Ep. 23: Ash seeks a ghost Pokémon in Lavender Town to counter a psychic opponent.
Aired on September 2, 1997
23
Ash determines that capturing a ghost-type Pokémon is necessary to defeat a young girl's psychic creature. He travels directly to a tower in Lavender Town, where such spirits are rumored to reside. Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth of Team Rocket are already waiting at the location. Instead of ambushing the heroes, they are attacked by Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar. While attempting to overcome these ghost Pokémon, Ash gains insights into the spiritual realm. The narrative questions whether Ash can successfully capture a ghost Pokémon and if that victory will be sufficient to defeat the psychic Gym Leader of Saffron City.
Episodes
- 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.
- Ep. 26 · The group visits Celadon City where Ash is banned from a store over perfume prices before seeking a gym battle.
- Ep. 27 · Investigation into missing children and sick Pokémon linked to mysterious sleep wave