Ep. 1: Ash Ketchum bonds with Pikachu after oversleeping his first Pokemon assignment in Pallet Town.
Aired on April 1, 1997
1
Ten-year-old Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town aims to become a Pokemon Master but oversleeps his appointment with Professor Oak. Consequently, the starter Pokemon are taken by other trainees, including rival Gary, leaving Ash with a stubborn Pikachu. The pair clash initially, as Pikachu refuses to enter its Poke Ball and avoids battling a Pidgey. Their relationship shifts when an angry Spearow flock attacks, wounding Pikachu. Ash protects his partner and borrows a bicycle from Misty to escape, though he crashes it. Surrounded by the birds, Ash’s bravery inspires Pikachu to use its remaining energy to defeat the attackers with an electric shock. This shared danger solidifies the growing bond between the trainer and his Pokemon.
Episodes
- Ep. 1 · Ash Ketchum bonds with Pikachu after oversleeping his first Pokemon assignment in Pallet Town.
- Ep. 2 · Ash and Wounded Pikachu Arrive in Viridian City Amidst Team Rocket Threat
- Ep. 3 · Ash captures his first Pokemon, a Caterpie, while facing Team Rocket's theft attempt
- Ep. 4 · Ash and Samurai clash in Viridian Forest while Beedrill threaten Metapod
- Ep. 5 · Ash challenges Brock in Pewter City while Team Rocket falls into their own trap