Ep. 39: Ash considers leaving Pikachu with its own kind in the forest
Aired on April 16, 1998
39
The group enters a quiet forest where Ash's Pikachu attempts to bond with a large herd. After rescuing a young Pikachu from drowning and defending the group from Team Rocket, Ash's Pikachu is accepted by the wild ones. Feeling that Pikachu is better off with its own kind, Ash decides to leave it behind, shocking Misty and Brock. As the trio prepares to depart, Pikachu returns accompanied by the wild herd, including the young one it saved. The episode concludes with an emotional reunion between Ash and Pikachu, embraced by the cheering wild Pikachu while their friends watch.
Episodes
- Ep. 35 · Team Rocket challenges Ash to a Pokémon capture contest in the Safari Zone
- Ep. 36 · The group faces a bike gang and Team Rocket while crossing a stormy bridge with a delivery.
- Ep. 37 · Ash and friends visit a mansion where Duplica's Ditto struggles to change its face while Team Rocket plots to steal it.
- Ep. 38 · Ash and friends investigate a malfunctioning transfer machine at the Pokémon Center.
- Ep. 39 · Ash considers leaving Pikachu with its own kind in the forest
- Ep. 40 · The group helps Mikey protect his Eevee from forced evolution by his brothers.
- Ep. 41 · Ash and friends resolve a town's water crisis caused by a Snorlax blocking the source.
- Ep. 42 · Ash and friends face rival Gyms in Dark City
- Ep. 43 · Ash and friends encounter a struggling magician whose hypnotic Exeggutor scheme threatens a carnival.