Episode Overview
Ash and May have arrived in Petalburg City, the first stop with a gym. Ash is eager to challenge the gym leader, but May feels a bit anxious—mainly because she hasn't revealed to Ash that her father, Norman, is in charge of the gym. Upon arriving, Ash meets May's younger brother, Max, who is playfully pretending to be the gym leader. Max, full of Pokémon knowledge, is excited for the day he can become a trainer himself. When Ash finally faces Norman, he learns he needs three Pokémon to battle, but he only has Pikachu. Norman offers an unofficial match, and Ash faces his first Vigoroth, realizing he needs to train harder to earn a badge. After a brief encounter with Team Rocket, Ash and May are ready to continue their journey, with Max deciding to join them.