Ep 39. Forrest Grumps
- July 6, 2000
In "Forrest Grumps," the 39th episode of season 3 of Pokemon the Series, Ash and his friends are headed to the Johto League championships, but they stop off in a forest along the way to get some rest. While there, they meet a boy named Forrest who is obsessed with bugs and catching them. He has a net and a special Pokéball that he has modified to be able to capture bug-type Pokémon, and he challenges Ash to a battle.
During the battle, Forrest shows off his impressive collection of bug-type Pokémon, including a Pinsir, a Butterfree, a Beedrill, and a Heracross. Despite his enthusiasm, Forrest isn't a skilled trainer, and Ash is able to defeat him easily. Undeterred, Forrest asks Ash to train him and teach him how to become a better trainer.
Ash agrees, and as they travel together, he helps Forrest improve his battle skills and teaches him more about Pokémon. Forrest is a quick learner, and soon he's able to put up a better fight against other trainers they encounter on their journey.
Along the way, Ash and his friends encounter a number of bug-type Pokémon, including a Scyther, a Shuckle, and a Yanma. They also run into Team Rocket, who try to steal Forrest's bug collection but are thwarted by Ash and his friends.
One day, while training in the forest, Forrest comes across a rare and powerful Celebi. Ash and his friends are amazed by the sighting, but Forrest is ecstatic. He has been searching for a Celebi his entire life, and he is determined to catch it.
Forrest sets up traps and lures to try to catch Celebi, but it proves to be too elusive. Eventually, he realizes that he needs to let the Pokémon go and focus on training his other bug-type Pokémon. Ash and his friends are proud of Forrest for making the difficult decision, and they continue on their journey to the Johto League champions.
Overall, "Forrest Grumps" is a heartwarming and exciting episode that showcases the importance of perseverance, dedication, and teamwork. It's a great example of the positive messages that Pokemon the Series promotes and a testament to the enduring popularity of this beloved cartoon.
