Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is the call of the whole franchise: a kid, a Poké Ball, and a name shouted before the throw. The irony is that in the first episode the Pokémon Ash gets is the one nobody wanted, who doesn't want him either, and the title only becomes true when Ash stands in front of the Spearow. Every trainer, child or cosplayer who shouts it since is quoting that origin.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for PokémonShow the scene
The very first episode. Ten-year-old Ash Ketchum oversleeps on the day he is due to get his first Pokémon from Professor Oak, after dreaming of calling out Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander with a thrown Poké Ball. By the time he reaches the lab in his pyjamas, the three starters are gone and only a Pikachu is left, which Oak warns may be hard to handle. Ash chooses it anyway and is promptly shocked. Their bond is forged later that day, when Ash shields the wounded Pikachu from a flock of Spearow.
Sources (2)
- Pokémon Wiki: TB001, Pokémon - I Choose You!Episode plotReference checked
- Pokémon Wiki: Ash KetchumOpening quote boxReference checked
Context reviewed
