Japanese Title: The Stubborn Chicorita!!
Original Airdate: December 16th, 1999
US Airdate: November 25th, 2000
For Chikorita, Ash is bae.
The one where... Ash gets a new admirer.
Ash encounters a wild Chikorita and engages it in battle, thinking to add it to his team, but as Team Rocket watches the battle from afar, they decide the Chikorita would be better suited to their own nefarious uses.
This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- Ash Face: Charizard is preparing to use Flamethrower when it's tripped up by Chikorita, causing it to fall back and torch Ash instead. Even when Charizard is obeying, the universe makes certain that Ash gets charred — even by genuine accident.
- At Arm's Length: Charizard holds back a tackling Chikorita using his foot.
- Call-Back:
- This isn't the first time we've seen two Nidoran of opposite genders being in love.
- A musical callback is used in the dub via an instrumental of "Together Forever" when Chikorita accepts Ash.
- Continuity Nod: Upon seeing Chikorita sunbathing, the trio remembers Casey's Chikorita. Just in case, Ash calls out (loudly) if any other trainers have this one as their own as well.
- Determinator: Chikorita refuses to back down against any challenge, be it Bulbasaur or Charizard, or even being slammed into a cliff.
- Epic Fail: Charizard losing in a battle against Chikorita. And Ash forgetting his Poké Balls.
- Get a Room!: While looking for Chikorita, Ash finds a pair of Nidoran snuggling. His tone of voice when he reacts indicates this, even for Ash.
- Interspecies Romance: Chikorita clearly develops feelings for Ash. She even kisses him on the cheek when he officially adds her to his party.
- Irritation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery: Ash himself decides to copy Team Rocket's motto, to show he's ready for a fight.Ash: Team Rocket, prepare for trouble! On second thought, make that double!
Jessie (surprised): To protect the world from devastation?
James: (surprised): To unite all peoples within our nation?
Ash: Maybe you think I'm a little too brash. But the master is here and my name is Ash!
Pikachu: Pikachu!
Ash: My Pokémon team is faster than light! Surrender now, or you're in for a fight!
Meowth: Meowth! That's right! - Mundane Made Awesome: Ash and Team Rocket both use snowballs in their battle.
- We Can Rule Together: Not exactly "rule", but Team Rocket offering a spot to Chikorita kind of counts.
