The BEST episodes of Pokémon season 5
Every episode of Pokémon season 5, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Pokémon season 5!
A young boy named Ash Ketchum embarks on a journey to become a "Pokemon Master" with his first Pokemon, Pikachu. Joining him on his travels are Brock, a girl-obsessed Rock Pokemon Trainer, and Misty, a tomboyish Water Pokemon Trainer who may have a crush on him. Ash and Co. end up traveling through various regions, including Kanto, the Orange Islands, and Johto, and then enter the Pokemon League competitions there. Along the way, they run into many confrontations with Jessie, James, and Meowth, a trio of Pokemon thieves who are apart of an evil organization called "Team Rocket". But everytime Team Rocket try to do their evil deeds, they fail thanks to Ash and his Pokemon.
#1 - A Parent Trapped!
Season 5 - Episode 12 - Aired 10/25/2001
With the young Lugia in the possession of Butch and Cassidy, Ash and friends set about rescuing it while protecting its parent from itself. The parent Lugia fights desperately to free its child-playing right into Team Rocket's hands. If Ash fails to win the Lugia's trust and convince it not to oppose Team Rocket alone, it seems this Pokemon is fated to end up in captivity along with its child.
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#2 - Great Bowls of Fire!
Season 5 - Episode 44 - Aired 6/20/2002
Ash's Charizard flys in and lands on Ash. Liza also lands in on Charla who is in love with Charizard. Rocket find a bowl in a Dragon Shrine which upsets Dragonite and causes a fire in a field. So Ash, Liza and Clair set to put out the fire to save wild Pokemon.After the fire is put out, TR is greatful that they were saved from the fire. Dragonite is under an attack rage and starts attacking Clair, Ash and the gang. This leads to a battle between Dragonair and Charizard versus Dragonite which ends his attack rage.
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#3 - Johto Photo Finish
Season 5 - Episode 63 - Aired 10/31/2002
Our hero is at the end of a tough battle with Harrison at the Johto League Silver Conference. The winner of this battle will go on to the semi-finals. Each trainer has battled hard and is down to their last Pokémon. Ash is using Charizard. Harrison is also using a high level fire type called Blaziken. Charizard flies up with Blaziken and is in position for a powerful Seismic Toss. After the impact, however, both Pokémon are standing! As Charizard tossed Blaziken down, Blaziken had directed a Flame Thrower attack towards the ground to propel it back up, softening the blow of the impact! Both Pokémon battle well, and it seems like neither will give in, but, in the end, Charizard faints. Harrison continues on into the semi-finals, but is defeated in the next round. After his battle, he tells Ash all about Hoenn and the amazing Pokémon there. As the Silver Conference comes to a close and the gang prepares to leave for Vermillion City, Gary makes a surprising announcement – he's giving up battling. He's decided to become a Pokémon Researcher.
#4 - The Ties that Bind
Season 5 - Episode 60 - Aired 10/10/2002
Ash is about to take on his long time rival, Gary Oak, in the next battle of the Johto League Silver Conference, and he's determined to do everything he can to win. He stays up all night researching strategies and trying to learn more about Gary's Pokémon. Gary has a lot of strong Pokémon, and he trains many different types, so Ash has to pick his team carefully. Gary starts out with Nidoqueen, and Ash uses Tauros. Gary wins the first round, but Ash takes the second. It's going to be a very close match! In round three, it's Ash's Heracross versus Gary's Blastoise.
#5 - Playing With Fire!
Season 5 - Episode 62 - Aired 10/24/2002
Ash is battling Harrison from Hoenn at the Johto League Silver Conference. Pikachu is very excited to be battling. It's a close match the whole way through, but one by one Harrison knocks out Totodile, Snorlax, and Noctowl. Ash cleverly guides Bayleef through a rough battle with Harrison's Houndoom. Houndoom is a fire type Pokémon so it has the advantage, but Ash had Bayleef use its Vine Whip attack to close Houndoom's mouth. In the end, Bayleef is able to knock out Houndoom! But Bayleef is no match for Harrison's last Pokémon. Harrison's sixth Pokémon is one that Ash has never seen before – Blaziken. It's a fire type Pokémon and it's at a really high level. Ash has saved Charizard for last.
#6 - Can't Beat the Heat!
Season 5 - Episode 61 - Aired 10/17/2002
Our hero is in the middle of the first match of the championship tournament at the Johto League Silver Conference. His opponent is his long time rival – Gary Oak. Each trainer is down one Pokémon, with five to go. Gary's Blastoise is very strong and knocks out Ash's Heracross. Ash isn't surprised – that Blastoise was the Squirtle that Gary got when he first started out as a trainer! Gary recalls Blastoise and the battle continues. Finally, each trainer is down to their last Pokémon. Gary has saved Blastoise till the end – and Ash calls out Charizard! Blastoise has the advantage because it's a Water Type, but Ash is very clever. He uses Charizard's Flame Thrower attack to scorch the battle field, trapping Blastoise. Blastoise uses Hydro Pump to cool off the field, but it backfires. The field becomes all steamy and no one can see. Charizard finishes off the battle with a Seismic Toss. Ash is thrilled to have finally defeated his rival – but his next opponent will be Harrison from Hoenn.
#7 - Gotta Catch Ya Later!
Season 5 - Episode 64 - Aired 11/7/2002
With the Johto League Silver Conference behind them, Ash, Brock and Misty head back to Viridian City to relax. Their vacation is cut short when Misty receives an urgent call beckoning her back to Cerulean City to run the gym while her sisters cruise the world. Brock, too, realizes that has things he has to do. After a teary goodbye, Ash returns home to Pallet Town – but soon grows restless for adventure. When his former rival Gary takes off on a new journey, leaving behind all of his Pokémon except Blastoise, Ash starts thinking about his next journey.
#8 - Beauty is Skin Deep
Season 5 - Episode 42 - Aired 6/6/2002
Finally reaching the outskirts of Blackthorn City, Ash pushes to quickly seek out the gym where he hopes to earn his final Johto badge. Before he has the opportunity, he chances into a Dratini and learns that its eager trainer, Clair, is in fact the Blackthorn Gym leader.
#9 - The Perfect Match!
Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired 9/27/2001
Ash and Misty each emerge victorious from arduous bouts only to be paired against one another in the next round. As these two square off, Team Rocket plots to steal the tournament's prize using reverse psychology: they leave an anonymous tip with the local police force that the prize is in danger. This tip, Jessie reasons, will lead to heightened security, which will in turn lead to overconfidence and carelessness, effectually making it easier for Jessie and James to sneak in and claim their prize. With Ash already in strong position, Misty accidentally deploys Psyduck to face his Kingler. In a surprise turn, however, Psyduck launches a Confuse attack that wins the match for Misty. Ash takes his place in the stands and cheers for Misty as she begins her next round. Meanwhile Team Rocket watches in shock as-contrary to Jessie's plan-not only is the police presence at the event fortified, but the police show no sign of growing overconfident.
#10 - Dueling Heroes
Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 9/20/2001
As the final round of the Whirl Cup begins, Ash and Misty must each face formidable opponents. Ash has his Kingler transferred from Oak's lab in preparation, but when he and his Totodile begin their first battle, they must face an opponent with a powerful Kingdra. Misty also faces a challenging duel with an experienced opponent and his Qwilfish. Meanwhile, Team Rocket sets about stealing an ancient jewel used in a reward ceremony to be performed for the tournament's victor.
#11 - Just Waiting On a Friend
Season 5 - Episode 23 - Aired 1/17/2002
As they journey towards Mahogany Town, Ash and friends stop in a house for the night. When they arrive, they discover that there's a girl named Lakoko who owns it and a Ninetales. Brock instantly falls in love with her. Strangely, she likes him too. Brock says that he wants to marry her and she agrees that she wants to marry him. He is about to hug her but actually goes through her. Ash and Misty get scared and as they get suspicious, a fog appears and Ninetales Fire Blasts them out of the house. Meanwhile, Team Rocket tries to sneak into the house but they run into some booby traps. Ash and Misty sneak in and find that there's an old picture of Brock in the house. There's also a diary written by Lakoko that is over 200 years old...
#12 - For Ho-Oh The Bells Toll!
Season 5 - Episode 18 - Aired 12/6/2001
When Ash, Misty, and Brock run to investigate a mysterious chorus of bells that spontaneously ring out, they chance to meet their old friend Morty and a Pokémon researcher of his acquaintance. Morty and the researcher discover that the sacred Crystal bells, which are said to ring when a legendary Ho-oh returns, are missing. Since the bells were also used to heal the Bug Pokémon living in that area, these Pokémon lash out against their human neighbors, covering the town with their webs. Ash and friends decide to get to the heart of things and, in the forest, find Team Rocket restrained by webs and hanging from a tree. Ash, Misty, Brock, Morty, and the researcher begin to battle with the Bug Pokémon.
#13 - The Mystery is History
Season 5 - Episode 11 - Aired 10/18/2001
Ash and the gang have just gone through a cave, and decide to take a quick rest. The gang is surprised by another Pikachu!
#14 - Fangs for Nothin'
Season 5 - Episode 43 - Aired 6/13/2002
Team Rocket steals the Dragon Fang as Ash begins his battle for the final Johto badge with Clair. Then TR gets Dragonite on their side to help them escape.
#15 - Octillery The Outcast
Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/13/2001
After reaching the town where the preliminary round of the Whirl Cup is held, Ash and Misty enter and earn the two victories required to continue on to the finals. A friend they had met earlier is not as fortunate. When Misty tries to console him with promises of the next Whirl Cup to be held in three years, he remains depressed, saying that it was not lack of ability but the low spirits of his Octillery that had brought about his defeat. The Pokémon had been depressed ever since it evolved from a Remoraid and was subsequently spurned by its onetime Remoraid friends. If the boy cannot somehow mend these friendships between Pokémon that have now grown different in appearance, he doesn't see any hopes of victory even in three years time. Ash and friends willingly lend their knowledge and enthusiasm to this problem of Pokémon sociology.
#16 - Better Eight Than Never
Season 5 - Episode 45 - Aired 6/27/2002
Ash's battle with Claire begins right away and Ash uses Snorlax, Pikachu and Charizard. Meanwhile, Team Rocket dig underground to get back the Dragon Fang but end up meeting Charla. Ash wins his 8th gym badge and is allowed to enter the Johto League as Leeza, Charla and Ash's Charizard fly off.
#17 - As Clear as Crystal
Season 5 - Episode 33 - Aired 3/28/2002
When Pikachu is left exhausted in battle, the gang meets a trainer who guides them to a secret, yet legendary lake that somehow serves to restore energy to the Electric Pokémon that live along its banks.
#18 - A Promise is a Promise
Season 5 - Episode 13 - Aired 11/1/2001
Ash and the gang, along with Richie, captured by Team Rocket and held at their base. Dr. Number and the other Rockets look upon their capture of the parent Lugia, but they rather use that than the child so they carry that one off.
#19 - Nerves of Steelix!
Season 5 - Episode 15 - Aired 11/15/2001
Ash finally battles Jasmine in Olivine City to get his next badge.
#20 - Dues and Don'ts
Season 5 - Episode 22 - Aired 1/10/2002
Upon realizing that Ash and friends have many more Pokémon than they do, Team Rocket goes on a search for a new Pokémon. They find a Delibird in a cage, free it and capture it. A lady comes out and says that if they athey can prove re members of Team Rocket, they can keep the Delibird. They search through Team Rocket records to find they names aren't listed. Will Jessie and James finally get a new Pokémon?
#21 - Nice Pryce, Baby!
Season 5 - Episode 29 - Aired 2/28/2002
Having earned Pryce's respect and permission to face the trainer in a gym battle, Ash makes the unlikely choice of sending out Cyndaquil, a Fire Pokémon, to face his opponent on an Ice battlefield. Fortunately, Ash's strategy pans out as he leads the gym leader to lower his defenses, allowing Ash to take the first victory in a two-on-two match. Next the gym leader sends out his trusty Piloswine, which immediately unleashes a Blizzard attack that completely alters the battlefield, allowing it to make quick work of Ash's defending Pokémon. With one victory each, the round enters sudden death with each trainer playing his oldest, most reliable Pokémon. A seasoned duo, Ash and Pikachu may match the teamwork of the gym leader and his Piloswine
#22 - One Trick Phony!
Season 5 - Episode 39 - Aired 5/16/2002
After defeating a girl who has a Smoochum, Ash is determined to beat Clair, as he is getting close to Blackthorn City. Seeing that Ash just can't get enough battling, the trainer suggests as she leaves that he give a local Pokémon battle park a try.
#23 - Rage of Innocence
Season 5 - Episode 27 - Aired 2/14/2002
Since Ash, Misty and Brock are all trapped, Jesse and James decide to take an advantage of the moment to catch Pikachu. They press the wrong button and it frees Ash and the others! Then Lance comes with Dragonite to help Ash. With Dragonite, they destroy Team Rocket's evolution inducement ray, and go off to save the red Gyarados. Since the ray was destroyed, the Gyarados becomes stronger and breaks free with Team Rocket. But now, it's angry and rampages towards Mahogany Town! Lance had called Officer Jenny to come and arrest Tyson and the Rocket Grunts. Ash and friends go to help the Gyarados, while Lance fights Tyson's two Fearows with Dragonite. After winning, Lance goes to help Ash calm down the Gyarados. He eventually captures it. Tyson and the Rocket Grunts are arrested, Lance flies off, and Ash is now in Mahogany Town ready to challenge the gym leader!
#24 - Entei at Your Own Risk
Season 5 - Episode 50 - Aired 8/1/2002
On their way to Mount Silver, the gang come across a hot spring and meet Nelson who is looking for an Entei. Ash, Misty and Brock decide to release their Pokemon for them to enjoy the hot springs and hot sand. Team Rocket appear pretending to be researchers in order to steal Larvitar. After escaping from Rocket's truck, Nelson and his Misdreavous meet Ash again.Nelson wants to battle Ash, so Ash sends out Phanpy first. While battling, TR steal Misdreavous after they find out how powerful she is. Rocket then steal all the wild Pokemon in the hot spring as well as Brock's Pinco. When Brock chases after it, Pineco evolves into Forretress. After Rocket over-powers their machine, it causes the hot spring to get out of control. But then, Entei's flamethrower saves the spring and blasts TR away. Nelson then tries to catch Entei, but it uses roar to escape.
#25 - Mother of All Battles
Season 5 - Episode 55 - Aired 9/5/2002
After many days of travel, Ash and friends finally reach the area where their Larvitar was born. They soon encounter a Tyranitar that they recognize from Larvitar's visions to be its mother. Unfortunately, this Tyranitar mistakes them for the poachers that had stolen her child. Our heroes struggle to convince the mother Tyranitar of their good intentions, but to no avail. Things only get worse when the actual poachers arrive, intent on capturing not only the child, but its mother as well.