maizie]] runs towards them with three [[Apricorn]] [[Poké Ball]]s: two [[Lure Ball]]s and a [[Heavy Ball]] made by [[Kurt|her grandfather]] from the Apricorns they [[EP143|picked earlier]]. Ash and Misty decide to take a Lure Ball each, while Brock settles for the Heavy Ball. Maizie thanks Ash and his friends for delivering the [[GS Ball]] to Kurt, who will continue to investigate it, before waving goodbye to the group. Overnight, Team Rocket peer from their hole to see if anyone is around, but they find themselves surrounded by the Azalea Gym's angry Bug Pokémon.
When Ash and his friends are about to leave Azalea Town, they realize that they forgot something, and are quick to remember the [[Apricorn]]s that [[EP143|they had left]] with [[Kurt]]. As if on cue, [[Maizie]] runs towards them with three [[Poké Ball]]s made from their Apricorns: two [[Lure Ball]]s and a [[Heavy Ball]]. Ash and Misty decide to take a Lure Ball each, while Brock settles for the Heavy Ball. Maizie thanks Ash and his friends for delivering the [[GS Ball]] to Kurt, who will continue to investigate it, before waving goodbye to the group. Overnight, Team Rocket peer from their hole to see if anyone is around, but they find themselves surrounded by the Azalea Gym's angry Bug Pokémon.


==Major events==
==Major events==
Line 104: Line 104:
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
[[File:Heavy Lure Balls anime.png|thumb|200px|The Heavy Ball and Lure Balls Maizie delivers to Ash and his friends]]
[[File:Heavy Lure Balls anime.png|thumb|200px|The Heavy Ball and Lure Balls Maizie delivers to Ash and his friends]]
* Although {{Ash}} and {{an|Misty}} will both eventually use their [[Lure Ball]]s which they receive in this episode, the [[Heavy Ball]] that {{an|Brock}} receives, as well as the [[Fast Ball]]s Ash and Misty received in the [[EP143|last episode]], are never actually used, or even mentioned after this episode.
* Although {{Ash}} and {{an|Misty}} will both eventually use their [[Lure Ball]]s that they receive in this episode, the [[Heavy Ball]] that {{an|Brock}} receives is never actually used, nor is it even mentioned again after this episode.
* This episode marks the physical {{pkmn|anime}} debut of the Lure and Heavy Balls.
* This episode marks the physical {{pkmn|anime}} debut of the Lure and Heavy Balls.
* {{TRT}} tries to capture {{AP|Pikachu}} by digging underground while Ash is in a [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}}. This happens in two [[AG056|future]] [[DP037|episodes]] as well.
* {{TRT}} tries to capture {{AP|Pikachu}} by digging underground while Ash is in a [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}}. This happens in two [[AG056|future]] [[DP037|episodes]] as well.
** This episode and the latter one mentioned above both involve Ash's battle against the second [[Gym Leader]] of the region introduced in an even-numbered generation, and both their Badges allow the player to use {{m|Cut}}.
** This episode and the latter one mentioned above both involve Ash's battle against the second [[Gym Leader]] of the region introduced in an even-numbered [[generation]], and both their Badges allow the player to use {{m|Cut}}.
** Also when underground, Team Rocket recites a variation of their {{motto}}.
** Also when underground, Team Rocket recites a variation of their {{motto}}.
* Team Rocket does not blast off in this episode.
* Team Rocket does not blast off in this episode.
* This episode was partially adapted into the book [[Secrets of the GS Ball]].
* This episode was partially adapted into the book [[Secrets of the GS Ball]].
* In the Japanese version, Team Rocket sings their motto to the beat of [[Pokémon Ondo]] in the background.  
* In the original Japanese version, Team Rocket sings their motto to the beat of [[Pokémon Ondo]] in the background.  


===Errors===
===Errors===
Line 117: Line 117:
* Ash commands Chikorita to use Sweet ''Smell'' on {{p|Spinarak}}, when the actual [[move]] is {{m|Sweet Scent}}.
* Ash commands Chikorita to use Sweet ''Smell'' on {{p|Spinarak}}, when the actual [[move]] is {{m|Sweet Scent}}.
* [[Bugsy]] commands Spinarak to use Poison ''String'' instead of {{m|Poison Sting}}.
* [[Bugsy]] commands Spinarak to use Poison ''String'' instead of {{m|Poison Sting}}.
* On occasion throughout the episode, Misty would talk and {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}'s lips would move, but it was not talking.
* On occasion throughout the episode, Misty would talk and {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}'s lips would move, but it would not be talking.
* The episode blurb incorrectly refers to the [[Azalea Gym]] as the "Hive Gym".


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
Line 124: Line 125:
==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
|ar={{tt|مواجهة بين البوكيمون|Battle between Pokémon}}
|bg={{tt|Битка с Покемон Насекомите|Battle with Bug Pokémon}}
|bg={{tt|Битка с Покемон Насекомите|Battle with Bug Pokémon}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|檜皮道館！森林的戰鬥場地！|Kuàipí (Azalea) Gym! Forest Battlefield!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|檜皮道館！森林的戰鬥場地！|Kuàipí (Azalea) Gym! Forest Battlefield!}}
Line 137: Line 139:
|es_la={{tt|¡Duelo con los insectos!|Duel with the bugs!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Duelo con los insectos!|Duel with the bugs!}}
|es_eu={{tt|Ahuyentando a los bichos|Scaring the bugs away}}
|es_eu={{tt|Ahuyentando a los bichos|Scaring the bugs away}}
|pl={{tt|Pogonić robala|Chasing away the bug}}
|pl={{tt|Pogonić robala|Chasing the bug away}}
|ro={{tt|Scoțând Gândacii|Taking out the Bugs}}
|ro={{tt|Scoțând Gândacii|Taking out the Bugs}}
|sk={{tt|Ako vyhrať nad hmyzom|How to Beat Bugs}}
|sk={{tt|Ako vyhrať nad hmyzom|How to Beat Bugs}}

Latest revision as of 21:37, 17 March 2024

← EP143 : Going Apricorn!
Original series
EP145 : A Farfetch'd Tale →
Gettin' The Bugs Out
EP144.png
  EP144  
ヒワダジム！もりのバトルフィールド！！
Hiwada Gym! Forest Battlefield!!
First broadcast
Japan April 20, 2000
United States March 17, 2001
English themes
Opening Pokémon Johto
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening OK!
Ending ポケモンはらはらリレー
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 米村正二 Shōji Yonemura
Storyboard 横田和 Kazu Yokota
Assistant director 大町繁 Shigeru Ōmachi
Animation director たけだゆうさく Yūsaku Takeda
Additional credits

Screenshots on Filb.de

Gettin' The Bugs Out (Japanese: ヒワダジム！もりのバトルフィールド！！ Hiwada Gym! Forest Battlefield!!) is the 144th episode of the Pokémon anime. It first aired in Japan on April 20, 2000, and in the United States on March 17, 2001.

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

Blurb

When Ash reaches the Hive Gym, he has just the Pokémon to challenge the Gym Leader's Bug Pokémon. But what's this? Cyndaquil, the Fire Pokémon can't get its burners going.

Plot

As Ash and his friends walk to the Azalea Gym, Misty, posing as a reporter and using her canteen as a microphone, stops and asks Ash how the battle will go. When Ash declares that he will be victorious, Misty points out that it may be a hard match without Charizard on his team. Ash retorts that he still has Cyndaquil to provide him with plenty of firepower.

The group soon enters the Gym, which resembles a forest garden. Misty becomes immediately anxious and soon enough her worst fears are confirmed as a Caterpie dangles in front of her face. She freaks out and runs away only to come face to face with a horde of Metapod. Misty runs again, crouching down to catch her breath before declaring that the Gym is more like a torture chamber. Her criticism is overheard by a boy sitting in a tree. He declares that his favorite type of Pokémon are Bugs and calls Misty ignorant. His comments irritate Misty. The boy asks who Ash and his friends are and Ash announces that he wishes to challenge the Azalea Gym Leader. The boy reveals that he is Bugsy, the Gym Leader, and a Bug-type specialist. Bugsy accepts Ash's challenge, and then asks Ash to help him out of the tree. Ash sets the ladder up and Bugsy climbs down before declaring that he accidentally knocked it because of Ash and his friends' unexpected arrival.

Meanwhile, outside the Gym, Team Rocket is planning on stealing Pikachu. They disguise themselves as plants; Jessie as a flower, James as a tree and Meowth as a bit of grass. James's Victreebel lets out a shrill cry alerting the Bug Pokémon to their presence, and soon enough the Pokémon use String Shot to tie them up.

Ash arrives at the battlefield, which appears flat and surrounded by trees. The battle judge announces the battle's conditions; each Trainer may use up to three Pokémon each. Before the match starts, Bugsy tells Ash a saying about Bug Pokémon, but this only confuses Ash. Misty and Brock watch from the sidelines, noting that Bugsy is truly Bug obsessed. Bugsy then starts the match and sends out his Spinarak, while Ash sends out Cyndaquil with the obvious type advantage. Ash hopes to use Cyndaquil's fire attacks, but it still appears tired and has no flame on it back. Bugsy has Spinarak use String Shot to cover the field, ensnaring Cyndaquil in the sticky thread. Ash orders Cyndaquil to attack with Flamethrower, but feeble smoke comes out instead. Spinarak attacks with Poison Sting, landing a direct hit on Cyndaquil. Ash then decides to recall Cyndaquil to its Poké Ball before another Poison Sting hits.

Ash is aware of the type disadvantage, but sends out Chikorita anyway. Chikorita appears from its Poké Ball, giving Ash a hug. Bugsy questions Ash's decision to use the Grass type, but Ash retorts that his choices are based on instinct. Misty and Brock remain skeptical, though they are also aware of Ash’s unconventional strategies. The battle resumes, and Spinarak makes the first move, a Sting Shot attack. Chikorita manages to dodge it and replies with a Vine Whip. Spinarak, however, uses its threads to evade the attack and reach a nearby tree. Spinarak then swings from tree to tree using its String Shot. Ash orders Chikorita to focus in and use Vine Whip, though Spinarak continues to dodge. Spinarak uses Poison Sting, but Ash has Chikorita counter the attack with Razor Leaf. Chikorita then catches Spinarak off guard with her Sweet Scent and follows up with a Tackle, winning Ash the round. Bugsy is surprised, while Chikorita is overjoyed with her victory and hugs Ash as a result. Meanwhile, Team Rocket continue plotting and they settle on digging a pitfall trap to capture Pikachu.

Bugsy then sends out Metapod much to Ash's surprise. Misty and Brock urge Ash to be cautious and note that Metapod must be strong otherwise Bugsy wouldn't use it in a Gym battle. Ash reassures them that he will be fine and then has Chikorita use Vine Whip. Metapod uses Harden to increase its defenses and blocks the attack. Chikorita tries a Razor Leaf, but no avail with another Harden. Bugsy tells his Metapod to jump and use Tackle, surprising Ash and knocking out Chikorita.

With Pikachu's nod of approval, Ash sends him out on to the field. Metapod uses Tackle and Pikachu avoids it which causes the Tackle to stir up a cloud of dust. Pikachu avoids another Tackle from Metapod, causing it to land into a tree. The resulting falling leaves allows Metapod to camouflage itself and seemingly vanished. Pikachu listens for Metapod and he dodges its Tackle. Metapod jumps and uses Tackle again, which Pikachu avoids by using Agility. Pikachu then latches onto Metapod's back and delivers the finishing blow, a close range Thunderbolt. Bugsy recalls Metapod to its Poké Ball and thanks it for its efforts.

Before Bugsy sends out his third and final Pokémon, he informs Ash that no Trainer has reached the last round in a while. Bugsy then sends out his Scyther. Ash has Pikachu use Agility, though Scyther remains standing on the spot. Underground, Meowth uses a stethoscope and reports to his teammates that Pikachu appears to have stopped moving. The trio then recites their motto to a bongo beat before breaking the surface with their shovel. James pokes his head out of the hole and is faced with Scyther's leg. Pikachu unleashes a Thunderbolt and Scyther dodges it using a Double Team, but Team Rocket are accidentally struck by the attack instead. Bugsy then tells Scyther to use Slash. Pikachu unleashes a Thunderbolt to blast Scyther's Double Team, but they all disappear much to Pikachu's surprise. The real Scyther then appears behind Pikachu and knocks him out after an onslaught of Fury Cutter attacks.

Ash is now forced to send out Cyndaquil, who looks tired from its battle with Spinarak. Scyther uses Fury Cutter while Cyndaquil dodges and its back bursts with blaring flames. Scyther tries Double Team while it uses another Fury Cutter, this time faster than the other Fury Cutter, while Cyndaquil is still able to dodge. This gets Cyndaquil really fired up and Cyndaquil uses Flamethrower, which got rid of Scyther's Double Team, but the real Scyther deflects it by using Swords Dance and hits Cyndaquil. Bugsy explains that he developed strategies like Scyther's Swords Dance to combat its weaknesses. Ash considers his next move before the battle resumes. Scyther approaches with another Fury Cutter, but as soon as Ash commands Cyndaquil to use Flamethrower he has Scyther perform Swords Dance. Ash replies with his strategy, he has Cyndaquil jump into the air and go into a spin above Scyther. Cyndaquil then unleashes a powerful Flamethrower which engulfs Scyther. The damage stops Scyther's Swords Dance and Cyndaquil then Tackles its opponent to the ground. The referee says Scyther is unable to battle and declares Ash victorious. Bugsy congratulates Ash on overcoming his strategies and gives him the Hive Badge to commemorate the win. Ash poses with his second Johto League Badge overall. Bugsy then asks Ash for a rematch if he returns to Azalea Town, and Ash gladly accepts the challenge. The pair shake hands before Ash and his friends leave to continue their journey.

When Ash and his friends are about to leave Azalea Town, they realize that they forgot something, and are quick to remember the Apricorns that they had left with Kurt. As if on cue, Maizie runs towards them with three Poké Balls made from their Apricorns: two Lure Balls and a Heavy Ball. Ash and Misty decide to take a Lure Ball each, while Brock settles for the Heavy Ball. Maizie thanks Ash and his friends for delivering the GS Ball to Kurt, who will continue to investigate it, before waving goodbye to the group. Overnight, Team Rocket peer from their hole to see if anyone is around, but they find themselves surrounded by the Azalea Gym's angry Bug Pokémon.

Major events

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

Debuts

Humans

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Dare da?

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Elekid (US and international), Metapod (Japan)

Trivia

The Heavy Ball and Lure Balls Maizie delivers to Ash and his friends
  • Although Ash and Misty will both eventually use their Lure Balls that they receive in this episode, the Heavy Ball that Brock receives is never actually used, nor is it even mentioned again after this episode.
  • This episode marks the physical anime debut of the Lure and Heavy Balls.
  • Team Rocket tries to capture Pikachu by digging underground while Ash is in a Gym battle. This happens in two future episodes as well.
    • This episode and the latter one mentioned above both involve Ash's battle against the second Gym Leader of the region introduced in an even-numbered generation, and both their Badges allow the player to use Cut.
    • Also when underground, Team Rocket recites a variation of their motto.
  • Team Rocket does not blast off in this episode.
  • This episode was partially adapted into the book Secrets of the GS Ball.
  • In the original Japanese version, Team Rocket sings their motto to the beat of Pokémon Ondo in the background.

Errors

  • At one point, Ash says, "I'll save Chikorita for later, and use Pikachu now." Chikorita had just been defeated—he meant to say Cyndaquil.
  • Ash commands Chikorita to use Sweet Smell on Spinarak, when the actual move is Sweet Scent.
  • Bugsy commands Spinarak to use Poison String instead of Poison Sting.
  • On occasion throughout the episode, Misty would talk and Togepi's lips would move, but it would not be talking.
  • The episode blurb incorrectly refers to the Azalea Gym as the "Hive Gym".

Dub edits

In other languages



← EP143 : Going Apricorn!
Original series
EP145 : A Farfetch'd Tale →
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