Japanese Title: Yamikarasu! The Stolen Badges!!
Original Airdate: February 8th, 2001
US Airdate: December 15th, 2001
On their way to Olivine City, Brock and Misty break for lunch while Ash polishes his Johto League badges. As he shines each one, he sets them on the tree stump in front of him. Three Murkrow emerge from a nearby bush and perform a synchronized song and dance for our heroes. Delighted by the impromptu entertainment, the gang is shocked when the Murkrow grab Ash's badges and fly away. Will Ash be able to track down the Murkrow and reclaim his badges or will the Murkrow prove too adroit for Ash?
Tropes
- Attack on One Is an Attack on All: Ash declares that stealing his badges is stealing from the Pokémon that helped him earn them too.
- Berserk Button: James getting his bottlecaps stolen by Murkrow. The same can be said for Ash getting his badges stolen by Murkrow.
- Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: The Murkrow
- Call-Back: Ash goes over how he won his badges, including remembering Charizard and Pidgeotto.
- Clever Crows: The Murkrow steal shiny objects to play with, like Ash's badges or James' bottle cap collection. They also tried to steal Jessie's earrings and Meowth's charm.
- Dark Is Not Evil: Subverted. The heroes are initially willing to give Murkrow the benefit of the doubt, despite the Pokedex's warning. After stealing Ash's badges, they quickly prove to be just as sneaky and mean-spirited as their reputation.
- Enemy Mine: Ash and the Murkrow team up to fight Team Rocket.
- Evil Laugh: The Murkrow taunt Ash after each time they defeat him.
- Trojan Horse: Ash's last trick is to use Noctowl, which is Shiny, to distract the Murkrow long enough to grab the Fog Badge. Too bad Team Rocket spoils it.
