The School of Hard Knocks

S1, E9: While searching for firewood in the foggy woods, Ash and Pikachu discover a bunch of prep-school kids bullying their classmate Joe. They’re all students at the Pokémon Technical Institute, which offers classes that allow Trainers to enter the Pokémon League without getting badges. Joe insists the rough treatment is necessary so he’ll be strong enough to graduate. Still, Ash doesn’t like the idea, and demands to meet the person responsible for this “tutoring” program. The ringleader is a conceited girl named Giselle. Brock and Ash are smitten by her looks, but Misty isn’t convinced and challenges her to battle! To Misty’s surprise, Giselle’s Rock-type Graveler defeats Starmie (which should have the advantage as a Water type), proving that type advantage is only one of several factors that determine victory. As Giselle gloats, Ash challenges her, and Pikachu faces her Cubone. But as a Ground type, Cubone is unaffected by Electric-type attacks—how can Pikachu win? What’s the real deal with this school? And why does the school seem so familiar to Jessie and James?