IL082: Friends to the End

Friends to the End is the 80th episode of the Indigo League season.

Episode Plot
Ash is sad about his loss at the Pokémon League. He is not speaking to anyone, and when Misty comes in to try to cheer him up it quickly turns into an argument between the two. Pikachu brings a quick finish to the argument with a thundershock on everyone. Ash and the gang decide to head out to cheer on Ritchie for his sixth round. Ritchie fights the match hard, and unfortunately loses. After coming out of the match, Ritchie is determined to try harder for next year which inspires Ash to do just the same. As they talk, both of their Pikachu play behind them until they fall into a hole dug by Team Rocket. They rush to save their Pikachu, but fall into another hole. Ash struggles to get out, but upon sliding back down, the hole collapses into deeper inside the ground. Jessie and James fish out the two Pikachu from the other hole and trap them in a cage. They get out of the hole with the help of their Pokémon Pidgeotto and Happy, and defeat Team Rocket. Back at the Pokémon League, they receive their badges for participating and are treated to a great display of fireworks. Team Rocket try to dig below the arena to get in, but end up being blown away along with the fireworks. Ash says goodbye to Ritchie and proceeds back home to Pallet Town.

Trivia

 * The Pokémon League Closing Ceremony is the same as the closing ceremony of the Olympics, with the dying of the flame.
 * The three trainers who won the Pokémon League were never revealed.
 * The "Who's that Pokémon?" in this episode is Fearow.