List of Pokémon: Indigo League episodes

Pokémon: Indigo League
The front cover of the DVD collection box of English Pokémon: Indigo League season, containing the first twenty-six episodes of this season
Country of origin	Japan
No. of episodes	81 (USA) 82 (Japan)
Broadcast
Original channel	TV Tokyo
Original run	April 1, 1997 – January 28, 1999
Home video release
DVD release date	November 21, 2006 (Season 1, Volume 1) November 13, 2007 (Season 1, Volume 2) February 12, 2008 (Season 1, Volume 3) 1998-2001 (Individual)
Season chronology
← Previous — Next → Adventures on the Orange Islands

This is a list of episodes in the animated series Pokémon, named Pokémon: Indigo League for the DVD releases. The episodes aired in Japan as Pocket Monsters (ポケットモンスター, Poketto Monsutā), covering the first season of the series about the adventures of series protagonist, Ash Ketchum and his friends, Misty and Brock on the way to the Indigo Plateau. The episodes are directed by Masamitsu Hidaka and produced by Oriental Light and Magic and TV Tokyo.

Main overview

Ash Ketchum is now 10 years old and is able to start on a new journey as a Pokémon trainer. The night before Ash had to go meet Prof. Oak he had a dream and broke his alarm. That Day he overslept which caused him to miss his chance on getting one of the three Kanto starter Pokémon: Charmander, Bulbasaur or Squirtle on his first day. However, Professor Oak had one last Pokémon at his lab, a Pikachu. At first Pikachu did not get along with Ash, but over the course of the season Ash gained Pikachu's trust and they became best friends, developing a special bond. On the way Ash meets Misty, the Cerulean City Gym Leader who loves water Pokémon and wants to join him until he pay's her for her bike which was accidentally destroyed by Pikachu, and Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader who wants to join Ash on his journey so he can become the greatest Pokémon breeder. Ash catches and makes friends with many Pokémon which sets him up for a great adventure. However, through his journey he has to deal with the Team Rocket trio of Jessie, James, and Meowth, and his childhood rival, Gary Oak, Prof. Oak's grandson who also is a Pokémon Trainer that always seems two steps ahead of Ash. After obtaining all 8 Kanto Gym Badges needed to compete in the Pokémon League at Indigo Plateau, Ash reaches the top 16, losing out to a close friend, Ritchie.

Airing overview

The division between seasons of Pokémon is based on the openings of each episode, and may not reflect the actual production season. The English episode numbers are based on their first airing in the United States in syndication, and on The WB Television Network. (Other English-speaking nations largely followed either this order or the Japanese order.) Subsequent airings of the English version follow the original Japanese order, except in the case of episodes which are no longer shown in English. Midway through the original series, YTV began to air the episodes before Kids' WB until sometime in Johto.

The first season ran from April 1, 1997 – January 28, 1999 in Japan. This season was shown on TV Tokyo. In the United States, new episodes originally aired in syndication from September 8, 1998 – November 20, 1998, but were moved mid-way through the season to Kids' WB's Saturday morning line-up on February 13, 1999. With a total of 80 episodes (82 in Japan), on November 27, 1999 (January 21, 1999 in Japan) Pokémon: Indigo League finished and became the longest running Pokémon season.

The episodes of this season have been released in 26 individual DVDs and VHS between December 13, 1998 and January 23, 2001. Between 2006 and 2008, Viz Media re-released episodes of the season in three DVD compilations. The first twenty-six episodes of this season were released on DVD on November 21, 2006, with "Beauty and the Beach", being skipped. The second part of the first season came out on November 13, 2007, with "Princess vs. Princess" and "The Purr-fect Hero" being skipped. The third and final part was released on February 12, 2008.

Since April 5, 2010, the original Pokémon episodes are airing weekdays on Boomerang (TV Channel) at 6:30pm.

Season 1 – Pokémon: Indigo League (1997–1999)

 

EP#		English title Japanese title	Air date
J#	E#		Japan
				United States
1	1	"Pokémon, I Choose You!" (Pokémon, I Choose You!) "Pokemon! Kimi ni Kimeta!" (ポケモン！きみにきめた！)	April 1, 1997	September 8, 1998
Ash Ketchum is finally 10 years old, old enough to become a Pokémon Trainer. He oversleeps and sprints in his pj's to Professor Oak's lab, however, and arrives to discover all the Pokémon are gone. Ash has no choice but to take a naughty little Pikachu. Pikachu won't listen or go inside its Poké Ball, so Ash must drag it along (literally). After many failed attempts at capturing some Pokémon, Ash throws a rock and hits a Spearow. The Spearow gets angry and the entire flock starts chasing Ash and Pikachu! Ash, with no Pokémon that will listen to him, must escape from the raging Spearow. Can they escape, and will Ash ever earn Pikachu's trust? NO Note: The previously unknown Pokémon, Ho-Oh is seen towards the end of the episode.
2	2	"Pokémon Emergency!" (Showdown! Pokémon Center!) "Taiketsu! Pokemon Sentā!" (たいけつ！ポケモンセンター！)	April 8, 1997	September 9, 1998
Finally arriving in Viridian City, Ash is cornered by Officer Jenny who asks why he is carrying Pikachu instead of having it in a Pokéball. After explaining, Jenny takes Ash to the Pokémon Center where Nurse Joy begins treatment on the injured Pikachu. Before Pikachu’s treatment finishes, however, Ash is interrupted by Misty, who vows to stick with Ash until he pays her back for destroying her bike in the previous episode, and the Center is attacked by two members of Team Rocket, who afterwards vow to steal Ash's Pikachu.
3	3	"Ash Catches a Pokémon" (I Got a Pokémon!) "Pokemon, Getto da ze!" (ポケモンゲットだぜ！)	April 15, 1997	September 10, 1998
Ash, Pikachu and Misty have entered the Viridian Forest. Ash captures his first Pokémon, a Caterpie, and later, a Pidgeotto. Misty, however, is scared of bugs and screams every time it comes near her. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is following them, ready for a fresh attempt at capturing Pikachu. Can he, Misty, and his Pokémon fend off Team Rocket again?
4	4	"Challenge of the Samurai" (Challenge of the Samurai Boy!) "Samurai Shōnen no Chōsen!" (サムライしょうねんのちょうせん！)	April 22, 1997	September 11, 1998
While wandering through Viridian Forest, a Samurai challenges Ash to a battle, and it turns out to be Metapod vs. Metapod. After a short time, a swarm of Beedrill attacks, and Ash's Metapod is taken by them. Ash is able to rescue his Metapod and it evolves into a beautiful Butterfree.
5	5	"Showdown in Pewter City" (Battle of Nibi Gym!) "Nibi Jimu no Tatakai!" (ニビジムのたたかい！)	April 29, 1997	September 14, 1998
Ash and Misty finally reach Pewter City and meet Flynn, a mysterious man who sells rocks. Ash is ready to challenge the Pewter City Gym Leader, Brock, for his first Badge, but loses the battle. Flynn takes Ash and Pikachu to Brock's home and Ash learns that Brock cares for his many younger brothers and sisters since their dad left them. He then brings Pikachu and Ash to a watermill to make Pikachu stronger. Ash battles Brock again, this time coming closer to winning. A fire breaks out in the gym, however, and the sprinklers go off, weakening Onix. Ash wants to defeat Onix but is held back by the thought of Brock's siblings (when he opens his eyes he finds he was literally held back by them). Ash leaves the Gym but Brock catches up to him and gives Ash the Boulder Badge. Flynn turns out to be Brock's father and takes over the Gym and the responsibility of his children for Brock when he decides to join Ash on his journey.
6	6	"Clefairy and the Moon Stone" (Pippi and the Moon Stone) "Pippi to Tsuki no Ishi" (ピッピとつきのいし)	May 6, 1997	September 15, 1998
Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu arrive at Mt. Moon to find Team Rocket interfering with the local wildlife. in hopes of finding the rare Moon Stone. With the help of Seymour the Scientist, the gang saves the Moon Stone and the Clefairies that guard it. Also, Brock catches a Zubat.
7	7	"The Water Flowers of Cerulean City" (The Underwater Flowers of Hanada City) "Hanada Shiti no Suichūka" (ハナダシティのすいちゅうか)	May 13, 1997	September 16, 1998
In his quest to collect Trainer Badges, Ash heads for Cerulean City, intending to confront the Cerulean Gym Leader. For some reason, Misty expresses a desire to avoid Cerulean City and disappears along the way. Upon entering the gym, Ash and Pikachu are entranced by a synchronized swimming show being performed by three beautiful sisters. Could this truly be the Cerulean Gym? And what could be the role of the three beautiful swimming sisters? More importantly, will Ash be able to defeat the strangely absent Gym Leader to earn his next badge?
8	8	"The Path to the Pokémon League" (The Road to the Pokémon League) "Pokemon Rīgu e no Michi" (ポケモンリーグへのみち)	May 20, 1997	September 17, 1998
After receiving his second badge, Ash sets off triumphantly for Vermilion City. Along the way, they hear of a trainer named A.J. - a fierce Pokémon trainer who has never lost a match. Full of self-confidence from his own record of ten victories in a row, Ash heads directly for the gym to find his new opponent. When they arrive, a huge bulletin is in front of the gym with a neon sign declaring “98 Consecutive Victories”, which appeals to Ash’s over-confidence. A.J. is on the brink of achieving his goal of 100 straight victories, after which he will embark on a journey to gather badges. Will victory fall on the side of Ash and his 10 straight victories or with A.J. and his string of 98? In the process, will Ash learn some important lessons about the bonds between Pokémon and trainer?
9	9	"The School of Hard Knocks" (Pokémon Certain Victory Manual) "Pokemon Hisshō Manyuaru" (ポケモンひっしょうマニュアル)	May 27, 1997	September 18, 1998
Our three heroes have lost their way in the depths of a dense wood, shrouded in thick, white mist. Momentarily giving up, they decide to break for a brief rest. As Ash wanders deeper into the wood, searching for firewood, he happens across a young boy being bullied by five classmates gathered around him. Eavesdropping on their conversation, Ash learns that the boys are attending a preparatory school for Pokémon trainers. Graduates from the school are automatically qualified to participate in the Pokémon League without undergoing any actual test of skill. Ash, Misty, and Brock head to the school and don’t agree with some of their ideas of training, something their "leader" doesn't take well.
10	10	"Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village" (Fushigidane of the Isolated Village) "Kakurezato no Fushigidane" (かくれざとのフシギダネ)	June 3, 1997	September 21, 1998
Ash and friends are still on their way to Vermilion City and still lost. They stop by a pond for a break when they see an Oddish taking a drink. Ash and Misty try to catch it but they are stopped by a mysterious Bulbasaur who rescues the Oddish. They continue on their journey and keep getting caught in traps, until the Bulbasaur's owner, Melanie, finds them saves them and brings them back to her cabin. It turns out that she helps injured, sick, and abandoned Pokémon, and they decide to help. Meanwhile, Team Rocket decides to steal all the Pokémon, while Brock wonders if he should stay with Melanie. In the end, Melanie gives Bulbasaur to Ash.
11	11	"Charmander – The Stray Pokémon" (The Stray Pokémon – Hitokage) "Hagure Pokemon, Hitokage" (はぐれポケモン・ヒトカゲ)	June 10, 1997	September 22, 1998
While on the road to Vermilion City, Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu come across a Charmander sitting on a rock. Ash tries to catch it, but it turns out it has a trainer and can't be captured, so they head to the Pokémon Center. At the center, a hotshot trainer named Damien is bragging about how he left it, promising to come back for it when he means to abandon it. After hearing this, they head back out to get the poor Pokémon as a rainstorm threatens its very life. After a battle with Team Rocket, where Damien witnesses Charmander defeating them, he tries to get Charmander to come back to him, but the Pokémon's loyalty now belongs to Ash. Ash captures Charmander, gaining a new friend and Pokémon.
12	12	"Here Comes the Squirtle Squad" (The Zenigame Squad Appears!) "Zenigame-gundan Tōjō!" (ゼニガメぐんだんとうじょう！)	June 17, 1997	September 23, 1998
Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu become the victims of pranks played by a gang of Squirtles. They end up falling down a hole, and are even eventually captured by them. It turns out that they are working together with Team Rocket. When Pikachu is severely injured, the Squirtle let Ash out to get medicine from town, but must return soon or his friends will be trapped by the Squirtle Squad forever. In the end, the Squirtle Squad save a town from a fire started by Team Rocket and the lead Squirtle joins Ask on his further adventures.
13	13	"Mystery at the Lighthouse" (Masaki's Lighthouse) "Masaki no Tōdai" (マサキのとうだい)	June 24, 1997	September 24, 1998
When the Krabby that Ash catches disappears, he goes to a nearby lighthouse to see if it reached Professor Oak's lab. The keeper of the lighthouse is Bill, a Pokémon Watcher who is searching for a mysterious Pokémon that sometimes appears by his lighthouse. Just as this mysterious Pokémon answers Bill's call and approaches the lighthouse, Team Rocket appears and tries to capture it. Injured, the Pokémon loses its trust of Bill and vanishes forever, though Bill intends to keep an eye out in case it ever appears again.
14	14	"Electric Shock Showdown" (Electric Shock Showdown! Kuchiba Gym) "Dengeki Taiketsu! Kuchiba Jimu" (でんげきたいけつ！クチバジム)	July 1, 1997	September 25, 1998
Ash finally arrives in Vermilion City and is ready to prove that he can defeat its Gym Leader. However, his opponent has a very tough Raichu that keeps the Pokémon Center very busy...
15	15	"Battle Aboard the St. Anne" (Battle Aboard the St. Anne!) "Santo Annu-gō no Tatakai!" (サントアンヌごうのたたかい！)	July 8, 1997	September 28, 1998
Ash 'wins' a ticket to take a trip on a luxury cruise ship, the Saint Anne. However, this is a scheme devised by Giovanni, who plans to steal the Pokémon of all the trainers onboard. Info: This was the first episode to air in the USA on September 7, 1998 as a "sneak preview episode". The actual series began the following day on September 8.
16	16	"Pokémon Shipwreck" (Pokémon Adrift) "Pokemon Hyōryūki" (ポケモンひょうりゅうき)	July 15, 1997	September 29, 1998
The St. Anne flips over and sinks to the bottom of the sea after a perilous storm. All the passengers manage to escape, except for Ash, Misty, Brock and Team Rocket, who are trapped on board. After regaining consciousness, Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu and Team Rocket discover their predicament and have to work together to escape.
17	17	"Island of the Giant Pokémon" (Gigantic Pokémon) "Kyodai Pokemon no Shima!?" (きょだいポケモンのしま!?)	July 22, 1997	September 30, 1998
After being hit by a Dragon Rage attack from James' newly evolved Gyarados while at sea, the humans are separated from their Pokémon on an island containing many giant Pokémon. They manage to escape leaving the island in ruins, which happens to be run by none other than the wicked Team Rocket boss Giovanni himself.
18	18	"Beauty and the Beach" (Holiday at Aopulco) "Aopuruko no Kyūjitsu" (アオプルコのきゅうじつ)	July 29, 1997	June 24, 2000
Ash and his friends have finally arrived in Porta Vista, a beachside tourist town. After destroying an old man's ship, they must help in the old man's business. Info: The dubbing of this episode was skipped due to a scene where James puts on inflatable breasts. When it was finally dubbed and aired in 2000, the related scenes were removed.
19	19	"Tentacool & Tentacruel" (Menokurage, Dokukurage) "Menokurage, Dokukurage" (メノクラゲ ドククラゲ)	August 5, 1997	October 1, 1998
Stuck in Porta Vista because they missed the boat, Ash and friends sit around waiting for the next boat and witness a great explosion. They later discover that it is a group of Tentacool that is attacking the city since construction is destroying their reef. Ash and his friends manage to appease the giant Tentacruel and continue on their journey. Info: This episode was removed from rotation following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
20	20	"The Ghost of Maiden's Peak" (Ghost Pokémon and the Summer Festival) "Yūrei Pokemon to Natsumatsuri" (ゆうれいポケモンとなつまつり)	August 12, 1997	October 2, 1998
The boat that Ash and his friends are on docks at a small town celebrating Obon. Brock and James both fall for a beautiful girl standing by the sea who disappears. Ash, Misty and Team Rocket learn that she is the ghost of a maiden who waited for her lover to return from a war and eventually turned into stone. While trying to protect Brock and James with some stickers bought from an old woman, the maiden reveals herself as the old woman, who in turn reveals herself to be Gastly, a ghost Pokémon. Ash tries to fight Ghastly to release James and Brock from its spell but fails, until the sun rises and Ghastly is forced to disappear. It is revealed that the ghost of the maiden actually exists and is a friend of Ghastly, and is still waiting for the one she loves to return.
21	21	"Bye Bye Butterfree" (Bye Bye Butterfree) "Bai Bai Batafurī" (バイバイバタフリー)	August 19, 1997	October 5, 1998
As the group continues on their way, they notice a flock of Butterfree out over the ocean. Brock informs Ash that it is the mating season for all of the Butterfree. Ash decides to release his Butterfree so that it can mate. However, Team Rocket has plans to steal them all. Ash's Butterfree bravely frees all the Butterfree and in the end Ash releases it.
22	22	"Abra and the Psychic Showdown" (Casey! Psychic Showdown!) "Kēshyi! Chōnōryoku Taiketsu!" (ケーシィ！ちょうのうりょくたいけつ！)	August 26, 1997	October 6, 1998
Ash and his friends finally arrive at Saffron City. Ash finds the Saffron Gym, but is warned by a strange man not to go in. Ash enters anyway to discover a strange training facility. He battles Sabrina, a heartless trainer, and loses. Transported into a toy box set and forced to play with a dangerous little girl, the group is rescued by the strange man who gives Ash a tip: he may be able to beat Sabrina with a ghost Pokémon from Lavender Town.
23	23	"The Tower of Terror" (Got it at Pokémon Tower!) "Pokemon Tawā de Getto da ze!" (ポケモンタワーでゲットだぜ！)	September 2, 1997	October 7, 1998
Team Rocket encounters the ghost Pokémon in a haunted tower while setting a trap for Ash and his friends, and end up getting frightened away. Ash and Pikachu enter alone since his friends are afraid to go in. Inside, he and Pikachu are the victims of pranks by a Ghastly, Haunter, and Gengar looking for playmates. After being crushed under a falling chandelier, Haunter turns Ash and Pikachu into ghosts where they have some fun, though Ash asks them to send him back after seeing Misty and Brock cry over his lifeless body. Ash and Pikachu are brought back to life and Haunter decides to follow Ash as his new Pokémon. Info: After the September 11th attacks, this episode was banned on certain TV networks due to the title.
24	24	"Haunter versus Kadabra" (Ghost vs. Esper!) "Gōsuto Tai Esupā!" (ゴーストVSエスパー！)	September 9, 1997	October 8, 1998
Ash and his friends go back to Saffron City ready to try again for the Marsh Badge in the Gym. Ash asks Haunter for help to defeat Sabrina but Haunter disappears during the match and Brock and Misty get turned into dolls, and Ash is rescued just in time by the mysterious man. The man reveals that Sabrina has two personalities - one of the cold and unfeeling trainer, the other of the repressed little girl, who also turned her mother into a doll. The only way to defeat Sabrina is to make her smile again. During the next match, Haunter suddenly appears in front of Sabrina while Kadabra and Pikachu are battling. Sabrina and her Kadabra become unable to battle after being sent into peals of laughter by Haunter, giving Ash the victory.
25	25	"Primeape Goes Bananas" (Don't Get Angry, Okorizaru!) "Okoranaide ne Okorizaru!" (おこらないでねオコリザル！)	September 16, 1997	October 9, 1998
Ash is on his way towards Celadon City, and encounters a Mankey. The Mankey starts chasing him and steals Ash's hat. Ash tries to get it back and fails. Team Rocket arrive to get Pikachu and when Mankey walks by, James kicks it away and in its anger, evolves into Primeape. After remembering the words Prof. Oak said, Ash captures it.
26	26	"Pokémon Scent-sation!" (Erika and Kusaihana) "Erika to Kusaihana" (エリカとクサイハナ)	September 23, 1997	October 12, 1998
When Ash reaches the Celadon Gym, he is kicked out. He soon discovers that it is only for people who love perfume. So, with the help of Team Rocket, Ash sneaks into the Gym disguised as a girl. In the Gym, his disguise is ruined by Misty, Brock and Pikachu. During the battle, Team Rocket interrupts and sets the Gym on fire. After rescuing Gloom, Ash is presented with the Rainbow Badge.
27	27	"Hypno's Naptime" (Sleeper and Pokémon Hypnotism!?) "Surīpā to Pokemon Gaeri!?" (スリーパーとポケモンがえり!?)	September 30, 1997	October 13, 1998
Ash and his friends arrive at a town where many of the town's children are disappearing. They discover that a Hypno, a hypnotic Pokémon adults in the town have come to to help their insomnia has the side effect of making the children think they are different Pokémon and run away and put real Pokémon to sleep. Ash stops Team Rocket from stealing Hypno and use the Pokémon Drowzee to bring all the children and Pokémon back to normal. A useless Psyduck follows Misty around, and after she drops a Pokéball, Psyduck activates it and captures itself, much to Misty's dismay.
28	28	"Pokémon Fashion Flash" (Rokon! Breeder Showdown!) "Rokon! Burīdā Taiketsu!" (ロコン！ブリーダーたいけつ！)	October 7, 1997	October 14, 1998
Team Rocket plans a scheme to steal many Pokémon by opening a barber shop. Ash and his friends meet Susie, a famous Pokémon breeder. At the end, Brock gains a Vulpix when Susie tells him to look after it as she goes off to learn more about Pokémon breeding.
29	29	"The Punchy Pokémon" (Fighting Pokémon! Huge Battle!) "Kakutō Pokemon! Dai Batoru!" (かくとうポケモン！だいバトル！)	October 14, 1997	October 15, 1998
After meeting a girl whose father is more concerned about training his fighting Pokémon at the gym instead of his daughter, Ash enters a fighting tournament with his Primeape. Team Rocket also enters and resorts to cheating in order to win. After learning how much his daughter means to him and winning, the man promises to train Primeape to make him stronger, so Ash gives it away and promises to return.
30	30	"Sparks Fly for Magnemite" (Do Coil Dream of Electric Mice!?) "Koiru wa Denki Nezumi no Yume o Miru ka!?" (コイルはでんきネズミのユメをみるか!?)	October 21, 1997	October 16, 1998
The group arrives in Gringy City where everything is dark and gloomy. A Magnemite follows Pikachu everywhere ever since it caught a peculiar illness, but it's the Grimers and Muk that are causing trouble in a local Power Plant. Ash captures Muk and Pikachu is cured of his cold.
31	31	"Dig Those Diglett" (Full of Digda!) "Diguda ga Ippai!" (ディグダがいっぱい！)	October 28, 1997	October 19, 1998
Ash finds himself among a group of Pokémon Trainers hired to protect a construction site from interfering ground Pokémon. The construction is shut down after it is revealed that the construction site is interfering by the Digletts, which are trying to protect their home. Jessie's Ekans and James' Koffing evolve into Arbok and Weezing respectively.
32	32	"The Ninja Poké-Showdown" (Sekichiku Ninja Showdown!) "Sekichiku Ninja Taiketsu!" (セキチクにんじゃたいけつ！)	November 18, 1997	October 20, 1998
The group finds a strange looking ninja style mansion. They explore it and encounter various traps. Soon, they discover that this is the Fuchsia Gym and Ash battles Koga, the Gym Leader, for the Soul Badge. Misty also discovers how powerful her Psyduck really is.
33	33	"The Flame Pokémon-athon!" (The Big Fire Pokémon Race!) "Honō no Pokemon Dai Rēsu!" (ほのおのポケモンだいレース！)	November 11, 1997	October 21, 1998
The group arrive at the Laramy Ranch where a family of ranchers prepares for an annual Pokémon race. Ash takes over as Ponyta's rider when Lara gets hurt due to Team Rocket's interference. Then, Team Rocket helps a rival competitor to win the race by setting up traps for other participants. As the race continues, however, Ponyta evolves into a Rapidash and wins the race.
34	34	"The Kangaskhan Kid" (Garura's Lullaby) "Garūra no Komoriuta" (ガルーラのこもりうた)	November 18, 1997	October 22, 1998
Ash and his friends reach the Safari Zone. They come across a wild boy named Tommy that leads a herd of Kangaskhan and eventually find Tommy's parents, who were searching for him since he was only three. Unfortunately, Tommy thinks that the Kangaskhan are his family. After battling Team Rocket, Tommy's parents also become part of the Kangaskhan family.
35	--	"Miniryū no Densetsu" (The Legend of Miniryu) (ミニリュウのでんせつ)	November 25, 1997	N/A
Ash and his friends get challenged by Team Rocket in seeing who can capture the most Pokémon within the Safari Zone, with Ash catching a whole herd of Tauros. As soon as Ash and his friends head out Pokémon hunting, Team Rocket manages to get the drop on the game warden (Mr. Kaiza) and forces him into giving up the location on where Dratini is (the Dragon Valley). In the end, Ash, his friends, Team Rocket, and Kaiza end up seeing the legendary Dratini and Dragonair, with our heroes saving the day. Info: In North America, this episode was banned due to the excessive use of guns which subsequently caused continuity problems due to Ash capturing a herd of Tauros.
36	35	"The Bridge Bike Gang" (Stormy Cycling Road) "Arashi no Saikuringu Rōdo" (あらしのサイクリングロード)	December 2, 1997	October 23, 1998
Continuing their journey, the group came across a bridge which could be used as a shortcut to the next town. They soon discover that the bridge is too long to walk and they would need bicycles to cross. They go to the Pokémon Center where Nurse Joy asks them to take some medicine to a sick Pokémon across the bridge. On their way, a Bicycle gang appears to cause trouble and Team Rocket is helping them! Can they make it in time?
37	36	"Ditto's Mysterious Mansion" (Metamon and the Copycat Girl) "Metamon to Monomane Musume" (メタモンとものまねむすめ)	December 9, 1997	October 26, 1998
During a storm, Ash and his friends arrive at a mysterious Mansion. While there, Ash meets a girl with a Ditto that doesn't transform well. Ash and his friends decide to help out the girl Deplica and her Ditto. Meanwhile, Team Rocket tries to steal the Ditto so it can transform into a Dratini which they can give to the boss.
38	--	"Dennō Senshi Porigon" (Electric Soldier Porygon) (でんのうせんしポリゴン)	December 16, 1997	N/A
Ash and his friends arrive at a chaotic Pokémon Center; Ash asks Nurse Joy what is wrong. She tells our heroes that the Pokéball transfer machine is having problems. The Pokémon she sends arrive at another Pokémon Center as a different Pokémon! Professor Akihabara, the inventor of the Pokémon Transport System, explains that some thieves have intruded on the system and are causing havoc. The professor then sends our heroes and his Porygon into the virtual world. Then, the gang realize that the troublemakers are Team Rocket. Will the gang be able to help Nurse Joy and avoid getting deleted? Info: This episode caused over 700 Japanese children to suffer seizures due to a flashing strobe effect of a red and blue flash. The episode was never commercially released or re-broadcast anywhere in the world. The show went on a four month hiatus in Japan following this event. The episode is not even featured in any DVD releases anywhere in the world.
39	37	"Pikachu's Goodbye" (Forest of Pikachu) "Pikachū no Mori" (ピカチュウのもり)	April 16, 1998	November 20, 1998
The group come into a forest where it is quiet and peaceful. They notice a large group of Pikachu that Ash's Pikachu tries to make friends with. After saving a young Pikachu from drowning and rescuing the tribe from Team Rocket, Ash's Pikachu is welcomed among the other Pikachus as one of their own. Saddened by this sudden distance, Ash tries to leave Pikachu behind (to Misty and Brock's shock and dismay), thinking that in the long run, it's going to be better off with its own kind. As they attempt to leave the forest with Ash still standing his ground on leaving Pikachu, the three friends are surprised when Pikachu returns to them, flanked by the other wild Pikachu including the younger Pikachu it risked its life to save earlier. The episode ends with Ash and Pikachu having an emotional reunion and hugging one another while the rest of the wild Pikachu cheer for the two of them as Brock and Misty look on. Info: This episode was created after the EP038 incident: the episode schedule did not include this episode before the incident. The original EP039 was supposed to be "Holiday Hi-Jynx". Later, it was first aired as a 1 hour special along with "The Battling Eevee Brothers".
40	38	"The Battling Eevee Brothers" (The 4 Eievui Brothers) "Ībui Yon Kyōdai" (イーブイ4きょうだい)	April 16, 1998	October 27, 1998
While traveling through the woods, the group encounters an Eevee that was apparently abandoned by a tree. They take it to its address in Stone Town and find it belongs to a little boy. His three brothers are pressuring him into evolving his Eevee into one of three forms - Jolteon, Vaporeon, or Flareon - at an Evolution Party. All the Pokémon at the Evolution Party gets stolen by Team Rocket. They are eventually defeat by Mikey and Eevee who saves everyone. Info: It was originally going to air on January 6, 1998. Later, it was first aired as the second part of a 1 hour special along with "Pikachu's Goodbye".
41	39	"Wake Up Snorlax!" (Wake Up! Kabigon!) "Okiro! Kabigon!" (おきろ！カビゴン！)	April 23, 1998	October 28, 1998
Ash and his friends arrive at a town which is having problems with their water source. It seems that a Snorlax is blocking the water path. Team Rocket plans to capture the Snorlax, but Ash and his friends find help from an unexpected source.
42	40	"Showdown at Dark City" (Showdown! Pokémon Gym!) "Taiketsu! Pokemon Jimu!" (たいけつ！ポケモンジム！)	April 30, 1998	October 29, 1998
Entering Dark City, Ash and his friends discover that Pokémon Trainers aren't liked due to two warring Gyms who involve Ash and the gang as well as Team Rocket in their feuds. Can Ash stop the feud?
43	41	"The March of the Exeggutor Squad" (The Huge March of the Nassy Squad!) "Nasshī Gundan Daikōshin!" (ナッシーぐんだんだいこうしん！)	May 7, 1998	October 30, 1998
When at a carnival, Ash and his friends meet a Magician who is really losing his touch and fails in his own magic show. In his effort to get better, he decides to hypnotize Ash and uses his Pokémon to capture loads of Exeggutor. But the Exeggutor end up hypnotizing themselves and Team Rocket and almost destroy the entire carnival. Luckily, they are saved by Charmander, who then evolves into a disobedient Charmeleon. Info: In the first US run of the series, this was the final episode to be shown in syndication before it was moved to Kids WB. The show also went on a 3 month hiatus in the US.
44	42	"The Problem with Paras" (Paras and Parasect) "Parasu to Parasekuto" (パラスとパラセクト)	May 14, 1998	February 13, 1999
Having run out of medicine, Ash and his friends go to a local shop to get some Potions. However, they don't have much due to the owner's Paras being weak. Can Ash and company help train the Paras so that it can evolve into Parasect?
45	43	"The Song of Jigglypuff" (Sing! Purin!) "Utatte! Purin!" (うたって！プリン！)	May 21, 1998	February 20, 1999
Entering Neon Town, a bustling Metropolis where everyone is tired and rude, Ash and his friends find a Jigglypuff who is too shy to sing its hypnotic song. Realizing they can kill two birds with one stone, Misty tries to teach the Jigglypuff to sing while Team Rocket attempts to record the song so they can use it against Ash. Everyone falls asleep, including Ash and his friends and Team Rocket, and a miffed Jigglypuff uses the marker hidden in her microphone to draw on everyone's sleeping faces. From this point on, Jigglypuff follows Ash around trying to sing her song to a crowd that won't fall asleep in almost every episode.
46	44	"Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon" (Revival!? Fossil Pokémon!) "Fukkatsu!? Kaseki Pokemon!" (ふっかつ!?かせきポケモン！)	May 28, 1998	February 27, 1999
Arriving at a canyon to find an old fashioned fossil hunt, Ash, Gary and the gang decide to join in. But Team Rocket arrives and intends to blow the canyon up. In doing so, Ash, Pikachu and Team Rocket fall into a pit which is full of awakened ancient Pokémon. Their only hope may last in Ash's disobedient Charmeleon, which evolves into a powerful, yet still disobedient Charizard to defeat a raging Aerodactyl. In the end, the ancient Pokémon are sealed away once more (along with a terrified Team Rocket) and Officer Jenny dismisses the entire event as a side effect caused by Jigglypuff's singing. Ash, however, finds a rare Pokémon egg and keeps it.
47	45	"A Chansey Operation" (Lucky's Clinical Records) "Rakkī no Karute" (ラッキーのカルテ)	June 4, 1998	March 6, 1999
After Pikachu gets an apple stuck in its throat, Ash and his friends rush it to a hospital. After being treated, they hear of a traffic accident that has left many Pokémon injured so Ash and the gang are recruited to help treat the Pokémon.
48	46	"Holy Matrimony!" (Gardie and Kojirou) "Gādi to Kojirō" (ガーディとコジロウ)	June 11, 1998	March 13, 1999
After finding a missing person sign featuring James, Ash and his friends decide to find James and inform him of his parents' demise. However James' parents turn out to be alive, and their death was only a ploy to get him to return home to the rich Jessiebell, a girl James was arranged to marry from a young age. tWill James be forced to suffer the wrath of Jessiebelle or will he stay with Team Rocket and Jessie? Note-This episode revealed a lot of James' background, as well as giving reasons to why he ran away from home and possibly why he joined Team Rocket. This episode also shows that James owns a Growlithe, nicknamed Growlie.
49	47	"So Near, Yet So Farfetch'd" (Kamonegi's Easy Mark) "Kamonegi no Kamo" (カモネギのカモ)	June 18, 1998	March 20, 1999
When Misty's Pokéballs are stolen by a Farfetch'd, Ash and the gang investigate to try to find the thief and get all the stolen things back.
50	48	"Who Gets to Keep Togepi?" (Whose is Togepy!?) "Togepī wa Dare no Mono!?" (トゲピーはだれのもの!?)	June 25, 1998	March 27, 1999
When the egg Ash found hatches into a brand new Pokémon, Togepi, everyone wants to own it. They decide to have a small Pokémon Tournament. Ash, who found it, claims he should be the one to keep it. In the end, Ash wins the tournament, but since Misty was the first person Togepi saw when he hatched, he thinks she's his mother and stays with her.
51	49	"Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden" (Fushigidane's Mysterious Flower Garden) "Fushigidane no Fushigi na Hanazono" (フシギダネのふしぎのはなぞの)	July 2, 1998	April 3, 1999
When Bulbasaur gets injured in a battle, it starts to feel and act different. Ash notes that it iss time for the Bulbasaur festival. Bulbasaur gets kidnapped by a group of Bulbasaur led by a nasty Venusaur and taken to the festival to evolve.
52	50	"Princess vs. Princess" (Fierce Fighting! Pokémon Girls' Festival) "Gekitō! Pokemon Hinamatsuri" (げきとう！ポケモンひなまつり)	July 9, 1998	September 4, 1999
It is the Hinamatsuri Princess Festival and Misty and Jessie are going all out for it. After hours of shopping, they both decide to enter the Princess Festival Battle Tournament to win the dolls they both coveted when they were children. Note: This episode was originally scheduled to air on Girls' Day itself, on March 3, 1998, but was rescheduled in the aftermath of EP038. The original airing schedule suggests that this episode takes place between EP047 and EP048. However evidence in EP047 suggests this episode takes place prior to EP047 as Jesse refers to the captured Lickitung in this episode.
53	51	"The Purr-fect Hero" (It's Children's Day! Everyone Come Together!) "Kodomo no Hi da yo! Zen'in Shūgō!" (こどものひだよ！ぜんいんしゅうごう！)	July 9, 1998	September 11, 1999
Ash and his friends arrive at a small school on "Kids Day" and let the children play with their Pokémon. One of the children only wants to meet Meowth after being saved by a wild one from a Beedrill. Team Rocket's Meowth pretends to be his hero, but is soon caught by Misty. Later, Timmy is saved again by the wild Meowth. Note: This episode was originally scheduled to air on Children's Day itself, on May 5, 1998, but was rescheduled in the aftermath of EP038.
54	52	"The Case of the K-9 Capers!" (Gardie the Police Dog) "Keisatsuken Gādi" (けいさつけんガーディ)	July 16, 1998	April 10, 1999
When Ash and his friends see a group of Growlithe training against a Policeman posing as a robber, Ash decides for him and Pikachu to do the same training to become the best they can be. However, when Team Rocket comes to steal them, Officer Jenny, Ash and the gang's voice gets changed, causing the Growlithe to thinks that Team Rocket are the Officers as they use their ears to follow command.
55	53	"Pokémon Paparazzi" (Shutter Chance Pikachu) "Shattā Chansu wa Pikachū" (シャッターチャンスはピカチュウ)	July 23, 1998	April 17, 1999
While eating Brock's riceballs, Ash hears a shutter which he thinks is a gun. It's really a camera belonging to a photographer named Snap. Snap was hired by Team Rocket to capture Pikachu, but he thinks they want him to capture a picture of him. Eventually Snap joins the group.
56	54	"The Ultimate Test" (Pokémon Certification Test!?) "Pokemon Rīgu Kenteishiken!?" (ポケモンけんていしけん!?)	July 30, 1998	April 24, 1999
While travelling, Ash notes it has been a long time since his last Badge, so Snap suggests he takes the Pokémon League exam. Passing the exam would get him an immediate entry into the Pokémon League.
57	55	"The Breeding Center Secret" (The Secret of Breeding Center!) "Sodate-ya no Himitsu!" (そだてやのひみつ！)	August 6, 1998	May 1, 1999
After putting Psyduck in a breeding center, Misty learns she needs it to get some food from a generous chef. But when she goes to get it, Ash and the gang discover a diabolical plot by two new Team Rocket members, Cassidy and Butch, who are trying to steal Pokémon, and in doing so, Ash and the gang get captured and arrested. Note: In the US, this was the final episode to end with the "PokéRap". From the next episode, and up until the end of Season 2, episodes ended with "Pikachu's Jukebox".
58	56	"Riddle Me This" (Burn! Guren Gym!) "Moero! Guren Jimu!" (もえろ！グレンジム！)	August 13, 1998	September 18, 1999
After reaching Cinnabar Island, Ash is dismayed to find the Gym has closed due to crowds of tourists coming to the island and lack of serious trainers. Desperate for his 7th badge, Ash goes around and meets a riddle master who gives him clues about the gym's secret location. After finding the gym in the island's volcano, the riddle master appears and reveals that he is actually Blaine, the Gym Leader. Ash begins his battle against Blaine, but just as it appears he is winning, Blaine calls upon his most powerful Pokémon, Magmar. The episode ends on a literal cliffhanger, as Pikachu tries to pull himself up from the edge of the gym's floor above the volcano's magma just as Magmar makes his final attack
59	57	"Volcanic Panic" (Decisive Battle! Guren Gym!) "Kessen! Guren Jimu!" (けっせん！グレンジム)	August 20, 1998	September 18, 1999
Having forfeited the match to save Pikachu's life, Ash is upset and wants to challenge Blaine one more time. But when Team Rocket invades the Gym and causes the volcano to erupt, Ash and Blaine, along with their Charizard and Magmar, must work together to stop it. After that, Ash battles Blaine again. Ash ultimately defeats Blaine and earns his seventh badge.
60	58	"Beach Blank-Out Blastoise" (Kamex's Island) "Kamekkusu no Shima" (カメックスのしま)	August 27, 1998	September 20, 1999
On their way back to Kanto, Ash accidentally knocks into a Blastoise, a ruler of a small island that will not awake from its slumber. Squirtle dons his old persona as head of the Squirtle Squad to solve the case. It turns out Jigglypuff is stuck in one of Blastoise's blasters.
61	59	"The Misty Mermaid" (Hanada Gym! Underwater Battle!) "Hanada Jimu! Suichū no Tatakai!" (ハナダジム！すいちゅうのたたかい！)	September 3, 1998	September 23, 1999
Upon returning to Cerulean City, Misty is asked by her sisters to help out with a new underwater show. She decides to help for this underwater play with her Pokémon, but Team Rocket arrive and try to ruin things. At the end of thw episode, Misty leaves her Starmie and Horsea with her sisters.
62	60	"Clefairy Tales" (Pippi vs. Purin) "Pippi Tai Purin" (ピッピVSプリン)	September 10, 1998	September 25, 1999
In Viridian City, Ash and his friends are victims to several thefts by some Clefairy. Whilst investigating with Professor Boffin, they discover the Clefairy are building a space ship.
63	61	"The Battle of the Badge" (Tokiwa Gym! The Last Badge!) "Tokiwa Jimu! Saigo no Bajji!" (トキワジム！さいごのバッジ！)	September 17, 1998	September 25, 1999
Ash goes to the Gym in Viridian City, but Gary gets in there before him and challenges the Gym Leader, Team Rocket's own Giovanni, to a fight. Gary gets beaten by a never before seen Pokémon (Mewtwo), which the PokéDex cannot identify. Team Rocket kidnaps and tries to give Togepi to Giovanni but Giovanni thinks he is useless. Giovanni leaves the Gym and puts Jessie and James in charge. Ash challenges them and after losing three of Giovanni's Pokémon, Jessie and James use their own. Togepi sends them blasting off without Ash and his friends even realizing it and Ash wins the badge. Note: Some scenes of this episode are hints to scenes from the first movie. These include the battle of Giovanni and Gary.
64	62	"It's Mr. Mime Time!" (Barrierd of the Pokémon Circus) "Pokemon Sākasu no Bariyādo" (ポケモンサーカスのバリヤード)	September 24, 1998	September 27, 1999
Heading back to Pallet Town, Ash and his friends see a Mr. Mime trying to escape from a trainer who runs a circus. Unable to get the circus' overweight Mr. Mime to act, Ash and the gang have to find another one. The gang choose to dress up Ash so he can look like a Mr. Mime. Meanwhile, the Mr. Mime from earlier comes to the Ketchum house and is mistaken by Mrs. Ketchum for Ash.
65	63	"Holiday Hi-Jynx" (Rougela's Christmas) "Rūjura no Kurisumasu" (ルージュラのクリスマス)	October 5, 1998	December 11, 1999
Ash, Misty, Brock and their Pokémon must return a lost Jynx to Santa before Christmas, with the help of a Lapras. Meanwhile, Jessie attempts to take revenge on Santa for stealing her favorite doll when she was young. Info: This episode was supposed to be aired as EP039, but due to EP038, it was aired at a later date. However, some websites maintain that this is a special episode, together with the next episode. Because this episode was aired out of order, Ash's Charizard is only a Charmander in this episode even though it evolved in episodes 43 and 46. Also, the Pokémon Jynx gained conterversy due to its face, which was black. Jynx's face was then changed to purple.
66	64	"Snow Way Out" (Iwark as a Bivouac) "Iwāku de Bibāku" (イワークでビバーク)	October 5, 1998	December 18, 1999
Ash and his friends are trapped in a snow storm. Brock suggests that the group uses his Onix to create a bivouac. They're about to start when a strong gust of wind blows Pikachu away, and Ash tries to save him. After saving Pikachu who is about to fall off a cliff, Ash finds himself separated from the rest of the group. He and his other Pokémon must brave out the rest of the storm together in a cave. Info: This episode was supposed to be aired as EP040, but due to EP038, it was aired at a later date. However, some websites explains that this is a special episode, together with the previous episode.
67	65	"Showdown at the Po-Ké Corral" (Rival Showdown! Ōkido Laboratory) "Raibaru Taiketsu! Ōkido Kenkyūjo" (ライバルたいけつ！オーキドけんきゅうじょ)	October 8, 1998	September 30, 1999
Back in Pallet Town, Ash finds Gary already there waiting to partake in the Pokémon League. Always having a bitter rivalry with Gary, Oak tells them both the meaning of Pokémon. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is trying to get inside the Lab to steal the Pokémon.
68	66	"The Evolution Solution" (When Yadon Becomes Yadoran) "Yadon ga Yadoran ni naru Toki" (ヤドンがヤドランになるとき)	October 15, 1998	October 2, 1999
Ash goes to the Seafoam Islands to help Professor Oak to discover the mystery of how Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro. There, Professor Westwood V is also trying to solve the mystery. Jessie then captures a Shellder, and tries to rush a Slowpoke's evolution, forcing Psyduck to stall the evolution.
69	67	"The Pi-Kahuna" (Legend of the Surfing Pikachu) "Naminori Pikachū no Densetsu" (なみのりピカチュウのでんせつ)	October 22, 1998	October 2, 1999
Ash and the gang take some time off to go surfing. While surfing, however, Ash passes out, but is thankfully rescued by a surfer named Victor and his Pikachu, Puka. Victor then reveals his plans to surf a tsunami called "Humungadunga" and become a surfing legend.
70	68	"Make Room for Gloom" (Kusaihana of Botanical Garden) "Shokubutsuen no Kusaihana" (しょくぶつえんのクサイハナ)	October 29, 1998	October 4, 1999
Ash goes to a flower garden to get some fertilizer for Delia, but Bulbasaur sniffs the flowers and becomes paralyzed.
71	69	"Lights, Camera, Quack-tion!" (Pokémon the Movie!) "Pokemon za Mūbī!" (ポケモン・ザ・ムービー！)	November 5, 1998	October 8, 1999
When the gang discovers there's a movie with an all-Pokemon cast being made nearby, Ash and his friends put their Pokémon in for an audition. Misty's Psyduck gets the main role while the others get minor roles.
72	70	"Go West Young Meowth" (Nyarth's A-I-U-E-O) "Nyāsu no Aiueo" (ニャースのあいうえお)	November 12, 1998	October 9, 1999
Ash and his friends have gone to Hollywood to see the premiere of the movie their Pokemon were cast in. Team Rocket follows them to find out that Meowth has history in this town; it is here where he was a member of a gang of street Meowths led by a Persian. He learned to speak and walk upright to win the heart of a female Meowth who was abandoned by her owner. Upon returning he challenges the Persian who was once his mentor for the female Meowth he thought he lost years before. Info: An alternate title for the episode on the third Indigo League box set is "Hollywood Heartbreak". Title Reference:Go West, Young Man
73	71	"To Master the Onix-pected" (Elite Four Shiba Appears!) "Shiten'nō Shiba Tōjō!" (してんのうシバとうじょう！)	November 19, 1998	October 11, 1999
After watching Elite Four member Bruno on TV, Ash and his friends decide to do training in the mountains to be as strong as Bruno. However, they meet Bruno and he manipulates them to do some menial tasks for him. Meanwhile, a giant Onix is on a rampage.
74	72	"The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis" (Clash! Super-Ancient Pokémon) "Gekitotsu! Chō Kodai Pokemon" (げきとつ！ちょうこだいポケモン)	November 26, 1998	October 14, 1999
While training, Ash and his friends accidentally uncover some ruins of Pokémopolis, an ancient city. After a bit of research, they find a giant Gengar and a giant Alakazam starting to fight. Then, a giant Jigglypuff appears to put them to sleep.
75	73	"Bad to the Bone" (Garagara's Bone Club) "Garagara no Hone Konbō" (ガラガラのホネこんぼう)	December 3, 1998	October 16, 1999
Ash and his friends offer to help a Trainer that's heading for the Pokémon League to retrieve his stolen Gym Badges from Team Rocket. Title Reference: Bad To The Bone
76	74	"All Fired Up!" (Fire! The Pokémon League Opening Ceremony!) "Faiyā! Pokemon Rīgu Kaikaishiki!" (ファイヤー！ポケモンリーグかいかいしき！)	December 10, 1998	October 23, 1999
It's here... the Indigo Pokémon League. It is at the time of running the Moltres flame to the League. Ash, as a participant, is free to carry the flame but when Team Rocket steals it, the League may be cancelled.
77	75	"Round One – Begin!" (Pokémon League Begins! Water Field!) "Pokemon Rīgu Kaimaku! Mizu no Fīrudo!" (ポケモンリーグかいまく！みずのフィールド！)	December 17, 1998	October 30, 1999
Ash faces a trainer named Mandy, who uses a Golbat, an Exeggutor and a Seadra. Ash wins the match with only his Kingler, who evolved during the match. Ash moves on to Round 2.
78	76	"Fire and Ice" (Ice Field! Blazing Battle!) "Kōri no Fīrudo! Honō no Tatakai!" (こおりのフィールド！ほのおのたたかい！)	December 24, 1998	November 6, 1999
Ash gets lost in town, which may delay his next match.
79	77	"The Fourth Round Rumble" (Grass Field! Unexpected Rival!) "Kusa no Fīrudo! Igai na Kyōteki!" (くさのフィールド！いがいなきょうてき！)	January 1, 1999	November 13, 1999
In the fourth round, Ash is victorius and defeats a Beedrill, a Scyther and a Bellsprout. He also enters the quarter-finals and the Top 8 champions of the Indigo League.
80	78	"A Friend in Deed" (Rival Appears!) "Raibaru Tōjō!" (ライバルとうじょう！)	January 7, 1999	November 20, 1999
Ash meets a new trainer named Richie, who is eerily similar to Ash. However, Team Rocket makes another attempt to steal Ash and Richie's Pokémon. Ash and Richie prevent Team Rocket from stealing their Pokémon. Ash discovers his next battle is against Richie. Will Ash manage to reach the semi-finals?
81	79	"Friend and Foe Alike" (Sekiei Stadium! Vs. Hiroshi!) "Sekiei Sutajiamu! Tai Hiroshi!" (セキエイスタジアム！VSヒロシ！)	January 14, 1999	November 27, 1999
After making a promise with Richie that he'll have the best battle of his life, Ash is kidnapped by Team Rocket, who scheme to prevent him from participating in his fifth round match against Richie, let alone steal Pikachu. Ash isn't about to let Team Rocket make him break the promise he made with Richie, so he is able to eventually escape. However he loses to a disobedient Charizard in the final stretch of his battle against Richie. Richie moves on to the semi-finals.
82	80	"Friends to the End" (Pokémon League! Final Battle!) "Pokemon Rīgu! Saigo no Tatakai!" (ポケモンリーグ！さいごのたたかい！)	January 21, 1999	November 27, 1999
After losing to Richie, Ash is moping around annoyed that he lost. He is convinced by Misty that he should support Richie who is now in the semi-finals. However when Richie loses, they both have to look inside themselves to see if they are good Trainers.
83	81	"Pallet Party Panic" (Masara Town! Setting off on a New Journey!) "Masara Taun! Aratanaru Tabidachi" (マサラタウン！あらたなるたびだち)	January 28, 1999	December 4, 1999
Ash celebrates making it to the Kanto League back at Pallet Town. However, Team Rocket steals Ash's Pikachu and tries to disrupt the party. Once again disobedient, Ash's Charizard tries to eat a lot of fruit, but it's destroyed by the Team Rocket's bombs. Charizard defeats Team Rocket and rescues Pikachu. Later on, Professor Oak asks Ash to go to Orange Islands to bring the mysterious Poké Ball from Professor Ivy. Ash prepares for his journey to the Orange Islands, they are attacked by a group of Spearow and a very angry Fearow. Ash realizes that the Spearow Ash threw a rock at in episode 1 is that Fearow, and soon carries Ash and Pikachu away. Then later, Ash's Pidgeotto evolves into Pidgeot, and is released to protect wild Pidgey and Pidgeotto. Ash says it only should stay there until he comes back from the Orange Islands. Note:From the start, to the end of this season, Brock is Absent in most episodes as he gets replaced by Tracey.

References

General

• "List of Pokémon episode titles" (in Japanese). http://cal.syoboi.jp/tid/187/subtitle. Retrieved 2009-01-22. 

Specific

External links

• Pokémon US official website
• Pokémon anime website at TV Tokyo (Japanese)
• Pokémon TV Anime at Pokémon JP official website (Japanese)