The long-awaited release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is finally just around the corner on November 18, giving the loyal fan base a well-deserved reward after being fueled by the preview Pokemon Business for over a year.
The game’s massive open world was recently showcased in a bit more detail during the new event premiering in New York, and it’s pretty clear that many of the sentimental Pokemon the world loves will be back. As the franchise progresses, some fans may think back to previous installments of the old-school animated series and remember some of the episodes that shaped the West’s adoration for furry friends like Pikachu and Eevee.
Season 2, Episode 4: “Volcanic Panic”
In Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Isles, “Volcanic Panic” sees Ash take on Gym Leader Blaine on a battlefield surrounded by lava. As fans might recall, Charizard was hard-headed when it came to listening to Ash, especially during battles, but he finally showed his true strength in this high-tension grappling hook.
The episode had everything from great animation and action-packed combat to comedic elements of the show that didn’t quite follow the rules of the games. Charizard proves his worth and loyalty to Ash tenfold against such a formidable opponent as Magmar, earning a large following for the starter, as well as fire-types in general.
Season 5, Episode 60: “I Can’t Beat the Heat”
Ash and his oldest and most memorable rival, Gary Oak, finally have a real six-on-six battle at the Johto Silver Conference. After losing fight after fight against Gary and his higher level Pokemon, the stakes were higher than ever for Ash to show what he’s learned from his losses.
With Ash’s Charizard defeating Gary’s Blastoise despite the fire-type disadvantage to the water-type, the episode highlights Ash’s hard work and passion unmistakably paying off. As Charizard ends the close quarters battle with Seismic Toss as the battlefield is saturated with fog, the spectacular victory will always be remembered.
Season 1, Episode 2: “Pokémon Emergency”
After Pikachu rescues Ash from a dangerously aggressive encounter with a wild Pokémon, Trainer must rush to the nearest Pokémon Center to save his best friend’s life.
The episode not only showcases Pikachu’s immense selflessness and love for his pal in a fantastically dramatic way reminiscent of the series’ first episode, but also includes the very first debut of Team Rocket, making it a source of nostalgia for any fan of the main villains Pokemon anime or brave little Pikachu.
Season 2, Episode 6: “The Misty Mermaid”
Centered around the series’ original female protagonist, Misty, “The Misty Mermaid” offers fans the first ever underwater battle, developing Misty’s undeniable talent and love for water-type Pokémon. Misty’s return to Cerulean City becomes an adventurous outing when her ruling sisters beg her to help them by performing in an epic underwater ballet.
Fans rarely forget Misty in her beautiful mermaid outfit, her sweet interactions with the various Pokémon giving many watchers a soft spot for them. Even the team’s rocket ship makes a standout appearance as it attempts to thwart the evening, with Jessie dressed as the Prince of Ballet and James wearing a pink tutu as a ballerina.
Season 1, Episode 42: “The Song of Jigglypuff”
No one can ignore the tongue-in-cheek plot of “The Song of Jigglypuff,” in which Ash and his friends first encounter Jigglypuff in a peaceful forest outside Neon City, which never sleeps, which is so loud that the police are always busy. .
What instantly became a staple of the Pokemon in the early 2000s, aka Jigglypuff drawing on people’s faces every time they fell asleep while she sang, is nostalgic and has remained a joke in the fandom ever since. Although Jiglypuff can disappointing Pokemon evolutionthe weird quirk completely makes up for it.
Season 1, Episode 10: “Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village”
Ash’s Bulbasaur’s debut is unforgettable, allowing viewers to see just how heroic the Pokemon really can be and solidifying it as a favorite of the masses. After the gang gets lost trying to find their way to Vermilion City, they find an Oddish and try to catch him.
The Pokéball is deflected by a nearby Bulbasaur, then Misty and Ash fall into a net trap that’s been placed there by someone protecting the village’s sick Pokemon from people alongside the fan-favorite Grass Starter, who acts like a bodyguard. Bulbasaur’s first impression of endless bravery left an impact on young trainers and observers.
Season 1, Episode 12: “Here Comes Squirtle Squad”
The made-for-Squirtle-lovers episode that definitely maxed out the Pokemon’s fanbase, “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad” follows a gang of prankster Squirtles who oppose both Ash and Team Rocket.
The leader of the Delinquent Turtles, who have been abandoned by their owners and have no faith in humans, regain their faith after seeing Ash’s reaction to his injured Pikachu. Changing their tune, the group goes from Pokémon misfits to firefighters, and their leader leaves with Ash. The event is exceptionally significant among fans as it was a perfect introduction to water-type turtles and brought home the pure nature of most Pokemon.
Season 1, Episode 22: “Tower of Terror”
The birthplace of the iconic Haunter licking Charmander scene is “Tower of Terror” from the Sabrina Trilogy, where Ash ventures into a tower in Lavender Town to catch a ghost Pokémon and defeat a psychic trainer of a strength. impressive in combat.
Ash and his fans discover the mystical spirits of the Pokemon world in an episode full of charisma, destined to become more evocative over time. Fans fondly remember trio of spooky pokemon Ghastly, Haunter and Gengar, who turned out to be quite the life of the party. Their wacky and unpredictable nature is what fans immediately fell in love with, still as remarkable as ever.
Season 1, Episode 11: “Salamander-The Lost Pokemon”
After discovering an abandoned Charmander who was left to die in the rain by his trainer, and since his flame tail going out meant certain death, the team rushes the fire-type to the nearest Pokemon Center. Nurse Joy keeps him overnight, but in the morning the Charmander runs to where he was left in hopes that his trainer will return and find his rescuers captured by Team Rocket.
He uses Flamethrower to roast them and free Ash, then Charmander’s careless trainer sees his power, asking him to return. The Pokémon refuses and leaves with Ash instead, starting its new life with a worthy trainer. The episode is a real tear-jerker so far, illustrating just how protective Ash, Misty, and Brock are of all Pokemon. Cementing itself as one of the best moments in all of anime, fans will always remember the Charmander’s sad story and happy ending.
Episode 1, “Pokémon: I Choose You!”
It’s no surprise that the very first episode of the anime series is the most nostalgic of them all since it holds up to this day, being an amazing introduction to the Pokemon universe as Ash Ketchum begins his long journey to becoming a Pokemon Master.
Of course, this is also when viewers first meet the stubborn but incredibly lovable Pikachu and see Ash’s enthusiasm, the two learning to trust each other after the trainer sacrifices himself. to protect the cynical Pokemon. Watching, fans could feel the deep bond that was forged between Ash and Pikachu during the event. Holding a special place in the hearts of fans, the episode sets the tone and perfectly lays the foundation for the rest of the series.