XY077: Difference between revisions

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nexttitle=A Frenzied Factory Fiasco! |
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title_ja_trans=The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, Onbat!! |
title_ja_trans=The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, Onbat!! |
broadcast_jp=June 18, 2015 |
broadcast_jp=June 18, 2015 |
broadcast_us=August 23, 2015{{tt|*|iTunes}}<br>August 29, 2015{{tt|*|Cartoon Network}}  |
broadcast_us=August 23, 2015{{tt|*|iTunes and Amazon}}<br>August 29, 2015{{tt|*|Cartoon Network}}  |
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art2=中矢利子 |
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* {{BMGf|174491|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|174491|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|182326|Original review thread on BMGf}}
* {{BMGf|182326|Original review thread on BMGf}}
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* {{BMGf|200928|Dub review thread on BMGf}}
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'''A Relay in the Sky!''' (Japanese: '''挑戦ポケモンスカイリレー!飛べ、オンバット!!''' ''The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, {{tt|Onbat|Noibat}}!!'') is the 77th episode of the {{series|XY}}, and the 876th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on June 18, 2015 as a one-hour special alongside [[SS033]] and is scheduled to air in the United States on August 29, 2015.
'''A Relay in the Sky!''' (Japanese: '''挑戦ポケモンスカイリレー!飛べ、オンバット!!''' ''The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, {{tt|Onbat|Noibat}}!!'') is the 77th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: XY]]'', and the 876th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on June 18, 2015 as a one-hour special alongside [[XY078]], in Canada on August 22, 2015, and in the United States on August 29, 2015.
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!-- http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/18_29-a-relay-in-the-sky/-->
<!-- https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/18/episode-29-a-relay-in-the-sky/-->
<i>Noibat has just joined Ash’s traveling party, and now it has a chance to spread its wings! Noibat, Fletchinder, and Hawlucha form a three-Pokémon team and enter the aerial race known as the Pokémon Sky Relay. Can the Flying-type trio soar to victory, or will Team Rocket clip their wings?</i>
<i>During aerial training with Noibat, our heroes spot three Pokémon flying overhead at impressive speed. It turns out they’re headed to the Pokémon Sky Relay, an aerial race in which three-member teams of flying Pokémon compete against each other. An elderly gentleman named Ornithol offers his Sky Relay expertise, and Ash just happens to have three flying Pokémon, so they agree to work together!
 
Fletchinder takes an early lead. Then, in the second leg, Hawlucha encounters an aggressive Pelipper that keeps trying to knock it out of the sky...which turns out to be a robot powered by Meowth! Team Rocket is disqualified just in time for Hawlucha to hand off to Noibat for the final stretch, where it almost pulls ahead at the finish line...but an opposing Starly wins by a beak. Our heroes are thrilled with Noibat’s performance, and Ornithol couldn’t be happier about finally competing in the Pokémon Sky Relay!</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
The episode begins with {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} taking a break on their way to [[Anistar City]]. {{AP|Hawlucha}} and {{AP|Fletchinder}} are still helping {{AP|Noibat}} learn how to fly, and Noibat is improving steadily. Despite strong gusts of wind in the area, Hawlucha shows Noibat how to glide safely on them, and Noibat is able to stay aloft for significantly longer than it used to. Unfortunately for the group, Noibat is so overcome at finally achieving some measure of flight that it uses {{m|Supersonic}}. Once Ash calms it down, a {{p|Starly}}, {{p|Staravia}}, and {{p|Staraptor}} fly overhead.
{{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} take a break while on their way to [[Anistar City]]. {{AP|Hawlucha}} and {{AP|Fletchinder}} are still helping {{AP|Noibat}} learn how to fly, and Noibat is improving steadily. Unfortunately for the group, Noibat is so overcome at finally achieving some measure of flight that he uses an ear-splitting {{m|Supersonic}} on everyone. Ash calms him down, urging Noibat to remain strong.  


Ash and his friends continue traveling, when they come across a large group of people with their {{type|Flying}} Pokémon. As they speculate on what the gathering could be, an elderly man with a {{p|Noctowl}} explains that it is a Pokémon Sky Relay. He introduces himself to them as [[Ornithal]] and explains that in a Pokémon Sky Relay, each competing Trainer uses three Pokémon that can fly to participate in a relay race. Suddenly, they all spot the same Starly, Staravia, and Staraptor from before, flying in a formation before returning to their Trainer, a boy named [[Orson]], who was the winner of the last relay as well. Ornithal then suggests that Ash enter the relay with Fletchinder, Hawlucha, and Noibat, and Ash promptly agrees. Meanwhile, {{TRT}} watches from nearby and decides to enter the race as well so they can keep a close eye on Noibat and snatch it as soon as it evolves into a {{p|Noivern}}.
The group suddenly spot a {{p|Starly}}, {{p|Staravia}}, and {{p|Staraptor}} fly overhead, leading them to a large group of people with their {{type|Flying}} Pokémon. As they speculate on what the gathering could be, an elderly man called [[Ornithol]] with his {{p|Noctowl}} explains that it is a [[Pokémon Sky Relay]]. Each competing {{pkmn|Trainer}} uses three Pokémon that can fly to participate in the relay race. Suddenly, they all spot the same Starly, Staravia, and Staraptor from before, flying in a formation before returning to their Trainer, a boy named [[Orson]], who was the winner of the last relay as well. Ornithol then suggests that Ash enter the relay with Fletchinder, Hawlucha, and Noibat, and Ash promptly agrees. Meanwhile, {{TRT}} watches from nearby and decides to enter the race as well so they can keep a close eye on Noibat and snatch it as soon as it evolves into a {{p|Noivern}}.


Ornithal takes Ash and his friends back to his house to explain how the Sky Relay will work. Each Pokémon will be at a different point in the relay, racing to be the first to bring their team's sash all the way around the course, over and through various obstacles along the way. Ash decides to have Fletchinder start, followed by Hawlucha, and giving the most important role to Noibat. When asked about his experiences with Sky Relays in the past, Ornithal admits that he has never actually participated in one, owing to his inability to catch three Flying-type Pokémon. As a result, he faithfully watches them anyway and supports Trainers in each relay.
Ornithol takes Ash and his friends back to his house to explain how the Sky Relay will work. Each Pokémon will be at a different point in the relay, racing to be the first to bring their team's sash all the way around the course, over and through various obstacles along the way. Ash decides to have Fletchinder start, followed by Hawlucha, and giving the most important role to Noibat. When asked about his experiences with Sky Relays in the past, Ornithol admits that he has never actually participated in one, owing to his inability to catch three Flying-type Pokémon. As a result, he faithfully watches them anyway and supports Trainers in each relay.


As the race begins, Fletchinder and all of the other starting contestants wait at the starting line, their Trainers readying the balloons in which they will follow their Pokémon. {{an|Clemont}} and {{an|Bonnie}} are waiting with Hawlucha at the beginning of the second portion to the race, and {{an|Serena}} is watching over Noibat at the start to the final stretch. As the race begins, Fletchinder takes an early lead, with several other competitors right behind it. During the race, Ash remembers advice Ornithal had given him about the course, and the Pokémon enter a large forest with obstacles to get around. Unexpected events in the forest allow an {{p|Altaria}} to take the lead, with Staravia in second and Fletchinder in third. Suddenly, however, [[Jessie's Pumpkaboo]] leaps out of the Altaria's soft wings, taking it by surprise and passing the sash on to a mechanical {{p|Pelipper}}, piloted by {{MTR}}. Not long after, Staravia and Fletchinder arrive, passing the race on to Staraptor and Hawlucha.
As the race begins, Fletchinder and all of the other starting contestants wait at the starting line, with their Trainers, including a [[List of Team Rocket's disguises|disguised Team Rocket]], ready and waiting in hot-air balloons to follow after their Pokémon. {{an|Clemont}} and {{an|Bonnie}} are waiting with Hawlucha at the beginning of the second portion of the race, and {{an|Serena}} is watching over Noibat at the start to the final stretch. As the race begins, Fletchinder takes an early lead, with several other competitors right behind it. During the race, Ash remembers some advice Ornithol had given him about the course, and the Pokémon enter a large forest with obstacles to get around. Unexpected events in the forest allow an {{p|Altaria}} to take the lead, with Staravia in second and Fletchinder in third. Suddenly, however, [[Jessie's Pumpkaboo]] leaps out of the Altaria's soft wings, taking it by surprise and passing the sash on to a mechanical {{p|Pelipper}}, piloted by {{MTR}}. Not long after, Staravia and Fletchinder arrive, passing the race on to Staraptor and Hawlucha.


Meowth activates a rocket in his mechanical Pelipper that allows it to crash through the rocky obstacles in the second part of the Sky Relay. Staraptor is unable to catch up to it, but Ash orders Hawlucha to use the rocks in order to increase its speed. Hawlucha quickly overtakes both Staraptor and the fake Pelipper. In response, Meowth begins ramming Hawlucha with the side of the machine. Fortunately, Hawlucha dodges and the machine breaks apart, leaving Team Rocket out of the race. Hawlucha then passes the sash on to Noibat, and Noibat leaves the starting point in a race with Orson's Starly. For the majority of the section, Noibat maintains a close lead over Starly. However, Noibat flies over a steep drop, from which a large gust of wind sends it out of control, allowing Starly to gain the advantage. Remembering all of the advice and support given to it by Ash, Hawlucha, Fletchinder, and everyone else, Noibat remembers how to use the wind to its advantage and hurtles towards the finish line, neck-and-neck with Starly. As the race ends, Starly just barely manages to finish first, giving Orson his second consecutive victory.
Meowth activates a rocket in his mechanical Pelipper that allows it to crash through the rocky obstacles in the second part of the Sky Relay. Staraptor is unable to catch up to it, but Ash orders Hawlucha to use the rocks in order to increase its speed. Hawlucha quickly overtakes both Staraptor and the fake Pelipper. In response, Meowth begins ramming Hawlucha with the side of the machine. Fortunately, Hawlucha dodges and the machine breaks apart, leaving Team Rocket out of the race. Hawlucha then passes the sash on to Noibat, and Noibat leaves the starting point in a race with Orson's Starly. For most of the third leg, Noibat maintains a close lead over Starly. However, Noibat flies over a steep drop, from which a large gust of wind sends him out of control, allowing Starly to gain the advantage. Remembering all of the advice and support that was given to him by Ash, Hawlucha, Fletchinder, and everyone else, Noibat remembers how to use the wind to his advantage and hurtles towards the finish line, neck-and-neck with Starly. As the race ends, Starly narrowly edges ahead and finishes first, giving Orson his second consecutive victory.


Although it initially feels bad about having lost the Pokémon Sky Relay, everyone assures Noibat of how proud and impressed they are by its determination and performance. After the awards ceremony, they all continue their journey to Anistar City, with Noibat finally having mastered the art of flying.
Although Noibat initially feels bad about having lost the Pokémon Sky Relay, everyone assures Noibat of how proud and impressed they are by his determination and performance. After the awards ceremony, they all continue their journey to Anistar City, with Noibat finally having mastered the art of flying.


==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 Badge, 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 Badge, go here. -->
* {{Ash}} competes in the [[Pokémon Sky Relay]] with his {{type|Flying}} Pokémon {{TP|Ash|Fletchinder}}, {{TP|Ash|Hawlucha}}, and {{TP|Ash|Noibat}}, and places second.
* {{Ash}} competes in the [[Pokémon Sky Relay]] with his {{type|Flying}} Pokémon {{AP|Fletchinder}}, {{AP|Hawlucha}}, and {{AP|Noibat}}; and gets second place.
* {{TP|Ash|Noibat}} learns how to fly.
* Noibat learns how to fly.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}
===Debuts===
===Debuts===
====Pokémon debuts====
====Pokémon debuts====
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* [[Jessie]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[James]]
* [[Ornithal]]
* [[Ornithol]]
* [[Orson]]
* [[Orson]]
* Announcer
* Announcer
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* {{p|Hawlucha}} ({{OP|Ash|Hawlucha}})
* {{p|Hawlucha}} ({{OP|Ash|Hawlucha}})
* {{p|Noibat}} ({{OP|Ash|Noibat}})
* {{p|Noibat}} ({{OP|Ash|Noibat}})
* {{p|Pumpkaboo}} ({{OP|Jessie|Pumpkaboo}})
* {{p|Pumpkaboo}} ({{OP|Jessie|Pumpkaboo}}; {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Pumpkaboo and Gourgeist|Super Size}})
* {{p|Inkay}} ({{OP|James|Inkay}})
* {{p|Inkay}} ({{OP|James|Inkay}})
* {{p|Starly}} ([[Orson]]'s)
* {{p|Starly}} ([[Orson]]'s)
* {{p|Staravia}} ([[Orson]]'s)
* {{p|Staravia}} ([[Orson]]'s)
* {{p|Staraptor}} ([[Orson]]'s)
* {{p|Staraptor}} ([[Orson]]'s)
* {{p|Noctowl}} ([[Ornithal]]'s)
* {{p|Noctowl}} ([[Ornithol]]'s)
* {{p|Shedinja}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Shedinja}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Ninjask}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Ninjask}} (Trainer's)
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* {{p|Skarmory}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Skarmory}} (Trainer's)


==Trivia==  
==Trivia==
[[File:Title Card XY Ash V2.png|200px|thumb|The title card segment focuses on Ash for this episode]]
[[File:XY Title Card Ash V2.png|200px|thumb|The title card segment focuses on Ash for this episode]]
* [[Professor Oak's lecture|Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster]]: {{p|Ursaring}}
* [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster]]: {{p|Ursaring}}
** There is no [[Professor Oak's lecture|Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster]] following this episode, due to it being aired back-to-back with [[SS033]].
** There is no [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster]] following this episode, due to it being aired back-to-back with ''[[XY078|Lights! Camera! Pika!]]''.
* The English dub of this episode was released on iTunes on August 23, six days before its air date. It was pulled from iTunes right after, although those who had already purchased and downloaded the episode could still view it.
* The English dub was released on [[iTunes]] and [[Prime Video]] on August 23, 2015, six days before the episode aired in the United States. The same occurred for all episodes in Volume 3 of [[S18|Pokémon the Series: XY Kalos Quest]] that aired after ''[[XYS03|Mega Evolution Special III]]'' (''[[XY076|A Not-So-Flying Start!]]'' through ''[[XY082|A Festival Trade! A Festival Farewell?]]'').
* The [[XY078|next episode]] preview is narrated by {{Ash}}, {{an|Clemont}}, and {{TRT}}.
** Unlike the other episodes affected, it was pulled from iTunes right after, although those who had already purchased and downloaded the episode could still view it. It was then re-released on iTunes on August 30, 2015, the day it was supposed to release.
* {{Ash}}'s {{AP|Fletchinder}}, {{AP|Hawlucha}}, and {{AP|Noibat}} remain outside of their [[Poké Ball]]s throughout this episode.
* {{Ash}}, {{an|Clemont}}, and {{TRT}} narrate the preview for the [[XY078|next episode]].
* ''[[V (Volt)]]'' is used as an insert song during the final moments of the Pokémon Sky Relay.
* [[Ash's Fletchinder]], {{AP|Hawlucha}}, and {{AP|Noibat}} remain outside of their {{i|Poké Ball}}s for the entire episode.
* [[V (Volt)]] is used as an insert song during the final moments of the [[Pokémon Sky Relay]].
* This episode marks the first appearance of a number of Pokémon species in the main series after long absences:
** {{p|Shedinja}}, who last appeared in ''[[AG143|The Saffron Con]]'', 459 episodes ago.
** {{P|Crobat}}, who last appeared in ''[[DP071|Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 1)]]'', 339 episodes ago.
** {{p|Vibrava}}, who last appeared in ''[[DP072|Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! (Part 2)]]'', 338 episodes ago.
** {{P|Masquerain}}, who last appeared in ''[[DP123|Old Rivals, New Tricks!]]'', 287 episodes ago.
** {{p|Ninjask}}, who last appeared in ''[[DP187|A Real Rival Rouser!]]'', 223 episodes ago.


===Errors===
===Errors===
* {{TRT}} blasts off once, however, two different twinkles for it were shown.
* Team Rocket blasts off once, but two different twinkles for it were shown.
 
===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
[[File:Title Card XY Ash.png|thumb|200px|The dub's title card with Serena's old design]]
* V (Volt) was replaced with an instrumental version of [[Be a Hero]].
* The title card segment in the dub features Serena's old design.
* ''[[V (Volt)]]'' has been replaced with an instrumental version of ''[[Be a Hero]]'' in the dub.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
<!--{{Epilang|color=F16A81|bordercolor=025DA6
{{Epilang|color=F16A81|bordercolor=025DA6
|}}-->
|zh_yue={{tt|挑戰小精靈空中接力賽!飛吧,嗡蝠!!|The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, Noibat!!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|挑戰神奇寶貝空中接力賽!飛吧嗡蝠!!|The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, Noibat!!}}
|da={{tt|Et stafetløb i luften!|A relay race in the air!}}
|nl={{tt|Een estafette in de lucht!|A Relay in the Sky!}}
|fi={{tt|Viestikisa taivaalla!|A relay in the sky!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Un relais dans le ciel !|A relay in the sky !}}
|de={{tt|Die Pokémon-Himmelsstaffel!|The Pokémon sky-race!}}
|it={{tt|Una staffetta ad alta quota!|A relay race at high altitude!}}
|ko={{tt|포켓몬 스카이릴레이에 도전! 날아라, 음뱃!!|The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, Noibat!!}}
|no={{tt|Et stafettløp i lufta!|A relay race in the air!}}
|pl={{tt|Sztafeta na niebie!|A relay in the sky!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Revezamento no Céu!|Relay in the Sky!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Estafetas no Ar!|Relay Race in the Air!}}
|es_eu={{tt|¡Carrera Aérea de Relevos!|Aerial Race of Relays!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Un relevo en el cielo!|A relay in the sky!}}
|th={{tt|ศึกโปเกมอนสกายรีเลย์! บินไปเลย ออนแบ๊ท!!|The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, Onbat!!}}
|ru={{tt|Эстафета в небе!|A relay in the sky!}}
|sv={{tt|Ett stafett-lopp i luften!|A relay race in the air!}}
|tr={{tt|Havada Bayrak Yarışı!|A relay in the sky!}}
|}}
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{stub|Anime|Episode}}
<!-- fill in the title links with dub titles only -->
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=XY076 |
prevcode=XY076 |
prevtitle=A Not-So-Flying Start! |
prevtitle=A Not-So-Flying Start! |
nextcode=XY078 |
nextcode=XY078 |
nexttitle=A Frenzied Factory Fiasco! |
nexttitle=Lights! Camera! Pika! |
series=XY series |
series=Pokémon the Series: XY |
colorscheme=Kalos}}
colorscheme=Kalos}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}


[[Category:XY series episodes|077]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:0876}}
 
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: XY episodes|077]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shinzō Fujita|876]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shinzō Fujita]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Takaomi Kanezaki|876]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Takaomi Kanasaki]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Ken'ichi Nishida|876]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Ken'ichi Nishida]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Atsushi Ogata|876]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Atsushi Ogata]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Riko Nakaya|876]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Mizuho Tajima|876]]
[[Category:Episodes which aired in Canada before the United States]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors|876]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash|876]]


[[de:Chōsen Pokémon Sky Relay! Tobe, Onbat!! (Episode)]]
[[de:Die Pokémon-Himmelsstaffel!]]
[[es:EP881]]
[[fr:XY077]]
[[fr:XY077]]
[[it:XY077]]
[[ja:XY編第77話]]
[[ja:XY編第77話]]
[[zh:XY077]]
[[zh:宝可梦 XY 第77集]]

Latest revision as of 00:31, 9 March 2024

XY076 : A Not-So-Flying Start!
Pokémon the Series: XY
XY078 : Lights! Camera! Pika!
A Relay in the Sky!
XY077.png
XY077   EP876
挑戦ポケモンスカイリレー!飛べ、オンバット!!
The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, Onbat!!
First broadcast
Japan June 18, 2015
United States August 23, 2015*
August 29, 2015*
English themes
Opening Be a Hero
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening ゲッタバンバン
Ending ガオガオ・オールスター
Credits
Animation Team Kato
Screenplay 藤田伸三 Shinzō Fujita
Storyboard 金崎貴臣 Takaomi Kanasaki
Assistant director 西田健一 Ken'ichi Nishida
Animation director 緒方厚 Atsushi Ogata
No additional credits are available at this time.

A Relay in the Sky! (Japanese: 挑戦ポケモンスカイリレー!飛べ、オンバット!! The Pokémon Sky Relay Challenge! Fly, Onbat!!) is the 77th episode of Pokémon the Series: XY, and the 876th episode of the Pokémon anime. It first aired in Japan on June 18, 2015 as a one-hour special alongside XY078, in Canada on August 22, 2015, and in the United States on August 29, 2015.

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

Blurb

During aerial training with Noibat, our heroes spot three Pokémon flying overhead at impressive speed. It turns out they’re headed to the Pokémon Sky Relay, an aerial race in which three-member teams of flying Pokémon compete against each other. An elderly gentleman named Ornithol offers his Sky Relay expertise, and Ash just happens to have three flying Pokémon, so they agree to work together!

Fletchinder takes an early lead. Then, in the second leg, Hawlucha encounters an aggressive Pelipper that keeps trying to knock it out of the sky...which turns out to be a robot powered by Meowth! Team Rocket is disqualified just in time for Hawlucha to hand off to Noibat for the final stretch, where it almost pulls ahead at the finish line...but an opposing Starly wins by a beak. Our heroes are thrilled with Noibat’s performance, and Ornithol couldn’t be happier about finally competing in the Pokémon Sky Relay!

Plot

Ash and his friends take a break while on their way to Anistar City. Hawlucha and Fletchinder are still helping Noibat learn how to fly, and Noibat is improving steadily. Unfortunately for the group, Noibat is so overcome at finally achieving some measure of flight that he uses an ear-splitting Supersonic on everyone. Ash calms him down, urging Noibat to remain strong.

The group suddenly spot a Starly, Staravia, and Staraptor fly overhead, leading them to a large group of people with their Flying-type Pokémon. As they speculate on what the gathering could be, an elderly man called Ornithol with his Noctowl explains that it is a Pokémon Sky Relay. Each competing Trainer uses three Pokémon that can fly to participate in the relay race. Suddenly, they all spot the same Starly, Staravia, and Staraptor from before, flying in a formation before returning to their Trainer, a boy named Orson, who was the winner of the last relay as well. Ornithol then suggests that Ash enter the relay with Fletchinder, Hawlucha, and Noibat, and Ash promptly agrees. Meanwhile, Team Rocket watches from nearby and decides to enter the race as well so they can keep a close eye on Noibat and snatch it as soon as it evolves into a Noivern.

Ornithol takes Ash and his friends back to his house to explain how the Sky Relay will work. Each Pokémon will be at a different point in the relay, racing to be the first to bring their team's sash all the way around the course, over and through various obstacles along the way. Ash decides to have Fletchinder start, followed by Hawlucha, and giving the most important role to Noibat. When asked about his experiences with Sky Relays in the past, Ornithol admits that he has never actually participated in one, owing to his inability to catch three Flying-type Pokémon. As a result, he faithfully watches them anyway and supports Trainers in each relay.

As the race begins, Fletchinder and all of the other starting contestants wait at the starting line, with their Trainers, including a disguised Team Rocket, ready and waiting in hot-air balloons to follow after their Pokémon. Clemont and Bonnie are waiting with Hawlucha at the beginning of the second portion of the race, and Serena is watching over Noibat at the start to the final stretch. As the race begins, Fletchinder takes an early lead, with several other competitors right behind it. During the race, Ash remembers some advice Ornithol had given him about the course, and the Pokémon enter a large forest with obstacles to get around. Unexpected events in the forest allow an Altaria to take the lead, with Staravia in second and Fletchinder in third. Suddenly, however, Jessie's Pumpkaboo leaps out of the Altaria's soft wings, taking it by surprise and passing the sash on to a mechanical Pelipper, piloted by Meowth. Not long after, Staravia and Fletchinder arrive, passing the race on to Staraptor and Hawlucha.

Meowth activates a rocket in his mechanical Pelipper that allows it to crash through the rocky obstacles in the second part of the Sky Relay. Staraptor is unable to catch up to it, but Ash orders Hawlucha to use the rocks in order to increase its speed. Hawlucha quickly overtakes both Staraptor and the fake Pelipper. In response, Meowth begins ramming Hawlucha with the side of the machine. Fortunately, Hawlucha dodges and the machine breaks apart, leaving Team Rocket out of the race. Hawlucha then passes the sash on to Noibat, and Noibat leaves the starting point in a race with Orson's Starly. For most of the third leg, Noibat maintains a close lead over Starly. However, Noibat flies over a steep drop, from which a large gust of wind sends him out of control, allowing Starly to gain the advantage. Remembering all of the advice and support that was given to him by Ash, Hawlucha, Fletchinder, and everyone else, Noibat remembers how to use the wind to his advantage and hurtles towards the finish line, neck-and-neck with Starly. As the race ends, Starly narrowly edges ahead and finishes first, giving Orson his second consecutive victory.

Although Noibat initially feels bad about having lost the Pokémon Sky Relay, everyone assures Noibat of how proud and impressed they are by his determination and performance. After the awards ceremony, they all continue their journey to Anistar City, with Noibat finally having mastered the art of flying.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon Quiz

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Noctowl (US and international)
Pokémon Quiz: Starly (Japan)

Trivia

The title card segment focuses on Ash for this episode

Errors

  • Team Rocket blasts off once, but two different twinkles for it were shown.

Dub edits

  • V (Volt) was replaced with an instrumental version of Be a Hero.

In other languages



XY076 : A Not-So-Flying Start!
Pokémon the Series: XY
XY078 : Lights! Camera! Pika!
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.