"It's happening! Pikachu and I are becoming one, and that's making us much stronger than either one of us!"
—Ash, after powering up Pikachu for Breakneck Blitz
Japanese Title: Will the Z-Move Work! Challenge the Grand Trial!!
Original Airdate: January 12, 2017
US Airdate: May 20, 2017
Ash has seen Hariyama before. Crabrawler is the real unknown quantity.
Ash is ready to take on Kahuna Hala and the Grand Trial of Melemele Island. How big of a challenge will Hala's fighting types pose for Pikachu and Rowlet?
This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- Bait-and-Switch: Hala is about to give Ash the Fightinium Z. But Tapu Koko swoops in and swaps it for another Electrium Z.
- Beyond the Impossible: After beating Crabrawler, Rowlet flies back to Ash while sleeping.
- Cast from Hit Points: Hariyama's Belly Drum is explicitly called as such by Professor Kukui. Even with this drastically powering up All Out Pummeling, the Arm Thrust Pokémon still loses.
- Dude, Where's My Respect?: A rare aversion for Ash—his exploits from last episode made the newspaper, and Officer Jenny gives him an official commendation.
- Hoist by His Own Petard: Hala having his Hariyama use Belly Drum is one of the things that led to Hariyama's defeat.
- Knee-capping: Right before Breakneck Blitz, Ash had Pikachu take out one of Hariyama's knees with Iron Tail.
- Made of Iron: Pikachu takes a hit from a Belly Drum boosted All Out Pummeling, and is still able to keep fighting.
- Seiza Squirm: Ash while praying to Tapu Koko. Fortunately, Hala is rather understanding.
- Stealth Hi/Bye: Weaponized by Ash and Rowlet.
- The Voiceless: None of Ash's classmates speak in this episode.
