View source for JN123

{{undubbed}}
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{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=JN122 |
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nextcode=JN124 |
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series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
colorscheme=Galar}}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
epcode=JN123 |
altepcode=EP1208 |
colorscheme=Galar |
title_en= |
title_ja=セミファイナルⅡ　「幻惑」|
title_ja_trans=The Semifinals II: "Dazzle" |
broadcast_jp=September 2, 2022 |
broadcast_us=<!--Do not assume an air date. If you have an air date you should also provide a title and a source.--> |
en_op=<!--[[With You]]--> |
ja_op=[[One, Two, Three|１・２・３]] |
ja_ed=[[Supereffective Type|バツグンタイプ]] |
olmteam=Team Kato |
scenarion=1 |
scenario=冨岡淳広 |
storyboardn=1 |
storyboard=尼野浩正 |
directorn=1 |
director=太田彬彦 |
artn=4 |
art=柳原好貴 |
art2=濱中章太郎 |
art3=大山愛子 |
art4=中村季実代 |
morecredits=yes |
epstaffpage=JN121-JN130 |
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ss|123}}
* {{BMGf|293903|Preview thread on BMGf}} ''Closed''
* {{BMGf|294305|Original review thread on BMGf}}
<!--* {{BMGf||Dub review thread on BMGf}}-->
}}
(Japanese: '''セミファイナルⅡ　「幻惑」''' ''The Semifinals II: "Dazzle"'') is the 123rd episode of ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', and the 1,208th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on September 2, 2022<!-- and is scheduled to air in the United States on *day*-->.
{{spoilers}}
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==Blurb==
Official Blurb from Pokémon.com goes here, with source link-->
<!--Please do not alter the blurb to fix any errors, they are meant to be presented as they are on the official site.-->

==Plot==
The second semifinals match of the [[World Coronation Series|Pokémon World Coronation Series]] [[Masters Eight Tournament]] is about to commence, where the winner will earn the right to face Monarch {{an|Leon}} in the finals. At one end of [[Wyndon Stadium]], [[Goh]] is giving {{Ash}} and his [[Party|team]] words of encouragement, while at the other end, [[Diantha]] is doing the same with {{an|Cynthia}}, believing she could be the one to end Leon's unbroken winning streak. To the surprise of the famous actress, Cynthia reveals that she intends to retire from {{pkmn|battle|battling}} once the tournament has ended.

The first {{pkmn|Champion}} of [[Alola]] and the {{pkmn|world}}-famous [[Sinnoh]] Champion both enter the battlefield. As per usual, [[Gym guide|Dan]] explains the rules: the match is a six-on-six [[Full Battle]], with no limits to how many times each {{pkmn|Trainer}} is allowed to [[recall|change]] their Pokémon, and each of them may only use one of either [[Dynamax]], [[Mega Evolution]], or [[Z-Move]]s per battle. While the [[announcer]] wonders if they will use the same cards they did in the quarterfinals, the two Champions send out their first Pokémon. Ash's choice is his {{AP|Dragonite}}, while Cynthia unexpectedly leads with the {{pkmn|category|Forbidden Pokémon}} {{p|Spiritomb}}. Backstage, Diantha notes that Cynthia has instantly seized control by leading with a Pokémon that no one anticipated. As the signal to start the match is given, Ash orders a {{m|Draco Meteor}} as his first [[move]], only for Dragonite to be struck back by Spiritomb's {{m|Sucker Punch}}. After getting back on its feet, the Dragon Pokémon completes the use of Draco Meteor, scoring a direct hit, but Spiritomb merely shrugs it off and laughs mockingly. Ash's next attack is a {{m|Dragon Claw}}, but Spiritomb stops Dragonite in its tracks by using {{m|Hypnosis}}, causing Dragonite to fall {{status|asleep}}. With Dragonite left vulnerable, Spiritomb proceeds to use a flurry of {{m|Dream Eater}}s, gradually draining away Dragonite's energy. Ash's pleas for his Pokémon to wake up prove fruitless, with the end result of Dragonite being defeated in its sleep without managing to deal any real damage to Cynthia.

While Ash recalls Dragonite and prepares to send out his next Pokémon, Cynthia abruptly recalls Spiritomb as well. Both Trainers' second Pokémon, {{AP|Gengar}} and {{p|Roserade}}, enter the field simultaneously. Roserade's {{m|Bullet Seed}} fails to do much damage due to being {{DL|Type|Type effectiveness|not very effective}}, while Gengar scores a direct hit with {{m|Shadow Ball}}. The next exchange of moves comes in the form of a {{m|Will-O-Wisp}} and a {{m|Leaf Storm}}, with both attacks striking their mark. With Roserade now suffering from a {{status|burn}}, Cynthia recalls it and returns Spiritomb to the battlefield. Yet again, another exchange of attacks is made, this time between a {{m|Dazzling Gleam}} and a Sucker Punch. While both sides suffer super effective damage and get back up, unlike Spiritomb, Gengar ends up falling back down and [[fainting]], increasing Cynthia's lead.

Once more, Ash recalling his fainted partner is accompanied by Cynthia withdrawing Spiritomb, this time in favor of {{p|Togekiss}}. Just as Cynthia predicted, Ash responds by calling forth his loyal and strongest partner, {{AP|Pikachu}}, in the hopes of turning things around. Pikachu's series of {{m|Thunderbolt}}s fails to make contact with the swiftly moving {{t|Flying}} type, who strikes back with {{m|Air Slash}}. When Togekiss follows up with {{m|Zen Headbutt}}, Ash finds Pikachu [[flinch]]ing and unable to prevent himself from being hit. Diantha and Leon realize that Togekiss's [[Ability]], {{a|Serene Grace}}, helped to make this happen. Making yet another switch, Cynthia sends out her {{p|Gastrodon}} to take the type advantage over Pikachu. Aiming to take out Pikachu here and now, she orders an {{m|Earth Power}}. Pikachu evades the attack by jumping high into the air using the slabs of earth flung up by it, once again following Cynthia's prediction. When Pikachu starts using {{m|Iron Tail}} next, Cynthia has Gastrodon use {{m|Stone Edge}}. This time, though, things are going according to Ash's plan, as, instead of directly attacking Gastrodon, the Iron Tail slices off the tops of some of the stone pillars created by Stone Edge and sends them flying at Gastrodon. While Gastrodon manages to catch the rocks and absorb the impact, this leaves it immobilized and defenseless, allowing Pikachu to use {{m|Quick Attack}} to smash through the rocks and into Gastrodon, finally giving Ash a knockout of his own.

Cynthia admires Ash's skill to find an opportunity in the midst of a crisis and Pikachu's ability to exploit it as she recalls her fainted Pokémon. Spiritomb then rejoins the battle yet again; however, Ash is now ready for it and subsequently tells Pikachu to spin around while using Thunderbolt. The resulting vortex of electricity not only successfully repels Spiritomb's Hypnosis, but also strikes it at the same time. Ash identifies the strategy as [[Counter Shield]], a tactic that he came up with while [[Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl|he was traveling through Sinnoh]] and which Cynthia recognizes from the [[Lily of the Valley Conference|Sinnoh League]]. Ash assures Cynthia that he's grown much stronger since then and has Pikachu ensnare Spiritomb in an {{m|Electroweb}}, successfully avoiding a Sucker Punch in the process. As Pikachu goes for a finishing Iron Tail, Spiritomb does something unspecified moments before Pikachu's move connects. The Forbidden Pokémon retreats into its [[Odd Keystone]] and the audience cheers, but as Dan inspects Spiritomb, a dark energy suddenly emerges from the keystone and envelops Pikachu, causing him to seize up. The announcer recognizes Spiritomb's last-second move as {{m|Destiny Bond}}, whose effect has now activated. As a result, Pikachu is instantly drained of all his remaining strength and faints alongside Spiritomb. With this double-knockout, Ash's ace has been taken out and his ability to use {{m|10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt}} has been eliminated, giving him a severe handicap as Cynthia continues to stay in control of the battle.

==Major events==
<!-- This is not for summarizing everything that happens in this episode. Only events pertaining to the series as a whole, such as catching and releasing Pokémon and obtaining Badges, go here. -->
[[File:JN123 Cynthia VS Ash.png|thumb|220px|Cynthia facing Ash]]
* {{an|Cynthia}} reveals she plans to retire from {{pkmn|battle|battling}} after the [[Masters Eight Tournament]].
* {{Ash}} and Cynthia begin their [[Full Battle]] in the semifinals.
* Cynthia is revealed to own a {{p|Spiritomb}} and a {{p|Togekiss}}.
{{animeevents}}

===Debuts===
====Pokémon debuts====

==Characters==
===Humans===
<!--[[File:Dare da JN122.png|thumb|200px|{{tt|Dare da?|Who's That Pokémon?}}]]-->
* {{Ash}}
* {{Tracey}}
* [[Goh]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* {{an|Professor Oak}}
* {{Delia}}
* {{an|Cynthia}}
* [[Diantha]]
* {{an|Leon}}
* [[Hop]]
* [[Gym guide|Dan]]
* [[Announcer]]
* Crowd

===Pokémon===
<!--[[File:WTP JN122.png|thumb|200px|Who's That Pokémon?]]-->
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Bulbasaur}} ({{OP|Ash|Bulbasaur}})
* {{p|Charizard}} ({{OP|Ash|Charizard}})
* {{p|Muk}} ({{OP|Ash|Muk}})
* {{p|Snorlax}} ({{OP|Ash|Snorlax}})
* {{p|Quilava}} ({{OP|Ash|Quilava}})
* {{p|Totodile}} ({{OP|Ash|Totodile}})
* {{p|Corphish}} ({{OP|Ash|Corphish}})
* {{p|Torkoal}} ({{OP|Ash|Torkoal}})
* {{p|Infernape}} ({{OP|Ash|Infernape}})
* {{p|Buizel}} ({{OP|Ash|Buizel}})
* {{p|Gliscor}} ({{OP|Ash|Gliscor}})
* {{p|Oshawott}} ({{OP|Ash|Oshawott}})
* {{p|Pignite}} ({{OP|Ash|Pignite}})
* {{p|Snivy}} ({{OP|Ash|Snivy}})
* {{p|Palpitoad}} ({{OP|Ash|Palpitoad}})
* {{p|Krookodile}} ({{OP|Ash|Krookodile}})
* {{p|Hawlucha}} ({{OP|Ash|Hawlucha}})
* {{p|Noivern}} ({{OP|Ash|Noivern}})
* {{p|Dragonite}} ({{OP|Ash|Dragonite}})
* {{p|Gengar}} ({{OP|Ash|Gengar}})
* {{p|Lucario}} ({{OP|Ash|Lucario}})
* {{p|Sirfetch'd}} ({{OP|Ash|Sirfetch'd}})
* {{p|Dracovish}} ({{OP|Ash|Dracovish}})
* {{p|Grookey}} ({{OP|Goh|Grookey}})
* {{p|Morpeko}} ({{OP|James|Morpeko}}; {{form|Morpeko|Hangry Mode}})
* {{p|Gastrodon}} ({{an|Cynthia}}'s; {{form|Shellos and Gastrodon|West Sea}})
* {{p|Roserade}} ({{an|Cynthia}}'s)
* {{p|Spiritomb}} ({{an|Cynthia}}'s)
* {{p|Togekiss}} ({{an|Cynthia}}'s)
* {{p|Aegislash}} ([[Gym guide|Dan]]'s)
* {{p|Rotom}} ([[Professor Cerise]]'s; [[Rotom Phone]])
* {{p|Rotom}} ([[Team Rocket]]'s; [[Rotom Phone]])
* {{p|Snom}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Eldegoss}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Hattrem}} (Trainer's)
* {{p|Darumaka}} (Trainer's; {{rf|Galarian|Form}})

==Trivia==
* [[Get Inspired! Let's Solve a Poké Riddle!!]]: {{p|Spiritomb}}
* This episode marks the first main series appearance of a {{p|Togekiss}} other than the [[Dawn's Togekiss|one that belongs to]] {{an|Dawn}}.
** This episode also marks the first main series appearance of a {{p|Roserade}} since ''[[XY112|Master Class Is in Session!]]'', 297 episodes earlier.
*** This episode also marks the first main series appearance of {{an|Cynthia}}'s Roserade, following its debut in [[Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles]].
* Although the two first met in ''[[DP040|Top-Down Training!]]'', which aired almost fifteen years prior to this episode, this episode marks the first time {{Ash}} has battled {{an|Cynthia}}.
* Despite Togekiss being classified as a {{2t|Fairy|Flying}} type since {{g|X and Y}}, released almost nine years earlier, this is the first time that its Fairy type is explicitly recognized in the {{pkmn|anime}}.
* As of this episode, {{an|Lance}} is the only regional {{pkmn|Champion}} introduced up to this point, current or former, whom {{Ash}} hasn’t battled.
* This is the first instance of [[Counter Shield]] being used since ''[[SM043|When Regions Collide!]]'', 225 episodes ago. 
** This marks the first time Ash has used it since ''[[DP186|Familiarity Breeds Strategy!]]'', 556 episodes ago.
*** Cynthia recalls seeing Ash use this technique from said episode in the [[Lily of the Valley Conference]].
** Much like for the purpose it was originally created for, Counter Shield is used here to defend against a {{type|Ghost}} Pokémon's {{m|Hypnosis}}.
* This episode marks the first use of {{m|Destiny Bond}} since its debut in ''[[AG128|Shocks and Bonds!]]'', 806 episodes earlier.
** Coincidentally, on both occasions, the move was used by a female character during one of Ash's [[Full Battle]]s in a tournament.
** This episode also marks the first time Ash has faced a female {{pkmn|Trainer}} in a Full Battle since the aforementioned episode and [[AG129|the one following it]]. 
* The [[Who's That Pokémon?|Dare da?]] segment is replaced with [[eyecatch]]es of Ash, [[Goh]], and {{AP|Pikachu}} for this episode.
* [[James]], {{MTR}}, [[Jessie]], {{TP|James|Morpeko}}, and {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} narrate the preview for the [[JN124|next episode]].

===Errors===

===Dub edits===

==In other languages==
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{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=JN122 |
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nextcode=JN124 |
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series=Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
colorscheme=Galar}}
{{Project Anime notice}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1208}}
[[Category:Pokémon Journeys: The Series episodes|123]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Hiromasa Amano]]
<!--[[Category:Episodes directed by Akihiko Ōta]]-->
[[Category:Episodes by one-time directors]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Yoshitaka Yanagihara]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Shōtarō Hamanaka]]
<!--[[Category:Episodes animated by Aiko Ōyama]]-->
<!--[[Category:Episodes animated by Kimiyo Nakamura]]-->
[[Category:Episodes by one-time animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes by multiple animation directors]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes in which a Champion appears]]
[[Category:Episodes with World Coronation Series matches]]
[[Category:Episodes in which an alternately colored Pokémon appears]]

[[de:Semi Final II - Genwaku]]
[[es:EP1212]]
[[fr:LV123]]
[[it:PM123]]
[[ja:新無印編第123話]]
[[zh:宝可梦 旅途 第121集]]