Here's the one where Ash oversleeps and Pikachu slaughters a bunch of birds.
The first-ever episode of the Pokémon anime has both everything and nothing happen in it. 10-year-old wunderkind (or maybe just regular kid?) Ash Ketchum starts on his quest to become the very best like no one ever was by torturing a Pikachu, trying to throw his pajama shirt over a Pidgey, and assisting his tortured Pikachu in murdering a gaggle of Spearow. Also he oversleeps and steals some girl’s bike. However, if you’re familiar with the game at all, this episode accounts for about 5 minutes of game time, as all Ash does is get one Pokémon and performs the in-game equivalent of stubbing his toe on a rock four times.
But in a dumb way, “Pokémon - I Choose You” sets up the tenor of the entire series. After a fantastic opening that recalls the Gengar/Nidorino battle that opens the original Game Boy game, this debut episode goes out of its way to dial back everything familiar about Pokémon Red and Blue. While Ash is clearly modeled after the game’s protagonist, he isn’t a silent entry point for players. Ash is headstrong and idealistic and also has a propensity to mess up.
The divergent point that sets up Ash on his path to anime glory is oversleeping, which we can only assume is because he rocked his secret Poliwag bong too hard the night before (his excuse to Professor Oak for being late is “I got messed up this morning” so we can only assume that Ash wakes and bakes). He tosses and turns the whole night, wrestling with the decision of Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur. Little does he know that free will is a lie and he will get none of those options, a fact that the trolling Professor Oak likely already knew before he let the young kid grab three empty Pokéballs. Seriously, man, how many years were you waiting to tell some poor kid “The early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the Pokémon.”
As everyone on the planet knows, Ash winds up with Pikachu, who is seemingly presented as some sort of remedial Pokémon that generally sucks. Why Oak has this Pikachu hidden in a secret compartment we may never know. Despite his loser status, Pikachu is the straw that stirs the drink for the show. The electric mouse’s mannerisms are straight-up adorable, especially as he continually mocks Ash. Pikachu’s eccentric giggling as Ash woefully tries to catch a Pokémon is weirdly endearing.
Pikachu has his hero moment near the end of the episode, when he saves Ash from a horde of Spearow by unleashing an impressive thunder attack. Maybe PIkachu is actually a secret agent? Maybe he is Detective Pikachu, playing dumb to get intel on Team Rocket? I don’t actually know what happens at this series’ conclusion, so I’ll hold out hope that that happens.
During the Spearow chase and fight, Ash and Pikachu also run into Misty - their future traveling companion and master water Pokémon trainer. All she does is show off Herculean strength by pulling a 10-year-old kid and mouse out of the water using a fishing pole and then berate Ash for not taking care of his Pokémon. Also, Ash steals her bike.
The first episode also introduces series tool Gary Oak - Ash’s self-proclaimed rival. Gary is, to put it bluntly, a little shit. I’m not sure what’s worse about him: his stupid face, his cocky attitude, or the fact that he rides in the back of a car like he’s a model in a parade. Although it isn’t hard to see the alternate reality where Gary oversleeps and Ash teases him in a similar way. Ash’s determination and assuredness is about two steps away from him being an insufferable twat just like the G-man.
The episode ends with a glimpse of a then-unnamed legendary Pokémon (which would later become known as Ho-oh in the Gold/Silver generation) and Ash’s renewed commitment to be the best like no one ever was. To catch them is his real test. To train them is his cause.
I can’t say I thought this episode was any good other than the nostalgia factor. I’m relatively positive I watched this when it first aired, as like Ash, I was an excitable 10-year-old who, if given the chance, would have overslept on the morning I was set to become a Pokémon trainer. The only bright spot for me is Pikachu, who constantly puts Ash in his place. I’m not sure how deep down the rabbit hole I’m going to go with this Pokémon anime rewatch, but if I feel the way I do about the first episode, this is going to be a long journey. I might need to go find Ash’s secret Poliwag bong.
Next up - “Pokémon Emergency” aka when we first see Team Rocket blasting off again.
