Japanese Title: We've Arrived in the Kalos Region! The Beginning of Dreams and Adventures!!
Original Airdate: October 17, 2013
US Airdate: October 19, 2013 (special airing), January 18, 2014 (in sequence)
Ash, Pikachu, and Alexa arrive in Lumiose City, and Ash is raring to start his new adventure. His first battle, with local young trainer Clemont, is interrupted by Team Rocket, and Wobbuffet proves more formidable than in the past. But a random Froakie, the Water-type Starter Pokémon of Kalos, gives Ash a needed boost.
Elsewhere in Kalos, a young girl named Serena prepares to begin her own Pokémon journey.
This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- Animal Reaction Shot: Just as Serena wakes up courtesy of her mother's Fletchling, her screaming surprises their pet Rhyhorn outside, which jumps with a start.
- Big Damn Heroes: Froakie comes out of nowhere and saves Ash and co from Team Rocket.
- Chekhov's Gunman:
- One of the first new Pokémon Ash would see is Mega Blaziken, which would count towards Early-Bird Cameo if it weren't for the fact that M Blaziken (and its trainer) would play an important role in later episodes.
- The computer voice that greets Ash inside the Prism Tower is also much more important than it lets on.
- Cuteness Proximity: Bonnie gets excited at how adorable Pikachu is, too excited in fact as Pikachu shocks her while he is being bearhugged.
- Determinator: Seeing Ash's dedication to Pikachu, Froakie goes well beyond to help Ash, taking a reflected Electro Ball to protect Pikachu despite being at a massive type disadvantage to the attack.
- Head Pet: After a rough start for the morning, Fletchling doesn't seem alarmed to roost on the head of the girl it just aggravated.
- Incoming Ham: First thing Ash does as he steps out of the plane is to shout enthusiastically at the top of his lungs.Ash: HELLO, KALOS REGION! ASH FROM PALLET TOWN IS FINALLY HERE!
Alexa: What's with all the yelling? - Mass "Oh, Crap!": Wobbuffet of all people manages to provoke an intense one from the three heroes by tanking Pikachu's Thunderbolt. So much for the usual Team Rocket Curb-Stomp Battle then…
- Meaningful Background Event: Just before Ash enters the Prism Tower, Clemont and Bonnie would be seen walking right behind him.
- Mythology Gag: A Fletchling wakes Serena up at the beginning of the episode. Just like in the games, when a Fletchling wakes up the Player Character.
- Taking the Bullet: After trailing Ash and Pikachu around for most of the episode, Froakie makes itself known by shielding Ash and Pikachu from an Electro Ball deflected by Wobbuffet.
- Took a Level in Badass: Wobbuffet is back with Team Rocket and is much more powerful, not only can he skilfully dodge attacks but his Mirror Coat is much more powerful, injuring both Pikachu and Froakie. Clemont even considers making a tactical retreat.
- Weaksauce Weakness: While Mirror Coat is great against attacks, Froakie's frubbles are not an attack, and Wobbuffet can do nothing against them.
