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[[File:Team Rocket trio XY 2.png|thumb|150px|Official art of Jessie, Meowth and James from the {{series|XY}}]]
[[File:Team Rocket trio SM.png|thumb|180px|Official art of Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobbuffet from the {{series|Sun & Moon}}]]
The '''Team Rocket trio''', sometimes referred to as '''TRio''' or '''JJM''', is a trio of members of [[Team Rocket]], consisting of [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}}.
The '''Team Rocket trio''', sometimes abbreviated as '''TRio''' or '''JJM''', is a trio of members of [[Team Rocket]], consisting of [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}}.


==In the anime==
==In the anime==
===Character===
===Character===
Since making their debut in the [[EP002|second episode of the anime]], they have since appeared in almost every single episode up until the beginning of the {{series|Best Wishes}}, where they appeared less frequently. As such, they are the most prominent representation of Team Rocket as a whole in the anime.
[[File:Blast off.png|thumb|250px|The Team Rocket trio blasting off again]]
Since making their debut in the [[EP002|second episode of the anime]], they appeared in almost every single episode until the {{series|Best Wishes}}, in which they appeared less frequently. As such, they are the most prominent representation of [[Team Rocket]] as a whole in the anime. Prior to ''[[BW016|Rematch at the Nacrene Gym!]]'', the [[EP001|very first episode]] was the only single regular episode (excluding the clip show [[AG120]]) in which Team Rocket trio was completely absent.


In most of their appearances, they attempt to capture [[Ash's Pikachu]], or any other Pokémon to give to their boss, {{an|Giovanni}}. However, they almost always get defeated and are blasted off with their iconic catchphrase "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] dub) or "We're blasting off again!" ([[The Pokémon Company International|TPCi]] dub). Typically right after making a capture, they will recite their {{motto}}, though on some occasions they're unable to finish. This has been parodied by protagonists and even other Team Rocket members, such as [[Butch]] and [[Cassidy]].
In most of their appearances, they attempt to capture [[Ash's Pikachu]], or any other Pokémon to give to Team Rocket's boss, {{an|Giovanni}}. However, they usually get defeated and, are {{DL|Team Rocket mottos|Blasting off|blasted off}} with their iconic catchphrase "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" ([[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]] dub) or "We're blasting off again!" ([[The Pokémon Company International|TPCi]] dub) or being grabbed by a [[Recurring wild Pokémon in the anime#Bewear|Bewear (anime)]] and running away with their catchphrase "What is this feelings?" in {{series|SM}}. Typically, right after making a capture, they will recite their {{motto}}, although on some occasions they are unable to finish. This has been parodied by protagonists and even other Team Rocket members, such as [[Butch]] and [[Cassidy]].
 
[[File:Blast off.png|thumb|250px|The Team Rocket trio blasting off again]]
Since witnessing his power, the trio has been obsessed with capturing Ash's Pikachu, relentlessly pursuing Ash and his friends across the various regions of the [[Pokémon world]] to do so. Although they often succeed in capturing Pikachu, they never manage to hold on to him for long. They frequently develop or purchase various kinds of shockproof gadgets and machinery ({{TP|Team Rocket|mechas}}, rubber suits, etc.) to aid in his capture, but these gadgets are often circumvented by non-Electric attacks and abilities (which the trio constantly forget to account for) or simply backfire.
Since their debut, the trio is near-singlemindedly obsessed with capturing Ash's Pikachu, particularly after witnessing his power, and have relentlessly pursued Ash and his friends across the various regions of the [[Pokémon world]] to do so; though they often succeed in doing so, they never manage to hold on to Pikachu for long. To this end, they frequently develop various kinds of shockproof gadgets and machinery to do so ({{TP|Team Rocket|mechas}}, rubber suits, etc.). However, these gadgets are often circumvented by non-Electric attacks and abilities, which they constantly forget to account for, or simply backfire in the end.


Even though they usually only cause trouble for the main characters, they have sometimes helped them, mostly when dealing with a common enemy, as shown in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'' and later against [[Team Aqua]] and [[Team Magma]]. They also played a key part in the fight against [[Team Galactic]], teaming up with [[Looker]]. They occasionally put their differences aside for personal reasons, only to later return to their thieving ways. One of the more common moments of truce is during [[Pokémon Contest]]s, which Jessie had a fondness for participating in; however, Ash and his friends are unaware that it is her.
[[File:Looker and Team Rocket.png|thumb|left|250px|Team Rocket and Looker]]
Even though they usually only cause trouble for the main characters, they have sometimes helped them. When they have a common enemy they will often ally with Ash and his friends, as shown in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'' and later against [[Team Aqua]] and [[Team Magma]]. They also played a key part in the fight against [[Team Galactic]], teaming up with [[Looker]]. They occasionally put their differences aside for personal reasons, only to later return to their thieving ways. One of the more common moments of truce is during [[Pokémon Contest]]s, which Jessie had a fondness for participating in under aliases.


On several occasions, Jessie, James and Meowth have shown that they are not that bad and even have affection for Ash and his friends. The trio heroically sacrificed themselves to certain death in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'' in order to allow Ash's escape on Lugia. They also saved him from a fall in the next movie, ''[[M03|Spell of the Unown]]''. Whilst their justification was that in the case of the world being destroyed or Ash's death, they'd be [[Breaking the fourth wall|out of show business]], it is implied that this is just bluster to cover the fact that they are not bad people, like in ''[[EP134|Charizard's Burning Ambition]]'', where Team Rocket kept [[Ash's Charizard]] awake as it lay in the lake, and then built a huge mecha and attacked the [[Charicific Valley]] for the sole purpose of allowing Charizard to defeat them and gain acceptance in the Valley, or ''[[XY036|Battles in the Sky!]]'', where they captured [[Moria]]'s [[Talonflame]] just so that it could gain respect for [[Ash's Fletchling]].
On several occasions, Jessie, James and Meowth have shown that they are not all evil and even have affection for Ash and his friends. The trio heroically sacrificed themselves to what they thought was certain death in ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'' in order to allow Ash's escape on Lugia. They also saved him from a fall in the next movie, ''[[M03|Spell of the Unown: Entei]]''. Their justification was that in the case of the world being destroyed or Ash's death, they would be [[Breaking the fourth wall|out of show business]], but it is implied that this is just bluster to cover the fact that they are not bad people. In ''[[EP134|Charizard's Burning Ambition]]'', Team Rocket kept [[Ash's Charizard]] awake as it lay in the lake, and then built a huge mecha and attacked the [[Charicific Valley]] for the sole purpose of allowing Charizard to defeat them and gain acceptance in the valley.


===History===
===History===
{{cleanup|section}}
{{incomplete|section|Role in Kanto through Sinnoh, Kalos, and Alola}}
{{incomplete|section|Role in Kanto through Sinnoh}}
[[File:Team Rocket party Original series.png‎|thumb|left|220px|Team Rocket with all of their Pokémon in the original series (minus Wobbuffet)]]
[[File:Team Rocket party Original series.png‎|thumb|left|220px|Team Rocket with all of their Pokémon in the original series]]
The Team Rocket trio first appeared in ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency]]'', in which they took over the {{ci|Viridian}} [[Pokémon Center]]. After their first defeat at the hands of [[Ash's Pikachu]] convinced them of its extraordinary power, the trio made their main goal to capture Pikachu.
The Team Rocket trio first appeared in ''[[EP002|Pokémon Emergency]]'' where they took over the Viridian Pokémon Center. After their first defeat at the hands of [[Ash's Pikachu]], the trio made it their goal to capture Ash's Pikachu.


Though their general incompetence in making any sort of contribution to Team Rocket didn't go well for them as Giovanni contemplated firing them in one episode<!--which episode?--> (but reassigned them due to problematic developments and manpower shortages in Team Rocket) and was shown to not even remember who they were in ''[[DP080|The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]''. However, due to their false reports that they alone caused [[Team Aqua]], [[Team Magma]], and [[Team Galactic]] to disband (as well as defeating [[J]]), [[Matori]] recommended them to Giovanni for his plans in the [[Unova]] region. The trio got promoted and soon they became more serious and less goofy, changing to their black uniforms from their original white uniforms. They focused less on capturing random Pokémon and more on the assignments that are given to them straight from headquarters. In ''[[BW023|Battling For The Love of Bug-Types!]]'' however, Matori informed them that they won't be needed for any more missions at the time. They began to worry that the boss had abandoned them. Before Matori contacted them about the situation, they have already returned to their white uniforms without being informed why. Therefore, they have returned to planning their own schemes like they did in the previous series, but often carry out their current plans in the same manner as their most recent missions and [[Dr. Zager]] frequently assists them in these schemes. They do keep some gadgets, such as jetpacks they occasionally use to retreat; they very rarely blasted off during the {{series|Best Wishes}}, and maintain their recent boost in athleticism.
The trio's general incompetence usually makes them incapable of helping Team Rocket with their significant plans. In ''[[EP231|Dues and Don'ts]]'', they discovered that their membership in Team Rocket had lapsed, although they were able to rejoin due to labor shortages, provided that they pay their debts. In ''[[DP080|The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!]]'', Giovanni did not even remember who they were.
 
In ''[[DP130|Frozen on Their Tracks!]]'', the Team Rocket trio befriended [[Looker]] after sharing boxed lunches with him, calling him "Boxed-Lunch Guy" or "Mr. Lunchbox". Later in the {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}, after discovering that Looker was an [[International Police]] Officer, they assisted him in taking down [[Team Galactic]].
[[File:Team Rocket BW 1.png|thumb|250px|The trio in their black uniforms]]
[[File:Team Rocket BW 1.png|thumb|250px|The trio in their black uniforms]]
Meowth traveled with {{Ash}}, {{an|Iris}} and {{an|Cilan}} from ''[[BW043|Meowth's Scrafty Tactics!]]'' to ''[[BW047|Crisis from the Underground Up!]]'' after apparently messing up a mission in [[Nimbasa City]], being fired from Team Rocket and splitting up with Jessie and James. However, in ''Crisis from the Underground Up!'' it was revealed that Meowth was never fired from Team Rocket, his travels with Ash, Iris and Cilan being part of their latest scheme. Meowth then rejoined Jessie and James.
At [[Matori|his secretary]]'s recommendation, Giovanni promoted them as part of his plans in the [[Unova]] region. After their promotion, they changed from their original white uniforms to black uniforms. In the {{series|Best Wishes}}, they acted in a more serious manner, focusing more on completing specific assignments, often using gadgets such as jetpacks to retreat instead of blasting off.


Beginning in ''[[BW082|An Epic Defense Force!]]'', they have made various attempts to capture {{an|Meloetta}}, only for it to disappear on each attempt. However, they managed to capture it in ''[[BW096|Meloetta and the Undersea Temple!]]'' and ''[[BW097|Unova's Survival Crisis!]]'' with the help of Giovanni and Dr. Zager after the former defeated Ash with his {{TP|Giovanni|Persian}}. The trio capturing Meloetta was part of the plan in order for Giovanni to summon the Kami trio using the {{key|V|Reveal Glass}}. However, once Meloetta was freed from his control, Giovanni became possessed by the item's powers which made him want raging power. The Team Rocket trio temporarily switch sides in order to stop Giovanni. They did so by pushing him off a cliff, which managed to snap him out of the controlled rage. Losing Meloetta foiled their plans in capturing the Kami trio, along with interference by [[Ridley]], Ash and the others. With Giovanni back to normal, he along with the trio, Dr. Zager and the Rocket Grunts, leave Unova and return to Kanto.
In ''[[BW023|Battling For The Love of Bug-Types!]]'', after Giovanni's secretary informed them that they wouldn't be needed for any more missions, they worried Giovanni had lost faith in them and returned to their white uniforms. They returned to planning their own schemes, although often in a more competent manner and with the assistance of [[Dr. Zager]]. They participated in [[Operation Tempest]], [[Team Rocket]]'s mission to capture {{an|Meloetta}} and harness the power of the [[kami trio]].


They were revealed to have returned to Unova in ''[[BW109|New Places... Familiar Faces!]]'', with returning gags in their team. They also revealed that after the failure of their big scheme to take over Unova using the power of the [[legendary Pokémon]] had failed, they had gone back for their older style of chasing Pikachu and every other seemingly valuable Pokémon around. As a part of their return to the older style, they also started using their {{DL|Team Rocket mottos|original motto}} and an enhanced version of their [[Team Rocket's mechas|Meowth balloon]] once again. However, they seemed to retain some intent of competence by still using their jetpacks on occasions and trying to accomplish their plans in a serious way, as seen when Jessie asked for Meowth to stop singing in ''[[BW113|The Light of Floccesy Ranch!]]''.
Due to the failure of Operation Tempest, starting in ''[[BW109|New Places... Familiar Faces!]]'' they reverted to their traditional comedic personalities, using their {{DL|Team Rocket mottos|original motto}}, and travelling in their [[Team Rocket's mechas|Meowth balloon]] (with enhancements); however, their newfound competence was not completely lost, with the trio still occasionally retreating using jetpacks instead of blasting off.


In ''[[BW120|Ash and N: A Clash of Ideals!]]'' and ''[[BW121|Team Plasma and the Awakening Ceremony!]]'' they were spying at [[Team Plasma]]'s operation at the [[White Ruins]], waiting for the right time to enter the scene. However, they only decided to do so after [[Looker]] found out where they were hiding in ''[[BW122|What Lies Beyond Truth and Ideals!]]'' and asked them for help. Even if they fought against Team Plasma independently of Looker's intended guidance, they still did it in order to help him (having formed a mutual alliance with him during the {{series|DP}}), along with defeating Team Plasma, since they had a rivalry with the organization.
After ''[[BW119|Meowth, Colress and Team Rivalry!]]'', the trio decided to head for the {{an|White Ruins}}, where they would spy on [[Team Plasma]]'s movements for a time while plotting to steal the [[Light Stone]]. However, when their friend [[Looker]] spotted them and asked for their help, the trio helped Ash and his friends defeat the rival organization. After helping defeat Team Plasma in ''[[BW123|Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!]]'', the trio returned completely to their previous role as comic relief, retaining only their upgraded technology and slight competence.
 
From ''[[BW123|Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!]]'' onwards, the trio returned completely to their previous role as comic relief, retaining only their upgraded technology from ''Best Wishes!''.


==Artwork==
==Artwork==
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #CC0000; background: #666666; font-size: 80%"
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #666; font-size: 80%"
|-
|-
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #CC0000; background: #CCCCCC; width:96px" | [[File:Rocket OS2.png|180px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:auto" | [[File:Team Rocket trio OS.png|200px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #CC0000; background: #CCCCCC; width:96px" | [[File:Team Rocket Trio AG.png|180px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:auto" | [[File:Team Rocket Trio AG.png|200px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #CC0000; background: #CCCCCC; width:96px" | [[File:Team Rocket DP.png|220px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:auto" | [[File:Team Rocket trio DP 2.png|200px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #CC0000; background: #CCCCCC; width:96px" | [[File:Team Rocket trio BW.png|170px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:auto" | [[File:Team Rocket trio BW.png|160px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #CC0000; background: #CCCCCC; width:96px" | [[File:Team Rocket trio XY 2.png|150px]]
| style="{{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:auto" | [[File:Team Rocket trio XY 2.png|150px]]
|-
|-
| Official artwork from the<br>{{color2|000|original series}}
| Official artwork from the<br>{{color2|000|original series}}
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| Official artwork from the<br>{{color2|000|Best Wishes series|''Best Wishes'' series}}
| Official artwork from the<br>{{color2|000|Best Wishes series|''Best Wishes'' series}}
| Official artwork from the<br>{{color2|000|XY series|''XY'' series}}
| Official artwork from the<br>{{color2|000|XY series|''XY'' series}}
|-
| colspan=5 style="{{roundy|15px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:200px" | For more artwork, please see [[a:Category:Jessie|Jessie]], [[a:Category:James|James]], [[a:Category:Meowth (Team Rocket)|Meowth]] images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
|}
|}


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They first attack the player in Mt. Moon, while trying to take one of the rare [[Fossil]]s uncovered there.
They first attack the player in Mt. Moon, while trying to take one of the rare [[Fossil]]s uncovered there.


Later, in [[Celadon City]]'s [[Rocket Game Corner]], Jessie and James guard Giovanni's room in the Team Rocket base. During that time, as the player runs into them, they are eager for revenge after the main character busted up their plans at Mt. Moon.
Later, in [[Celadon City]]'s [[Celadon Game Corner|Rocket Game Corner]], Jessie and James guard Giovanni's room in the Team Rocket base. During that time, as the player runs into them, they are eager for revenge after the main character busted up their plans at Mt. Moon.


They hold Mr. Fuji hostage at [[Pokémon Tower]], attacking the {{ga|Red|player}} on the seventh floor.
They hold Mr. Fuji hostage at [[Pokémon Tower]], attacking the {{ga|Red|player}} on the seventh floor.
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Unlike in the anime, Jessie and James do not follow the main character around and come up with their usual evil plans to capture {{ga|Red's Pikachu|Pikachu}}. In addition, {{MTR}} cannot talk, and he resides in a [[Poké Ball]] instead of traveling around with Jessie and James.
Unlike in the anime, Jessie and James do not follow the main character around and come up with their usual evil plans to capture {{ga|Red's Pikachu|Pikachu}}. In addition, {{MTR}} cannot talk, and he resides in a [[Poké Ball]] instead of traveling around with Jessie and James.


In addition, they also receive their own encounter music, a track not seen in Red and Blue.  
In addition, they also receive their own encounter music, a track not heard in Red and Blue.
{{yt|3D8KD7wOhF4|The theme that plays when encountering Jessie and James in Yellow, not found in Red and Blue.}}


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
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===Quotes===
===Quotes===
'''[[Mt. Moon]]'''
;[[Mt. Moon]]
*Before battle
*Before battle
:''"Stop right there!"''  
:''"Stop right there!"''
:''"That [[fossil]] is <sc>Team Rocket</sc>'s! [[Team Rocket mottos|Surrender now, or prepare to fight]]!"''
:''"That [[fossil]] is <sc>Team Rocket</sc>'s! [[Team Rocket mottos|Surrender now, or prepare to fight]]!"''


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:''"<sc>Team Rocket</sc>, blast off at the speed of light!"''
:''"<sc>Team Rocket</sc>, blast off at the speed of light!"''


'''[[Rocket Hideout]]'''
;[[Rocket Hideout]]
*Before battle
*Before battle
:''"Not another step, brat!"''
:''"Not another step, brat!"''
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:''"Looks like <sc>Team Rocket</sc>'s blasting off again!"''
:''"Looks like <sc>Team Rocket</sc>'s blasting off again!"''


'''[[Pokémon Tower]]'''
;[[Pokémon Tower]]
*Before battle:
*Before battle
:''"Stop right there!"''
:''"Stop right there!"''
:''"[[Mr. Fuji|Grampa]] here wanted to complain, so we're setting him straight. So render yourself invisible, or prepare to fight!"''
:''"[[Mr. Fuji|Grampa]] here wanted to complain, so we're setting him straight. So render yourself invisible, or prepare to fight!"''
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:''"Looks like <sc>Team Rocket</sc>'s blasting off again!"''
:''"Looks like <sc>Team Rocket</sc>'s blasting off again!"''


'''[[Silph Co.]]'''
;[[Silph Co.]]
*Before battle
*Before battle
:''"Hold it right there, brat!"''
:''"Hold it right there, brat!"''
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===Sprites===
===Sprites===
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #666;"
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #666"
|-  
|-
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:80px"| [[File:Spr Y Jessie James.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:80px"| [[File:Spr Y Jessie James.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:80px"| [[File:Jessie OD.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:80px"| [[File:Jessie OD.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:80px"| [[File:James OD.png]]
|style="{{roundy|80px}} border: 2px solid #C00; background: #CCC; width:80px"| [[File:James OD.png]]
|- style="font-size: 80%;"
|- style="font-size: 80%"
| {{color2|000|Jessie}} and {{color2|000000|James}}'s sprite<br>from {{color2|000000|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}
| {{color2|000|Jessie}} and {{color2|000|James}}'s sprite<br>from {{color2|000|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}
| {{color2|000|Jessie}}'s overworld<br>sprite from {{color2|000|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}
| {{color2|000|Jessie}}'s overworld<br>sprite from {{color2|000|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}
| {{color2|000|James}}'s overworld<br>sprite from {{color2|000|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}
| {{color2|000|James}}'s overworld<br>sprite from {{color2|000|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}
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==In the manga==
==In the manga==
{{incomplete|section}}
{{incomplete|section}}
===In the Ash and Pikachu manga===
===In the Ash & Pikachu manga===
The Team Rocket trio is seen following {{Ash}} and company in the manga series [[Ash and Pikachu]], which is based on the {{pkmn|anime}}.
The Team Rocket trio is seen following {{Ash}} and company in the manga series [[Ash & Pikachu]], which is based on the {{pkmn|anime}}.


===In the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga===
===In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga===
The trio appears in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga series. [[Jessie]] and [[James]] are later shown [[RocketShipping|married]], with Jessie visibly pregnant.
The trio appears in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga series. [[Jessie]] and [[James]] are later shown [[RocketShipping|married]], with Jessie visibly pregnant.


==In the TCG==
==In the TCG==
Jessie and James appear on both versions of the card {{TCG ID|Team Rocket|Here Comes Team Rocket!|15}}, which originally released in the {{TCG|Team Rocket}} set; it was re-released with different artwork in {{TCG|EX Team Rocket Returns}}. In that expansion, there were also preconstructed {{TCG|Theme Deck}}s based on {{TCG|Jessie}} and {{TCG|James}}.<br/>
Jessie and James appear on both versions of the card {{TCG ID|Team Rocket|Here Comes Team Rocket!|15}}, which originally released in the {{TCG|Team Rocket}} set; it was re-released with different artwork in {{TCG|EX Team Rocket Returns}}. In that expansion, there were also reconstructed {{TCG|Theme Deck}}s based on {{TCG|Jessie}} and {{TCG|James}}.<br/>


<gallery>
<gallery>

Revision as of 04:04, 20 February 2017

Official art of Jessie, James, Meowth and Wobbuffet from the Sun & Moon series

The Team Rocket trio, sometimes abbreviated as TRio or JJM, is a trio of members of Team Rocket, consisting of Jessie, James, and Meowth.

In the anime

Character

The Team Rocket trio blasting off again

Since making their debut in the second episode of the anime, they appeared in almost every single episode until the Best Wishes series, in which they appeared less frequently. As such, they are the most prominent representation of Team Rocket as a whole in the anime. Prior to Rematch at the Nacrene Gym!, the very first episode was the only single regular episode (excluding the clip show AG120) in which Team Rocket trio was completely absent.

In most of their appearances, they attempt to capture Ash's Pikachu, or any other Pokémon to give to Team Rocket's boss, Giovanni. However, they usually get defeated and, are blasted off with their iconic catchphrase "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" (4Kids dub) or "We're blasting off again!" (TPCi dub) or being grabbed by a Bewear (anime) and running away with their catchphrase "What is this feelings?" in SM series. Typically, right after making a capture, they will recite their motto, although on some occasions they are unable to finish. This has been parodied by protagonists and even other Team Rocket members, such as Butch and Cassidy.

Since witnessing his power, the trio has been obsessed with capturing Ash's Pikachu, relentlessly pursuing Ash and his friends across the various regions of the Pokémon world to do so. Although they often succeed in capturing Pikachu, they never manage to hold on to him for long. They frequently develop or purchase various kinds of shockproof gadgets and machinery (mechas, rubber suits, etc.) to aid in his capture, but these gadgets are often circumvented by non-Electric attacks and abilities (which the trio constantly forget to account for) or simply backfire.

Team Rocket and Looker

Even though they usually only cause trouble for the main characters, they have sometimes helped them. When they have a common enemy they will often ally with Ash and his friends, as shown in The Power of One and later against Team Aqua and Team Magma. They also played a key part in the fight against Team Galactic, teaming up with Looker. They occasionally put their differences aside for personal reasons, only to later return to their thieving ways. One of the more common moments of truce is during Pokémon Contests, which Jessie had a fondness for participating in under aliases.

On several occasions, Jessie, James and Meowth have shown that they are not all evil and even have affection for Ash and his friends. The trio heroically sacrificed themselves to what they thought was certain death in The Power of One in order to allow Ash's escape on Lugia. They also saved him from a fall in the next movie, Spell of the Unown: Entei. Their justification was that in the case of the world being destroyed or Ash's death, they would be out of show business, but it is implied that this is just bluster to cover the fact that they are not bad people. In Charizard's Burning Ambition, Team Rocket kept Ash's Charizard awake as it lay in the lake, and then built a huge mecha and attacked the Charicific Valley for the sole purpose of allowing Charizard to defeat them and gain acceptance in the valley.

History

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Role in Kanto through Sinnoh, Kalos, and Alola
Team Rocket with all of their Pokémon in the original series (minus Wobbuffet)

The Team Rocket trio first appeared in Pokémon Emergency, in which they took over the Viridian Pokémon Center. After their first defeat at the hands of Ash's Pikachu convinced them of its extraordinary power, the trio made their main goal to capture Pikachu.

The trio's general incompetence usually makes them incapable of helping Team Rocket with their significant plans. In Dues and Don'ts, they discovered that their membership in Team Rocket had lapsed, although they were able to rejoin due to labor shortages, provided that they pay their debts. In The Thief That Keeps on Thieving!, Giovanni did not even remember who they were.

In Frozen on Their Tracks!, the Team Rocket trio befriended Looker after sharing boxed lunches with him, calling him "Boxed-Lunch Guy" or "Mr. Lunchbox". Later in the Diamond & Pearl series, after discovering that Looker was an International Police Officer, they assisted him in taking down Team Galactic.

The trio in their black uniforms

At his secretary's recommendation, Giovanni promoted them as part of his plans in the Unova region. After their promotion, they changed from their original white uniforms to black uniforms. In the Best Wishes series, they acted in a more serious manner, focusing more on completing specific assignments, often using gadgets such as jetpacks to retreat instead of blasting off.

In Battling For The Love of Bug-Types!, after Giovanni's secretary informed them that they wouldn't be needed for any more missions, they worried Giovanni had lost faith in them and returned to their white uniforms. They returned to planning their own schemes, although often in a more competent manner and with the assistance of Dr. Zager. They participated in Operation Tempest, Team Rocket's mission to capture Meloetta and harness the power of the kami trio.

Due to the failure of Operation Tempest, starting in New Places... Familiar Faces! they reverted to their traditional comedic personalities, using their original motto, and travelling in their Meowth balloon (with enhancements); however, their newfound competence was not completely lost, with the trio still occasionally retreating using jetpacks instead of blasting off.

After Meowth, Colress and Team Rivalry!, the trio decided to head for the White Ruins, where they would spy on Team Plasma's movements for a time while plotting to steal the Light Stone. However, when their friend Looker spotted them and asked for their help, the trio helped Ash and his friends defeat the rival organization. After helping defeat Team Plasma in Farewell, Unova! Setting Sail for New Adventures!, the trio returned completely to their previous role as comic relief, retaining only their upgraded technology and slight competence.

Artwork

Team Rocket trio OS.png Team Rocket Trio AG.png Team Rocket trio DP 2.png Team Rocket trio BW.png Team Rocket trio XY 2.png
Official artwork from the
original series
Official artwork from the
Advanced Generation series
Official artwork from the
Diamond & Pearl series
Official artwork from the
Best Wishes series
Official artwork from the
XY series
For more artwork, please see Jessie, James, Meowth images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

In the games

In Pokémon Yellow, Jessie and James appear and are involved in Team Rocket's four major schemes (Mt. Moon, Rocket Hideout, Pokémon Tower, and Silph Co.), and typically appear before the player battles Giovanni. They also replace the three Team Rocket members in the Pokémon Tower that hold Mr. Fuji hostage as well as two other Team Rocket Grunts: one close to the exit of Mt. Moon and the other one near the entrance to the President's room at Silph Co. Curiously, they are never referred to by their individual names and share their Trainer class with all other Team Rocket Grunts.

They first attack the player in Mt. Moon, while trying to take one of the rare Fossils uncovered there.

Later, in Celadon City's Rocket Game Corner, Jessie and James guard Giovanni's room in the Team Rocket base. During that time, as the player runs into them, they are eager for revenge after the main character busted up their plans at Mt. Moon.

They hold Mr. Fuji hostage at Pokémon Tower, attacking the player on the seventh floor.

Finally, at Silph Co. in Saffron City, Jessie and James make their final appearance, once again trying to stall the main character from reaching their Boss.

Unlike in the anime, Jessie and James do not follow the main character around and come up with their usual evil plans to capture Pikachu. In addition, Meowth cannot talk, and he resides in a Poké Ball instead of traveling around with Jessie and James.

In addition, they also receive their own encounter music, a track not heard in Red and Blue.

Pokémon

First battle



Second battle



Third battle



Fourth battle



Quotes

Mt. Moon
  • Before battle
"Stop right there!"
"That fossil is Team Rocket's! Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
  • Being defeated
"A brat beat us?"
  • After being defeated
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"
Rocket Hideout
  • Before battle
"Not another step, brat!"
"How dare you humiliate us at Mt. Moon! It's payback time, you brat!"
  • Being defeated
"Such a dreadful twerp!"
  • After being defeated
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
Pokémon Tower
  • Before battle
"Stop right there!"
"Grampa here wanted to complain, so we're setting him straight. So render yourself invisible, or prepare to fight!"
  • Being defeated
"You will regret this!"
  • After being defeated
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
Silph Co.
  • Before battle
"Hold it right there, brat!"
"Our Boss is in a meeting! You better not disturb him!"
  • Being defeated
"Like always..."
  • After being defeated
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light! Again..."

Sprites

Spr Y Jessie James.png Jessie OD.png James OD.png
Jessie and James's sprite
from Yellow
Jessie's overworld
sprite from Yellow
James's overworld
sprite from Yellow

In the manga

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.

In the Ash & Pikachu manga

The Team Rocket trio is seen following Ash and company in the manga series Ash & Pikachu, which is based on the anime.

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

The trio appears in The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga series. Jessie and James are later shown married, with Jessie visibly pregnant.

In the TCG

Jessie and James appear on both versions of the card Here Comes Team Rocket!, which originally released in the Team Rocket set; it was re-released with different artwork in EX Team Rocket Returns. In that expansion, there were also reconstructed Theme Decks based on Jessie and James.

See also



Members of Team Rocket
Bosses:

Giovanni (animeAdventuresPocket MonstersMasters)
Madame Boss (anime only) • Masked Man (Adventures only)

Executives:

Archer (Masters) • Ariana (Masters) • Petrel (Masters) • Proton (Masters)
Anime only: Iron-Masked Marauder
Adventures only: CarlShamWill (former) • Karen (former)
Golden Boys only: Grey

Trios:
 

Jessie (Masters), James (Masters), & Meowth (JJM)
Koga, Lt. Surge, & Sabrina (Triad) (Adventures only; former)
Ken, Al, & Harry (TRET) (Adventures only)
Carr, Sird (former), & Orm (T3B) (Adventures only)

Duos:

Anime only: Butch & Cassidy (former) • Attila & HunAnnie & Oakley (dub only)

Scientists

Gideon
Anime only: Dr. FujiDr. NambaSebastianDr. Zager
Adventures only: Blaine (former)

Others: 

GruntsRocket BrothersRBYFRLG/Rocket SistersPE
Anime only: DominoRocket ScoutWendyTysonJubeiViper
Christopher (former) • Matori (Matori Matrix) • PierceGozu
Radio drama only: MiyamotoMondo
How I Became a Pokémon Card only: Kaede


Project Anime logo.png This article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.