Ash Ketchum still has his Charmander in Episode 65 of the Pokémon anime, titled “Holiday Hi-Jynx,” because it hadn’t yet evolved into its final form, Charizard, and hadn’t become as disobedient as it would later become. While Charmander evolves into Charmeleon and then Charizard, these evolutions and the associated behavioral shifts hadn’t fully transpired by this episode, allowing Ash to retain possession and control of the Pokémon.
The Timeline of Charmander’s Evolution and Loyalty
Understanding why Ash still has Charmander in Episode 65 requires a closer look at the specific episodes detailing its capture, evolution, and subsequent disobedience. The key lies in the timing of these events relative to “Holiday Hi-Jynx.”
Capture and Early Days (Episodes 11-12)
Ash first encounters Charmander in Episode 11, “Charmander – The Stray Pokémon.” He finds it abandoned by its trainer, Damien, and vulnerable due to the dwindling flame on its tail. Driven by compassion, Ash and his friends rescue Charmander and bring it to a Pokémon Center. Ash officially captures Charmander in Episode 12, “Here Comes the Squirtle Squad,” after it recovers from its near-death experience. At this point, Charmander is exceptionally loyal and appreciative of Ash’s kindness.
The Evolutionary Leap (Episode 43)
Charmander evolves into Charmeleon in Episode 43, “March of the Exeggutor Squad.” This marks the beginning of a shift in personality. Charmeleon starts to become less obedient and more focused on its own strength and battles. However, this behavioral change is not yet fully realized.
“Holiday Hi-Jynx” (Episode 65): A Period of Transition
Episode 65, “Holiday Hi-Jynx,” falls between Charmeleon’s initial disobedience and its ultimate transformation into a fully disobedient Charizard. While Charmeleon has begun to exhibit signs of independence, it is still, to some extent, under Ash’s control. It’s crucial to remember that evolution is not an instantaneous process that completely alters a Pokémon’s personality in a single moment. There’s a period of transition.
The Problematic Charizard (Episode 84)
The full extent of Charmeleon’s (now Charizard’s) disobedience becomes apparent in Episode 84, “The Case of the K-9 Caper!” By this point, Charizard rarely listens to Ash, often sleeping or ignoring his commands during battles. This is a stark contrast to the loyal Charmander that Ash initially rescued.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Charmander Saga
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the circumstances surrounding Ash’s relationship with Charmander and its evolutions:
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When does Charmander actually evolve into Charizard? Charmander evolves into Charmeleon in Episode 43, “March of the Exeggutor Squad.” Charmeleon subsequently evolves into Charizard in Episode 84, “The Case of the K-9 Caper!”
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Why did Damien abandon Charmander in the first place? Damien believed Charmander was weak and no longer useful to him as a battling Pokémon. His cruelty highlights the importance of compassion and responsible Pokémon training.
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What impact did Ash’s care have on Charmander’s initial loyalty? Ash’s actions saved Charmander’s life. This instilled a deep sense of gratitude and loyalty in Charmander, making it eager to please him.
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Is it normal for Pokémon to change personalities after evolving? Yes, it’s a recurring theme in the Pokémon anime and games that evolution can significantly impact a Pokémon’s behavior. This is often linked to increased power and a shift in priorities.
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Did Ash do anything wrong that contributed to Charizard’s disobedience? While Ash’s love and care were genuine, he lacked the experience to effectively manage a powerful Pokémon like Charizard. His early training methods may not have adequately prepared him for Charizard’s evolving needs.
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Does Charizard ever become obedient to Ash again? Yes, eventually. After being left behind in the Charicific Valley, where Charizard trains alongside other Charizards, it returns to Ash a more mature and obedient Pokémon. This is portrayed later in the series. This redemption arc is a popular storyline.
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Why didn’t Ash just trade Charizard if it was causing so many problems? Ash’s deep emotional connection with Charizard prevented him from giving up on it. He believed that, despite its disobedience, Charizard was still his friend and a valuable member of his team. This demonstrates Ash’s character – never giving up on his Pokémon.
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Is Charizard Ash’s strongest Pokémon? Charizard is undoubtedly one of Ash’s most powerful Pokémon, consistently demonstrating its strength and battling prowess throughout the series.
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How does Charizard compare to other Fire-type Pokémon Ash has owned? While Ash has owned other Fire-type Pokémon like Infernape, Charizard holds a special place due to its long and complex history with Ash. Their relationship is more deeply explored than with other Fire-types.
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What is the Charicific Valley, and why is it important? The Charicific Valley is a training ground for Charizard, populated by many other Charizard. It is a location where Charizard can improve its strength. Ash leaves Charizard there to become more powerful.
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Does the Pokémon anime address the ethical implications of Pokémon training and ownership? To some extent, yes. The show often explores themes of responsibility, respect for Pokémon, and the importance of building strong bonds between trainers and their Pokémon. Damien’s actions serve as a cautionary tale against treating Pokémon as mere tools.
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What is the overall message of Ash’s journey with Charmander/Charizard? Ash’s journey with Charmander/Charizard is a powerful story about growth, perseverance, and the complexities of relationships. It demonstrates that even the most challenging relationships can be overcome with patience, understanding, and unwavering dedication. The story of Charmander/Charizard emphasizes the importance of friendship and loyalty in the Pokémon world.