Pokémon's Indigo League saga was the starting point for many anime fans and holds a special place in their hearts. The adventures of Ash Ketchum and friends exhilarated many children who tuned in regularly. Lots of fans remember Ash's gym battle with the Pewter City gym leader, Brock. But many do not remember Ash's first battle was with a fellow trainer--and this is for a good reason. Ash's first battle was the worst.
Pokémon season 1, Episode 4, "Challenge of the Samurai," was where Ash had his first bout with a fellow trainer who is wearing Samurai armor and was named, well, Samurai. At first, the battle was going great for Ash. He had a Pidgeoto who was doing well but lost to Samurai's Pinsir. So his next Pokémon choice was the only other one he had: Metapod. Metapod beats Pinsir because Pinsir was unable to break Metapod's hard shell and instead cracks its spikes. Samurai is undeterred and brings out his own Metapod.
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Thus the most long-winded Pokémon battle ensues with each trainer doing the only "attack" that such a Pokémon can do. Metapod uses harden and back and forth the two trainers give the same demand. While the battle is anything but riveting, the comedic chops shine through in this episode. Time passes, and Pikachu and Misty find ways to occupy themselves lest they die of boredom. Misty and Pikachu soak up the rays, complete with lawn chairs and delicious (non-alcoholic) mixed drinks, dressed like they were at the beach. Where the two of them obtained such beverages, and lawn chairs are anyone's guess.
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Shenanigans ensue, and due to an escaped Weedle that Ash failed to catch earlier, a swarm of Beedrill is alerted that there are humans in their forest. What started as a tedious battle turns into a fight for survival as Beedrill captures Metapod, and the protagonists are running for their lives to find refuge in an abandoned cabin. Samurai tells Ash that it was due to his carelessness that his Metapod is in danger, which Ash stubbornly denies. Ash and crew find Metapod, who is heartbroken that his trainer abandoned him, but Ash vows that such a thing will never happen again. Metapod is touched and, through the power of friendship, evolves into Butterfree.
Butterfree saves the day by using its Sleep Powder attack, knocking out all the Beedrill. Ash learned a lesson that day, that being cocky and careless can be dangerous and that he should be more of a caring trainer. Valuable lessons indeed, even if it took one of the worst battles in Pokémon and fear of certain death to learn it.
