Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
Also referred to as the Advanced Generation, Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire marks the continuation of the Pokémon anime following the original series. This installment introduces new characters, notably May, a novice trainer from Hoenn, alongside her younger brother, Max, who remains too young to participate in battles. The series revitalizes the franchise by shaking up its cast and storyline dynamics.
This era of Pokémon is often overlooked, caught between the nostalgic allure of the original series and the much-lauded Diamond and Pearl series, which is frequently regarded as the pinnacle of the franchise. Yet, the Ruby and Sapphire series has garnered a dedicated fanbase, particularly because of May’s character development—transforming from an inexperienced trainer to a celebrated Pokémon Coordinator. Below, we explore ten standout episodes from this series, underscoring its merit and deserving recognition.
10 Tree’s a Crowd
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #7
During their early adventures, Ash and his companions stumble upon a group of Treecko residing in a worn-out tree. A disagreement simmers within the group, as many Treecko wish to relocate, while one obstinately insists on staying to nurture the tree. Ash and Pikachu watch as this Treecko diligently attempts to save the tree, but to no avail. Their troubles escalate when Team Rocket arrives, planning to capture all the Treecko. Ultimately, the Treecko, with Pikachu’s assistance, fend off Team Rocket, leading to Ash catching the defiant Treecko as the tree collapses.
This episode not only establishes the character of Treecko, who becomes an essential part of Ash’s team, but it also provides a rare glimpse into Pokémon aging, demonstrating that maturity doesn’t solely hinge on evolution.
9 Let Bagons Be Bagons
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #43
As Ash and his friends travel, they come across a Bagon that is learning to fly. After discovering that the Bagon belongs to a young girl named Michelle, Ash decides to help Bagon fulfill its flying dream by battling it. Just then, Team Rocket swoops in with a jetpack, aiming to capture Bagon. However, Bagon is exhilarated to try the jetpack out. In a twist, Bagon and Treecko band together to thwart Team Rocket’s plan. The episode concludes with Bagon evolving into Shelgon, bringing it closer to flight.
This episode embodies the classic Pokémon narrative, focusing on the pursuit of dreams and aspirations, specifically highlighting one of the fan-favorite Hoenn Pokémon—Bagon.
8 Do I Hear A Ralts?
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #109
On their journey, Max stumbles upon a sick Ralts in a nearby thicket. Recognizing the urgency, the team races to a Pokémon Center, but Team Rocket attacks, forcing Max to rush ahead with Ralts while the others hold off the adversaries. Unfortunately, Ralts’s condition worsens, and he is unable to move. Just in the nick of time, a Gardevoir and Kirlia appear, mistakenly thinking Max means harm. After establishing his noble intentions, Max persuades them to assist in getting Ralts to safety, and the group manages to reach the Pokémon Center where Ralts recovers. Though Max must eventually say goodbye to Ralts, he vows to return in the future.
7 Battling The Enemy Within
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #178
While exploring ancient ruins, Ash is rescued by Brandon, a trainer with the Legendary Pokémon Regirock. Ash’s excitement over the possible presence of Ho-Oh leads him to touch a cursed artifact, causing him to become possessed by an evil king’s spirit. Brandon steps up for a battle against the possessed Ash, but the king uses underhanded tactics, causing chaos during the confrontation. In a moment of clarity, Ash requests Pikachu to shock him, cleansing him of the curse.
This episode is memorable for spawning the “Evil Ash” meme, showcasing Ash’s comical expressions while under possession. It serves as both entertainment and a introduction to the formidable nature of Brandon, Ash’s eventual rival.
6 Time Warp Heals All Wounds
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #157
After chasing her Squirtle, May finds herself at a deserted train station where an elderly woman recounts a heartfelt story of loss—the woman’s husband never returned after leaving the town. As fate intervenes, May and Meowth stumble upon an ancient locket that transports them back in time. They work collaboratively to save the woman’s husband from a tragic fate, resulting in a miraculous return to the present, where May discovers her Pokémon Egg hatching into an Eevee.
This episode is unique in that it depicts a member of Team Rocket cooperating with the protagonists, effectively leading to an engaging time travel narrative that poses intriguing questions about the implications of their actions.
5 A Hole Lotta Trouble
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #22
While traversing a massive cave network, Ash and his group fall prey to one of Team Rocket’s traps, leading to their separation as they tumble down different tunnels. This unforeseen circumstance compels both parties to collaborate in their search for an exit. Ash, Brock, and James find themselves in a scenario involving an angry group of Aron, while Max, Pikachu, and Meowth discover a cavern that hints at escape. Their journey takes an exciting turn when they encounter Steven Stone, who assists them in fending off both Aron and Team Rocket.
This episode highlights the complexity of Team Rocket’s characters, illustrating that they can sometimes be more amiable when not tangled in their typical antics. Additionally, the introduction of Steven Stone paves the way for his crucial role in later arcs.
4 The Scuffle of Legends
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #98
In the conclusion of a two-part storyline, Team Aqua’s plans unfold as Archie harnesses the Red Orb to command Kyogre. Ash’s group, teaming up with Lance who investigates the villainous Teams Aqua and Magma, must intervene to prevent disaster. Pikachu junctions unexpectedly with the Blue Orb, granting him Legendary powers. The episode crescendos in visual spectacle as Ash, alongside Pikachu, endeavours to quell Kyogre’s violent rampage alongside Groudon. They nearly succumb to drowning but are rescued by a now docile Kyogre.
The thrilling showdown between Kyogre and Groudon, although briefly depicted, captivates viewers and highlights Pikachu’s moment of power, alongside the return of Lance.
3 Solid as a Solrock
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #100
Ash sets out to obtain his next Gym Badge by facing off against Tate and Liza, the twin gym leaders, in a double battle. Despite using Pikachu and Swellow, Ash finds himself at a disadvantage against their Solrock and Lunatone. The gym leaders’ lack of teamwork leads them into complications in their strategies, providing Ash with openings. After Team Rocket disrupts the match, causing gym destruction, Ash ingeniously devises a strategy utilizing Thunder to manipulate the weather and supercharge his Pokémon, which ultimately leads him to victory.
This episode gained notoriety for Ash’s wildly creative “Thunder Armor”plan, inspiring countless memes, and making it one of the most entertaining gym battles within the Hoenn region.
2 The Symbol Life
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #136
In Ash’s inaugural battle at the Battle Frontier, he prepares to take on Noland who commands the Legendary Articuno. With Team Rocket’s sudden intrusion, the match encounters delays, but once the battle commences, Charizard faces significant challenges against Articuno’s water-type moves. After perseverance and quick thinking, Charizard showcases his resilience, ultimately securing victory with a Seismic Toss.
This confrontation marked a significant moment in the series, as it was the first instance of a non-Legendary Pokémon conquering a Legendary in the anime, intensifying the excitement surrounding the battle.
1 Pace – The Final Frontier!
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, Episode #190
Continuing from a fierce battle, Ash faces Brandon, the Pyramid King, under intense conditions as he strives to overcome his adversary after having lost Charizard. The contest sees Ash successfully take down Brandon’s Dusclops and Squirtle defeating Ninjask, but he encounters difficulty against Brandon’s powerful Solrock. Finally, it all comes down to the match against Brandon’s ace, Regice. After some initial struggles, Ash and Pikachu rally together to avoid being frozen again, delivering a decisive strike to clinch victory.
This battle is frequently hailed as one of the best encounters in the entire Pokémon anime series, showcasing a thrilling struggle where Ash’s determination and skill earned him monumental success without relying on convenient plot resolutions. In a memorable climax, Ash declines a proposition to become a Frontier Brain, emphasizing that his hard-fought victory truly reflects his growth as a trainer.
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