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| Season 1, Episode 28, Original Air Date: October 7, 1997 (JP), October 14, 1998 (EN) |
Picking up where we left off, everyone has come to Scissor Street; which is also known as "Breeder's Lane," a veritable mecca of shops to help Pokémon look and feel their best. One of these shops is also known as "Salon Rockét." Nothing suspicious about that at all! Of course, their proprietors have a more sinister plan than simply beautifying the Pokémon. A familiar-looking Meowth is going over their profits, dismissing TV commercials as "a big waste of money." Tell that to the people who made this longest-running anime based on a video game, and the biggest multimedia series ever.
While Misty expresses an interest in the shop, Brock spots the shop he's looking for. He hesitates to open the door, but Ash just leads the way in; much to Brock's shock. This shop belongs to a breeder named Suzy; who is giving this Chansey a massage.
As for this Ojama who's the effeminate trainer Chansey belongs to, well... let's just say it was a very different time when this first aired; and I'm as surprised as you are 4Kids didn't remove them.
After they leave, Brock is more lovestruck than usual at Suzy. Brock wants to be Suzy's pupil; but Suzy is occupied with her role as a breeder. Her Vulpix is adorable, though as Misty learns the hard way about how powerful its Flamethrower is (Ash even sarcastically says "Duh!" after scanning Vulpix with the Pokédex). This also won't be the last time this happens in the episode either.
Ash then asks what the deal is with Suzy, and Brock is more than happy to tell him and the audience. He tells of her being a three-time winner of the Pokémon Breeder's Contest trophy of excellence, a four-time most popular breeder choice by readers of "Pokémon Friends" magazine, and a website that gets 10,000 hits a day. Why yes, this anime did start airing when the internet was still relatively new; why do you ask?
As Brock starts gushing about her Vulpix as well, Ash interjects saying they get the idea. They all have tea together as Vulpix samples some of Brock's Poké Chow. "I think he likes it!" They continue talking about the other salons in town, and Salon Rockét in particular seem to be emphasizing looking showy over a Pokémon's inner beauty. This causes an argument between Ash and Misty over what's important; and Misty decides to take her Psyduck for a day of beauty as Ash snarks, "Now we'll see who has the last quack!"
Misty is undeterred, saying they'll look great no matter what fashion they wear. Ash snarks that Psyduck will, and I just love how expressive the character faces are in this episode. The way Misty reacts is especially good, and we'll come back to that. For now, enjoy her going "I WANNA GET A MAKEOVER AT SALON ROCKéT OM NOM NOM NOM" in this screenshot.
As Misty heads to the Salon, Brock proposes this to Suzy: "if they're concerned about style over substance, we'll give them substance with style!" Suzy then gives a class on Pokémon massages, teaching Ash while Misty waits for her makeover; bumping into the Ojama from before.
She's herded inside, saying that she's "as pretty as any Psyduck." The result is somewhere in between the animated Harley Quinn and the DCEU Harley Quinn in terms of outfit; hair and makeup.
Meowth outs himself and Team Rocket as the perpetrators; and James demands to know where Pikachu is under penalty of painting Misty's face like Frankenstein. Are you referring to the monster or herr Doctor?
Psyduck slips out and alerts Ash, Brock and Suzy about what's happening; with the former two having to stifle their laughter at Misty's makeover, much to her displeasure. A battle ensues, and Suzy's Vulpix sends Team Rocket blasting off, and much to Misty's further displeasure; roasts her for the second time that day with Fire Spin.
Brock is given Vulpix by Suzy to take care of, Team Rocket is run out of town by angry customers demanding refunds; and Ash does indeed get the last "quack" at Misty's garish makeup before they all head along their way.
"Pokémon Fashion Flash" is a showy treat among the Indigo League; and makes a good introduction for Suzy and her Vulpix, alongside their relationship with Brock. The animation has also held up better than expected, and I'm glad I was finally able to get this done.
Next up is Indigo League episode 29, "The Punchy Pokémon!" To be continued...
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