A Pokemon: Orange Islands Episode Did Something 24 Years Ago That’s Never Happened Again

A Pokemon: Orange Islands Episode Did Something 24 Years Ago That's Never Happened Again

Highlights

  • A Pokemon fan has found popular classic Pokemon Porygon’s only speaking role in the anime’s English dub, featured in an Orange Islands episode.
  • Porygon has largely been kept out of the Pokemon anime for its starring role in one of the Pokemon anime’s most controversial episodes, “Electric Soldier Porygon.”
  • While Porygon remains rare in the anime, it has appeared consistently in the games, available to be caught within each new Pokemon generation.

As a long-time Pokemon fan and avid anime watcher, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I come across stories like this one about Porygon’s only English speaking role in the Pokemon anime. Growing up, I remember being both fascinated and terrified by the infamous “Electric Soldier Porygon” episode due to the controversy surrounding it. I wasn’t alive during its initial airing, but the story of the seizure-inducing visuals and Porygon’s unfortunate association with it has been passed down through generations of Pokemon fans.


A shrewd “Pokemon” enthusiast has uncovered an intriguing detail from an episode of the “Orange Islands” arc in the anime that hasn’t occurred since in its English adaptation. The anime adaptation of the widely beloved monster-catching franchise has been a long-running success since its 1997 debut. With over 1,000 episodes and more than 20 feature films, the “Pokemon” anime boasts an extensive library featuring its iconic cast of creatures. However, this popular show has had a tumultuous history with one specific Pokemon.

Porygon, one of the original 151 Pokemon, gained infamy in the Pokemon anime for its notable role, appearing prominently only once, in the problematic “Electric Soldier Porygon” episode during the first season. This episode was notoriously responsible for causing seizures in over 600 Japanese viewers due to flashing lights. Consequently, it was never officially dubbed into English. However, a fan recently discovered an obscure appearance of Porygon following its controversy.

Redditor Paulo_Zero stumbled upon the unique finding of Porygon during a leisurely watch of “Pokemon” Orange Islands’ second season episode, named “A Day Off with a Difference.” In this installment, Ash and his companions take a breather from their Orange Islands adventures, but Team Rocket disrupts their peace. Notably, the “Who’s That Pokemon?” segment steals the spotlight, presenting Porygon and featuring its only spoken English lines. Although Porygon makes cameos in later episodes and films, this Orange Islands episode remains significant as Porygon’s sole speaking engagement in English.

Pokemon’s “Orange Islands” Arc Featured Porygon’s Only English Anime Role

As a dedicated gamer and avid Pokemon fan, I’ve noticed that the recent post on The Pokemon Company’s treatment of cybernetic Pokemon, specifically Porygon, has sparked quite a debate among fans. In my perspective, many of us are expressing our concerns over what we believe to be an unfair exclusion of this unique Pokemon from the anime. Some argue that the episode in question aired before most of us were even born, making it difficult for us to fully understand and appreciate its context.

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that despite being absent from the Pokemon anime after its controversial episode, Porygon has remained an intriguing presence in the games. Though it may be a rare catch, this unique creature has made appearances throughout each generation of the franchise. In earlier versions, Porygon could even be obtained as a reward from the Game Corner. Although it wasn’t featured in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s base game, it made its return in the “Hidden Treasure of Area Zero” DLC. The infrequent use of Porygon in the anime brings back memories of one of the franchise’s earliest controversies.

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2024-07-28 18:47