AG136: Difference between revisions

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|nextcode=AG137
|nextcode=AG137
|nexttitle=Hooked on Onix
|nexttitle=Hooked on Onix
|series=Advanced Generation series
|series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
|colorscheme=Emerald }}
|colorscheme=Emerald }}
{{EpisodeInfobox
{{EpisodeInfobox
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|epstaffpage=AG131-AG140
|epstaffpage=AG131-AG140
|footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ag|136}}}}
|footnotes=* {{filb-eppics|ag|136}}}}
'''The Symbol Life''' (Japanese: '''初陣!バトルファクトリー!!(後編)''' ''First Battle! Battle Factory! (Part Two)'') is the 136th episode of the {{series|Advanced Generation}}, and the 410th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on July 28, 2005 and in the United States on April 22, 2006.
'''The Symbol Life''' (Japanese: '''初陣!バトルファクトリー!!(後編)''' ''First Battle! Battle Factory! (Part Two)'') is the 136th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'', and the 410th episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It was first broadcast in Japan on July 28, 2005, and in the United States on April 22, 2006.


{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}


==Blurb==
==Blurb==
<!--http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-episodes/08_43-the-symbol-life/-->
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/8/episode-43-the-symbol-life/-->
<i>Ash has opted to battle Articuno with Charizard in his Battle Factory match. Now he's busy training with Charizard, who has gotten even stronger during its time in the Charicific Valley. Team Rocket, secretly watching from the roof of the Battle Factory, are hopeful they can snatch the impressive Pokémon for themselves. But when the battle gets underway, the roof of the Battle Factory opens and they fall into the main chamber where everyone can see them.
<i>Ash has opted to battle Articuno with Charizard in his Battle Factory match. Now he's busy training with Charizard, who has gotten even stronger during its time in the Charicific Valley. Team Rocket, secretly watching from the roof of the Battle Factory, are hopeful they can snatch the impressive Pokémon for themselves. But when the battle gets underway, the roof of the Battle Factory opens and they fall into the main chamber where everyone can see them.


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==Plot==
==Plot==
The morning sun rises as {{Ash}} alongside {{AP|Pikachu}} soar into the sky to test {{AP|Charizard}}'s strengths in preparation for his upcoming {{gdis|Battle Factory|III}} clash. Charizard showcases its incredible flight control and an impressive {{m|Flamethrower}}, a testament to its time {{pkmn|training}} under {{jo|Liza}} in the [[Charicific Valley]]. Ash orders a {{m|Dragon Breath}}. A dazzling burst of yellow-green flame erupts from Charizard's mouth, neatly blasting a hole through a cloud. He calls for some high-altitude flying, and Charizard shoots straight up, stunning {{an|May}} and [[Max]] with its {{stat|Speed}}. {{TRT}} watch the practice session through their binoculars, and they are also impressed by Charizard’s performance. [[Jessie]] suggests they wait until Charizard tires out {{TP|Noland|Articuno}}, and then they'll swipe the [[Legendary Pokémon]] for {{an|Giovanni|their boss}}. {{MTR}} wants to know what they'll do if Charizard gets beaten, and Jessie says they'll steal Charizard instead.
The morning sun rises up as {{Ash}} alongside {{AP|Pikachu}} soar into the sky to test {{AP|Charizard}}'s strengths in preparation for his upcoming {{gdis|Battle Factory|III}} clash. Charizard showcases his incredible flight control and an impressive {{m|Flamethrower}}, a testament to his time {{pkmn|training}} under {{jo|Liza}} in the [[Charicific Valley]]. Ash orders a {{m|Dragon Breath}} attack. A dazzling burst of yellow-green flame erupts from Charizard's mouth, neatly blasting a hole through a cloud. He calls for some high-altitude flying, and Charizard shoots straight up, stunning {{an|May}} and [[Max]] with his {{stat|speed}}. {{TRT}} watches the practice session through their binoculars, and they are also impressed by Charizard’s performance. [[Jessie]] suggests they wait until Charizard tires out {{TP|Noland|Articuno}}, and then they'll swipe the [[Legendary Pokémon]] for {{an|Giovanni|their boss}}. {{MTR}} wants to know what they'll do if Charizard gets beaten, and Jessie says they'll steal Charizard instead.


Later, [[Sergio]] leads Ash, {{ashfr}} and [[Scott]] into the Battle Factory's arena. {{FB|Factory Head|Noland}} soon steps onto his battle platform, and tells Ash that it's been a while since he's had a top-notch opponent, and he hopes Ash knows that he won't hold back. Ash says that he was counting on it, and Noland calls in Articuno, while Ash sends out Charizard. Seeing as the match will quickly into an aerial display, Scott escorts Brock and the others up to the stands for better viewing. Meanwhile, Team Rocket are atop the Factory roof, to which Meowth explains that they'll cut a hole in the roof, and when Articuno flies high enough, they'll grab it and head off to the Boss. However, the trio's scheme fails when the rooftop opens in preparation for the aerial match-up. Team Rocket hits the battlefield hard, but bounce back with a {{motto}} recital. Articuno uses {{m|Ice Beam}} and freezes the trio before Ash uses Charizard's Flamethrower and Pikachu's {{m|Thunderbolt}} to send them blasting off.
Later, [[Sergio]] leads Ash, {{ashfr}} and [[Scott]] into the Battle Factory's arena. [[Noland]] soon steps onto his battle platform, and tells Ash that it's been a while since he's had a top-notch opponent, and he hopes Ash knows that he won't hold back. Ash says that he was counting on it, and Noland calls in Articuno, while Ash sends out Charizard. Seeing as the match will quickly into an aerial display, Scott escorts Brock and the others up to the stands for better viewing. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is atop the Factory roof, to which Meowth explains that they'll cut a hole in the roof, and when Articuno flies high enough, they'll grab it and head off to the Boss. However, the trio's scheme fails when the rooftop opens in preparation for the aerial match-up. Team Rocket hits the battlefield hard but bounces back with a {{motto}} recital. Articuno uses {{m|Ice Beam}} and freezes the trio before Ash uses Charizard's Flamethrower and Pikachu's {{m|Thunderbolt}} to send them blasting off.


The match finally begins, and both Charizard and Articuno fly up into the air. Charizard uses Flamethrower, which scores a direct hit after overwhelming Articuno’s counter Ice Beam. Ash is exultant that Charizard can stand up to Articuno, but the Legendary flies straight back into the air, not looking any worse for wear. Ash calls for another Flamethrower, but Articuno uses its speed to evade the attack and fly right past the {{t|Fire}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Noland tells Articuno to spin in a steep dive and Ash tells Charizard to fly right for it. Articuno uses {{m|Mist}}, which disorientates Charizard, before battering its opponent to the ground. Charizard stands up, shaking its head. It looks up just in time to see Articuno fly straight for it out of the Mist cloud. Ash calls for Dragon Breath, and though Articuno dodges twice, it is hit on the third try. Charizard rushes in to grab its opponent, though Articuno escapes with ease. Noland calls for Ice Beam, and it strikes Charizard on the wing. Ash calls for Flamethrower, which Articuno dodges and hits Charizard with a {{m|Steel Wing}}. Charizard falls from a huge height and crashes into the earth again.
The match finally begins, and both Charizard and Articuno fly up into the air. Charizard uses Flamethrower, which scores a direct hit after overwhelming Articuno’s countering Ice Beam. Ash is exultant that Charizard can stand up to Articuno, but the [[Legendary birds|Legendary bird]] flies straight back into the air, not looking any worse for wear. Ash calls for another Flamethrower, but Articuno uses its speed to evade the attack and fly right past the {{t|Fire}} {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}. Noland tells Articuno to spin in a steep dive and Ash tells Charizard to fly right for it. Articuno uses {{m|Mist}}, which disorientates Charizard, before battering its opponent to the ground. Charizard stands up, shaking his head. He looks up just in time to see Articuno fly straight for him out of the mist cloud. Ash calls for Dragon Breath, and though Articuno dodges twice, it is hit on the third try. Charizard rushes in to grab his opponent, though Articuno escapes with ease. Noland calls for Ice Beam, and it strikes Charizard on the wing. Ash calls for Flamethrower, which Articuno dodges and hits Charizard with a {{m|Steel Wing}} attack. Charizard falls from a huge height and crashes into the earth again.


Charizard stands up, growling. It looks battered, but Articuno is still unmarked. Articuno uses a {{m|Water Pulse}}, sending Charizard into the wall. Ash calls for Charizard to get up, but it hunches its neck in pain. Ash is getting really nervous, and thinks he may have only one chance left. However his focus quickly returns to the match as Articuno uses another Ice Beam. Charizard soars away, though its wingtip is frozen in the process, causing it to lose control. Articuno follows up with Water Pulse, turning the ice into projectile shards. Charizard shields itself with its wings and enters into a steep climb, though its speed is greatly reduced thanks to its frozen wingtips. Charizard launches a Flamethrower to counter, but Noland’s Ice Beam and Water Pulse combination still hits its mark.  
Charizard stands up, growling. It looks battered, but Articuno is still unmarked. Articuno uses a {{m|Water Pulse}}, sending Charizard into the wall. Ash calls for Charizard to get up, but he hunches his neck in pain. Ash is getting really nervous and thinks he may have only one chance left. However, his focus quickly returns to the match as Articuno uses another Ice Beam. Charizard soars away, though his wingtip is frozen in the process, causing him to lose control. Articuno follows up with Water Pulse, turning the ice into projectile shards. Charizard shields himself with his wings and enters into a steep climb, though his speed is greatly reduced thanks to his frozen wingtip. Charizard launches a Flamethrower to counter, but Noland’s combination of Ice Beam and Water Pulse still hits its mark.  


Noland tells Articuno to finish the battle by getting above Charizard. Ash realizes it's time to use that attack Charizard learned all on its own. He tells Charizard to get above Articuno, and use {{m|Overheat}}! Charizard glows bright red, and the ice on its wing melts. Both Pokémon zoom higher and higher into the air before Charizard releases its built up Overheat attack. However, the Legendary counters with {{m|Water Pulse}}, which collides with Overheat in an explosion and intense flood of light. Noland orders a {{m|Steel Wing}}, so Articuno bursts from the smoke and scores a direct hit. Charizard looks tired and very battered, while Articuno is still as strong as ever. Brock realizes that Charizard won't be able to withstand another direct hit by any attack. Ash knows that he can't use Overheat anymore - it won't be as effective. He realizes that there is only one chance left to win the battle.
Noland tells Articuno to finish the battle by getting above Charizard. Ash realizes it's time to use that attack Charizard learned all on his own. He tells Charizard to get above Articuno and use {{m|Overheat}}. Charizard glows bright red, and the ice on his wing melts. Both Pokémon zoom higher and higher into the air before Charizard releases his built-up Overheat attack. However, the Legendary bird counters with {{m|Water Pulse}}, which collides with Overheat in an explosion and intense flood of light. Noland orders a {{m|Steel Wing}} attack, so Articuno bursts from the smoke and scores a direct hit. Charizard looks tired and very battered, while Articuno is still as strong as ever. Brock realizes that Charizard won't be able to withstand another direct hit by any attack. Ash knows that he can't use Overheat anymore - it won't be as effective. He realizes that there is only one chance left to win the battle.


Noland tells Ash he has battled bravely, but it's time to end the match. He orders another Steel Wing. Charizard stays unmoving in midair, as May, Brock, Scott, and Max watch in anxiety. Right before Articuno can strike, Ash orders Charizard to grab it. Charizard grabs the glowing wings with its claws, taking both Noland and Articuno by surprise. Ash directs Charizard to perform a {{m|Seismic Toss}}. Charizard brings Articuno in close, and spins downward directly into the battlefield. After the dust cloud settles, Charizard is not moving while Articuno struggles to its feet. Sergio is about to rule Charizard out, but Noland orders him to wait. Articuno then [[fainting|collapses]] while Charizard manages to stand up. Sergio awards Charizard the win, defeating a Legendary Pokémon, and giving Ash his first [[Symbol|Battle Frontier Symbol]], the Knowledge Symbol, in the process. Noland also hands Ash a Frontierfolio to store all of his future Symbols in. Afterwards, Articuno sets off once again and Charizard heads back to the [[Charicific Valley]]. Following on Scott's suggestion, Ash and his friends soon leave for the next Battle Frontier facility, the [[Battle Arena]], which Max reveals isn’t too far away.
Noland tells Ash he has battled bravely, but it's time to end the match. He orders another Steel Wing. Charizard stays unmoving in midair, as May, Brock, Scott, and Max watch in anxiety. Right before Articuno can strike, Ash orders Charizard to grab it. Charizard grabs the glowing wings with his claws, taking both Noland and Articuno by surprise. Ash directs Charizard to perform a {{m|Seismic Toss}}. Charizard brings Articuno in close and spins downward directly into the battlefield. After the dust cloud settles, Charizard does not move while Articuno struggles to its feet. Sergio is about to rule Charizard out, but Noland orders him to wait. Articuno [[fainting|collapses]] while Charizard manages to stand up. Sergio awards Charizard the win, defeating a Legendary Pokémon, and giving Ash his first [[Symbol|Battle Frontier Symbol]], the Knowledge Symbol, in the process. Noland also hands Ash a [[Trainer Card (game)#In the anime|Frontierfolio]] to store all of his future Symbols in. Afterward, Articuno sets off once again and Charizard heads back to the [[Charicific Valley]]. Following Scott's suggestion, Ash and his friends soon leave for the next Battle Frontier [[Battle facility|facility]], the [[Battle Arena]], which Max reveals isn’t too far away.


==Major events==
==Major events==
[[File:Ash Knowledge Symbol.png|thumb|220px|Ash holding the Knowledge Symbol]]
[[File:Ash Knowledge Symbol.png|thumb|220px|Ash holding the Knowledge Symbol]]
* [[Ash's Charizard]] is revealed to have learned {{m|Dragon Breath}} and {{m|Overheat}}.
* [[Ash's Charizard]] is revealed to have learned {{m|Dragon Breath}} and {{m|Overheat}}.
* {{Ash}} and Charizard defeat {{FB|Factory Head|Noland}} and {{TP|Noland|Articuno}}, earning Ash his first [[Symbol|Frontier Symbol]], the [[Symbol|Knowledge Symbol]].
* {{Ash}} and Charizard battle and defeat [[Noland]] and {{TP|Noland|Articuno}}, earning Ash his first [[Symbol|Frontier Symbol]], the [[Symbol|Knowledge Symbol]].
* Ash receives the {{DL|Trainer Card (game)|Frontier Pass|Frontierfolio}} from Noland.
* Ash receives the {{DL|Trainer Card (game)|Frontier Pass|Frontierfolio}} from Noland.
* Ash learns that the next {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} facility is the [[Battle Arena]], and decides to head there.
* Ash learns that the next {{gdis|Battle Frontier|III}} [[Battle facility|facility]] is the [[Battle Arena]], and decides to head there.
* Charizard returns to the [[Charicific Valley]].
* Charizard returns to the [[Charicific Valley]].
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}
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* [[Jessie]]
* [[Jessie]]
* [[James]]
* [[James]]
* {{FB|Factory Head|Noland}}
* [[Noland]]
* [[Scott]]
* [[Scott]]
* [[Sergio]]
* [[Sergio]]
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[[File:PTC AG136.png|thumb|200px|Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]
[[File:PTC AG136.png|thumb|200px|Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]
[[Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]: {{p|Spoink}}
[[Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]: {{p|Spoink}}
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
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* {{p|Chimecho}} ({{OP|James|Chimecho}})
* {{p|Chimecho}} ({{OP|James|Chimecho}})
* {{p|Charizard}} ({{OP|Ash|Charizard}}; leaves)
* {{p|Charizard}} ({{OP|Ash|Charizard}}; leaves)
* {{p|Munchlax}} ({{OP|May|Munchlax}}; flashback)
* {{p|Articuno}} ({{OP|Noland|Articuno}}; befriended)
* {{p|Articuno}} ({{OP|Noland|Articuno}}; befriended)
{{-}}
{{-}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* This episode's English [[dub]] title is a pun on the phrase "{{wp|Simple living|the simple life}}".
* This episode marks the first time that a [[Legendary Pokémon]] has been defeated in a one-on-one {{pkmn|battle}} with a non-Legendary Pokémon.
* This episode marks the first time that a [[Legendary Pokémon]] has been defeated in a one-on-one {{pkmn|battle}} with a non-Legendary Pokémon.
* This is the only [[Frontier Brain]] challenge that was dubbed by [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]].
* This is the only [[Frontier Brain]] challenge that was dubbed by [[4Kids Entertainment|4Kids]].
* This episode's title is based on the phrase "''{{wp|Simple living|the simple life}}''".
* This is the last episode in which [[Greg Abbey]] is the voice of [[Scott]].
* This is the last episode in which [[Greg Abbey]] plays [[Scott]].
* Music from ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'', specifically a bit of {{OBP|Lugia|M02}}'s theme, plays while {{AP|Charizard}} is using Seismic Toss on {{TP|Noland|Articuno}}.
* Music from ''[[M02|The Power of One]]'', specifically a bit of {{OBP|Lugia|M02}}'s theme, plays while {{AP|Charizard}} is using Seismic Toss on {{TP|Noland|Articuno}}.
* Articuno's eyes did not turn to swirls when it was knocked out like with most Pokémon; they merely stayed closed when it collapsed in this episode.
* Articuno's eyes did not turn to swirls when it was knocked out like with most Pokémon; they merely stayed closed when it collapsed in this episode.
* Parts of this episode were reanimated and used for flashback material for ''[[BW116|The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion]]''.
* Parts of this episode were reanimated and used for flashback material for ''[[BW116|The Fires of a Red-Hot Reunion]]''. This is the only episode from ''[[Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire]]'' to be used in said episode.


===Errors===
===Errors===
* Before the battle begins in the dub, Scott says that he will finally see Ash battle, but he was the referee of Ash's battle against [[Agatha]] just [[AG132|a few episodes ago]].
[[File:AG136 error.png|thumb|220px|Charizard's wing error]]
* In the dub, when Charizard is first hit by {{m|Ice Beam}}, [[Max]] states that the move should have no effect on Charizard since it is a {{t|Fire}} type. This is untrue because {{type|Ice}} attacks on Fire-type Pokémon are [[not very effective]], not ineffective. Furthermore, since Charizard's secondary type is {{t|Flying}}, Ice Beam should do normal damage.
* When Charizard is falling to the ground, the characters on on the ground, but in the next shot, they are on platforms.
* In the dub, Scott says, "{{m|Overheat}} attacks lose their effectiveness and cause less damage each time they're used." While partially true, it implies that only the move itself loses power instead of its actual effect, which lowers the Pokémon's {{stat|Special Attack}} and thus the effectiveness of all [[Special move]]s.
* When Articuno hits Charizard's wingtip with {{m|Ice Beam}}, three frames show Charizard with two left wings, one frozen and one not frozen.
** However, this error has been present since the first time Overheat was used in Ash's [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}} with [[Flannery]] in [[Lavaridge Town]].
* When Articuno hits Charizard's wingtip with Ice Beam, three frames show Charizard with two left wings, one frozen and one not frozen.
* When Charizard uses {{m|Flamethrower}} against Articuno's combination attack, the ice on its wingtip disappears.
* When Charizard uses {{m|Flamethrower}} against Articuno's combination attack, the ice on its wingtip disappears.
* When {{an|Brock}} explains to {{an|May}} and Max what the [[Charicific Valley]] is, he mispronounces {{jo|Liza}}'s name.
* When {{an|Brock}} explains to {{an|May}} and Max what the [[Charicific Valley]] is, he mispronounces {{jo|Liza}}'s name.
 
* When Scott says that a direct hit is needed for {{m|Water Pulse}} to be effective, the pattern on {{an|May}}'s bandanna has its colors reversed.
<gallery>
* When [[Noland]] tells Articuno to finish the battle with {{m|Steel Wing}}, his glove is missing.
AG136 error.png|Three-winged Charizard error
* In the English dub:
</gallery>
** Before the battle begins, Scott says that he will finally see Ash battle, but he was the referee of Ash's battle against [[Agatha]] just [[AG132|a few episodes ago]].
** When Charizard is first hit by Ice Beam, [[Max]] states that the move should have no effect on Charizard since it is a {{t|Fire}} type. {{type|Ice}} attacks on Fire-type Pokémon are in fact {{DL|Type|Type effectiveness|not very effective}}, not ineffective. Furthermore, since Charizard's secondary type is {{t|Flying}}, Ice Beam should do normal damage.
** Scott says, "{{m|Overheat}} attacks lose their effectiveness and cause less damage each time they're used." While partially true, it implies that only the move itself loses power instead of its actual effect, which lowers the Pokémon's {{stat|Special Attack}} and thus the effectiveness of all [[special move]]s. This has been a persistent error since the first time Overheat was used in Ash's [[Gym]] {{pkmn|battle}} with [[Flannery]] in [[Lavaridge Town]].


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
====[[Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]====
====[[Pokémon Trainer's Choice]]====
* Question: Trainers, Which of these Pokémon has only one evolution?
* Question: Trainers, which of these Pokémon has only one evolution?
* Choices: {{p|Whismur}}, {{p|Spoink}}, {{p|Beldum}}
* Choices: {{p|Whismur}}, {{p|Spoink}}, {{p|Beldum}}
* Answer: OK, Trainers! If you chose {{p|Spoink}}, you were right!
* Answer: OK, Trainers! If you chose Spoink, you were right!


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
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|nextcode=AG137
|nextcode=AG137
|nexttitle=Hooked on Onix
|nexttitle=Hooked on Onix
|series=Advanced Generation series
|series=Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
|colorscheme=Emerald }}
|colorscheme=Emerald }}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:0410}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:0410}}
[[Category:Advanced Generation series episodes|136]]
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire episodes|136]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Masashi Sogo]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Masashi Sogo]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Jōji Shimura]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Jōji Shimura]]
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[[es:EP413]]
[[es:EP413]]
[[fr:AG136]]
[[fr:AG136]]
[[it:AG136]]
[[ja:AG編第136話]]
[[ja:AG編第136話]]
[[zh:精灵宝可梦 超世代 第135集]]
[[zh:宝可梦 超世代 第135集]]

Latest revision as of 00:15, 9 March 2024

AG135 : Numero Uno Articuno
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG137 : Hooked on Onix
The Symbol Life
AG136.png
AG136   EP410
初陣!バトルファクトリー!!(後編)
First Battle! Battle Factory! (Part Two)
First broadcast
Japan July 28, 2005
United States April 22, 2006
English themes
Opening Unbeatable
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening バトルフロンティア
Ending ポケモンかぞえうた
Credits
Animation Team Ota
Screenplay 十川誠志 Masashi Sogo
Storyboard 志村錠児 Jōji Shimura
Assistant director 中村圭三 Keizō Nakamura
Animation director たけだゆうさく Yūsaku Takeda
No additional credits are available at this time.

The Symbol Life (Japanese: 初陣!バトルファクトリー!!(後編) First Battle! Battle Factory! (Part Two)) is the 136th episode of Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, and the 410th episode of the Pokémon anime. It was first broadcast in Japan on July 28, 2005, and in the United States on April 22, 2006.

201
Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.
201

Blurb

Ash has opted to battle Articuno with Charizard in his Battle Factory match. Now he's busy training with Charizard, who has gotten even stronger during its time in the Charicific Valley. Team Rocket, secretly watching from the roof of the Battle Factory, are hopeful they can snatch the impressive Pokémon for themselves. But when the battle gets underway, the roof of the Battle Factory opens and they fall into the main chamber where everyone can see them.

Articuno and Charizard waste no time in clearing out the intruders before Noland and Ash get down to business. This Articuno is tough and knows a Water-type attack, so Charizard is in for a rough time. The two Pokémon wage a fast-paced flying battle that looks like it might end in Noland's favor as Articuno ices up Charizard's wing. Good thing for Ash that Charizard has a new trick in store: Overheat!

Articuno also packs a powerful Steel Wing, but Charizard grabs it mid-attack and turns the move into a Seismic Toss. Articuno tries to get back up and battle, to no avail. Ash is awarded the Knowledge Symbol along with a Frontier Folio to hold his Battle Frontier Symbols, and Noland congratulates him on a battle well-fought. Next stop, the Battle Arena!

Plot

The morning sun rises up as Ash alongside Pikachu soar into the sky to test Charizard's strengths in preparation for his upcoming Battle Factory clash. Charizard showcases his incredible flight control and an impressive Flamethrower, a testament to his time training under Liza in the Charicific Valley. Ash orders a Dragon Breath attack. A dazzling burst of yellow-green flame erupts from Charizard's mouth, neatly blasting a hole through a cloud. He calls for some high-altitude flying, and Charizard shoots straight up, stunning May and Max with his speed. Team Rocket watches the practice session through their binoculars, and they are also impressed by Charizard’s performance. Jessie suggests they wait until Charizard tires out Articuno, and then they'll swipe the Legendary Pokémon for their boss. Meowth wants to know what they'll do if Charizard gets beaten, and Jessie says they'll steal Charizard instead.

Later, Sergio leads Ash, his friends and Scott into the Battle Factory's arena. Noland soon steps onto his battle platform, and tells Ash that it's been a while since he's had a top-notch opponent, and he hopes Ash knows that he won't hold back. Ash says that he was counting on it, and Noland calls in Articuno, while Ash sends out Charizard. Seeing as the match will quickly into an aerial display, Scott escorts Brock and the others up to the stands for better viewing. Meanwhile, Team Rocket is atop the Factory roof, to which Meowth explains that they'll cut a hole in the roof, and when Articuno flies high enough, they'll grab it and head off to the Boss. However, the trio's scheme fails when the rooftop opens in preparation for the aerial match-up. Team Rocket hits the battlefield hard but bounces back with a motto recital. Articuno uses Ice Beam and freezes the trio before Ash uses Charizard's Flamethrower and Pikachu's Thunderbolt to send them blasting off.

The match finally begins, and both Charizard and Articuno fly up into the air. Charizard uses Flamethrower, which scores a direct hit after overwhelming Articuno’s countering Ice Beam. Ash is exultant that Charizard can stand up to Articuno, but the Legendary bird flies straight back into the air, not looking any worse for wear. Ash calls for another Flamethrower, but Articuno uses its speed to evade the attack and fly right past the Fire Pokémon. Noland tells Articuno to spin in a steep dive and Ash tells Charizard to fly right for it. Articuno uses Mist, which disorientates Charizard, before battering its opponent to the ground. Charizard stands up, shaking his head. He looks up just in time to see Articuno fly straight for him out of the mist cloud. Ash calls for Dragon Breath, and though Articuno dodges twice, it is hit on the third try. Charizard rushes in to grab his opponent, though Articuno escapes with ease. Noland calls for Ice Beam, and it strikes Charizard on the wing. Ash calls for Flamethrower, which Articuno dodges and hits Charizard with a Steel Wing attack. Charizard falls from a huge height and crashes into the earth again.

Charizard stands up, growling. It looks battered, but Articuno is still unmarked. Articuno uses a Water Pulse, sending Charizard into the wall. Ash calls for Charizard to get up, but he hunches his neck in pain. Ash is getting really nervous and thinks he may have only one chance left. However, his focus quickly returns to the match as Articuno uses another Ice Beam. Charizard soars away, though his wingtip is frozen in the process, causing him to lose control. Articuno follows up with Water Pulse, turning the ice into projectile shards. Charizard shields himself with his wings and enters into a steep climb, though his speed is greatly reduced thanks to his frozen wingtip. Charizard launches a Flamethrower to counter, but Noland’s combination of Ice Beam and Water Pulse still hits its mark.

Noland tells Articuno to finish the battle by getting above Charizard. Ash realizes it's time to use that attack Charizard learned all on his own. He tells Charizard to get above Articuno and use Overheat. Charizard glows bright red, and the ice on his wing melts. Both Pokémon zoom higher and higher into the air before Charizard releases his built-up Overheat attack. However, the Legendary bird counters with Water Pulse, which collides with Overheat in an explosion and intense flood of light. Noland orders a Steel Wing attack, so Articuno bursts from the smoke and scores a direct hit. Charizard looks tired and very battered, while Articuno is still as strong as ever. Brock realizes that Charizard won't be able to withstand another direct hit by any attack. Ash knows that he can't use Overheat anymore - it won't be as effective. He realizes that there is only one chance left to win the battle.

Noland tells Ash he has battled bravely, but it's time to end the match. He orders another Steel Wing. Charizard stays unmoving in midair, as May, Brock, Scott, and Max watch in anxiety. Right before Articuno can strike, Ash orders Charizard to grab it. Charizard grabs the glowing wings with his claws, taking both Noland and Articuno by surprise. Ash directs Charizard to perform a Seismic Toss. Charizard brings Articuno in close and spins downward directly into the battlefield. After the dust cloud settles, Charizard does not move while Articuno struggles to its feet. Sergio is about to rule Charizard out, but Noland orders him to wait. Articuno collapses while Charizard manages to stand up. Sergio awards Charizard the win, defeating a Legendary Pokémon, and giving Ash his first Battle Frontier Symbol, the Knowledge Symbol, in the process. Noland also hands Ash a Frontierfolio to store all of his future Symbols in. Afterward, Articuno sets off once again and Charizard heads back to the Charicific Valley. Following Scott's suggestion, Ash and his friends soon leave for the next Battle Frontier facility, the Battle Arena, which Max reveals isn’t too far away.

Major events

 
Ash holding the Knowledge Symbol
For a list of all major events in the anime, please see the history page.

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

 
Pokémon Trainer's Choice

Pokémon Trainer's Choice: Spoink


Trivia

Errors

 
Charizard's wing error
  • When Charizard is falling to the ground, the characters on on the ground, but in the next shot, they are on platforms.
  • When Articuno hits Charizard's wingtip with Ice Beam, three frames show Charizard with two left wings, one frozen and one not frozen.
  • When Charizard uses Flamethrower against Articuno's combination attack, the ice on its wingtip disappears.
  • When Brock explains to May and Max what the Charicific Valley is, he mispronounces Liza's name.
  • When Scott says that a direct hit is needed for Water Pulse to be effective, the pattern on May's bandanna has its colors reversed.
  • When Noland tells Articuno to finish the battle with Steel Wing, his glove is missing.
  • In the English dub:
    • Before the battle begins, Scott says that he will finally see Ash battle, but he was the referee of Ash's battle against Agatha just a few episodes ago.
    • When Charizard is first hit by Ice Beam, Max states that the move should have no effect on Charizard since it is a Fire type. Ice-type attacks on Fire-type Pokémon are in fact not very effective, not ineffective. Furthermore, since Charizard's secondary type is Flying, Ice Beam should do normal damage.
    • Scott says, "Overheat attacks lose their effectiveness and cause less damage each time they're used." While partially true, it implies that only the move itself loses power instead of its actual effect, which lowers the Pokémon's Special Attack and thus the effectiveness of all special moves. This has been a persistent error since the first time Overheat was used in Ash's Gym battle with Flannery in Lavaridge Town.

Dub edits

Pokémon Trainer's Choice

  • Question: Trainers, which of these Pokémon has only one evolution?
  • Choices: Whismur, Spoink, Beldum
  • Answer: OK, Trainers! If you chose Spoink, you were right!

In other languages



AG135 : Numero Uno Articuno
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
AG137 : Hooked on Onix
  This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.