Japanese Title: Magcargot! Catching the Hot Heart!!
Original Airdate: March 14, 2002
US Airdate: March 29, 2003
Ash, Misty, and Brock face many roadblocks on the path to success, some metaphoric and others in the form of gigantic Magcargo that refuse to step aside and let a traveler pass. When Misty's Water tactics fail to move the stubborn Fire Pokémon, a passing trainer taunts her, declaring that Fire Pokémon, his specialty, are far superior to Water. Their rivalry escalates into a full-on Pokémon battle, from which Misty emerges victorious. The Fire Pokémon trainer doesn't hold a grudge for too long, though, and in the end an unlikely collaboration between Fire and Water reopens the path to the Johto League.
This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- Blocking Stops All Damage: Whenever Magcargo hides in its shell, it takes no damage from the oncoming attack even if said attack is a four times super effective Water Gun.
- Fire-Forged Friends: Misty and Egan spend most of the episode arguing with each other, due their opposite preferred Pokemon types, after Misty helps Egan learn to battle better so he can catch Magcargo, and work together when Team Rocket tries to steal Magcargo, they both develop a respect for one another.
- Fire/Water Juxtaposition: Between Misty and Character of the Day Egan.
- Fiery Redhead: Both Misty and Egan fill this trope.
- Jerkass Has a Point: Although he could have been a bit nicer, Egan isn't wrong when he says the main reason Misty lost her battle against Magcargo is because she spent the majority of the battle running away.
- Running Gag: Team Rocket blast off three times before they even get to confront the twerps.
- Scissors Cuts Rock: Magcargo almost effortlessly defeats Misty's Poliwhirl.
