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EP171: Difference between revisions

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{{samename|{{TCG|Theme Deck}} released alongside the {{TCG|Emerging Powers}} expansion|Power Play (TCG)}}
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footnotes= {{filb-eppics|pm|173}}
footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|pm|173}}
}}
}}
'''Power Play!''' (Japanese: '''ブラッキー！やみよのたたかい！！''' ''{{tt|Blacky|Umbreon}}! Battle During a Dark Night!!'') is the 171st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on November 2, 2000 and in the United States on October 20, 2001.  
 
'''Power Play!''' (Japanese: '''ブラッキー！やみよのたたかい！！''' ''{{tt|Blacky|Umbreon}}! Battle During a Dark Night!!'') is the 171st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on November 2, 2000, and in the United States on October 20, 2001.  


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Synopsis==
==Blurb==
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/4/episode-14-power-play/-->
<i>When a blackout hits a town on the road to Ecruteak City, our heroes realize it puts the Pokémon in the local Pokécenter in jeopardy. Wanting to help nurse Joy and the ailing Pokémon, the gang takes on the task of finding out what went haywire at the power plant. Before they can help restore the power however, they have to overcome the latest Team Rocket invention: The Mecha-Robo-Wobbuffet! See how Ash and Pikachu team up with Gary and his Umbreon in order to overcome Team Rocket and restore power to the grateful town.</i>


{{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} are on the road to [[Ecruteak City]] when they overhear a [[Pokémon battle]] nearby. Curious, they go to get a closer look and are surprised to see Ash's rival {{Gary}} battling another [[Alex Davis|Trainer]]. The {{pkmn|Trainer}} calls out an {{p|Alakazam}}, which causes Gary to bring out his {{TP|Gary|Umbreon}}. Checking his [[Pokédex]], Ash realizes that this Umbreon is the evolved form of the {{p|Eevee}} that Gary used to defeat him back in [[Pallet Town]].
==Plot==
{{Ash}}, {{an|Misty}}, and {{an|Brock}} are on the road to [[Ecruteak City]] when they overhear a [[Pokémon battle]] nearby. Curious, they go to get a closer look and are surprised to see Ash's [[rival]] {{Gary}} battling a {{pkmn|Trainer}} named [[Alex Davis]] from [[Cherrygrove City]]. Alex calls out an {{p|Alakazam}}, whole Gary decides to use his {{TP|Gary|Umbreon}}. Checking his [[Pokédex]], Ash realizes that this Umbreon is the evolved form of the {{p|Eevee}} that [[EP116|Gary used to defeat him]] back in [[Pallet Town]].


Alakazam starts things off by launching a massive {{m|Zap Cannon}} attack toward Umbreon but misses when it leaps into the air in the nick of time. Alakazam then tries {{m|Psychic}}, but Umbreon is unaffected as it is a {{type2|Dark}} and Dark-type {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} are unaffected by Psychic attacks. Using its {{m|Headbutt}} next, Alakazam charges at its opponent with an alarming speed. However, Umbreon dodges and takes advantage of the situation by {{m|Tackle|tackling}} Alakazam. But it recovers from the blow and retaliates with {{m|DynamicPunch}}, which Umbreon easily evades. Alakazam then pulls off a {{m|Double Team}} and sends all clones to strike at once. Gary commands Umbreon to stay calm to sense the real Alakazam, which it does. Just as Umbreon is about to connect with a {{m|Quick Attack}}, Alakazam uses {{m|Teleport}}. As Umbreon searches for the whereabouts of its opponent, the other trainer tells Alakazam to end the battle with {{m|Hyper Beam}}. Gary notices the strange light coming from his left, and warns Umbreon to dodge the attack. It jumps up at the last minute, and finishes Alakazam off using {{m|Hidden Power}}. After Gary wins his battle, Ash challenges Gary to a match but Gary refuses, reminding Ash of how Umbreon defeated {{AP|Pikachu}} before. Ash tells Gary he doesn't have to use Pikachu to battle Umbreon, and sends out {{AP|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Cyndaquil}}, {{AP|Totodile}} and {{AP|Noctowl}}. However Ash's attempts to impress his rival backfire as Chikorita goes straight to Ash for attention, Cyndaquil wanders about aimlessly, Totodile starts dancing around wildly and Noctowl starts to sleep. Ash starts to despair, but by now Gary has walked off. Naturally Ash isn't happy about the brush off and vows to beat Gary and Umbreon the next time they meet.
Alakazam starts things off by launching a powerful {{m|Zap Cannon}} toward Umbreon, but misses when it leaps into the air in the nick of time. Alakazam then tries {{m|Psychic}}, but Umbreon is unaffected by it as a {{type|Dark}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Using its {{m|Headbutt}} next, Alakazam charges at its opponent with alarming speed. However, Umbreon dodges and takes advantage of the situation by {{m|Tackle|tackling}} Alakazam. Alakazam recovers from the blow and retaliates with {{m|Dynamic Punch}}, which Umbreon easily evades. Alakazam then pulls off a {{m|Double Team}} and sends all clones to strike at once. Gary commands Umbreon to stay calm to sense the real Alakazam, which it does. Just as Umbreon is about to connect with a {{m|Quick Attack}}, Alakazam uses {{m|Teleport}} and disappears. As Umbreon searches for the whereabouts of its opponent, Alex tells Alakazam to end the battle with {{m|Hyper Beam}}. Gary notices the strange light coming from his left and warns Umbreon to dodge the attack. Umbreon jumps up at the last second and finishes Alakazam off using {{m|Hidden Power}}. Seeing that the battle is over, Ash rushes up to Gary and challenges him to a battle as well, but Gary declines, reminding Ash of how Umbreon defeated {{AP|Pikachu}} before as an Eevee. Ash tells Gary he doesn't have to use Pikachu to battle Umbreon, and sends out {{AP|Chikorita}}, {{AP|Cyndaquil}}, {{AP|Totodile}}, and {{AP|Noctowl}}. However, Ash's attempts to impress his rival backfire as Chikorita goes straight to Ash for attention, Cyndaquil wanders about aimlessly, Totodile starts dancing around wildly, and Noctowl falls asleep. Ash starts to despair, but by now Gary has walked off. Naturally, Ash isn't happy about the brush off and vows to beat Gary and Umbreon the next time they meet.


Meanwhile [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}} try to come up with their next scheme. {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} begins to bother Meowth, who responds with his signature {{m|Fury Swipes}} attack. When Wobbuffet uses its {{m|Counter}} to reflect the attack back on Meowth, Jessie suddenly gets an idea.
Meanwhile [[Jessie]], [[James]], and {{MTR}} try to come up with their next scheme. {{TP|Jessie|Wobbuffet}} begins to bother Meowth, who responds with his signature {{m|Fury Swipes}} attack. When Wobbuffet uses his {{m|Counter}} to reflect the attack back on Meowth, Jessie suddenly gets an idea.


In a nearby town, Ash tries to ignore Misty and Brock as they talk about Gary's Umbreon. Wanting to bolster his strength in case he meets Gary again, Ash starts stuffing his face with hamburgers the moment they arrive at a [[Pokémon Center]]. Brock tries to tell him that it could be weeks before they meet Gary again, but Ash refuses to heed his advice. Without warning, the lights in the Center go out. [[Nurse Joy]] comes in and says that the entire town has suffered a blackout, and that without electricity the intensive care unit in the Pokémon Center can't function. Eager to impress Nurse Joy, Brock volunteers to go to the town's hydroelectric power plant and see what the problem is. Ash and Misty decide to go along as well. On their way to the plant they pass by Gary's campsite, who decides to follow them with Umbreon.
In a nearby town, Ash tries to ignore Misty and Brock as they talk about Gary's Umbreon. Wanting to bolster his strength in case he meets Gary again, Ash starts stuffing his face with hamburgers the moment they arrive at a [[Pokémon Center]]. Brock tries to tell him that it could be weeks before they meet Gary again, but Ash refuses to heed his advice. Without warning, the lights in the Center go out. [[Nurse Joy]] comes in and says that the entire town has suffered a blackout and that without electricity the intensive care unit in the Pokémon Center can't function. Eager to impress Nurse Joy, Brock volunteers to go to the town's hydroelectric power plant and see what the problem is. Ash and Misty decide to go along as well. On their way to the plant, they pass by Gary's campsite, who decides to follow them with Umbreon.


At the power plant they find all of the plant employees tied up, and realize that {{TRT}} is responsible for the blackout, having diverted the energy from the plant into their new [[Team Rocket's Mechas|Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet]] with a gigantic power cable. Like a real Wobbuffet, the robot has the ability to counter attacks and easily reflects every attack Ash and his friends try to throw at it. Realizing they can't beat it, Ash and company beat a hasty retreat into the woods, with Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet right behind them. However just when everything seems lost, the Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet suddenly stops, having used up the full length of its power cord. Arriving on the scene, Gary takes advantage of the robot's weakness and orders Umbreon to sever the power cable, stopping the robot dead in its tracks. With Team Rocket unable to do anything, the four trainers rush back to the power plant and quickly release the imprisoned workers. The workers say that with the damage Team Rocket caused, the only way to restore the town's power is to activate the backup generator located nearby.
At the power plant, they find all of the plant employees tied up, and realize that {{TRT}} is responsible for the blackout, having diverted the energy from the plant into their new [[Team Rocket's mechas|Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet]] with a gigantic power cable. Like a real Wobbuffet, the robot has the ability to counter attacks and easily reflects every attack Ash and his friends try to throw at it. Realizing they can't beat it, Ash and company beat a hasty retreat into the woods, with Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet right behind them. However, just when everything seems lost, the Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet suddenly stops, having used up the full length of its power cord. Arriving on the scene, Gary takes advantage of the robot's weakness and orders Umbreon to sever the power cable, stopping the robot dead in its tracks. With Team Rocket unable to do anything, the four Trainers rush back to the power plant and quickly release the imprisoned workers. The workers say that with the damage Team Rocket caused, the only way to restore the town's power is to activate the backup generator located nearby.


On their way to the generator, Ash and his friends are once again interrupted by Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet, which has become fully mobile thanks to James' and Meowth's bicycle power. Under Jessie's control the robot begins to fight against Ash's Pokémon, but quickly stops again when an exhausted James and Meowth lose their energy to pedal. Ash orders {{AP|Pikachu}} to use its {{m|Thunderbolt}}, but finds that the attack only recharges the robot. With a new supply of energy the robot resumes its attack with even greater force. Watching its counter attack in action, Ash suddenly gets an idea. He orders {{AP|Cyndaquil}} to use {{m|Flamethrower}}, which is quickly sucked into the robot's stomach. Before it can release the attack he orders {{AP|Chikorita}} to use {{m|Vine Whip}} and hold the robot's counter mechanism shut. This causes the counter to be released inside the robot, blowing it to pieces and causing Team Rocket to "blast off".
On their way to the generator, Ash and his friends are once again interrupted by Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet, which has become fully mobile thanks to James and Meowth's bicycle power. Under Jessie's control, the robot begins to fight against Ash's Pokémon but quickly stops again when an exhausted James and Meowth lose their energy to pedal. Ash orders {{AP|Pikachu}} to use his {{m|Thunderbolt}}, but finds that the attack only recharges the robot. With a new supply of energy, the robot resumes its attack with even greater force. Watching its counter attack in action, Ash suddenly gets an idea. He orders {{AP|Cyndaquil}} to use {{m|Flamethrower}}, which is quickly sucked into the robot's stomach. Before it can release the attack he orders {{AP|Chikorita}} to use {{m|Vine Whip}} and hold the robot's counter mechanism shut. This causes the counter to be released inside the robot, blowing it to pieces and causing Team Rocket to blast off again.


With the robot out of the way Ash and Gary reach the backup generator, and combine their Pokémon's powers to get it running again. When they realize the backup generator isn't giving off enough power, Pikachu uses its {{m|ThunderShock}} to get it up to peak capacity. Impressed, Gary tells Ash that he's gotten a lot stronger since their last encounter, and says that next time they meet it might be him that challenges Ash to a battle. Surprised at having won his rival's respect, Ash says that he looks forward to that day, and the two part ways.
With the robot out of the way Ash and Gary reach the backup generator and combine their Pokémon's powers to get it running again. When they realize the backup generator isn't giving off enough power, Pikachu uses his {{m|Thunder Shock}} to get it up to peak capacity. Impressed, Gary tells Ash that he's gotten a lot stronger since their last encounter, and says that next time they meet it might be him that challenges Ash to a battle. Surprised at having won his rival's respect, Ash says that he looks forward to that day and the two part ways.


The next day, after saying goodbye to Nurse Joy. Ash and his friends continue on their journey.
The next day, after saying goodbye to Nurse Joy. Ash and his friends continue on their journey.


==Major events==
==Major events==
*{{Ash}} and {{ashfr|his friends}} meet up with {{Gary}} again and see that his {{p|Eevee}} has [[Evolution|evolve]]d into an {{p|Umbreon}}.
* {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}} meet up with {{Gary}} again.
* Gary's {{p|Eevee}} is revealed to have [[Evolution|evolved]] into an {{TP|Gary|Umbreon}}.
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}
===Debuts===
===Debuts===
====Pokémon debuts====
====Pokémon debuts====
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==Characters==
==Characters==
===Humans===
===Humans===
[[File:Dare da EP171.png|200px|thumb|right|{{tt|Dare da?|Who's That Pokémon?}}]]
[[File:Dare da EP171.png|thumb|200px|right|{{tt|Dare da?|Who's That Pokémon?}}]]
* {{Ash}}
* {{Ash}}
* {{an|Brock}}
* {{an|Brock}}
Line 68: Line 75:
* [[Nurse Joy]]
* [[Nurse Joy]]
* [[Alex Davis]]
* [[Alex Davis]]
* Power plant workers (four)
* Power plant workers
* Town residents
* Town residents


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
[[File:WTP EP171.png|thumb|200px|right|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[File:WTP EP171.png|thumb|200px|right|Who's That Pokémon?]]
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Shellder}} ''(U.S. and international)'', {{p|Umbreon}} ''(Japan)''
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Shellder}} ''(US and international)'', {{p|Umbreon}} ''(Japan)''
 
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
Line 81: Line 89:
* {{p|Cyndaquil}} ({{OP|Ash|Cyndaquil}})
* {{p|Cyndaquil}} ({{OP|Ash|Cyndaquil}})
* {{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|Poliwhirl}} ({{OP|Misty|Poliwhirl}})
* {{p|Poliwhirl}} ({{OP|Misty|Poliwhirl}})
* {{p|Umbreon}} ({{OP|Gary|Umbreon}}, debut)
* {{p|Umbreon}} ({{OP|Gary|Umbreon}}; debut)
* {{p|Alakazam}} ([[Alex Davis]]'s)
* {{p|Alakazam}} ([[Alex Davis]]'s)
* {{p|Blissey}}
* {{p|Blissey}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* [[Team Rocket's Mecha]]: Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet
* The episode's English [[dub]] title is a reference to the sports term "{{wp|Power play (sporting term)|power play}}".
* The voice of [[Alex Davis]] is provided by a competition winner of the same name.
* [[Team Rocket Forever]] plays in the background when {{TRT}} attacks with their Wobbuffet mecha.


===Errors===
===Errors===
* The same Alakazam uses up to seven moves in this episode, despite the fact that most pokémon are only able to learn up to four moves at a time.
* In the scene where everyone is pulling down on the lever, {{TP|Misty|Togepi}} is initially pulling behind {{AP|Chikorita}}. After panning to {{Ash}} briefly, however, Cyndaquil suddenly appears in between Togepi and Chikorita.
* In the scene where everyone was pulling down on the lever, Togepi was initially pulling behind Chikorita. After panning to Ash briefly, however, Cyndaquil suddenly appeared in between Togepi and Chikorita.
* In one scene, when [[Nurse Joy]] is trying to use the telephone, Ash says there is a blackout, even though there is a bit of light.


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* 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 the original Japanese version, [[Gary's Umbreon]] uses footwork to dodge {{p|Alakazam}}'s {{m|Dynamic Punch}}. In the English [[dub]], this was changed to Umbreon using {{m|Agility}}. Furthermore, [[Anime move errors|Umbreon is unable to learn Agility]] in the {{pkmn|games}}.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
{{Epilang|color=DDDDDD|bordercolor=FFCB49
|bg={{tt|Игра с електричество!|Electric game}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|月精靈！暗夜的戰鬥！|Umbreon! Battle During the Dark Night!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|月精靈！暗夜的戰鬥！|Umbreon! Battle During the Dark Night!}}
|cs={{tt|Přesilovka|Power play}}
|cs={{tt|Přesilovka|Power play}}
|nl={{tt|Elektrische Spanning!|Voltage!}}
|nl={{tt|Elektrische Spanning!|Voltage!}}
|de={{tt|Stromausfall im Kraftwerk|Power breakdown at the powerhouse}}
|de={{tt|Stromausfall im Kraftwerk|Blackout at the powerplant}}
|fi={{tt|Mitä? Onko töpseli tyhjä?|What? Is the plug empty?}}
|fi={{tt|Mitä, onko töpseli tyhjä?|What, is the plug empty?}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Il y a de l'électricité dans l'air|There is electricity in the air}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Il y a de l'électricité dans l'air|There is electricity in the air}}
|he=משחקים של כח {{tt|mischakim shel koach|Power games}}
|he=משחקים של כח {{tt|mischakim shel koach|Power games}}
|it=Black out
|it=Blackout
|pt_br={{tt|O Jogo do Poder!|The Power Game!}}
|pt_br={{tt|O Jogo do Poder!|The Power Game!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Jogada Eléctrica!|Electrical Play!}}
|pt_eu={{tt|Jogada Eléctrica!|Electrical Play!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Juego de poder!|Power game!}}
|es_la={{tt|¡Juego de poder!|Power game!}}
|es_eu={{tt|Energía a tope|Full energy}}
|es_eu={{tt|Energía a tope|Full energy}}
|sv={{tt|Uppladdningen!|The Charging!}}
|sv={{tt|Uppladdningen|The Charging}}
|pl={{tt|Więcej światła|More light}}
|pl={{tt|Więcej światła|More light}}
|hi=बिजली गुल! {{tt|''Bijali Gul!''|Electricity Failure}}
}}
}}
 
{{-}}
{{EpicodePrevNext|
{{EpicodePrevNext|
prevcode=EP170 |
prevcode=EP170 |
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colorscheme=Johto | }}
colorscheme=Johto | }}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:0171}}
[[Category:Original series episodes|171]]
[[Category:Original series episodes|171]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shōji Yonemura|171]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Shōji Yonemura]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Yūji Asada|171]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Yūji Asada]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaaki Iwane|171]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Yūji Asada]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Gary|171]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Yūji Asada]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Masaaki Iwane]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Gary]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Ash]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Team Rocket]]
[[Category:Episodes in which an alternately colored Pokémon appears]]


[[de:Stromausfall im Kraftwerk (Episode)]]
[[de:Stromausfall im Kraftwerk]]
[[fr:Épisode 171]]
[[es:EP173]]
[[fr:EP171]]
[[it:EP171]]
[[ja:無印編第171話]]
[[ja:無印編第171話]]
[[pl:EP171]]
[[zh:宝可梦 第172集]]
[[pt:EP171]]

Latest revision as of 12:14, 15 March 2024

If you were looking for the Theme Deck released alongside the Emerging Powers expansion, see Power Play (TCG).
← EP170 : A Better Pill to Swallow
Original series
EP172 : Mountain Time →
Power Play!
EP171.png
  EP171  
ブラッキー！やみよのたたかい！！
Blacky! Battle During a Dark Night!!
First broadcast
Japan November 2, 2000
United States October 20, 2001
English themes
Opening Born to Be a Winner
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening OK!
Ending ポケモンはらはらリレー
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 米村正二 Shōji Yonemura
Storyboard 浅田裕二 Yūji Asada
Assistant director 浅田裕二 Yūji Asada
Animation director 岩根雅明 Masaaki Iwane
Additional credits

Power Play! (Japanese: ブラッキー！やみよのたたかい！！ Blacky! Battle During a Dark Night!!) is the 171st episode of the Pokémon anime. It was first broadcast in Japan on November 2, 2000, and in the United States on October 20, 2001.

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

Blurb

When a blackout hits a town on the road to Ecruteak City, our heroes realize it puts the Pokémon in the local Pokécenter in jeopardy. Wanting to help nurse Joy and the ailing Pokémon, the gang takes on the task of finding out what went haywire at the power plant. Before they can help restore the power however, they have to overcome the latest Team Rocket invention: The Mecha-Robo-Wobbuffet! See how Ash and Pikachu team up with Gary and his Umbreon in order to overcome Team Rocket and restore power to the grateful town.

Plot

Ash, Misty, and Brock are on the road to Ecruteak City when they overhear a Pokémon battle nearby. Curious, they go to get a closer look and are surprised to see Ash's rival Gary battling a Trainer named Alex Davis from Cherrygrove City. Alex calls out an Alakazam, whole Gary decides to use his Umbreon. Checking his Pokédex, Ash realizes that this Umbreon is the evolved form of the Eevee that Gary used to defeat him back in Pallet Town.

Alakazam starts things off by launching a powerful Zap Cannon toward Umbreon, but misses when it leaps into the air in the nick of time. Alakazam then tries Psychic, but Umbreon is unaffected by it as a Dark-type Pokémon. Using its Headbutt next, Alakazam charges at its opponent with alarming speed. However, Umbreon dodges and takes advantage of the situation by tackling Alakazam. Alakazam recovers from the blow and retaliates with Dynamic Punch, which Umbreon easily evades. Alakazam then pulls off a Double Team and sends all clones to strike at once. Gary commands Umbreon to stay calm to sense the real Alakazam, which it does. Just as Umbreon is about to connect with a Quick Attack, Alakazam uses Teleport and disappears. As Umbreon searches for the whereabouts of its opponent, Alex tells Alakazam to end the battle with Hyper Beam. Gary notices the strange light coming from his left and warns Umbreon to dodge the attack. Umbreon jumps up at the last second and finishes Alakazam off using Hidden Power. Seeing that the battle is over, Ash rushes up to Gary and challenges him to a battle as well, but Gary declines, reminding Ash of how Umbreon defeated Pikachu before as an Eevee. Ash tells Gary he doesn't have to use Pikachu to battle Umbreon, and sends out Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Noctowl. However, Ash's attempts to impress his rival backfire as Chikorita goes straight to Ash for attention, Cyndaquil wanders about aimlessly, Totodile starts dancing around wildly, and Noctowl falls asleep. Ash starts to despair, but by now Gary has walked off. Naturally, Ash isn't happy about the brush off and vows to beat Gary and Umbreon the next time they meet.

Meanwhile Jessie, James, and Meowth try to come up with their next scheme. Wobbuffet begins to bother Meowth, who responds with his signature Fury Swipes attack. When Wobbuffet uses his Counter to reflect the attack back on Meowth, Jessie suddenly gets an idea.

In a nearby town, Ash tries to ignore Misty and Brock as they talk about Gary's Umbreon. Wanting to bolster his strength in case he meets Gary again, Ash starts stuffing his face with hamburgers the moment they arrive at a Pokémon Center. Brock tries to tell him that it could be weeks before they meet Gary again, but Ash refuses to heed his advice. Without warning, the lights in the Center go out. Nurse Joy comes in and says that the entire town has suffered a blackout and that without electricity the intensive care unit in the Pokémon Center can't function. Eager to impress Nurse Joy, Brock volunteers to go to the town's hydroelectric power plant and see what the problem is. Ash and Misty decide to go along as well. On their way to the plant, they pass by Gary's campsite, who decides to follow them with Umbreon.

At the power plant, they find all of the plant employees tied up, and realize that Team Rocket is responsible for the blackout, having diverted the energy from the plant into their new Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet with a gigantic power cable. Like a real Wobbuffet, the robot has the ability to counter attacks and easily reflects every attack Ash and his friends try to throw at it. Realizing they can't beat it, Ash and company beat a hasty retreat into the woods, with Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet right behind them. However, just when everything seems lost, the Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet suddenly stops, having used up the full length of its power cord. Arriving on the scene, Gary takes advantage of the robot's weakness and orders Umbreon to sever the power cable, stopping the robot dead in its tracks. With Team Rocket unable to do anything, the four Trainers rush back to the power plant and quickly release the imprisoned workers. The workers say that with the damage Team Rocket caused, the only way to restore the town's power is to activate the backup generator located nearby.

On their way to the generator, Ash and his friends are once again interrupted by Robo-Mecha Wobbuffet, which has become fully mobile thanks to James and Meowth's bicycle power. Under Jessie's control, the robot begins to fight against Ash's Pokémon but quickly stops again when an exhausted James and Meowth lose their energy to pedal. Ash orders Pikachu to use his Thunderbolt, but finds that the attack only recharges the robot. With a new supply of energy, the robot resumes its attack with even greater force. Watching its counter attack in action, Ash suddenly gets an idea. He orders Cyndaquil to use Flamethrower, which is quickly sucked into the robot's stomach. Before it can release the attack he orders Chikorita to use Vine Whip and hold the robot's counter mechanism shut. This causes the counter to be released inside the robot, blowing it to pieces and causing Team Rocket to blast off again.

With the robot out of the way Ash and Gary reach the backup generator and combine their Pokémon's powers to get it running again. When they realize the backup generator isn't giving off enough power, Pikachu uses his Thunder Shock to get it up to peak capacity. Impressed, Gary tells Ash that he's gotten a lot stronger since their last encounter, and says that next time they meet it might be him that challenges Ash to a battle. Surprised at having won his rival's respect, Ash says that he looks forward to that day and the two part ways.

The next day, after saying goodbye to Nurse Joy. Ash and his friends continue on their journey.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Dare da?

Pokémon

Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Shellder (US and international), Umbreon (Japan)

Trivia

Errors

  • In the scene where everyone is pulling down on the lever, Togepi is initially pulling behind Chikorita. After panning to Ash briefly, however, Cyndaquil suddenly appears in between Togepi and Chikorita.
  • In one scene, when Nurse Joy is trying to use the telephone, Ash says there is a blackout, even though there is a bit of light.

Dub edits

In other languages



← EP170 : A Better Pill to Swallow
Original series
EP172 : Mountain Time →
Project Anime logo.png This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.
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