Brief Summary
This video is a comprehensive guide to Ash Ketchum's journey in the Pokémon anime, from its origins in Japan to his departure from the series. It covers key aspects such as the anime's early days, Ash's character development, his relationships with companions and Pokémon, and significant events like the Indigo League and the Orange Islands. The video also discusses banned episodes, censorship, and the impact of the Pokémon movies, providing a detailed and nostalgic look at Ash's adventures.
- Origins and rise of Pokémon in Japan and the US.
- Ash's character development and relationships with companions and Pokémon.
- Key events: Indigo League, Orange Islands, and Pokémon movies.
- Banned episodes, censorship, and controversies.
- Impact of the anime on the Pokémon franchise and its cultural significance.
Intro
The video introduces Ash Ketchum as an iconic character whose journey is ending in 2023, prompting a nostalgic re-experience of his adventures. The video aims to guide viewers through Ash's journey, from his beginnings in Pallet Town to becoming a world champion, spanning over 25 seasons, 1200 episodes, and numerous movies. The video emphasizes the character's impact on fans and the legacy he leaves behind.
The Beginning
The Pokémon franchise began in Japan with the release of the "Red and Green" games in 1996, leading to a surge in popularity that expanded into card games, manga, and other media. The anime, based on the video game concept, premiered on April 1, 1997, following Satoshi's journey to become a Pokémon Master. In North America, the anime premiered on September 7, 1998, followed by the release of the "Red and Blue" video games and the trading card game, creating a "triple threat attack" that fueled pokémania. The English dubbing was handled by 4Kids Entertainment, known for its censorship and edits, which would affect the broadcast of certain episodes in the United States.
Who is Ash?
Ash is portrayed as a complex character who evolves throughout the series. Initially, he is depicted as a naive and somewhat irresponsible kid with a strong determination. Despite his flaws, Ash's heart and determination endear him to viewers, making him a relatable and rootable protagonist. His frequent failures and losses highlight the importance of perseverance. While Ash's character matures over time, his core themes remain consistent, particularly his connections with his companions.
The Traveling Companions
Pikachu's relationship with Ash is central to the anime, starting with an antagonistic dynamic that evolves into a strong bond after they protect each other. Pikachu's personality shifts from standoffish to caring, and his past remains a mystery, though later revealed. Misty is described as the one who keeps Ash in line, balancing his ambitions with better judgment. She has a complex backstory related to Cerulean City and her own goals. Brock, a gym leader turned Pokémon breeder, supports Ash with his knowledge of Pokémon care and serves as the team's cook and medic.
Pokemon, I Choose You!
The series starts with a 10-year-old Ash Ketchum preparing to receive his first Pokémon from Professor Oak. Due to oversleeping, Ash arrives late and is left with Pikachu, who initially dislikes him. Their journey begins awkwardly, with Pikachu resisting Ash's attempts to befriend him. Ash's initial attempts to capture Pokémon fail due to his lack of knowledge. After angering a group of Spearow, Ash and Pikachu are attacked, leading to a bonding moment when they protect each other. Ash steals Misty's bike to get Pikachu to a Pokémon Center, leading to a storm and an attack by the Spearow. Pikachu uses a powerful electric shock to defeat the Spearow, and they see a mysterious golden Pokémon flying above.
Viridian City
In Viridian City, Ash encounters Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy, who are part of a family of look-alikes. He reports the mysterious golden Pokémon to Professor Oak. Misty confronts Ash about her ruined bike. Team Rocket, consisting of Jesse, James, and Meowth, attempts to steal Pokémon from the Pokémon Center. Pikachu, with the help of other Pikachu, unleashes a powerful thundershock, thwarting Team Rocket's plan. Team Rocket sets their sights on capturing Ash's Pikachu. Misty joins Ash on his journey to get her bike repaid.
Catching Pokemon
Ash catches a Caterpie and a Pidgeotto, using Caterpie as bait. Misty teaches Ash about battle strategy. Team Rocket tries to steal Pikachu, leading to a battle where Caterpie defeats Ekans and Koffing. Caterpie evolves into Metapod. A samurai kid challenges Ash to a battle, which ends in a stalemate. A Beedrill steals Ash's Metapod, leading Ash to rescue it. Metapod evolves into Butterfree to protect Ash from a Beedrill attack.
Pewter City Gym
Ash arrives in Pewter City to challenge gym leader Brock for his first badge. Ash's Pikachu is easily defeated by Brock's Onix. Ash spends time with Flint, who tells him about Brock's family situation. Ash battles Brock again, but the sprinklers weaken Onix. Ash refuses to win under these circumstances. Brock gives Ash the Boulder Badge, impressed by his kindness to Pokémon. Brock's father returns, allowing Brock to pursue his dream of becoming a Pokémon breeder and join Ash and Misty.
Cerulean City Gym
The trio arrives in Cerulean City, where Misty acts strangely. Ash meets Misty's sisters, who offer him a badge without a battle. Misty challenges Ash to a battle, but Team Rocket interrupts. Pikachu helps defeat Team Rocket and rescue the water Pokémon. Misty's sisters give Ash the Cascade Badge, acknowledging Misty's potential as a trainer.
Bulbasaur and Charmander
On the way to Vermilion City, Misty tries to catch an Oddish but is stopped by a Bulbasaur. The group falls into a pit and meets Melanie, who cares for injured and abandoned Pokémon. Team Rocket tries to steal Pokémon, but Ash and Bulbasaur fight them off. Ash battles Bulbasaur and captures him. The group encounters a Charmander abandoned by its trainer, Damien. They learn that Damien abandoned Charmander because it was weak.
Charmander's Loyalty
Ash, Misty, and Brock rush to help the abandoned Charmander, protecting it from the rain and Spearow. They take Charmander to the Pokémon Center for care. Charmander returns to the rock to wait for Damien. Team Rocket captures Pikachu, but Charmander saves him with a powerful flamethrower. Damien returns, impressed by Charmander's power, but Charmander rejects him and joins Ash.
Squirtle Squad
The group falls into a pit and encounters the Squirtle Squad, a group of prankster Squirtle abandoned by their trainers. Team Rocket convinces the Squirtle Squad to capture Pikachu. Ash convinces the Squirtle Squad to help him get medicine for Pikachu. Gary knocks Ash out, and Jesse and James rob the shop. Ash saves the leader Squirtle from Team Rocket, and the Squirtle Squad becomes town heroes. The leader Squirtle joins Ash's team.
Pokemon Sizes
Ash tries to catch a Krabby but reaches his party limit, sending Krabby to Professor Oak's lab. Professor Oak informs Ash that Gary caught a larger Krabby. The group meets Bill, who alludes to more than 151 Pokémon species. They encounter a giant Pokémon, possibly a Dragonite, near a lighthouse. Team Rocket interrupts the encounter.
Vermilion City Gym
Ash battles Lt. Surge at the Vermilion City Gym. Surge's Raichu defeats Ash's Pikachu. Ash is offered a Thunderstone to evolve Pikachu, but Pikachu refuses, wanting to defeat Raichu as himself. Team Rocket spies on Pikachu and roots for him. Ash and Pikachu use speed and agility to defeat Raichu, winning the Thunder Badge.
The Saint Anne Arc
Ash and his friends board the Saint Anne, a luxury cruise liner, where Team Rocket plans to steal Pokémon. Ash trades his Butterfree for a Raticate but regrets it. A storm hits the ship, causing chaos. Ash finds the man he traded with and reverses the trade. The ship flips upside down and begins to sink.
Under the Sea
Officer Jenny presumes the group dead. The ship is barely balanced on a rock structure. Ash, Misty, Brock, and Team Rocket work together to escape. Charmander melts a hole in the ship. James kicks his Magikarp into the ocean, where it evolves into Gyarados and attacks them. The group finds themselves on a mysterious island.
Pokemon Land
Ash's Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur are missing. The group encounters giant Pokémon, which turn out to be mechanical. The island is Pokémon Land, an amusement park owned by Giovanni.
Beach Episode
Ash sees his mom, Professor Oak, and Gary at a resort. The episode is a beach filler with a story about angry Tentacool and Tentacruel destroying a hotel built on a coral reef.
Bye Bye Butterfree
The crew stumbles across Butterfree celebrating their mating ritual. Ash tries to help Butterfree find a mate. Team Rocket traps the Butterfree, but Ash's Butterfree helps free them. Butterfree finds a pink Butterfree and chooses to migrate with the others. Ash says a tearful goodbye to Butterfree.
Saffron City Gym
The group arrives in Saffron City to challenge gym leader Sabrina. Ash meets a possessed little girl who makes a deal with him. Sabrina's Abra evolves into Kadabra and defeats Pikachu. The little girl teleports them to a dollhouse. A random man saves them and warns Ash about Sabrina.
Lavender Town
Ash heads to Lavender Town to catch a ghost-type Pokémon to combat Sabrina. Ash and Pikachu die and become ghosts, pulling pranks on their friends. Haunter joins Ash's team. Haunter disappears during the battle with Sabrina, and Ash is disqualified. The telekinetic man explains Sabrina's backstory and reveals himself as her father.
Sabrina's Laughter
Haunter returns and makes Sabrina laugh, breaking her psychic control. Kadabra is unable to battle, and Ash is declared the victor, earning the Marsh Badge. Haunter stays with Sabrina to bring her joy.
Celadon City Gym
Ash fails to catch a Mankey but ends up capturing a Primeape. In Celadon City, Ash disrespects perfume and is banned from the gym. He disguises himself to get close to gym leader Erika. Team Rocket causes a fire, and Ash saves Erika's Gloom, earning the Rainbow Badge without winning a battle.
Psyduck and Primeape
Misty captures a Psyduck, and Brock gets a Vulpix. Ash enters Primeape into a Pokémon fighting tournament, where it wins and is offered training by Anthony. Ash allows Primeape to stay behind for training. Ash captures a Muk and sends it to Professor Oak. Jesse and James's Ekans and Koffing evolve into Arbok and Weezing.
Fuchsia City Gym
Ash faces Fuchsia City Gym Leader Koga and wins the Soul Badge with Charmander's victory over Golbat. Ash's Ponyta evolves into Rapidash, helping him win a race.
Pikachu's Goodbye
Pikachu spots another Pikachu and joins a group of Pikachu in the woods. Ash gets jealous of Pikachu's happiness with the other Pikachu. Team Rocket tries to steal the Pikachu, but Ash's Pikachu helps stop them. Ash decides to leave Pikachu with the other Pikachu, but Pikachu chooses to stay with Ash.
Charmeleon's Disobedience
Ash's Charmander evolves into Charmeleon and becomes disobedient. The group encounters Jigglypuff, who becomes a running gag. Charmeleon evolves into Charizard, but the disobedience continues. The group finds a mysterious egg.
Holy Matrimony
The video briefly mentions the episode "Holy Matrimony," which focuses on James from Team Rocket and his past.
Togepi Hatches
The egg hatches, revealing a Togepi. Misty becomes Togepi's caretaker. The group meets Todd from Pokémon Snap and encounters Team Rocket members Butch and Cassidy.
Cinnabar Island Gym
The group travels to Cinnabar Island for Ash to face gym leader Blaine. Charizard refuses to battle, disqualifying Ash. Ash forfeits the match to save Pikachu. Team Rocket nearly causes a volcano eruption. Charizard helps stop the eruption and battles Blaine's Magmar, winning the Volcano Badge.
Viridian City Gym
Ash arrives in Viridian City, where Gary fails to win the Earth Badge. Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, is the gym leader. Jesse and James battle Ash, who defeats them. Gary is nice to Ash and acknowledges his skill. A mysterious armored Pokémon breaks out of containment. Gary and Ash have a battle interrupted by Team Rocket.
Meowth's Past
The video mentions an episode focusing on Meowth's backstory and how he learned to speak.
Indigo Plateau Conference
Ash arrives at the Indigo Plateau for the Indigo League conference. He swaps Pokémon between his party and Professor Oak's lab. In his first match, Krabby evolves into Kingler and wins. Ash advances to the third match, where Kingler and Pikachu help him win. Gary loses and is eliminated from the tournament.
Ash vs Jeanette
Ash battles Jeanette Fisher, using Bulbasaur and Muk to win. He meets Richie, who is similar to him. Ash and Richie are matched up for the fifth round.
Ash vs Richie
Ash faces Richie in the fifth round. Squirtle loses to Butterfree, and Pikachu loses to Zippo. Charizard disobeys Ash and is disqualified, resulting in Ash's loss. Richie moves on to the next round.
Aftermath of Indigo League
Ash finishes in the top 16 of the Indigo League. He falls into a slump, but his friends try to encourage him. Richie loses his next battle. Ash learns from his experience and prepares for the next challenge. Team Rocket attacks, and Ash receives a patch for participating in the tournament. Ash and Richie part ways, promising to become Pokémon Masters.
Filler Episodes
The video discusses filler episodes in Pokémon, highlighting their entertainment value and character development. It mentions the episode "Snow Way Out," where Ash and his Pokémon work together to survive a snowstorm, and "The Pi-Kahuna," which features a surfer named Victor and a surfing Pikachu.
Banned Episodes
The video discusses several banned episodes, including "Beauty and the Beach," "The Legend of Dratini," and "Electric Soldier Porygon." "Electric Soldier Porygon" caused seizures in Japanese children, leading to changes in broadcast standards and the sidelining of Porygon. The video also mentions the controversy surrounding the character Jynx in "Holiday Hi-Jynx" and its racial depiction.
Four Kids Censorship
The video briefly touches on the censorship by 4Kids Entertainment, including changes to Japanese cultural references.
Ash's Pokemon
The video reflects on Ash's Pokémon and their relationships with him. Pikachu's initial animosity evolves into a strong bond. Caterpie teaches Ash about caring for Pokémon. Bulbasaur and Squirtle grow as leaders. Charmander/Charizard presents Ash's greatest challenge. Krabby shows the importance of looking out for the little guy. Primeape finds his passion in fighting. Muk represents the beauty in all Pokémon.
Pokemon: The First Movie
The video discusses Pokémon: The First Movie, which introduces Mewtwo and explores themes of identity and the relationship between humans and Pokémon. Mewtwo's hatred stems from being a clone of Mew, but he learns that clones are just as real as originals. Ash's selflessness and willingness to sacrifice himself for Pokémon break through Mewtwo's anger, leading him to seek a new purpose.
Pokemon Live
The video discusses Pokémon Live, a live musical stage event that featured original stories and characters. The musical introduced Mecca Mewtwo and teased the shipping of Ash and Misty. The tour expanded worldwide, but a televised event and home video release never happened due to financial issues.
Orange Islands
Ash returns to Pallet Town, where everyone celebrates his Indigo League placement. Professor Oak asks Ash to visit Professor Ivy in the Orange Archipelago. Ash says goodbye to Brock, who stays with Professor Ivy. Ash meets Tracey, a Pokémon Watcher, and adds Lapras to his team.
Orange League
Ash decides to compete in the Orange League. He wins the Coral Eye Badge on Mikan Island. On Naval Island, Ash wins the Sea Ruby Badge. He catches a Snorlax and meets Prima, a Kanto Elite Four member.
Mandarin Island Gym
Ash is now on trevita island and meets Rudy the gym leader. Ash wins the Spike Shell Badge. Ash and Charizard begin to repair their relationship. On Kumquat Island, Ash wins the Jade Star Badge.
Pomelo Island Gym
Ash is now on pomelo Island and meets Drake the Supreme Gym Leader. Ash wins the Orange League, earning a trophy and entering the Orange League Hall of Fame. Ash says goodbye to Lapras, who rejoins its family.
Return to Pallet Town
Ash and Company return home to Pallet Town, where they find Brock awaiting their arrival. They bring the GS Ball to Professor Oak, and Tracey becomes a lab assistant. Gary returns and defeats Ash in a battle. Ash prepares to travel to the Johto region.
Tracey and Gary
The video discusses Tracey's character development and his role as a lab assistant. It also highlights Gary's transformation from an antagonistic rival to a more respectful and humbled character.
Orange Islands Highlights
The video mentions the "Crystal Onix" episode and highlights the unique vibe of the Orange Islands, including the regional variants and character growth.
New Pokemon in Orange Islands
The video reflects on the new Pokémon that entered Ash's life during the Orange Islands arc, including Lapras, Snorlax, and Pidgeot.
Pokemon: The Movie 2000
The video discusses Pokémon: The Movie 2000, where Ash is the chosen one to restore balance to the world. The movie features Lugia and the legendary bird trio, and explores themes of greed and the importance of friendship.
Other Media
The video briefly mentions other media featuring Ash, such as action figures, video games, and the Pokémon manga series, "The Electric Tale of Pikachu."
Conclusion
The video concludes by reflecting on the impact of Pokémon and the anime on the franchise and its cultural significance. It emphasizes the heart and imagination that the anime brought to the world, capturing the excitement of Ash's journey. The video sets the stage for the next part of the journey, the Johto region.
