Ep 3. Ash Catches a Pokemon
Ash Catches a Pokemon is the third episode of the Pokemon anime's first season. It first aired on April 22, 1997, and had the distinction of being the first episode to heavily focus on capturing and collecting Pokemon.
The episode begins with Ash Ketchum desperately trying to catch his first Pokemon. He has been searching for a Pokemon ever since he left his hometown of Pallet, but no luck so far. However, when he spots a Pikachu in the forest, he is struck by the Pokemon's unique appearance and decides to try to catch it.
Unfortunately for Ash, Pikachu is not interested in being caught. It shocks Ash with its electricity-based attacks and runs away. Ash eventually catches back up with Pikachu and tries to convince it to become his Pokemon, but Pikachu still refuses.
Meanwhile, Ash's friend Misty catches up with him, and she too becomes interested in capturing a Pokemon. She spots a group of Pokemon bathing in a nearby stream and decides to try to catch one of them. However, the Pokemon are already under the ownership of a young girl named Melanie, who tells Misty that she is not interested in giving up any of her Pokemon.
As the day progresses, Ash and Misty continue their search for Pokemon. Misty hatches a plan to steal some Pokemon eggs in the hopes of raising them to become her own Pokemon, but Ash intervenes and prevents her from carrying out her plan.
Finally, Ash and Pikachu have another confrontation. This time, Ash proves his determination to Pikachu by jumping in between it and a group of attacking Spearow, who are angry at Pikachu for stealing their food. In the end, Pikachu becomes impressed with Ash's bravery and decides to become his Pokemon.
The episode ends with Ash and Pikachu setting out on their journey again, this time with a new partnership between them that promises many adventures to come.
Overall, Ash Catches a Pokemon is a fun, action-packed episode that does a great job of introducing the concepts of Pokemon catching and collecting to the series. It also sets up one of the most iconic relationships in the entire Pokemon franchise: the partnership between Ash and Pikachu.
