Pokémon

Master Quest

65 episodes 26 seasons

With the Olivine City Gym temporarily out of commission, our heroes are off to the Whirl Cup Competition—and Misty wants in on the action! Resuming their journey, they find that Jessie, James, and Meowth aren’t the only members of Team Rocket they need to worry about, though that dastardly trio still has a few tricks up their collective sleeve. After a heated battle with the final Gym Leader, Ash moves on to the Silver Conference, but does he have the mettle to take on his old rival, Gary?

Release Date

Premiered

Pokémon Season 5 released on August 9, 2001.

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S05E01 Aired August 09, 2001

Around the Whirlpool

In a scuffle with Team Rocket, Ash and friends are thrown from the ship bearing them to the Whirl Islands. As powerful whirlpools draw them toward impending doom, a mysterious form under the sea shifts the powerful undertow, drawing them to safety. Shortly thereafter, a Corsola comes skipping over the sea's surface and guides the children back to a ship wherein awaits their old friend, Professor Elm. They ride the ship to a bustling harbor in the first of the Whirl Islands. There they learn of an upcoming competition in which Water Pokémon trainers will vie for the title of Whirl Island champion.

S05E02 Aired August 16, 2001

Fly Me To The Moon

Ash and friends discover an island on which the Pidgey population-long protected by environmental regulation and free from predators-has grown to unusually stout proportions and virtually abandoned any desire for flight. There Ash and friends find one Pidgey, however, in which the desire to soar through the heavens burns more fiercely than even in Pidgey from beyond this island. Anxious to see this Pidgey achieve its dreams, the young trainers join with the Pidgey's trainer and follow the Pokémon in a jet-assisted hot air balloon, tracking its flight as the Pidgey climbs higher into the stratosphere than any Pokémon in history.

S05E03 Aired August 23, 2001

Takin' It On the Chinchou

On their way to the Whirl Cup competition, Ash and friends are fortunate enough to pass a small mountain village just as an annual Chinchou migration is about to occur. Long ago seismological forces had combined to lift the mountain out of the depths of the sea, bringing along with it the undersea nesting ground of these Chinchou.

S05E04 Aired August 30, 2001

A Corsola Caper!

Just as Ash and friends arrive at a new island, their ears are met with cries for help. A family had built their house upon a Corsola nesting ground, and when a new, hyperactive Corsola arrived and frightened off the previous Corsola residents, the ground beneath the house weakened and the house was washed out to sea. The father and daughter who had been outside during the catastrophe now look on helplessly as another daughter-trapped inside the house-is washed out toward a large whirlpool. Ash and Misty call their Pokémon to action and manage to save the young girl, but this proves to be only the first challenge of the day. As Ash and friends set about recollecting the Corsola that had reinforced the foundation of this family's home, Team Rocket soon arrives and attempts to steal not only the needed Corsola, but also collections of local artwork made from Corsola horns, which these Pokémon shed regularly. While assisting this local family, Misty waits not so patiently for an opportunity to catch the Corsola that had first driven the others away, and make it her own.

S05E05 Aired September 06, 2001

Mantine Overboard!

Ash and co. go after a treasure chest in a sunken ship.

S05E06 Aired September 13, 2001

Octillery The Outcast

After reaching the town where the preliminary round of the Whirl Cup is held, Ash and Misty enter and earn the two victories required to continue on to the finals. A friend they had met earlier is not as fortunate. When Misty tries to console him with promises of the next Whirl Cup to be held in three years, he remains depressed, saying that it was not lack of ability but the low spirits of his Octillery that had brought about his defeat. The Pokémon had been depressed ever since it evolved from a Remoraid and was subsequently spurned by its onetime Remoraid friends. If the boy cannot somehow mend these friendships between Pokémon that have now grown different in appearance, he doesn't see any hopes of victory even in three years time. Ash and friends willingly lend their knowledge and enthusiasm to this problem of Pokémon sociology.

S05E07 Aired September 20, 2001

Dueling Heroes

As the final round of the Whirl Cup begins, Ash and Misty must each face formidable opponents. Ash has his Kingler transferred from Oak's lab in preparation, but when he and his Totodile begin their first battle, they must face an opponent with a powerful Kingdra. Misty also faces a challenging duel with an experienced opponent and his Qwilfish. Meanwhile, Team Rocket sets about stealing an ancient jewel used in a reward ceremony to be performed for the tournament's victor.

S05E08 Aired September 27, 2001

The Perfect Match!

Ash and Misty each emerge victorious from arduous bouts only to be paired against one another in the next round. As these two square off, Team Rocket plots to steal the tournament's prize using reverse psychology: they leave an anonymous tip with the local police force that the prize is in danger. This tip, Jessie reasons, will lead to heightened security, which will in turn lead to overconfidence and carelessness, effectually making it easier for Jessie and James to sneak in and claim their prize. With Ash already in strong position, Misty accidentally deploys Psyduck to face his Kingler. In a surprise turn, however, Psyduck launches a Confuse attack that wins the match for Misty. Ash takes his place in the stands and cheers for Misty as she begins her next round. Meanwhile Team Rocket watches in shock as-contrary to Jessie's plan-not only is the police presence at the event fortified, but the police show no sign of growing overconfident.

S05E09 Aired October 04, 2001

Plant it Now... Diglett Later

A village of kind, elderly people prepares a great meal for Ash and friends, and in return requests that the Pokémon Trainers assist them in defending their village against a gang of marauders that invades the village every year and attempts to rustle their sizable herd of Diglett.

S05E10 Aired October 11, 2001

Hi Ho Silver... Away!

The gang has decided to explore the rest of the remaining unseen Whirl Islands and reach a town, in which everything is shaped after the Silver Feather.

S05E11 Aired October 18, 2001

The Mystery is History

Ash and the gang have just gone through a cave, and decide to take a quick rest. The gang is surprised by another Pikachu!

S05E12 Aired October 25, 2001

A Parent Trapped!

With the young Lugia in the possession of Butch and Cassidy, Ash and friends set about rescuing it while protecting its parent from itself. The parent Lugia fights desperately to free its child-playing right into Team Rocket's hands. If Ash fails to win the Lugia's trust and convince it not to oppose Team Rocket alone, it seems this Pokemon is fated to end up in captivity along with its child.

S05E13 Aired November 01, 2001

A Promise is a Promise

Ash and the gang, along with Richie, captured by Team Rocket and held at their base. Dr. Number and the other Rockets look upon their capture of the parent Lugia, but they rather use that than the child so they carry that one off.

S05E14 Aired November 08, 2001

Throwing in the Noctowl

Ash and friends have missed the ferry back to Olivine City. An old fisherman tells them that there is a plane service that can get them to Olivine that day. The fisherman turns out to be the one running the plane and they take off for Olivine. Several problems arise along the course of the trip including Team Rocket, Jigglypuff, and broken plane parts.

S05E15 Aired November 15, 2001

Nerves of Steelix!

Ash finally battles Jasmine in Olivine City to get his next badge.

S05E16 Aired November 22, 2001

Bulbasaur... the Ambassador!

Professor Oak and Tracey have a problem. The Pokémon in Professor Oak's garden are acting very agressive. Seeing the extremity in this case they call Ash for his Bulbasaur because Bulbasaur took care of and understood wild Pokémon in the past.

S05E17 Aired November 29, 2001

Espeon, Not Included

Ash, Misty, and Brock head back to Ecruteak City where they meet up with Sakura.

S05E18 Aired December 06, 2001

For Ho-Oh The Bells Toll!

When Ash, Misty, and Brock run to investigate a mysterious chorus of bells that spontaneously ring out, they chance to meet their old friend Morty and a Pokémon researcher of his acquaintance. Morty and the researcher discover that the sacred Crystal bells, which are said to ring when a legendary Ho-oh returns, are missing. Since the bells were also used to heal the Bug Pokémon living in that area, these Pokémon lash out against their human neighbors, covering the town with their webs. Ash and friends decide to get to the heart of things and, in the forest, find Team Rocket restrained by webs and hanging from a tree. Ash, Misty, Brock, Morty, and the researcher begin to battle with the Bug Pokémon.

S05E19 Aired December 13, 2001

Extreme Pokémon!

In a racing competition called Extreme Pokémon in which you are pulled by your Pokémon, Ash and Gary face off once again. The prize is a Pokémon egg. With Bayleef racing with Ash and Arcanine with Gary, who will win?

S05E20 Aired December 20, 2001

An EGG-sighting Adventure!

Ash must save his newly won egg from Team Rocket before it hatches.

S05E21 Aired December 27, 2001

Hatching a Plan

Ash's egg hatches into a baby Phanpy. Team Rocket tries to get it on their side by decepting it, but when they trap it with Pikachu, Pikachu explains that Ash is a good trainer and friend.

S05E22 Aired January 10, 2002

Dues and Don'ts

Upon realizing that Ash and friends have many more Pokémon than they do, Team Rocket goes on a search for a new Pokémon. They find a Delibird in a cage, free it and capture it. A lady comes out and says that if they athey can prove re members of Team Rocket, they can keep the Delibird. They search through Team Rocket records to find they names aren't listed. Will Jessie and James finally get a new Pokémon?

S05E23 Aired January 17, 2002

Just Waiting On a Friend

As they journey towards Mahogany Town, Ash and friends stop in a house for the night. When they arrive, they discover that there's a girl named Lakoko who owns it and a Ninetales. Brock instantly falls in love with her. Strangely, she likes him too. Brock says that he wants to marry her and she agrees that she wants to marry him. He is about to hug her but actually goes through her. Ash and Misty get scared and as they get suspicious, a fog appears and Ninetales Fire Blasts them out of the house. Meanwhile, Team Rocket tries to sneak into the house but they run into some booby traps. Ash and Misty sneak in and find that there's an old picture of Brock in the house. There's also a diary written by Lakoko that is over 200 years old...

S05E24 Aired January 24, 2002

A Tyrogue Full of Trouble

Ash and friends chance into a Tyrogue, nearly falling victim to a ploy it lays out in an attempt to make off with all of their Pokémon food. Just as they tie things up with the Tyrogue, they learn that it is in fact not wild, but owned by a devoted student of Chuck, the Cianwood Gym leader. This student, who prides himself for his martial arts ability, explains that he is now taking his Tyrogue to an exhaustive tournament in which Fighting type Pokémon vie for the title. Meanwhile, though, he is having a terrible time disciplining his mischievous Pokémon. As if to accent this complaint, an angry local arrives, exclaiming that Tyrogue has wrought havoc in town for the last time.

S05E25 Aired January 31, 2002

Xatu the Future

Ash and friends stumble onto a community which relies on the predictions of Xatus. Ultimately the people learn not to rely on the pokemon tha much and the caretaker of the Xatus becomes a weather girl.

S05E26 Aired February 07, 2002

Talkin' 'Bout an Evolution

Heading for Mahogany Town, Pikachu, Togepi and several wild Pokémon seem a little sick. Ash and friends go to the Lake of Rage to find a red Gyarados. Team Rocket comes to battle but they're beaten with the help of Lance of the Elite Four. Defeated, Team Rocket goes to a Rocket HQ where they meet there Team Rocket members named Shiranui and Tatusumi who are going to try and capture the Red Gyarados. They and other Team Rocket members, not including Jessie, James and Meowth, go on a search for the Gyarados. Lance disguises himself as a Team Rocket member and they capture the Gyarados while Ash and friends watch helplessly. The Gyarados is taken on a truck and Lance is still with them in disguise...

S05E27 Aired February 14, 2002

Rage of Innocence

Since Ash, Misty and Brock are all trapped, Jesse and James decide to take an advantage of the moment to catch Pikachu. They press the wrong button and it frees Ash and the others! Then Lance comes with Dragonite to help Ash. With Dragonite, they destroy Team Rocket's evolution inducement ray, and go off to save the red Gyarados. Since the ray was destroyed, the Gyarados becomes stronger and breaks free with Team Rocket. But now, it's angry and rampages towards Mahogany Town! Lance had called Officer Jenny to come and arrest Tyson and the Rocket Grunts. Ash and friends go to help the Gyarados, while Lance fights Tyson's two Fearows with Dragonite. After winning, Lance goes to help Ash calm down the Gyarados. He eventually captures it. Tyson and the Rocket Grunts are arrested, Lance flies off, and Ash is now in Mahogany Town ready to challenge the gym leader!

S05E28 Aired February 21, 2002

As Cold as Pryce

With the business of the Red Gyarados over, Ash decides to challenge the Gym Leader Pryce but he isn't in town. They find him meditating under a waterfall. Ash battles him with Phanpy and quickly loses. Afterwards, Pryce tells the gang that his most prized Pokémon Piloswine disappeared a long time ago and he needs help finding it. The groupd agrees to help and they set out immediately. Jessie and James are nearby and they decide to steal it. Can Ash and the others find it before Jessie and James do?

S05E29 Aired February 28, 2002

Nice Pryce, Baby!

Having earned Pryce's respect and permission to face the trainer in a gym battle, Ash makes the unlikely choice of sending out Cyndaquil, a Fire Pokémon, to face his opponent on an Ice battlefield. Fortunately, Ash's strategy pans out as he leads the gym leader to lower his defenses, allowing Ash to take the first victory in a two-on-two match. Next the gym leader sends out his trusty Piloswine, which immediately unleashes a Blizzard attack that completely alters the battlefield, allowing it to make quick work of Ash's defending Pokémon. With one victory each, the round enters sudden death with each trainer playing his oldest, most reliable Pokémon. A seasoned duo, Ash and Pikachu may match the teamwork of the gym leader and his Piloswine

S05E30 Aired March 07, 2002

Whichever Way the Wind Blows

Our friends find themselves in a meadow with lots off Gloom, Vileplume, Bellossom and Oddish. Steve there new friend tells Ash and Friends that he came to this area so he could do studies on all the Grass-type Pokemon. He also added when the wind blows, the Gloom may evolve into Bellossom (NE winds) or Vileplume (NW winds). Vileplume and Bellossom fight over territory since the very old and large tree covers so much of the land; they both need the sun shine, so over the day they fight for the area not covered in shade. Jesse, and James both get Stun Spored by the Vileplume and Bellossom, So Meowth goes to a convenient store and buys Salvea Weed. A major storm comes in and makes very large amounts of Gloom evolve all at once, but since the wind was coming from the NE and NW, they both were even in numbers in the end. The war broke out and Ash, Misty, Brock, and Steven all knew they had to fight to finally see that fighting does not solve anything. Jesse and James try with help from there Pokemon to catch the Grass Pokemon. All the Pokemon know now that they should all just live together as friends, so they all took on Team Rocket and made them blast off again! Ash, Misty, and Brook say good bye to there new friend Steve since this new problem has been solved.

S05E31 Aired March 14, 2002

Some Like It Hot!

Ash, Misty, and Brock encounter a gigantic Magcargo that refuse to step aside and let a traveller pass. When Misty's Water tactics fail to move the stubborn Fire Pokémon, a passing trainer taunts her, declaring that Fire Pokémon, his specialty, are far superior to Water. Their rivalry escalates into a full-on Pokémon battle.

S05E32 Aired March 21, 2002

Hocus Pokémon

Ash, Brock, and Misty meet up with a witch named Lily. She is seeking ingredients to conduct a spell to make humans more friendly with Pokemon. The one last ingredient she needs is tears of an Aipom, and the group fights Team Rocket to get an Aipom. Lily then conducts the spell, turning Ash into a Pikachu!

S05E33 Aired March 28, 2002

As Clear as Crystal

When Pikachu is left exhausted in battle, the gang meets a trainer who guides them to a secret, yet legendary lake that somehow serves to restore energy to the Electric Pokémon that live along its banks.

S05E34 Aired April 11, 2002

Same Old Song and Dance

In the midst of their travels, Ash and friends meet up with a young girl who, along with her two Igglybuff assistants, stars in her own musical variety television program. Our heroes are content to sit back and enjoy the show, but unfortunately Team Rocket has other plans in mind.

S05E35 Aired April 18, 2002

Enlighten Up!

Ash, Misty and Brock stop by a lake where they meet with Team Rocket. As they're about to battle each other, a Slowpoke with a flag comes and sits on a rock fishing. This lady comes and says the Slowpoke is looking for "enlightment". She offers everyone to take to Slowpoke Temple to learn this. There's a giant gold statue of a Slowpoke. They go through tests, such as having to concentrate so hard they won't move or else they'll be hit by sticks(!). The next is cleaning the temple, which Ash and Team Rocket compete in. Jesse and James go off to steal the statue, and Meowth distracts Ash by fishing with him. The same Slowpoke is fishing much better than Ash and friends, because the pokemon know they won't be captured. The gold statue is stolen by Jesse and James, but Slowpoke evolves into Slowbro and defeats them. Ash and friends head off, while Team Rocket stay at the temple, this time to truthfully learn enlightment.

S05E36 Aired April 25, 2002

Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?

Ash, Brock, and Misty, on their adventure to the way to the Johto League, they stop to rest in a small town, and learn that Prof. Oak and Mary are doing an outdoor show in Maroon Town, a nearby town. They go there, and as usual, Team Rocket pop up and they impersonate Prof. Oak and Mary. A standoff to prove the real Prof. Oak is held, and the real Oak was, fortunately, picked, and Team Rocket get foiled.

S05E37 Aired May 02, 2002

Wish Upon a Star Shape

The gang is relaxing in a field when a Cleffa lands on Phanpy, the gang then witness a flying saucer which crashes into a mountain. The Pokemon Myserty Club (PMC, Ken and Mary) appear to get the Cleffa and interrupt Team Rocket's plan to capture the Cleffa as well. While both Pokemon escape into the forest, PMC, Rocket and Ash all search for them. Ash, Misty and Brock stumble upon the Clefairy rocket ship which needs to be repaired. As PMC and Rocket fight using their machines, the Clefairy steal their machine parts for repair. As the ship leaves, Cleffa evolves into Clefairy and leaves a sad Phanpy behind. Meanwhile, PMC examine crop circles being created by Snorlax.

S05E38 Aired May 09, 2002

Outrageous Fortunes

On meeting up with a proud Pokémon trainer who dares all comers to face his Poliwrath, Misty and Ash quickly rise to the challenge. Misty, in particular, encourages her Poliwhirl to watch closely as it may someday evolve into a Poliwrath. As is often the case, the battle isn't long over before this challenger and Ash and Misty have become fast friends. Meanwhile, Team Rocket, having furtively observed this battle and been convinced that the Poliwrath is a match even for Pikachu, decide to first capture it and then use it to capture Pikachu. Unfortunately, this logic does not hold as they find capturing a Pokemon stronger than Pikachu even more difficult than simply capturing Pikachu. A surprise is in store for Misty, as her Poliwhirl evolves not into a Poliwrath, but into another Pokemon altogether.

S05E39 Aired May 16, 2002

One Trick Phony!

After defeating a girl who has a Smoochum, Ash is determined to beat Clair, as he is getting close to Blackthorn City. Seeing that Ash just can't get enough battling, the trainer suggests as she leaves that he give a local Pokémon battle park a try.

S05E40 Aired May 23, 2002

I Politoed Ya So!

When Ash, Misty, and Brock pause for a picnic by a lake, Politoed wanders off and is mistaken by another trainer for her own Politoed.

S05E41 Aired May 30, 2002

The Ice Cave!

As they continue on their journey, Ash and co go through the Ice Cave, a shortcut to Blackthorn City. But when they slip, they fall into a hole. Why is there a hole? Team Rocket, of course.

S05E42 Aired June 06, 2002

Beauty is Skin Deep

Finally reaching the outskirts of Blackthorn City, Ash pushes to quickly seek out the gym where he hopes to earn his final Johto badge. Before he has the opportunity, he chances into a Dratini and learns that its eager trainer, Clair, is in fact the Blackthorn Gym leader.

S05E43 Aired June 13, 2002

Fangs for Nothin'

Team Rocket steals the Dragon Fang as Ash begins his battle for the final Johto badge with Clair. Then TR gets Dragonite on their side to help them escape.

S05E44 Aired June 20, 2002

Great Bowls of Fire!

Ash's Charizard flys in and lands on Ash. Liza also lands in on Charla who is in love with Charizard. Rocket find a bowl in a Dragon Shrine which upsets Dragonite and causes a fire in a field. So Ash, Liza and Clair set to put out the fire to save wild Pokemon.After the fire is put out, TR is greatful that they were saved from the fire. Dragonite is under an attack rage and starts attacking Clair, Ash and the gang. This leads to a battle between Dragonair and Charizard versus Dragonite which ends his attack rage.

S05E45 Aired June 27, 2002

Better Eight Than Never

Ash's battle with Claire begins right away and Ash uses Snorlax, Pikachu and Charizard. Meanwhile, Team Rocket dig underground to get back the Dragon Fang but end up meeting Charla. Ash wins his 8th gym badge and is allowed to enter the Johto League as Leeza, Charla and Ash's Charizard fly off.

S05E46 Aired July 04, 2002

Why? Wynaut!

Ash plans to go to Newbarktown to register for the Johto Silver Conference now that he has all 8 badges even though the Silver Conference is in 3 months. Team Rocket has plans of their own, they decide to steal Ash's badges for money or to enter the Conference themselves. They are successful in stealing his badges and run away with them. Meanwhile, Wobbuffet meets a Wynaut in the woods who steals the badges from Team Rocket. When Ash realizes his loss of badges he goes through the list of the gym leaders he fought to get them.Team Rocket think a Wooper stole the badges, so they try to find one. While Ash tries on his own to try to find the badges. Noctowl and Bayleef find Wynaut and the badges and some berries he has in a box. But when Team Rocket find Bayleef with the badges, they attack Bayleaf and escape with the badges. Claire comes in with Dragonair to chase the Rocket balloon. When Ash gets his badges back he realizes he's missing his Rising badge, Wynaut appears holding the badge. He hands it to Bayleef and escapes without Ash seeing him.Now that Ash has all 8 badges, Claire tells Ash the directions to Newbarktown to register for the Johto League Silver Conference.

S05E47 Aired July 11, 2002

Just Add Water

On the road back to New Bark Town, Ash and friends stop for a rest near the ocean. There they spot a sign advertising a synchronized Pokémon swimming event. Close behind is Team Rocket, who quickly hatch a plan to steal all of the Pokémon from the swimming show.

S05E48 Aired July 18, 2002

Lapras of Luxury

Ash and friends return to New Bark Town, but before Ash is able to register for the Johto League Championship, Professor Elm sends him on an errand to retrieve a Pokémon egg from a nearby marine Pokémon laboratory. At the laboratory, Ash and friends meet up with a young researcher who uses the supersonic waves from a Lanturn to detect the singing voices of traveling Lapras.

S05E49 Aired July 25, 2002

Hatch Me if You Can

Ash receives an egg from Prof. Elm, and as the egg hatches into a Larvitar, Ash must help the shy pokemon find its parents. Unfortunately, Team Rocket has their eye on this rare pokemon.

S05E50 Aired August 01, 2002

Entei at Your Own Risk

On their way to Mount Silver, the gang come across a hot spring and meet Nelson who is looking for an Entei. Ash, Misty and Brock decide to release their Pokemon for them to enjoy the hot springs and hot sand. Team Rocket appear pretending to be researchers in order to steal Larvitar. After escaping from Rocket's truck, Nelson and his Misdreavous meet Ash again.Nelson wants to battle Ash, so Ash sends out Phanpy first. While battling, TR steal Misdreavous after they find out how powerful she is. Rocket then steal all the wild Pokemon in the hot spring as well as Brock's Pinco. When Brock chases after it, Pineco evolves into Forretress. After Rocket over-powers their machine, it causes the hot spring to get out of control. But then, Entei's flamethrower saves the spring and blasts TR away. Nelson then tries to catch Entei, but it uses roar to escape.

S05E51 Aired August 08, 2002

A Crowning Achievement

Brock leads Ash and Misty toward a beautiful lake he has read about in his guidebook, but when they arrive at its supposed location, they find nothing but a dried-up stream, surrounded by a number of thirsty Slowpoke. Ash and friends spot a Sumo Crown, but are stopped from approaching it by a young girl and her Slowpoke. The girl explains that she and her Slowpoke are researching legends surrounding the Slowpoke and a supposed Slowking.

S05E52 Aired August 15, 2002

Here's Lookin' At You, Elekid

While the gang looks for Larvitar's mother, they run into Casey, to see that her Bayleef has evolved into Meganium. It seems that Casey is after a wild Elekid who is a very good tricker. The group decides to help her find it. Meanwhile, James trades his Victreebell for a Weppinbell and it evolves.

S05E53 Aired August 22, 2002

You're a Star, Larvitar!

Ash and friends reach the base of Mount Silver, where they hope to return their Larvitar to its birthplace. On their way, Ash faces a young trainer in Pokémon battle, pitting his Cyndaquil against the trainer's Magby. After the battle, Ash has thoughts about trying to make his Cyndaquil evovle. Following behind, Jessie and James note the trainers and their rare and valuable Pokémon preparing to battle in the Johto Championship. Setting aside their usual plans for capturing Pikachu-they capture Larvitar and many other Pokémon.

S05E54 Aired August 29, 2002

Address Unown!

Having finally reached amount Silver, Ash and friends stop momentarily when they discover a lost Unown on their path. Spotting these two rare Pok�n together, Team Rocket decides to kidnap both of them. When this Unown is attacked, however, a defensive instinct leads it to teleport itself into another dimension. Unfortunately, Ash and friends are also caught up in this interdimensional escape.

S05E55 Aired September 05, 2002

Mother of All Battles

After many days of travel, Ash and friends finally reach the area where their Larvitar was born. They soon encounter a Tyranitar that they recognize from Larvitar's visions to be its mother. Unfortunately, this Tyranitar mistakes them for the poachers that had stolen her child. Our heroes struggle to convince the mother Tyranitar of their good intentions, but to no avail. Things only get worse when the actual poachers arrive, intent on capturing not only the child, but its mother as well.

S05E56 Aired September 12, 2002

Pop Goes the Sneasel

Ash and friends offer to help the Silver Conference Officials retrieve the Ho-Oh Flame from atop a mountain shrine. However, a Sneasel and its buddies Machop and Machoke are guarding the shrine. They also meet another trainer, from the Hoenn Region, named Harrison. Harrison vowes to catch the Sneasel. Will he succeed and will they get the Flame?

S05E57 Aired September 19, 2002

A Claim to Flame!

Gary and Ash meet up again.

S05E58 Aired September 26, 2002

Love, Pokémon Style

Ash's Squirtle makes an appearance.

S05E59 Aired October 03, 2002

Tie One On!

Ash calls on Bulbasaur for his next battle against a trainer named Jackson, who is well known for having a powerful Meganium and a Shiny Magneton.

S05E60 Aired October 10, 2002

The Ties that Bind

Ash is about to take on his long time rival, Gary Oak, in the next battle of the Johto League Silver Conference, and he's determined to do everything he can to win. He stays up all night researching strategies and trying to learn more about Gary's Pokémon. Gary has a lot of strong Pokémon, and he trains many different types, so Ash has to pick his team carefully. Gary starts out with Nidoqueen, and Ash uses Tauros. Gary wins the first round, but Ash takes the second. It's going to be a very close match! In round three, it's Ash's Heracross versus Gary's Blastoise.

S05E61 Aired October 17, 2002

Can't Beat the Heat!

Our hero is in the middle of the first match of the championship tournament at the Johto League Silver Conference. His opponent is his long time rival – Gary Oak. Each trainer is down one Pokémon, with five to go. Gary's Blastoise is very strong and knocks out Ash's Heracross. Ash isn't surprised – that Blastoise was the Squirtle that Gary got when he first started out as a trainer! Gary recalls Blastoise and the battle continues. Finally, each trainer is down to their last Pokémon. Gary has saved Blastoise till the end – and Ash calls out Charizard! Blastoise has the advantage because it's a Water Type, but Ash is very clever. He uses Charizard's Flame Thrower attack to scorch the battle field, trapping Blastoise. Blastoise uses Hydro Pump to cool off the field, but it backfires. The field becomes all steamy and no one can see. Charizard finishes off the battle with a Seismic Toss. Ash is thrilled to have finally defeated his rival – but his next opponent will be Harrison from Hoenn.

S05E62 Aired October 24, 2002

Playing With Fire!

Ash is battling Harrison from Hoenn at the Johto League Silver Conference. Pikachu is very excited to be battling. It's a close match the whole way through, but one by one Harrison knocks out Totodile, Snorlax, and Noctowl. Ash cleverly guides Bayleef through a rough battle with Harrison's Houndoom. Houndoom is a fire type Pokémon so it has the advantage, but Ash had Bayleef use its Vine Whip attack to close Houndoom's mouth. In the end, Bayleef is able to knock out Houndoom! But Bayleef is no match for Harrison's last Pokémon. Harrison's sixth Pokémon is one that Ash has never seen before – Blaziken. It's a fire type Pokémon and it's at a really high level. Ash has saved Charizard for last.

S05E63 Aired October 31, 2002

Johto Photo Finish

Our hero is at the end of a tough battle with Harrison at the Johto League Silver Conference. The winner of this battle will go on to the semi-finals. Each trainer has battled hard and is down to their last Pokémon. Ash is using Charizard. Harrison is also using a high level fire type called Blaziken. Charizard flies up with Blaziken and is in position for a powerful Seismic Toss. After the impact, however, both Pokémon are standing! As Charizard tossed Blaziken down, Blaziken had directed a Flame Thrower attack towards the ground to propel it back up, softening the blow of the impact! Both Pokémon battle well, and it seems like neither will give in, but, in the end, Charizard faints. Harrison continues on into the semi-finals, but is defeated in the next round. After his battle, he tells Ash all about Hoenn and the amazing Pokémon there. As the Silver Conference comes to a close and the gang prepares to leave for Vermillion City, Gary makes a surprising announcement – he's giving up battling. He's decided to become a Pokémon Researcher.

S05E64 Aired November 07, 2002

Gotta Catch Ya Later!

With the Johto League Silver Conference behind them, Ash, Brock and Misty head back to Viridian City to relax. Their vacation is cut short when Misty receives an urgent call beckoning her back to Cerulean City to run the gym while her sisters cruise the world. Brock, too, realizes that has things he has to do. After a teary goodbye, Ash returns home to Pallet Town – but soon grows restless for adventure. When his former rival Gary takes off on a new journey, leaving behind all of his Pokémon except Blastoise, Ash starts thinking about his next journey.

S05E65 Aired November 14, 2002

Hoenn Alone!

Ash has left all of his Pokémon behind in Pallet Town – except Pikachu – and boarded a ship bound for Littleroot Town in Hoenn. Unfortunately, Team Rocket is on board as well, and they're cooking up a scheme to catch Pikachu once and for all. They nab Pikachu and hop off the boat just as it pulls into a port. Their plan quickly goes awry, and Meowth and Pikachu end up in a bad neighborhood. While Meowth and Pikachu team up to chase off a gang of territorial Haunter, Ash teams up with Officer Jenny to rescue Pikachu before the boat leaves.