This Banned Pokemon Episode Was a Darkly Comedic Disaster

Despite being known worldwide as a beloved, family-friendly franchise with some episodes prohibited, even the famous Pokémon series hasn’t escaped stirring up international controversy. Ranging from minor offenses like showcasing Japanese culture to more questionable visuals intended for humor, several episodes have faced various repercussions, including postponed broadcasts and outright bans in certain countries. However, it may be puzzling why such a cherished monster-taming anime has sparked so much debate.

The primary cause behind this ban was the widespread deployment of guns. Despite being written for humor, an instance in one episode was considered excessively grim by 4Kids Entertainment, although this standard wasn’t consistently applied throughout the series. In this analysis, we’ll examine an episode that was prohibited in nearly every country except Japan following its broadcast in 1997: Episode 35, “The Legend of Dratini”, due to its dark content.

Just How Ridiculous Is “The Legend of Dratini”?

In this episode, guns are quite prominently displayed. Let’s count (#) each instance where a gun is brandished as a threat, especially if a child is involved.

The story begins as Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Brock venture into the Safari Zone. Overflowing with enthusiasm, Ash sings about his anticipation to capture some Pokémon. Upon arrival, they encounter Kaiser, the warden, who harshly instructs them to be quiet, even threateningly brandishing a firearm at the children (1). Kaiser then demonstrates the unique Safari Balls and fishing rods used in this region, again menacingly aiming his gun at Ash (2) as he attempts to grab the equipment. Kaiser further emphasizes his warning, pointing the barrel of his gun directly at Ash’s face (3), insinuating that any rule violations will result in being shot.

I watched as Misty became thrilled upon seeing a photograph featuring Kaiser with a Dratini, but Kaiser swiftly snatched the image away, claiming there are no such creatures in the Safari Zone. When Ash persisted that Kaiser himself had shown evidence of the legendary Pokémon’s existence, despite seeming to hide it, he quickly recanted his statement when the warden once more reached for his gun. Although Kaiser portrayed an image of a quick-tempered tough guy, he essentially just wanted to safeguard the Dratini. Since he had first captured the photo thirty years prior, tales of the legendary Pokémon grew until trainers swarmed the Safari Zone, capturing an excessive number of Pokémon and causing damage, leading to the strict enforcement of a 30-ball capture limit.

Since then, Dratini has remained elusive apart from a solitary photograph. Despite Ash’s anticipation of spotting Dratini, Team Rocket overhears and schemes to catch every Pokémon the Safari Zone can offer, including Dratini. When Jessie and James imprudently expose themselves as they enter the premises, Kaiser starts firing at them (5). Team Rocket proposes a contest: whoever catches the most Pokémon wins. Ash readily agrees to this challenge, even with the clause that if they lose, all their Pokémon will be seized, including Pikachu. This is all taking place in full view of his closest Pokémon companion.

As Ash, Brock, and Misty focus on the task at hand, Team Rocket secretly tries to coerce Kaiser into revealing Dratini’s location. With James holding a gun to Kaiser (6), Jessie threatens him with another (7). Despite their persistent attempts, Kaiser holds out and eventually finds Ash and the group to warn them that Team Rocket is planning to capture Dratini in the Valley of Dragons. They locate Team Rocket, rescue Dratini with the help of Dragonaire who has evolved, and bid farewell to the Safari Zone.

Tidbits of Trivia of This Banned Episode

In the series, the rule against displaying firearms wasn’t always strictly enforced. For instance, Episode 12, “The Squirtle Squad Arrives,” showed guns, with several being aimed directly at Ash, and surprisingly, it was not censored. However, the use of guns to intimidate someone was more pronounced in this episode, occurring a total of seven times. Although it might seem ironic, the episode wasn’t broadcasted in countries like the US because the characters are quite trigger-happy. It’s easy to understand why 4Kids decided to pull the episode internationally to avoid such themes.

Regardless, this situation resulted in significant plot inconsistencies and discrepancies in the non-Japanese adaptations of the series. Since this is the only episode globally restricted where a primary character captures a Pokémon, one of the confusions stemmed from the source of Ash’s thirty Tauros. This is the most Pokémon caught by a main character in a single episode, even though it happened off-screen. Additionally, this was the first instance of a main character catching more than one Pokémon of the same species, a feat that wasn’t repeated until 1,057 episodes later when Goh catches multiple Taillow in Pokémon Journeys.

In this specific episode, we encounter an unusual Poké Ball type that deviates from the norm, distinct from how it appears in later game representations. Moreover, despite the ban on the entire episode, elements such as Dratini, Dragonair, Rhyhorn, and the heroes reeling in a Gyarados with a fishing line are still featured in the Pokérap.

The episode contains nods to popular culture as well. Specifically, Kaiser’s character is modeled after the Man with No Name from the iconic Dollars trilogy of spaghetti westerns, and his gun is called “Thunderbolt,” a tribute to another film featuring Clint Eastwood, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. Additionally, during her efforts to gather information, Jesse portrays herself as a younger gyaru in an attempt to win Kaiser over, but he declines due to his dislike of kogals, a type of fashionable high school girl.

2025-04-04 01:10

Just How Ridiculous Is “The Legend of Dratini”?

Tidbits of Trivia of This Banned Episode

Read More