Ep. 21: Ash releases Butterfree near Saffron City as it seeks a mate during egg-laying season.
Aired on August 19, 1997
21
Traveling toward Saffron City, the group observes Butterfree crossing the sea for reproduction. Brock explains this seasonal behavior, prompting Ash to release his partner to join the flock. The Pokémon attempts to court a female but suffers severe rejection, leaving it incapacitated. Team Rocket arrives to capture the group, forcing Ash's Butterfree to fight back despite its weakened state. Driven by love and duty, it battles the villains to save its kin. The outcome determines whether it can rescue the captured Butterfree and win the affection of the female, potentially leading it to leave Ash permanently to fulfill its natural destiny.
Episodes
- Ep. 17 · Ash and friends face Gyarados and get separated on an island of giant Pokémon
- Ep. 18 · Ash and friends work for an old man in Acapulco after breaking his cruiser.
- Ep. 19 · Heroes confront a hotel project threatening coral reefs and Pokémon in Hutber Port.
- Ep. 20 · Ash and friends join a summer festival while Team Rocket seeks profit and a shrine scroll reveals a 2,000-year-old legend.
- Ep. 21 · Ash releases Butterfree near Saffron City as it seeks a mate during egg-laying season.
- Ep. 22 · Ash faces Saffron City's psychic Gym Leader and her evolving Abra in a challenging battle.
- Ep. 23 · Ash seeks a ghost Pokémon in Lavender Town to counter a psychic opponent.
- Ep. 24 · Ash seeks a badge in Saffron City while his ghost Pokémon aids him against the Gym Leader.
- Ep. 25 · The heroes face an aggressive Mankey that evolves into a violent Primeape during their journey.