Ep 1. Fear Factor Phony!

In the first episode of the ninth season of Pokemon the Series, titled "Fear Factor Phony!," Ash and his friends arrive at a new location called Fallarbor Town where they discover a contest is taking place. The contest, called the Battle Park, is an event where trainers compete against each other with their Pokemon to win a variety of prizes.

As the gang explores the town, they meet a shy young girl named Mariah who is also participating in the Battle Park contest. Mariah reveals that she suffers from a crippling fear of Bug-type Pokemon, which is a major hindrance in her abilities as a trainer. Ash, being the helpful and determined trainer that he is, decides to help Mariah overcome her fear by teaching her the importance of facing her fears head-on.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket is up to their old tricks and has a plan to steal all the Pokemon that are participating in the Battle Park contest. The trio uses a fake Fearow that spits out a mist that causes all the Pokemon to become paralyzed with fear. Ash and his friends must team up with Mariah in order to stop Team Rocket's evil plans and save all the Pokemon from their clutches.

The episode is filled with action-packed battle scenes between the trainers and their Pokemon, as well as suspenseful moments as Team Rocket puts their plan into action. Along the way, Ash, Mariah, and the gang learn valuable lessons about friendship, determination, and conquering one's fears.

Overall, "Fear Factor Phony!" is an exciting and heartwarming start to the ninth season of Pokemon the Series. The episode highlights the importance of facing one's fears and never giving up in the face of adversity. Fans of the series will appreciate the return of Ash and his friends as they embark on yet another epic adventure in the world of Pokemon.