Indigo League, Episode 2: "Pokémon Emergency!"

Season 1, Episode 2, Original Air Date: April 8, 1997 (JP), September 9, 1998 (US)

Picking up where we left off, Officer Jenny is reporting on Pokémon thieves when she spots Ash running up with Pikachu. Ash says it’s his Pikachu, and Jenny asks for his ID; which is also in his Pokédex! Jenny then escorts Ash to the Pokémon Center, with Misty following not far behind with the charred remains of her bike.

Team Rocket then makes their first appearance, commenting on how flattering their wanted poster is. Meowth then snarks that they're out to steal rare Pokémon.

 

Ash and Pikachu reach the Pokémon Center, and Jenny drives her motorcycle to the front desk! Ash then gives Pikachu to Nurse Joy to be healed. Joy then chastises Ash for what happened, but says she'll take care of Pikachu anyway as she tells Ash to go to the waiting room.

Ash, after seeing a bank of phones decides to call home. Ash's mother his happy to hear from him. Ash is dismayed at what happened, but his mother encourages him to continue on. Ash then sees etchings of Legendary Pokémon as he gets off the phone. One in particular resembles the Pokémon he saw in the last episode. Just then, the phone at the front desk rings; and it's Professor Oak! Ash tells him about the Pokémon he saw, but the professor doesn't believe him. Professor, you work in a field where you're basically required to expect the unexpected. Your skepticism is a bit of a liability!

The professor notices his pizza has come and hangs up. It's topped with anchovies, spinach and pineapple. Ah yes: the Dr. Zoidberg special! Ash hears Misty's voice and turns around. Misty has come with the remains of her bike and demands Ash pay her back for it. Yeah, good luck with that, since they cost 1 million Poké and the fan club only gives one voucher for a free one. As says he will one day, but for now, his Pikachu isn't well.

Nurse Joy brings out Pikachu, who is resting after being healed. Misty tells Ash to take care of Pikachu.

Officer Jenny warns of Pokémon thieves being spotted. Team Rocket then attacks the Pokémon Center. They say their motto for the very first time, and Ash is bewildered by them. Team Rocket says they want to steal Pokémon, especially rare ones.

Ekans and Koffing then attack, destroying the computer at the front desk. They cut the power, but the center has a backup generator with Pikachu! Nurse Joy then begins transferring the Poké Balls to Pewter City. Team Rocket then breaks into the back storage, and Misty provides a distraction with her Goldeen so Ash can get Pikachu out of there! Ekans and Koffing go after Ash, who bumps into Misty's bike. The other Pikachu come out to supercharge Ash's Pikachu so he can fight Team Rocket. Pikachu wants power, and Ash wants to give it to him. Ash then starts pedaling to run the generator. and Pikachu defeats Team Rocket for the first time, accidentally blowing up the Pokémon Center! Team Rocket now wants Pikachu for themselves, blasting off for the first time.

The next day, Ash and Misty set out for Viridian Forest and Pewter City. They see a Caterpie, and we the first evidence of Misty's hatred of bugs. More on that in the next episode. Ash then warms up to catch Caterpie.  

So, how does "Pokémon Emergency" hold up? I can say that it does very well: this was before Team Rocket's villain decay took hold; and while it is a bit dated and silly, it still makes a good companion to "Pokémon I Choose You," so I recommend watching it. Next time is "Ash Catches a Pokémon." 

To be continued...