Ep. 14: Ash and Pikachu face Lt. Surge's evolved Raichu in a tough electric battle at the gym.

14

The group arrives in Vermillion City and finds the Pokémon Center crowded with creatures injured by Lt. Surge, the local Gym Leader. Ash and Pikachu proceed to the gym to challenge Surge, who values rapid evolution and boasts about his Raichu. During the match, the evolved Raichu overwhelms Pikachu with superior power, resulting in Pikachu being hospitalized. Even Team Rocket, observing from a distance, feels sympathy for the underdog. Nurse Joy presents Ash with a Thunderstone, offering Pikachu a chance to evolve and gain the strength needed to win. However, evolving means Pikachu can never return to its original form. The episode explores the dilemma of whether to evolve for victory or remain unchanged, while questioning the drawbacks of immediate evolution and Team Rocket's unexpected support for Pikachu.