Bulbapedia - User contributions [en]

Talk:EP001

2020-05-01T02:53:17Z

MistStone: /* External links? */ new section

== Gary's starter. ==

I am pretty sure Gary's starter isn't revealed in the Samuari episode. Well, Ash just asks if he has bet Gary. And in the flashback Gary could have any of the three starters. So it isn't actually revealed. [[User:TheBlazikenMaster|TheBlazikenMaster]] 14:20, 19 August 2007 (UTC)
:All Samuari said was that he was defeated by the three trainers of Pallet Town, showing scenes of Bulbasaur/Charmander/Squirtle with their trainers not in sight. Ash and the fandom didn't know which one belonged to Gary until the Silver Conference. Dogasu bitches about a Gym Leader Gary defeated happening to know it in his [http://dogasu.bulbagarden.net/comparisons/jouto_2/ep271.html EP271 comparison]. --[[User:Fabu-Vinny|FabuVinny]] [[User talk:Fabu-Vinny|T]]-[[Special:Contributions/Fabu-Vinny|C]]-[[User:Fabu-Vinny/Sandbox|S]] 14:43, 19 August 2007 (UTC)
::Exactly my point. So it isn't revealed in the 4th episode. [[User:TheBlazikenMaster|TheBlazikenMaster]] 15:15, 19 August 2007 (UTC)

== Air Date of the First Episode ==

I thought that the first episode of the English dub of Pokémon was aired on 1998 September 7, like it says in the promotional sneak peek of Pokémon, not on 1998 September 8.--[[User:Hitmonlee|Hitmonlee]] 01:54, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

== trivia? ==

If trainers get their starter when they are 10, does that mean Gary and whoever got the charmander and bulbasaur share their birthdays with Ash? Worth a mention in the trivia sectiion, I think... [[User:Kanjo|Kanjo]] 13:47, 13 September 2008 (UTC)
:Nah, they likely all set a date on which they started. People get to drive when they're 16, but like hell you share a birthday with the entire Driver's Ed class. '''[[User:TTEchidna|''TTE'']][[User talk:TTEchidna|chidna]]''' 04:45, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

== Ho-Oh ==

Was it the first Gen II Pokémon seen, period? '''[[User:TTEchidna|''TTE'']][[User talk:TTEchidna|chidna]]''' 04:45, 10 October 2008 (UTC)
:yup--'''[[User:Mooites|Mooites]]''' [[User talk:Mooites|Talk to me, baby!]] 04:52, 10 October 2008 (UTC)

== New Tables ==

They look hideous. Especially those rounded edges. Not to mention it's also lots of useless edits which are gonna flood the Recent Changes page. Couldn't we just use the old tables? --[[User:Maxim|Maxim]] 10:46, 5 February 2009 (UTC)
:If you open the page in Safari or Internet Explorer, it doesn't have the roundedness. [[User:Chuck67322|Chuck67322]] 01:04, 8 August 2009 (UTC)

== Too much uneccessary content under trivia section? ==

The Trivia section looks to have too much information thats not really "trivia", and some seem to just be part of the plot.such as....
- ''...He latter throws the clock like a Pokéball in his sleep, breaking it and causing him to be late.
Waking up late, Ash misses his opportunity to get the standard starter Pokémon and is forced to settle for a "back up" which was Pikachu.''
-'' Ash tries and fails to capture a Pidgey, though he will later succeed in capturing its evolution.''
Possible this one too...
- ''It is unknown what happened to the Spearow in this episode. It is possible that they were all destroyed by the blast, otherwise all the injured Spearow would be seen lying around. On the other hand, a flock of Spearow does appear with the evolved Fearow, and may be the same ones.'' {{unsigned|DaTonyP}}
:You were right. Much of that trivia was unnecessary. I removed the unnecessary parts. --[[Tracey Sketchit|'''ケンジ''']][[User talk:Kenji-girl|'''の''']][[User:Kenji-girl|'''ガール''']] 08:08, 12 June 2009 (UTC)

== Is this trivia worthy? ==

When Ash see Ho-Oh, the Pokédex did not know what Ho-Oh was, when it identified Ho-Oh, saying its is unknown the pokédex was not looking at it, it was laying down not facing Ho-Oh. So how could it identify Ho-Oh.--[[User:Pokéboy93|Pokéboy93]] 22:55, 16 July 2009 (UTC)
:I don't believe that it is explained on how the pokedex identifies pokemon and until it is explained,there will always be a conflict with this trivia, so in my opinion, this is not trivia worthy unless my info is wrong.[[User:Vhayes1992|Vhayes1992]] 01:10, 18 July 2009 (UTC)

== Spoiler Tags ==
Hey, I had a question. Do we really need spoiler tag (the thing with the Unown) on the older episodes like this one? I mean, everyone on Bulbapedia knows what happens in this episode! Shouldn't we really use the spoiler tag for the DP episodes where they might be needed? --[[User:Gogglemaster01|Gogglemaster01]] 18:43, 18 October 2009 (UTC)
:I don't. I doubt every Pokémon fan that views this website does. And besides, why use them on one when they can be used on both?--'''[[Water (type)|Liquid]]''' [[Mask of Ice|'''ICE''']] (User:Cold)([[user:Cold|page]], [[User talk:Cold|talk]]) 18:50, 18 October 2009 (UTC)
:We should keep them tags on to provide consistency among all the articles. Also, there will be conflicts on when to remove the tags as well. [[User:Vhayes1992|Vhayes1992]] 18:57, 18 October 2009 (UTC)

== Should we add color errors? ==
I know this was only the first episode, but should we make note of the coloring errors, like the green Pokeball or the completely Red Pokeball when Ash dreams of using Charmander? [[User:Ugoz|Ugoz]] 00:00, 8 December 2009 (UTC)
:Nah. Like you said, it was the first episode, so they didn't really know what they'd be doing in the long term. '''[[Team Rocket|R.A.]] [[User:Rocket Admin Hunter Blade|Hunter]] [[User Talk:Rocket Admin Hunter Blade|Blade]]''' 13:45, 8 December 2009 (UTC)
:I don't believe it is a color error. If you watch Ep065 it shows the Safari balls as being Green like the one from the first episode. Its possible that that pokeball is meant to be a safari zone ball. This is gotten from how it shows all of Ash's captures and most of them are in green balls. As for the all red ball I don't remember seeing that. --[[User:Lycos Ex Mortis|Lycos Ex Mortis]] 23:32, 4 March 2010 (UTC)

== Pilot? ==

Isn't this kind of episode called a pilot? it is the first episode as far as i know, so that should make it the pilot episode
--[[User:Kargaroc586|Kargaroc586]] 05:52, 20 February 2010 (UTC)
:Nnnnnno, pilot episodes are made to garner interest and to test the waters to see if the show would be successful. They already had 75 episodes slotted at the time this episode aired, so it's simply the first episode. [[User:Umeko|梅子]][[User talk:Umeko|❄]][[Special:Contributions/Umeko|❅]] 06:21, 20 February 2010 (UTC)
::IIRC, 4Kids aired the S.S. Anne episode as a pilot. --[[User:Maxim|Maxim]] 08:05, 20 February 2010 (UTC)
:::^That. At least, that's what they did in Australia. —[[User:Oz|'''オ''']][[User talk:Oz|'''ッ''']][[Special:Contributions/Oz|'''ズ''']] @ 08:25, 20 February 2010 (UTC)

== Trainer ==
"The shadowed Trainer shown at the very beginning of the episode with the Nidorino and Onix is possibly Bruno."
Any reason for this??--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 00:46 09 July 2011
:Both have the same long hair, same muscular build, the same clothes and the same wrist cuffs. '''X'''[[User:Vuvuzela2010|'''Vuvuzela2010''']]'''X''' 00:47, 10 July 2011 (UTC)
But is a theory, and tem several characters in the anime uses similar looks--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 00:53 09 July 2011
:Can you name any? I am not aware of anyone in the anime with a similar look to Bruno. '''X'''[[User:Vuvuzela2010|'''Vuvuzela2010''']]'''X''' 01:45, 10 July 2011 (UTC)
Brock's family uses same hair style for example, moreover, until some time there was a rule that said that nothing can be put if not 100% sure. What happened to her?--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 16:53 10 July 2011
:It's not just hair style, but his clothing and body shape is identical. Have you even looked [http://archives.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/1/11/Bruno_EP001.png this picture] closer? It's obvious that it's him. And I think that the 100% rule caused too much practical problems.--'''[[User:Dennou Zenshi|電禅]][[User talk:Dennou Zenshi|Den Zen]]''' 17:03, 10 July 2011 (UTC)
::Yes, yes I saw. However I don't agree that the image be it. Bruno is a master of Pokemon fighters which has some Pokemon of the specific type it in the scene? By the way, cool that no one has come to a definitive conclusion and puts it on page and confirming that he was here. Soon they'll want to hunt the Indigo League champions by the anime characters of day and these also appeared only in silhouette.--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 21:27 10 July 2011
:::Bruno owns an Onix in the games. And besides, Games ==/== Anime. '''X'''[[User:Vuvuzela2010|'''Vuvuzela2010''']]'''X''' 21:33, 10 July 2011 (UTC)
::::Yes, the ONIX GIANT. In the anime, Lance still has Dragon types, Agatha still has ghosts and Lorelei uses Ice type Pokemon. And for the record in generation 1, there was no lack of fighter Pokemon as a had to the other types.
::::And as you're told, Games ==/== Anime , just because he has an Onix in games does not mean that he has several in the anime and even a Poison type.--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 21:45 10 July 2011
:::::I don't see what the number of Fighting-types in Gen I has to do with this. The fact that Games ==/== Anime is exactly why Bruno would be able to own a Nidorino. I don't see the point in arguing abou this, it's just too obvious. '''X'''[[User:Vuvuzela2010|'''Vuvuzela2010''']]'''X''' 22:57, 10 July 2011 (UTC)
::::::May I add that Agatha is said to own Ghost-types and she owns Arbok and Golbat (Golbat has been seen in the anime as well). Prima has a Slowbro in the anime and games, which isn't an Ice-type either. [[User:Littlmiget123|Littlmiget123]] 23:01, 10 July 2011 (UTC)
Ah, yes. A master-fighting type pokemon trainer does not show his expertise in his first "appearance". The Kenji-Girl made a personal page on characters with similar visuals in anime, I suggest taking a look.--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 01:31 11 July 2011
:What is the page called? Could you post a link please? Thanks in advance. '''X'''[[User:Vuvuzela2010|'''Vuvuzela2010''']]'''X''' 01:35, 11 July 2011 (UTC)
[[User:Kenji-girl/Anime character recycling|Here]]--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 01:45 11 July 2011
:Please notice how none of the characters are from Generation I. ^-^' Also, I highly doubt the anime would base a random person's appearance on a main characters, especially one of the Elite Four. [[Narissa|While one person evades that]], she has a good reason for it. Another reason, the Elite Four takes on challengers, and when they do, they're most likely highly public, hence why it was shown on TV. [[User:Littlmiget123|Littlmiget123]] 02:11, 11 July 2011 (UTC)
If Whitney can own a Nidorina, then Bruno can own a Nidorino, whose evolution is usually Fighting-type {{TCG|Nidoking|in TCG}}. Also, Kenji-girl has approved that we can say he's Bruno.--'''[[User:Dennou Zenshi|電禅]][[User talk:Dennou Zenshi|Den Zen]]''' 14:12, 13 July 2011 (UTC)
::Very curious that, when there was the case with the Pokemon Hunter J (who clearly died), said they could not be placed because there had been enough evidence (as if the anime would show her body in a morgue). Now a random scene with one that looks like Bruno is proof enough??

::It only remains now to speak to the other trainer is Agatha u_u ...--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 14:31 14 July 2011
:::J has enough gadgets to enable her to escape death. Self-petrification, ecsape pod, teleportation to name a few. '''X'''[[User:Vuvuzela2010|'''Vuvuzela2010''']]'''X''' 14:49, 13 July 2011 (UTC)
::::The other Trainer wasn't even shown. Why assume is was Agatha? ^-^' [[User:Littlmiget123|Littlmiget123]] 15:31, 13 July 2011 (UTC)
:::::Probably because the other Pokemon is a Gengar. But why would Agatha fight Bruno? Lorelei didn't fight other members of the Elite 4 in ''The Mandarin Island Mismatch''. It was obviously just a random challenger. '''X'''[[User:Vuvuzela2010|'''Vuvuzela2010''']]'''X''' 15:51, 13 July 2011 (UTC)
::::::...Still, in a world when there was only 150 Pokemon, many Trainers probably had Gengars. ^-^' [[User:Littlmiget123|Littlmiget123]] 17:48, 13 July 2011 (UTC)
I was being sarcastic about Gengar, Mr. Sheldon Cooper. The question of survival for J, well, her later appearances speak for themselves.

Now on the question of the mysterious trainer I really want to see see the opinion of Kenji-Girl, to me is not Bruno.--[[User:Hikaru Wazana|Hikaru Wazana]] 02:11 15 July 2011
:Sorry. I thought you were serious, lmao. ^-^; [[User:Littlmiget123|Littlmiget123]] 02:41, 14 July 2011 (UTC)
::To me, it's quite obvious it's Bruno. But of course [[Jimmy (Johto)|we have had future characters who]] [[Ethan (game)#Counterparts|looked exactly alike]]. Back then we assumed Ethan was Jimmy but it turned out he wasn't. So... Maybe it should be taken out if that could happen. --[[Tracey Sketchit|'''ケンジ''']][[User talk:Kenji-girl|'''の''']][[User:Kenji-girl|'''ガール''']] 04:25, 14 July 2011 (UTC)
:::I've never seen any evidence that those two were different characters, besides their names (which, if the dub can mess up numerous times (which they actually did with Ethan, calling him both Jimmy and Yoshi), the Japanese one can too). But remove it if you think its best. '''X'''[[User:Vuvuzela2010|'''Vuvuzela2010''']]'''X''' 04:41, 14 July 2011 (UTC)

== pikachu in his pokéball ==

As long as I know, Pikachu was inside his PokéBall in the first movie also, thus the trivia is wrong. Could this be fixed?
--[[User:Salamista|Salamista]] 19:12, 10 November 2011 (UTC)
:Nope, that was {{an|Mewtwo}}'s [[Poké Ball#Other variants|Clone Ball]].--'''[[User:Dennou Zenshi|電禅]][[User talk:Dennou Zenshi|Den Zen]]''' 19:17, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

== Can someone please explain why this trivia item keeps getting removed? ==

* Ash's Pokédex insults him in this episode; After a Rattata steals Ash's food, the Pokédex states that Rattata steal from stupid travelers, while seeming to put emphasis on the word "stupid".

So why has that perfectly valid trivia item been removed at least twice from this article? - ''unsigned comment from [[User:Missingno. Master|Missingno. Master]] ([[User talk:Missingno. Master|talk]] • [[Special:Contributions/Missingno._Master|contribs]])'' 18:49, 18 November 2011 (UTC)
:Because it isn't notable? So what if the Pokédex said that. This article is flooded with trivia anyway and we don't need to point out any more minor facts. This can be easily pointed out in the synopsis. --[[Tracey Sketchit|'''ケンジ''']][[User talk:Kenji-girl|'''の''']][[User:Kenji-girl|'''ガール''']] 20:54, 18 November 2011 (UTC)
::The PokéDex didn't insult him, he just happened to fit into its description on Rattata stealing from people unaware to their surroundings, or the mentally challenged (yeah, yeah, stupid), I don't think it should be there. [[User:Masatoshi|Masatoshi]][[User_talk:Masatoshi|''talk'']] 08:18, 24 November 2011 (UTC)

== Major Events ==

In the Major Events section, it says that Ash steals Misty's bike. Shouldn't say that Ash borrowed Misty's bike, since saying he stole it makes him sound like a criminal. ([[User:Charizard101|Charizard101]] 16:01, 25 February 2012 (UTC))

== Remastered version... ==

I don't suppose anyone knows if the remastered version (2012 version) of this was ever released on DVD, or broadcast outside of Japan???

Would be interesting to see it compared to the original episode from 1997.
: Interestingly, I found out that the remastered version was also the pre-Porygon version.

== Remastered version. ==

Has anyone got idea if it's (the Pokémon Smash with episode or just episode itself) up somewhere? I'd like to watch it, Google has only text stuff. [[User:Marked +-+-+|Marked +-+-+]] ([[User talk:Marked +-+-+|talk]]) 08:41, 25 July 2012 (UTC)

== Here is an idea! ==

I know this sounds a bit extreme, because a lot of changes for each episode would be made, but what do others think of labeling "(wild)" next to Pokémon in each character section. For example in this episode, there are wild Pidgey...
Example:
==Characters==
===Pokémon===
* {{p|Pidgey}} (wild)
I know it's not vital information, but it sure separates it from a Trainer's, if that were to ever occur. {{unsigned|BrendonVichi93}}
:The manga section does that, but I don't think it's necessary for the anime since it usually lists trainer's anyhow. Even anonymous trainers. So any Pokémon without anything beside it can usually be assumed to be wild. [[Typhlosion (Pokémon)|★]][[User:Jo The Marten|Jo the Marten]][[Flygon (Pokémon)|★]] [[User_Talk:Jo The Marten|ಠ_ಠ]][[Cilan (anime)|♥]] 05:03, 29 July 2012 (UTC)

== Other language names ==
uhh i want to add the serbian names for episodes... how do i do that?! {{unsigned|Tditdatdwt}}

==Porygon edits==
There are several edits made in the Japanese version of each episode up to 37 because of the aftermath of [[EP038]]. Should we write what each edit is for each episode? [[User:JacobTheDoduo|JacobtheDoduo]] ([[User talk:JacobTheDoduo|talk]]) 02:39, 12 February 2013 (UTC)

== Question ==
Can you tell me what was the last Pokemon episode to use the Ash throwing Pokeball sequence from the first episode? [[User:Wolfie14|Wolfie14]] ([[User talk:Wolfie14|talk]]) 02:29, 4 July 2015 (UTC)

== Debut air date ==

The September 8, 1998 (Tuesday) debut date we have doesn't seem to be backed up in sources.

A significant number of period sources state that it was going to debut on September 7 (Monday), and that it aired every weekday. While it's possible the debut was post-poned, I haven't found any evidence to support that.
*[[Appendix:A Sneak Peek at Pokémon|A Sneak Peek at Pokémon]] (a promotional video from before the anime aired)
*[http://web.archive.org/web/19990501123751/http://www.nintendo.com/corp/press/052798g.html Nintendo of America] (published May 22, 1998)
*[http://web.archive.org/web/19990501134333/http://www.nintendo.com/corp/press/052798k.html Nintendo of America] (published May 27, 1998)
*[http://www.fourhman.com/blog/images/earlypkmn-brand-big.jpg Brandweek - E3 '98] (published June 8, 1998)

Also worth noting that [http://www.pokemon20.com/en-us/timeline.html#1998 the 20th anniversary timeline] (which has a large number of errors) says it debuted on September 5 (Saturday), as does [http://www.gamebits.net/e3/e398/nintendo/ Gamebit's article on E3 1998: Nintendo] (although it gets the release date of Pokémon Red and Blue wrong, even comparing to other articles reporting on E3, so I don't know how reliable it is). --[[User:SnorlaxMonster|'''Snorlax''']][[User talk:SnorlaxMonster|'''Monster''']] 06:44, 14 January 2016 (UTC)
:According to our airdates, [[EP015]] aired that Monday as a special preview, so the anime debuted on the 7th but it's not the first episode that was aired. --[[User:Abcboy|Abcboy]] ([[User talk:Abcboy|talk]]) 11:13, 14 January 2016 (UTC)
::Ah, I hadn't considered that. I guess that would explain things then (although the Sept 5 date is probably wrong). --[[User:SnorlaxMonster|'''Snorlax''']][[User talk:SnorlaxMonster|'''Monster''']] 12:06, 14 January 2016 (UTC)

== Potentially Trivia ==

I just noticed in watching this episode again that Ash and Gary seem to imply that they do not know each other, I don't know if this would be relevant as trivia for this episode because it contradicts The Ties that Bind and the whole half Pokeball thing. Gary says "you must be Ash" and "at least you get the chance to meet me", although it does seem from their conversation as if Ash knows who Gary is. Maybe this is something that just got dubbed differently, if anyone knows let me know. I am not going to add this to trivia yet because someone probably knows more about it that I do, it is just something I noticed that might be worth mentioning....
{{unsigned|Sc190191}}

== Ho-oh ==

Was the Ho-oh that appeared was Shiny. I know that shiny pokemon did not existed in gen 1, but Ho-oh itself did not exist in gen 1. shouldn't we consider that [[User:Upratik 12|Pratik_12]] '' [[User talk:Upratik 12|Talk]]'' 09:01, 19 February 2016 (UTC)
:This gold-colored version of Ho-Oh was an early concept of Ho-Oh as a Pokémon, as it, like all other Generation II Pokémon at that time, had not been fully developed yet. We cannot assume it was meant to be Shiny because it never appeared in this coloration following this episode. '''''[[User:Pokemaster97|--Pokemaster]][[User talk:Pokemaster97|97]]''''' 18:31, 19 February 2016 (UTC)

== External links? ==

Why has it been deemed unnecessary that external links not be included in this article?
 
The Wikipedia article includes external links:
*{{wp|Pokémon, I Choose You!#External_links|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
The Pokemon movies on this site include external links:
*[[M01#External_links|M01]]
*[[M02#External_links|M02]]
I don't understand the bias.
 
--[[User:MistStone|MistStone]] ([[User talk:MistStone|talk]]) 02:53, 1 May 2020 (UTC)

EP001

2020-05-01T02:23:24Z

MistStone: /* External links */

{{search|first episode|other uses|I Choose You!}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=None |
prevtitle=None |
nextcode=EP002 |
nexttitle=Pokémon Emergency! |
series=original series |
colorscheme=Kanto}}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
epcode=EP001 |
colorscheme=Kanto|
title_en=Pokémon - I Choose You! |
title_ja=ポケモン！きみにきめた！ |
title_ja_trans=Pokémon! I Choose You! |
screen=yes |
broadcast_jp=April 1, 1997 |
broadcast_us=September 8, 1998 |
en_series=Indigo League |
en_op=[[Pokémon Theme]] |
ja_op=[[Aim to Be a Pokémon Master|めざせポケモンマスター]] |
ja_ed=[[One Hundred Fifty-One|ひゃくごじゅういち]] |
olmteam=Team Ota |
scenario=首藤剛志 |
storyboardn=1 |
storyboard1=湯山邦彦 |
directorn=1 |
director1=鈴木敏明 |
artn=2 |
art1=酒井啓史 |
art2=一石小百合 |
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=EP001-EP010 |
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|pm|001}}
*This is one of the few episodes storyboarded by executive producer Kunihiko Yuyama }}

'''Pokémon - I Choose You!''' (Japanese: '''ポケモン！きみにきめた！''' ''Pokémon! I Choose You!'') is the first episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. In the US, however, the first episode shown was ''[[EP015|Battle Aboard the St. Anne]]''. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 1, 1997 and in the United States on September 8, 1998.

A remastered version of the episode was shown on ''[[Pokémon Smash!]]'' on April 1, 2012 to celebrate the anime's fifteenth anniversary. Only the episode itself was remastered; the opening and ending sequences, as well as the [[eyecatch]], were not shown at all.

A second remastered version was first screened during ''Team Rocket's Emergency Meeting'' event held in Tokyo, on July 13, 2017. It was then aired on television on July 23, 2017 as the first episode of ''[[Pocket Monsters Anime Premier 10]]'', to celebrate the anime's twentieth anniversary. This version includes a remastered opening, ending and eyecatch sequences.

{{spoilers}}

==Blurb==

Meet Ash Ketchum, a 10-year-old boy full of imagination, confidence, and dreams that are almost too big for his village of Pallet Town—plus the desire to become a Pokémon Master!

Ash is finally old enough to receive his first Pokémon from Professor Oak, the town's Pokémon expert-but on the morning Ash is supposed to claim it, he oversleeps! By the time he arrives at Professor Oak's, the three Pokémon he wanted have already been chosen by the other Trainers-in-training, including his rival, Gary! The only Pokémon remaining is a strong-willed Pikachu.

Trainer and Pokémon don't get along right away. Not only does Pikachu refuse to enter its Poké Ball, it would rather climb a tree than battle a Pidgey that Ash encounters! Disagreements aside, they start to bond when they find themselves chased by an angry flock of Spearow. The Spearow wound Pikachu, but Ash risks his own safety to protect his Pokémon.

To further their escape, Ash "borrows" a bike owned by a young girl named Misty. He soon wrecks the bike; however, he and Pikachu are surrounded by the Spearow. When Ash fearlessly confronts the Spearow, Pikachu is inspired to summon its remaining energy to repel the Pokémon with a powerful electric shock.

Finally out of harm's way, the wild experience makes Ash and Pikachu realize that they've begun what promises to be a blooming friendship.

==Plot==
In a massive stadium, two creatures known as {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} are having a {{pkmn|battle}}, directed by their {{pkmn|Trainer}}s to give it their all. One of the Pokémon, a {{p|Gengar}}, dodges a {{m|Horn Attack}} from its opponent, a {{p|Nidorino}}, and uses its {{m|Hypnosis}} [[move|attack]] on it, causing it to fall {{status|sleep|asleep}}. Nidorino's Trainer [[recall]]s it and sends out another Pokémon known as {{p|Onix}} to battle. The massive [[Pokémon category|Rock Snake Pokémon]] emerges from its [[Poké Ball]] and prepares to take on Gengar, at which point it is revealed that the battle is being displayed on [[television]]. Its viewer is a boy named [[Ash Ketchum]] who lives in a small settlement called [[Pallet Town]] and is ten years old, which allows him to pick a [[starter Pokémon]] and become a Pokémon Trainer. Ash declares to himself and the Pokémon of the world that he will become a [[Pokémon Master]]. His speech, however, is interrupted by [[Delia Ketchum|his mom]] who tells him to get to bed as he has a big day tomorrow. Ash protests that he's too excited to sleep, so his mom tells him that if he won't sleep then to at least get ready for the next day as she switches on a program hosted by the town's Pokémon expert, {{an|Professor Oak}}. Ash watches as Oak explains that new Trainers get to pick one of three Pokémon to start their journey; the {{type|Grass}} {{p|Bulbasaur}}, the {{type|Fire}} {{p|Charmander}}, or the {{type|Water}} {{p|Squirtle}}.

As Ash sleeps, he goes over the choices in his head reasoning that any of the three available Pokémon are good for starting Trainers. However, his {{p|Voltorb}} alarm clock rolls into his hand as he sleeps and, dreaming that he's throwing a Poké Ball, he chucks it at the wall, smashing it. When Ash finally wakes up, he sees the sun high in the sky and realizes that he overslept. Ash runs to [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] in such a hurry that he doesn't change out of his pajamas, and at this point doesn't care which starter he gets as long as he gets any. He arrives at the lab just in time to see one of his new fellow Trainers (and Professor Oak's grandson), {{Gary}}, leaving. Unfortunately for Ash, Gary is very overconfident and brags that he was on time and already has [[Gary's Squirtle|his first Pokémon]], although he refuses to reveal which one he received. Gary's large crowd, which includes [[Gary's cheerleaders|a group of cheerleaders]], cheers for him, and Gary promises that he'll become a Pokémon Master and put Pallet Town on the map before leaving. As the crowd follows, Ash is left by himself, but not for long as Professor Oak approaches. Ash apologizes for being late and hardly being dressed for the occasion, but tells Professor Oak that he's ready to pick his first Pokémon.

Taken into the lab, Ash sees three {{i|Poké Ball}}s sitting on a pedestal and states that after thinking about it he's decided to choose Squirtle as his starter, however the Poké Ball is empty. Oak explains that Squirtle has already been claimed by a Trainer that was on time. Ash doesn't mind as he decides to instead go with Bulbasaur, whom has also been taken already. Ash is still happy to go with Charmander but, alas, that Pokémon is gone too with someone who wasn't late. Ash asks if this means that there are no Pokémon left for him, and Oak tells him this isn't exactly true as he does have another Pokémon but it is very unusual. At this point, Ash is willing to settle for anything and tells Oak that he'll take whatever it is. A fourth Poké Ball emerges onto the pedestal and Ash picks it up, upon which point it opens and from it emerges a small yellow mouse-like Pokémon. Oak explains that the Pokémon is named {{AP|Pikachu}}, and Ash is very impressed by its cuteness, deciding that Pikachu is better than any of the other starters. He picks up Pikachu and hugs it, but Pikachu doesn't like being hugged and gives Ash a massive electric shock as Oak explains that Pikachu is an {{t|Electric}} type, and has a shocking personality to match. Oak gives Ash some Poké Balls and a [[Pokédex]], at which point Pikachu shocks them both.

Heading outside, Ash finds his mom and a small group of supporters outside ready to wish him luck as he heads out on his Pokémon journey. Ash's mom gets weepy at the thought of her son finally leaving to start his life as a Trainer, before then starting to list the numerous supplies that she has packed for him before he goes. She then notices Pikachu and asks why he isn't inside his Poké Ball like other Pokémon. Ash realizes that she's right and tells Pikachu to go inside, but Pikachu refuses, repeatedly swatting the ball away. Ash's mom simply assumes that the two are playing catch, but admits that she finds Pikachu "weird". Pikachu doesn't take kindly to this comment and shocks everyone in the area, except Professor Oak, who remarks that the rubber gloves that were packed will come in handy since rubber doesn't conduct electricity.

Ash and Pikachu begin their long journey, walking {{rt|1|Kanto|beyond the outskirts of Pallet Town}}. Or rather, Ash, wearing the rubber gloves, is walking while Pikachu, who is tied to a clothesline like a leash, has to be dragged along behind him. Ash tries talking to Pikachu, but all he learns is that the Pokémon can only say its name and doesn't like him at all. Trying to persuade Pikachu to go inside his Poké Ball, Ash consults his Pokédex but it confirms that while many Pokémon travel in Poké Balls some don't like being confined. Deciding to make life easier for Pikachu, Ash removes the leash and rubber gloves but Pikachu still isn't impressed. Just then the two hear footsteps behind them and find that they are close to a {{p|Pidgey}}. Ash looks up Pidgey in the Pokédex and finds that the small bird is a {{type|Flying}} Pokémon which is gentle, easy to {{pkmn2|caught|catch}}, and a good choice for a beginning Trainer. Ash is happy at the chance to test Pikachu's skills and tries to send him to battle, but Pikachu refuses and instead decides to climb a tree and watch. Ash, angry at Pikachu's continuing disobedience, decides to do it himself and throws a Poké Ball at Pidgey. The ball connects and Pidgey is drawn inside, leading Ash to think that he's captured it. However, the Poké Ball shakes for a few seconds before Pidgey escapes, and the Pokédex explains that when catching a Pokémon you normally have your own Pokémon battle to weaken the target first. Pikachu finds Ash's ineptitude hilarious while Ash gets more worked up, determined to show Pikachu what he can do. He decides to try sneaking up on Pidgey with his pajama shirt, but when he covers it the Pokémon unleashes its {{m|Gust}} and {{m|Sand Attack}} in response. Ash is sent crashing to the ground and Pidgey flies away. As Ash bemoans his bad luck, he then notices another Pokémon rifling through his bag. He chases it away as the Pokédex identifies it as {{p|Rattata}}, a {{t|Normal}} type that lives in the forest. When Ash states that they're not in a forest, the Pokédex goes on to explain that occasionally Rattata will emerge to steal food from ''stupid'' travelers.

As Pikachu laughs further, Ash notices some more Pidgey nearby and throws a stone at them in frustration. Just then he spots what he thinks is a lone Pidgey nearby and is determined to finally catch one. He throws another stone and it makes a direct hit, but it turns out not to be a Pidgey, but instead a much angrier-looking bird Pokémon. Ash scans it with his Pokédex and it identifies the bird as {{p|Spearow}} which, unlike Pidgey, has a bad attitude and a violent temperament, being known for attacking people and Pokémon without warning. Ash then sees Spearow flying directly at him, but Spearow spots Pikachu in a tree as it passes and decides to attack him instead. The Pokédex explains that wild Pokémon are sometimes jealous of those with Trainers. As Ash tries to get Spearow to focus on him again instead, Spearow nearly knocks Pikachu out of the tree, at which point the Electric Mouse unleashes electricity at his attacker which sends Spearow falling to the ground.

Spearow is down, but not out, and it lets out a loud cry. In the distance, Ash and Pikachu spot a large flock of Spearow emerging from a tree and heading straight towards them. The two decide to make a run for it, and quickly try to get away as the furious flock give chase. Ash promises to protect Pikachu, but Pikachu runs on ahead of Ash, making himself an easy target for Spearow who don't hesitate to attack him en masse. By the time Ash catches up, Pikachu is very weak and can no longer run, so Ash picks him up and carries him away. The two come to a fast flowing river and Ash, needing to get away from the angry Spearow quickly, jumps in and allows himself and Pikachu to be swept away, during which he very nearly becomes lunch for a {{p|Gyarados}}.

Further down the river, where there's no current, {{an|Misty|a young girl}} is leisurely [[fishing]] when the lure starts to react. The girl quickly grabs her rod to reel in what she thinks will be a big one, but instead yanks out Ash and Pikachu. She is disappointed, but then notices Pikachu and angrily tells Ash that he should never let his Pokémon get into such a bad condition. She tells him that Pikachu needs to get treatment right away, explaining that there is a [[Pokémon Center]] (a medical center that specializes in healing Pokémon) nearby. As she points out the direction that Ash needs to go, he notices the flock of Spearow has caught up to them. Ash decides to make a getaway on the girl's [[Bicycle|bike]], putting Pikachu in the basket, despite her protests, promising that he'll eventually give it back, much to her anger.

As Ash rides for dear life, a thunderstorm starts. With rain falling and the Spearow flock still on his tail, Ash rides as fast as he can. However, the Spearow catch up and start to attack him, and this coupled with the dangerous conditions eventually cause Ash to fly off a small bank, crashing to the ground. Lying in the mud, Ash spots Pikachu nearby weaker than ever. Upset that his first day as a Pokémon Trainer has turned into such a disaster, Ash tells Pikachu to get inside his Poké Ball as it seems to be the only way that he can be safe from the approaching Spearow. Deciding that he's done running, Ash stands before the Spearow and announces that he refuses to be beaten by the likes of them if he's going to be a Pokémon Master, vowing to defeat them all. Pikachu sees that Ash is willing to sacrifice himself to save him and, just before the Spearow flock can hit, jumps onto his shoulder and then into the air. Pikachu is struck by lightning, causing him to let out a massive {{m|Thunder Shock}} which throws Ash back onto the ground.

Soon, the rain has cleared and the sun is shining. Ash and Pikachu are lying unconscious near the smouldering remains of the bike they stole. The two wake up and find the Spearow flock has gone. They weakly note that despite everything, they managed to defeat their attackers together and finally a friendship is formed. Just then, {{an|Ho-Oh|a shimmering golden Pokémon}} flies overhead towards a rainbow. Ash wonders what it was, and the Pokédex can't identify it, but explains that there are many Pokémon species yet to be discovered. After watching the Pokémon disappear into the distance, Ash picks up Pikachu and keeps on walking as the narrator explains that Ash and Pikachu have many more adventures together to come. Reaching a bank, Ash spots [[Viridian City]] in the distance and heads toward it, having taken the first of many steps on his Pokémon journey.

==Major events==

[[File:Ash Pikachu debut.png|thumb|220px|Ash meeting Pikachu for the first time]]
* {{Ash}} and {{Gary}} begin their [[Pokémon journey]]s.
* Ash starts his journey with a [[obedience|disobedient]] {{AP|Pikachu}}, a [[Pokédex]], and six {{i|Poké Ball}}s.
* Ash tries and fails to {{pkmn2|caught|catch}} a {{p|Pidgey}}.
* Ash meets {{an|Misty}} for the first time.
* Ash steals Misty's [[bicycle|bike]], which is destroyed when Pikachu defeats a flock of angry {{p|Spearow}}.
* Ash and Pikachu become friends.
* Ash sees {{an|Ho-Oh|a mysterious Pokémon}}.
* Ash reaches [[Viridian City]].
{{animeevents}}

===Debuts===
====Humans====
* [[Ash Ketchum]]
* {{an|Misty}}
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* [[Gary Oak]]
* [[Delia Ketchum]]
* [[Gary's cheerleaders]]

====Pokémon debuts====
* {{p|Nidorino}}
* {{p|Gengar}}
* {{p|Onix}}
* {{p|Bulbasaur}} (dream)
* {{p|Squirtle}} (dream)
* {{p|Dodrio}}
* {{p|Charmander}} (dream)
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pidgey}}
* {{p|Rattata}}
* {{p|Spearow}} ({{DL|Ash's Fearow|In the anime|anime}})
* {{p|Sandshrew}}
* {{p|Mankey}}
* {{p|Magikarp}}
* {{p|Gyarados}}
* {{p|Ho-Oh}} ({{an|Ho-Oh|anime}})

==Characters==
===Humans===
[[File:Dare da EP001.png|200px|thumb|{{tt|Dare da?|Who's That Pokémon?}}]]
* [[Ash Ketchum]]
* {{an|Misty}}
* [[Gary Oak]]
* [[Delia Ketchum]]
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* [[Gary's cheerleaders]]
* [[Pallet Town]] residents
* [[Pokémon League]] onlookers

===Pokémon===
[[File:WTP EP001.png|200px|thumb|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Pikachu}}
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}}; new; debut)
* {{p|Nidorino}} (Trainer's; debut)
* {{p|Onix}} (Trainer's; debut)
* {{p|Gengar}} (Trainer's; debut)
* {{p|Spearow}} ({{DL|Ash's Fearow|In the anime|anime}}; multiple; debut)
* {{p|Ho-Oh}} ({{an|Ho-Oh|anime}}; debut)
* {{p|Bulbasaur}} (Ash's dream; debut)
* {{p|Charmander}} (Ash's dream; debut)
* {{p|Squirtle}} (Ash's dream; debut)
* {{p|Pidgey}} (debut)
* {{p|Rattata}} (debut)
* {{p|Sandshrew}} (debut)
* {{p|Mankey}} (debut)
* {{p|Dodrio}} (debut)
* {{p|Magikarp}} (debut)
* {{p|Gyarados}} (debut)

==Trivia==
[[File:NidovsGengarAnimeRed.png|thumb|200px|The beginning of the anime (left) and the opening of {{game|Red and Green|s}} (right)]]
[[File:Stadium anime art.png|thumb|200px|An early frame]]
[[File:Bruno EP001.png|thumb|200px|The shadowed Trainer that resembles [[Bruno]]]]
[[File:Green Poké Ball anime.png|thumb|200px|The green Poké Ball from the first scene]]
[[File:Ho-Oh Debut.png|thumb|200px|{{an|Ho-Oh}} in its debut]]
* This episode was chosen by [[Kunihiko Yuyama]] as the first episode of ''[[Pocket Monsters Anime Premier 10]]''.
* The beginning of the episode features sound effects from the original [[Game Boy]] games, drawing from the opening animation from {{game|Red and Green|s}} (with a {{p|Gengar}} battling a {{p|Nidorino}}) before transitioning seamlessly into the {{pkmn|battle}} that {{Ash}} himself is watching on [[Television|TV]].
** A similar sequence and transition occurs in the beginning of the [[PO01|first episode]] of the ''[[Pokémon Origins]]'' miniseries, in which {{OBP|Red|Origins}} watches a televised battle between Gengar and Nidorino.
** When it shows the stadium, it appears as a card.
* An early, unused frame of the stadium battle scene exists.
* The shadowed {{pkmn|Trainer}} who sends out Nidorino and {{p|Onix}} to battle greatly resembles [[Bruno]] of the [[Indigo League]] [[Elite Four]].
* {{Ash}}'s introductory shot is repeated in [[BW001|the first episode]] of the {{series|Best Wishes}} as a throwback to this episode.
* Ash has a {{p|Voltorb}} clock with a cuckoo {{p|Pidgey}} in it. Furthermore, he ends up breaking it in his sleep, unknowingly using it as a [[Poké Ball]] shortly after 4 AM.
* The order in which Ash opens the [[starter Pokémon]]'s Poké Balls, only to find them empty, indicates his preferred choices: {{p|Squirtle}} first, {{p|Bulbasaur}} second, and {{p|Charmander}} last.
** Coincidentally, this is the same order the {{SSB|Pokémon Trainer}} from Super Smash Bros. Brawl obtains their respective evolved forms in the Subspace Emissary.
* Despite this episode centering around receiving a starter Pokémon, neither Bulbasaur, Charmander, nor Squirtle actually appeared in the flesh until ''[[EP010|Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village]]'', ''[[EP011|Charmander – The Stray Pokémon]]'', and ''[[EP012|Here Comes the Squirtle Squad]]'', respectively. This is unlike the following generations, when at least one of the starter Pokémon appeared in the first episode of each generation.
* This is the only episode where [[Ash's Pikachu]] is seen inside his {{i|Poké Ball}}.
* This episode reveals that {{p|Spearow}} see in black and white.
* This is one of the few episodes in which [[Rachael Lillis]] provides the voice of Pikachu in a few scenes of the dub. This happened when another Japanese voice actor spoke over [[Ikue Ohtani]]'s Pikachu voice and the audio could not be used.
* The legendary bird Ash saw at the end of the episode was {{an|Ho-Oh}}. This makes {{p|Ho-Oh}} the first [[Generation II]] Pokémon seen in the series, and in the first episode of the entire series.
* Only two pieces of background music were kept in the dub: the opening music of Red and Green in the beginning, and ''Tears, After the Cloudy Weather'' in the scene where Ash is defending Pikachu from the Spearow.
* The book ''{{book|I Choose You!}}'' is based on this episode.
* This episode can be found on volume 3 of [[Game Boy Advance Video]].
* This episode is featured on ''Volume 1: Pikachu'' from [[Viz Media]]'s {{OBP|Pokémon All-Stars|Region 1}} series.
* This episode is featured on ''Pokémon All-Stars: Pikachu'' from {{wp|Magna Pacific}}'s {{OBP|Pokémon All-Stars|Region 4}} series.
* Coincidentally, Ash would later attempt to use a Pidgey and {{p|Rattata}} in the following episode against {{TRT}} after failing to capture both Pokémon in this episode.
* This is the only episode of the original series in which the [[Team Rocket trio]] does not appear. The next time would not occur in the regular episodes until ''[[BW016|Rematch at the Nacrene Gym!]]'', 672 episodes later. They also did not appear in a clip show episode, [[AG120]], which was never aired outside of Japan.
* This episode has the most [[List of Pokémon by anime debut|Pokémon debuts]] in the entire {{pkmn|anime}}, with 16.
* Parts of this episode are remade in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' and [[SS001]].

===Errors===
* As {{Delia}} catches the alarm clock Ash threw, her ponytail curls to her left shoulder. When it is seen from behind in the next shot, it is curled to her right shoulder.
* When {{an|Professor Oak}} appears on television to discuss the starter Pokémon, the background colors behind Charmander and Squirtle are reversed (blue behind Charmander and red behind Squirtle). Bulbasaur's background color, green, is correctly shown.
** In this same scene, the starters look significantly different between the shot of the whole television and the close-up of the screen. Charmander, for instance, has a much larger tail flame and more open mouth in the close-up.
* When Ash throws the Poké Balls containing Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle in his dream, both sides of the Poké Balls are red. This was fixed in the scenes of the Poké Balls releasing the Pokémon.
* When Ash passes Gary's cheerleaders and a crowd, a man has no eyes.
* As Ash runs to Professor Oak to collect his first Pokémon, the top button on his pajamas changes from green to yellow.
* {{Gary}} addresses Ash as if he has never met him before, despite the fact that they were childhood friends.
* After Gary tells Ash that {{TP|Gary|his Pokémon|Blastoise}} is inside its Poké Ball, the order of [[Gary's cheerleaders]] reversed.
* If all three starters had already been taken, then the Poké Balls containing them should be with their Trainers, as Gary's is, and not with Professor Oak.
** Also, the Japanese writing on the Poké Balls disappear after Ash picks them up.
* After Ash opens Charmander's Poké Ball in Oak's lab, part of Oak's coat unnaturally changes position as he speaks.
* When Professor Oak hands Ash Pikachu's Poké Ball, the bottom portion of the black ring surrounding the white center of the Poké Ball turns white.
* As Pikachu's Poké Ball opens with a strobe-like flash of light, the background behind Ash differs greatly between the two frames. The buttons and features of the large machine change position and size. Also, the table and beaker in front of it change position and shape, respectively.
* The sneakers that Delia hands Ash are the same ones he is already wearing.
* When Ash tries to make Pikachu go to his Poké Ball, the lightning bolt on it disappears.
** The same thing occurred again when Ash tries to protect Pikachu from the Spearow.
* When Ash opens his [[Pokédex]] for the first time, the directional buttons are not present.
* In the Japanese version, the Pokédex misidentifies Pidgey as the ''Sky Pokémon'' instead of the ''Tiny Bird Pokémon''.
* When Pikachu is up in the tree, and in the last shot before the title card, Ash's coat loses its yellow stripes, but they return later on.
* In the slap scene cut from the English version, the hole on Ash's hat matches his skin color despite being above his hairline.
* When Ash sees the Spearow flock again after {{an|Misty}} tells him where the nearest [[Pokémon Center]] is, his shoes are not colored, making it look like he only has white socks on. Then, when he puts Pikachu on Misty's [[Bicycle|bike]], his shoes are colored normally.
* When Ash places Pikachu's Poké Ball on the ground, his thumb passes right through it when he stands up to face the flock of Spearow.
* When Ash stands up to the Spearow to protect Pikachu, he incorrectly refers to them "Spearows." The plural of a specific species of Pokémon is the same as the singular.
* As Ash looks at Ho-Oh at the end of the episode, [[Ash's hat|his hat]] points backward as it had since he jumped into the river. As he walks uphill in the next scene, it points forward. When he gets to the top and looks at Viridian City, it points backward again. Lastly, as we see him from behind as he walks toward Viridian, his hat points forward again.
* Throughout this episode and [[EP002|the next]], Professor Oak's hair changes.

<gallery>
EP001_error_1.png|The man with no eyes
</gallery>

===Changes===
====Dub edits====
[[File:Misty Slap.png|thumb|200px|The cut shot]]
* [[Kanto Pokérap]]: Day 1 (Poliwrath error)
* Onix's {{m|Tackle}} was not referred to by its name in the [[dub]], whereas in the Japanese version, the announcer clearly identifies the attack.
* During the shot of the whole television and Ash moving his head into view, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle have their Japanese names written below their pictures. The names are gone during and after the close-up, however.
* When the people outside of Professor Oak's lab cheer for Ash, the flag says "{{tt|ガンバレサトシ|Go for it, Satoshi}}" on the Japanese version. The dub edits this to "GO ASH GO".
* The Poké Balls in Professor Oak's lab are labeled in Japanese when they first appear, but are painted over when Ash picks up one up. These labels are also partially visible when Pikachu's Poké Ball is revealed.
* In the Japanese version, after being shocked by Pikachu, {{Delia}} tells Ash to change into his pajamas before going to sleep, even if it's the dirty pajamas he was wearing at the moment. The dub changed this to her telling Ash to remember to change his underwear every single day.
* The Japanese version of the scene with Ash talking with Pikachu on {{rt|1|Kanto}} contains an untranslatable pun. When Ash asks Pikachu to talk ({{tt|話|hanashi}}) to him, Pikachu misunderstands this as him saying it has "no teeth" ({{tt|歯なし|ha nashi}}), thus opening its mouth to show Ash that it indeed does have teeth. In the dub, Ash asks Pikachu to open its mouth and tell him what's wrong, to which Pikachu responds to by literally opening its mouth wide open.
* In the Japanese version, after Ash thanks Misty, she slaps him. This was cut from the dub (the screen freezes just as Ash answers Misty) due to physical violence. In the next scene, Ash can clearly be seen rubbing his aching face and Misty has her hand in the air.
* In the Japanese version, Misty tells Ash there is a hospital in [[Viridian City]]; in the dub, she just says that it is nearby.
* The English-dubbed version of this episode was released in Japan as part of the ''{{DL|Pokémon de English|Pokémon de English! Aisatsu Hen}}'' VHS/DVD. This version has a few changes made:
** Some paint edits are undone, such as the Japanese labels on the Poké Balls in Professor Oak's Laboratory.
** ''Who's That Pokémon?'' is presented in the Johto League Champions style rather than the original style as the segment from [[EP160]] is used.
** The shot of Misty slapping Ash is included, though the slap doesn't produce any sound.
** The [[PokéRAP]] and end credits are not included.

====Differences between the episode and the [[Pocket Monsters Film Comic|comic adaptation]]====
* The opening League Battle was shortened, cutting out the reference to the Game Boy opening scene.
* Ash's attempt at catching Rattata was cut.
* Ash's escape through the river was shortened, only showing the first swimming distance. {{p|Gyarados}} and Ash's attempt to swim away from it were cut.
* In the ending of the episode, after Pikachu licks Ash, Ash was silent, though his gratefulness for finally earning Pikachu's respect is still implied. In the comic, it has Ash either saying or thinking, "Hey, Pikachu really does like me!"

====Differences between the episode and Pokémon the Animation Volume 1====
* After Misty scolds Ash for endangering Pikachu, she directly comforts and cradles the injured Pikachu instead of simply expressing concern for his well-being.

==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=AFA|bordercolor=FAA
|ar={{tt|بوكيمون، لقد اخترتك انت!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|bg={{tt|Покемон, избрах теб!|Pokémon, I chose you!}}
|zh_yue={{tt|就是你了！寵物小精靈！|I Choose You! Pokémon!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|神奇寶貝，就決定是你了！|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|hr={{tt|Pokémon, ja biram tebe!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|ca_vc={{tt|Pokémon, et trie a tu!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|cs={{tt|Pokémone, volím si tebe!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|da={{tt|Pokémon - Jeg vælger dig!|Pokémon - I Choose You!}}
|nl={{tt|Pokémon, ik kies jou!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|fi={{tt|Pokémon! Minä valitsen sinut!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}
|fr_ca={{tt|Pokémon, c'est toi que je choisis !|Pokémon, it's you that I choose!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Le départ|The departure}} {{tt|Pokémon - Le départ|Pokémon - The departure}}{{tt|*|Pokémon TV}}
|de=Pika-Pikachu
|el={{tt|Πόκεμον, διαλέγω εσένα!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|hi=पोकेमोन, तुम मेरे हो! {{tt|''Pokémon, Tum mere ho!''|Pokémon, you're mine!}} {{tt|*|Cartoon Network dub}} पोकेमोन, मैं तुम्हे चुनता हूँ! {{tt|''Pokémon, Main Tumhe Choonata Hoon!''|Pokémon, I choose you!}} {{tt|*|Hungama TV dub}}
|ta=போகிமொன், நான் உன்னை தேர்வு செய்கிறேன்! {{tt|''Pokémon, Naan Unnai Tervu Seykiren!''|Pokémon, I choose you!}} {{tt|*|Hungama TV dub}}
|te=పోకెమోన్, నేను నిన్ను ఎన్నుకుంటాను! {{tt|''Pokémon, Nenu Ninnu Ennukuntanu!''|Pokémon, I choose you!}} {{tt|*|Hungama TV dub}}
|he=אש בוחר את הפוקימון שלו {{tt|Ash bokher et ha'Pokémon shelo|Ash chooses his Pokémon}}
|hu={{tt|Téged választalak, Pikachu!|I choose you, Pikachu!}}
|it={{tt|L' inizio di una grande avventura|The beginning of a great adventure}}{{tt|*|Original 2000 dub}} {{tt|Pokémon, scelgo te!|Pokémon, I choose you!}}{{tt|*|2014 K2 TV dub}}
|ko=피카츄 너로 정했다! ''{{tt|Pikachyu Neoro Jeonghaetta!|Pikachu, I choose you!}}''
|no={{tt|Pokémon - Jeg velger deg!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|pl={{tt|Pokémon, wybieram cię!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Pokémon, Eu Escolho Você!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Pokémon, escolho-te a ti!|Pokémon, I choose you!}}
|ro={{tt|Pokémon Te Aleg Pe Tine!|Pokémon - I Choose You!}}
|ru={{tt|Покемон! Я выбираю тебя!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}
|sr={{tt|Покемон, ја бирам тебе!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|sk={{tt|Pokémon, vyberám si teba!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|es_la={{tt|Pokémon, ¡Yo te elijo!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|es_eu={{tt|¡Pokémon, te elijo a ti!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|sv={{tt|Pokémon, jag väljer dig!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}{{tt|*|Pokémon TV, spoken title}} {{tt|Jag väljer dig|I choose you}}{{tt|*|VHS release}}
|th={{tt|โปเกมอน ฉันเลือกนายนี่แหละ|Pokémon! I Choose You!}} {{tt|โปเกมอน! ฉันเลือกนาย!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}{{tt|*|YouTube POPS Kids Thailand}}
|tr={{tt|Pokémon! Ben seni seçiyorum!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}
|uk={{tt|Покемон, я обираю тебе!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|vi={{tt|Pokémon! Tớ chọn cậu!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}
}}

==External links==
*[https://watch.pokemon.com/en-us/player.html?id=7fe404392a77410e88af4a19ca20184f "Pokémon - I Choose You!"] on [[Pokémon TV]]
*[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/01_01-pokemon-i-choose-you/ "Pokémon - I Choose You!"] at [[Pokémon.com]]
*[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0761123/ "Pokémon, I Choose You!" at IMDb]
*{{wp|Pokémon, I Choose You!|"Pokémon, I Choose You!" at Wikipedia}}
*[https://pokemon.fandom.com/wiki/TB001:_Pok%C3%A9mon_-_I_Choose_You! "Pokémon - I Choose You!"] at [[The Pokémon Wiki]]

 
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=None |
prevtitle=None |
nextcode=EP002 |
nexttitle=Pokémon Emergency! |
series=original series |
colorscheme=Kanto}}
{{Project Anime notice}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:0001}}
[[Category:Original series episodes|001]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Takeshi Shudō]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Kunihiko Yuyama]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Toshiaki Suzuki]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Hiroshi Sakai]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Sayuri Ichiishi]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character is introduced]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character obtains a new Pokémon]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Legendary Pokémon appears]]
[[Category:Milestone episodes]]

[[de:Pika – Pikachu]]
[[es:EP001]]
[[fr:EP001]]
[[it:EP001]]
[[ja:無印編第1話]]
[[zh:宝可梦第1集]]

EP001

2020-05-01T01:49:38Z

MistStone: +ext links

{{search|first episode|other uses|I Choose You!}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=None |
prevtitle=None |
nextcode=EP002 |
nexttitle=Pokémon Emergency! |
series=original series |
colorscheme=Kanto}}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
epcode=EP001 |
colorscheme=Kanto|
title_en=Pokémon - I Choose You! |
title_ja=ポケモン！きみにきめた！ |
title_ja_trans=Pokémon! I Choose You! |
screen=yes |
broadcast_jp=April 1, 1997 |
broadcast_us=September 8, 1998 |
en_series=Indigo League |
en_op=[[Pokémon Theme]] |
ja_op=[[Aim to Be a Pokémon Master|めざせポケモンマスター]] |
ja_ed=[[One Hundred Fifty-One|ひゃくごじゅういち]] |
olmteam=Team Ota |
scenario=首藤剛志 |
storyboardn=1 |
storyboard1=湯山邦彦 |
directorn=1 |
director1=鈴木敏明 |
artn=2 |
art1=酒井啓史 |
art2=一石小百合 |
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=EP001-EP010 |
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|pm|001}}
*This is one of the few episodes storyboarded by executive producer Kunihiko Yuyama }}

'''Pokémon - I Choose You!''' (Japanese: '''ポケモン！きみにきめた！''' ''Pokémon! I Choose You!'') is the first episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. In the US, however, the first episode shown was ''[[EP015|Battle Aboard the St. Anne]]''. It was first broadcast in Japan on April 1, 1997 and in the United States on September 8, 1998.

A remastered version of the episode was shown on ''[[Pokémon Smash!]]'' on April 1, 2012 to celebrate the anime's fifteenth anniversary. Only the episode itself was remastered; the opening and ending sequences, as well as the [[eyecatch]], were not shown at all.

A second remastered version was first screened during ''Team Rocket's Emergency Meeting'' event held in Tokyo, on July 13, 2017. It was then aired on television on July 23, 2017 as the first episode of ''[[Pocket Monsters Anime Premier 10]]'', to celebrate the anime's twentieth anniversary. This version includes a remastered opening, ending and eyecatch sequences.

{{spoilers}}

==Blurb==

Meet Ash Ketchum, a 10-year-old boy full of imagination, confidence, and dreams that are almost too big for his village of Pallet Town—plus the desire to become a Pokémon Master!

Ash is finally old enough to receive his first Pokémon from Professor Oak, the town's Pokémon expert-but on the morning Ash is supposed to claim it, he oversleeps! By the time he arrives at Professor Oak's, the three Pokémon he wanted have already been chosen by the other Trainers-in-training, including his rival, Gary! The only Pokémon remaining is a strong-willed Pikachu.

Trainer and Pokémon don't get along right away. Not only does Pikachu refuse to enter its Poké Ball, it would rather climb a tree than battle a Pidgey that Ash encounters! Disagreements aside, they start to bond when they find themselves chased by an angry flock of Spearow. The Spearow wound Pikachu, but Ash risks his own safety to protect his Pokémon.

To further their escape, Ash "borrows" a bike owned by a young girl named Misty. He soon wrecks the bike; however, he and Pikachu are surrounded by the Spearow. When Ash fearlessly confronts the Spearow, Pikachu is inspired to summon its remaining energy to repel the Pokémon with a powerful electric shock.

Finally out of harm's way, the wild experience makes Ash and Pikachu realize that they've begun what promises to be a blooming friendship.

==Plot==
In a massive stadium, two creatures known as {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} are having a {{pkmn|battle}}, directed by their {{pkmn|Trainer}}s to give it their all. One of the Pokémon, a {{p|Gengar}}, dodges a {{m|Horn Attack}} from its opponent, a {{p|Nidorino}}, and uses its {{m|Hypnosis}} [[move|attack]] on it, causing it to fall {{status|sleep|asleep}}. Nidorino's Trainer [[recall]]s it and sends out another Pokémon known as {{p|Onix}} to battle. The massive [[Pokémon category|Rock Snake Pokémon]] emerges from its [[Poké Ball]] and prepares to take on Gengar, at which point it is revealed that the battle is being displayed on [[television]]. Its viewer is a boy named [[Ash Ketchum]] who lives in a small settlement called [[Pallet Town]] and is ten years old, which allows him to pick a [[starter Pokémon]] and become a Pokémon Trainer. Ash declares to himself and the Pokémon of the world that he will become a [[Pokémon Master]]. His speech, however, is interrupted by [[Delia Ketchum|his mom]] who tells him to get to bed as he has a big day tomorrow. Ash protests that he's too excited to sleep, so his mom tells him that if he won't sleep then to at least get ready for the next day as she switches on a program hosted by the town's Pokémon expert, {{an|Professor Oak}}. Ash watches as Oak explains that new Trainers get to pick one of three Pokémon to start their journey; the {{type|Grass}} {{p|Bulbasaur}}, the {{type|Fire}} {{p|Charmander}}, or the {{type|Water}} {{p|Squirtle}}.

As Ash sleeps, he goes over the choices in his head reasoning that any of the three available Pokémon are good for starting Trainers. However, his {{p|Voltorb}} alarm clock rolls into his hand as he sleeps and, dreaming that he's throwing a Poké Ball, he chucks it at the wall, smashing it. When Ash finally wakes up, he sees the sun high in the sky and realizes that he overslept. Ash runs to [[Professor Oak's Laboratory]] in such a hurry that he doesn't change out of his pajamas, and at this point doesn't care which starter he gets as long as he gets any. He arrives at the lab just in time to see one of his new fellow Trainers (and Professor Oak's grandson), {{Gary}}, leaving. Unfortunately for Ash, Gary is very overconfident and brags that he was on time and already has [[Gary's Squirtle|his first Pokémon]], although he refuses to reveal which one he received. Gary's large crowd, which includes [[Gary's cheerleaders|a group of cheerleaders]], cheers for him, and Gary promises that he'll become a Pokémon Master and put Pallet Town on the map before leaving. As the crowd follows, Ash is left by himself, but not for long as Professor Oak approaches. Ash apologizes for being late and hardly being dressed for the occasion, but tells Professor Oak that he's ready to pick his first Pokémon.

Taken into the lab, Ash sees three {{i|Poké Ball}}s sitting on a pedestal and states that after thinking about it he's decided to choose Squirtle as his starter, however the Poké Ball is empty. Oak explains that Squirtle has already been claimed by a Trainer that was on time. Ash doesn't mind as he decides to instead go with Bulbasaur, whom has also been taken already. Ash is still happy to go with Charmander but, alas, that Pokémon is gone too with someone who wasn't late. Ash asks if this means that there are no Pokémon left for him, and Oak tells him this isn't exactly true as he does have another Pokémon but it is very unusual. At this point, Ash is willing to settle for anything and tells Oak that he'll take whatever it is. A fourth Poké Ball emerges onto the pedestal and Ash picks it up, upon which point it opens and from it emerges a small yellow mouse-like Pokémon. Oak explains that the Pokémon is named {{AP|Pikachu}}, and Ash is very impressed by its cuteness, deciding that Pikachu is better than any of the other starters. He picks up Pikachu and hugs it, but Pikachu doesn't like being hugged and gives Ash a massive electric shock as Oak explains that Pikachu is an {{t|Electric}} type, and has a shocking personality to match. Oak gives Ash some Poké Balls and a [[Pokédex]], at which point Pikachu shocks them both.

Heading outside, Ash finds his mom and a small group of supporters outside ready to wish him luck as he heads out on his Pokémon journey. Ash's mom gets weepy at the thought of her son finally leaving to start his life as a Trainer, before then starting to list the numerous supplies that she has packed for him before he goes. She then notices Pikachu and asks why he isn't inside his Poké Ball like other Pokémon. Ash realizes that she's right and tells Pikachu to go inside, but Pikachu refuses, repeatedly swatting the ball away. Ash's mom simply assumes that the two are playing catch, but admits that she finds Pikachu "weird". Pikachu doesn't take kindly to this comment and shocks everyone in the area, except Professor Oak, who remarks that the rubber gloves that were packed will come in handy since rubber doesn't conduct electricity.

Ash and Pikachu begin their long journey, walking {{rt|1|Kanto|beyond the outskirts of Pallet Town}}. Or rather, Ash, wearing the rubber gloves, is walking while Pikachu, who is tied to a clothesline like a leash, has to be dragged along behind him. Ash tries talking to Pikachu, but all he learns is that the Pokémon can only say its name and doesn't like him at all. Trying to persuade Pikachu to go inside his Poké Ball, Ash consults his Pokédex but it confirms that while many Pokémon travel in Poké Balls some don't like being confined. Deciding to make life easier for Pikachu, Ash removes the leash and rubber gloves but Pikachu still isn't impressed. Just then the two hear footsteps behind them and find that they are close to a {{p|Pidgey}}. Ash looks up Pidgey in the Pokédex and finds that the small bird is a {{type|Flying}} Pokémon which is gentle, easy to {{pkmn2|caught|catch}}, and a good choice for a beginning Trainer. Ash is happy at the chance to test Pikachu's skills and tries to send him to battle, but Pikachu refuses and instead decides to climb a tree and watch. Ash, angry at Pikachu's continuing disobedience, decides to do it himself and throws a Poké Ball at Pidgey. The ball connects and Pidgey is drawn inside, leading Ash to think that he's captured it. However, the Poké Ball shakes for a few seconds before Pidgey escapes, and the Pokédex explains that when catching a Pokémon you normally have your own Pokémon battle to weaken the target first. Pikachu finds Ash's ineptitude hilarious while Ash gets more worked up, determined to show Pikachu what he can do. He decides to try sneaking up on Pidgey with his pajama shirt, but when he covers it the Pokémon unleashes its {{m|Gust}} and {{m|Sand Attack}} in response. Ash is sent crashing to the ground and Pidgey flies away. As Ash bemoans his bad luck, he then notices another Pokémon rifling through his bag. He chases it away as the Pokédex identifies it as {{p|Rattata}}, a {{t|Normal}} type that lives in the forest. When Ash states that they're not in a forest, the Pokédex goes on to explain that occasionally Rattata will emerge to steal food from ''stupid'' travelers.

As Pikachu laughs further, Ash notices some more Pidgey nearby and throws a stone at them in frustration. Just then he spots what he thinks is a lone Pidgey nearby and is determined to finally catch one. He throws another stone and it makes a direct hit, but it turns out not to be a Pidgey, but instead a much angrier-looking bird Pokémon. Ash scans it with his Pokédex and it identifies the bird as {{p|Spearow}} which, unlike Pidgey, has a bad attitude and a violent temperament, being known for attacking people and Pokémon without warning. Ash then sees Spearow flying directly at him, but Spearow spots Pikachu in a tree as it passes and decides to attack him instead. The Pokédex explains that wild Pokémon are sometimes jealous of those with Trainers. As Ash tries to get Spearow to focus on him again instead, Spearow nearly knocks Pikachu out of the tree, at which point the Electric Mouse unleashes electricity at his attacker which sends Spearow falling to the ground.

Spearow is down, but not out, and it lets out a loud cry. In the distance, Ash and Pikachu spot a large flock of Spearow emerging from a tree and heading straight towards them. The two decide to make a run for it, and quickly try to get away as the furious flock give chase. Ash promises to protect Pikachu, but Pikachu runs on ahead of Ash, making himself an easy target for Spearow who don't hesitate to attack him en masse. By the time Ash catches up, Pikachu is very weak and can no longer run, so Ash picks him up and carries him away. The two come to a fast flowing river and Ash, needing to get away from the angry Spearow quickly, jumps in and allows himself and Pikachu to be swept away, during which he very nearly becomes lunch for a {{p|Gyarados}}.

Further down the river, where there's no current, {{an|Misty|a young girl}} is leisurely [[fishing]] when the lure starts to react. The girl quickly grabs her rod to reel in what she thinks will be a big one, but instead yanks out Ash and Pikachu. She is disappointed, but then notices Pikachu and angrily tells Ash that he should never let his Pokémon get into such a bad condition. She tells him that Pikachu needs to get treatment right away, explaining that there is a [[Pokémon Center]] (a medical center that specializes in healing Pokémon) nearby. As she points out the direction that Ash needs to go, he notices the flock of Spearow has caught up to them. Ash decides to make a getaway on the girl's [[Bicycle|bike]], putting Pikachu in the basket, despite her protests, promising that he'll eventually give it back, much to her anger.

As Ash rides for dear life, a thunderstorm starts. With rain falling and the Spearow flock still on his tail, Ash rides as fast as he can. However, the Spearow catch up and start to attack him, and this coupled with the dangerous conditions eventually cause Ash to fly off a small bank, crashing to the ground. Lying in the mud, Ash spots Pikachu nearby weaker than ever. Upset that his first day as a Pokémon Trainer has turned into such a disaster, Ash tells Pikachu to get inside his Poké Ball as it seems to be the only way that he can be safe from the approaching Spearow. Deciding that he's done running, Ash stands before the Spearow and announces that he refuses to be beaten by the likes of them if he's going to be a Pokémon Master, vowing to defeat them all. Pikachu sees that Ash is willing to sacrifice himself to save him and, just before the Spearow flock can hit, jumps onto his shoulder and then into the air. Pikachu is struck by lightning, causing him to let out a massive {{m|Thunder Shock}} which throws Ash back onto the ground.

Soon, the rain has cleared and the sun is shining. Ash and Pikachu are lying unconscious near the smouldering remains of the bike they stole. The two wake up and find the Spearow flock has gone. They weakly note that despite everything, they managed to defeat their attackers together and finally a friendship is formed. Just then, {{an|Ho-Oh|a shimmering golden Pokémon}} flies overhead towards a rainbow. Ash wonders what it was, and the Pokédex can't identify it, but explains that there are many Pokémon species yet to be discovered. After watching the Pokémon disappear into the distance, Ash picks up Pikachu and keeps on walking as the narrator explains that Ash and Pikachu have many more adventures together to come. Reaching a bank, Ash spots [[Viridian City]] in the distance and heads toward it, having taken the first of many steps on his Pokémon journey.

==Major events==

[[File:Ash Pikachu debut.png|thumb|220px|Ash meeting Pikachu for the first time]]
* {{Ash}} and {{Gary}} begin their [[Pokémon journey]]s.
* Ash starts his journey with a [[obedience|disobedient]] {{AP|Pikachu}}, a [[Pokédex]], and six {{i|Poké Ball}}s.
* Ash tries and fails to {{pkmn2|caught|catch}} a {{p|Pidgey}}.
* Ash meets {{an|Misty}} for the first time.
* Ash steals Misty's [[bicycle|bike]], which is destroyed when Pikachu defeats a flock of angry {{p|Spearow}}.
* Ash and Pikachu become friends.
* Ash sees {{an|Ho-Oh|a mysterious Pokémon}}.
* Ash reaches [[Viridian City]].
{{animeevents}}

===Debuts===
====Humans====
* [[Ash Ketchum]]
* {{an|Misty}}
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* [[Gary Oak]]
* [[Delia Ketchum]]
* [[Gary's cheerleaders]]

====Pokémon debuts====
* {{p|Nidorino}}
* {{p|Gengar}}
* {{p|Onix}}
* {{p|Bulbasaur}} (dream)
* {{p|Squirtle}} (dream)
* {{p|Dodrio}}
* {{p|Charmander}} (dream)
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pidgey}}
* {{p|Rattata}}
* {{p|Spearow}} ({{DL|Ash's Fearow|In the anime|anime}})
* {{p|Sandshrew}}
* {{p|Mankey}}
* {{p|Magikarp}}
* {{p|Gyarados}}
* {{p|Ho-Oh}} ({{an|Ho-Oh|anime}})

==Characters==
===Humans===
[[File:Dare da EP001.png|200px|thumb|{{tt|Dare da?|Who's That Pokémon?}}]]
* [[Ash Ketchum]]
* {{an|Misty}}
* [[Gary Oak]]
* [[Delia Ketchum]]
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* [[Gary's cheerleaders]]
* [[Pallet Town]] residents
* [[Pokémon League]] onlookers

===Pokémon===
[[File:WTP EP001.png|200px|thumb|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Pikachu}}
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}}; new; debut)
* {{p|Nidorino}} (Trainer's; debut)
* {{p|Onix}} (Trainer's; debut)
* {{p|Gengar}} (Trainer's; debut)
* {{p|Spearow}} ({{DL|Ash's Fearow|In the anime|anime}}; multiple; debut)
* {{p|Ho-Oh}} ({{an|Ho-Oh|anime}}; debut)
* {{p|Bulbasaur}} (Ash's dream; debut)
* {{p|Charmander}} (Ash's dream; debut)
* {{p|Squirtle}} (Ash's dream; debut)
* {{p|Pidgey}} (debut)
* {{p|Rattata}} (debut)
* {{p|Sandshrew}} (debut)
* {{p|Mankey}} (debut)
* {{p|Dodrio}} (debut)
* {{p|Magikarp}} (debut)
* {{p|Gyarados}} (debut)

==Trivia==
[[File:NidovsGengarAnimeRed.png|thumb|200px|The beginning of the anime (left) and the opening of {{game|Red and Green|s}} (right)]]
[[File:Stadium anime art.png|thumb|200px|An early frame]]
[[File:Bruno EP001.png|thumb|200px|The shadowed Trainer that resembles [[Bruno]]]]
[[File:Green Poké Ball anime.png|thumb|200px|The green Poké Ball from the first scene]]
[[File:Ho-Oh Debut.png|thumb|200px|{{an|Ho-Oh}} in its debut]]
* This episode was chosen by [[Kunihiko Yuyama]] as the first episode of ''[[Pocket Monsters Anime Premier 10]]''.
* The beginning of the episode features sound effects from the original [[Game Boy]] games, drawing from the opening animation from {{game|Red and Green|s}} (with a {{p|Gengar}} battling a {{p|Nidorino}}) before transitioning seamlessly into the {{pkmn|battle}} that {{Ash}} himself is watching on [[Television|TV]].
** A similar sequence and transition occurs in the beginning of the [[PO01|first episode]] of the ''[[Pokémon Origins]]'' miniseries, in which {{OBP|Red|Origins}} watches a televised battle between Gengar and Nidorino.
** When it shows the stadium, it appears as a card.
* An early, unused frame of the stadium battle scene exists.
* The shadowed {{pkmn|Trainer}} who sends out Nidorino and {{p|Onix}} to battle greatly resembles [[Bruno]] of the [[Indigo League]] [[Elite Four]].
* {{Ash}}'s introductory shot is repeated in [[BW001|the first episode]] of the {{series|Best Wishes}} as a throwback to this episode.
* Ash has a {{p|Voltorb}} clock with a cuckoo {{p|Pidgey}} in it. Furthermore, he ends up breaking it in his sleep, unknowingly using it as a [[Poké Ball]] shortly after 4 AM.
* The order in which Ash opens the [[starter Pokémon]]'s Poké Balls, only to find them empty, indicates his preferred choices: {{p|Squirtle}} first, {{p|Bulbasaur}} second, and {{p|Charmander}} last.
** Coincidentally, this is the same order the {{SSB|Pokémon Trainer}} from Super Smash Bros. Brawl obtains their respective evolved forms in the Subspace Emissary.
* Despite this episode centering around receiving a starter Pokémon, neither Bulbasaur, Charmander, nor Squirtle actually appeared in the flesh until ''[[EP010|Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village]]'', ''[[EP011|Charmander – The Stray Pokémon]]'', and ''[[EP012|Here Comes the Squirtle Squad]]'', respectively. This is unlike the following generations, when at least one of the starter Pokémon appeared in the first episode of each generation.
* This is the only episode where [[Ash's Pikachu]] is seen inside his {{i|Poké Ball}}.
* This episode reveals that {{p|Spearow}} see in black and white.
* This is one of the few episodes in which [[Rachael Lillis]] provides the voice of Pikachu in a few scenes of the dub. This happened when another Japanese voice actor spoke over [[Ikue Ohtani]]'s Pikachu voice and the audio could not be used.
* The legendary bird Ash saw at the end of the episode was {{an|Ho-Oh}}. This makes {{p|Ho-Oh}} the first [[Generation II]] Pokémon seen in the series, and in the first episode of the entire series.
* Only two pieces of background music were kept in the dub: the opening music of Red and Green in the beginning, and ''Tears, After the Cloudy Weather'' in the scene where Ash is defending Pikachu from the Spearow.
* The book ''{{book|I Choose You!}}'' is based on this episode.
* This episode can be found on volume 3 of [[Game Boy Advance Video]].
* This episode is featured on ''Volume 1: Pikachu'' from [[Viz Media]]'s {{OBP|Pokémon All-Stars|Region 1}} series.
* This episode is featured on ''Pokémon All-Stars: Pikachu'' from {{wp|Magna Pacific}}'s {{OBP|Pokémon All-Stars|Region 4}} series.
* Coincidentally, Ash would later attempt to use a Pidgey and {{p|Rattata}} in the following episode against {{TRT}} after failing to capture both Pokémon in this episode.
* This is the only episode of the original series in which the [[Team Rocket trio]] does not appear. The next time would not occur in the regular episodes until ''[[BW016|Rematch at the Nacrene Gym!]]'', 672 episodes later. They also did not appear in a clip show episode, [[AG120]], which was never aired outside of Japan.
* This episode has the most [[List of Pokémon by anime debut|Pokémon debuts]] in the entire {{pkmn|anime}}, with 16.
* Parts of this episode are remade in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]'' and [[SS001]].

===Errors===
* As {{Delia}} catches the alarm clock Ash threw, her ponytail curls to her left shoulder. When it is seen from behind in the next shot, it is curled to her right shoulder.
* When {{an|Professor Oak}} appears on television to discuss the starter Pokémon, the background colors behind Charmander and Squirtle are reversed (blue behind Charmander and red behind Squirtle). Bulbasaur's background color, green, is correctly shown.
** In this same scene, the starters look significantly different between the shot of the whole television and the close-up of the screen. Charmander, for instance, has a much larger tail flame and more open mouth in the close-up.
* When Ash throws the Poké Balls containing Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle in his dream, both sides of the Poké Balls are red. This was fixed in the scenes of the Poké Balls releasing the Pokémon.
* When Ash passes Gary's cheerleaders and a crowd, a man has no eyes.
* As Ash runs to Professor Oak to collect his first Pokémon, the top button on his pajamas changes from green to yellow.
* {{Gary}} addresses Ash as if he has never met him before, despite the fact that they were childhood friends.
* After Gary tells Ash that {{TP|Gary|his Pokémon|Blastoise}} is inside its Poké Ball, the order of [[Gary's cheerleaders]] reversed.
* If all three starters had already been taken, then the Poké Balls containing them should be with their Trainers, as Gary's is, and not with Professor Oak.
** Also, the Japanese writing on the Poké Balls disappear after Ash picks them up.
* After Ash opens Charmander's Poké Ball in Oak's lab, part of Oak's coat unnaturally changes position as he speaks.
* When Professor Oak hands Ash Pikachu's Poké Ball, the bottom portion of the black ring surrounding the white center of the Poké Ball turns white.
* As Pikachu's Poké Ball opens with a strobe-like flash of light, the background behind Ash differs greatly between the two frames. The buttons and features of the large machine change position and size. Also, the table and beaker in front of it change position and shape, respectively.
* The sneakers that Delia hands Ash are the same ones he is already wearing.
* When Ash tries to make Pikachu go to his Poké Ball, the lightning bolt on it disappears.
** The same thing occurred again when Ash tries to protect Pikachu from the Spearow.
* When Ash opens his [[Pokédex]] for the first time, the directional buttons are not present.
* In the Japanese version, the Pokédex misidentifies Pidgey as the ''Sky Pokémon'' instead of the ''Tiny Bird Pokémon''.
* When Pikachu is up in the tree, and in the last shot before the title card, Ash's coat loses its yellow stripes, but they return later on.
* In the slap scene cut from the English version, the hole on Ash's hat matches his skin color despite being above his hairline.
* When Ash sees the Spearow flock again after {{an|Misty}} tells him where the nearest [[Pokémon Center]] is, his shoes are not colored, making it look like he only has white socks on. Then, when he puts Pikachu on Misty's [[Bicycle|bike]], his shoes are colored normally.
* When Ash places Pikachu's Poké Ball on the ground, his thumb passes right through it when he stands up to face the flock of Spearow.
* When Ash stands up to the Spearow to protect Pikachu, he incorrectly refers to them "Spearows." The plural of a specific species of Pokémon is the same as the singular.
* As Ash looks at Ho-Oh at the end of the episode, [[Ash's hat|his hat]] points backward as it had since he jumped into the river. As he walks uphill in the next scene, it points forward. When he gets to the top and looks at Viridian City, it points backward again. Lastly, as we see him from behind as he walks toward Viridian, his hat points forward again.
* Throughout this episode and [[EP002|the next]], Professor Oak's hair changes.

<gallery>
EP001_error_1.png|The man with no eyes
</gallery>

===Changes===
====Dub edits====
[[File:Misty Slap.png|thumb|200px|The cut shot]]
* [[Kanto Pokérap]]: Day 1 (Poliwrath error)
* Onix's {{m|Tackle}} was not referred to by its name in the [[dub]], whereas in the Japanese version, the announcer clearly identifies the attack.
* During the shot of the whole television and Ash moving his head into view, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle have their Japanese names written below their pictures. The names are gone during and after the close-up, however.
* When the people outside of Professor Oak's lab cheer for Ash, the flag says "{{tt|ガンバレサトシ|Go for it, Satoshi}}" on the Japanese version. The dub edits this to "GO ASH GO".
* The Poké Balls in Professor Oak's lab are labeled in Japanese when they first appear, but are painted over when Ash picks up one up. These labels are also partially visible when Pikachu's Poké Ball is revealed.
* In the Japanese version, after being shocked by Pikachu, {{Delia}} tells Ash to change into his pajamas before going to sleep, even if it's the dirty pajamas he was wearing at the moment. The dub changed this to her telling Ash to remember to change his underwear every single day.
* The Japanese version of the scene with Ash talking with Pikachu on {{rt|1|Kanto}} contains an untranslatable pun. When Ash asks Pikachu to talk ({{tt|話|hanashi}}) to him, Pikachu misunderstands this as him saying it has "no teeth" ({{tt|歯なし|ha nashi}}), thus opening its mouth to show Ash that it indeed does have teeth. In the dub, Ash asks Pikachu to open its mouth and tell him what's wrong, to which Pikachu responds to by literally opening its mouth wide open.
* In the Japanese version, after Ash thanks Misty, she slaps him. This was cut from the dub (the screen freezes just as Ash answers Misty) due to physical violence. In the next scene, Ash can clearly be seen rubbing his aching face and Misty has her hand in the air.
* In the Japanese version, Misty tells Ash there is a hospital in [[Viridian City]]; in the dub, she just says that it is nearby.
* The English-dubbed version of this episode was released in Japan as part of the ''{{DL|Pokémon de English|Pokémon de English! Aisatsu Hen}}'' VHS/DVD. This version has a few changes made:
** Some paint edits are undone, such as the Japanese labels on the Poké Balls in Professor Oak's Laboratory.
** ''Who's That Pokémon?'' is presented in the Johto League Champions style rather than the original style as the segment from [[EP160]] is used.
** The shot of Misty slapping Ash is included, though the slap doesn't produce any sound.
** The [[PokéRAP]] and end credits are not included.

====Differences between the episode and the [[Pocket Monsters Film Comic|comic adaptation]]====
* The opening League Battle was shortened, cutting out the reference to the Game Boy opening scene.
* Ash's attempt at catching Rattata was cut.
* Ash's escape through the river was shortened, only showing the first swimming distance. {{p|Gyarados}} and Ash's attempt to swim away from it were cut.
* In the ending of the episode, after Pikachu licks Ash, Ash was silent, though his gratefulness for finally earning Pikachu's respect is still implied. In the comic, it has Ash either saying or thinking, "Hey, Pikachu really does like me!"

====Differences between the episode and Pokémon the Animation Volume 1====
* After Misty scolds Ash for endangering Pikachu, she directly comforts and cradles the injured Pikachu instead of simply expressing concern for his well-being.

==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=AFA|bordercolor=FAA
|ar={{tt|بوكيمون، لقد اخترتك انت!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|bg={{tt|Покемон, избрах теб!|Pokémon, I chose you!}}
|zh_yue={{tt|就是你了！寵物小精靈！|I Choose You! Pokémon!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|神奇寶貝，就決定是你了！|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|hr={{tt|Pokémon, ja biram tebe!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|ca_vc={{tt|Pokémon, et trie a tu!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|cs={{tt|Pokémone, volím si tebe!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|da={{tt|Pokémon - Jeg vælger dig!|Pokémon - I Choose You!}}
|nl={{tt|Pokémon, ik kies jou!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|fi={{tt|Pokémon! Minä valitsen sinut!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}
|fr_ca={{tt|Pokémon, c'est toi que je choisis !|Pokémon, it's you that I choose!}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Le départ|The departure}} {{tt|Pokémon - Le départ|Pokémon - The departure}}{{tt|*|Pokémon TV}}
|de=Pika-Pikachu
|el={{tt|Πόκεμον, διαλέγω εσένα!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|hi=पोकेमोन, तुम मेरे हो! {{tt|''Pokémon, Tum mere ho!''|Pokémon, you're mine!}} {{tt|*|Cartoon Network dub}} पोकेमोन, मैं तुम्हे चुनता हूँ! {{tt|''Pokémon, Main Tumhe Choonata Hoon!''|Pokémon, I choose you!}} {{tt|*|Hungama TV dub}}
|ta=போகிமொன், நான் உன்னை தேர்வு செய்கிறேன்! {{tt|''Pokémon, Naan Unnai Tervu Seykiren!''|Pokémon, I choose you!}} {{tt|*|Hungama TV dub}}
|te=పోకెమోన్, నేను నిన్ను ఎన్నుకుంటాను! {{tt|''Pokémon, Nenu Ninnu Ennukuntanu!''|Pokémon, I choose you!}} {{tt|*|Hungama TV dub}}
|he=אש בוחר את הפוקימון שלו {{tt|Ash bokher et ha'Pokémon shelo|Ash chooses his Pokémon}}
|hu={{tt|Téged választalak, Pikachu!|I choose you, Pikachu!}}
|it={{tt|L' inizio di una grande avventura|The beginning of a great adventure}}{{tt|*|Original 2000 dub}} {{tt|Pokémon, scelgo te!|Pokémon, I choose you!}}{{tt|*|2014 K2 TV dub}}
|ko=피카츄 너로 정했다! ''{{tt|Pikachyu Neoro Jeonghaetta!|Pikachu, I choose you!}}''
|no={{tt|Pokémon - Jeg velger deg!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|pl={{tt|Pokémon, wybieram cię!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|pt_br={{tt|Pokémon, Eu Escolho Você!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Pokémon, escolho-te a ti!|Pokémon, I choose you!}}
|ro={{tt|Pokémon Te Aleg Pe Tine!|Pokémon - I Choose You!}}
|ru={{tt|Покемон! Я выбираю тебя!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}
|sr={{tt|Покемон, ја бирам тебе!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|sk={{tt|Pokémon, vyberám si teba!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|es_la={{tt|Pokémon, ¡Yo te elijo!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|es_eu={{tt|¡Pokémon, te elijo a ti!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|sv={{tt|Pokémon, jag väljer dig!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}{{tt|*|Pokémon TV, spoken title}} {{tt|Jag väljer dig|I choose you}}{{tt|*|VHS release}}
|th={{tt|โปเกมอน ฉันเลือกนายนี่แหละ|Pokémon! I Choose You!}} {{tt|โปเกมอน! ฉันเลือกนาย!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}{{tt|*|YouTube POPS Kids Thailand}}
|tr={{tt|Pokémon! Ben seni seçiyorum!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}
|uk={{tt|Покемон, я обираю тебе!|Pokémon, I Choose You!}}
|vi={{tt|Pokémon! Tớ chọn cậu!|Pokémon! I Choose You!}}
}}

==External links==
*[https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/01_01-pokemon-i-choose-you/ "Pokémon - I Choose You!"] at [[Pokémon.com]]
*[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0761123/ "Pokémon, I Choose You!" at IMDb]
*{{wp|Pokémon, I Choose You!|"Pokémon, I Choose You!" at Wikipedia}}
*[https://pokemon.fandom.com/wiki/TB001:_Pok%C3%A9mon_-_I_Choose_You! "Pokémon - I Choose You!"] at the [[The Pokémon Wiki]]

 
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=None |
prevtitle=None |
nextcode=EP002 |
nexttitle=Pokémon Emergency! |
series=original series |
colorscheme=Kanto}}
{{Project Anime notice}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:0001}}
[[Category:Original series episodes|001]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Takeshi Shudō]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Kunihiko Yuyama]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Toshiaki Suzuki]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Hiroshi Sakai]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Sayuri Ichiishi]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character is introduced]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a main character obtains a new Pokémon]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Legendary Pokémon appears]]
[[Category:Milestone episodes]]

[[de:Pika – Pikachu]]
[[es:EP001]]
[[fr:EP001]]
[[it:EP001]]
[[ja:無印編第1話]]
[[zh:宝可梦第1集]]