The School of Hard Knocks

Season 1, Episode 9, Aired

Episode Summary

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8.9
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Our three heroes have lost their way in the depths of a dense wood, shrouded in thick, white mist. Momentarily giving up, they decide to break for a brief rest. As Ash wanders deeper into the wood, searching for firewood, he happens across a young boy being bullied by five classmates gathered around him. Eavesdropping on their conversation, Ash learns that the boys are attending a preparatory school for Pokmon trainers. Graduates from the school are automatically qualified to participate in the Pokmon League without undergoing any actual test of skill. Ash, Misty, and Brock head to the school and don't agree with some of their ideas of training, something their "leader" doesn't take well.moreless
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Fan Episode Reviews (7)

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  • It wasn't that bad, there were a few flaws.

    7.0
    "Good"
    By McKellars, Nov 07, 2010
    It wasn't that bad of an episode. There was a pretty good story in this one, the fact that they mentioned the school was neat as well. It wasn't the best episode, the only thing that really saved it from a bad score by me was that it had a pretty good story, the only thing is, it didn't really execute it very well which is a shame, because the potential for a great episode was there.
    Anyways, coming from someone who isn't a huge Pokmon fan by any means it was pretty good for what it was, but there were a few things that I would've changed.moreless

  • Another filler but a good one as well. Brock falls for a trainer that is a teacher at a Trainer School. Ash seems to like her as well.

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By BAC510, Jan 26, 2009
    The episode begins with Ash & Co. having lunch. A young boy is being harrased by other boys. Ash & Co. find out they are students of a Trainer School. This school is called: Pokemon Technical Insitution. It is run by a female that both Brock & Ash fall for. They meet her & her name is Giselle. Ash battles her Cubone using Pikachu. Cubone ends up losing. Later on, Misty battles Giselle. Using Starmie against her Graveler. Graveler easily defeats Starmie. It seems that Team Rocket both flunked out of this school as well. After that, the young boy, named Joe, decides to start over like Ash did. Keeping a picture of Giselle. Ash & Co. leave the school & continue towards Vermilion City.moreless

  • *holds a picture of a really attractive, but harsh, girl in my hands* Welcome to Pokemon Tech, a REAL Trainer's school!

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By Shadow_Lucario, May 11, 2008
    A decent episode. The game concept (levels) is mentioned here and it'll be the only time its mentioned. Though I hate to admit that Giselle looked attractive, she was annoying too. Failing to realize that textbooks aren't everything in the Pokemon World, she decides to test both Ash and Misty and see if they have the advantage. The way how she mocked Ash for having 3 Pokemon and two badges and is a trainer for two months is harsh than usual. I don't think Ash would've mocked her if he was the top student of Pokemon Tech and she was a beginner. But hey, the writers showed us how bad her personality can be, though she just didn't mock Team Rocket for having the lowest scores in the past.

    I'm so glad that she decided to go on a Pokemon journey in the end, but would've been better if she declared Ash as his official rival. That way, I could've seen her often.moreless

  • Stupid girl!

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By Ben10fann, Jan 29, 2008
    Our three heroes have lost their way in the depths of a dense wood, shrouded in thick, white mist. Momentarily giving up, they decide to break for a brief rest. As Ash wanders deeper into the wood, searching for firewood, he happens across a young boy being bullied by five classmates gathered around him. Eavesdropping on their conversation, Ash learns that the boys are attending the Pokemon Technical Institute (or 'Pokemon Zem' for short) - a preparatory school for Pokemon trainers. Graduates from the Pokemon Technical Institute are automatically qualified to participate in the Pokemon League without undergoing any actual test of skill. Although many children dream of entering the illustrious Pokemon Technical Institute (or rather their parents dream of them entering), only the most wealthy children can enter the school. But there must be a reason for the gloom overshadowing the faces of the students of this aristocratic school.moreless

  • Very romatic episode!

    9.0
    "Superb"
    By queensrp, Feb 11, 2007
    This is one of the most romantic episodes ever because for the first time ever...

    Ash fell in love with a girl named Giselle just because she was beautiful looking. During the battle with her, he really hated her after his Pikachu was made fun of from her. It's recommended to watch this lovestruck episode!
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