Pokémon (TV Series) Nibi Gym Battle! (1997) User Reviews

"That'll be a $2 charge for resting on my rock."

[smcgann14 · 9/10 · 4 July 2011]

There are 10 reasons why I love this episode. Here they are: 1.) Team Rocket start off the episode with their first (of many) hole gag in the series.

2.) I think Flint's business was actually pretty successful... back in 1976 when pet rocks were popular!

3.) Flint has a soft voice and hurl insults at Ash. It's kind of like Alec Baldwin on 30 Rock.

4.) There's a shout-out to the TCG on the poster.

5.) I think that Onix isn't as scary as the deadly stadium closing in on Ash and Pikachu. Very suspenseful!

6.) I love how Brock insults Pikachu's Japanese cuteness (RTS= Remember Tracey Sketchit?)

7.) I remembered an old Mad Magazine cover that said, "How do we kill this Pokemon?" I have the answer: high voltage.

8.) Even though Pikachu can't fry Ground types, he seems to fry Geodude. But that's because Pikachu is strong.

9.) When Brock hands over his duties to Flint, you really flashback to the first episode with Delia Ketchum.

10.) It's Brock's first episode, silly!

Maybe that wasn't any help. I do love the dramatic plot points and the special effects, the clever moves and hilarious gags. Well, bye! Best Watched with: Pretzels or Jawbreakers

Sweet Episode, Disappointing Gym Battle

[lennonmaue · 7/10 · 15 March 2020]

For those expecting an all out gym battle, I'm sorry to disappoint you, Ash's first battle is pretty uneventful. What is great about this episode is being introduced to the character Brock and seeing his family dynamic play out on screen.

Rocky Relationship

[injury-65447 · 9/10 · 25 June 2020]

Flint is the father.

They don't really do a great job of explaining why Brock's father sits on the outskirts of town instead of returning to his family. He's embarrassed? That's pretty pathetic! But then all of a sudden he's ready to go back now? Did Ash inspire him somehow to be responsible? They could have explored that side of things much better.

So Brock wants to be a breeder not a fighter? They could have explained why leaving town will help him in this ambition. Also, did he just leave without saying goodbye to any of his siblings? That's pretty messed up.

Basically, it could have been structured better. As it is, it just feels like a weirdly contrived way to get Brock on the team.

However, it gets points because it's the one where we get Brock. Also, Onix looks fearsome. Also, Pikachu gets subjected to electro torture basically.