This episode is essential viewing because: Ash defeats Bugsy and earns a Hive Badge.

After two episodes worth of pointless distractions in Azelea Town (Well, OK, they did get rid of the GS ball), the gang are finally on their way to gym for Ash's second badge. Ash says he predicts a victory, but Misty reminds him that his star player, Charizard, is now gone. Ash is still confindent is his new Cyndaquil. They arrive in what looks more like a garden than a gym. The leader is nowhere to be seen. A Caterpie jumps out and frightens Misty, followed by a couple of Metapod. Misty comments that it's like a torture chamber.

A voice calls down from a tree. Ash introduces himself, to who turns to be the gym leader, Bugsy. He accepts Ash's challenge. He explains he knocked the ladder over when Misty yelled, so the gang have to help him down. Team Rocket are watching through a window. They decide to stike when Ash is caught up in his match and steal Pikachu. They don disguises: Jessie is a flower, James is a tree and Meowth is a pesky weed. Some bug Pokémon surround them and spray a sting shot web over them.

The match begins. Bugsy's first choice is Spinarak. Ash chooses Cyndaquil. However, it can't get it's burners going. It has to dodge several string shot attacks. Bugsy orders Spinarak to cover the whole field with String Shot. Cyndaquil is eventually trapped. Ash recalls the fire type before Spinarak can use Poison Sting. Ash next sends out Chikorita. Bugsy ridicules his choice, as everyone knows Grass types are weak against Bugs.

Spinarak uses another String Shot which Chikorita dodges. Ash orders a Vine Whip, which the spider easily dodges. Chikorita next uses a a Razor Leaf to counter a Poison Sting. He tries a Sweet Smell - that does the trick. Spinarak stops. Taking his chance Ash tells Chikorita to uses a Tackle, which finishes it off. Meanwhile, Team Rocket decide to use 'a variation of the old pitfall plan.' They will tunnel under the gym and grab Pikachu.

Round two, and Bugsy opts for Metapod while Ash sticks with Chikorita, who uses a Vine Whip. Metapod uses Harden. The Vine Whip has no effect and neither does a Razor Leaf. Metapod eventually jumps and uses a Tackle. Chikorita takes a lot of damage. Ash recalls Chikorita, reserving it for later. He decides his next Pokémon will be the old favourite, Pikachu.

Metapod uses another Tackle. Pikachu dodges it. Metapod comes from behind, hitting Pikachu, and lands in tree. It suddenly vanishes. It emerges from behind again, but misses this time, slamming into the ground and taking some damage. Pikachu uses Agility to dodge the attacks. After grabbing the Metapod, Pikachu defeats it with a Thunderbolt attack.

For his third and final Pokémon, Bugsy chooses Scyther. Pikachu uses another Agility. By now Team Rocket are under the field. Meowth is using a stethoscope to hear what's going on above. He tells Jessie and James that Pikachu has stopped moving. They recite the regular motto to no one inparticular and then start to dig up, James emerging first. Pikachu uses a Thunderbolt as Scyther does Double Team. The bolt goes down the whole and shocks Team Rocket.

The several Scyther (created by Double Team) all use Slash attack. Pikachu hits each with an 'electric' attack. Scyther use a powerful Fury Cutter and Pikachu is down and out. The match is now tied. Only Cyndaquil is left and Ash begs it to light it's burner. Scyther uses another Fury Cutter. Cyndaquil dodges every blow and it's flame begins to flare up at last. Ash orders a Flamethrower. Scyther however uses Swords Dance and the attack is deflected. Bugsy says there's no way to get past it.

Bugsy calls for it to be used again. Ash then tells Cyndaquil to jump above the Bug warrior and aim it's flamethrower down. It does so, and Scyther is toast. Cyndaquil finishes it off with a Tackle. Scyther is recalled and Bugsy congratulates Ash, giving him the Hive Badge. Ash promises Bugsy a rematch.

Later, as the sun sets, our heroes look down from a hill over Azelea Town, and reflect on how long it took them to get there. Maisy arrives to deliver their Apricorn Pokéballs. Thanking her, Ash and Misty take Lure balls, while Brock takes a Heavy ball. It seems, Kurt still hasn't found out anything about the GS ball. The gang promise to drop in on the way back to Pallet Town. With that untruth out of the way they set off towards their next destination. The scene changes to show TR locked in the gym with the Bug Pokémon. Their screams can be heard outside the building.

This episode guide has been written by AR.

Characters appearing in this episode

Ash

Misty

Brock

Jessie

James

Meowth

Ash's Pikachu

Pokémon appearing in this episode

• Pikachu belonging to Ash
• Meowth

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