This episode is essential viewing because: Ash's releases his Squirtle to re-join the Squirtle Squad.

Today on their adventure, Ash & Co. have stopped off at a Pokémon Center on their way to Goldenrod City, so Ash can return his Tauros to Professor Oak. Oak asks if Ash would allow him to keep Heracross with him for a bit longer so he can study it more, which Ash allows. He sends Tauros back. As he finishes his conversation with the Professor, Misty comes over and tells him that his Pokémon have finished with their physical exams. Nurse Joy tells him that they are all in excellent condition and that he must have been taking very good care of them. Brock tries to chat her up, but she quickly escapes, telling them that she has to examine some Pokémon competing in the Fire & Rescue Grand Prix. As she leaves, Ash begins to wonder what the Fire & Rescue Grand Prix is.

Later that day, they find out that it is a fire fighting competition for Pokémon. Ash decides to sign up his team, but Misty reminds him that the only Water Pokémon he has is Squirtle. He asks her if he can borrow her Water Pokémon, but before she can answer, Psyduck pops out, happy to join his team. Suddenly a familiar voice greets them; it's Captain Aidan and Team Wartortle. Brock comments that the Wartortle seem to be very well trained. Misty says they have to be to make it onto Team Wartortle. He asks what Team Wartortle is. Remembering that he wasn't with them at the time, she explains that they are the best fire fighting team in the Orange Islands. He seems impressed. Ash goes over to Aidan, asking if he and Team Wartortle have competed in this competition before. Aidan tells him that they are the returning champions. The leader of Team Wartortle then steps forward, shaking hands with Ash's Squirtle.

A little while later, they go to a large building to train their teams, and watch all of the other competitors train too. Misty is surprised that Ash managed to enter the Grand Prix on such short notice, but he explains that Captain Aidan made one phone call and he was accepted. Brock points out all the competition, saying that the other teams look like they will be tough to beat. As Ash is assuring his team that they will win, Squirtle notices a few familiar faces too. Walking along the other side of the building is Officer Jenny and the Squirtle Squad. The squad seem a little down, so she tries to cheer them up and encourage them. Something does manage to cheer them up though; they see Ash's Squirtle running over to them. They greet each other as Ash & Co. wander over to say hello to Officer Jenny. After they have finished catching up, Captain Aidan wanders over to them, saying that it is a pleasure to finally meet the leader of the infamous Squirtle Squad. Recognising him, she salutes and they introduce themselves to each other. She asks if it's his Team Wartortle that won last year, saying that she has heard wonderful things about them.

Outside, Team Rocket are spying on all of the competitors. As usual, they plan to steal all of the Pokémon.

Back inside, Squirtle is catching up with the rest of his Squad. Officer Jenny asks if it would be alright if the Squirtle Squad shared a practice session with Team Wartortle. They do a little bit of target practice. Team Wartortle hits all of the targets dead centre, but the Squirtle Squad fire all over the place. They can't seem to get their aim right until Ash's Squirtle steps in and takes charge, causing them to hit every last target with the same accuracy as Team Wartortle.

Later, at the competition, it's Ash's team VS a team of Muk. The two target houses are set alight, and the competition begins. Squirtle and Staryu both use Water Gun to dowse the flames, while Pikachu throws sand at it. Staryu accidentally uses it's Water Gun and sprays Psyduck into the burning wreckage, but Squirtle dives in and rescues it. Staryu then uses Water Gun again to clean it off. On the other side of the stadium, the Muk team huddle together and smother the last of their fire, winning the match.

Next up is a team of Golduck VS the Squirtle Squad. Watching from the sidelines, Aidan seems concerned that the pressure of the competition may break the Squirtle Squad's concentration. The two target houses are set alight, and the competition begins. The Golduck team get straight to work, but the Squirtle Squad stand stock still. Jenny snaps them back to attention, but as they run towards the house, they trip and end up in a squirming pile. They finally pull themselves together, and Jenny orders them to use Water Gun. On the other side of the stadium, the Golduck team have just about put their fire out. Running over to the squad, Ash orders Pikachu to use Thundershock to get their attention, then sends Squirtle in as their leader. With Squirtle giving the orders, they manage to put out the fire, defeating the Golduck team.

Suddenly their fire relights itself, and a robot bursts from the ground. Team Rocket emerge, reciting their motto. They start up their robot, sending a jet of fire straight at Ash, Jenny and the Squirtle Squad. Captain Aidan and Team Wartortle step in and beat back the flames, but James turns up the power. All of the other competitors rush in, ready to help, but Team Rocket grabs all of the Pokémon in the stadium, aside from the Squirtle Squad, in nets and reels them all in. Ash is about to rush at the robot, but Officer Jenny knocks him down before a jet of fire appears where he was stood. With Team Rocket causing chaos, Ash tells Squirtle that the only way to stop them is with the Squirtle Squad, and that he has to be their leader. Understanding, Squirtle forms a plan with the rest of the Squad, then, putting their sunglasses on, they burst into action, spraying the robot. Team Rocket tries to step on them, but they jump out of the way. They manage to unbalance the robot, causing it to fall backwards. Squirtle then uses Skull Bash, entering the robot and spraying Team Rocket. It then proceeds to destroy the equipment inside, causing the robot to release all of the captured Pokémon. Once everyone is out, he makes his escape too. Team Rocket attempt to attack again, but Ash orders Squirtle and Pikachu to attack together, sending the Trio blasting off again.

As the stadium is being repaired, Ash tells Squirtle that the Squirtle Squad need him as their leader. Squirtle at first seems reluctant, but with encouragement from the Squad, agrees.

After a series of competitions, the final has arrived, and it's Team Wartortle VS the Squirtle Squad as each team races to retrieve a dummy from a burning building. The competition begins, and both teams leap into action. They both enter their buildings at the same time, and both leave with the dummies at the same time. All that's left is to put the fires out. Both teams battle hard, and in the end the Squirtle Squad are victorious. Captain Aidan and Team Wartortle congratulate and salute them.

That evening Ash allows Squirtle to leave his team and become the leader of the Squirtle Squad again. They all wish him good luck, as do Ash's Pokémon. Bulbasaur though doesn't say anything. Squirtle approaches, but it turns it's head away, then uses it's vines to shake Squirtle's hand. It reluctantly bids it's friend farewell. As Officer Jenny and the Squirtle Squad ride away, Ash & Co. wave them off, Ash telling Squirtle that, no matter what, they will always be friends. As he remembers the good times they have shared, Ash bids farewell to one of his best, and most loyal friends.

This episode guide has been written by The Librarian.

Characters appearing in this episode

Ash

Misty

Brock

Jessie

James

Meowth

Ash's Pikachu

Pokémon appearing in this episode

• Pikachu belonging to Ash
• Meowth

There are currently 0 comments on this story... you could be first!