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.

Pocket Monsters: PM001 and PM002

PM001 - Introducing the Pokémon Clefairy!!

Introducing the Pokémon Pippi!!

Synopsis: Two boys from Pallet Town, Isamu Akai (a.k.a. "Red") and Kai Midorikawa (a.k.a. "Green") collide on their way to Professor Oak's laboratory for a special meeting.  Green challenges Red to a race to the lab and Red accepts, opting to take a shortcut through the wilderness.  He encounters a group of wild talking monsters led by a Nidorina* who threaten him with their powers. Fortunately, a nearby Clefairy manages to accidentally knock them all unconscious while gathering coconuts from a tree.  Red assumes that the Clefairy is a powerful monster and thanks him for his help.  Red then makes his way to the lab where Oak asks the boys to finish his quest to complete his Pokédex for research.  He offers the boys their very own starter Pokémon.  Green chooses a Charmander while Red chooses the Clefairy who followed him to the lab, despite Oak's warnings that the Clefairy is a foolish blockhead.  Red tries to prove Clefairy's strength in a battle with Green's Charmander.  Unfortunately, Clefairy's earlier victory is proven to be just a fluke as he quickly finds himself on fire and manages to destroy the lab in an attempt to extinguish himself.

New Character and Pokémon Breakdown

The Trainers, Red and Green

At the moment, there is very little distinction between the two main trainers.  Red comes off as more accident prone and dim-witted, but both are hot-headed and prideful boys always looking to win.  Green's arrogance is usually justified through his skills as a trainer, making Red a bit more annoying than a protagonist should be.

"Blockhead" Clefairy

When I first heard about the manga with the "crass, crude Clefairy," I was afraid of what I might find.  Fortunately, I really like the introduction to this character.  As you may know, Clefairy was intended to be the face of the franchise, and had this manga existed internationally, that might have very well been the case.  Unlike the cute and sweet Pikachu (or even other Clefairies in the series), the dumb Clefairy has a very human personality, making him a great joke character.  Although this version ultimately got a cameo in the anime with a high fairy voice, I can't help but read Clefairy's lines in a deeper, Seth-Rogen-ish voice.  It just fits the character better and make it funnier to me.  He always seems to be in way over his head.  I particularly enjoy the above panel in which Clefairy takes a long pause and drink of fruit juice and then sarcastically responds to Red's question of him being a Pokémon.

Professor Oak

Oak is very annoying in this incarnation.  He seems to suffer from rapid mood swings, as he jokes around one second and then intensely yells at the boys the next.  His jokes are terrible as well, like, in a "I think something got lost in translation" way.  For example, the big news that he shares with the boys upon their arrival is that he's bald and he takes off his wig.  Maybe there was some pun in there, but I couldn't fathom what it would be.  Then he starts screaming at the boys to follow his orders.  I'm kind of glad Clefairy burned his lab down.

The Starters, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle

Charmander is the only one who gets any major story time as he is Green's main Pokémon.  He serves as a rival to Clefairy, confident in his strength and abilities and ready to take on any battle.  The other two look equally fierce and it seems as if Red would have been better off with one of them.

Wild Pallet Town Pokémon: Nidoran/Nidorina*, Caterpie, Kakuna, Pidgey, and Pikachu

I keep putting an asterisk next to "Nidorina" because, despite every online summary describing this creature as a male Nidoran, it seems pretty obvious to me that this is a Nidorina.  You can even see that in the panel where Red hops over the Pokémon, the Nidorina has devolved into a female Nidoran for the joke (Pokémon can devolve and evolve at will in this manga, I'll get into it later).  Kosaku Anakubo, the author and illustrator, does take some liberties with the designs, but since the monster never states its name or gender, I'll assume it's a Nidorina.

Anyway, this is our first encounter of wild Pokémon and it's worth mentioning that nearly all creatures can talk in this manga.  This was before the anime, remember, so there was not really a standard for the limitations of Pokémon communication.  I feel it makes this universe funnier.  Also, in case you're wondering, that is not Red's main Pikachu.  He'll come into the story later.

Oak's Random Pokémon

In these early stories, Anakubo likes to create his own Pokémon to fill in as "extras."  You can even see some of his butterfly Pokémon on the title page.  I'm unsure how much Sugimori material he was given access to at the beginning of the series or whether or not he wanted to just create his own creatures, but it's fun to imagine all of these other creatures beyond the original 151 that exist in official Generation I material.

Setting

Pallet Town

In the very first panel, we get a sense of how Anakobu views the Pokémon world.  The buildings and vehicles suggest an suburban, futuristic setting.  Pallet Town is a much larger city, with a large population and enough space for Red and Green to run all over the city (and for Red to get lost in a nearby field).  It is definitely an improvement on the two houses and a lab layout from the games.

Overall Review: A-

As an introduction to the Pocket Monsters series, the first chapter manages to set its own tone while embracing the world it originated from.  Because this manga is the first official spinoff from the games, there is a lot of creative liberties taken with the character design and plot.  Most of the new variations work for the sake of the comedy, since that is the author's primary concern.  There are a few confusing/groan-inducing jokes put in to pad out the story, but the main plot works very well to introduce our characters.  Red and especially Clefairy are built up to be unlikely heroes who will fail more often than they succeed.  And I look forward to seeing where their adventures take them.

PM002 - Big Battle in the Viridian Forest!!

Big Battle in the Tokiwa Forest!!

Synopsis: Red and Clefairy make their way to the Viridian Forest, arguing over their next move.  Red wants Clefairy to be a strong fighter and teammate like he had thought he was, while Clefairy would rather avoid battles altogether and maintain a peaceful life, capturing Pokémon through humane methods.  Upon entering the forest, the two are accosted by Mewtwo and his gang of wild Pokémon.  Mewtwo taunts the duo as a pair of weaklings and Red orders Clefairy to defend his honor and attack the creatures.  Clefairy only manages to beat up a nearby bug Pokémon allowing Red to capture it. Mewtwo still continues to challenge Red but none of Clefairy's defensive attacks are clever enough to best his opponent.  Mewtwo easily beats Clefairy and Red is forced to rush him to the Pokémon Center to heal him.  There, Red runs into Green, who shows off all the Pokémon he's captured, mocking Red's haul.  While Clefairy is in the healing machine, an accidental power surge shocks him, causing him to knock Red's bug Poké Ball to the ground, allowing it to escape, and bringing Red's team back to one.

New Character and Pokémon Breakdown

The Viridian Forest Gang (Mewtwo, Parasect, Golem, Gengar, Persian, Weedle)

The caricatures of these Pokémon are a little confusing.  Persian has a third eye instead of a jewel, possibly due to the Red/Green sprite's lack of detail and the Parasect creature is shown to be bipedal in some angles (which is made all the stranger when an official looking Parasect shows up later).  But at any rate, these are just supposed to represent wild Pokémon in general.  Mewtwo is the unofficial spokesman and it's unclear if this is actually supposed to be the legendary Mewtwo with the back story from the games.  I think Anakubo just picked him because he looked menacing.  It's fun the way Mewtwo picks on Red's skills though, so he would have made for a great recurring antagonist.

The Bug Pokémon

This may be the most prominent "non-Pokémon Pokémon" in the official canon.  It looks like a Diglett, but is referred to as a bug.  Maybe this was just a mistake on Anakubo's part but for a supposedly weak and common Pokémon, Red may have captured the rarest creature of them all!

Green's Pokémon: Golbat, Omanyte, Psyduck, Ditto, Poliwrath, Parasect, Jigglypuff, Oddish

I don't know how he managed to catch any of these between Pallet Town and Pewter City, but as we can see by Mewtwo's gang, vastly different Pokémon co-exist in this universe's version of Viridian Forest.

Hypothetical Peaceful Pokémon

In Clefairy's mind, all Pokémon co-exist peacefully.  And apparently most are some sort of teddy bear.

Setting

Viridian Forest

Unlike the games, Viridian Forest is home to much more than a few bug types.  All sorts of strong Pokémon dwell within these woods.  But I particularly enjoy the addition of giant mushrooms.  It gives it an otherworldly feel and it explains the presence of the Parasect-like creature.  If it weren't for the Mewtwo that was trying to kill all those who enter, this Viridian Forest would be a great destination.

Overall Review:  B+

This chapter is the primary reason the manga never saw an overseas release.  There is more emphasis on the humor in this chapter and not only does comedy have a difficult time crossing translation barriers, so do the limits on what's considered appropriate.  There are two major jokes that focus on the genitalia of our heroes.  The first one I found to be funnier and could have easily been edited with a strategic shrubbery addition.  In the middle of Red and Clefairy's fight, it looks as if Clefairy's feelings have been hurt as he turns away dramatically.  When Red goes to check on him, we see the Clefairy had just stopped to take a leak.  The second gag involves Clefairy instructing Red to catch a Pokémon using "the balls attached to his waist," and he attempts to oblige literally.  That level of sophomoric humor is to be expected from this comic, but also alarming to one not familiar with Japanese culture.

It's a shame too, because once again, the main plot of this story is pretty good (with Clefairy trying to find non-violent means to win a battle and still losing horribly) but then he gets put in the electric chamber for more slapstick and the message of the tale is lost.  Here's hoping the rest of the series maintains the strong plots and opts for some better jokes!

Pallet Town

Bulbapedia Article (All images borrowed from Bulbapedia)

Overview

 Pallet Town Theme Music

Ah, Pallet Town.  The starting point of every young Pokémon trainer in the late '90s.  While the layout is simple, it provides a charming atmosphere and suggests that a great journey is about to unfold.

We meet all of our key players here.  Red (or Ash or Satoshi) begins in his room for a quick chance to play his SNES and then is given his mother's blessing to go off on a journey (because Stand By Me is playing on television, and those boys don't encounter any horror whatsoever).  Next door, at the Oak residence, young Daisy (or May or Nanami) is checking out the Town Map while her brother Blue/Green (or Gary or Shigeru) is off at Professor Oak's lab awaiting his first Pokémon.  But Oak (or Orchid or Okido) won't show up until you try to leave town.

Oak's Theme Music

Where was he before this moment?  Since the only other way in/out of town is the south beach, I'll assume he just rode in on a Lapras, despite arranging to meet Red and Blue at the lab.  At any rate, you wind up at the lab (after Oak catches a Pikachu in the Yellow version) and from there you can select your first Pokémon.

Laboratory Theme Music

But who shall you choose?  Let's weigh our options:

Bulbasaur - Lv. 5 - Red/Green/Blue

Bulbasaur presents one of the easiest options of the four choices, since it can easily handle Pewter Gym and Cerulean Gym early on.  It does have trouble in Viridian Forest, however.  But, as with all of the RBY starters, Bulbasaur and its evolutions will become a strong main fighter throughout the game filling the grass slot on the team nicely.  And a Leech Seed/PoisonPowder combo is always great.

Charmander - Lv. 5 - Red/Green/Blue

Charmander is a popular choice, due to it's ability to become Charizard, but it will encounter the hardest obstacles in the early game.  Viridian Forest will be fine, but Petwer Gym, Mt. Moon, and Cerulean Gym will give it hassle.  But all of that persistence will pay off once Charizard is able to crush nearly anything in its path later on.  Plus, Fire types are rarer to come by.

Squirtle - Lv. 5 - Red/Green/Blue

Squirtle is the other popular choice for players.  It's more reliable that Bulbasaur as it's not only strong during the beginning, but it continues to be strong up until the final gyms as well.  In speed runs, Squirtle/Wartortle/Blastoise is often the sole Pokémon that gets the player through the game.  When I first got the Blue version of the game, Squirtle was my first choice.

Pikachu - Lv. 5 - Yellow

If you're playing the Yellow version, you are stuck with a Pikachu that doesn't evolve, which isn't great in terms of strategy.  The kid in me loves this choice though, and I recently tracked down a used copy of Yellow just so I could have him as my main team partner.  Although the unevolved Pikachu won't get stronger until Generation II, it still is a fun choice.  But Pewter Gym will give you trouble.

After making your selection, your adorable jerk of a rival challenges you to your first fight.  It shouldn't be too difficult, but it is a great way to suddenly learn the basics of this new world.

Rival's Theme Music

And with that, you're off!  Eventually you'll return to deliver a package, pick up your Pokédex and grab the Town Map from Daisy, but basically everything that needs to be done in Pallet Town is done.  Why you are in charge of chronicling all the species in the world is anybody's guess, but it's going to be a fun challenge!

Other Thoughts

- The grassy areas on the sides of Pallet Town have become the stuff of legends.  They are tantalizingly close and look as if they hold many secrets.  I would have liked to have seen some of the rumors become true, as an unlockable bonus after beating the game.  We could finally have a field to catch an extra Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle or even a Mew!

- When the Yellow version was made, it mades some changes to reflect the anime's storyline, but I would have liked to have seen some additions from the mangas as well.  Instead of only having a Pikachu to start with, I would have liked a choice that featured a Clefairy and Jigglypuff as well (like in Pokémon Pocket Monsters and Magical Pokémon Journey).  Those three characters always go together in my mind.  Also, Nidoran and their secondary evolved forms seem to roam around Pallet Town in the manga versions.

- Oak's lab in the anime serves as a Pokémon sanctuary for his proteges' extra Pokémon   It would have been nice to expand the area beside the building to visit those other Pokémon which were not being carried in the player's party.

- Overall, Pallet Town is a lovely beginning to the game and entire franchise.  It's simple.  It's quaint.  And it fills me with great joy every time I return.