Please remember to follow the unreleased materials policy, manual of style, and code of conduct at all times.
Check the Bulbagarden home page for up-to-date Pokémon news and discuss it on the forums or in the Bulbagarden Discord server.

EP181: Difference between revisions

From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.
Jump to navigationJump to search
m (Text replacement - "http(s?):\/\/www\.pokemon\.com\/us\/pokemon-episodes\/0?([1-9][0-9]?)_0?([1-9])" to "https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/$2/episode-$3")
(36 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
Line 28: Line 28:
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|pm|186}}
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|pm|186}}
}}
}}
'''A Ghost of a Chance''' (Japanese: '''やけたとう！マツバとうじょう！！''' ''The Burned Tower! {{tt|Matsuba|Morty}} Appears!!'') is the 181st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on January 18, 2001 and in the United States on November 10, 2001.
'''A Ghost of a Chance''' (Japanese: '''やけたとう！マツバとうじょう！！''' ''The Burned Tower! {{tt|Matsuba|Morty}} Appears!!'') is the 181st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on January 18, 2001, and in the United States on November 10, 2001.


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/04_24-a-ghost-of-a-chance/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/4/episode-24-a-ghost-of-a-chance/-->
<i>Arriving in Ecruteak, Ash immediately heads to the Gym to challenge it's leader for his next Johto League badge. Our heroes soon realize this isn't a normal gym... it bursts into flames as soon as they enter! Trying to douse the flames with their water Pokémon, they find out the blaze is bogus. It's actually the Gastly, Haunter and Gengar instigating the illusion. Find out how these Ghost-Types end up helping our heroes when Togepi and Pikachu get lost among the ruins. Plus, don't miss the Gastly lesson they teach Team Rocket!</i>
<i>Arriving in Ecruteak, Ash immediately heads to the Gym to challenge it's leader for his next Johto League badge. Our heroes soon realize this isn't a normal gym... it bursts into flames as soon as they enter! Trying to douse the flames with their water Pokémon, they find out the blaze is bogus. It's actually the Gastly, Haunter and Gengar instigating the illusion. Find out how these Ghost-Types end up helping our heroes when Togepi and Pikachu get lost among the ruins. Plus, don't miss the Gastly lesson they teach Team Rocket!</i>


==Plot==
==Plot==
Arriving in [[Ecruteak City]], {{Ash}} immediately makes his way to the [[Gym]] to challenge its leader for his next [[Johto League]] [[Badge]]. Walking through Ecruteak to get to the Gym, they come across a fire breathing salesman that stops them, claiming to be 'just the guy they're lookin' for'. After talking briefly with this strange person, the trio is asked to buy an [[Dowsing Machine|Itemfinder]]. Brushing this salesperson off, Ash, {{an|Misty}} and {{an|Brock}} continue on the trail headed toward the Gym.
Arriving in [[Ecruteak City]], {{Ash}} immediately makes his way to the [[Gym]] to challenge its Leader for his next [[Johto League]] [[Badge]]. On their way over, they are stopped by [[Infernando]], a {{tc|Firebreather|fire-breathing}} salesman, who claims to be "just the guy they're lookin' for". The group are quick to brush off Infernando's [[Dowsing Machine|Itemfinder]] offer and continue on the trail headed toward the Gym. After receiving instructions from his hungry teammates, [[James]] goes on the look for some food. He soon encounters Infernando, and James is instantly sold by the sales pitch and buys himself an Itemfinder. James returns to the park with his new "Treasure Detector", but [[Jessie]] and {{MTR}} are immediately annoyed that not only did James not return with food, but he spent all of his money on the worthless device. James tries to prove himself and switches the Itemfinder on. It begin blinking and indicates that something is buried nearby. A few shovel scoops and James spots a glimmering object in the ground, but it turns out to be a bottle cap. Jessie and Meowth are disappointed, but James is thrilled by the rare find.


The scene changes to {{TRT}} talking about trailing the twerps and that 'if experience has told them anything, it's that they've learned from trailing those twerps they would stop at a Johto League Gym for a Badge'. After going off on that discussion, [[Jessie]] and {{MTR}} claim to be hungry and hand James the money to go buy them all food. However, James runs into the same sales person that Ash and company had and instantly buys the Itemfinder after being convinced of its uses and ability. As soon as James returns with the Itemfinder, both Jessie and Meowth show their great distaste with it and tell James to give them the money so that they can buy something to eat. James soon explains that he spent all the money on the Itemfinder and is soon able to convince both Jessie and Meowth (even if only slightly) that he could find treasure with it. Turning it on, James soon has the Itemfinder go off and the three of them become excited that it actually found something. However, they soon become upset by the fact that it was merely a bottle cap -- James being the only one enthralled by having found it.
Arriving at the gates of the supposed "Gym", {{an|Misty}} speculates that the Gym isn't like any others that they have seen before. As they venture through this "Gym" for a few moments, they are forced to flee from a sudden fire inside the building. The group attempts to flee, but the inferno follows them. They try to douse the flames with their {{type|Water}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, but it proves useless. Ash watches in shock as his {{AP|Totodile}} jumps into the flames, and Misty then realizes that it must be an illusion. Ash orders his {{AP|Noctowl}} to use {{m|Foresight}}, which reveals the flames to actually be illusions created by a group of {{p|Gastly}}. The {{type|Ghost}} Pokémon proceed to attack the group with {{m|Night Shade}}. The Gastly are soon warded off and the trio gives a sigh of relief only to be on edge again by the Gastly coming back, and with several {{p|Haunter}} accompanying them. Ash commands {{AP|Pikachu}} to use {{m|Thunder Shock}} on the Ghost Pokémon, but the group find themselves overwhelmed. Soon, a {{TP|Morty|Gengar}} appears and all the other Ghost types seem to be weary of its presence. Ash is about to command another Thunder Shock, before an unknown voice orders him to stop.


Arriving at the gates of the supposed 'Gym', Misty speculates that the Gym isn't like any others that they have seen before. As they venture through this 'Gym' for a few moments, the trio is soon finding themselves running away from flames that mysteriously appeared within the building. Trying to douse the flames with their {{type|Water}} Pokémon, they find out the blaze is merely an illusion thanks to {{p|Gastly}} that reside in the burned out building. They were revealed thanks to Ash's {{AP|Noctowl}}'s {{m|Foresight}}. Soon after having the Gastly revealed, Ash commands Noctowl to use {{m|Tackle}} on the Gastly in the area after they attack them with {{m|Night Shade}}. The Gastly are soon warded off and the trio gives a sigh of relief only to be on edge again by the Gastly coming back... and with {{p|Haunter}} accompanying them.
Turning his attention toward where the voice came from, a young blond man is revealed, standing atop of the staircase. At the initial sight of the man, all the Ghost-type Pokémon instantly hover over before him. He informs Ash and {{ashfr}} that the Pokémon were not trying to harm them, but merely trying to protect their home after feeling threatened. Ash is quick to demand answers and mystery man is revealed to be [[Morty]], [[Gym Leader|Leader]] of the [[Ecruteak Gym|Ecruteak City Gym]]. Ash and his friends seem to be surprised at the mention, though Ash quickly regains his bearings and claims to Morty that he wants to compete for the Gym Badge that he holds.


Getting ready for battle, Ash commands {{AP|Pikachu}} to use {{m|ThunderShock}} on the {{type|Ghost}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Ash is ready to do more than he has at this point when the Gastly and Haunter disappear, making it so that Pikachu's attacks couldn't hit. Soon, a {{TP|Morty|Gengar}} appears and all the other Ghost-type Pokémon seem to be weary of its presence. Ash is about to command another ThunderShock before an unknown voice calls out, "Stop."
Merely smiling to Ash, Morty explains that he would love to {{pkmn|battle}} Ash in an official Gym battle, but not where they are now. Morty explains that they are actually at the [[Burned Tower]], a place that was once filled with brightness but has since come to be the home of many Ghost-type Pokémon. Ash then spots a wooden carving of an oddly familiar Pokémon, and Morty reveals that it is the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{an|Ho-Oh}}. Ash confesses that he [[EP001|has seen one before]], but Morty is highly skeptical. Morty then explains some of Ecruteak City’s history, and adds that the nearby [[Bell Tower|Tin Tower]] was built after the now named Burned Tower was destroyed in a ferocious blaze three hundred years prior.


Turning his attention toward where the voice came from, a young blond man is revealed, standing atop of the staircase. At the initial sight of the man, all the Ghost Pokémon instantly hover over before him. After they do, this man soon tells Ash and the others that they should understand that the Pokémon were not trying to harm them, but merely trying to protect the place it is they reside because they felt threatened by their appearance. As soon as he does, Ash asks this person who he is and the man dismisses the Pokémon before him before responding that he is [[Morty]], Leader of the Ecruteak City Gym. All Ash, Misty and Brock seem to be surprised at the mention, though Ash quickly regains his bearings and claims to Morty that he wants to compete for the Gym Badge that he holds.
Pikachu suddenly notices that {{TP|Misty|Togepi}} is wandering off further into the Burned Tower, and heading for a hole that only small Pokémon would be able to fit through. Pikachu attempts to stop Togepi, but it too late and the two Pokémon disappear into the small hole. Morty leads the others through the maze-like tower to rescue the pair. He busts open a jarred door, only to realize that the tower's structure is weak and beyond damaged to continue searching safely. He calls upon his Gengar to rally up the other Ghost-type Pokémon residing in the building and find both Pikachu and Togepi. He reassures Misty and the others that Ghost Pokémon are up to the task. Just as soon as Pikachu catches up with Togepi, it instantly bounds off, heading deeper into the tower.


Merely smiling to Ash, Morty explains that he would love to battle Ash in an official Gym battle but that they couldn't do it where they were. Morty continues on to say that the place that they were was and has been confused as the Ecruteak City Gym by many different Trainers that pass through the city. Brock asks just what exactly the place is and Morty gives his response that it 'used to be a place of brightness and hope; now it's a place of darkness', and that's why so many Ghost Pokémon have come to live there. After coming to that realization that the place is the home of all the Pokémon that attacked them, a small feeling of guilt is bestowed upon them.
Just outside, however, {{TRT}} is following the beeping of the Itemfinder, but the only thing they have found are bottle caps. James defends the device, but Jessie and Meowth are unimpressed. Jessie then considers selling the caps for money, but James is too attached to his growing collection and holds his loot bag tightly. In the middle of the squabble, Togepi pushes through some rubble and appears near Meowth, instantly catching the attention of the Rocket trio. Pikachu appears soon after, instantly exciting Team Rocket. Just as Pikachu prepares to attack them, Meowth warns him that he risks injuring his friend Togepi. Jessie and the others are thrilled with their two new catches, but a Gastly oversees everything. Gastly then informs Morty of the news. Morty then tells Ash that Pikachu and Togepi have been found, but Ash is more surprised that Morty understood Gastly's speech, and asks him how he did it. Morty simply replies that it's thanks to practice.


Having the guilt vanish as quickly as it came when seeing a plaque of {{p|Ho-Oh}}, Ash quickly runs over to it, asking what it is, where Morty replies and explains that it's Ho-Oh, one of the ancient legendary Pokémon. At that response, Ash responds with: "It may be legendary, but I saw one!" This is when the flashback of him seeing Ho-Oh plays over. As soon as said flashback ends, Morty instantly lets Ash know that he's highly skeptical about his seeing Ho-Oh, as they have not been seen for three centuries. Ash is a little miffed by Morty's not believing him, though after being told that it's been over three-hundred years since anyone's seen it, his miffed state fades. Morty then goes on to say that there's a tower that was rebuilt not too far away from the burned out building that they're all in. He further explains that the tower he mentions is a copy of the one that they're standing in.
Outside the Burned Tower, Team Rocket runs from the scene with Pikachu and Togepi strapped onto James's and Meowth's backs. Gengar emerges from the ground and uses its tongue to trip over the trio, stopping them in their tracks. Jessie is quick to blame Meowth, but Gengar then appears in front of James. Morty and the others soon confront the trio, and Team Rocket promptly recites their {{motto}}. Ash demands Pikachu back and proceeds to run at the trio, but Meowth quickly {{m|Scratch}}es his face. Jessie and James applaud Meowth's maneuver, and then they start taunting the others. Ash and Misty instantly demand a battle for both Pikachu and Togepi. Jessie says that they'd be happy to before Meowth warns her of the usual consequences. She consults James, and with a consensus reached the three of them start running again with Ash and the others pursuing them.


Ash then questions what happened to the original tower that they're in, soon receiving a rather long-winded response:
Chasing after them, Morty calls upon Gengar once more, who then rushes ahead to reach team Rocket. At this, Jessie and James send out {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}} and {{TP|James|Weezing}} to stall the Ghost-type Pokémon from catching up with them. Gengar soon hovers close to the ground and then disappears to ward them off its location, causing both Arbok and Weezing to be confused for a brief moment. It soon appears behind them and rushes in to knock them into the neighboring thicket. Both Arbok and Weezing are momentarily knocked out as a result. Gengar blocks Team Rocket, and the evil trio soon find themselves surrounded by Morty and the others. Morty demands to know the trio's motivations for stealing Pokémon, but is unimpressed by their responses. He orders Gengar use Night Shade, which frees both Togepi and Pikachu. As the two Pokémon are flying through the air after being released, Haunter and Gastly catch them both and carry them to Ash and Misty. After the small reunion, both Jessie and James persist on getting back at the Gengar and brings both Arbok and Weezing into battle. Both Pokémon dive for Gengar, and the Ghost type merely braces itself for impact before Morty tells it to dodge the attacks. Following orders, Gengar disappears and both Arbok and Weezing crash into the ground. Appearing above the battle scene, Gengar is unharmed and grins at them. Arbok manages to {{m|Wrap}} itself around Gengar momentarily, before it disappears into thin air. Morty, deciding to make the battle quick now, issues the next command: for Gengar to use one of its most powerful attacks, {{m|Shadow Ball}}. At that, however, both Jessie and James stupidly command both Arbok and Weezing to take it head on. Because of this, the Shadow Ball hits the Pokémon directly, and the resulting explosion on the ground sends Team Rocket blasting off.


"It was built to promote understanding between humans and Pokémon, and my ancestors protected it for generations. Over the decades, the [[Tin Tower]] became a special place for another reason. It was the only place on earth where Ho-Oh, the legendary Pokémon, made contact with humans. Ho-Oh's visits were a sign of peace, but it would only appear to a chosen few. Only those guarding the tower. Then, one day, invaders came who sought to use the Ho-Oh's power for evil! In the ensuing battle, the Tin Tower was set afire! The Ho-Oh fled... it ceased to make contact with humans... and it has never returned. Some wanted to rebuild the tower, but my ancestors insisted that it be left as a witness for future generations of man's brutality -- but they also decided to build a new Tin Tower. Their hope was that the Ho-Oh might return, to a new place of peace. So far... these hopes have been in vain.... We've waited so long that some people say that Ho-Oh was a legend that never really existed."
The group inspects the crater left because of Gengar's Shadow Ball, and Ash remarks in awe of Gengar's powerful move. {{an|Brock}} warns Ash that he’ll probably be up against Gengar and its Shadow Ball during his Gym match. Ash then glances over at Gengar as it floats down to the ground. Later, Morty suggests that he and Ash should rest up for the night and battle the next day, and Ash agrees to the idea. Morty and Gengar then reenter the Burned Tower. Ash is quietly confident as he weighs up how powerful Morty and his Ghost-type Pokémon are going to be.
 
As soon as Morty stops with the historic response of the towers, Ash pipes up that he knows that he saw Ho-Oh and that it isn't just a legend that didn't exist. While going off on that, Pikachu notices that {{TP|Misty|Togepi}} is wandering off further into the [[Burned Tower]], and heading for a hole that only small Pokémon would be able to fit through. Acting as the caretaker of Togepi, Pikachu instantly jumps from Ash's shoulder and bounds over stop the young Pokémon -- its efforts only turning out to be rather futile. As soon as both Pokémon disappear into the small hole, Morty leads the others toward a part of the burned out tower that would lead them to the same general location that both Pikachu and Togepi ran off in.
 
Busting open an old and worn out door, Ash comments on the fact that the place is like a maze. Morty explains that due to the fire, a lot of the support beams weakened and fell, now making it so that venturing further than where they were currently would be too dangerous for them. Morty soon tells Misty that there are other ways to find the two Pokémon, and this is where he calls upon {{p|Gengar}} to rally up the other Ghost Pokémon residing in the building and find both Pikachu and Togepi.
 
Just as soon as Pikachu catches up with Togepi, it instantly bounds off, heading deeper into the tower. Just outside, however, Team Rocket is following the beeping of the Itemfinder that James bought up the stairs to the place of the burned out tower. James instantly runs over to where the Itemfinder is pointing him, excited about what may be under whatever it is he's run to while both Jessie and Meowth are thoroughly unimpressed by the fact that they've been finding nothing but bottle caps. Meowth insists on calling it a sack of garbage and both he and Jessie agree that the caps are worthless, while James defends them and says that they're extremely valuable collector's items. This only rouses the suggestion to sell them for extra cash, but James is too attached to them to allow that to happen.
 
Togepi soon pushes through rubble, instantly capturing Team Rocket's attention and making them sparkle with joy. Their joy is only amplified by the fact that Pikachu comes pushing up through the rubble soon after. When Pikachu sees Team Rocket with Togepi in their possession, it's about to shock them all with a powerful attack before they tell it that it shouldn't attack them unless it wanted to hurt Togepi as well. At the mention of that, Pikachu instantly stops, not feeling good about not giving Team Rocket a good jolt. While Team Rocket is dancing for joy, however, Gastly peeks out from the hole created from both Togepi and Pikachu and then swiftly goes to tell Morty and the others that it has found the location of the two Pokémon.
 
Here, it is speculated that Morty can also communicate with Ghost Pokémon more than just being friends with them, however, nothing is solidly confirmed. Getting the news from the Gastly, Morty tells to Ash and his friends that they've seen where both Pikachu and Togepi are located before following along after it. Ash questions how it is that Morty is able to understand the Gastly, where the only response received from him is: "Practice."
 
The scene changes again to an excited and laughing Team Rocket, this time with them running off with Pikachu and Togepi strapped upon their backs. They're making their out of the city until Morty's Gengar appears and trips them via using its tongue. Falling face first onto the ground, Jessie gets up first and instantly pegs the blame on Meowth, who honestly denies the action since he tripped as well. As soon as James says that it must have been something, Morty's Gengar appears before them, startling James back up onto his feet. At this point, Morty and the others have arrived on the scene and Ash points out that it's Team Rocket.
 
Morty tells them to give back both Pikachu and Togepi, where Team Rocket quickly disregard it and start off their whole motto as they normally do. Ash runs in telling them to give back the Pokémon after the motto and Meowth jumps up to scratch at his face. Backing off at that, Jessie and James applaud Meowth for his work and then start taunting Ash and the others with both Pikachu and Togepi in their possession. Ash and Misty instantly demand a battle for both Pikachu and Togepi -- Jessie says that they'd be happy to before Meowth interjects that every time they try to battle the twerps, they end up losing badly to them and that it would be just best to run for it. Asking James what he thought, he agrees with Meowth to beat it and the three of them start running again with Ash and the others chasing after them while calling them cowards.
 
Chasing after them, Morty calls upon Gengar once more, who appears beside both he and Ash, and then issues the command to take back both Togepi and Pikachu. At this, both Jessie and James send out {{TP|Jessie|Arbok}} and {{TP|James|Weezing}} to stall the Ghost-type Pokémon from catching up with them. Gengar soon hovers close to the ground and then disappears to ward them off its location, causing both Arbok and Weezing to be confused for a brief couple of moments. It soon then appears behind them and rushes in to knock them into the neighboring thicket that's next to the pathway that they're on. Both Arbok and Weezing get momentarily knocked out as they come into contact with the trees and Gengar goes to halt Team Rocket in their tracks by simply appearing before them. As soon as the trio is rather trapped, Morty calls them out on being thieves and asks, "how can people who are Pokémon Trainers steal other peoples' Pokémon!?"
 
Getting an answer from Team Rocket, Morty quickly commands Gengar to use Night Shade on Team Rocket. This attack hits the straps on both Meowth and James' backs, releasing both Togepi and Pikachu. As the two Pokémon are flying through the air after being released, Morty calls upon Haunter and Gastly to catch both of them and bring them to Ash and Misty without harm. After the small reunion, both Jessie and James persist on getting back at the Gengar and brings both Arbok and Weezing into battle. Both Pokémon dive in for Gengar, and the Ghost-type merely braces itself for impact before Morty tells it to dodge the attacks. Following orders, Gengar disappears and both Arbok and Weezing crash into the ground.
 
Appearing above the battle scene, Gengar grins to them and Jessie commands Arbok to perform a {{m|Wrap}} attack on it. The move only appears to be successful, however, Morty again tells Gengar to disappear. Following instruction once again, Gengar vanishes from Arbok's hold, making Arbok and Team Rocket shocked as to what they just witnessed. Morty, deciding to make the battle quick now, issues the next command: for Gengar to use one of its most powerful attacks, {{m|Shadow Ball}}. At that, however, both Jessie and James stupidly command both Arbok and Weezing to take it head on. Because of this, The Shadow Ball hits the directly and sends them headlong into the ground, causing Team Rocket to 'blast off again'.
 
Looking at the damage that the Shadow Ball created, Ash remarks in awe of Morty's Gengar's Shadow Ball. Brock's response to that was that Ash should be careful, now that he knows what exactly his opponent is capable of. Here, we near the end of the episode and Morty tells Ash that they could have their battle now, however, he imagined that both he and his Pokémon must be tired. Saying that resting up will make it a better battle, the two part ways for just the day and both Misty and Brock ask Ash about how he would handle Morty in battle the next day. The only response that he gives is that they'd just have to see tomorrow!


==Major events==
==Major events==
* {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} arrive in [[Ecruteak City]] and meet [[Morty]], the {{gy|Ecruteak}} [[Gym Leader]].
* {{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} arrive in [[Ecruteak City]] and meet [[Morty]], the {{gy|Ecruteak}} [[Gym Leader]].
* [[James]] obtains an [[Dowsing Machine|Itemfinder]].
* [[Ash's Noctowl]] is revealed to know {{m|Tackle}}.
* [[Ash's Noctowl]] is revealed to know {{m|Tackle}}.
* Ash finds out that the mysterious Pokémon he saw on his [[EP001|first day]] as a [[Pokémon Trainer]] was {{p|Ho-Oh}}.
* Ash finds out that the mysterious Pokémon he saw on his [[EP001|first day]] as a [[Pokémon Trainer]] was {{p|Ho-Oh}}.
Line 92: Line 71:
==Characters==
==Characters==
===Humans===
===Humans===
[[File:Dare da EP181.png|200px|thumb|right|{{tt|Dare da?|Who's That Pokémon?}}]]
[[File:Dare da EP181.png|200px|thumb|{{tt|Dare da?|Who's That Pokémon?}}]]
* {{Ash}}
* {{Ash}}
* {{an|Brock}}
* {{an|Brock}}
Line 101: Line 80:
* [[Infernando]]
* [[Infernando]]
* Town residents
* Town residents
* Unidentified invaders (flashback)


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
[[File:WTP EP181.png|thumb|200px|right|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[File:WTP EP181.png|thumb|200px|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Raticate}} ''(U.S. and international)'', {{p|Gengar}} ''(Japan)''
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Raticate}} ''(US and international)'', {{p|Gengar}} ''(Japan)''


* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
Line 111: Line 91:
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Wobbuffet}} ({{OP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}})
* {{p|Totodile}} ({{OP|Ash|Totodile}})
* {{p|Totodile}} ({{OP|Ash|Totodile}})
* {{p|Noctowl}} ({{OP|Ash|Noctowl}})
* {{p|Noctowl}} ({{OP|Ash|Noctowl}}; {{Shiny}})
* {{p|Staryu}} ({{OP|Misty|Staryu}})
* {{p|Staryu}} ({{OP|Misty|Staryu}})
* {{p|Arbok}} ({{OP|Jessie|Arbok}})
* {{p|Arbok}} ({{OP|Jessie|Arbok}})
* {{p|Weezing}} ({{OP|James|Weezing}})
* {{p|Weezing}} ({{OP|James|Weezing}})
* {{p|Gengar}} ({{OP|Morty|Gengar}})
* {{p|Gengar}} ({{OP|Morty|Gengar}})
* {{p|Ho-Oh}} ({{an|Ho-Oh|anime}}; flashback)
* {{p|Gastly}} (multiple)
* {{p|Gastly}} (multiple)
* {{p|Haunter}} (multiple)
* {{p|Haunter}} (multiple)
* {{p|Ho-Oh}} ({{an|Ho-Oh|anime}}, flashback)


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* This episode was initially titled ''The Tower Inferno''; however, unlike ''[[EP023|The Tower Of Terror]]'', this episode was renamed rather than skipped after the {{wp|September 11, 2001 attacks|September 11 attacks}}.
* This episode was initially titled ''The Tower Inferno'' prior to its English release. However, following the {{wp|September 11 attacks}}, it was renamed.
** Despite this, several sources still refer to this episode as ''The Tower Inferno''. [[Pokémon.com]] formerly referred to this episode by that title.
** Despite this, several sources still refer to this episode as ''The Tower Inferno''. [[Pokémon.com]] formerly referred to this episode by that title.
* The English title of this episode is taken from the phrase ''"a ghost of a chance"''.
* The English title of this episode is taken from the phrase "a ghost of a chance".
* This episode features the [[Dowsing Machine|Itemfinder]], though it is referred to as a "Treasure Detector".
* This episode features the [[Dowsing Machine|Itemfinder]], though it is referred to as a "Treasure Detector" in the English [[dub]]. This is likely a [[List of cross-canon references|reference]] to how the Itemfinder can be obtained in [[Ecruteak City]] in the [[Generation II]] {{pkmn|games}}.
* This episode is featured on the ''Volume 9: Ghost'' copy of [[Pokémon Elements]].
* This episode is featured on the ''Volume 9: Ghost'' copy of [[Pokémon Elements]].
* Music from ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' can be heard in this episode.
* Music from ''[[M01|Mewtwo Strikes Back]]'' can be heard in this episode.
* Because Ecruteak City is based on real-world Kyoto, Japan, there were many references to the characteristics of the real city. Women dressed in ''Kimono'' were seen multiple times in the episode. Further, a man can be seen in the beginning of the episode eating ''Takoyaki'', a popular snack in the Kansai region.  
* [[Infernando]] is based on the {{tc|Firebreather}} Trainer class introduced in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}. His presence in this episode could be a reference how a couple of Firebreathers can be found in Ecruteak City's [[Burned Tower]] in the aforementioned games.
* Because Ecruteak City is based on real-world {{wp|Kyoto}}, Japan, there were many references to the characteristics of the real city. Women dressed in {{wp|kimono}} were seen multiple times in the episode. Further, in the beginning of the episode, a man can be seen eating {{wp|takoyaki}}, a popular snack in the {{wp|Kansai region}}.


===Errors===
===Errors===
[[File:EP181 Error.png|thumb|200px|right|The missing logo]]
[[File:EP181 Title Card Error.png|thumb|200px|The missing logo]]
* In the English dub, a {{p|Haunter}} appears and cries "Gengar" instead of "Haunter".
* In the English dub, a {{p|Haunter}} appears and cries "{{p|Gengar}}" instead of "Haunter".
* As a {{type|Normal}}, {{AP|Noctowl}} should be completely immune to {{type|Ghost}} attacks. However, this is not the case in this episode.
* As a {{t|Normal}} type, {{AP|Noctowl}} should be completely immune to {{type|Ghost}} attacks. However, this is not the case in this episode.
* The Pokémon logo isn't on the title screen when {{Ash}} says it.
* The Pokémon logo isn't on the title screen when {{Ash}} says it.
* When {{AP|Totodile}} is in the fire, its mouth moves but nothing comes out.
* When {{AP|Totodile}} is in the fire, its mouth moves but nothing comes out.
* When [[Morty]] first starts talking, his mouth moves but he doesn't say anything for the first second then starts talking.
* When [[Morty]] introduces himself, his mouth moves but he doesn't say anything for the first second after the image finishes tilting.
* When [[Jessie]] [[recall]]s her {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} after {{TRT}} steals {{AP|Pikachu}} and {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}, the button on Wobbuffet's [[Poké Ball]] is missing.
* When [[Jessie]] [[recall]]s her {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} after {{TRT}} steals {{AP|Pikachu}} and {{TP|Misty|Togepi}}, the button on Wobbuffet's {{i|Poké Ball}} is missing.


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* A shot where Ash and co. entering the Burned Tower is skipped.
* A shot where Ash and {{ashfr}} entering the Burned Tower is skipped.
* The scene where Ash and co. are chasing {{TRT}} with {{AP|Pikachu}} and {{TP|Misty|Togepi|Togetic}} was edited for violence. When Ash first attempts to get both Pokémon back, {{MTR}} scratches Ash's face in the original version. In the dub, the scratching was replaced with stars on a black background.
* The scene where Ash and his friends are chasing {{TRT}} with {{AP|Pikachu}} and {{TP|Misty|Togepi}} was edited for violence. When Ash first attempts to get both Pokémon back, {{MTR}} scratches Ash's face in the original version. In the English dub, the scratching was replaced with stars on a black background.
* The original airing of this episode on Hungama TV in {{pmin|India}} started the episode directly from the title card, skipping the part of the episode that comes before it.
* The original airing of this episode on Hungama TV in {{pmin|India}} started it directly from the title card, skipping the part of the episode that comes before it.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
|bg={{tt|Непредвидимият Генгар|Unpredictable Gengar}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|燃燒塔，小松登場|Burning Tower, Morty Appears}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|燃燒塔，小松登場|Burning Tower, Morty Appears}}
|cs={{tt|Duchové|Ghosts}}
|cs={{tt|Duchové|Ghosts}}
Line 157: Line 139:
|es_la={{tt|¡Encuentro con fantasmas!|Encounter with ghosts!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Encuentro con fantasmas!|Encounter with ghosts!}}
|es_eu={{tt|Una oportunidad fantasmil|A ghosty opportunity}}
|es_eu={{tt|Una oportunidad fantasmil|A ghosty opportunity}}
|sv={{tt|Hu, vad det spökar!|Oh, how haunted it is!}}
|pl={{tt|Jak przechytrzyć ducha|How to outsmart a ghost}}
|pl={{tt|Jak przechytrzyć ducha|How to outsmart a ghost}}
|hi=घोस्त है की मानता नही! {{tt|''Ghost hai ki manta nahi!''|The Ghost does not agree!}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
|hi=घोस्त है की मानता नही! {{tt|''Ghost hai ki manta nahi!''|The Ghost does not agree!}} {{tt|*|Hungama dub}}
}}
}}
 
{{-}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=EP180 |
prevcode=EP180 |
Line 169: Line 152:
colorscheme=Johto | }}
colorscheme=Johto | }}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:0181}}
[[Category:Original series episodes|181]]
[[Category:Original series episodes|181]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka|181]]
[[Category:Banned episodes]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Kiyoshi Fukumoto|181]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Atsuhiro Tomioka]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Tarō Iwasaki|181]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Kiyoshi Fukumoto]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Katsumi Hashimoto|181]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Tarō Iwasaki]]
[[Category:Episodes in which an alternately colored Pokémon appears|181]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Katsumi Hashimoto]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Pikachu]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Togepi]]
[[Category:Episodes in which an alternately colored Pokémon appears]]


[[de:Geister in Teak City (Episode)]]
[[de:Geister in Teak City]]
[[es:EP183]]
[[fr:EP181]]
[[fr:EP181]]
[[it:EP181]]
[[ja:無印編第181話]]
[[ja:無印編第181話]]
[[pl:EP181]]
[[zh:宝可梦 第182集]]
[[zh:EP182]]

Revision as of 00:29, 9 March 2024

← EP180 : Houndoom's Special Delivery
Original series
EP182 : From Ghost to Ghost →
A Ghost of a Chance
EP181.png
  EP181  
やけたとう！マツバとうじょう！！
The Burned Tower! Matsuba Appears!!
First broadcast
Japan January 18, 2001
United States November 10, 2001
English themes
Opening Born to Be a Winner
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening OK!
Ending ぼくのベストフレンドへ
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 冨岡淳広 Atsuhiro Tomioka
Storyboard 福本潔 Kiyoshi Fukumoto
Assistant director 岩崎太郎 Tarō Iwasaki
Animation director はしもとかつみ Katsumi Hashimoto
Additional credits

A Ghost of a Chance (Japanese: やけたとう！マツバとうじょう！！ The Burned Tower! Matsuba Appears!!) is the 181st episode of the Pokémon anime. It was first broadcast in Japan on January 18, 2001, and in the United States on November 10, 2001.

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

Blurb

Arriving in Ecruteak, Ash immediately heads to the Gym to challenge it's leader for his next Johto League badge. Our heroes soon realize this isn't a normal gym... it bursts into flames as soon as they enter! Trying to douse the flames with their water Pokémon, they find out the blaze is bogus. It's actually the Gastly, Haunter and Gengar instigating the illusion. Find out how these Ghost-Types end up helping our heroes when Togepi and Pikachu get lost among the ruins. Plus, don't miss the Gastly lesson they teach Team Rocket!

Plot

Arriving in Ecruteak City, Ash immediately makes his way to the Gym to challenge its Leader for his next Johto League Badge. On their way over, they are stopped by Infernando, a fire-breathing salesman, who claims to be "just the guy they're lookin' for". The group are quick to brush off Infernando's Itemfinder offer and continue on the trail headed toward the Gym. After receiving instructions from his hungry teammates, James goes on the look for some food. He soon encounters Infernando, and James is instantly sold by the sales pitch and buys himself an Itemfinder. James returns to the park with his new "Treasure Detector", but Jessie and Meowth are immediately annoyed that not only did James not return with food, but he spent all of his money on the worthless device. James tries to prove himself and switches the Itemfinder on. It begin blinking and indicates that something is buried nearby. A few shovel scoops and James spots a glimmering object in the ground, but it turns out to be a bottle cap. Jessie and Meowth are disappointed, but James is thrilled by the rare find.

Arriving at the gates of the supposed "Gym", Misty speculates that the Gym isn't like any others that they have seen before. As they venture through this "Gym" for a few moments, they are forced to flee from a sudden fire inside the building. The group attempts to flee, but the inferno follows them. They try to douse the flames with their Water-type Pokémon, but it proves useless. Ash watches in shock as his Totodile jumps into the flames, and Misty then realizes that it must be an illusion. Ash orders his Noctowl to use Foresight, which reveals the flames to actually be illusions created by a group of Gastly. The Ghost-type Pokémon proceed to attack the group with Night Shade. The Gastly are soon warded off and the trio gives a sigh of relief only to be on edge again by the Gastly coming back, and with several Haunter accompanying them. Ash commands Pikachu to use Thunder Shock on the Ghost Pokémon, but the group find themselves overwhelmed. Soon, a Gengar appears and all the other Ghost types seem to be weary of its presence. Ash is about to command another Thunder Shock, before an unknown voice orders him to stop.

Turning his attention toward where the voice came from, a young blond man is revealed, standing atop of the staircase. At the initial sight of the man, all the Ghost-type Pokémon instantly hover over before him. He informs Ash and his friends that the Pokémon were not trying to harm them, but merely trying to protect their home after feeling threatened. Ash is quick to demand answers and mystery man is revealed to be Morty, Leader of the Ecruteak City Gym. Ash and his friends seem to be surprised at the mention, though Ash quickly regains his bearings and claims to Morty that he wants to compete for the Gym Badge that he holds.

Merely smiling to Ash, Morty explains that he would love to battle Ash in an official Gym battle, but not where they are now. Morty explains that they are actually at the Burned Tower, a place that was once filled with brightness but has since come to be the home of many Ghost-type Pokémon. Ash then spots a wooden carving of an oddly familiar Pokémon, and Morty reveals that it is the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh. Ash confesses that he has seen one before, but Morty is highly skeptical. Morty then explains some of Ecruteak City’s history, and adds that the nearby Tin Tower was built after the now named Burned Tower was destroyed in a ferocious blaze three hundred years prior.

Pikachu suddenly notices that Togepi is wandering off further into the Burned Tower, and heading for a hole that only small Pokémon would be able to fit through. Pikachu attempts to stop Togepi, but it too late and the two Pokémon disappear into the small hole. Morty leads the others through the maze-like tower to rescue the pair. He busts open a jarred door, only to realize that the tower's structure is weak and beyond damaged to continue searching safely. He calls upon his Gengar to rally up the other Ghost-type Pokémon residing in the building and find both Pikachu and Togepi. He reassures Misty and the others that Ghost Pokémon are up to the task. Just as soon as Pikachu catches up with Togepi, it instantly bounds off, heading deeper into the tower.

Just outside, however, Team Rocket is following the beeping of the Itemfinder, but the only thing they have found are bottle caps. James defends the device, but Jessie and Meowth are unimpressed. Jessie then considers selling the caps for money, but James is too attached to his growing collection and holds his loot bag tightly. In the middle of the squabble, Togepi pushes through some rubble and appears near Meowth, instantly catching the attention of the Rocket trio. Pikachu appears soon after, instantly exciting Team Rocket. Just as Pikachu prepares to attack them, Meowth warns him that he risks injuring his friend Togepi. Jessie and the others are thrilled with their two new catches, but a Gastly oversees everything. Gastly then informs Morty of the news. Morty then tells Ash that Pikachu and Togepi have been found, but Ash is more surprised that Morty understood Gastly's speech, and asks him how he did it. Morty simply replies that it's thanks to practice.

Outside the Burned Tower, Team Rocket runs from the scene with Pikachu and Togepi strapped onto James's and Meowth's backs. Gengar emerges from the ground and uses its tongue to trip over the trio, stopping them in their tracks. Jessie is quick to blame Meowth, but Gengar then appears in front of James. Morty and the others soon confront the trio, and Team Rocket promptly recites their motto. Ash demands Pikachu back and proceeds to run at the trio, but Meowth quickly Scratches his face. Jessie and James applaud Meowth's maneuver, and then they start taunting the others. Ash and Misty instantly demand a battle for both Pikachu and Togepi. Jessie says that they'd be happy to before Meowth warns her of the usual consequences. She consults James, and with a consensus reached the three of them start running again with Ash and the others pursuing them.

Chasing after them, Morty calls upon Gengar once more, who then rushes ahead to reach team Rocket. At this, Jessie and James send out Arbok and Weezing to stall the Ghost-type Pokémon from catching up with them. Gengar soon hovers close to the ground and then disappears to ward them off its location, causing both Arbok and Weezing to be confused for a brief moment. It soon appears behind them and rushes in to knock them into the neighboring thicket. Both Arbok and Weezing are momentarily knocked out as a result. Gengar blocks Team Rocket, and the evil trio soon find themselves surrounded by Morty and the others. Morty demands to know the trio's motivations for stealing Pokémon, but is unimpressed by their responses. He orders Gengar use Night Shade, which frees both Togepi and Pikachu. As the two Pokémon are flying through the air after being released, Haunter and Gastly catch them both and carry them to Ash and Misty. After the small reunion, both Jessie and James persist on getting back at the Gengar and brings both Arbok and Weezing into battle. Both Pokémon dive for Gengar, and the Ghost type merely braces itself for impact before Morty tells it to dodge the attacks. Following orders, Gengar disappears and both Arbok and Weezing crash into the ground. Appearing above the battle scene, Gengar is unharmed and grins at them. Arbok manages to Wrap itself around Gengar momentarily, before it disappears into thin air. Morty, deciding to make the battle quick now, issues the next command: for Gengar to use one of its most powerful attacks, Shadow Ball. At that, however, both Jessie and James stupidly command both Arbok and Weezing to take it head on. Because of this, the Shadow Ball hits the Pokémon directly, and the resulting explosion on the ground sends Team Rocket blasting off.

The group inspects the crater left because of Gengar's Shadow Ball, and Ash remarks in awe of Gengar's powerful move. Brock warns Ash that he’ll probably be up against Gengar and its Shadow Ball during his Gym match. Ash then glances over at Gengar as it floats down to the ground. Later, Morty suggests that he and Ash should rest up for the night and battle the next day, and Ash agrees to the idea. Morty and Gengar then reenter the Burned Tower. Ash is quietly confident as he weighs up how powerful Morty and his Ghost-type Pokémon are going to be.

Major events

For a list of all major events in Pokémon the Series, please see the timeline page.

Debuts

Humans

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Dare da?

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Raticate (US and international), Gengar (Japan)

Trivia

  • This episode was initially titled The Tower Inferno prior to its English release. However, following the September 11 attacks, it was renamed.
    • Despite this, several sources still refer to this episode as The Tower Inferno. Pokémon.com formerly referred to this episode by that title.
  • The English title of this episode is taken from the phrase "a ghost of a chance".
  • This episode features the Itemfinder, though it is referred to as a "Treasure Detector" in the English dub. This is likely a reference to how the Itemfinder can be obtained in Ecruteak City in the Generation II games.
  • This episode is featured on the Volume 9: Ghost copy of Pokémon Elements.
  • Music from Mewtwo Strikes Back can be heard in this episode.
  • Infernando is based on the Firebreather Trainer class introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver. His presence in this episode could be a reference how a couple of Firebreathers can be found in Ecruteak City's Burned Tower in the aforementioned games.
  • Because Ecruteak City is based on real-world Kyoto, Japan, there were many references to the characteristics of the real city. Women dressed in kimono were seen multiple times in the episode. Further, in the beginning of the episode, a man can be seen eating takoyaki, a popular snack in the Kansai region.

Errors

The missing logo
  • In the English dub, a Haunter appears and cries "Gengar" instead of "Haunter".
  • As a Normal type, Noctowl should be completely immune to Ghost-type attacks. However, this is not the case in this episode.
  • The Pokémon logo isn't on the title screen when Ash says it.
  • When Totodile is in the fire, its mouth moves but nothing comes out.
  • When Morty introduces himself, his mouth moves but he doesn't say anything for the first second after the image finishes tilting.
  • When Jessie recalls her Wobbuffet after Team Rocket steals Pikachu and Togepi, the button on Wobbuffet's Poké Ball is missing.

Dub edits

  • A shot where Ash and his friends entering the Burned Tower is skipped.
  • The scene where Ash and his friends are chasing Team Rocket with Pikachu and Togepi was edited for violence. When Ash first attempts to get both Pokémon back, Meowth scratches Ash's face in the original version. In the English dub, the scratching was replaced with stars on a black background.
  • The original airing of this episode on Hungama TV in India started it directly from the title card, skipping the part of the episode that comes before it.

In other languages



← EP180 : Houndoom's Special Delivery
Original series
EP182 : From Ghost to Ghost →
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of Pokémon animation.
Retrieved from "https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/w/index.php?title=EP181&oldid=3944892"