EP003 - Ash Catches a Pokémon

EP003 - Ash Catches a Pokémon

I Caught a Pokémon!

Original Airdates: April 15, 1997 (JP), September 10, 1998 (EN)

Written by: Atsuhiro Tomioka

Synopsis:

Satoshi succeeds in capturing Caterpie, much to Kasumi’s dismay.  Despite her protests at Satoshi keeping the bug out of its ball, she continues to follow him through the Viridian Forest.  That night, Caterpie tells Pikachu of his dreams of becoming a Butterfree.  The next day, Satoshi foolishly tries to fight a Pidgeotto with Caterpie, who is at a type disadvantage.

With Pikachu’s help, Pidgoetto is captured.  Suddenly, Team Rocket appears to steal Pikachu.  Their Ekans and Koffing manage to take out Pidgeotto, and Pikachu is blinded by Koffing’s Sludge, so Caterpie is the last resort.  It subdues the villains with String Shot and promptly evolves into a Metapod.  Satoshi happily continues trekking through the forest, hoping to catch more Pokémon.

Who’s That Pokémon?

It's Caterpie, because Ash catches a Caterpie and it goes through a whole character arc.

New Character and Pokémon Breakdown

Ash's Caterpie/Metapod

Caterpie technically appeared in the previous episode, but this is basically the real introduction of the character, whose story is told in three parts.  Part 1 focuses on Caterpie, who quickly bonds with Ash and manages to explain to the audience (without subtitles) that he dreams of evolving into a Butterfree and being strong and loved.  It's a simple dream, but we definitely feel all of the emotions he runs through as he meets with failure and triumph in both his battles and relationsip with the bug-hating Misty.  His victory results in a speedy evolution, which will play out in the next episode.

Ash's Pidgeotto

Pidgeotto kind of gets the short end of the stick in this episode, basically existing to give Caterpie a foe to play off of and to supply Ash with a bird (which he will always have on his team).  As such, very little of Pidgeotto’s personality is created.  He is more a creature of necessity rather than drama, even in future episodes (until the end of the Indigo League).  It's interesting to note which Pokémon get the "animal" treatment and which get the "human" treatment.

A Random Beedrill at the End

Follow that Beedrill to the next episode!

Setting

Viridian Forest

We saw it briefly during the preview at the end of the previous episode, but we get a fuller view of the Viridian Forest here.  It is large enough to serve as the setting for two consecutive episodes (a feat that is rarely seen during the Indigo League season), but it is just a standard, unremarkable forest.  It seems to have a fairly linear path, unlike the forest of the games which is curvy and has multiple forks in the road.  Still, it doesn't need to be anything fancy.  Virtually half of the series is our heroes travelling through the woods, which helps it feel like an actual journey.

Japanese vs. American Versions:

- Satoshi reads the title in the first person, while Misty reads the title in English

- Satoshi compares his newly captured Caterpie to being in Heaven and while Kasumi says she’s in Hell.  Misty however just calls Ash a worm for liking a worm.

- Kasumi slaps Satoshi after his poorly executed fight with Pidgeotto that put Caterpie in great danger.

- Ash tells Caterpie use Counter (an attack Caterpie doesn’t know), which is a mistranslation of Satoshi saying, “Fight back!”

- The Japanese Pokédex says all Caterpie evolve quickly, while the American one implies that Ash’s Caterpie is unique in its fast transformation

ANOTHER BLAM!

Overall Review: A-

The tone of this episode is definitely more comedic than the first two.  Jokes and dialogue moves a lot quicker, and there is a lot of slapstick and visual humor as well.  Team Rocket is closer to the personas we are familiar with, due to the influx of comedy.  Pikachu is also “cuter” in this episode, acting very babyish.  Once again, this episode focuses on explaining an aspect of the games, namely catching Pokémon.  Unlike the previous episode, the necessary information is weaved in with the story of the episode so it doesn’t feel as slow.

This episode focuses on two relationships, that of Satoshi and Kasumi and that of Satoshi and Caterpie.  Kasumi’s purpose for travel is a little bit mysterious at this point.  Satoshi calls her out on following him and she dismisses him.  At times it seems as if the writer didn't know what to do with Kasumi's presence.  Like, why doesn’t she help in the battle against Team Rocket?  Had Satoshi not crossed paths with her, where would she be going?  We later learn she, like Satoshi, wants to be a great Trainer.  But she doesn’t participate in battles or have a plan mapped out for herself.  Was Viridian Forest going to be part of her quest?  She seems to hate it in there.

The character arc of Caterpie, who does not get much focus after evolving, is a nicer set piece.  I would like to have seen this bond between Satoshi and Caterpie/Metapod/Butterfree develop more over the season, as his initial celebration of catching Caterpie is very endearing.  I also like that the scene in which Caterpie and Pikachu have a conversation was left in, despite no understandable dialogue occurring.  It was just like a little silent, emotional piece that did not feel forced or tacky (like some later Pokémon-only conversations do).

Finally, Team Rocket’s appearance is a little strange in that they do not seem to have a big plan (as they normally do).  Perhaps it is because this is only their second meeting and they have yet to realize how stubborn Satoshi and his crew can be.  But since their true characteristics appear in this episode, I allow them their screentime.  I especially like Meowth a lot better than his introduction, which was very grating.

All of these elements add up to a more consistent tone and a good idea of what the rest of the series will be like.

EP001 - Pokémon - I Choose You!

EP001 - Pokémon - I Choose You!

Pokémon! I Choose You!

Original Airdates: April 1, 1997 (JP), September 8, 1998 (EN)

Written by: Takeshi Shudo

Synopsis:

Satoshi (Ash) of Pallet Town has just turned 10 and is able to begin his journey towards becoming a Pokémon Master. He stays up late dreaming about whether he’ll start with a Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle, but then he oversleeps and misses out on all three once he gets to the lab of Professor Okido (Oak). He meets his rival Shigeru (Gary) who taunts him and gets a head start on his quest. Satoshi is only able to take the last Pokémon left, an uncooperative Pikachu. His mother Hanako (Delia) bids him farewell.

As he heads out onto Route 1, Satoshi attempts to catch a Pidgey by himself since Pikachu refuses to help. As he fails multiple times, a Rattata steals from his bag. Finally, Satoshi thinks he has beaten the system by throwing a rock at a wild bird that turns out to be a Spearow. This angers the bird who proceeds to attack Satoshi and Pikachu, and then calls in a whole flock for reinforcement. The swarm chases the two into a river, where a girl named Kasumi (Misty) retrieves them on her fishing pole. She informs them of a Poké Center in nearby Viridian City, and Satoshi steals her bike as the Spearow flock returns.

As a storm gathers, Satoshi is knocked of the bike by the birds and uses his body as a shield to protect a badly injured Pikachu. Pikachu then intervenes and uses his powerful Thunder attack to take out the birds. As Satoshi and Pikachu come too, they see a large golden bird Pokémon fly over the resulting rainbow.

Who’s That Pokémon?

 

It's Pikachu, because Ash gets and nearly kills a Pikachu.

New Character and Pokémon Breakdown

Ash Ketchum (Satoshi)

Ash is the star of the anime, and like his counterpart Red from the games and manga, he has to start out a little naive and clueless as to how the world of Pokémon works (so that the audience can learn alongside him).  The American version makes him a little dumber though (such as moments when he can't recognize a common Pidgey), but he's a good protagonist early on.  His morals are clearly defined as he tries to respect Pikachu's wishes and protect him when it's clear that he's in way over his head.

Pikachu

Pikachu's origins are a little bit of a mystery.  It's unclear why Professor Oak has such a volatile Pokémon on his hands.  For some reason, Pikachu starts off completely closed off against humanity and attacks when threatened, but he warms up once he sees Ash put his own life on the line for him.  Pikachu's personality will remain positive from this point on, but it would have fun to see a little more strife between the two in these early episodes.

Misty (Kasumi)

Misty joins our lead duo as a more experienced trainer who is not above using violence to get her point across.  While someone like Gary would mock Ash for getting training basics incorrect, Misty would rather berate him for it.  But there seems to be a feeling that she is acting out of kindness, it's just that at this stage in the relationship, she cares more about herself/Pokémon than she does other people.

Professor Oak (Professor Okido)

Professor Oak is back, and while I enjoy this kinder incarnation of him, he still enjoys making stupid jokes and puns in the American version.  The Japanese version is a lot more tolerable and serious, but he'll lighten up as the series progresses.  But my major issue with him in this episode is why did he only plan on giving out three Pokémon if he knew that four trainers would be coming that day?  I could understand it if it were really a “first-come, first-served” situation and those who missed out would be unable to go on their journey.  But that would make more sense if there were dozens of children setting out on their journey, and he was all out of Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle by the time Ash arrived.  With four trainers in total, it seems idiotic on his part to not plan ahead for this situation.

Gary Oak (Shigeru)

Gary is just as much of a jerk as he is in the games, if not more so.  At least in other adaptations, we get the sense that Gary/Blue is just wiser than Ash and can't stand his behavior.  But here, he'd rather kick someone who he perceives as weaker than him while he's down.  He's much more of a bully and a pompous one at that (as highlighted by his fans and cheerleaders).  It's weird that he picks Ash to be a rival, but it just shows that he is more comfortable when he is in a clear position of power.

Delia Ketchum (Hanako)

Delia is stuck playing a basic supporting mother role (if not one who is a little too smothering).  We'll eventually pick up with her later to see more of her personality and the types of Pokémon she trains, but for now, she is just here to wish Ash good luck.

Pidgey

This is the first wild Pokémon Ash encounters, but it displays very little personality.  By being as neutral as possible, we can get a crash course in "How Not to Catch a Pokémon."  Pidgey doesn't put up a fight, and is only there to service the plot.

Rattata

Rattata is a little more spunky.  While it also behaves like a normal animal, the Pokédex suggests that it has targeted Ash's supplies because it believes he is a stupid and weak trainer.

 

The Spearow

In keeping with the Man vs. Nature theme of the episode, Ash upsets a particularly vengeful Spearow that he mistakes for a Pidgey.  Spearow are shown to stick together and use their hive mind to become an unstoppable force.  It's kind of a surprise that anyone makes it through Route 1 alive.  It's clear that they understand the differences in individual humans, as they don't attack Misty when she is standing right next to Ash.  Also, the one who gets bumped will carry a grudge for a long time.

The Starters, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle

While we don't see them in the flesh, we are reminded that usually, a trainer will start with one of these Pokémon.  Ash dreams about each one, but we'll have to wait to be properly introduced.

The Indigo Plateau Pokémon:  Gengar, Nidorino, Onix

On television, the night before his journey, Ash is watching what appears to be a battle between the Elite Four's Bruno and Agatha.  Based on the opening cinematic from the games, Nidorino fights Gengar, is quickly outmatched, and is then replaced by an Onix.  I love how the episode transitions from this reference into the episode proper.  A great way to bridge the games and the anime.

Dodrio

Instead of a rooster, Pallet Town has a Dodrio wake them up.  A nice early visual gag that reminds us we're not in Kansas anymore.

Wild Route 1 Pokémon:  Sandshrew, Mankey, Magikarp, Gyarados

As a way to remind us of the many Pokémon there are in the world, Ash passes up many opportunities as he is being chased by the Spearow.  It is during this moment that in my mind, I feel Ash has left Route 1 and entered Route 22, due to the presence of water (as well as a couple of these Pokémon which are available there).  But, as with the starters, Ash won't really meet these creatures until later.

Ho-Oh

As a final capper, an unknown Pokémon appears to Ash after his battle.  Although the American audience received the anime and the video games at the same time, Japan was already into the thick of the Pokémon craze and this episode provided their first hint that sequels to the original games will be made.  The Ho-Oh that appears was the first Generation II Pokémon to be unveiled to the world, and it’s clear that it was so new that it’s official colors hadn’t even been decided on yet.  This gave the original audience a taste of what was to come.  Ho-Oh is used as a symbol of hope and rebirth and is an exciting cameo to close the first episode on.

Setting

Pallet Town

Like in the games, Pallet Town is very sparse and gives us the impression that Ash really is a boy from the middle of nowhere.  His house is far removed from the center of town where Oak's lab is located and everything feels very quiet and quaint.  I prefer this to the bustling Pallet Town of the Pocket Monsters manga.

Route 1

While this path is a simple one, it has a lot more going for it than the Route 1 in the games.  Trees, hills, fields, and rivers create a more lush environment for Ash to explore.  In the next episode, we'll learn that it takes the average person multiple days to cross this territory.  It's scenes like this that make people wish there was a 3D Pokémon game to explore, with vast landscapes instead of areas that can be crossed in 30 seconds.

Japanese vs. American Versions:

- Ash meets Gary for the first time whereas Satoshi and Shigeru already know each other

- Prof. Oak makes stupid electricity puns

- Ash’s mother has a recurring gag in which she tells Ash to wear clean underwear every day

- Kasumi slaps Satoshi for allowing Pikachu to get so badly wounded.  This scene was cut out of the American version for being too violent.

BLAM!

Overall Review: A

This is a wonderful introduction to the world of Pokémon.  The building blocks for the fantasy world are being set in place and there is an air of dignity and seriousness that runs through the episode.  Although there are humorous elements, the focus is mostly on Satoshi’s learning experiences and his relationship with Pikachu.  Being a young trainer, it is interesting seeing him have to deal with the struggles of untrained Pokémon.  They way Pikachu comes through for him in the end feels natural and earned.  He sees that Satoshi is trying his hardest and is willing to endure a great deal of pain for him.  It is a genuinely touching moment.

The American version sticks pretty close to the original script.  What will eventually happen with the dub is that awkward jokes will be forced in and numerous edits to remove Japanese culture will be made.  But for now, things are pretty much the same.  I appreciate the attempts to tie the story to the video games, especially the opening with the Gengar vs. Nidorino battle.  As time goes on, the games will only be loosely used for the general structure of the story arcs.  But here, everything is as it is in the game, although more is added in (Kasumi is introduced early to establish her as a main character and drama is added in the form of the Spearow attack).

This is a great first episode and a great story.  It’s all down hill from here.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master/Pokémon Theme

With the success of the games and cards, the next step for Pokémon was television.  Originally planned to be only 80 episodes and a movie, the show became just as popular as the rest of the franchise and remains on air to this day.  Americans received the show on the same day as the games and used it as a helpful tutorial as they played along side the story.

But before I get into each episode, I would like to look at the very first thing viewers saw: the opening songs.  I'll compare both the Japanese and American versions of the opening, since each used different visuals and theme music.

You can watch both of them here:

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master - Video  Bulbapedia Article

Pokémon Theme - Video Bulbapedia Article

Visuals

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master uses mostly original material not seen during the regular course of the show, save for a couple bits of stock animation of Satoshi/Ash in battle mode.  Pokémon Theme uses a mix of AtBPM footage and clips from episodes rearranged.  This gives the animation editing a choppy haphazard effect due to the constantly changing visuals.  For example, in the original, the legendary birds fly in towards the end of the song, followed by Mewtwo and Mew in space.  In the American version, Mewtwo and Mew are at the very beginning and when the legendary birds come in much later, Moltres is dropped completely (because that was where the transition to space occurs).  This leaves that segment feeling incomplete.

The transitional Moltres

AtBPM runs much smoother and helps establish the world and the grandness of the adventure better.  PT was just confusing since half of the shots were recognizable clips from episodes, which it made it seem like the other clips were from episodes the audience never got to see.  As I child, I always wondered why it took so long for certain Pokémon to be featured in the show, like Fearow, the Poliwag family, and the legendary birds, and now I see that it was because originally they were featured in the opening.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master Specific Clips:

- The 7 TCG type symbols floating around the title in Japanese

- A multi-screen flashing up a dozen random Pokémon with their names

- Ash standing on a hill over looking the wilderness around Pallet Town as the camera pans around him then showing Pikachu at his feet

- Ash walking with Pikachu across a field

- Ash sending out his Pidgeot to fight the Fearow (foreshadowing the last episode of the season)

- Ash, Brock, and Misty running alongside a river in the rain as some Poliwag, Poliwhirl and a Poliwrath watch from the water

- The trio camping at night, sitting around a campfire

- The bit with Ash and the Arcanine leads into Mewtwo in space with Moltres flying by bridging the two scenes

- Ash raising his Poke Ball leading to him standing with Brock, Misty, and Pikachu on the final title screen

Pokémon Theme Specific Clips:

- Shots of Squirtle, Cubone, and Pidgeotto in battles

- Bulbasaur being captured from EP010

- Ash celebrating his assumed capture of Pidgey from EP001

- Charmander being licked by Haunter from EP023

- Shots of Sandshrew, Kadabra, and Charmander in battles

- Lt. Surge’s Raichu fighting Pikachu from EP014

- Team Rocket’s Ekans and Koffing threatening Ash’s Caterpie from EP003

- Ash hugging Pikachu from EP026

- The giant Tentacruel destroying a building from EP019

- Shot of Onix in battle

- The giant Charizard attacking the trio from EP017

- Squirtle joining Ash’s team from EP012

- Pikachu, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, Butterfree, Zubat, and Pidgeotto flying from EP019

- The Pokémon title screen with spinning Poke Ball

Clips in Both Versions:

- Pikachu running by a Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, and Ash (and under the skirt of that girl, who is either a Lass or the anime version of Leaf, the unused girl trainer from the games)

- Ash and Pikachu riding a Lapras, watching a Gyarados and a Dragonair

- The character line up of Ash, Misty, Brock, then Team Rocket, then Gary

- Prof. Oak, Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, and Ash’s mother Delia nodding in unison

- Ash running with the Arcanine, Rapidash, Zapdos and Articuno

- Mewtwo and Mew in space

- Ash alone in the darkened stadium

Music

Having grown up with the Pokémon Theme as my reference point, I do prefer that song to Aim to Be a Pokémon Master.  Everyone from my generation instantly recognizes it, and more importantly, it is fun to sing along to.  It really amps up the epic nature of being a Pokémon Trainer.  The original is a little too talky, as the singer explains the conceit of the whole show.

Both are sung from Ash’s point of view, but AtBPM contains more direct references to Ash’s life in Pallet Town while PT is more universal and can apply to any wannabe Trainer.  The motivational lyrics in PT are cheesy but that makes the song more fun.  AtBPM is more tedious and not as fun to listen to (especially with the random outbursts from Pikachu and Prof. Oak).

Overall

I have to give the edge to the Japanese version in this case.  The visuals run a lot smoother than the American version and it has that sense of being original and not cobbled together and repackaged to be more appealing to our American eyes.  And eventually, you get used to the song.  Mostly, I like it because it answered a few questions I had while watching the series in its original run.  If there were a way to combine the English song with the Japanese visuals, that would be best.

Aim to Be a Pokémon Master – A-

Pokémon Theme – B+

A more in-depth comparison from Dogasu's Backpack