I was lucky enough to catch this as a child and it's stuck with me since, back when kid show's were funny sweet and innocent, not the sh*t they play on cartoon network these days. Ash starts his Pokemon adventure late in the day and as such has missed out on all the original Pokemon, all thats left is a stubborn Pikachu that refuses to go into a Poke-ball. But thanks to Ash's kind nature and him trying to save Pikachu from a flock of angry Spearow, Pikachu learns to trust him and together they embark on the greatest Pokemon journey of all time. And though the show bottoms out much later, just re-watch the beginning an you'll remember what you loved about Pokemon.
8 Reviews
Greatness of the Beginning
rookescanor4 March 2020
Pokemon has become one of the greatest franchises in the world, surpassing more than a thousand episodes with over twenty anime seasons. Amidst everything else, most of the audience would've remembered the beginning of it all when Ash met Pikachu for the first time. The episode is a landmark in the history of anime leading to many youngsters from the late 90s to indulge into the world of anime and manga.
The original games consisted Pokemon as characters existent to primarily fight battles, and advance the plot. This episode showed that they can feel emotions just like a human. It has been more than twenty years since this episode had been released, and yet it's widely praised, despite the nostalgia it might bestow upon the early watchers of the show. Pikachu and Ash made me feel. A good episode entertains the audience, but a great episode makes the audience feel the emotion of the characters and the story. A great start to the Pokemon anime along with the Indigo League (Season 1), which are a must watch/rewatch for enthusiasts.
The original games consisted Pokemon as characters existent to primarily fight battles, and advance the plot. This episode showed that they can feel emotions just like a human. It has been more than twenty years since this episode had been released, and yet it's widely praised, despite the nostalgia it might bestow upon the early watchers of the show. Pikachu and Ash made me feel. A good episode entertains the audience, but a great episode makes the audience feel the emotion of the characters and the story. A great start to the Pokemon anime along with the Indigo League (Season 1), which are a must watch/rewatch for enthusiasts.
Gotta Catch Em All!
injury-654478 June 2020
There was a lot of pressure on this episode to be great. It carries the weight of an unfathomably large and popular and successful franchise on its back.
It's better even than I remembered.
The character of Ash seems pretty typical - an underachieving underdog. I guess that makes him a relatable protagonist as most people don't see themselves as successful.
There is real emotion here. The way The relationship between Ash and Pikachu is developed is great. The reluctant pet who steps up to save the master who has shown that although he has great ambitions, ultimately he has the best interests of Pokémon at heart. He is simply struggling to understand this brand new world, and is trying his best. The episode does a great job of establishing the scope of the world, while still staying local and basic for the beginning. You truly get a sense that you are embarking upon a lifelong journey. Thinking about how many Pokémon there are and Ash's intentions to catch every single one. He has a VERY long way to go.
The final tease of the unknown Glittering Pokémon in the clouds Is genius. It contrasts so well with the common bird Pokemon scattered throughout the episode and shows the golden potential that awaits a trainer who is able to climb to the very heights of Pokemondom.
The theme song is so iconic. I can understand why an entire generation of children was caught up in this epic world of Pokémon. Even as an adult it's difficult to resist its charms.
A cynical reviewer could talk about how this show is utterly commercial and soulless in the way it is designed to sell cards, games, toys, merchandise. I have to disagree and I think the show can be enjoyed in its own right - I have never really played the games even though I loved the show as a child.
The Who's that Pokémon segment was laughably obvious - I don't know if it gets more challenging as the show goes on.
It's better even than I remembered.
The character of Ash seems pretty typical - an underachieving underdog. I guess that makes him a relatable protagonist as most people don't see themselves as successful.
There is real emotion here. The way The relationship between Ash and Pikachu is developed is great. The reluctant pet who steps up to save the master who has shown that although he has great ambitions, ultimately he has the best interests of Pokémon at heart. He is simply struggling to understand this brand new world, and is trying his best. The episode does a great job of establishing the scope of the world, while still staying local and basic for the beginning. You truly get a sense that you are embarking upon a lifelong journey. Thinking about how many Pokémon there are and Ash's intentions to catch every single one. He has a VERY long way to go.
The final tease of the unknown Glittering Pokémon in the clouds Is genius. It contrasts so well with the common bird Pokemon scattered throughout the episode and shows the golden potential that awaits a trainer who is able to climb to the very heights of Pokemondom.
The theme song is so iconic. I can understand why an entire generation of children was caught up in this epic world of Pokémon. Even as an adult it's difficult to resist its charms.
A cynical reviewer could talk about how this show is utterly commercial and soulless in the way it is designed to sell cards, games, toys, merchandise. I have to disagree and I think the show can be enjoyed in its own right - I have never really played the games even though I loved the show as a child.
The Who's that Pokémon segment was laughably obvious - I don't know if it gets more challenging as the show goes on.
An iconic episode to start things off.
balletcoppelia26 January 2023
I just started a full series rewatch/watch (I haven't seen all of the show) a week or so ago and figured I'd review them all as I go. Maybe it'll help me actually stick with it for the entire series.
I love the first episode of Pokemon so much. <3 It's so nostalgic, and funny, but also so sweet, and also very cool towards the end. Pilot episode of all time.
It shows off a lot of the great things in Pokemon; cute little animals, hilarious characters and jokes, exciting conflicts involving the Pokemon, and Ash being an idiot but loving his Pokemon a ton, even going to extreme lengths to protect them.
I love the first episode of Pokemon so much. <3 It's so nostalgic, and funny, but also so sweet, and also very cool towards the end. Pilot episode of all time.
It shows off a lot of the great things in Pokemon; cute little animals, hilarious characters and jokes, exciting conflicts involving the Pokemon, and Ash being an idiot but loving his Pokemon a ton, even going to extreme lengths to protect them.
The first episode of Pokémon
ejajjindran22 November 2021
The very popular episode of all animes of all time. 95% chance everyone watch this episode and yes this is the episode, best masterpiece episode makes pokemon interesting.pokemon is best and no 1 literally. I pove POKEMON.
The first steps of a 25 year journey
superandyt25 May 2024
It's quite an achievement, that in this first episode of a series which would go on to be one of the longest running and successful, we already see so many hints to a well crafted and living world.
You have to wonder, even with the juggernaut of Pokemon games and branding behind it, could the creative team know just how many years Ash Ketchum would remain 10 years old.
While undoubtedly a kids show with a franchise to sell, there's a great sense of both wonder and restraint this first episode shows in explaining some details, but not everything, showing a huge world and letting some fantastical creatures pass by uncommented upon, while hitting existing fans with a classic "I know what that is" dopamine hit.
And, I'll tell you what - even 25 years on, as the episode reaches its climax and an unshakable friendship between Ash and Pikachu is forged, cynicism aside, it's a lovely moment about trust and friendship.
You have to wonder, even with the juggernaut of Pokemon games and branding behind it, could the creative team know just how many years Ash Ketchum would remain 10 years old.
While undoubtedly a kids show with a franchise to sell, there's a great sense of both wonder and restraint this first episode shows in explaining some details, but not everything, showing a huge world and letting some fantastical creatures pass by uncommented upon, while hitting existing fans with a classic "I know what that is" dopamine hit.
And, I'll tell you what - even 25 years on, as the episode reaches its climax and an unshakable friendship between Ash and Pikachu is forged, cynicism aside, it's a lovely moment about trust and friendship.
Sweet and humble beginnings for a once-great show that brought joy to billions.
Foreverisacastironmess12329 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Hell, why be concervative! This first ever episode does look and sound a little rough now, but the show was yet to find its almighty feet-and wouldn't for quite a little while longer if I remember correctly! What can you say? We first meet our Z-cheeked hero Ash, whom I always thought was just as interesting and strong a character solo as with the others. Although, things do feel incomplete until the original and best trio of friends get together. We also of course first meet Pikachu, who strangely behaves more bratty than he ever seemed to ever again! This actually isn't the first episode I ever saw. That one would be "Dig those Diglett!" an offering quite aways down the line. So I suppose compared to some I got on the fun a little late. I remember it specifically being that episode because I remember putting it on mid-show and hearing the Diglett's chanting their names and getting my first taste of that whole element of Pokémon, and thinking to myself: "now what the hell is this weird cartoon supposed to be?" A few episodes later I was completely in love with everything the show was about: the Pokemon, the humour, the action, the friendships, the beautiful idyllic world... For a very long time. Sigh, it's so sad how things can drift away from you despite yourself as you get older, don't you think? Well that, and the fact that I simply CANT watch the kind of show it is today! It's so awesome how Ho-Oh appeared before there even was a Ho-Oh-appearing in the sky to only those pure of heart with great destinies to come... And there certainly were many amazing things in store for our hero. This isn't one of my favourite ever episodes of this show, but it is an important landmark episode for the whole series-Ash and Pikachu's friendship is firmly established and it's the birth of a legend. P.S. Uh, that's not a goof about Ash thinking he saw Articuno. Although he was mistaken in what Pokemon he thought he saw, that was HIS goof not the episode's and years and years later in another Poke-tale he finally does learn what legendary bird he really saw. Thank 'ya much!
Pokémon I choose you
mohammedsulemanbalwar2 April 2020
Ash starts his Pokémon journey off to a rough start when he receives his first Pokémon, the reluctant Pikachu.
I couldn't saw the Charizard in action except on Volcano badge
Ihope in next season I will see him in action
I couldn't saw the Charizard in action except on Volcano badge
Ihope in next season I will see him in action
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