Ep. 67: Ash and Gary meet in Pallet Town while Team Rocket plots to infiltrate Professor Oak's lab.
Aired on October 8, 1998
67
Upon returning to Pallet Town, Ash encounters Gary, who is already present and preparing for the Pokémon League. Their long-standing rivalry is highlighted as Professor Oak explains the true meaning of Pokémon to both boys. Simultaneously, Team Rocket attempts to breach the laboratory to steal Pokémon. This desperate move follows the destruction of their headquarters by Mewtwo, driving them to seek new targets at Oak's facility.
Episodes
- Ep. 63 · Ash battles Team Rocket for his eighth badge after Gary's defeat by Mewtwo
- Ep. 64 · Ash and friends help a circus Mr. Mime escape while disguising Ash as a replacement.
- Ep. 65 · Ash and friends help return a Jynx to Santa before Christmas while Jessie seeks revenge.
- Ep. 66 · Ash and Pikachu face a dangerous storm after being separated from their friends
- Ep. 67 · Ash and Gary meet in Pallet Town while Team Rocket plots to infiltrate Professor Oak's lab.
- Ep. 68 · Ash and Professor Westwood V investigate Slowpoke evolution on Seafoam Island
- Ep. 69 · Ash and friends surf, but Ash collapses and is saved by Victor and his Pikachu Puka.
- Ep. 70 · Ash visits Murasame Botanical Garden for fertilizer while Bulbasaur suffers paralysis
- Ep. 71 · Ash and friends audition Pokémon for a movie role while Misty's Psyduck wins by default.