Item: Pokémon, I Choose You!
Rating: 9
Author: Bill's Archive

Ash Ketchum vs. The World

The journey begins exactly how you remember it: a fierce battle on the TV between a Gengar and a Nidorino. Hypnosis is used, an Onix is sent out, and we are introduced to Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town.

He's in his room, vibrating with anticipation about getting his Pokémon license from Professor Oak, “the town's Pokémon expert.” He wants to be a Master. But first, he gets told off by his mum — it's 11 PM, after all.

Title card for Pokémon, I Choose You! — Episode 1 — The title card for Episode 1 — the beginning of it all.

The Dream and the Voltorb Clock

On TV, we see the starters: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Ash drifts off, dreaming about catching all of them. Unfortunately, his dreams are a little too active. In his sleep, he throws his Voltorb alarm clock, shattering it.

The result? He doesn't wake up. By the time he panics and runs to Professor Oak's lab, he's still in his pyjamas.

Enter Gary: The Most Annoying Character on TV

We meet Gary Oak immediately, and he lives up to the hype. He's standing in front of a crowd, cheerleaders included, having already received his first Pokémon. In true Gary fashion, he refuses to tell Ash which one he got. We also find out his grandfather is Professor Oak, which explains a lot.

The “Leftover” Choice

Inside the lab, the news gets worse. Squirtle: taken. Bulbasaur: taken. Charmander: taken.

Ash looks forlorn, but there is one option left. A distinct Pokéball with a lightning bolt is revealed. Out pops Pikachu. Isn't it so cute! Ash is instantly charmed, but the feeling isn't mutual — we quickly learn that Pikachu loves to shock Ash.

Ash meets Pikachu for the first time at Professor Oak's lab — Ash meets Pikachu for the first time — the feeling is not mutual.

Ash wearing his mum's pink rubber gloves to protect from Pikachu's shocks — The pink rubber gloves — Ash's first essential piece of kit.

● New Pokémon Obtained

Pikachu

The Pink Rubber Gloves

Ash gets his Pokédex and six empty Pokéballs, but Pikachu refuses to cooperate, shocking everyone in the vicinity.

Outside, Ash's mum is waiting with a crowd. She's tearful but prepared, handing him a bag of essentials. This includes a pair of pink rubber gloves. You have to wonder when those will come in handy… Turns out, immediately.

Pikachu refuses to go in the ball. He hates it. Ash tries to drag him, and since Pikachu is an electric hazard, those pink rubber gloves are the only thing saving Ash from constant electrocution. Ash consults his Pokédex and learns a hard truth: “Some Pokémon don't like being confined in their Pokéballs.”

He ditches the gloves and tries to bond, but Pikachu isn't having it.

The Wild Encounters: It Goes South Fast

A wild Pidgey enters the frame. This is it. Ash waits for Pikachu to help, but Pikachu just climbs a tree and relaxes. He finds Ash's struggle hilarious.

Ash tries to catch the Pidgey himself (throwing a shirt over it — rookie move). As expected, the Pidgey uses Gust and Sand Attack and escapes. Pikachu laughs. We also see a Rattata, which the Pokédex savagely notes is looking to steal food from “stupid travellers.”

The Spearow Mistake

Then, Ash messes up. He throws a stone at a Spearow. The Pokédex warns that Spearow has a “terrible attitude,” and it proves it immediately. It dives at Ash and Pikachu.

Pikachu finally uses his electric power, stunning the Spearow, but that just makes it worse. The Spearow calls out, and suddenly a massive flock fills the sky.

The chase is on. We see Sandshrew and Mankey just watching the chaos, Magikarp oblivious as always, and Gyarados swimming at speed while Ash frantically paddles away. The situation gets desperate. Ash eventually dives off a cliff, Pikachu in hand, to escape the flock.

Misty and the Stolen Bike

Cut to Misty, casually fishing. She fishes up Ash and Pikachu. In a twist, she immediately cares about the Pikachu, with absolutely no regard for Ash.

Misty fishing Ash out of the river — Misty's first appearance — concerned about Pikachu, not so much about Ash.

Ash, desperate to get his injured Pokémon to a hospital, steals Misty's bike. He makes a beeline for the city while the Spearow flock continues the pursuit. Eventually, they wipe out in the rain.

Ash encourages Pikachu to get in the ball for safety. He stands up to the Spearow, delivering a rousing speech — something long and wordy about becoming the “Greatest Pokémon Master.”

Pikachu, moved by Ash's bravery, leaps up and unleashes a massive electric attack, saving them both.

The Golden Ending

Ash and Pikachu share a heartfelt moment on the forest floor, beaten but bonded. Suddenly, a massive bird flies overhead — Ho-Oh — emitting golden sparkles and heading toward a rainbow.

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Pikachu's defining moment — the attack that changes everything.