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This episode is essential viewing because: Ash, Professor Oak, Delia Ketchum, Misty and Gary Oak are all introduced. Ash is given a Pikachu by Professor Oak. Ash sees a Ho-Oh.

At the beginning, we see the main character, Ash Ketchum, in his room, watching a Pokemon battle. He then proclaims how he will be the world's greatest Pokemon master, while holding a Voltorb clock. His mom then comes in and tells him to watch Prof. Oaks show on Pokemon, so he'll be ready.

The next morning, Ash wakes up late. He rushes to Prof. Oak's house, (in his pajamas) only to run into his rival, Gary Oak, who has already gotten his Pokemon. He leaves and Ash rushes inside, Only to find out that there are no Pokemon left, except one: Pikachu! Ash hugs him, only to be shocked.

Ash goes outside to see his mother and a bunch of other people waiting. Pikachu shocks them too. =)

We then see Ash dragging Pikachu by a string and wearing rubber gloves. His Pokedex, Dexter, says that some Pokemon hate being confined, so he unties him. Then Ash sees a Pidgey. He throws a Pokeball at it, but it doesnt work. Dexter says you usually have to have your Pokemon battle the other. He sees another Pidgey, and tells Pikachu to attack it, but Pikachu ignores Ash and climbs a tree.

Ash tries to catch a Pidgey himself, only to get Gusted and Sand-Attacked. When he tries throwing rocks, he accidently hits a fierce Spearow! It gets mad and tries to Peck him, then it goes after Pikachu, who shocks it. Spearow calls hundreds of other Spearows in response! Ash and Pikachu run for their lives. Pikachu is injured, and Ash has to carry him. They come to a waterfall, and with no other alternative, jump in.

On a bank, we see a girl (Misty) fishing. She gets a bite, and reels it in. It's Ash and Pikachu! She seems disappointed, then she sees Pikachu. She tells him to get it to a Poke Center immediately. Ash sees the Spearow coming. He grabs Misty's bike and pedals off.

A storm rolls in. The Spearow knock Ash and Pikachu off the bike. Pikachu is very weak. Ash tells him to get inside the Pokeball, so he might be able to save him. Ash stands, ready to face the Spearows. He says that he will capture them all, and he will become the worlds greatest Pokemon master. Then, Pikachu jumps onto his shoulder, and leaps into the Spearow flock. Lightning strikes him, and a huge explosion occurs.

It is now sunny out. Ash and Pikachu are laying unconcious on the ground. The both wake up. Ash looks into the sky to see a huge bird Pokemon fly above him. Dexter said it is unknown.

Ash picks up Pikachu, and Pikachu licks his face. Together, they journey to Viridian City.

This episode guide has been written by flik.

Characters appearing in this episode

Ash

Misty

Professor Oak

Delia Ketchum

Gary Oak

Ash's Pikachu

Gary's Cheerleaders

Pokémon appearing in this episode

• Pikachu belonging to Ash: Ash gets it
  
• Ho-oh: Unknown at this time
  
• Bulbasaur: Possible starter for Ash
  
• Charmander: Possible starter for Ash
  
• Squirtle: Possible starter for Ash
  
• Pidgey
• Rattata: Steals Ash's food
  
• Spearow
• Pikachu belonging to Ash
• Sandshrew
• Nidorina: Introduction
  
• Mankey
• Dodrio
• Gengar: Introduction
  
• Onix: Introduction
  
• Magikarp
• Gyarados

Moves used in this episode

• Gust by Pidgey
• Horn Attack by Nidorina
• Hypnosis by Gengar
• Sand-Attack by Pidgey
• Thundershock by Pikachu

Items seen in this episode

• Bicycle: Misty's, destroyed by Ash
• Pokédex: Given to Ash
• Pokeball: Including some given to Ash

Locations seen in this episode

• Pallet Town: Ash's home base
• Route 1: Not officially named as such
• Viridian City

Quotes

• "Don't forget to change your underwear... every single day" - Delia Ketchum