04x03 - Air Time!

[bunniefuu]

male narrator:
After the excitement

of winning a Plain Badge,
Ash and his friends

are enjoying a quiet breakfast
at the Pokémon Center.

- Pikachu.
- Toge, toge.

- Pika?

- Oh, my goodness,
is it you?

Is it really you?

- I think it's me.

- You just have to be
on our show!

- Huh?

- All the trainers

who challenge Whitney
and win a Plain Badge

come on our radio show
for an interview.

- Uh, I...

- Who're you, the host?

- Oh, good heavens no.

Although I've been told
I have a certain personal flair,

I'm much too shy
to show it in public,

but thank you.

- Then who are you?

- [laughs]
Excellent question.

I am the producer
of Pokétalk Radio.

- I know that show.

That's the one with the girl

who interviews
all the Pokémon trainers.

- Yay!

Right you are,

and a little bird
named Nurse Joy

just told me
your friend won a Plain Badge,

so please come on the show?

[chuckles]

- Uh!

- Pika!
- Toge, toge!

- [singing]
Pokémon, Pokémon, Pokémon

- Let's do it.

I wanna be the very best

Like no one ever was

Ever was, ever was

To catch them is my real test

To train them is my cause

My whole life has lead to this

Time to test my skills

I know I just can't miss

So show the world

Born to be a winner

- Johto

- Born to be a champion

Born to be a winner

Born to be the very best

- Pokémon
- Johto

- Born to be a winner

Pokémon

- Boy, am I hungry.

- If we hadn't run out,

we could go back to the Galleria
and eat more free samples.

- Say, that looks like
a department store.

- I bet they got
a food department.

- If they do...

- Then they're sure
to have free samples.

- What are we waiting for?

[all cheering]

- I'm sorry,
the management

doesn't allow visitors
without an appointment.

- Appointment?

- We need an appointment
to go shopping?

- Shopping?

This isn't a store, Miss.

It's a radio station.

You can see what's being
broadcast

up on the monitor there.

- This is DJ Mary,

and I'll be back
with some special guests

right after
the Pokémon Morning Mega-Mix.

- That's interesting.

- People used to say
my face was perfect for radio.

- Come on, team,
we have an appointment to keep.

both: We're here to see Mary.

- First elevator on your left.

- Heh, that guard
must think you're celebrities.

- All you need to do
to be a celebrity

is to act like
you already are one, Meowth,

and sooner or later,
the public will agree.

- How true.

- Now let's begin
Operation Radio Raid.

Humph.

I'm surprised they think
this place is worth guarding.

- None of this
has any real value.

- Ain't these guys
ever heard of digital?

- Eee.
- Huh?

We been lookin' all over
for you guys.

Come on, hurry up.
Let's move it.

- Exactly
where are you taking us?

- To the interview studio.

In two minutes you're supposed
to go on the air.

both: On the air?

- We can't go on.

- Hmm?

Yeah, aren't you
supposed to have a dummy?

- A dummy?

- All I know is,
the Pokémon ventriloquist act

we booked
is supposed to have a dummy.

- You think that we're--

Ow!

- Would you give us
a moment please?

He thinks
that we're performers.

- But we have no talent.

- That don't stop nobody
in show biz.

- See, this is our dummy
right here.

- Looks pretty smart to me.

- Isn't he naughty?

- Yes.

- Okay, let's go.
It's almost showtime.

- Acting like a dummy
shouldn't be hard for you.

- [sighs]

- I finally found
the ventriloquists, chief.

both: Howdy.

- Oh, they're finally here.

Please show them
into our studio,

and we'll start the show.

- With pleasure.

They're here.

- I'm sorry
you didn't get here sooner

so we could chat a little
before the show,

but we're going on live
right after this song ends.

both: Uh...

- Rise and shine,
Goldenrod City.

I'm DJ Mary here on Poké Radio
with the Dugtrio Trio.

all: Huh?

- Hello, hello, hello.

- We're happy to be here.

- Or anywhere.

- Ha!

I which you listeners
could see

how amazingly lifelike
this dummy Meowth is.

- Hey, you work in radio,
and I'm the dummy?

- Shut your mouth, Meowth.

- She just called me a dummy.

- Can't you get it through
that wooden head of yours

that you are a dummy?

- No dummy, dummy.

- Wow, I've had a lot
of performers on this show,

but the Dugtrio Trio
are the most amazing ever.

- Heh heh.
Thanks, kid.

- Your friend
looks and sounds very real.

How long did it take you
to develop Meowth's character?

- Fortunately Meowth's
always been a character.

- I guess
that ain't no big surprise.

both: Huh?

- There ain't much character
in this trio ,

and I guess I got it all.

- Don't be funny.

- I wish we weren't
on the radio right now

because I'd really like
to give you something.

- Don't be bashful,
go ahead and lemme have it.

both: Okay.

There!

- They got me.

- Well, Ash, all of us
here in Pallet Town

are so proud of you
for winning the Plain Badge.

- Thanks, but how'd they
find out about it so soon?

- Word spread pretty quickly
once the radio station

in Goldenrod City
talked to your mother.

- Huh?

- A producer called
and asked if I knew you,

so I phoned your mother,
and she told the whole town.

- Ah!

Did she tell 'em
when I'd be on?

- Don't worry.

We know exactly
what station it is

and at exactly what time
you'll be interviewed.

Every single person
in your hometown

will be listening to you,
Ash, so just relax.

Good-bye.

- I'm completely relaxed,
Professor.

- Pi, pika.

- Toge, toge, bri!

- Well, bring up more
of those lunches

and maybe we'll be
on tomorrow's show too.

- Say, after lunch
we can get an agent

to book us
into a dinner theater.

- Let's forget Pokémon
and stick to show biz.

- We're more successful
as the Dugtrio Trio.

- Dig in.

- Our next guest is a trainer
who's just won a Plain Badge.

Please welcome
Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu.

all: Huh?

- Pikachu?

- Ash,
can you tell our listeners

a little bit about yourself?

- Yes, my name is Pallet Town,
and I'm from Ketchum.

- I think you have that
a little backwards, Ash.

- No, this is Ash,
and I'm Pikachu.

- Television couldn't k*ll radio
but maybe Ash will.

- Ash, try to forget
we're on the radio

and imagine we're
in a Pokémon battle.

- Pi?
- A Pokémon battle?

- If I were to challenge you
to a Pokémon battle,

would you accept my challenge?

- Uh, you bet.

I'd be happy to battle
any trainer out there

who thinks they can beat me.

- That sounds like you
like to battle,

but what's your number one goal?

- My number one goal
is to become

the world's greatest
Pokémon Master,

but before that,

I want to be champion
of the Johto League.

- Pikachu.

- Ooh.

- That's exciting.

What Pokémon do you have
with you now, Ash?

- I've got Pikachu,
Cyndaquil, Totodile,

Chikorita, Bulbasaur
and Noctowl.

- That's quite an impressive
lineup of Pokémon types.

You just won a Plain Badge,

where are you headed next,
Ash?

- I'm going to Ecruteak City

where I'm gonna challenge
the gym leader

and try to win
my fourth Johto League badge.

- Pika!

- Well, good luck,

and you'll be pleased to know
this interview is over.

- [sighs]

- I think you were great.

- Pikachu.

- Oh, no!

Our tapes!

- I wonder what happened to 'em.

- Well, hello.

- Who are you?

- Why we're...

- the famous Dugtrio Trio.

- And I'm a dummy.

- You guys
were just on DJ Mary's show.

You were great.

- Thanks, dimwit.

- This Meowth looks so real.

I can't tell it's a dummy.

- [thinking]
She can't tell I'm real,

and I'm the dummy?

- We can make
all kinds of Pokémon talk.

- I know, let's demonstrate
on Pikachu.

- Sure, sounds like fun.
- Yes.

- Ahh!
Thank goodness you haven't left.

We have a huge problem,
and I need you desperately.

all: Huh?

- We have nothing to put on.

Nothing!

You've just got to help.

- Why, what happened?

- The tape
of today's radio drama

was destroyed by some
despicable horrible vandals.

all: Ah!

- That show's supposed
to go on in a few minutes.

- I know but if we
did today's Pokémon drama live

with the Dugtrio Trio, I--

Uh?

Uh!

Wait!

This'll be easy.
You're trained professionals.

Don't worry,
just stick to the script

and everything will be fine.

How can I make you say yes?

- Do you think we could order up
a couple more of them lunches?

- How's a five-star buffet
sound?

- [chuckles]

You just deliver the food,
and we'll deliver the rest.

- Because no one
has better delivery than we do.

- This is wonderful.

Now, sonny,
I'm going to need you

to fill in as the narrator
for our story.

- Fine.

- But the show can't go on

unless you and Pikachu
and your friends perform.

- You want us on too?

both: We're ready!

- I think it'll be a ton of fun
to be a radio personality.

- Listeners will be captivated
by my voice,

especially girls.

- Now you all know your roles,
so just relax and have fun.

- You got it.
- Great.

- Wow, this is scary.

- Right now
there's only one thing

you ought to be scared about.

You ought to be scared
about letting down your audience

by not giving the performance
of your life.

Ahh...

You must remember,

the audience expects perfection,

and luckily
that's what I'll give them.

- Whoa, she's really got
a humungous talent.

- And ego.

- All right,
we're just about ready to go on.

- Okay, everybody, stand by.

- We're ten seconds away
from air, folks.

- They don't know it,

but we're gonna steal the show
and the Pikachu.

- In five, four, three, two.

- Who's that Pokémon?

It's Pikachu!

- Pikachu!

- The Pokémon Drama Hour
is on the air.

Today we present
the continuing saga

of Brave Prince Goldenrod.

Missing his beloved family

after a long and difficult
Pokémon journey,

Prince Goldenrod
and his companions

are at last
returning to Goldenrod Castle.

- Though we have seen

many strange and wondrous lands
on our journey,

the place I now wish
to see most of all is home.

- I too long for the place
of my birth.

- Soon
we shall delight our kinsmen

with tales of triumph

over the agents
of the thieving Gyarados Guild.

- Even the Prince's Pikachu
was glad to be going home.

- Pikachu!

- Suddenly, the great Charizard
on which they rode

let out a mighty roar.

- [roaring]

[dramatic music,
howling wind]

- The Charizard had sensed
the danger that lay before them.

A powerful sandstorm
lashes them,

and the Charizard
is forced to land.

They have arrived
at Goldenrod City,

but they see only the castle.

- Egads!

- Pika!

- What cruel fate
has befallen our fair city?

- Sands as from an hourglass
have poured forth

and time may be run out.

- Mother!
Father!

- The prince
races toward the castle,

but as the portals open,

his fears vanish
like sand in the wind.

- Mother, Father,

how joyful it is
to see thee safe and sound.

- Our hearts soar
like the eagles

at the sight of your return.

- Though enrobed
in familiar finery,

thy countenances
art seeming strange.

- Alas, our woes are legion
and have left us much altered.

- There is something rotten
in Goldenrod.

- Toge!

- [boisterous laughter]

Come and through
these welcoming portals pass.

- But not before
a Pokémon battle anon!

- Huh?

- Meowth!

- [wincing]

all: Huh?
- Toge?

- That's not in the script.

- So I improvised a little.

I've seen better writing
on cereal boxes.

- But we have to stick
to the story.

- Sorry, sweetie,
but I always thought

professional broadcasters
could deal with any situation.

- The Prince was shocked,

but he knew the queen feared
he was an imposter

and had ordered her Meowth
to scratch his face

to make sure
he wasn't wearing a mask.

- [gasping]

- These arms that held you first
now long to hold you fast

and bindest thou to me
forevermore.

Oh, brightest son,

set not your heart
against mine own.

- Leave all enmity aside
and enter.

- As the Prince
and his companions

enter the castle,

he begins to question
his parents.

- Mother, why is my beloved city
of Goldenrod covered in sand?

- And why
did you not send for us?

- We did not wish
to put our heir in harm's way.

- Pray tell,
what hath caused this plague?

- Below Castle Goldenrod,
for ages untold,

lay the ancient Master Stone.

- Behold, sweet prince,
this very stone before thee.

- But why hast thou done this?

- The Master Stone
hath been disturbed

for this hath Goldenrod
been interred.

- As the Prince and his friends

are entranced
by the Master Stone...

- Pika!

- The queen
pushes a secret panel

and catches them in her trap.

- [laughs]

Son, thou art grounded.

- Impostors!

You are not my parents.

You are villains sent
by the dastardly Gyarados Guild.

- Verily my--

- Wrong!

all: Huh?
- Toge?

- With the Master Stone,

we can now announce
to the world,

which we
will soon be conquering,

that we are
the all-powerful Team Socket.

- What is that girl doing?

That's not what's written
in the script.

- So the impostors were not
in the Gyarados Guild after all,

but they were an entirely new
evil force called, uh...

Called, uh...
- Team Socket.

- They were an entirely new
evil force called Team Socket.

- What have you scurrilous
knaves done with my parents?

- Pika, pika!

- [laughing]

- Fare thee well, suckers.

- You filthy rogues!

Charizard!

- [roaring]

all: Huh?

- Charizard,
use thy Flamethrower.

- [roars]

all: Huh?

- Givest thou up?

- Friends, what say you?

- They are all well in hand.

- Make haste, Prince Goldenrod,
and rescue your noble parents.

- And so I shall.

- The Prince takes off,

and after searching
high and low,

he finds the true king and queen

where Team Socket
has hidden them.

- Mother, Father,

I come to free you
from this dungeon.

- With their shackles broken,

the king and queen
urge the prince

to stop Team Socket
from escaping.

"The Master Stone must
be returned," says the Queen,

"or our fair kingdom
shall not be restored.

Now go!"
- Aye!

- But it seems the Prince
may already be too late.

- Where art they?

- Those devils
were too fleet of foot.

- They swiftly moved
and have gone below.

- This hollow
leads to the haunts

of the underworld,
I trust.

- Surprise!

all: Huh?
- Pi?

- Despite
what the puny Prince believes,

the hole is actually an opening
to a time warp

that sends all who enter it
, years into the future.

[laughing]

- [sighs]

[sighs]

So not realizing
that the hole

will lead him through
a time warp into the future,

the prince and his companions
prepare to jump.

- Into the breech, Pikachu.

- Pikachu!
- We art behind ye.

- Into the blinding light
they fly

and the earth
closes over them.

Now, what wonders
await our heroes

at the end
of a , -year journey?

Anybody have any idea?

Well, no words could describe
the wondrous future world

our heroes encounter
as they reach their destination

because it is a world far beyond
even our wildest imaginings.

- [laughing]

- Thou shalt not prevail
against us, twerp.

- Return the Master Stone,
you curs.

- Take us away at once

by transforming
into the Meowth Rocket.

- Meowth Rocket?

- Did you forget that
in the future,

Team Socket turned you
into a cyborg Pokémon?

- It's radio;
just fake it.

- Okay, here I go!

- Incredibly the Meowth cyborg

transforms
from a pint-sized Pokémon

to a colossal Pokérocket.

- Meowth Rocket transformation
complete.

- Here we go!

[laughing]

- Don't bother following us
this time.

- [growls]
Come back!

- Sorry, twerp,
but here's something to cheer--

I mean, blow you up.

[laughs]

- Pika!

all: We got you!

[all growling]

- Not so fast!

all: Huh?

- Team Socket
thought they'd beaten our heroes

and gotten safely away,

but little did they know
that brave Prince Goldenrod

was a secret stowaway.

- [gasps]

both: No way!

- Chikorita, I choose you!

- Chiko!

- Chikorita,
use your Razor Leaf.

- Chiko!

- Chickorita's Razor Leaf
slices off

the Meowth rocket's
wire navigating whiskers,

and unable to maintain
its course,

the vessel plummets
towards Earth.

- But luckily,
it plummets directly into

yet another time warp,

and the pathetic prince
can only watch

as Team Socket disappears...

and reappears
in this very studio.

[all gasping]
- Chiko?

- Now brace yourselves
for another surprise.

- [chuckling]

We're here to grab Pikachu
'cause I ain't no dummy.

- Pika!
- See, I told you.

- I should have known
it was you three!

- Then you should also know
you should prepare for trouble.

- And if I were you,
I'd make it double.

- To protect the world
from devastation.

- To unite all peoples
within our nation.

- To denounce the evils
of truth and love.

- To extend our reach
to the stars above.

- Jessie.

- James.

- Team Rocket blast off
at the speed of light.

- Surrender now

or prepare to fight,
fight, fight.

- Meowth, that's right!

- You're not going anywhere.

- I'm afraid we must go.

- This is Team Rocket
signing off.

- And takin' off.

- Let's get 'em, Chikorita.

- Team Socket
was really Team Rocket,

and they just stole Pikachu.

Pokémon fans, whatever you do,
don't touch that dial.

[all panting]

- Come back here!

- Now Ash--
I mean Prince Goldenrod--

chases Team Socket--
I mean Rocket--

up to the roof
of the radio building.

- [gasps]

- But when he gets there,

he sees Team Rocket
getting away

in a big Meowth-shaped
hot air balloon.

- Arbok, go!

Poison Sting attack!

- Charbok!

Cha!

- Chiko, chiko, chiko.

- Chikorita,
dodge the Poison Stings

and use
your Razor Leaf attack!

- Chiko.

Chiko!

- Charbok!

[all gasping]

- Pika!

Pika!

- Pikachu, are you okay?

- Pika.

- [growls]

- I think I know
how this story ends.

- Wobbuffet.

- Hit 'em
with your Thunderbolt attack.

- Pikachu!

[screaming]

[expl*si*n]

all: We're blasting off again!

- Wobba!

- Yeah!
[laughs]

- As Team Rocket vanished,

the prince was reunited
with his Pikachu,

and along with
their loyal companions,

they traveled back in time

and returned
to Goldenrod Castle.

- Huh?
- Chiko?

- As they looked to the sky,

the Master Stone
magically reappeared,

and as it did,
the kingdom returned

to the way it had been before,

the way brave Prince Goldenrod
had left it

when he began
his long Pokémon journey--

a peaceful, beautiful place

filled with the promise
of tomorrow.

And that's our story for today.

- Hey, nice job, Mary.
That's a wrap.

- Oh, what a relief.

[all sighing]
- Toge, toge, bri!

- That was brilliant, brilliant!

The most exciting show
we've ever had.

We should do this every week.

narrator:
Thanks to our heroes,

the radio show
was a big success.

Now they're off the air

and on their way
to Ecruteak City

where exciting surprises
await them.

- Excuse me,
could you help us please?

all: Huh?

- Can you tell us the way
to Goldenrod City?

- We're going there
to be on a radio show.

- We got lost because
they took directions from me,

and I'm just a dummy.

both: Ahh!

We could've been
such big stars.

- And I could've been bigger
than both of you.

both: Doh!

- Wobbuffet.

- This experience
has just opened my eyes.

I could've been a big star
a long time ago.

Maybe I should quit Team Rocket
and join a theater group.

Nah, who wants to work
with amateurs.

- Let's do it.

[singing]
Born to be a winner

- Johto

- Born to be a champion

Born to be a winner

Born to be the very best

- Pokémon

- Born to be a winner

- Johto

- Born to be a champion

Born to be a winner

Born to be the very best

- Pokémon
- Johto

- Born to be a winner