The long-awaited release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is finally just around the corner on November 18th, giving the loyal fanbase a much-deserved reward after being drip-fed preview content by the Pokémon Company for over a year.

The game's massive open world was recently shown off in a bit more detail at the newest preview event in New York City, and it's abundantly clear that many of the sentimental Pokémon the world has come to love will be returning. As the franchise marches forward, some fans may think back to the earlier episodes of the old-school anime series and remember some of the episodes that shaped the West’s adoration of furry friends like Pikachu and Eevee.

Season 2, Episode 4: “Volcanic Panic”

Volcanic Panic pokemon anime series

In Pokémon: Adventures in the Orange Islands, “Volcanic Panic” sees Ash face gym leader Blaine on a battlefield surrounded by lava. As fans might recollect, Charizard was hard-headed when it came to listening to Ash, especially during battles, but he finally showed his true strength in this high-tension grapple.

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The episode had everything from great animation and an action-packed fight to comedic elements of the show not quite following the rules of the games. Charizard proves his worth and loyalty to Ash ten-fold against an opponent as formidable as Magmar, gaining a large amount of fans for the starter, as well as fire-types in general.

Season 5, Episode 60: "Can't Beat the Heat"

Can't Beat the Heat pokemon anime series

Ash and his oldest, most memorable rival Gary Oak finally have a true six-versus-six battle in Johto's Silver Conference. After having lost fight after fight against Gary and his higher-level Pokémon, the stakes were higher than ever for Ash to show what he’s learned from his defeats.

With Ash's Charizard defeating Gary's Blastoise despite the fire-type disadvantage against the water-type, the episode highlights Ash’s hard work and passion unquestionably paying off. As Charizard ends the close battle with Seismic Toss while the battlefield is saturated in fog, the dramatic win will always be remembered fondly.

Season 1, Episode 2: “Pokémon Emergency”

Pokémon Emergency pokemon anime series

After Pikachu saves Ash during a dangerously aggressive encounter with a wild Pokémon, the trainer must rush to the nearest Pokémon Center to save his best friend’s life.

The episode not only showcases Pikachu’s immense selflessness and love for his buddy in a fantastically dramatic way that is reminiscent of the first episode of the series but also includes the very first debut of Team Rocket, making it a powerhouse of nostalgia for any fan of the main villains of the Pokémon anime or the brave little Pikachu.

Season 2, Episode 6: “The Misty Mermaid”

The Misty Mermaid pokemon anime series

Centered around the series’ original female protagonist Misty, “The Misty Mermaid" gives fans the first underwater fight ever, expanding on Misty’s undeniable talent and love for water-type Pokémon. Misty’s return to Cerulean City becomes an adventurous outing when her gym leader sisters beg her to assist them by performing in an epic underwater ballet.

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Fans seldom forget Misty in her beautiful mermaid outfit, her soft interactions with the various Pokémon giving many watchers a soft spot for them. Even team rocket makes a remarkable appearance when they attempt to thwart the evening, with Jessie dressed as the prince of the ballet and James wearing a pink tutu as the ballerina.

Season 1, Episode 42: “The Song of Jigglypuff”

The Song of Jigglypuff pokemon anime series

None can overlook the ironic plot of “The Song of Jigglypuff,” in which Ash and friends come across Jigglypuff for the first time in a peaceful forest outside of the never-sleeping Neon City, which is so boisterous that the police there are always busy.

What instantly became a staple of the Pokémon community back in the early 2000s, aka Jigglypuff drawing on people’s faces every time they fell asleep while she sang, is nostalgic and has remained an ongoing joke in the fandom ever since. Though Jigglypuff may have a disappointing Pokémon evolution, the amazing quirk completely makes up for it.

Season 1, Episode 10: “Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village”

Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village pokemon anime series

The debut of Ash’s Bulbasaur is unforgettable, letting viewers see how heroic the Pokémon can truly be and solidifying him as a favorite to the masses. After the gang is lost while trying to find their way to Vermilion City, they find an Oddish and try to catch it.

The Pokéball is deflected by a nearby Bulbasaur, then Misty and Ash fall into a net trap that was put there by someone protecting the sick Pokémon of the village from people alongside the fan-favorite grass starter, who acts as a bodyguard. Bulbasaur’s first impression of endless bravery left an impact on the young trainers and watchers alike.

Season 1, Episode 12: “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad”

Here Comes the Squirtle Squad Pokemon anime series

The episode made for Squirtle lovers that definitely maximized the Pokémon's fanbase, “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad” follows a gang of prankster Squirtles who antagonize both Ash and Team Rocket.

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The head of the delinquent turtles, who were abandoned by their owners and have no trust in humans, regain their faith after seeing Ash’s reaction to his wounded Pikachu. Changing their tune, the group transitions from misfit Pokémon to firefighters, and their leader leaves with Ash. The event is exceptionally significant among fans since it was a perfect introduction to the water-type turltes and drove home the pure-at-heart nature of most Pokémon.

Season 1, Episode 22: “The Tower of Terror”

The Tower of Terror pokemon epsiode

The birthplace of the iconic scene of Haunter licking Charmander is “The Tower of Terror” of The Sabrina Trilogy, where Ash adventures to a tower in Lavender Town to catch a ghost Pokémon and defeat an impressively strong psychic trainer in battle.

Ash and fans learn about the mystical spirits of the Pokémon world in an episode that is full of charisma, destined only to become more evocative as time passes. Fans reminisce fondly of the trick-playing trio of spooky Pokémon Ghastly, Haunter, and Gengar, who proved to be quite the life of the party. Their wacky, unpredictable nature is what fans immediately fell for, still remaining as noteworthy as ever.

Season 1, Episode 11: “Charmander-The Stray Pokémon”

Charmander-The Stray Pokémon pokemon anime series

After discovering an abandoned Charmander that was left to die in the rain by its trainer, and since its flame tail going out meant certain death, the team rushes the fire-type to the nearest Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy keeps him overnight, but by morning the Charmander runs to the spot it was left in hopes of its trainer coming back and finds his saviors captured by Team Rocket.

He uses Flamethrower to roast them and free Ash, then Charmander’s neglectful trainer sees his power, asking for him back. The Pokémon refuses and goes off with Ash instead, starting his new life with a worthy trainer. The episode is a real tear-jerker to this day, depicting how protective Ash, Misty, and Brock are of all Pokémon. Cementing itself as one of the best moments in the whole anime, fans will always remember the sad story and happy ending of the Charmander.

Episode 1, "Pokémon: I Choose You!”

Pokémon I Choose You first episode of the Pokemon anime series

It comes as no surprise that the very first episode of the anime series is the most nostalgic of all since it holds up to this day, being an amazing introduction to the Pokémon universe as Ash Ketchum begins his long venture to become a Pokémon Master.

Of course, this is also when viewers first meet the stubborn yet unbelievably adorable Pikachu and see Ash's enthusiasm, the two learning to trust each other after the trainer sacrifices himself to protect the cynical Pokémon. While watching, fans could feel the deep bond that had been forged between Ash and Pikachu during the event. Holding a special place in the hearts of fans, the episode sets the tone and lays the foundation for the rest of the series perfectly.

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