Pokemon: 7 Classic Indigo League Episodes Fans Still Adore

Many people first got into anime through the original Pokémon series. Pokémon: Indigo League follows Ash Ketchum, a new Pokémon Trainer, as he excitedly starts his journey across his home region. But his adventure begins with a surprising turn of events, leading to one of Ash’s most memorable experiences.

Throughout the season, Ash develops as a Pokémon Trainer, learning everything from how to catch Pokémon to strategizing in battles. He also grows as a person, becoming kinder and more understanding towards all Pokémon. This compassion, combined with his unwavering drive to be the best, is key to his progress.

Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village

Ash Meets a Pokémon That Dislikes Trainers

Typically, starter Pokémon are excited to bond with Trainers and become stronger through teamwork. But in the Pokémon episode “Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village”, Ash and his friends discover that some Pokémon, including starters, aren’t always eager for a Trainer after finding the Hidden Village—a safe haven for Pokémon left behind by their Trainers. Melanie, who cares for the Pokémon at the village, helps them heal and prepare to live independently in the wild. She’s assisted by her Bulbasaur, who was raised in the Hidden Village.

Bulbasaur starts out distrustful of humans, having witnessed how poorly some Trainers treat Pokémon. He even attacks Ash and Misty at first, trying to scare them away. However, when Team Rocket attempts to steal all the Pokémon from the Hidden Village, Bulbasaur is touched by Ash’s bravery and willingness to help others. Melanie then suggests that Ash and Bulbasaur become partners, and Bulbasaur happily joins Ash’s team, quickly becoming one of his most reliable Pokémon. This episode is famous not only for introducing Ash’s first Kanto starter Pokémon, but also for featuring a scene that later became the popular “Surprised Pikachu” internet meme.

Here Comes the Squirtle Squad

A Group of Abandoned Squirtles Cause Chaos

Image via The Pokemon Company

A Squirtle, left behind by its trainer, started a group called the Squirtle Squad with other abandoned Squirtle. These Water-type Pokémon, always sporting sunglasses, became known for causing trouble in a small town, stealing things and playing pranks on people. Their antics caught the attention of Meowth from Team Rocket, who convinced them to try and steal Ash’s Pikachu. Unfortunately, Pikachu was already hurt after being attacked by a Goldeen and urgently needed help.

Team Rocket unexpectedly attacked the Squirtle Squad, accidentally starting a forest fire that almost killed their leader, Squirtle. Ash rescued Squirtle, and deeply touched by his kindness, Squirtle decided to join Ash on his journey, temporarily leaving the Squirtle Squad without a leader. Inspired by this change, the rest of the Squirtle Squad resolved to use their skills to help people instead of causing trouble, all while keeping the cool attitude their fans adore.

Charmander – The Stray Pokemon

The Fire-type Starter Considers Its Path

Ash and his friends have seen that not all Pokémon Trainers are good to their Pokémon, and they recently met Pokémon from the Hidden Village who suffered from this. While traveling, they find a gentle Charmander waiting for its Trainer, completely trusting that he’ll return as promised. Unfortunately, they soon discover the Trainer has no plans to come back, cruelly dismissing Charmander as “weak.” To make matters worse, it begins to rain, which could be very dangerous for the Fire-type Pokémon.

Ash and his friends hurry through the rain to reach Charmander, who is weak but alive. Although things look bad at first, Charmander recovers and even manages to frighten off Team Rocket with a strong Flamethrower attack. When Charmander’s original trainer, Damian, appears and tries to take him back, Charmander uses Flamethrower on him instead. Because Ash has been so kind, Charmander chooses to join Ash’s team, wanting to be with someone who genuinely cares for him.

Electric Shock Showdown

Pikachu Battles His Evolved Form

When Ash and Pikachu reach Vermilion City, they discover the Pokémon Center is unusually busy with injured Pokémon being cared for by Nurse Joy and her staff. They soon find out that Lt. Surge, the Gym Leader, and his strong Raichu are responsible – they’re defeating Trainers who challenge them without holding back. Despite this, Ash is confident in Pikachu and decides to let him battle Raichu, which Lt. Surge trained to evolve quickly. Sadly, the battle doesn’t go well, and Pikachu is badly hurt, needing to recover at the Pokémon Center.

I was at the Pokémon Center with Ash when he received a Thunder Stone, an item that could evolve Pikachu into a Raichu, just like Lt. Surge’s. But Ash respected Pikachu’s choice to stay as he was, and together they came up with a different strategy for their next battle. When they rematched Lt. Surge, Pikachu focused on quickness and dodging, using moves Raichu wouldn’t have known because it evolved so fast. This unexpected approach worked! Ash and Pikachu won, and it even gave Lt. Surge a fresh way of looking at things.

Pikachu’s Goodbye

The Mouse Pokémon Meets Others of His Kind

When “Pikachu’s Goodbye” starts, Ash and Pikachu haven’t known each other for very long, but they’ve already become incredibly close friends – almost inseparable. This makes the episode’s story particularly heartwarming and sad. The story kicks off when Pikachu meets a large group of other Pikachu, likely for the first time, and Ash starts to wonder if it would be better for Pikachu to be with them. Meanwhile, Team Rocket sees this group of Pikachu and decides to try and capture them all for Giovanni.

At first, the group of Pikachu are wary of Ash’s Pikachu, mainly because he travels with humans. But after he saves a young Pikachu and helps defeat Team Rocket, the other Pikachu welcome him as one of their own. Seeing this heartwarming scene, Ash tries to set Pikachu free, running away before anyone can stop him. However, Pikachu, encouraged by his new friends, jumps into Ash’s arms, showing everyone he wants to continue training and traveling with Ash.

Bye Bye Butterfree

Ash’s First Caught Pokémon Falls in Love

I remember watching the episode where Ash finally caught his first Pokémon, a little Bug-type called Caterpie. It was a sweet moment, but poor Caterpie quickly learned that Misty really doesn’t like bugs – she made that perfectly clear! Later that night, I saw Caterpie talking to Pikachu, sharing his dream of getting stronger. Pikachu was totally supportive, which was nice to see. By the end of the episode, not only had Caterpie evolved into Metapod, but he’d also managed to win Misty over – she actually seemed to accept him!

In the episode “Bye Bye Butterfree,” Ash’s original Pokémon, Butterfree, finds love with a pink Butterfree during mating season. He earns her affection by saving her and other Butterfree from Team Rocket, who attempt to catch them. Ash then makes the difficult decision to release Butterfree so he can be with his new partner, saying a heartfelt goodbye. The episode is particularly moving because of the emotional memories shown at the end, and is known for being a sad but memorable departure of a fan-favorite Pokémon.

Pokemon – I Choose You!

Ash Ketchum Begins His Pokémon Journey

In the Pokémon anime series, many characters aspire to become a Pokémon Master. What that means can differ – some focus on mastering a specific type of Pokémon. But for Ash Ketchum, being a Pokémon Master means becoming a strong Trainer and befriending every Pokémon species. The story begins with Ash eagerly anticipating the day he can choose his first Pokémon from Professor Oak and begin his adventure. However, he oversleeps, and the only Pokémon remaining is Pikachu, a spirited Electric-type who is independent and a bit of a rebel.

Ash is frustrated because his newly-caught Pokémon, Pikachu, won’t cooperate. He attempts to catch another Pokémon, but accidentally disturbs a large group of Spearow, who then attack Pikachu. As a thunderstorm rolls in, Ash tries to escape, but gets cornered and protects Pikachu from the angry birds. Touched by Ash’s bravery, Pikachu uses a powerful electric attack, saving them both. After the storm passes, Ash and Pikachu share an unbreakable bond – a friendship that has stayed with fans of the Pokémon anime ever since.

2026-02-25 22:36