Ep. 161: Ash seeks confidence at a Miltank ranch to challenge Whitney for the Plain Badge again
Aired on August 10, 2000

161
Following a defeat by Whitney and her Miltank, Ash works to rebuild his self-assurance and devise a strategy to win the Plain Badge. After his Pokémon recover from the intense match, Ash and his companions visit a local Miltank ranch. During this stay, Ash regains the necessary confidence to issue a second challenge to Whitney. The narrative focuses on his preparation and determination to overcome his previous loss. The outcome of this rematch remains uncertain, with questions raised about whether Ash will succeed in earning the badge or if Whitney will ultimately end his journey in the Johto League.
Episodes
- Ep. 157 · Ash and friends pair with Team Rocket members after Ursaring attack forces alliance
- Ep. 158 · Team Rocket attacks Len Town using a machine immune to Psychic attacks to steal Pokémon
- Ep. 159 · A fortune telling craze conceals Team Rocket's scheme to steal Pokémon from trainers
- Ep. 160 · Ash battles Whitney in Goldenrod City but loses to Miltank despite Pikachu's efforts.
- Ep. 161 · Ash seeks confidence at a Miltank ranch to challenge Whitney for the Plain Badge again
- Ep. 162 · Ash appears as a guest on a Goldenrod City radio program
- Ep. 163 · Ash competes in a Bug Catching Contest while Team Rocket captures him
- Ep. 164 · Ash and friends seek a riverman to cross a storm-damaged river by finding a Sudowoodo
- Ep. 165 · Ash and friends encounter displaced Omanyte and Omastar in the Ruins of Alph