June 30, 2025 • 32 mins
Pokémon Anime Review – EP015: “Battle Aboard the St. Anne” | Rock‑et the Boat
In this episode of the Pika Pals Podcast, I revisit Pokémon: Battle Aboard the St. Anne, where Ash and friends receive mysterious tickets to a luxurious cruise — only to find themselves caught in a Team Rocket trap. Between fancy food, high-stakes trades, and a ship full of eager trainers, Ash makes a decision about Butterfree he may come to regret. But with danger looming, can our heroes escape the Santa Anne before it’s too late?
⚡ Whether you’re a 90s kid reliving Indigo League memories or a new fan exploring the Kanto region for the first time, this nostalgic anime rewatch is full of fun, fan theories, and friendship. 🎧 New episodes weekly! Follow and be part of the Pika Pals family!
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Pika Pals Podcast is a fan project and not affiliated with Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company. All rights to characters, names, and images belong to their respective owners.
Episode details and Pokémon facts referenced from Bulbapedia, with appreciation for their amazing fan community.
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Keywords: Pokémon anime podcast, Indigo League rewatch, Ash Ketchum, Pikachu, Misty, Brock, Kanto region, Team Rocket, 90s anime, Pokémon nostalgia, Pokémon episode review, anime podcast, Pokémon fandom, retro anime, classic Pokémon, fan theories, Pokémon rewatch, mental health & fandom, Pika Pals Podcast
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:19):
And now, join Pokémon Trainer Jed for a non-stop,
action-packed, laugh filled perilous journey.
Turn your hat around, grab your pokeballs, and get ready for the
fantastic Pika Pals podcast, where the excitement never ends.
Welcome to the Pika Pals podcast.
I'm your host Pokémon trainer Jed and I Thank you for tuning
(00:42):
in. And on today's episode I'm
discussing battle aboard the Sainan.
It's Pokémon's answer to the Titanic with just as many twists
and turns, but not an iceberg insight.
But first, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has
continued to support my Pokémon podcast.
(01:04):
You guys are real peeka pals andI couldn't do it without you.
It's been really incredible to see the reach that this podcast
has had to some countries aroundthe world.
I mean, people are even listening in places as far as
the Philippines. So hello to you if you are
listening in the Philippines andhello to everyone else.
(01:26):
And I know I say it every week, but I didn't expect to get past
one episode of this. I did this as a personal project
for me. I thought I'd put together 1
episode. I'll send it to some friends and
some family members, see if they'll listen and if they enjoy
it, maybe I'll I'll try and do another episode.
And we are now over 20 episodes of the podcast, and people have
(01:48):
really enjoyed it and people have been really kind.
So if you're enjoying it, I'll continue putting out the podcast
for you guys. But without further ado, let's
get to today's episode. Today I'm talking about the
(02:11):
Pokémon episode Battle Aboard the Saint Anne.
The Japanese title was Battle ofthe Saint Anu.
This is the 15th episode of the Pokémon animated series, and it
was first broadcast in Japan on July the 8th, 1997.
It would go on to be shown in the United States as the first
(02:33):
dubbed episode on September the 7th, 1998 to.
That's right, this was actually the first ever dubbed episode of
Pokémon. This was a sneak peek episode,
the first time the audiences gotto see the Pokémon anime.
It later aired in sequence orderin the United States on
(02:55):
September the 28th, 1998. Now, when this episode aired as
a sneak peek in the United States, it wasn't actually shown
everywhere because some areas were instead hosting the annual
Jerry Lewis MDA Labour Day telephone Jerry Lewis, I choose
(03:17):
you. According to Rachel Lewis, this
and Pokémon Shipwrecked were thefirst episodes to be dubbed into
English, which would make sense as this was the first English
dubbed episode to be shown outside of Japan.
Now, in the animated series, theSaint Anne retains its Japanese
(03:38):
name despite being called the s s Anne in the Pokémon games.
This is all likely due to the number of paint edits required
to make that change, but it alsoprevents a future dub error when
Richie is on a ship called the SSN in a future episode called
(03:59):
The Search for the Legend. This episode marks the first
time that Ash is seen making a Pokémon trade, and it's also the
first episode where a trade is done at all on screen, with this
episode also featuring Pokémon being brought.
It also marks the first episode where a Pokémon is shown to be
(04:21):
obtained through means other than catching it.
Not including Pikachu, who was Ash's first Pokémon.
So kind of, you know, given to him by Professor Oak.
The button that the Gentleman Trainer pressed to start the
trade was actually a record button.
Also shown was a play button, a Fast forward button, and a pause
(04:42):
button. Handy that the pause button is
there just in case maybe you change your mind mid trade.
And this episode is the first tofeature Team Rocket members
besides Jesse James and Meowth. People always think of Team
Rocket as mainly just Jesse James and Meowth, but Team
Rocket is a much larger operation and this episode
(05:04):
showed more Team Rocket members.Now, while there wasn't an
attack by Team Rocket on the ship in the Pokémon games, you
can talk to an undercover globalpolice officer who mentioned
that he's on the trail of Team Rocket, hinting at the
possibility of there being an attack.
(05:25):
The scene where all the Pikachu are jumping over the wall to
battle Team Rocket soldiers is identical to the scene in
Pokémon Emergency where all the Pikachu are shown jumping over a
wall at the Pokémon Centre to battle Team Rocket.
The captain's declaration that the Saint Anne is unsinkable and
(05:45):
it's subsequent sinking is a clear reference to the RMS
Titanic, and in fact, the narrator acknowledges this in
the next episode's recap, exclaiming Holy Titanic.
This episode was partially adapted into a Pokémon book
called Island of the Giant Pokémon, and while not
(06:08):
explicitly mentioned in this episode, the preview from the
previous episode features Ash directly referring to Giovanni
by his name, and this would markthe only time that one of the
main characters ever used Giovanni's name.
Now there were a few fun errors that I noticed rewatching this
episode and I'd be interested tosee if you spot them too if you
(06:31):
ever choose to go back and rewatch Battle of the Saint
Anne. Radicate uses Jump Kick in this
episode, which is a move that can't be learned by Radicate in
the Pokémon games. Also, in a scene where James is
walking past the Magikarp salesman, the booth on the left
(06:51):
of the Magikarp salesman has a pyramid of normal coloured poker
balls. But later on in the scene when
James is talking to the same Magikarp salesman, the pyramid
of poker balls is gold. So a couple of colouring edits
in the episode there, but you know, maybe the Pokémon balls of
the normal colour, it all sold out so the the gold ones were
(07:13):
now on sale. Who knows?
Dub edits are one of my favoritethings about these original
Pokémon episodes. And in the original version, Ash
calls the man to whom he trades the Butterfree, A gentleman,
which is acknowledged on Bulbapedia.
So I will take it as fact. After the gentleman asks if
anyone is brave enough to challenge his eradicate.
(07:37):
Ash claims to be fired up in theJapanese version, causing flames
to briefly flash in his eyes. In the English dub, Ash simply
says I can't wait. But the flames still remain.
So the fire was still burning strong for Ash.
People might have been like, oh wonder what's wrong with his
(07:58):
eyes. Must have heartburn eye burn.
Certain scenes in the English dub feature additional sound
effects. Butterfree and Eradicates Battle
includes their vocal effects as they strike each other in mid
air. The Saint Anne leaving the port
features additional wave sound effects.
(08:21):
And right before Misty goes to talk to Ash after the trade, the
Ship Horn is added to the shot when Jesse announces that Team
Rocket will take their Pokémon. The Japanese version has a
silent crowd, but the English dub adds overlapping dialogue to
this scene, Notably a man sayingour Pokémon and a boy says they
(08:45):
can't do that. In the Japanese version, Ash
reacts silently when the force of the wave knocks the
Butterfree's Poker Ball out of Ash's hands, but in the English
dub, he shouts no. The scene with Giovanni talking
to Jesse James and Meowth featured different dialogue in
(09:07):
the VHSA sneak peek at Pokémon. Instead of discussing their
plan, Giovanni is shown telling Team Rocket that they need to
capture Ash's Pikachu before Pokémon merchandise hits the
stores or they'll likely be found out.
Giovanni was the mastermind behind Pokémon merchandise.
(09:29):
Who knew he must be a quadruple billionaire?
In the Italian and Hindi dubs, Giovanni's Persian is referred
to as the Persian Cat, and also in the Hindi dub, Misty's
fantasy scene where she's shown wearing a bikini was completely
removed. Now, I talked earlier about how
(09:51):
this was the first dubbed episode to be shown in the
United States despite not actually being episode 1 of
Pokémon. And when the episode aired as a
sneak peek, it had different opening and closing narrations.
In the sneak peek opening, the narrator said welcome to the
special exclusive sneak peek preview of Pokémon.
(10:14):
For this sneak peek, let's pick up the adventure as our heroes
our departing Vermilion City. As always, Brock, Misty, and
Pikachu join Ash on his quest tobecome a Pokémon Master.
Now, cutting to the end of the episode, the closing narration
on the VHS sneak peek said not everyone, Captain.
(10:36):
And as the Saint Anne heads to the bottom of the sea, our
heroes are trapped unconscious inside, and so is Team Rocket.
Could this be the end? How will they escape their
watery fate? Those answers will be coming
soon enough, but tomorrow we'll be taking you back to the
beginning to find out how everybody met and discover how
(10:58):
the incredible Pokémon adventureall began.
Which is really interesting thatthey acknowledged in the
narration there that they would then be going back to episode 1
and you'd actually have to wait for the timeline to catch up to
see the conclusion of this episode arc.
The regular narration closing however, was not everyone
(11:18):
captain. And as the Saint Anne hits to
the bottom of the sea, our heroes are trapped unconscious
inside, and so is Team Rocket. Could this be the end?
How will they escape their watery fate?
I don't know, but I have a terrible sinking feeling now.
For me personally, this was one of the first episodes that truly
(11:39):
expanded the world of Pokémon. We got to see an entire cruise
ship dedicated to Pokémon and Pokémon Trainers.
We met all sorts of Pokémon Trainers, from Dapper Gentleman
to extended members of Team Rocket, and this showcased just
how vast the Pokémon world was. Some of the major events from
(12:00):
this episode we got to see Ash and his friends embark on the
luxurious Pokémon Cruise about the Saint Anne liner.
Ash learned all about trading and actually traded his
Butterfree for a Gentleman's eradicate, but later in the
episode he regretted this and traded back.
(12:20):
I remember watching this as a kid and wishing Ash wouldn't
have traded Butterfree. Butterfree was one of my
favorite Pokémon and I think many people started to develop
sentimental attachments to Pokémon while watching these
early episodes. It was tough to see Ash willing
to just trade Butterfree away, especially after the struggles
with Carape and Metapod and everything that they've been
(12:40):
through. However, I vividly remember the
trading scene between Ash trading his Butterfree away and
being quite sad watching that. For this episode in particular,
I've picked out one of my favorite scenes, and here it is.
(13:02):
Now it's my turn go. Butterfree Ash you traded.
It remember. Oh, yeah, butter free.
Yeah. All right.
(13:40):
I raised that butter free all bymyself.
I have to get butter free back. We also got to see James meeting
the Magic Carp salesman for the first time who would later
appear in future episodes which I always enjoyed seeing him.
And this episode was one of the first times that we saw a real
goofy side of James. If left his own devices without
(14:02):
Jesse and Meowth, who knows whattrouble he would get into.
But James, Jesse and Meowth weremaybe the stand out characters
in this episode, although they were tragically responsible for
the sinking of the Saint Anne liner.
And at the end we see Ash, Misty, Brock and Team Rocket at
the bottom of the sunken ship ina real cliffhanger moment.
(14:26):
Now I know every episode of Pokémon ends with To Be
Continued, but this episode in particular was a real
cliffhanger. This was part of a two episode
arc so we would see what would happen in the next episode.
However, watching this as a kid for the first time and then re
watching it back for this podcast and having to wait for
(14:46):
the next episode, it's kind of areal ordeal because you're
seeing your favorite characters on screen and they're
essentially drowning. And then it just cuts to to be
continued. It was like, well man, this is
nuts. But let's take a look at some
viewer comments from real Pokémon fans who watched this
episode. It's time for IMDb, the very
(15:09):
best. Maya Tom Yance says the ship was
unsinkable. The ship was unsinkable.
Tobin said The fact that Ash is such an idiot makes him a genius
(15:35):
one day. We all know that Red still
kickers his butt though till this day.
But I hope 2019 Pokémon give Ashsome justice and Pokémon
whatever though, we want him to have a happy day until then.
Probably should have read that one first before reading it out.
(15:58):
Draco Reyes says James is the best drag queen ever.
Dennis Sylvia says beautiful Misty s s mutant almost a
chicken duck says nice referenceto the Titanic lol.
(16:18):
Sure that's probably the only time that Titanic and lol might
have been used in the same sentence.
Passion. If that's what the captain said
on the day it sank, well we've had an iceberg lol.
Federica says I just love him somuch.
And they've included a DIF of James from Pokémon.
(16:41):
UE says. Poor James, he's so naive.
A lot of comments about James from this episode.
Maybe it's the stand out of thisepisode.
Nico Mon said Ash is an idiot for trading Butterfree.
I really hate him sometimes. Matthias has put me and then
(17:02):
included a screenshot of Misty, Brock and Pikachu stuffing their
faces with food at the buffet table.
Breaking Sky has included a screenshot from the episode
where during the rescue a man says look, there goes the ship
it's sinking. Anyone who didn't leave the ship
(17:23):
safely, please say aye. And lastly, Sotoro said why did
he trade Butterfree? Get Butterfree back.
Satoshi, which is the Japanese name of Ash.
He even thought about Butterfreein the moments before he was
about to die, and that's what you guys thought on this
(17:45):
episode. Pokémon Season 1 episode 15.
I'll be back. But first, we've got to take a
pause for the calls and keep thelights on in the Pika Pals
studio with a quick message fromour sponsors.
Hey there, Pika Pals podcast listeners, introducing
(18:07):
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guaranteed to transform your lashes from drab to fab in a
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(18:32):
But wait, there's more. Our formula is as tough as a
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the toughest Pokémon conditions.Whether you're swimming the
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(18:53):
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And for our loyal Pika Powers podcast listeners, Magic Harps
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(19:14):
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So don't let your lashes remain as underwhelming as a Magic Carp
in a Pokémon battle. Join the Magic Carp evolution
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(19:38):
Remember Pika pals with Magic Harps mascara?
Your lashes will be as eye-catching as a shiny Gyarados
in no time. Welcome back Pika Pals, you are
(20:19):
listening to the Pika Pals podcast.
I'm your host Pokémon trainer Jed.
Thank you to this week's Pokémonsponsor.
Can't wait to try out Magic Harps mascara for myself,
enhance my eyelashes and flutterthem like a Butterfree's wings
in the street. Who wants to play a game of
who's That Pokémon? It's time for this week's
(20:42):
Pokémon Spotlight. I've got my official Pokémon
Handbook ready. Here we go.
This Pokémon uses the moves Tackle, Tail, Whip, and Quick
Attack. Which leaves me with just one
question. Who's that Pokémon?
(21:06):
It's Raticate, Japanese name Rata, is a normal type Pokémon
introduced in Generation One with the National pokedex #20.
Eradicate evolves from Rata starting at level 20.
Eradicate may be a combination of the word rat and eradicate,
(21:28):
which means to destroy or exterminate, or masticate which
means to chew. Ratto, the Japanese name may be
derived from ratto. The word rat raticate appears to
be based on a rat as well as a semi aquatic rodent like
(21:49):
muskrat. Due to its large size and webbed
feet, it's scruffy ears resemblebows of a Guinea pig.
The yellow eradicate appears to be based on the black rat, the
brown rat, or the Polynesian rat, all of which are an
invasive species in Hawaii. Their attacks on sugar cane
(22:10):
fields have prompted the locals to import small Indian Mongoose
into Hawaii to serve as pest control, explaining the
connection between young goose and gumshoes and radata and
radicate it's glottis nature, ability to command groups of
Radata to steal, and it's hostile relationship with the
(22:33):
detective. Inspired gum shoes are
reminiscent of the stereotypicalcrime boss.
It also has cheek pouches similar to a chipmunk or a
hamster eradicate. A large rodent like Pokémon is
often depicted on it's hind legs.
Primarily tawny coloured with a cream underside.
(22:55):
It has narrow black eyes, ears with ragged edges and dark
insides, and large incisors thatgrow continuously. 3 whiskers on
each side of its face to help maintain balance, and it has
short arms with three fingered hands and webbed feet with three
(23:15):
toes which allow it to swim. Females have shorter whiskers.
If a tank eradicate stands up onits hind legs, bares its fangs,
and shrieks in an intimidating manner at it's enemy, it is
willing to take on larger foes if provoked enough, and it's
teeth are strong enough to gnaw through steel and their constant
(23:38):
group means it often needs to gnaw on something like rocks and
logs. It may even chew on the walls of
houses, capable of chewing through cinder blocks and
toppling concrete buildings. And as shown in Pokémon Sleep,
Radicate is known to sleep with a log in its teeth, gnawing at
(24:00):
it in the process. So there's a sleep tip for any
of you struggling to get to sleep at night.
Maybe sleep with a log on your tear.
Radicate typically lives in the plains and savannas and
previously Radicate and it's preevolved form Radatan will be
only known Pokémon capable of luring the moves Hyperfang and
(24:24):
Superfang. Radicate does have a regional
form called the Aloha Radicate and in Aloha Radicate has been
known to be heavier and darker due to its urban environment and
diet. It's fur is mostly black with a
brown patch on its belly and brown insides of its ears.
(24:46):
It's hands, feet, cheek, and tail are cream colored and it's
hands are smaller. It has large puffy cheeks with
four whiskers under it's chin and two sprouting out sideways
from each cheek. It's large incisors are still
visible, but it's eyes are red. Here's some radicate trivia.
(25:07):
Radicates catch rate was 90 in generation one and two of
Pokémon, but increased to 127 ingeneration 3.
Radicate is the only Pokémon that shares its National Pokedex
number with the level at which it evolves.
Although this is likely just a coincidence.
(25:28):
Radicate and it's pre evolved form both belong to the same
category as Pikachu, Raichu, Sandru, Sand Slash, Pot, Me, and
Poimo. They are all collectively known
as Mouse Pokémon, although Rattata and Eradicate were
originally called Rat Pokémon prior to Generation 3, And for
(25:51):
Pokémon Red and Green and Pokémon Red and Blue, Eradicate
originally had four fingers on its front paws instead of three.
Well, that's a bunch of Eradicate facts for you to
discuss around the water cooler with your work colleagues.
I'm sure they'd be very impressed.
Who wants some Pokémon jokes? It's time for everyone's
(26:12):
favorite segment. It's time for joke him on
Pokémon jokes. Pokémon jokes.
This is the part of the show where I tell Pokémon jokes.
Sometimes they're awful. Occasionally they are good.
Here's the first one. Why did 9 Towels become a
(26:33):
personal assistant? Because she has nine tails to
juggle tasks effectively. OK, here's one about Nederat.
What did Nederat say when she won the beauty pageant?
It's all about that Nederina glow.
(26:55):
Why did Sand True get kicked outof the beach volleyball
tournament? They kept curling up in defence
mode whenever the ball came near.
I suppose they could have been used for the ball in that case,
couldn't they? What do you call a clefable with
(27:17):
a sense of humor? A Clef?
Funny. Brilliant.
What did Vulpix say when she tried on the new sweater?
(27:39):
This is so foxy and fiery. Well, there you go everyone.
That was this week's Pokémon jokes.
It was joke him on. OK, let's go over to Dragonite's
(28:02):
mailbag and see if there are anyPokémon questions from you guys,
the listeners this week. Don't forget, you can send me
your questions at Yeet, a mania across all the socials, Drop a
comment on the podcast episode or even send it via e-mail at
yeetamania@gmail.com. But this week's question comes
(28:24):
from Joe Dictaphone. They say if Pokémon could wear
clothes, which character do you think would have the best
fashion sense? Interesting question, Joe.
Now, I'm guessing you mean a Pokémon that appears to be naked
in the Pokémon world. Because I was going to say Jinx
is already pretty fashionable. But I guess Jinx already wears
(28:47):
clothes, doesn't she? Jinx sounds like a dress.
So in terms of a Pokémon that isin the nude, if it was to wear
human clothing, who would be themost fashionable?
What about primate? What about primate?
Because Primate already shows aninterest in human clothing in
(29:11):
the episode where he steals Ash's Pokémon cap.
So maybe Primate has an interestin the fashion world and he just
wanted to experiment with the cap, see how it would look on
him, see if it would accessorisewell with his wrist cuffs.
I'm thinking maybe Primate has an interest in fashion, already
(29:34):
underlying interest in fashion, and would be a pretty
fashionable Pokémon. I could see Primate rocking some
flares, that'd be pretty fashionable.
Or sequin jacket, that would be pretty cool on Primate.
Yeah, maybe Primate. Maybe Primate would be the most
fashionable character or have the best fashion sense in
Pokémon. And with that, that is the end
(29:57):
of the show. And you know what that means?
The. Time has come.
It's for the best, I know it. Who could have guessed that You
(30:19):
and I some house away. We have to say goodbye.
Somehow today, we have to say goodbye.
Somehow, someway, we have to saygoodbye.
(30:48):
Thank you for listening. Don't forget to leave a review
and a rating to help others discover the show.
And please share the episode with a friend, family member,
fellow Pokémon trainer, or anyone you think might enjoy the
Pika Pals podcast. I really, really, really
appreciate that. And more people can be part of
the Pika Pals family. Don't forget you can find out
(31:09):
more details about my Pika Pals Unite fundraiser in the episode
description where I'm raising money for my local mental health
charity Mind in Somerset. And a huge thank you to everyone
who has kindly donated so far. You can catch me across all of
the socials at Yeetamania. That's Yeetamania for exclusive
(31:31):
content and to send in your Pokémon questions for
Dragonite's mailbag. Or you can e-mail me at
yeetamania@gmail.com. But that does it.
For this weeks show I've been Jed, this has been the Peeker
Pals podcast and you've been a real Peeker Pal.
The show may be over, but the journey continues.
And now, join Pokémon Trainer Jed for a non-stop,
action-packed, laugh filled perilous journey.
Turn your hat around, grab your pokeballs, and get ready for the
fantastic Pika Pals podcast, where the excitement never ends.
Welcome to the Pika Pals podcast.
I'm your host Pokémon trainer Jed and I Thank you for tuning
(00:42):
in. And on today's episode I'm
discussing battle aboard the Sainan.
It's Pokémon's answer to the Titanic with just as many twists
and turns, but not an iceberg insight.
But first, I just want to say thank you to everyone who has
continued to support my Pokémon podcast.
(01:04):
You guys are real peeka pals andI couldn't do it without you.
It's been really incredible to see the reach that this podcast
has had to some countries aroundthe world.
I mean, people are even listening in places as far as
the Philippines. So hello to you if you are
listening in the Philippines andhello to everyone else.
(01:26):
And I know I say it every week, but I didn't expect to get past
one episode of this. I did this as a personal project
for me. I thought I'd put together 1
episode. I'll send it to some friends and
some family members, see if they'll listen and if they enjoy
it, maybe I'll I'll try and do another episode.
And we are now over 20 episodes of the podcast, and people have
(01:48):
really enjoyed it and people have been really kind.
So if you're enjoying it, I'll continue putting out the podcast
for you guys. But without further ado, let's
get to today's episode. Today I'm talking about the
(02:11):
Pokémon episode Battle Aboard the Saint Anne.
The Japanese title was Battle ofthe Saint Anu.
This is the 15th episode of the Pokémon animated series, and it
was first broadcast in Japan on July the 8th, 1997.
It would go on to be shown in the United States as the first
(02:33):
dubbed episode on September the 7th, 1998 to.
That's right, this was actually the first ever dubbed episode of
Pokémon. This was a sneak peek episode,
the first time the audiences gotto see the Pokémon anime.
It later aired in sequence orderin the United States on
(02:55):
September the 28th, 1998. Now, when this episode aired as
a sneak peek in the United States, it wasn't actually shown
everywhere because some areas were instead hosting the annual
Jerry Lewis MDA Labour Day telephone Jerry Lewis, I choose
(03:17):
you. According to Rachel Lewis, this
and Pokémon Shipwrecked were thefirst episodes to be dubbed into
English, which would make sense as this was the first English
dubbed episode to be shown outside of Japan.
Now, in the animated series, theSaint Anne retains its Japanese
(03:38):
name despite being called the s s Anne in the Pokémon games.
This is all likely due to the number of paint edits required
to make that change, but it alsoprevents a future dub error when
Richie is on a ship called the SSN in a future episode called
(03:59):
The Search for the Legend. This episode marks the first
time that Ash is seen making a Pokémon trade, and it's also the
first episode where a trade is done at all on screen, with this
episode also featuring Pokémon being brought.
It also marks the first episode where a Pokémon is shown to be
(04:21):
obtained through means other than catching it.
Not including Pikachu, who was Ash's first Pokémon.
So kind of, you know, given to him by Professor Oak.
The button that the Gentleman Trainer pressed to start the
trade was actually a record button.
Also shown was a play button, a Fast forward button, and a pause
(04:42):
button. Handy that the pause button is
there just in case maybe you change your mind mid trade.
And this episode is the first tofeature Team Rocket members
besides Jesse James and Meowth. People always think of Team
Rocket as mainly just Jesse James and Meowth, but Team
Rocket is a much larger operation and this episode
(05:04):
showed more Team Rocket members.Now, while there wasn't an
attack by Team Rocket on the ship in the Pokémon games, you
can talk to an undercover globalpolice officer who mentioned
that he's on the trail of Team Rocket, hinting at the
possibility of there being an attack.
(05:25):
The scene where all the Pikachu are jumping over the wall to
battle Team Rocket soldiers is identical to the scene in
Pokémon Emergency where all the Pikachu are shown jumping over a
wall at the Pokémon Centre to battle Team Rocket.
The captain's declaration that the Saint Anne is unsinkable and
(05:45):
it's subsequent sinking is a clear reference to the RMS
Titanic, and in fact, the narrator acknowledges this in
the next episode's recap, exclaiming Holy Titanic.
This episode was partially adapted into a Pokémon book
called Island of the Giant Pokémon, and while not
(06:08):
explicitly mentioned in this episode, the preview from the
previous episode features Ash directly referring to Giovanni
by his name, and this would markthe only time that one of the
main characters ever used Giovanni's name.
Now there were a few fun errors that I noticed rewatching this
episode and I'd be interested tosee if you spot them too if you
(06:31):
ever choose to go back and rewatch Battle of the Saint
Anne. Radicate uses Jump Kick in this
episode, which is a move that can't be learned by Radicate in
the Pokémon games. Also, in a scene where James is
walking past the Magikarp salesman, the booth on the left
(06:51):
of the Magikarp salesman has a pyramid of normal coloured poker
balls. But later on in the scene when
James is talking to the same Magikarp salesman, the pyramid
of poker balls is gold. So a couple of colouring edits
in the episode there, but you know, maybe the Pokémon balls of
the normal colour, it all sold out so the the gold ones were
(07:13):
now on sale. Who knows?
Dub edits are one of my favoritethings about these original
Pokémon episodes. And in the original version, Ash
calls the man to whom he trades the Butterfree, A gentleman,
which is acknowledged on Bulbapedia.
So I will take it as fact. After the gentleman asks if
anyone is brave enough to challenge his eradicate.
(07:37):
Ash claims to be fired up in theJapanese version, causing flames
to briefly flash in his eyes. In the English dub, Ash simply
says I can't wait. But the flames still remain.
So the fire was still burning strong for Ash.
People might have been like, oh wonder what's wrong with his
(07:58):
eyes. Must have heartburn eye burn.
Certain scenes in the English dub feature additional sound
effects. Butterfree and Eradicates Battle
includes their vocal effects as they strike each other in mid
air. The Saint Anne leaving the port
features additional wave sound effects.
(08:21):
And right before Misty goes to talk to Ash after the trade, the
Ship Horn is added to the shot when Jesse announces that Team
Rocket will take their Pokémon. The Japanese version has a
silent crowd, but the English dub adds overlapping dialogue to
this scene, Notably a man sayingour Pokémon and a boy says they
(08:45):
can't do that. In the Japanese version, Ash
reacts silently when the force of the wave knocks the
Butterfree's Poker Ball out of Ash's hands, but in the English
dub, he shouts no. The scene with Giovanni talking
to Jesse James and Meowth featured different dialogue in
(09:07):
the VHSA sneak peek at Pokémon. Instead of discussing their
plan, Giovanni is shown telling Team Rocket that they need to
capture Ash's Pikachu before Pokémon merchandise hits the
stores or they'll likely be found out.
Giovanni was the mastermind behind Pokémon merchandise.
(09:29):
Who knew he must be a quadruple billionaire?
In the Italian and Hindi dubs, Giovanni's Persian is referred
to as the Persian Cat, and also in the Hindi dub, Misty's
fantasy scene where she's shown wearing a bikini was completely
removed. Now, I talked earlier about how
(09:51):
this was the first dubbed episode to be shown in the
United States despite not actually being episode 1 of
Pokémon. And when the episode aired as a
sneak peek, it had different opening and closing narrations.
In the sneak peek opening, the narrator said welcome to the
special exclusive sneak peek preview of Pokémon.
(10:14):
For this sneak peek, let's pick up the adventure as our heroes
our departing Vermilion City. As always, Brock, Misty, and
Pikachu join Ash on his quest tobecome a Pokémon Master.
Now, cutting to the end of the episode, the closing narration
on the VHS sneak peek said not everyone, Captain.
(10:36):
And as the Saint Anne heads to the bottom of the sea, our
heroes are trapped unconscious inside, and so is Team Rocket.
Could this be the end? How will they escape their
watery fate? Those answers will be coming
soon enough, but tomorrow we'll be taking you back to the
beginning to find out how everybody met and discover how
(10:58):
the incredible Pokémon adventureall began.
Which is really interesting thatthey acknowledged in the
narration there that they would then be going back to episode 1
and you'd actually have to wait for the timeline to catch up to
see the conclusion of this episode arc.
The regular narration closing however, was not everyone
(11:18):
captain. And as the Saint Anne hits to
the bottom of the sea, our heroes are trapped unconscious
inside, and so is Team Rocket. Could this be the end?
How will they escape their watery fate?
I don't know, but I have a terrible sinking feeling now.
For me personally, this was one of the first episodes that truly
(11:39):
expanded the world of Pokémon. We got to see an entire cruise
ship dedicated to Pokémon and Pokémon Trainers.
We met all sorts of Pokémon Trainers, from Dapper Gentleman
to extended members of Team Rocket, and this showcased just
how vast the Pokémon world was. Some of the major events from
(12:00):
this episode we got to see Ash and his friends embark on the
luxurious Pokémon Cruise about the Saint Anne liner.
Ash learned all about trading and actually traded his
Butterfree for a Gentleman's eradicate, but later in the
episode he regretted this and traded back.
(12:20):
I remember watching this as a kid and wishing Ash wouldn't
have traded Butterfree. Butterfree was one of my
favorite Pokémon and I think many people started to develop
sentimental attachments to Pokémon while watching these
early episodes. It was tough to see Ash willing
to just trade Butterfree away, especially after the struggles
with Carape and Metapod and everything that they've been
(12:40):
through. However, I vividly remember the
trading scene between Ash trading his Butterfree away and
being quite sad watching that. For this episode in particular,
I've picked out one of my favorite scenes, and here it is.
(13:02):
Now it's my turn go. Butterfree Ash you traded.
It remember. Oh, yeah, butter free.
Yeah. All right.
(13:40):
I raised that butter free all bymyself.
I have to get butter free back. We also got to see James meeting
the Magic Carp salesman for the first time who would later
appear in future episodes which I always enjoyed seeing him.
And this episode was one of the first times that we saw a real
goofy side of James. If left his own devices without
(14:02):
Jesse and Meowth, who knows whattrouble he would get into.
But James, Jesse and Meowth weremaybe the stand out characters
in this episode, although they were tragically responsible for
the sinking of the Saint Anne liner.
And at the end we see Ash, Misty, Brock and Team Rocket at
the bottom of the sunken ship ina real cliffhanger moment.
(14:26):
Now I know every episode of Pokémon ends with To Be
Continued, but this episode in particular was a real
cliffhanger. This was part of a two episode
arc so we would see what would happen in the next episode.
However, watching this as a kid for the first time and then re
watching it back for this podcast and having to wait for
(14:46):
the next episode, it's kind of areal ordeal because you're
seeing your favorite characters on screen and they're
essentially drowning. And then it just cuts to to be
continued. It was like, well man, this is
nuts. But let's take a look at some
viewer comments from real Pokémon fans who watched this
episode. It's time for IMDb, the very
(15:09):
best. Maya Tom Yance says the ship was
unsinkable. The ship was unsinkable.
Tobin said The fact that Ash is such an idiot makes him a genius
(15:35):
one day. We all know that Red still
kickers his butt though till this day.
But I hope 2019 Pokémon give Ashsome justice and Pokémon
whatever though, we want him to have a happy day until then.
Probably should have read that one first before reading it out.
(15:58):
Draco Reyes says James is the best drag queen ever.
Dennis Sylvia says beautiful Misty s s mutant almost a
chicken duck says nice referenceto the Titanic lol.
(16:18):
Sure that's probably the only time that Titanic and lol might
have been used in the same sentence.
Passion. If that's what the captain said
on the day it sank, well we've had an iceberg lol.
Federica says I just love him somuch.
And they've included a DIF of James from Pokémon.
(16:41):
UE says. Poor James, he's so naive.
A lot of comments about James from this episode.
Maybe it's the stand out of thisepisode.
Nico Mon said Ash is an idiot for trading Butterfree.
I really hate him sometimes. Matthias has put me and then
(17:02):
included a screenshot of Misty, Brock and Pikachu stuffing their
faces with food at the buffet table.
Breaking Sky has included a screenshot from the episode
where during the rescue a man says look, there goes the ship
it's sinking. Anyone who didn't leave the ship
(17:23):
safely, please say aye. And lastly, Sotoro said why did
he trade Butterfree? Get Butterfree back.
Satoshi, which is the Japanese name of Ash.
He even thought about Butterfreein the moments before he was
about to die, and that's what you guys thought on this
(17:45):
episode. Pokémon Season 1 episode 15.
I'll be back. But first, we've got to take a
pause for the calls and keep thelights on in the Pika Pals
studio with a quick message fromour sponsors.
Hey there, Pika Pals podcast listeners, introducing
(18:07):
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(18:32):
But wait, there's more. Our formula is as tough as a
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(18:53):
Metamorphosis Mascara will stay put, guaranteed.
And for our loyal Pika Powers podcast listeners, Magic Harps
Metamorphosis Mascara is offering a special deal just for
you. Use the promo code Peek a splash
(19:14):
at checkout to receive 129% of your first order and a free,
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So don't let your lashes remain as underwhelming as a Magic Carp
in a Pokémon battle. Join the Magic Carp evolution
revolution with Magic Carp's Metamorphosis Mascara.
(19:38):
Remember Pika pals with Magic Harps mascara?
Your lashes will be as eye-catching as a shiny Gyarados
in no time. Welcome back Pika Pals, you are
(20:19):
listening to the Pika Pals podcast.
I'm your host Pokémon trainer Jed.
Thank you to this week's Pokémonsponsor.
Can't wait to try out Magic Harps mascara for myself,
enhance my eyelashes and flutterthem like a Butterfree's wings
in the street. Who wants to play a game of
who's That Pokémon? It's time for this week's
(20:42):
Pokémon Spotlight. I've got my official Pokémon
Handbook ready. Here we go.
This Pokémon uses the moves Tackle, Tail, Whip, and Quick
Attack. Which leaves me with just one
question. Who's that Pokémon?
(21:06):
It's Raticate, Japanese name Rata, is a normal type Pokémon
introduced in Generation One with the National pokedex #20.
Eradicate evolves from Rata starting at level 20.
Eradicate may be a combination of the word rat and eradicate,
(21:28):
which means to destroy or exterminate, or masticate which
means to chew. Ratto, the Japanese name may be
derived from ratto. The word rat raticate appears to
be based on a rat as well as a semi aquatic rodent like
(21:49):
muskrat. Due to its large size and webbed
feet, it's scruffy ears resemblebows of a Guinea pig.
The yellow eradicate appears to be based on the black rat, the
brown rat, or the Polynesian rat, all of which are an
invasive species in Hawaii. Their attacks on sugar cane
(22:10):
fields have prompted the locals to import small Indian Mongoose
into Hawaii to serve as pest control, explaining the
connection between young goose and gumshoes and radata and
radicate it's glottis nature, ability to command groups of
Radata to steal, and it's hostile relationship with the
(22:33):
detective. Inspired gum shoes are
reminiscent of the stereotypicalcrime boss.
It also has cheek pouches similar to a chipmunk or a
hamster eradicate. A large rodent like Pokémon is
often depicted on it's hind legs.
Primarily tawny coloured with a cream underside.
(22:55):
It has narrow black eyes, ears with ragged edges and dark
insides, and large incisors thatgrow continuously. 3 whiskers on
each side of its face to help maintain balance, and it has
short arms with three fingered hands and webbed feet with three
(23:15):
toes which allow it to swim. Females have shorter whiskers.
If a tank eradicate stands up onits hind legs, bares its fangs,
and shrieks in an intimidating manner at it's enemy, it is
willing to take on larger foes if provoked enough, and it's
teeth are strong enough to gnaw through steel and their constant
(23:38):
group means it often needs to gnaw on something like rocks and
logs. It may even chew on the walls of
houses, capable of chewing through cinder blocks and
toppling concrete buildings. And as shown in Pokémon Sleep,
Radicate is known to sleep with a log in its teeth, gnawing at
(24:00):
it in the process. So there's a sleep tip for any
of you struggling to get to sleep at night.
Maybe sleep with a log on your tear.
Radicate typically lives in the plains and savannas and
previously Radicate and it's preevolved form Radatan will be
only known Pokémon capable of luring the moves Hyperfang and
(24:24):
Superfang. Radicate does have a regional
form called the Aloha Radicate and in Aloha Radicate has been
known to be heavier and darker due to its urban environment and
diet. It's fur is mostly black with a
brown patch on its belly and brown insides of its ears.
(24:46):
It's hands, feet, cheek, and tail are cream colored and it's
hands are smaller. It has large puffy cheeks with
four whiskers under it's chin and two sprouting out sideways
from each cheek. It's large incisors are still
visible, but it's eyes are red. Here's some radicate trivia.
(25:07):
Radicates catch rate was 90 in generation one and two of
Pokémon, but increased to 127 ingeneration 3.
Radicate is the only Pokémon that shares its National Pokedex
number with the level at which it evolves.
Although this is likely just a coincidence.
(25:28):
Radicate and it's pre evolved form both belong to the same
category as Pikachu, Raichu, Sandru, Sand Slash, Pot, Me, and
Poimo. They are all collectively known
as Mouse Pokémon, although Rattata and Eradicate were
originally called Rat Pokémon prior to Generation 3, And for
(25:51):
Pokémon Red and Green and Pokémon Red and Blue, Eradicate
originally had four fingers on its front paws instead of three.
Well, that's a bunch of Eradicate facts for you to
discuss around the water cooler with your work colleagues.
I'm sure they'd be very impressed.
Who wants some Pokémon jokes? It's time for everyone's
(26:12):
favorite segment. It's time for joke him on
Pokémon jokes. Pokémon jokes.
This is the part of the show where I tell Pokémon jokes.
Sometimes they're awful. Occasionally they are good.
Here's the first one. Why did 9 Towels become a
(26:33):
personal assistant? Because she has nine tails to
juggle tasks effectively. OK, here's one about Nederat.
What did Nederat say when she won the beauty pageant?
It's all about that Nederina glow.
(26:55):
Why did Sand True get kicked outof the beach volleyball
tournament? They kept curling up in defence
mode whenever the ball came near.
I suppose they could have been used for the ball in that case,
couldn't they? What do you call a clefable with
(27:17):
a sense of humor? A Clef?
Funny. Brilliant.
What did Vulpix say when she tried on the new sweater?
(27:39):
This is so foxy and fiery. Well, there you go everyone.
That was this week's Pokémon jokes.
It was joke him on. OK, let's go over to Dragonite's
(28:02):
mailbag and see if there are anyPokémon questions from you guys,
the listeners this week. Don't forget, you can send me
your questions at Yeet, a mania across all the socials, Drop a
comment on the podcast episode or even send it via e-mail at
yeetamania@gmail.com. But this week's question comes
(28:24):
from Joe Dictaphone. They say if Pokémon could wear
clothes, which character do you think would have the best
fashion sense? Interesting question, Joe.
Now, I'm guessing you mean a Pokémon that appears to be naked
in the Pokémon world. Because I was going to say Jinx
is already pretty fashionable. But I guess Jinx already wears
(28:47):
clothes, doesn't she? Jinx sounds like a dress.
So in terms of a Pokémon that isin the nude, if it was to wear
human clothing, who would be themost fashionable?
What about primate? What about primate?
Because Primate already shows aninterest in human clothing in
(29:11):
the episode where he steals Ash's Pokémon cap.
So maybe Primate has an interestin the fashion world and he just
wanted to experiment with the cap, see how it would look on
him, see if it would accessorisewell with his wrist cuffs.
I'm thinking maybe Primate has an interest in fashion, already
(29:34):
underlying interest in fashion, and would be a pretty
fashionable Pokémon. I could see Primate rocking some
flares, that'd be pretty fashionable.
Or sequin jacket, that would be pretty cool on Primate.
Yeah, maybe Primate. Maybe Primate would be the most
fashionable character or have the best fashion sense in
Pokémon. And with that, that is the end
(29:57):
of the show. And you know what that means?
The. Time has come.
It's for the best, I know it. Who could have guessed that You
(30:19):
and I some house away. We have to say goodbye.
Somehow today, we have to say goodbye.
Somehow, someway, we have to saygoodbye.
(30:48):
Thank you for listening. Don't forget to leave a review
and a rating to help others discover the show.
And please share the episode with a friend, family member,
fellow Pokémon trainer, or anyone you think might enjoy the
Pika Pals podcast. I really, really, really
appreciate that. And more people can be part of
the Pika Pals family. Don't forget you can find out
(31:09):
more details about my Pika Pals Unite fundraiser in the episode
description where I'm raising money for my local mental health
charity Mind in Somerset. And a huge thank you to everyone
who has kindly donated so far. You can catch me across all of
the socials at Yeetamania. That's Yeetamania for exclusive
(31:31):
content and to send in your Pokémon questions for
Dragonite's mailbag. Or you can e-mail me at
yeetamania@gmail.com. But that does it.
For this weeks show I've been Jed, this has been the Peeker
Pals podcast and you've been a real Peeker Pal.
The show may be over, but the journey continues.
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