Pokémon Indigo League

Pokémon Indigo League
Season 1
The English title screen from the Pokémon: Indigo League season.
Country of origin	Japan
No. of episodes	82 (Japan) 80 (U.S.A.) 79 (International) 72 (South Korea)
Release
Original network	TV Tokyo channel 7
Original release	April 1, 1997 (1997-04-01) – January 21, 1999 (1999-01-21)
Season chronology

Pokémon: Indigo League (originally aired simply as Pokémon) is the first season of Pokémon animated television series, and the first season of Pokémon: The Original Series (ポケモン：ジ・オリジナル・シリーズ, Pokémon: Ji Orijinaru Shirīzu), a Japanese anime television series known in Japan as Pocket Monsters Episode Sekiei League (ポケットモンスター セキエイリーグ, Poketto Monsutā Sekiei Rīgu) and in South Korea as Pocket Monsters Episode Sekiei League (포켓몬스터 세키에이 리그, Poketmonseuteo Sekiei Ligeu). It originally aired in Japan from April 1, 1997 to January 21, 1999 on TV Tokyo channel 7, in the United States from September 8 to November 20, 1998 on first-run syndication, from February 13 to November 27, 1999, on June 24, 2000, airing episode 18 on Kids' WB/The WB, and in South Korea from July 14, 1999 to June 14, 2000 on Seoul Broadcasting System.

This season, the narrator of the Pokémon anime (voice in English by Rodger Parsons, and in Japanese by Unshō Ishizuka), will follow the adventures of the ten-year-old Pokémon trainer Ash Ketchum (voiced in English by Veronica Taylor, and in Japanese by Rika Matsumoto) and his electric mouse partner Pikachu (voiced by Ikue Ōtani) as they collect Gym Badges in the fictional Kanto region so they can compete in the Pokémon League competition at the Indigo Plateau.

The episodes were directed by Masamitsu Hidaka and produced by Oriental Light and Magic and TV Tokyo channel 7.

The Japanese opening song is "Aim to be a Pokémon Master" (めざせポケモンマスター, Mezase Pokémon Masutā) by Rika Matsumoto for all 82 episodes. The ending songs are "One Hundred Fifty-One" (ひゃくごじゅういち, Hyakugojūichi") by Unsho Ishizuka and Pokémon Kids for 27 episodes, "Meowth's Song" (ニャースのうた, Nyāsu no Uta) by Inuko Inuyama for 14 episodes and for 2 special episodes, "Fantasy in My Pocket" (ポケットにファンタジー, Poketto ni Fantajī) by Sachiko Kobayashi and Juri Ihata for 16 episodes and for 2 special episodes, "Pokémon March" (ポケモン音頭, Pokémon Ondo) by Sachiko Kobayashi, Koffing, Ekans and Chansey for 11 episodes, "Type: Wild" (タイプ : ワイルド, Taipu: Wairudo) by Rika Matsumoto for 12 episodes, the English opening song is the "Pokémon Theme" by Jason Paige; its full version serves as the end credit song for 52 episodes, and its shortened version serves as the end credit song for 28 episodes. The ending songs at the end of the episode are "Kanto Pokérap by James "D Train" Willams and Babi Floyd for 52 epidodes, which contains 5 different versions (each profiling about 32 Pokémon on Monday through Wednesday, 30 Pokémon on Thursday, and 24 on Friday for a total of 150), "My Best Friends" by Michael Whalen during episode 18 and for 6 episodes, "Double Trouble" by Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart and Maddie Blaustien for 5 episodes, "What Kind of Pokémon Are You?" by Joshua Tyler for 4 episodes, "Together Forever" by J.P. Hartmann for 6 episodes, "2.B.A. Master" by Russell Velázquez for 7 episodes, and "Viridian City" by Jason Paige for 4 episodes from Pikachu's Jukebox. Johto predicted the English version of "Type: Wild", the ending song from Pokémon Encore performed by Robbie Danzie, and the Korean opening song is "Start of an Adventure" (모험의 시작, Moheomui Sijak) by Park Eungsik (Jimu), Bang Daesik and Jeong Jayoon (Male Vocalists), and by Jang Sukhui, Jeong Yeojin and Kim Munseon (Female Vocalists). The ending song is "We Are All Friends" (우리는 모두 친구, Urineun Modu Chingu) by Kim Juhui, Bang Daesik and Park Eungsik (Jimu).

Episodes

J#	E#	English title Japanese title	Original air date	English air date
1	1	"Pokémon, I Choose You!" (Pokémon! I Choose You!) Transcription: "Pokémon! Kimi ni Kimeta!" (Japanese: ポケモン! きみにきめた!)	April 1, 1997 (1997-04-01)	September 8, 1998
Ash Ketchum(Veronica Taylor in the English adaption) is finally 10 years old, old enough to become a Pokémon Trainer. He wakes up late and he bumps into Gary Oak(Jimmy Zoppi in the English adaption by 4Kids), finally, on that day, he is supposed to receive his first Pokémon at Professor Oak's lab, however, and arrives to discover all the Pokémon are gone. Ash has no choice but to take a naughty Pikachu, who won't listen to Ash because Pikachu chooses to stay outside of its Poké Ball, forcing Ash to drag it along with a rope. After many failed attempts at capturing some Pokémon, Ash throws a rock and hits a Spearow. The Spearow gets angry and an entire flock starts chasing Ash and Pikachu. They run away from the Spearow, in which Ash "borrows" a bike from a red-haired girl named Misty(Rachel Lillis in the English adaption) to escape, but when they cannot go any farther, Ash uses his body to shield Pikachu from the attacking Pokémon. Pikachu realizes how much Ash cares for him and uses a powerful electric attack to drive the Spearow away, destroying the bicycle and severely injuring Pikachu in the process as well. Ash and Pikachu see a glimpse of Ho-Oh. Note: The 1st appearances of Ash Ketchum, his mother, Delia Ketchum, Professor Oak, Gary Oak & Misty. Event: Ash starts his journey and gets a reluctant Pikachu.
2	2	"Pokémon Emergency!" (Showdown! Pokémon Center!) Transcription: "Taiketsu! Pokémon Sentā!" (Japanese: たいけつ! ポケモンセンター!)	April 8, 1997 (1997-04-08)	September 9, 1998
Finally arriving in Viridian City, Ash is cornered by Officer Jenny(Lee Quick in the English adaption), who asks why he is carrying Pikachu instead of having it in a Pokéball. After explaining, Jenny takes Ash to the Pokémon Center where Nurse Joy(Megan Hollingshead in the English adaption) begins treatment on the injured Pikachu. Before Pikachu's treatment finishes, however, Ash is interrupted by Misty, the girl who Ash took the bike from, who vows to stick with Ash until he pays her back for destroying her bike. The Pokémon Center is then attacked by Jessie, James, and their talking Meowth; members of Team Rocket (Rachel Lillis, Ted Lewis and Nathan Price in English adaptions), seeking to steal all of the infirm Pokémon. Ash's Pikachu and the Pokémon Center's many Pikachu manage to defeat Team Rocket by shocking them using Thunder Shock, sending them "blasting off" into the sky for the first time. Eventually, Ash, Misty and Pikachu depart to Pewter City, but must cross through the Viridian Forest. Note: The first appearances of Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy & Team Rocket. Event: Ash heads to the Viridian Pokémon Center and meets Team Rocket.
3	3	"Ash Catches a Pokémon" (Pokémon, I'll get you!) Transcription: "Pokémon Getto Da Ze!" (Japanese: ポケモン ゲットだぜ！)	April 15, 1997 (1997-04-15)	September 10, 1998
While walking through the Viridian Forest, Ash discovers and catches a Caterpie—his first Pokémon capture! Though Ash is excited, Misty is grossed out by Bug-type Pokémon, so she is repulsed by its attempts to be friends with her. At night, as Ash and Misty sleep, Caterpie shares with Pikachu its dream of evolving into a Butterfree. Ash also captures a Pidgeotto. Team Rocket shows up to steal Pikachu and Pikachu and Pidgeotto are weakened by Koffing and Ekans, so Ash reluctantly sends out Caterpie. To the surprise of Jessie and James—not to mention Ash—Caterpie's String Shot is able to defeat the Team Rocket Pokémon, including Meowth! When Misty tries to make nice with Caterpie, it evolves into a Metapod. Events: Ash captures a Caterpie. - Ash captures a Pidgeotto. - Ash's Caterpie evolves into Metapod.
4	4	"Challenge of the Samurai" (Challenge of the Young Boy Samurai!) Transcription: "Samurai Shōnen no Chōsen!" (Japanese: サムライしょうねんのちょうせん!)	April 22, 1997 (1997-04-22)	September 11, 1998
A Samurai challenges Ash to a battle, and it turns out to be Metapod vs. Metapod. After a short time, a swarm of Beedrill attacks, and Ash's Metapod is taken by them. After learning to be more responsible of a trainer, Ash is able to rescue his Metapod, which subsequently evolves once more into Butterfree. Event: Ash's Metapod evolves into Butterfree.
5	5	"Showdown in Pewter City" (Battle of Nibi Gym!) Transcription: "Nibi Jimu no Tatakai!" (Japanese: ニビジムのたたかい!)	April 29, 1997 (1997-04-29)	September 14, 1998
Ash, Pikachu, and Misty finally reach Pewter City and meet Flint, a mysterious man who sells rocks. Ash is ready to challenge the Pewter City Gym Leader, Brock(Eric Stuart in the English adaption), for his first Badge, but loses the battle. Flint takes Ash and Pikachu to Brock's home and Ash learns that Brock cares for his many younger brothers and sisters since their dad left them. He then brings Pikachu and Ash to a watermill to make Pikachu stronger. Ash battles Brock again, this time coming closer to winning. A fire breaks out in the gym, however, and the sprinklers go off, weakening Onix. Ash wants to defeat Onix but is held back by the thought of Brock's siblings (when he opens his eyes he finds he was literally held back by them). Ash leaves the Gym but Brock catches up to him and gives Ash the Boulder Badge. Flint turns out to be Brock's father and takes over the Gym and the responsibility of his children for Brock when he decides to join Ash on his journey. Note: The first appearance of Brock. Events: Ash meets Brock of Pewter City and lost the match. - Ash wins the rematch against Brock and receives the Boulder Badge. - Brock joins Ash and Misty.
6	6	"Clefairy and the Moon Stone" (Pippi and the Moon Stone) Transcription: "Pippi to Tsuki no Ishi" (Japanese: ピッピとつきのいし)	May 6, 1997 (1997-05-06)	September 15, 1998
Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu arrive at Mt. Moon to find Team Rocket interfering with the local wildlife in hopes of finding the rare Moon Stone. With the help of Seymour the Scientist, the gang saves the Moon Stone and the Clefairies that guard it. Also, Brock catches a Zubat. Event: Brock catches a Zubat.
7	7	"The Water Flowers of Cerulean City" (The Underwater Flowers of Hanada City) Transcription: "Hanada Shiti no Suichūka" (Japanese: ハナダシティのすいちゅうか)	May 13, 1997 (1997-05-13)	September 16, 1998
In his quest to collect Gym Badges, Ash heads for Cerulean City, intending to confront the Cerulean Gym Leader. For some reason, Misty expresses a desire to avoid Cerulean City and disappears along the way. Upon entering the gym, Ash and Pikachu are entranced by a synchronized swimming show being performed by three beautiful sisters, unsure if he has really found another Gym. The three reveal that they are the Gym Leaders but have since converted the Gym into an aquarium and water show, and offer to just give Ash the badge, but Misty appears once more, revealing that she is also one of the Gym Leaders and will battle Ash in lieu of her three older sisters. However, Team Rocket disrupts the battle in an attempt to steal all of the Gym's Pokémon, and Misty's sisters decide to award Ash the Cascade Badge for helping save everyone.
8	8	"The Path to the Pokémon League" (The Road to the Pokémon League) Transcription: "Pokémon Rīgu e no Michi" (Japanese: ポケモンリーグへのみち)	May 20, 1997 (1997-05-20)	September 17, 1998
After receiving his second badge, Ash sets off triumphantly for Vermilion City. Along the way, they hear of a trainer named A.J., a fierce Pokémon trainer who has never lost a match. Full of self-confidence from his own record of ten victories in a row, Ash heads directly for the gym to find his new opponent. When they arrive, a huge bulletin is in front of the gym with a neon sign declaring "98 Consecutive Victories", which appeals to Ash's over-confidence. A.J. is on the brink of achieving his goal of 100 straight victories, after which he will embark on a journey to gather badges, and Ash discovers A.J.'s strange training style.
9	9	"The School of Hard Knocks" (Pokémon Certain Victory Manual) Transcription: "Pokémon Hisshō Manyuaru" (Japanese: ポケモンひっしょうマニュアル)	May 27, 1997 (1997-05-27)	September 18, 1998
Our three heroes have lost their way in the depths of a dense wooden forest, shrouded in thick, white mist. Momentarily giving up, they decide to break for a brief rest. As Ash wanders deeper into the wood, searching for firewood, he happens across a young boy being bullied by five classmates gathered around him. Eavesdropping on their conversation, Ash learns that the boys are attending a preparatory school for Pokémon trainers. Graduates from the school are automatically qualified to participate in the Pokémon League without travelling around and collecting any badges. Ash, Misty, and Brock head to the school and do not agree with some of their ideas of training, something their "leader" does not take well.
10	10	"Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village" (Fushigidane of the Hidden Village) Transcription: "Kakurezato no Fushigidane" (Japanese: かくれざとのフシギダネ)	June 3, 1997 (1997-06-03)	September 21, 1998
Ash and friends are still on their way to Vermilion City and still lost. They stop by a pond for a break when they see an Oddish taking a drink. Ash and Misty try to catch it but they are stopped by a mysterious Bulbasaur who rescues the Oddish. They continue on their journey and keep getting caught in traps, until the Bulbasaur's owner, Melanie, finds them, saves them and brings them back to her cabin. It turns out that she helps injured, sick, and abandoned Pokémon, and they decide to help. Meanwhile, Team Rocket decides to steal all the Pokémon, while Brock wonders if he should stay with Melanie. In the end, Melanie gives Bulbasaur to Ash, but not until Bulbasaur challenges Ash and Pikachu to a battle. Event: Ash catches a Bulbasaur.
11	11	"Charmander – The Stray Pokémon" (The Stray Pokémon – Hitokage) Transcription: "Hagure Pokémon, Hitokage" (Japanese: はぐれポケモン・ヒトカゲ)	June 10, 1997 (1997-06-10)	September 22, 1998
While on the road to Vermilion City, Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu come across a Charmander sitting on a rock. Ash tries to catch it, but it turns out it has a trainer and cannot be captured, so they head to the Pokémon Center. At the Pokémon Center, a hotshot trainer named Damian is bragging about how he left his Charmander behind, promising to come back for it when he means to abandon it for being weak in his eyes. After hearing this, Ash and Brock head back out to get the poor Pokémon as a rainstorm threatens its very life. After a battle with Team Rocket, where Damian witnesses Charmander defeating them, Damian tries to get Charmander to come back to him, but the Pokémon's loyalty now belongs to Ash. Ash captures Charmander, gaining a new friend and Pokémon. Event: Ash adopts Charmander.
12	12	"Here Comes the Squirtle Squad" (The Zenigame Squad Appears!) Transcription: "Zenigame-gundan Tōjō!" (Japanese: ゼニガメぐんだんとうじょう!)	June 17, 1997 (1997-06-17)	September 23, 1998
Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu become the victims of pranks played by a gang of Squirtle known as the Squirtle Squad. They end up falling down a hole, and are even eventually captured by them. It turns out that they are working together with Team Rocket. When Pikachu is severely injured, the Squirtle lets Ash out to get medicine from town, but must return soon or his friends will be trapped by the Squirtle Squad forever. In the end, the Squirtle Squad saves the town from a fire started by Team Rocket and Squirtle joins Ash on his further adventures. Event: Ash catches a Squirtle, who is the leader of the Squirtle Squad.
13	13	"Mystery at the Lighthouse" (Masaki's Lighthouse) Transcription: "Masaki no Tōdai" (Japanese: マサキのとうだい)	June 24, 1997 (1997-06-24)	September 24, 1998
When a Krabby that Ash catches disappears, he goes to a nearby lighthouse to see if it reached Professor Oak's lab. The keeper of the lighthouse is Bill, a Pokémon researcher who is searching for a mysterious Pokémon that sometimes appears by his lighthouse. Just as this mysterious Pokémon answers Bill's call and approaches the lighthouse, Team Rocket appears and tries to capture it. Injured, the Pokémon loses its trust of Bill and vanishes forever, though Bill intends to keep an eye out in case it ever appears again. Events: Ash catches a Krabby, When it headed straight to Professor Oak's Laboratory. - Ash, Misty & Brock meet Bill, the famous Pokemon researcher.
14	14	"Electric Shock Showdown" (Electric Shock Showdown! Kuchiba Gym) Transcription: "Dengeki Taiketsu! Kuchiba Jimu" (Japanese: でんげきたいけつ! クチバジム)	July 1, 1997 (1997-07-01)	September 25, 1998
Ash finally arrives in Vermilion City and is ready to prove that he can defeat its Gym Leader Lt. Surge. However, Ash discovers that many trainers fail to defeat Lt. Surge. Ash is easily defeated in a battle with Lt. Surge and his Raichu. After contemplating evolving Pikachu into Raichu as well, Ash decides to use Pikachu's speed to his advantage in his next battle, defeating Lt. Surge and winning the Thunder Badge.
15	15	"Battle Aboard the St. Anne" (The St. Anne Battle!) Transcription: "Santo Annu-gō no Tatakai!" (Japanese: サントアンヌごうのたたかい!)	July 8, 1997 (1997-07-08)	September 28, 1998
Ash wins a ticket to take a trip on a luxury cruise ship, the St. Anne. Ash enjoys the journey, even trading Butterfree for a Raticate, but feels guilty afterwards and asks for Butterfree back. However, the whole cruise is a scheme devised by Team Rocket, who plans to steal the Pokémon of all the trainers on board. During the confusion, James purchases a Magikarp from a devious salesman, under the impression it will make him rich, unaware of Magikarp's true nature. After Team Rocket's plans fail, the St. Anne is hit by a powerful storm. Ash loses his Butterfree's PokéBall in the confusion and goes to get it, just as James tries to retrieve Magikarp's PokéBall, and both groups are knocked unconscious while the rest of the passengers escape safely.
16	16	"Pokémon Shipwreck" (Pokémon Adrift) Transcription: "Pokémon Hyōryūki" (Japanese: ポケモンひょうりゅうき)	July 15, 1997 (1997-07-15)	September 29, 1998
Ash, Misty, Brock, and Pikachu wake up aboard the St. Anne, discovering it has capsized and sunk. Elsewhere, Jessie, James, and Meowth wake up as well, and in an attempt to escape only flood the area that they are in. When Ash and his friends find Team Rocket, the group decides to put their differences aside to escape safely, after an attempted battle nearly causes the ship to sink farther. After traversing the ship, they find a weak part of the hull to escape from, using Misty and Ash's water Pokémon to escape, while Team Rocket uses James' Magikarp, unaware that it cannot swim. After making it to the surface on some debris, the group discovers Team Rocket, once more, and after a day stranded, decide to eat Magikarp, only discovering that it has no meat on it. In anger, James kicks Magikarp off the raft and it evolves into Gyarados. It calls a group of other Gyarados to attack the group, and everyone is stranded once more.
17	17	"Island of the Giant Pokémon" (Island of the Gigantic Pokémon!?) Transcription: "Kyodai Pokémon no Shima!?" (Japanese: きょだいポケモンのしま!?)	July 22, 1997 (1997-07-22)	September 30, 1998
After being hit by a Dragon Rage attack from James' newly evolved Gyarados while at sea, the humans are separated from their Pokémon on an island that is inhabited by giant Pokémon. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Meowth, Ekans, and Koffing try to make their way back to their trainers, while the trainers and their Pokémon escape the giant Pokémon, unaware that they have all landed on an island owned by Team Rocket to house a theme park dedicated to a giant robotic Pokémon. Note: This seems to date to be the only episode in which subtitles are used to help the viewer understand what the Pokémon are saying.
18	18	"Beauty and the Beach" (Holiday at Aopulco) Transcription: "Aopuruko no Kyūjitsu" (Japanese: アオプルコのきゅうじつ)	July 29, 1997 (1997-07-29)	June 24, 2000
19	19	"Tentacool & Tentacruel" (Menokurage, Dokukurage) Transcription: "Menokurage Dokukurage" (Japanese: メノクラゲドククラゲ)	August 5, 1997 (1997-08-05)	October 1, 1998
Ash and his friends have finally arrived in Porta Vista, a beach-side tourist town. After destroying an old man's ship, they must help in the old man's business. To attempt to pay the man back faster, Misty enters a beauty contest, only to discover she is competing against Jessie and James. Event: Delia holds a holding a trophy inscribed with the words: "First Place in Our Hearts: Ash Ketchum." Stuck in Porta Vista because they missed the boat, Ash and friends sit around waiting for the next boat and witness a great explosion. They later discover that it is a group of Tentacool that is attacking the city since construction is destroying their reef. Misty manages to appease the giant Tentacruel. She catches a Horsea that was being harassed by the Tentacool. Event: Misty captures a Horsea.
20	20	"The Ghost of Maiden's Peak" (Ghost Pokémon and the Summer Festival) Transcription: "Yūrei Pokémon to Natsumatsuri" (Japanese: ゆうれいポケモンとなつまつり)	August 12, 1997 (1997-08-12)	October 2, 1998
The boat that Ash and his friends arrive in the port city of Maiden's Peak to attend the Summer's End Festival. Brock and James both fall for a beautiful girl standing by the sea who disappears. Ash, Misty, and Team Rocket learn that she is the ghost of a maiden who waited for her lover to return from an ancient war and eventually turned into stone. While trying to protect Brock and James with some stickers bought from an old woman, the maiden reveals herself as the old woman, who in turn reveals herself to be Gastly, a ghost Pokémon. Ash tries to fight Gastly to release James and Brock from its spell but fails, until the sun rises and Gastly is forced to disappear. It is revealed that the ghost of the maiden actually exists and is a friend of Gastly, and is still waiting for the one she loves to return.
21	21	"Bye Bye Butterfree" (Bye Bye Butterfree) Transcription: "Bai Bai Batafurī" (Japanese: バイバイバタフリー)	August 19, 1997 (1997-08-19)	October 5, 1998
As the group continues on their way to Saffron City, they notice a flock of Butterfree out over the ocean. Brock informs Ash that it is the mating season for all of the Butterfree. Ash decides to release his Butterfree so that it can mate. However, Team Rocket has plans to steal them all. Ash's Butterfree bravely frees all the Butterfree and in the end, Ash releases it. Event: Ash releases Butterfree to be with the pink Butterfree.
22	22	"Abra and the Psychic Showdown (Part 1)" (Casey! Psychic Showdown!) Transcription: "Kēshii! Chōnōryoku Taiketsu!" (Japanese: ケーシィ! ちょうのうりょくたいけつ!)	August 26, 1997 (1997-08-26)	October 6, 1998
Ash and his friends finally arrive in Saffron City, but before Ash can enter the Saffron Gym he is warned by a strange man not to go in. Ash enters anyway to discover a strange training facility for people with psychic powers. Ash challenges Sabrina, the Saffron City Gym Leader and her Abra who evolves into Kadabra, and loses. Ash and his friends are transported into a toy box set and forced to play with a dangerous little girl. The group is rescued by the strange man who gives Ash a tip: He may be able to beat Sabrina with a Ghost Pokémon from Lavender Town.
23	23	"The Tower of Terror (Part 2)" (Pokémon Tower and I'll get you!) Transcription: "Pokémon Tawā de Getto da ze!" (Japanese: ポケモンタワーでゲットだぜ!)	September 2, 1997 (1997-09-02)	October 7, 1998
Team Rocket encounters the Ghost Pokémon in a haunted tower while setting a trap for Ash and his friends, and end up getting frightened away. Ash and Pikachu enter alone since Ash's friends are afraid to go in. Inside, Ash and Pikachu are the victims of pranks by a Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar looking for playmates. After being crushed under a falling chandelier, Haunter turns Ash and Pikachu into ghosts where they have some fun, though Ash asks them to send him back after seeing Misty and Brock cry over his lifeless body. Ash and Pikachu are brought back to life and Haunter decides to follow Ash as his new Pokémon.
24	24	"Haunter vs. Kadabra (Part 3)" (Ghost vs. Esper!) Transcription: "Gōsuto Tai Esupā!" (Japanese: ゴーストVSエスパー!)	September 9, 1997 (1997-09-09)	October 8, 1998
Ash and his friends go back to Saffron City ready to try again for the Marsh Badge in the Gym. Ash asks Haunter for help to defeat Sabrina but Haunter disappears during the match. Brock and Misty get turned into dolls, and Ash is rescued just in time by the mysterious man. The man (who is really Sabrina's father) reveals that Sabrina has two personalities – one of the cold and unfeeling trainer, the other of the repressed little girl, who also turned her mother into a doll. The only way to defeat Sabrina is to make her smile again. During the next match, Haunter suddenly appears in front of Sabrina while Kadabra and Pikachu are battling. Sabrina and her Kadabra become unable to battle after being sent into peals of laughter by Haunter, giving Ash the victory. Haunter chooses to stay with Sabrina and her reunited family.
25	25	"Primeape Goes Bananas" (Don't Get Angry, Okorizaru!) Transcription: "Okoranai de ne Okorizaru!" (Japanese: おこらないでねオコリザル!)	September 16, 1997 (1997-09-16)	October 9, 1998
As Ash is on his way towards Celadon City, he encounters a Mankey. The Mankey starts chasing him and steals Ash's hat. Ash tries to get it back and fails. Team Rocket arrives to get Pikachu and when Mankey walks by, James kicks it away and in its anger, evolves into Primeape. After remembering the poem Professor Oak said, Ash captures it. Event: Ash catches a Primeape.
26	26	"Pokémon Scent-sation!" (Erika and Kusaihana) Transcription: "Erika to Kusaihana" (Japanese: エリカとクサイハナ)	September 23, 1997 (1997-09-23)	October 12, 1998
When Ash reaches the Celadon Gym, he is literally kicked out because of his hatred for perfume, so with the help of Team Rocket (who plotted to steal Erika's special perfume), Ash sneaks into the gym disguised as a girl. In the gym, his cover is blown by Misty, Brock, and Pikachu, but the Gym Leader, Erika grants him a battle. During the battle, Team Rocket interrupts and sets the gym on fire. After rescuing Erika's Gloom, Ash is presented with the Rainbow Badge.
27	27	"Hypno's Naptime" (Sleeper and Pokémon Hypnotism!?) Transcription: "Surīpā to Pokémon Gaeri!?" (Japanese: スリーパーとポケモンがえり!?)	September 30, 1997 (1997-09-30)	October 13, 1998
Ash and his friends arrive at a town where many of the town's children are disappearing. They discover that a Hypno, a hypnotic Pokémon, is responsible. Adults in the town have come to help their insomnia by being put to sleep by Hypno. However there is a side effect, making the children think they are different Pokémon and run away and put real Pokémon to sleep. Ash stops Team Rocket from stealing Hypno and uses the Pokémon Drowzee to bring all the children and Pokémon back to normal. A useless Psyduck follows Misty around, and after she drops a PokéBall, Psyduck activates it and captures itself, much to Misty's dismay. Note: The flashback was originally from "Beauty and the Beach" in the original Japanese and the flashback was changed with "Pokémon – I Choose You!" (which was aired on April 1, 1997 in Japan) in the Japanese dub, but 4Kids Entertainment kept the flashback from "Beauty and the Beach". Events: Misty effortlessly captures Psyduck.
28	28	"Pokémon Fashion Flash" (Rokon! Breeder Showdown!) Transcription: "Rokon! Burīdā Taiketsu!" (Japanese: ロコン! ブリーダーたいけつ!)	October 7, 1997 (1997-10-07)	October 14, 1998
Team Rocket plans a scheme to steal many Pokémon by opening a grooming shop. Ash and his friends meet Susie, a famous Pokémon breeder. In the end, Brock gains a Vulpix when Susie tells him to look after it as she goes off to learn more about Pokémon breeding. Event: Brock catches Vulpix.
29	29	"The Punchy Pokémon" (Fighting Pokémon! Huge Battle!) Transcription: "Kakutō Pokémon! Dai Batoru!" (Japanese: かくとうポケモン! だいバトル!)	October 14, 1997 (1997-10-14)	October 15, 1998
After meeting Rebecca, a girl whose father Anthony is more concerned about training his fighting Pokémon Hitmonchan at the gym instead of Rebecca, Ash enters a Fighting Pokémon-only tournament with his Primeape. Team Rocket also enters and resorts to cheating, stealing another man's Hitmonlee, in order to win. After learning how much his daughter means to him and losing, Anthony promises to train Ash's Primeape, the tournament's winner, to make him stronger, so Ash gives it away and promises to return. Event: Ash gives Primeape away at the Pokemon Fighting Tournament.
30	30	"Sparks Fly for Magnemite" (Do Coil Dream of Electric Mice!?) Transcription: "Koiru wa Denki Nezumi no Yume o Miru ka!?" (Japanese: コイルはでんきネズミのユメをみるか!?)	October 21, 1997 (1997-10-21)	October 16, 1998
The group arrives in Gringy City where everything is dark and gloomy. A Magnemite follows Pikachu everywhere ever since he caught a peculiar illness. Grimer and Muk block a turbine in a local power plant, which causes the power in the Pokémon Center to go out. Ash captures Muk and Pikachu is cured of his cold. Event: Ash captures a Muk and sends to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
31	31	"Dig Those Diglett!" (Full of Digda!) Transcription: "Diguda ga Ippai!" (Japanese: ディグダがいっぱい!)	October 28, 1997 (1997-10-28)	October 19, 1998
Ash finds himself among a group of Pokémon Trainers hired to protect a construction site from the interfering ground Pokémon, Diglett. The construction is shut down after it is revealed that the Diglett and Dugtrio are trying to protect their home. Jessie's Ekans and James' Koffing evolve into Arbok and Weezing respectively. Note: Nathan Price left his role as Team Rocket's Meowth and gets replaced by the late Maddie Blaustien. Event: Team Rocket's Ekans and Koffing evolved into Arbok & Weezing.
32	32	"The Ninja-Poké Showdown" (Sekichiku Ninja Showdown!) Transcription: "Sekichiku Ninja Taiketsu!" (Japanese: セキチクにんじゃたいけつ!)	November 4, 1997 (1997-11-04)	October 20, 1998
The group finds a strange-looking ninja-style mansion. They explore it and encounter various traps. Soon, they discover that this is the Fuchsia Gym and Ash battles Koga, the Gym Leader, for the Soul Badge. When Team Rocket disrupts their battle, Misty discovers how powerful her Psyduck really is.
33	33	"The Flame Pokémon-athon!" (The Big Fire Pokémon Race!) Transcription: "Honō no Pokémon Dai Rēsu!" (Japanese: ほのおのポケモンだいレース!)	November 11, 1997 (1997-11-11)	October 21, 1998
The group arrive at the Laramie Ranch where a family of ranchers, with their daughter, Lara and her Ponyta, prepares for an annual Pokémon race. Ash takes over as Ponyta's rider when Lara gets her arm injured due to Team Rocket's interference. Then, Team Rocket helps a rival competitor called Dario to win the race by setting up traps for other participants. As the race continues, however, Ponyta evolves into Rapidash and wins the race.
34	34	"The Kangaskhan Kid" (Garura's Lullaby) Transcription: "Garūra no Komoriuta" (Japanese: ガルーラのこもりうた)	November 18, 1997 (1997-11-18)	October 22, 1998
Ash and his friends arrive at the Safari Zone, unaware that the part they have entered is a protected preserve when an Officer Jenny disguised as Chansey nearly arrests them for poaching. They come across a wild boy named Tommy who leads a herd of Kangaskhan and eventually find Tommy's parents, who were searching for him since he was only three. Unfortunately, Tommy thinks that the Kangaskhan are his family. After battling Team Rocket, Tommy's parents also become part of the Kangaskhan family.
35	—	"The Dratini Legend" (The Legend of Dratini) Transcription: "Miniryū no Densetsu" (Japanese: ミニリュウのでんせつ)	November 25, 1997 (1997-11-25)	—
Ash and his friends get challenged by Team Rocket in seeing who can capture the most Pokémon within the Safari Zone, with Ash catching a whole herd of Tauros. As soon as Ash and his friends head out Pokémon hunting, Team Rocket manages to get the drop on the game warden (Mr. Kaiza) and forces him into giving up the location on where Dratini is (the Dragon Valley). In the end, Ash, his friends, Team Rocket, and Kaiza end up seeing the legendary Dratini and Dragonair, with the heroes saving the day. This episode was deemed controversial, due to the use of guns, which causes confusion because Ash captures thirty Tauros. Event: Ash catches all 30 Tauros and sends them to Professor Oak's Laboratory.
36	35	"The Bridge Bike Gang" (Stormy Cycling Road) Transcription: "Arashi no Saikuringu Rōdo" (Japanese: あらしのサイクリングロード)	December 2, 1997 (1997-12-02)	October 23, 1998
Continuing their journey, the group came across a bridge which could be used as a shortcut to the next town. They soon discover that the bridge is too long to walk and they would need bicycles to cross. They go to the Pokémon Center where Nurse Joy asks them to take some medicine to a sick Pokémon across the bridge. On their way, a bicycle gang appears to cause trouble and Team Rocket is helping them. When Ash and his friends decide to cross the bridge during a storm, the bicyclists realize that they are acting selflessly, and help them.
37	36	"Ditto's Mysterious Mansion" (Metamon and the Copycat Girl) Transcription: "Metamon to Monomane Musume" (Japanese: メタモンとものまねむすめ)	December 9, 1997 (1997-12-09)	October 26, 1998
During a storm, Ash and his friends arrive at a mysterious mansion. While there, Ash meets Duplica, a girl who is an expert at impersonation, and she happens to own Ditto, a Pokémon that can transform into any Pokémon. However, Ditto cannot seem to figure out how to change its face, a fact that stopped Duplica's variety show. As they all try to help Ditto perfect its transformation, Team Rocket tries to steal the Ditto so it can transform into a Dratini which they can give to the boss.
38	—	"Computer Soldier Porygon" (Cyber Soldier Porygon) Transcription: "Dennō Senshi Porigon" (Japanese: でんのうせんしポリゴン)	December 16, 1997 (1997-12-16)	—
Ash and his friends arrive at Pokémon Center where the Poké Ball transfer machine has been causing problems, as the transferred Pokémon never end up at the other side. Ash and his friends decide to accompany Porygon, a computerized Pokémon, used by Professor Akihabara to investigate the problem, only to discover that Team Rocket and another Porygon are to blame. This episode was deemed controversial due to a scene with red and blue strobe lights causing a huge pair of seizures on Japanese viewers. The episode has also since been removed from rotation within Japan.
39	37	"Pikachu's Goodbye" (Forest of Pikachu) Transcription: "Pikachū no Mori" (Japanese: ピカチュウのもり)	April 16, 1998 (1998-04-16)	November 20, 1998
The group come into a forest where it is quiet and peaceful. They notice a large group of Pikachu that Ash's Pikachu tries to make friends with. After saving a young Pikachu from drowning and rescuing the herd from Team Rocket, Ash's Pikachu is welcomed among the other Pikachu as one of their own. Saddened by this sudden distance, Ash tries to leave Pikachu behind (to Misty and Brock's shock and dismay), thinking that in the long run, it is going to be better off with its own kind. As they attempt to leave the forest with Ash still standing his ground on leaving Pikachu, the three friends are surprised when Pikachu returns to them, flanked by the other wild Pikachu including the younger Pikachu it risked its life to save earlier. The episode ends with Ash and Pikachu having an emotional reunion and hugging one another while the rest of the wild Pikachu cheer for the two of them as Brock and Misty look on.
40	38	"The Battling Eevee Brothers" (The 4 Eievui Brothers) Transcription: "Ībui Yon Kyōdai" (Japanese: イーブイ4きょうだい)	April 16, 1998 (1998-04-16)	October 27, 1998
While traveling through the woods, the group encounters an Eevee that was apparently abandoned near a tree. They take it to its address in Stone Town and find it belongs to a little boy named Mikey. His three brothers are pressuring him into evolving his Eevee into one of three forms—Jolteon, Vaporeon, or Flareon—at an Evolution Party, where everyone uses Evolution Stones to evolve their Pokémon. However, the Evolution Party is disrupted by Team Rocket, and Mikey manages to use Eevee on its own to show his brothers that he does not need to evolve his beloved Eevee.
41	39	"Wake Up Snorlax!" (Wake Up! Kabigon!) Transcription: "Okiro! Kabigon!" (Japanese: おきろ! カビゴン!)	April 23, 1998 (1998-04-23)	October 28, 1998
Ash and his friends arrive at a town which is having problems with their water source. It seems that a Snorlax is blocking the water path. Team Rocket plans to capture the Snorlax, but Ash and his friends find help from an unexpected source.
42	40	"Showdown at Dark City" (Showdown! Pokémon Gym!) Transcription: "Taiketsu! Pokémon Jimu!" (Japanese: たいけつ! ポケモンジム!)	April 30, 1998 (1998-04-30)	October 29, 1998
Upon entering Dark City, Ash and his friends discover that Pokémon Trainers aren't welcome due to two rival Gyms who involve Ash and his friends as well as Team Rocket in their feuds to become the city's legitimate Pokémon Gym.
43	41	"The March of the Exeggutor Squad" (The Huge March of the Nassy Squad!) Transcription: "Nasshī Gundan Daikōshin!" (Japanese: ナッシーぐんだんだいこうしん!)	May 7, 1998 (1998-05-07)	October 30, 1998
When at a carnival, Ash and his friends meet Melvin, a magician who is really losing his touch and fails in his own magic show. In his effort to get better, Melvin decides to hypnotize Ash and uses his Pokémon Exeggcute to capture loads of Exeggutor. The Exeggutor end up hypnotizing themselves and Team Rocket and almost destroy the entire carnival. The carnival owner sets a time bomb to stop the Exeggutor. Ash's Charmander uses flame attacks and Melvin successfully performs his fire magic trick to wake up the Exeggutor before they get harmed by the time bomb. After this Charmander unexpectedly evolves into Charmeleon. Event: Ash's Charmander evolves into Charmeleon.
44	42	"The Problem with Paras" (Paras and Parasect) Transcription: "Parasu to Parasekuto" (Japanese: パラスとパラセクト)	May 14, 1998 (1998-05-14)	February 13, 1999
Having run out of medicine, Ash and his friends go to a shop in Mossgreen Village to get some healing potions. The shop's owner Cassandra wants her weak Paras to evolve into a Parasect so she can use Parasect's mushroom for a new kind of miracle potion. Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket all decide to help out Cassandra by training her Paras, hoping that it can evolve into Parasect. However, everything gets complicated because Ash's Charmeleon keeps disobeying him. Paras finally evolves after beating Charmeleon in battle.
45	43	"The Song of Jigglypuff" (Sing! Purin!) Transcription: "Utatte! Purin!" (Japanese: うたって! プリン!)	May 21, 1998 (1998-05-21)	February 20, 1999
Ash and his friends find a Jigglypuff in the forest who is too shy to sing its hypnotic song. Brock gives Jigglypuff a fruit that heals its throat to make it able to sing, but Ash, his friends and Team Rocket fall asleep to the song, angering Jigglypuff. Team Rocket tricks Ash and his friends into giving Jigglypuff a stage to perform its song for an audience in Neon Town, whose inhabitants Team Rocket intends to steal from. Everyone falls asleep, including Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket, and a miffed Jigglypuff uses the marker hidden in its microphone to draw on everyone's sleeping faces. From this point on, Jigglypuff follows Ash around trying to sing its song to a crowd that will not fall asleep in almost every episode.
46	44	"Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon" (Resurrected!? Fossil Pokémon!) Transcription: "Fukkatsu!? Kaseki Pokémon!" (Japanese: ふっかつ!? かせきポケモン!)	May 28, 1998 (1998-05-28)	February 27, 1999
Arriving at a canyon to find an old fashioned fossil hunt, Ash, Gary and the gang decide to join in. But Team Rocket arrives and intends to blow the canyon up. Ash, Pikachu, and Team Rocket fall into a pit which is full of awakened ancient Pokémon. Their only hope rests in Ash's disobedient Charmeleon, which evolves into a powerful, yet still disobedient Charizard to defeat a raging Aerodactyl. In the end, the ancient Pokémon are sealed away once more (along with a terrified Team Rocket) and Officer Jenny dismisses the entire event as a side effect caused by Jigglypuff's singing. Ash, however, finds a rare Pokémon egg in the chaos and keeps it. Event: Ash's Charmeleon evolves into Charizard.
47	45	"A Chansey Operation" (Lucky's Clinical Records) Transcription: "Rakkī no Karute" (Japanese: ラッキーのカルテ)	June 4, 1998 (1998-06-04)	March 6, 1999
After Pikachu gets an apple stuck in its throat, Ash and his friends rush it to a Pokémon Center. After being treated, they hear of a traffic accident (caused by Team Rocket) that has left many Pokémon injured so Ash and the gang are recruited to help treat the Pokémon.
48	46	"Holy Matrimony!" (Gardie and Kojirou) Transcription: "Gādi to Kojirō" (Japanese: ガーディとコジロウ)	June 11, 1998 (1998-06-11)	March 13, 1999
After finding a missing person sign featuring James, Ash and his friends decide to find James and inform him of his parents' death. However James' parents turn out to be alive, and their death was only a decoy to get him to return home to the rich Jessie-look-alike Jessebelle, a girl James was arranged to marry from when he was a little child. James has left because Jessebelle is terrifying, so everyone tries to save James from this fate, including James' old pet Growlithe, Growlie.
49	47	"So Near, Yet So Farfetch'd" (Kamonegi's Easy Mark) Transcription: "Kamonegi no Kamo" (Japanese: カモネギのカモ)	June 18, 1998 (1998-06-18)	March 20, 1999
When Misty's PokéBalls are stolen by Farfetch'd, Ash and the gang investigate to try to find the thief and get all the stolen things back. Note: This episode was originally aired out of order.
50	48	"Who Gets to Keep Togepi?" (Whose Is Togepy!?) Transcription: "Togepī wa Dare no Mono!?" (Japanese: トゲピーはだれのもの!?)	June 25, 1998 (1998-06-25)	March 27, 1999
When the egg Ash found hatches into a brand new Pokémon, Togepi, everyone wants to own it. They decide to have a small Pokémon Tournament. Ash, who found it, claims he should be the one to keep it. In the end, Ash wins the tournament, but since Misty was the first person Togepi saw when he hatched, he thinks she is his mother and stays with her. Events: Togepi hatches. - Misty gets to keep Togepi.
51	49	"Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden" (Fushigidane's Mysterious Flower Garden) Transcription: "Fushigidane no Fushigi na Hanazono" (Japanese: フシギダネのふしぎのはなぞの)	July 2, 1998 (1998-07-02)	April 3, 1999
When Ash's Bulbasaur gets injured in a battle, it starts to feel and act different. Ash takes Bulbasaur to a Pokémon Center and is informed that Bulbasaur is just ready to evolve, coinciding with an evolution festival where Bulbasaur from around the region evolve into Ivysaur in the Mysterious Garden. Ash's Bulbasaur gets kidnapped by a group of Bulbasaur and taken to the festival against its will, but Bulbasaur refuses to evolve.
52	54	"Princess vs. Princess" (Fierce Fighting! Pokémon Girls' Festival) Transcription: "Gekitō! Pokémon Hinamatsuri" (Japanese: げきとう! ポケモンひなまつり)	July 9, 1998 (1998-07-09)	September 4, 1999
It is the Queen of the Princess Festival and Misty and Jessie are going all out for it. After hours of shopping, they both decide to enter the Queen of the Princess Festival Battle Tournament to win the dolls they both coveted when they were children.
53	55	"The Purr-fect Hero" (It's Children's Day! Everyone Come Together!) Transcription: "Kodomo no Hi da yo! Zen'in Shūgō!" (Japanese: こどものひだよ! ぜんいんしゅうごう!)	July 9, 1998 (1998-07-09)	September 11, 1999
Ash and his friends arrive at a small school on Kids' Day and let the children play with their Pokémon. One of the children only wants to meet Meowth after being saved by a wild one from a Beedrill. Team Rocket's Meowth pretends to be his hero, but is soon caught by Misty. Later, Timmy is saved again by the wild Meowth.
54	50	"The Case of the K-9 Caper!" (Gardie the Police Dog) Transcription: "Keisatsuken Gādi" (Japanese: けいさつけんガーディ)	July 16, 1998 (1998-07-16)	April 10, 1999
When Ash and his friends see a group of Growlithe training against a policeman posing as a robber, Ash decides for him and Pikachu to do the same training to become the best they can be. However, when Team Rocket comes to steal the Growlithe, Officer Jenny's voice gets changed, causing the Growlithe to think that Team Rocket are the Officers as they use their ears to follow command.
55	51	"Pokémon Paparazzi" (Shutter Chance Pikachu) Transcription: "Shattā Chansu wa Pikachū" (Japanese: シャッターチャンスはピカチュウ)	July 23, 1998 (1998-07-23)	April 17, 1999
While eating Brock's riceballs, Ash hears a shutter which he thinks is a gun. It's really a camera belonging to a photographer named Todd. Todd was hired by Team Rocket to capture Pikachu, but he thinks they want him to capture a picture of him. After the confusion, Todd joins the group.
56	52	"The Ultimate Test" (Pokémon League Certification Test!?) Transcription: "Pokémon Rīgu Kenteishiken!?" (Japanese: ポケモンけんていしけん!?)	July 30, 1998 (1998-07-30)	April 24, 1999
While traveling, Ash notes it has been a long time since his last Badge, so Todd suggests he takes the Pokémon League exam. Passing the exam would get him an immediate entry into the competition. But Ash being over confident of himself of passing the exam he totally fails in the first and second tests. In the third test, Team Rocket interferes the match and uses their given Pokémon to take revenge on the examiner for giving them a hard time on the first and second tests. In the end the examiner commands their given Pokémon to attack Team Rocket instead of himself, which sends them blasting off again.
57	53	"The Breeding Center Secret" (The Secret of the Breeding Center!) Transcription: "Sodate-ya no Himitsu!" (Japanese: そだてやのひみつ!)	August 6, 1998 (1998-08-06)	May 1, 1999
After putting Psyduck in a breeding center, Misty learns that she needs it to get some food from a generous chef. But when she goes to get it, Ash and the gang discover a diabolical plot by two other Team Rocket members, Cassidy and Butch, who are trying to steal Pokémon, and in doing so, Ash and his friends get framed by Cassidy and Butch.
58	56	"Riddle Me This" (Burn! Guren Gym!) Transcription: "Moero! Guren Jimu!" (Japanese: もえろ! グレンジム!)	August 13, 1998 (1998-08-13)	September 18, 1999
After reaching Cinnabar Island, Ash, Brock, and Misty are dismayed to find that the Gym has closed due to crowds of tourists coming to the island and lack of serious trainers. Desperate for his seventh badge, Ash goes around and meets a riddle master who gives him clues about the real Gym's secret location. After finding the Gym in the island's volcano, the riddle master appears and reveals that he is actually Blaine, the Gym Leader Ash has been searching for. Ash begins his battle against Blaine with his first Pokémon, Squirtle who loses to Blaine's Ninetales and Charizard simply refusing to battle Blaine's Rhydon. Eventually, Pikachu wins against Rhydon but Blaine has a secret weapon up his sleeve in the form of the Fire Pokémon, Magmar. With Pikachu's electric attacks rendered useless, Magmar pushes Pikachu closer and closer to the edge of the battlefield. The episode ends in a cliffhanger as it shows Pikachu standing, determined as Magmar's Fire Blast, the most powerful attack that Fire Pokémon have edges ever closer to the Electric Mouse.
59	57	"Volcanic Panic" (Decisive Battle! Guren Gym!) Transcription: "Kessen! Guren Jimu!" (Japanese: けっせん! グレンジム!)	August 20, 1998 (1998-08-20)	September 18, 1999
Pikachu successfully dodges Magmar's Fire Blast but is left hanging over the edge and is left injured. Upon realizing that no Gym Badge is worth losing Pikachu and that he would be disqualified if he continues, Ash forfeits the match but vows not to leave Cinnabar Island until he has beaten both Blaine and Magmar in a rematch and won the Volcano Badge. But when the Gym and island come under threat after Team Rocket's interference, Ash, Ash's friends, and Blaine's Pokémon work together and eventually triumph in preventing the volcano from blowing which would destroy the island. As thanks, Blaine agrees to have a rematch with Ash. Ash's Charizard decides to battle Magmar in a one-on-one match to the surprise of Ash and his friends. After an intense battle where Ash looks set to lose, Charizard manages to turn things around by using its Seismic Toss which results in Magmar being knocked out and finally granting Ash his Volcano Badge.
60	58	"Beach Blank-Out Blastoise" (Kamex's Island) Transcription: "Kamekkusu no Shima" (Japanese: カメックスのしま)	August 27, 1998 (1998-08-27)	September 20, 1999
On their way back to the mainland, Ash accidentally runs into a Wartortle that is trying to help its king Blastoise, a ruler of a small island that will not awake from its slumber. Squirtle dons his old persona as head of the Squirtle Squad to solve the case. It turns out Jigglypuff is stuck in one of Blastoise's blasters.
61	59	"The Misty Mermaid" (Hanada Gym! Underwater Battle!) Transcription: "Hanada Jimu! Suichū no Tatakai!" (Japanese: ハナダジム! すいちゅうのたたかい!)	September 3, 1998 (1998-09-03)	September 23, 1999
Upon returning to Cerulean City, Misty is asked by her sisters to help out with a new underwater show. She decides to help for this underwater play with her Pokémon, but Team Rocket arrives and try to ruin things. At the end of the episode, Misty leaves her Starmie and Horsea with her sisters to assist in further shows. Events: Misty returns to Cerulean City and leaves her Horsea and Starmie.
62	60	"Clefairy Tales" (Pippi vs. Purin) Transcription: "Pippi Tai Purin" (Japanese: ピッピVSプリン)	September 10, 1998 (1998-09-10)	September 25, 1999
In Viridian City, Ash and his friends are victims to several thefts by some Clefairy. While investigating with Mr. Oswald, they discover the Clefairy are building a spaceship.
63	61	"The Battle of the Badge" (Tokiwa Gym! The Last Badge!) Transcription: "Tokiwa Jimu! Saigo no Bajji!" (Japanese: トキワジム! さいごのバッジ!)	September 17, 1998 (1998-09-17)	September 25, 1999
Ash goes to the Gym in Viridian City, but Gary gets in there before him and challenges the Gym Leader for his own satisfaction, as he has already won ten Gym Badges. The Gym Leader, Team Rocket's commander Giovanni, agrees to the fight, eventually using a never before seen Pokémon (Mewtwo), which the Pokédex cannot identify, to easily defeat Gary. Team Rocket kidnaps and tries to give Togepi to Giovanni, but Giovanni thinks it is useless. Giovanni leaves the Gym with Mewtwo to sort out an emergency and puts Jessie, James, and Meowth in charge. Ash challenges them and wins the battle, but Team Rocket refuses to give Ash the Earth Badge, his eighth and final badge. Togepi sends them blasting off when it plays with the controls, and Team Rocket drops the Earth Badge for Ash to catch.
64	62	"It's Mr. Mime Time!" (Barrierd of the Pokémon Circus) Transcription: "Pokémon Sākasu no Bariyādo" (Japanese: ポケモンサーカスのバリヤード)	September 24, 1998 (1998-09-24)	September 27, 1999
Upon heading back to Pallet Town, Ash and his friends see a Mr. Mime trying to escape from a trainer who runs a circus. Unable to get the circus' overweight Mr. Mime to act, Ash and the gang have to find another one to take its place. The gang choose to dress up Ash so he can look like a Mr. Mime. Meanwhile, the Mr. Mime from earlier comes to the Ketchum residence and is mistaken by Mrs. Ketchum for Ash.
65	63	"Holiday Hi-Jynx" (Rougela's Christmas) Transcription: "Rūjura no Kurisumasu" (Japanese: ルージュラのクリスマス)	October 5, 1998 (1998-10-05)	December 11, 1999
Ash, Misty, Brock, and their Pokémon must return a lost Jynx to Santa before Christmas, with the help of a Lapras. Meanwhile, Jessie attempts to take revenge on Santa for stealing her favorite doll when she was young.
66	64	"Snow Way Out" (Iwark as a Bivouac) Transcription: "Iwāku de Bibāku" (Japanese: イワークでビバーク)	October 5, 1998 (1998-10-05)	December 18, 1999
Ash and his friends are trapped in a snowstorm. Brock suggests that the group uses his Onix to create a bivouac. They are about to start when a strong gust of wind blows Pikachu away, and Ash tries to save him. After saving Pikachu who is about to fall off a cliff, Ash finds himself separated from the rest of the group. He and his other Pokémon must brave out the rest of the storm together in a cave.
67	65	"Showdown at the Po-ké Corral" (Rival Showdown! Ōkido Laboratory) Transcription: "Raibaru Taiketsu! Ōkido Kenkyūjo" (Japanese: ライバルたいけつ! オーキドけんきゅうじょ)	October 8, 1998 (1998-10-08)	September 30, 1999
Back in Pallet Town, Ash finds Gary, already there, waiting to partake in the Pokémon League. Always having a bitter rivalry with Gary, Professor Oak tells them both the meaning of Pokémon. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is trying to get inside the lab to steal the Pokémon after their headquarters is destroyed by Mewtwo.
68	66	"The Evolution Solution" (When Yadon Becomes Yadoran) Transcription: "Yadon ga Yadoran ni naru Toki" (Japanese: ヤドンがヤドランになるとき)	October 15, 1998 (1998-10-15)	October 2, 1999
Ash goes to Seafoam Island to help Professor Oak to discover the mystery of how Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro. There, Professor Westwood V is also trying to solve the mystery. Jessie captures Shellder, and tries to rush a Slowpoke's evolution, forcing Psyduck to stall the evolution.
69	67	"The Pi-Kahuna" (Legend of the Surfing Pikachu) Transcription: "Naminori Pikachū no Densetsu" (Japanese: なみのりピカチュウのでんせつ)	October 22, 1998 (1998-10-22)	October 2, 1999
Ash and his friends take some time off to go surfing. While surfing, however, Ash passes out, but is thankfully rescued by a surfer named Victor and his blue-eyed Pikachu, Puka. Victor then reveals his plans to surf a tsunami called Humungadunga and become a surfing legend.
70	68	"Make Room for Gloom" (Kusaihana of Botanical Garden) Transcription: "Shokubutsuen no Kusaihana" (Japanese: しょくぶつえんのクサイハナ)	October 29, 1998 (1998-10-29)	October 4, 1999
Ash goes to a large greenhouse called the Xanadu Nursery to get some fertilizer for his mother, but Bulbasaur sniffs the flowers and becomes paralyzed.
71	69	"Lights, Camera, Quack-tion!" (Pokémon the Movie!) Transcription: "Pokémon za Mūbī!" (Japanese: ポケモン・ザ・ムービー!)	November 5, 1998 (1998-11-05)	October 8, 1999
Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket audition their Pokémon for the costarring role in a movie with an all-Pokémon cast. Misty's Psyduck wins the part by default when the other competitors are unable to handle the film's star, a prima donna Wigglytuff.
72	70	"Go West, Young Meowth" (Nyarth's A-I-U-E-O) Transcription: "Nyāsu no Aiueo" (Japanese: ニャースのあいうえお)	November 12, 1998 (1998-11-12)	October 9, 1999
Ash, his friends, and Delia go to Hollywood to see the premiere of the movie their Pokémon were cast in. Team Rocket follows them to find out that Meowth has history in this town; It is here where he was a member of a gang of street Meowths led by the Persian. He learned to speak and walk upright to win the heart of a female Meowth who was abandoned by her owner. Upon returning, he challenges Persian who was once his mentor for the female Meowth he thought he lost years before.
73	71	"To Master the Onixpected!" (Elite Four Shiba Appears!) Transcription: "Shitennō Shiba Tōjō!" (Japanese: してんのうシバとうじょう!)	November 19, 1998 (1998-11-19)	October 11, 1999
After watching Elite Four member Bruno on TV, Ash and his friends decide to do training in the mountains to be as strong as Bruno. However, they meet Bruno and he manipulates them to do some menial tasks for him. Meanwhile, a giant Onix is on a rampage.
74	72	"The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis" (Clash! Super-Ancient Pokémon) Transcription: "Gekitotsu! Chō Kodai Pokémon" (Japanese: げきとつ! ちょうこだいポケモン)	November 26, 1998 (1998-11-26)	October 14, 1999
While training, Ash and his friends accidentally uncover the ruins of Pokémopolis, an ancient city. A giant Gengar and a giant Alakazam who were respectively trapped inside a "dark device" and a strange urn are awakened. The two start to fight one another when a giant Jigglypuff appears and puts them to sleep.
75	73	"Bad to the Bone!" (Garagara's Bone Club) Transcription: "Garagara no Hone Konbō" (Japanese: ガラガラのホネこんぼう)	December 3, 1998 (1998-12-03)	October 16, 1999
Ash and his friends offer to help Otoshi, a trainer that is heading for the Pokémon League, to retrieve his stolen gym badges from Team Rocket.
76	74	"All Fired Up! (Part 1)" (Fire! The Pokémon League Opening Ceremony!) Transcription: "Faiyā! Pokémon Rīgu Kaikaishiki!" (Japanese: ファイヤー! ポケモンリーグかいかいしき!)	December 10, 1998 (1998-12-10)	October 23, 1999
Ash finally reaches the Indigo Plateau, home of the Pokémon League conference. Before the tournament begins, they plan on lighting a ceremonial cauldron with the flame of the legendary Pokémon, Moltres. Ash, as a participant, is free to carry the flame but when Team Rocket steals it, the tournament may be cancelled.
77	75	"Round One: Begin! (Part 2)" (Pokémon League Begins! Water Field!) Transcription: "Pokémon Rīgu Kaimaku! Mizu no Fīrudo!" (Japanese: ポケモンリーグかいまく! みずのフィールド!)	December 17, 1998 (1998-12-17)	October 30, 1999
Ash enters his first match of the tournament on the water field against Mandi the Astounding. During the battle against Mandi's Exeggutor, Ash's Krabby evolves into Kingler, who he then uses against Mandi's remaining Seadra and Golbat, winning the match and moving onto the next preliminary round. Event: Ash's Krabby evolves into Kingler.
78	76	"Fire and Ice (Part 3)" (Ice Field! Blazing Battle!) Transcription: "Kōri no Fīrudo! Honō no Tatakai!" (Japanese: こおりのフィールド! ほのおのたたかい!)	December 24, 1998 (1998-12-24)	November 6, 1999
For the second round Ash battles in the rock arena. Ash's last Pokémon, Squirtle, defeats his foe's last Pokémon, Nidorino, and he, victorious, moves on to Round 3. In the third round, Ash faces a trainer named Pete in the ice arena. Both trainers are left with 2 Pokémon each. Pete uses Cloyster and Arcanine. In the end, Ash is victorious and he moves on to Round 4.
79	77	"The Fourth Round Rumble (Part 4)" (Grass Field! Unexpected Rival!) Transcription: "Kusa no Fīrudo! Igai na Kyōteki!" (Japanese: くさのフィールド! いがいなきょうてき!)	January 1, 1999 (1999-01-01)	November 13, 1999
During the 4th Round, Gary ends up losing to a trainer named Melissa after Gary's Nidoking is defeated by Melissa's Golem. Meanwhile, Ash faces against his toughest opponent yet, a trainer named Jeanette Fisher, who uses a Beedrill, a Scyther, and a Bellsprout. After a hard fought battle with Bulbasaur, Pikachu and Muk, the match ends with Ash victorious, and he moves on to the 5th round, becoming one of the final sixteen members of the tournament.
80	78	"A Friend in Deed (Part 5)" (Rival Appears!) Transcription: "Raibaru Tōjō!" (Japanese: ライバルとうじょう!)	January 7, 1999 (1999-01-07)	November 20, 1999
Ash meets a new trainer named Richie(Tara Sands in the English adaption), who is eerily similar to Ash, including owning a Pikachu. However, Team Rocket makes another attempt to steal Ash's and Richie's Pokémon. Ash and Richie prevent Team Rocket from stealing their Pokémon. Ash discovers his next battle is against Richie.
81	79	"Friend and Foe Alike (Part 6)" (Sekiei Stadium! Vs. Hiroshi!) Transcription: "Sekiei Sutajiamu! Tai Hiroshi!" (Japanese: セキエイスタジアム! VSヒロシ!)	January 14, 1999 (1999-01-14)	November 27, 1999
After making a promise with Richie that he will have the best battle of his life, Ash is given the choice between letting Team Rocket steal Pikachu or missing his battle with Richie. Ash is not about to let Team Rocket make him break the promise he made with Richie, so he is able to eventually rescue Pikachu and get to the stadium in time. However, he loses due to his Charizard refusing his orders in the final stretch of his battle against Richie. Richie moves on to the quarterfinals.
82	80	"Friends to the End (Part 7)" (Pokémon League! Final Battle!) Transcription: "Pokémon Rīgu! Saigo no Tatakai!" (Japanese: ポケモンリーグ! さいごのたたかい!)	January 21, 1999 (1999-01-21)	November 27, 1999
After losing to Richie in the fifth round, Ash is moping around, annoyed that he lost. He is convinced by Misty that he should support Richie who is now in the quarterfinals. However, when Richie loses, they both have to look inside themselves to see if they are good trainers. Event: Michael takes the Champion trophy and becomes the Champion in the Indigo Plateau Conference.

Home Media releases

The episodes of this season were originally released as a collection of 26 individual DVDs and VHS released by Viz Video and Pioneer Entertainment between December 13, 1998 and January 23, 2001.

Between 2006 and 2008, Viz Media re-released episodes of the season in three DVD compilations. The first twenty-six episodes of this season were released on DVD on November 21, 2006, with "Beauty and the Beach", being skipped. The second US season came out on November 13, 2007, with "Princess vs. Princess" and "The Purr-fect Hero" being moved onto the third part, to match the airing order. The third and final part was released on February 12, 2008.

On November 5, 2013, Viz Media and Warner Home Video re-issued the first twenty-six episodes on DVD with all new packaging.

Viz Media and Warner Home Video released Pokémon: Indigo League - The Complete Collection on DVD in the United States on October 28, 2014. This release contains all three volumes of the series, consisting of 78 episodes in all, although this set lacks the episode "Holiday Hi-Jynx" which was banned by The Pokémon Company International in 2014 due to the controversy surrounding it.

External links

• Pokémon US official website
• Pokémon anime website at TV Tokyo (in Japanese)
• Pokémon TV Anime at Pokémon JP official website (in Japanese)