Japanese Title: Egg, Hatch!
Original Airdate: December 27th, 2001
US Airdate: January 18th, 2003
On their way to Mahogany Town, the site of Ash's next gym match, Ash's egg begins to glow, signaling its hatching. The egg finally hatches after hours of glowing into a cute, newly born Phanpy. But Team Rocket has yet again set their sights on our heroes' Pokémon. After using an electric attack to blast them off, the new born is shocked too, causing it to run off in fear. Will Pikachu be able to convince Phanpy that Ash is a good trainer or will Team Rocket be able to bring it to the bad side of the law?
This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- Continuity Nod: James compares Phanpy's fascination with Meowth's tail with the Snubbull that used to follow them around.
- Mistreatment-Induced Betrayal: After Phanpy helps Team Rocket to successfully steal Pikachu, James locks Phanpy up in a cage. This convinces Phanpy that Team Rocket are the bad guys and it helps Pikachu break out.
- Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Phanpy is accidentally electrocuted when Ash and Pikachu try to save it from Team Rocket. This causes Phanpy to run away out of fear, and eventually partners up with Team Rocket.
