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BW044: Difference between revisions
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nextcode=BW045 |
nextcode=BW045 |
nexttitle=Beheeyem, Duosion, and the Dream Thief! |
nexttitle=Beheeyem, Duosion, and the Dream Thief! |
series=Best Wishes series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Black & White |
colorscheme=Unova}}
colorscheme=Unova}}
{{EpisodeInfobox|
{{EpisodeInfobox|
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screen=hd|
screen=hd|
title_en=Purrloin: Sweet or Sneaky?|
title_en=Purrloin: Sweet or Sneaky?|
title_ja=チョロネコに御用心！ ニャースとミジュマル！！|
title_ja=チョロネコに御用心！ニャースとミジュマル！！|
title_ja_trans=Beware of Choroneko! Nyarth and Mijumaru!! |
title_ja_trans=Beware of Choroneko! Nyarth and Mijumaru!! |
broadcast_jp=August 25, 2011 |
broadcast_jp=August 25, 2011 |
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footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|bw|044}}
footnotes=*{{filb-eppics|bw|044}}
}}
}}
'''Purrloin: Sweet or Sneaky?''' (Japanese: '''チョロネコに御用心！ ニャースとミジュマル！！''' ''Beware of {{tt|Choroneko|Purrloin}}! {{tt|Nyarth|Meowth}} and {{tt|Mijumaru|Oshawott}}!!'') is the 44th episode of the {{series|Best Wishes}}, and the 701st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on August 25, 2011 and in the United States on December 3, 2011.
'''Purrloin: Sweet or Sneaky?''' (Japanese: '''チョロネコに御用心！ニャースとミジュマル！！''' ''Beware of {{tt|Choroneko|Purrloin}}! {{tt|Nyarth|Meowth}} and {{tt|Mijumaru|Oshawott}}!!'') is the 44th episode of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Black & White]]'', and the 701st episode of the [[Pokémon anime]]. It first aired in Japan on August 25, 2011 and in the United States on December 3, 2011.
 
{{spoilers}}
{{spoilers}}
==Synopsis==


The episode begins with a {{p|Purrloin}} watching two {{p|Tranquill}} in their nest with a sprig of Berries. The Tranquill then make communication via flapping their wings and leave their nest, leaving the Berries behind. Purrloin sneaks into the nest, and eats one, only to be discovered by one of the Tranquill. Purrloin unsheathes its claws in response, and whilst thinking that it is safe, a huge group of Tranquill swarm the nest. Purrloin quickly dives from the nest and begins to run for safety, being pursued by the Tranquill. However, Purrloin gains speed and races off into the depths of the forest, leaving the confused Tranquill behind. Ash and his companions are shown walking towards the Gym which is required for Ash to obtain his fourth Badge of the Unova region, however {{MTR}} is also with them. Meowth explains that he is in fact good in character, and that everything is better with his new friends. {{AP|Pikachu}}, however, still doubts Meowth in his actions. Meowth is deeply moved by Ash's sentiments towards him in contrast to Pikachu's, and begins to wail and cry in joy. Meowth is in the middle of a huge emotional scene, when Purrloin runs into him, knocking him over. Meowth turns to see his attacker, only to fall in love with Purrloin. Purrloin is then checked in the Pokédex, and suddenly {{an|Cilan}} holds his arms up in front of him in defense, very briefly stating that a Purrloin did something terrible to him once, and that he doesn't want to talk about it.
==Blurb==
<!--https://www.pokemon.com/us/animation/seasons/14/episode-44-purrloin-sweet-or-sneaky/-->
<i>Our heroes are on their way toward Nimbasa City for Ash’s fourth Gym Badge challenge when they come across a Purrloin. Meowth, still traveling with the gang, is entirely smitten with the cutie-pie Pokémon, as are Oshawott and Iris—but Cilan’s previous experiences with a Purrloin were so horrible, he doesn’t even want to talk about them!
 
With Meowth translating, Purrloin tells our heroes that a good friend is trapped in a cave up ahead, and pleads with them to come and help. Cilan refuses to believe Purrloin and stays behind, but everyone else decides to join the rescue, only to find that the story is a hoax—Purrloin has lured them into the cave to steal Ash’s backpack and food!
 
Outside, Cilan is waiting for the others to come back when a Trainer named Misha comes looking for her Purrloin. They rush to the cave to confront Purrloin, and with Meowth’s translation help, Purrloin and Misha resolve a serious misunderstanding that had kept them apart.
 
It’s not all happy reunions, though—just as everyone is about to hug and make up, the ground collapses under their feet, and our heroes are swept away in a landslide! Left on solid ground, Purrloin runs off to fetch help, and manages to convince a flock of Tranquill (earlier victims of Purrloin’s thieving ways) to come to the rescue, and everyone is safe and sound once more.
 
Meanwhile, Jessie and James continue Team Rocket’s mysterious mission without Meowth...</i>
 
==Plot==
A {{p|Purrloin}} spies on a pair of nesting {{p|Tranquill}}, waiting for an opportunity to steal some {{Berries}}. The Tranquill communicate by flapping their wings before leaving their nest, and the Berries, behind. Purrloin sneaks into the nest, and eats one, only to be discovered by one of the Tranquill. Purrloin extends its claws in response. Just when it thinks it is safe, a huge flock of Tranquill swarm the nest. Purrloin quickly flees for safety, being pursued by the Tranquill. However, Purrloin gains speed and races off into the depths of the forest, leaving the confused Tranquill behind.  
 
Continuing on towards [[Nimbasa City]], {{Ash}} and {{ashfr}}, now including {{MTR}}, are walking through a forest. Meowth explains that he is in fact good in character, and that everything is better with his new friends, though {{AP|Pikachu}} still doubts Meowth's intentions. Meowth is deeply moved by Ash's sentiments towards him in contrast to Pikachu's, and begins to wail and cry in joy. Meowth is in the middle of a huge emotional scene, when Purrloin runs into him, knocking him over. Meowth turns to see his attacker, only to instantly fall in love with Purrloin. Ash quickly scans Purrloin with the [[Pokédex]]. Though {{an|Cilan}} holds his arms up in front of him in defense, very briefly stating that a Purrloin did something terrible to him once, but refuses to elaborate.
 
As Meowth asks Purrloin what is wrong and, after looking away in a devious manner, Purrloin begins to plead to Meowth. Meowth, shocked, then turns to the others and explains that Purrloin is asking for help. Cilan warns everyone not to fall for Purrloin's cuteness, though Meowth decides to help Purrloin. All of a sudden, the group are attacked with {{m|Gust}} by the Tranquill flock, who have discovered Purrloin's location. Ash, observing that they must be agitated, sends out {{AP|Oshawott}} to help by using {{m|Water Gun}} in combination with Pikachu's {{m|Thunderbolt}}, causing the Tranquill to flee in fear. Purrloin then tries to creep away, only to have Meowth stop the {{pkmn|category|Devious Pokémon}}. Purrloin then flatters Meowth, and also gets the attention of Oshawott. Meowth begins to fight over Purrloin with Oshawott, but Ash puts a stop to it. Afterwards the group venture over to a nearby stream to take a break. Purrloin tells Meowth that it didn't realize that the Berries belonged to the Tranquill. However, Cilan is still suspicious. Oshawott then uses Water Gun on Ash and Cilan, knocking some Berries out of Ash's [[bag|backpack]]. {{an|Iris}} is also overwhelmed by Purrloin’s cuteness, and tries to catch it, but Meowth blocks her, almost getting himself caught by her {{i|Poké Ball}}. Purrloin then sneaks away, preparing to steal the Berries from Ash's backpack.
 
Meanwhile, [[Jessie]] and [[James]] are taking photographs of [[Anville Town]]’s train yard, and discussing their feelings of loss over Meowth. While James is more concerned, Jessie is focused on the mission at hand, and orders their plans be executed that night.
 
Purrloin runs back to Ash and company, and claims that its friends are stuck in a deep cave up the road. The group agrees to help find them, though Cilan decides to stay behind, as he can't bring himself to trust Purrloin. The group are lead up a steep and rocky mountain, and Ash begins to grow tired. Purrloin asserts that they are almost there, and orders Ash to leave his backpack, arguing that it is heavy and might get in the way, but Ash refuses. Meanwhile, Cilan is waiting and becomes increasingly worried about the others. [[Misha]], a Trainer with her arm in a sling, arrives and asks Cilan if he has seen a Purrloin, and he exclaims that he has.  


Meowth asks Purrloin what is wrong, and (after looking away from Meowth in a devious manner) Purrloin begins to plead to Meowth. Meowth, shocked, then turns to the others and explains that Purrloin is asking for help. Cilan tells them not to fall for Purrloin's cuteness, only to have Meowth decide to help Purrloin. Then, all of a sudden, the group are attacked with {{m|Gust}} by the Tranquill, who have discovered Purrloin's location. Ash, stating that they must be agitated, then sends out {{AP|Oshawott}} to help, using {{m|Water Gun}} in combination with Pikachu's {{m||Thunderbolt}}. The Tranquill then flee in fear. Purrloin then tries to creep away, only to have Meowth stop her. She then flatters Meowth, and also infatuates Oshawott. Meowth then begins to fight over Purrloin with Oshawott, however Ash stops the fighting. After the group then goes to the side of a stream to repose themselves, Purrloin explains to Meowth that she didn't realise that the Berries belonged to the Tranquill, and Cilan yet again dismisses this behaviour. Oshawott then uses water gun on Ash and Cilan, knocking some Berries out of Ash's bag. Iris also begins to become taken with Purrloin at this stage, and tries to catch her, however Meowth blocks her and almost becomes caught by her {{ball|Poké}}. Purrloin then sneaks away, preparing to steal the Berries from Ash's bag.
Purrloin guides Ash and the others through an abandoned mine tunnel, and gestures to a tiny hole, explaining that the group must crawl through it. The group barely squeezes their way through, so Purrloin has Meowth grab Ash’s backpack, insisting that it gets even narrower up ahead. Arriving in a larger area, Purrloin urges that its friends are down there and that Meowth must leave the backpack up above. The group jumps down the scaffolding, which is very old and begins to creak. Purrloin then bides goodbye from above, clutching Ash's backpack, declaring that it has no business with Ash and his friends anymore now that it has their food. Suddenly, the scaffolding collapses, sending Ash and the others into the pit below. While Purrloin is checking to see if everyone is alright, Cilan and Misha arrive on the scene. Purrloin confronts its Trainer about abandoning it, and Misha explains that she had been in an accident and was unable to come home. When the hospital had released her, she came home to find that Purrloin was gone. Purrloin initially refuses to believe Misha’s story, but begins to think it over.


[[Jessie]] and [[James]] are then shown taking photographs, and discussing their feelings of loss about Meowth. They then state that their plans will be undertaken that night. Purrloin is shown running back to Ash and the others, and explains that her friends are stuck in a deep cave up the road. Ash and the others decide to go to assist, however Cilan decides to stay behind, as he can't bring himself to trust Purrloin. She leads them up a steep and rocky mountain, and Ash begins to get tired. Purrloin states that they are almost there, however. She tells Ash to leave his backpack because it is heavy and it might get in the way, however Ash refuses. Cilan is then depicted in worry about the others, only to have a [[Misha]] with her arm in a sling arrive and ask Cilan if she has seen a Purrloin, which is shown in a photograph.
Meowth is alarmed as the ground underneath his feet begins to sink. Ash and Iris rush to help, only to realize that they are sinking as well. Cilan and Misha try to pull everyone out with a rope, but the remaining scaffolding gives and they fall into the pit as well. Purrloin wants to help, however Misha warns it to stay put. Purrloin reminisces the good times it has had with its Trainer and rushes out of the tunnel, much to everyone's disappointment. Ash sends out {{AP|Snivy}} and has her use {{m|Vine Whip}} to grab the rope. As Snivy struggles to pull everyone out, Iris and Cilan send out {{TP|Iris|Excadrill}} and {{TP|Cilan|Pansage}} to assist. Suddenly, the rope snaps, and everyone begins to get pulled back under the sinking earth. Unexpectedly, the flock of Tranquill arrive and pull the group to safety just in time; all thanks to Purrloin, who had convinced the flock to come rescue Ash and his friends. The group is impressed with Purrloin's selfless actions and grateful to be saved, and Ash thanks the Tranquill and Purrloin for saving the day.


Ash and his companions are then portrayed as running down an abandoned mine tunnel, and Purrloin gestures to a hole in the side of the tunnel which is very miniscule, explaining that the group must crawl through. Ash and the others barely squeeze through, so Meowth is told to make Ash give Purrloin his backpack because it gets even narrower. The narrow hole then opens to a grand hole full of rubble from mining tools, and Purrloin explains that her friends are down there and Meowth must leave the backpack up above. The group jump down the scaffolding, which is very old and begins to creak and shudder. Purrloin then calls goodbye from above, with Ash's backpack, stating that she has no business with them anymore now that she has their food. The scaffolding then tumbles, and whilst Purrloin checks to see if they are alright, Cilan and the Misha catch up with them. Purrloin asks why she was abandoned, and the young lady explains that whilst Purrloin was at home and she out, the young lady had been in an accident and had been unable to come home. The hospital had let her leave, only to find Purrloin gone.
Now back at the tunnel entrance, Meowth explains how Purrloin endured Tranquill's Gust as it pleaded for the flock to rescue Ash and his friends. Misha thanks Purrloin, and it expresses remorse for the way it reacted to being left alone. The group is relieved that everything turned out alright, and Iris wishes the best for Misha and Purrloin, to which Misha expresses her gratitude. Meowth and Oshawott make one final romantic gesture toward Purrloin. However, Misha and Purrloin reveal that Purrloin is actually male, to Meowth and Oshawott's wistful disappointment and solemn heartbreak.


Purrloin accepts the story, but Ash and his group begin to sink into the ground, which is acting like quicksand. Cilan and the lady try to help, but end up in the quicksand too. Purrloin runs for help. Ash uses {{AP|Snivy}} with {{m|Vine Whip}} to pull them to safety, however {{TP|Iris|Excadrill}} and {{TP|Cilan|Pansage}} are needed also. The rope then snaps, but just before all seems lost, the Tranquill return and pull the group to safety, thanks to Purrloin. The group then thank Purrloin, however amidst all the romantic confusion, it is revealed that Purrloin is actually male. The group then go off in search of new adventures, however {{TRT}} are then shown calling in a helicopter to deliver their evil deeds.
Meanwhile, Jessie and James guide the mobile lab of [[Dr. Zager]] as it lands in Anville Town in preparation for [[Team Rocket|Team Rocket's]] next operation.


==Major events==
==Major events==
<!-- This is not for summarizing everything that happens in this episode. Only events pertaining to the series as a whole, such as catching and releasing Pokémon and obtaining Badge, go here. -->
<!-- This is not for summarizing everything that happens in this episode. Only events pertaining to the series as a whole, such as catching and releasing Pokémon and obtaining Badge, go here. -->
* {{an|Iris}} tries to catch a {{p|Purrloin}}, not knowing it was [[Misha|already owned]], but {{MTR}} blocks the {{i|Poké Ball}}, almost resulting in him getting caught by her [[BW043|again]].
* [[Dr. Zager]] arrives in [[Anville Town]].
{{animeevents}}
{{animeevents}}


===Debuts===
===Debuts===
====Pokémon debuts====
====Pokémon debuts====
=====TV episode debuts=====
=====TV episode debuts=====
* {{p|Purrloin}}
* {{p|Purrloin}}
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[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Purrloin}}
[[Who's That Pokémon?]]: {{p|Purrloin}}
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Pikachu}} ({{OP|Ash|Pikachu}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Axew}} ({{OP|Iris|Axew}})
* {{p|Axew}} ({{OP|Iris|Axew}})
* {{p|Meowth}} ({{TRM}})
* {{p|Oshawott}} ({{OP|Ash|Oshawott}})
* {{p|Oshawott}} ({{OP|Ash|Oshawott}})
* {{p|Snivy}} ({{OP|Ash|Snivy}})
* {{p|Snivy}} ({{OP|Ash|Snivy}})
Line 80: Line 101:


==Trivia==  
==Trivia==  
* [[Professor Oak's lecture|Professor Oak's Pokémon Live Caster]]: {{p|Beartic}}
* [[Professor Oak's Pokémon Live Caster]]: {{p|Beartic}}
* This episode aired the same day as ''[[M14|White—Victini and Zekrom]]'''s theatrical release in the United States.
* This episode aired the same day as ''[[M14|White—Victini and Zekrom]]'' was theatrically released in {{pmin|the United States}}.
* Close to the end of the episode, when {{MTR}} tries to ask {{p|Purrloin}} out for a date, he says, "Come on, baby, don't say maybe!" This [[List of references to popular culture in Pokémon|refers]] to {{wp|Jackson Browne}} and {{wp|Glenn Frey}}'s song "{{wp|Take It Easy}}".
* On Pogo/Cartoon Network in {{pmin|India}}, this episode was aired only in English, even on the Hindi language feed. Hence, a CN version Hindi [[dub]] of this episode does not exist, although it was later dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu as a part of the Disney dubs when aired on Marvel HQ.


===Errors===
===Errors===


===Dub edits===
===Dub edits===
* In the English dub, Meowth calls Ash and his friends [[twerp]]s throughout the episode. In the Japanese version, he doesn't call them anything, as he was trying not to blow his cover.
* In the English dub, Ash says that he doesn't care why the Tranquill were angry before bringing out Oshawott. In the Japanese version, he just brings out Oshawott.
* In the English dub, Cilan says that Purrloin's tail looks like a pitchfork. In the Japanese version, he says that it looks like a devil's tail.
* In the English dub, Meowth asks for a favor after brushing off Misha's gratitude, and Misha asks what it is. In the Japanese version, he instead calls Misha "mother", and Misha repeats this back to him.
* In the English dub, Cilan calls the reveal that Purrloin is male a "menu substitution". In the Japanese version, he says that it is "in bad taste".
* In the English dub, the narrator says Meowth and Oshawott's love for Purrloin is unrequited. In the Japanese version, he says that their love "vanished into thin air" as soon as they discovered Purrloin's gender.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
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|zh_cmn={{tt|小心扒手貓！喵喵與水水獺！！|Beware of Purrloin! Meowth and Oshawott!!}}
|zh_cmn={{tt|小心扒手貓！喵喵與水水獺！！|Beware of Purrloin! Meowth and Oshawott!!}}
|fi={{tt|Purrloin, suloinen vai salavihkainen?|Purrloin, sweet or stealthy?}}
|fi={{tt|Purrloin, suloinen vai salavihkainen?|Purrloin, sweet or stealthy?}}
|fr_eu={{tt|Chacripan, tendre ou sournois ?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky ?}}
|da={{tt|Purrloin, sød eller lusket?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
|da={{tt|Purrloin, sød eller lusket?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
|de={{tt|Felilou hat's faustdick hinter den Ohren!|Purrloin is a deep me!}}
|de={{tt|Felilou hat's faustdick hinter den Ohren!|Purrloin is a deep me!}}
|el={{tt|Purrloin: Γλυκό ή Ύπουλο;|Purrloin: Sweet or Sneaky?}}
|hi={{tt|Purrloin: Sweet or Sneaky?|Same as English, as the episode was not dubbed into Hindi}}
|it={{tt|Purrloin, delizia o malizia?|Purrloin, sweetness or malice?}}
|it={{tt|Purrloin, delizia o malizia?|Purrloin, sweetness or malice?}}
|nl={{tt|Purrloin, schattig of stiekem?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
|nl={{tt|Purrloin, schattig of stiekem?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
|pt_br={{tt|Purrloin, Doce ou Bajulador?|Purrloin, Sweet or flatter?}}
|no={{tt|Purrloin, søt eller snikete?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
|no={{tt|Purrloin, søt eller snikete?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
|es_eu={{tt|Purrloin, ¿dulce o malicioso?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
|es_eu={{tt|Purrloin, ¿dulce o malicioso?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
|es_la={{tt|Purrloin: ¿Dulce o traicionero?|Purrloin: Sweet or treacherous?}}
|es_la={{tt|Purrloin: ¿Dulce o traicionero?|Purrloin: Sweet or treacherous?}}
|pl={{tt|Purrloin: Słodziak czy Oszust?|Purrloin: Cutie or Cheater?}}
|pl={{tt|Purrloin, słodziak czy oszust?|Purrloin: Cutie or Cheater?}}
|sv={{tt|Purrloin, mysig eller mystisk?|Purrloin, cozy or mysterious?}}
|sv={{tt|Purrloin, mysig eller mystisk?|Purrloin, cozy or mysterious?}}
|ko={{tt|나옹과 수댕이! 쌔비냥을 조심하라!|Meowth and Oshawott! Beware of Purrloin!}}
|ru={{tt|Пурлойн — к счастью или к беде?|Purrloin - good luck or bad luck?}}
|th={{tt|ระวังโจโรเนโกะ! เนียสกับมิจูมารุ!!|Beware of Choroneko! Nyarth and Mijumaru!!}}
|hr={{tt|Purrloin, sladak ili lukav?|Purrloin, sweet or sneaky?}}
}}
}}


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nextcode=BW045 |
nextcode=BW045 |
nexttitle=Beheeyem, Duosion, and the Dream Thief! |
nexttitle=Beheeyem, Duosion, and the Dream Thief! |
series=Best Wishes series |
series=Pokémon the Series: Black & White |
colorscheme=Unova}}
colorscheme=Unova}}
{{Project Anime notice}}
{{Project Anime notice}}


[[Category:Best Wishes series episodes|044]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:0701}}
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Meowth|701]]
[[Category:Pokémon the Series: Black & White episodes|044]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Hideki Sonoda|701]]
[[Category:Episodes focusing on Meowth]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Shigeru Ueda|701]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Hideki Sonoda]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Tomohiro Koyama|701]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded and directed by Shigeru Ueda]]
[[Category:Episodes storyboarded by Shigeru Ueda]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Shigeru Ueda]]
[[Category:Episodes animated by Tomohiro Koyama]]


[[de:Felilou hat's faustdick hinter den Ohren! (Episode)]]
[[de:Felilou hat's faustdick hinter den Ohren!]]
[[fr:Épisode 703]]
[[es:EP706]]
[[it:NB044]]
[[fr:NB044]]
[[it:BW044]]
[[ja:BW編第44話]]
[[ja:BW編第44話]]
[[pl:BW044]]
[[zh:宝可梦 超级愿望 第44集]]

Latest revision as of 00:10, 9 March 2024

← BW043 : Meowth's Scrafty Tactics!
Pokémon the Series: Black & White
BW045 : Beheeyem, Duosion, and the Dream Thief! →
Purrloin: Sweet or Sneaky?
BW044.png
BW044   EP701
チョロネコに御用心！ニャースとミジュマル！！
Beware of Choroneko! Nyarth and Mijumaru!!
First broadcast
Japan August 25, 2011
United States December 3, 2011
English themes
Opening Black and White
Ending
Japanese themes
Opening ベストウイッシュ！
Ending ポケモン言えるかな？ＢＷ
Credits
Animation Team Kato
Screenplay 園田英樹 Hideki Sonoda
Storyboard うえだしげる Shigeru Ueda
Assistant director うえだしげる Shigeru Ueda
Animation director 小山知洋 Tomohiro Koyama
Additional credits

Purrloin: Sweet or Sneaky? (Japanese: チョロネコに御用心！ニャースとミジュマル！！ Beware of Choroneko! Nyarth and Mijumaru!!) is the 44th episode of Pokémon the Series: Black & White, and the 701st episode of the Pokémon anime. It first aired in Japan on August 25, 2011 and in the United States on December 3, 2011.

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

Blurb

Our heroes are on their way toward Nimbasa City for Ash’s fourth Gym Badge challenge when they come across a Purrloin. Meowth, still traveling with the gang, is entirely smitten with the cutie-pie Pokémon, as are Oshawott and Iris—but Cilan’s previous experiences with a Purrloin were so horrible, he doesn’t even want to talk about them!

With Meowth translating, Purrloin tells our heroes that a good friend is trapped in a cave up ahead, and pleads with them to come and help. Cilan refuses to believe Purrloin and stays behind, but everyone else decides to join the rescue, only to find that the story is a hoax—Purrloin has lured them into the cave to steal Ash’s backpack and food!

Outside, Cilan is waiting for the others to come back when a Trainer named Misha comes looking for her Purrloin. They rush to the cave to confront Purrloin, and with Meowth’s translation help, Purrloin and Misha resolve a serious misunderstanding that had kept them apart.

It’s not all happy reunions, though—just as everyone is about to hug and make up, the ground collapses under their feet, and our heroes are swept away in a landslide! Left on solid ground, Purrloin runs off to fetch help, and manages to convince a flock of Tranquill (earlier victims of Purrloin’s thieving ways) to come to the rescue, and everyone is safe and sound once more.

Meanwhile, Jessie and James continue Team Rocket’s mysterious mission without Meowth...

Plot

A Purrloin spies on a pair of nesting Tranquill, waiting for an opportunity to steal some Berries. The Tranquill communicate by flapping their wings before leaving their nest, and the Berries, behind. Purrloin sneaks into the nest, and eats one, only to be discovered by one of the Tranquill. Purrloin extends its claws in response. Just when it thinks it is safe, a huge flock of Tranquill swarm the nest. Purrloin quickly flees for safety, being pursued by the Tranquill. However, Purrloin gains speed and races off into the depths of the forest, leaving the confused Tranquill behind.

Continuing on towards Nimbasa City, Ash and his friends, now including Meowth, are walking through a forest. Meowth explains that he is in fact good in character, and that everything is better with his new friends, though Pikachu still doubts Meowth's intentions. Meowth is deeply moved by Ash's sentiments towards him in contrast to Pikachu's, and begins to wail and cry in joy. Meowth is in the middle of a huge emotional scene, when Purrloin runs into him, knocking him over. Meowth turns to see his attacker, only to instantly fall in love with Purrloin. Ash quickly scans Purrloin with the Pokédex. Though Cilan holds his arms up in front of him in defense, very briefly stating that a Purrloin did something terrible to him once, but refuses to elaborate.

As Meowth asks Purrloin what is wrong and, after looking away in a devious manner, Purrloin begins to plead to Meowth. Meowth, shocked, then turns to the others and explains that Purrloin is asking for help. Cilan warns everyone not to fall for Purrloin's cuteness, though Meowth decides to help Purrloin. All of a sudden, the group are attacked with Gust by the Tranquill flock, who have discovered Purrloin's location. Ash, observing that they must be agitated, sends out Oshawott to help by using Water Gun in combination with Pikachu's Thunderbolt, causing the Tranquill to flee in fear. Purrloin then tries to creep away, only to have Meowth stop the Devious Pokémon. Purrloin then flatters Meowth, and also gets the attention of Oshawott. Meowth begins to fight over Purrloin with Oshawott, but Ash puts a stop to it. Afterwards the group venture over to a nearby stream to take a break. Purrloin tells Meowth that it didn't realize that the Berries belonged to the Tranquill. However, Cilan is still suspicious. Oshawott then uses Water Gun on Ash and Cilan, knocking some Berries out of Ash's backpack. Iris is also overwhelmed by Purrloin’s cuteness, and tries to catch it, but Meowth blocks her, almost getting himself caught by her Poké Ball. Purrloin then sneaks away, preparing to steal the Berries from Ash's backpack.

Meanwhile, Jessie and James are taking photographs of Anville Town’s train yard, and discussing their feelings of loss over Meowth. While James is more concerned, Jessie is focused on the mission at hand, and orders their plans be executed that night.

Purrloin runs back to Ash and company, and claims that its friends are stuck in a deep cave up the road. The group agrees to help find them, though Cilan decides to stay behind, as he can't bring himself to trust Purrloin. The group are lead up a steep and rocky mountain, and Ash begins to grow tired. Purrloin asserts that they are almost there, and orders Ash to leave his backpack, arguing that it is heavy and might get in the way, but Ash refuses. Meanwhile, Cilan is waiting and becomes increasingly worried about the others. Misha, a Trainer with her arm in a sling, arrives and asks Cilan if he has seen a Purrloin, and he exclaims that he has.

Purrloin guides Ash and the others through an abandoned mine tunnel, and gestures to a tiny hole, explaining that the group must crawl through it. The group barely squeezes their way through, so Purrloin has Meowth grab Ash’s backpack, insisting that it gets even narrower up ahead. Arriving in a larger area, Purrloin urges that its friends are down there and that Meowth must leave the backpack up above. The group jumps down the scaffolding, which is very old and begins to creak. Purrloin then bides goodbye from above, clutching Ash's backpack, declaring that it has no business with Ash and his friends anymore now that it has their food. Suddenly, the scaffolding collapses, sending Ash and the others into the pit below. While Purrloin is checking to see if everyone is alright, Cilan and Misha arrive on the scene. Purrloin confronts its Trainer about abandoning it, and Misha explains that she had been in an accident and was unable to come home. When the hospital had released her, she came home to find that Purrloin was gone. Purrloin initially refuses to believe Misha’s story, but begins to think it over.

Meowth is alarmed as the ground underneath his feet begins to sink. Ash and Iris rush to help, only to realize that they are sinking as well. Cilan and Misha try to pull everyone out with a rope, but the remaining scaffolding gives and they fall into the pit as well. Purrloin wants to help, however Misha warns it to stay put. Purrloin reminisces the good times it has had with its Trainer and rushes out of the tunnel, much to everyone's disappointment. Ash sends out Snivy and has her use Vine Whip to grab the rope. As Snivy struggles to pull everyone out, Iris and Cilan send out Excadrill and Pansage to assist. Suddenly, the rope snaps, and everyone begins to get pulled back under the sinking earth. Unexpectedly, the flock of Tranquill arrive and pull the group to safety just in time; all thanks to Purrloin, who had convinced the flock to come rescue Ash and his friends. The group is impressed with Purrloin's selfless actions and grateful to be saved, and Ash thanks the Tranquill and Purrloin for saving the day.

Now back at the tunnel entrance, Meowth explains how Purrloin endured Tranquill's Gust as it pleaded for the flock to rescue Ash and his friends. Misha thanks Purrloin, and it expresses remorse for the way it reacted to being left alone. The group is relieved that everything turned out alright, and Iris wishes the best for Misha and Purrloin, to which Misha expresses her gratitude. Meowth and Oshawott make one final romantic gesture toward Purrloin. However, Misha and Purrloin reveal that Purrloin is actually male, to Meowth and Oshawott's wistful disappointment and solemn heartbreak.

Meanwhile, Jessie and James guide the mobile lab of Dr. Zager as it lands in Anville Town in preparation for Team Rocket's next operation.

Major events

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

Debuts

Pokémon debuts

TV episode debuts

Characters

Humans

Pokémon

 
Who's That Pokémon?

Who's That Pokémon?: Purrloin

Trivia

Errors

Dub edits

  • In the English dub, Meowth calls Ash and his friends twerps throughout the episode. In the Japanese version, he doesn't call them anything, as he was trying not to blow his cover.
  • In the English dub, Ash says that he doesn't care why the Tranquill were angry before bringing out Oshawott. In the Japanese version, he just brings out Oshawott.
  • In the English dub, Cilan says that Purrloin's tail looks like a pitchfork. In the Japanese version, he says that it looks like a devil's tail.
  • In the English dub, Meowth asks for a favor after brushing off Misha's gratitude, and Misha asks what it is. In the Japanese version, he instead calls Misha "mother", and Misha repeats this back to him.
  • In the English dub, Cilan calls the reveal that Purrloin is male a "menu substitution". In the Japanese version, he says that it is "in bad taste".
  • In the English dub, the narrator says Meowth and Oshawott's love for Purrloin is unrequited. In the Japanese version, he says that their love "vanished into thin air" as soon as they discovered Purrloin's gender.

In other languages



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Pokémon the Series: Black & White
BW045 : Beheeyem, Duosion, and the Dream Thief! →
  This episode article is part of Project Anime, a Bulbapedia project that covers all aspects of the Pokémon anime.
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