Challenge of the Samurai

S1 E4: Misty and Ash continue to wander the Viridian Forest when they spot a Weedle. As Ash battles it, he’s distracted by a boy dressed as a samurai and calling himself (naturally) Samurai. Samurai challenges Ash to a battle, and Ash gets the advantage when his Metapod defends itself against Samurai’s Pinsir. Samurai sends out his own Metapod—and a standoff begins! With neither Pokémon gaining ground, the battle is interrupted by an angry swarm of Beedrill. Ash flees, but leaves his Metapod behind, and the Beedrill grab it and take it back to their hive. As Ash sneaks toward the hive to save Metapod, Jessie, James, and Meowth show up to cause trouble for our heroes. Ash is able to avoid the attentions of the incensed Beedrill, and they instead focus their wrath on Team Rocket. Metapod is mad at Ash for abandoning it. Has Ash learned his lesson about leaving his friends behind? Will Metapod evolve again? And will Samurai and Ash ever resume their battle?