Indigo League, Episode 14: "Electric Shock Showdown"

Season 1, Episode 14, Original Air Date: July 1, 1997 (JP), September 25, 1998 (US)

After some delay, I am glad I finally have a chance to talk about one of my favorite Kanto Gym Battles! Everyone has reached Vermilion City after two weeks of searching, and they all head to the Pokémon Center so they can eat and rest before their next fight. However, as more challengers are brought into the Pokémon center; Ash realizes that his next fight against Lt. Surge won't be as easy as with Brock and Misty.

After Pikachu is healed and everyone has eaten, they all head to the Vermilion Gym so Ash can challenge Lt. Surge! I must say, on top of being more condescending than he is in the games (to the point of dismissing trainers and Pokémon he deems beneath him as babies); his design in the anime reminds me of Col. Guile from the Street Fighter franchise; as do many of his subsequent designs.

Lt. Surge then sends out Raichu, Pikachu's evolved form! Though Ash is content to have Pikachu and his other Pokémon evolve on their own terms; Surge is adamant that they're only truly worthy when they're fully evolved. Not only does this show the contrast in their methods; but it further emphasizes the escalating challenge ahead. This is also a recurring point in any region's gym battles; and I will address more as time goes on.

Yet, despite a valiant effort from Pikachu; they're overwhelmed by the sheer brute force of Surge's Raichu! Back at the Pokémon Center, everyone tries to determine their next move when Nurse Joy comes in with the only thing that can have Pikachu evolve into Raichu: a Thunder Stone! Pikachu, however, when presented with the choice, refuses; with Ash and Pikachu deciding to forge their own strategy.

After Pikachu is healed, Team Rocket; who were observing the whole situation, offer their support of Ash's rematch while disguised as "ouendan." While they're somehow recognized while flying that flag but fool them in simpler disguises; any comparisons to the Elite Beat Agents are definitely not without merit.

Ash then begins his rematch with Surge; and while the "Lightning American" is still condescending as ever; the battle doesn't go the same way as before! Rather than relying solely on raw power, Pikachu is able to surprise Raichu with its speed and Agility move showing how Pikachu has moves that can only be learned at that evolutionary stage; easily outmaneuvering the larger Raichu! They even use this bit in the intro!

Surge then tells Raichu to spam Thunderbolt through the whole gym, breaking all the glass! Pikachu is able to use its tail as a ground, and when Surge orders Raichu to use Take Down; Pikachu is able to win the match with one last Quick Attack!

Surge, no longer seeing Ash and Pikachu as "babies," awards Ash the Thunder Badge! I still love this image, especially given how it adorned a pair of velcro shoes I had when I was younger.

Ash and Pikachu then embrace in friendly electric shocks; saying that he "can see lots of lucky stars!" He's a Game Boy hero! Got stars in his eyes!

So, as everyone heads to their next destination; James breaks the fourth wall by lamenting that they "spent a whole episode cheering the good guys!"

"Electric Shock Showdown" is easily one of the best Kanto gym battles; which puts it in the running for one of the best in the entire series. The animation is some of the best of early Kanto for its battling, and it's a strong challenge with plenty of creative use of the source material from the games. It's an episode that I have watched many times in my life; and will watch any time I am given the opportunity; so I definitely recommend it. Next time: "Battle Aboard the St. Anne!" To be continued...