List of Pokémon: Battle Frontier episodes

Pokémon: Battle Frontier
The English title screen from the Pokémon: Battle Frontier season
Country of origin	Japan
No. of episodes	47
Release
Original network	TV Tokyo
Original release	October 6, 2005 – September 14, 2006
Season chronology

This is a list of episodes in Pokémon: Battle Frontier, the ninth season of the Pokémon animated series (ポケットモンスター Poketto Monsutā, Pocket Monsters), and the final season of the advanced generation series international dub; covering the continuing adventures of series protagonist Ash Ketchum in Kanto as he travels to the Battle Frontier. This season was followed by Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl.

The Japanese opening songs are "Battle Frontier" by Akina Takaya, and "Spurt!" by Rica Matsumoto. The ending songs are "Pokemon Counting Song" by Akiko Kanazawa, and "I Won't Lose! ~Haruka's Theme~" by Kaori (voice actress). The English opening song is "Battle Frontier" by Jason Appleton.

Overview

The division between seasons of Pokémon is based on the English version openings of each episode, and may not reflect the actual production season. The English episode numbers are based on their first airing in the United States either in syndication on Cartoon Network, or in Canada on the YTV Television Network. Other English-speaking nations largely followed either this order or the Japanese order. Subsequent airings of the English version follow the original Japanese order, except in the case of episodes which are no longer shown in English. The episodes that comprise this season were known in Japan by the subtitle Battle Frontier Chapter (バトルフロンティア編 Batoru Furontia Hen).

This season aired first-run episodes in Japan from October 6, 2005, to September 14, 2006 (although, it should be noted that the Japanese season started much earlier). Following Masamitsu Hidaka's departure as director on episode 25, Norihiko Sudo took over from episodes 26 onward. In the United States, it began airing on September 8, 2006, and ended on March 3, 2007 on Cartoon Network.

This is the first season of Pokémon that has been dubbed into English by Pokémon USA and TAJ Productions after 4Kids Entertainment's contract wasn't renewed (though assets from the 4Kids dub are still used), the first season to air on Cartoon Network since 2002, and as such, the first season dubbed by the new voice cast. There are some Pokémon in Battle Frontier that are not in the Pokédex at the time of sighting, such as Weavile, Electivire and Mime Jr., as they are Sinnoh Pokémon, and had yet to be "discovered." The series was released in two volumes both containing three disc. Volume one contained the first 24 episodes and Volume two contained the remaining 23 episodes. Both were released by Viz Media.^[1][2]

Season 9 – Pokémon: Battle Frontier (2005–2006)

EP#		English title Japanese title	Air Date
J#	E#		Japan	United States
423	418	"Fear Factor Phony" (Esper vs. Ghost! Midnight Duel!?) "Esupā Tai Gōsuto! Mayonaka no Kettō!?" (エスパーVSゴースト！真夜中の決闘！？)	October 6, 2005	September 8, 2006
Ash and friends arrive in a ghost town where, in a mansion, Psychic Pokémon are playing music and dancing to it. The Ghost Pokémon in the town don't like this and decide to stop it. Team Rocket's Wobbuffet falls in love with a Kirlia.
424	419	"Sweet Baby James" (Manene Appears! Mansion of Rest!) "Manene Tōjō! Kyūsoku no Yakata!" (マネネ登場！休息の館！)	October 13, 2005	September 9, 2006
When James' Chimecho falls ill, he brings it to his grandparents' to recover. May's Munchlax is also sick and an old man and woman bring it to the same mansion Team Rocket is currently located. Jessie and Meowth then decide to steal all the Pokémon in the garden while the others are taking care of Chimecho and Munchlax. Afterward, James is forced to leave Chimecho behind so it can recover, as well as protect the Pokémon from Jessie and Meowth. At the end, James catches a Mime Jr. by accident.
425	420	"A Chip Off the Old Brock" (Mizugorou and Mokoko! Wonder Drug of Love!?) "Mizugorō to Mokoko! Koi no Tokkōyaku!?" (ミズゴロウとモココ！恋の特効薬！？)	October 20, 2005	September 16, 2006
During a training battle against Ash's Grovyle, Brock's Mudkip evolves into a Marshtomp. Marshtomp, with its newly gained power, injures a nearby Flaaffy. Now Ash and friends must go with Flaaffy's trainer to her grandmother's pharmacy to heal the injured Flaaffy.
426	421	"Wheel of Frontier" (Battle Arena! Fighting Showdown!!) "Batoru Arīna! Kakutō Taiketsu!!" (バトルアリーナ！格闘対決！！)	October 27, 2005	September 16, 2006
Ash finally arrives to the second Battle Frontier location. Ash challenges the Battle Arena Brain Greta to a match. Will Ash be able to defeat Greta and win the second Frontier Symbol? Also, Ash's Snorlax temporarily returns for the match.
427	422	"May's Egg-cellent Adventure!" (The Breeding Center and the Pokémon Egg!) "Sodateyasan to Pokemon no Tamago!" (そだて屋さんとポケモンのタマゴ！)	November 3, 2005	September 23, 2006
After winning the Guts Symbol at the Battle Arena, Ash's next challenge is the Battle Dome. On their way, they came across a Breeding Center with lots of eggs. May meets a girl who resents her because May is a Coordinator and she isn't. When Team Rocket attacks, the two must put their differences behind and save the eggs.
428	423	"Weekend Warrior" (The Rival is a Salaryman!?) "Raibaru wa Sararīman!?" (ライバルはサラリーマン！？)	November 10, 2005	September 23, 2006
May arrives in Silver Town for her second Pokémon Contest. As the contest begins a guy named Jeremy enters the contest much to his wife and son's protest. Jeremy tries to tell his wife why he loves contests but she doesn't want to listen so May steps in to help Jeremy. As the final round arrives, it is a battle between May and Jeremy.
429	424	"On Olden Pond" (The Lake of Hakuryu!) "Hakuryū no Mizūmi!" (ハクリューの湖！)	November 17, 2005	September 30, 2006
On the way to the Battle Dome, Ash and the others decide to stop at a famous fishing spot for the day. However, the lake is deserted. They find out from the owner of a fishing house, Tiffany, that a company wants to buy the lake and turn the land into a resort. In order to scare people away from the land so Tiffany and her Grandma get no business, the leader of the company uses his Crawdaunt to terrorize the lake. When Tiffany finds out, she challenges him to a battle. The next day Ash prepares to fight him for the future of the lake.
430	425	"Tactics Theatrics!!" (Battle Dome! Fusion of Fire and Water!!) "Batoru Dōmu! Honō to Mizu no Fyūjon!!" (バトルドーム！炎と水のフュージョン！！)	November 24, 2005	September 30, 2006
Ash finally arrives to the third Battle Frontier location. Ash challenges the Battle Dome Brain Tucker to a match. The battle begins with Ash using his Swellow and Corphish against Tucker's Arcanine and Swampert, During the battle, Ash learns how to combine his Pokémon's attacks and effectively uses their power to hand a stunning defeat to Tucker.
431	426	"Reversing the Charges" (Startling! Frightening! Elekid!!) "Dokkiri! Bikkuri! Erekiddo!!" (ドッキリ！ビックリ！エレキッド！！)	December 1, 2005	October 7, 2006
Ash wins his third Battle Frontier Symbol, the Tactics Symbol. On their way to the next Battle Frontier location, the Battle Pike, Ash and friends encounter an Elekid. After an accident, May's egg becomes stuck in Elekid's antenna and it runs off. Now Ash and the others must find Elekid and get May's egg back. Meanwhile, Ash's Phanpy evolves into a Donphan.
432	427	"The Green Guardian" (Pokémon Ranger Appears! Celebi Rescue Operation!!) "Pokemon Renjā Tōjō! Serebyi Kyūshutsu Sakusen!!" (ポケモンレンジャー登場！セレビィ救出作戦！！)	December 8, 2005	October 7, 2006
On their way to the Battle Pike, Ash and friends decide to ride along Cycling Road. However, it is closed, and they must go through the forest below. After hearing a noise, Pikachu wanders away and finds an injured Celebi under some thick vines. Ash and the others then meet up with the Pokémon Ranger Solana who agrees to help them find Pikachu. When they finally find Pikachu and Celebi, the reunion is short-lived as Team Rocket attacks wanting Celebi for themselves!
433	428	"From Cradle to Save!" (Usohachi and the Ninja School!!) "Usohachi to Ninja Sukūru!!" (ウソハチと忍者スクール！！)	December 15, 2005	October 14, 2006
Ash and friends have arrived at a Ninja School, where they meet a Bonsly who cries a lot and that does not get along with the other Pokémon at the school. Then Team Rocket appears and decides to capture all of the Pokémon at the school. Also, Brock captures the Bonsly.
434	429	"Time-Warp Heals All Wounds!" (Haruka Travels Through Time!!) "Toki o Koeru Haruka!!" (時を超えるハルカ！！)	December 22, 2005	October 14, 2006
Ash and friends have arrived at Fuschia City for Ash's fourth Battle Frontier battle. But May's Squirtle seems to have vanished. The frightened May began searching for her Squirtle. Meanwhile, May arrives at a mysterious old station, where she meets an old woman, named Edna. She has not been able to comprehend her husband Johnathan's death in a faraway town many decades ago, and has hence waited at the station ever since. Will May be able to save Johnathan's life? Later in the episode the egg that May got from the Breeding Center hatches into an Eevee.
435	430	"Queen of the Serpentine!" (Fierce Fighting at The Battle Tube! Vs. Tube Queen Azami!!) "Nettō Batoru Chūbu! Tai Chūbu Kuīn Azami!!" (熱闘バトルチューブ！VSチューブクイーン・アザミ！！)	January 5, 2006	October 21, 2006
Ash finally arrives at the location of the Battle Pike ready to battle. Team Rocket tricks him into coming into their own fake Battle Pike where they capture Pikachu. With the help of the real Frontier Brain — Pike Queen Lucy, they save Pikachu. Ash challenges Lucy to a battle, and even though it is her day off, she accepts as she has a crush on Brock. As the two begin their battle, Ash realizes Lucy is no pushover. Can Ash win? And who will Brock cheer for?
436	431	"Off the Unbeaten Path!" (Who Single Handedly Has the Victory!? Pokémon Orienteering!!) "Yūshō wa Dare no Te ni!? Pokemon Orientēringu!!" (優勝は誰の手に！？ポケモンオリエンテーリング！！)	January 12, 2006	October 21, 2006
On their way to the Battle Palace, Ash & friends stop at Potpourri Island where they learn about the Pokémon Orienteering Contest. The contest is a race around the island where a trainer and one Pokémon must go to five different locations and get the special stamps at those locations. The winner will receive a special medal along with a ton of fruit. As the contest begins, Ash goes with Pikachu, May with Eevee, Brock with Bonsly, Max with Munchlax, James with Mime Jr, and Jessie with Meowth. Who will win the contest and win all that fruit? That is if Jessie and Meowth don't succeed in stealing it along with Ash, May, and Brock's Pokémon!
437	432	"Harley Rides Again" (Gonbe's Battle Debut! Harley and Taking the Game Seriously!!) "Gonbe no Debyūsen! Hārī to Shinken Shōbu!!" (ゴンベのデビュー戦！ハーリーと真剣勝負！！)	January 19, 2006	October 28, 2006
Ash and friends finally arrive in Wisteria Town where May prepares for her next contest. Harley shows up and this time, he's not so friendly! He declares that he will win this contest and his Fourth Ribbon. Team Rocket tries to convince Harley to work with them to help beat May and get Pikachu but he just calls them losers and leaves. In the contest, both May and Harley manage to breeze through the appeals and battles and end up facing each other, Munchlax to Octillery. Meanwhile, Team Rocket decides to get revenge on Harley.
438	433	"Odd Pokémon Out" (Juptile vs. Tropius! Grassland Duel!!) "Juputoru Tai Toropiusu! Sōgen no Kettō!!" (ジュプトルVSトロピウス！草原の決闘！！)	January 26, 2006	October 28, 2006
Heading for the next Pokémon Contest, Ash and his friends encounter a Meganium owned by a Nurse Joy and a Tropius who is in love in it. However, Grovyle has become smitten with the Meganium as well, and seeks to beat the Tropius. When Team Rocket intervenes, Grovyle evolves into Sceptile.
439	434	"Spontaneous Combusken" (Pokémon Contest! Yuzuriha Tournament!!) "Pokemon Kontesuto! Yuzuriha Taikai!!" (ポケモンコンテスト！ユズリハ大会！！)	February 2, 2006	November 4, 2006
After losing a ribbon to Harley, May arrives on Chrysanthemum Island ready to win her Third Ribbon. Ash is also working hard trying to help Sceptile regain its ability to use attacks. When Drew shows up, May finds out he didn't send her the letter. Later, while training on the beach, she meets a girl named Brianna who reveals that she sent the letter and rose to May. When Brianna finds out May knows Drew she freaks out as she has a crush on Drew. When she finally meets Drew, Brianna claims that she will beat May in the contest and win Drew's respect and love! Meanwhile, Jessie also enters the contest with James' Mime Jr.
440	435	"Cutting the Ties That Bind" (Jukain! Dawn of Revival!!) "Jukain! Fukkatsu no Yoake!!" (ジュカイン！復活の夜明け！！)	February 9, 2006	November 4, 2006
Ash and friends have finally arrived on Metallica Island, the location of the Battle Palace. Before challenging the Frontier Brain, Ash does a little training hoping to boost Sceptile's confidence. However, Sceptile still can't muster the strength needed to use attacks and runs into the woods frustrated. Ash and Pikachu quickly run after Sceptile, but once the get on the woods, they are attacked but a swarm of Beedrill and are knocked into the river! Ash manages to save Sceptile, but Pikachu is swept away! Ash and Sceptile manage to get of the river and take a rest for the night, and Pikachu also manages to get out of the river. An old man finds Pikachu and helps to heal him. When Scott appears at the Pokémon Center, he reveals to the others that this is the time of year when the Kakuna evolve and Beedrill will attack anything to protect them! The next day, Ash and Sceptile continue to search for Pikachu, when, Ash trips over a bump on the path, he tries to get up, but struggles. He manages to get back on his feet, limping. Then, they come across hundreds of Kakuna! Swarms of Beedrill surround them, and Ash and Sceptile are constantly being attacked without mercy! Can Ash manage to find Pikachu, or more importantly, get out of the woods alive?!
441	436	"Kaboom with a View" (Fierce Fighting! Jungle Battle at the Battle Palace!!) "Gekitō! Batoru Paresu de Janguru Batoru!!" (激闘！バトルパレスでジャングルバトル！！)	February 16, 2006	November 10, 2006
Ash finally arrives at Battle Palace, ready to take on Spenser for the Spirit Symbol. As they head out to the battlefield Ash learns that he has the entire surrounding Jungle to battle in! As the battle begins, May, Brock, and Max head up in a balloon with Scott to watch the battle. As the battle begins, Ash pits his newly "revived" Sceptile against Spenser's Shiftry and the battle quickly takes into the forest. Will Ash manages to be able to beat Spenser while battling in a forest? And does he have a secret weapon waiting in the wings?
442	437	"King and Queen for a Day" (Usohachi King and Manene Queen!?) "Usohachi Kingu to Manene Kuīn!?" (ウソハチキングとマネネクイーン！？)	February 23, 2006	November 10, 2006
On their way to the Battle Tower, Ash and friends arrive in a town back on the mainland of Kanto. Then, Team Rocket (in disguise) convinces them to get free massages, which they agree to get. It turns out to be a trap and a battle ensues between Sceptile and Dustox (with the help of Munchlax's metronome) that destroys the tent and separates Pikachu, Bonsly, Meowth, and Mime Jr. from everybody else! The four of them land in the middle of the city are chased around by a bunch of guys in black suits. They manage to lose them and after helping a lady, Meowth manages to get some food for the four of them, but it is short lived as the men quickly find them again. It turns out that they men are chasing them because they are mistaking Bonsly and Mime Jr. for the famous Pokémon stars, King Bonsly and Queen Mime Jr. Jessie and James manage to find them and Jessie manages to get Mime Jr. and Bonsly in the filming of the King and Queen's TV show! This is all a part of Jessie and James' plan to become rich, can Ash and the others find Bonsly and stop Team Rocket's "evil" plan? Or will they just end up in the craziest TV show ever?
443	438	"Curbing the Crimson Tide" (The Red Lightning of Skyscrapers!) "Matenrō no Akai Inazuma!" (摩天楼の赤いイナズマ！)	March 2, 2006	November 18, 2006
In a dark alley three kids come face to face with the mysterious "Red Lightning". One kid sends out his Poliwag only to have it beaten and scribbled on. Then, Ash and the others arrive in the same city. Nurse Joy tells them of Red Lightning and how he is unbeatable. While visiting a park, May's Squirtle runs off and is attacked by Red Lightning and is easily defeated. After following Red Lightning to a house on the top of a skyscraper, they find out it is just a Scizor that belongs to a little girl, however she has no plans to stop her little plan. Now Ash decides to stop her for good.
444	439	"What I Did for Love" (Decisive Game! Haruka vs. Takeshi!!) "Ōichiban! Haruka Tai Takeshi!!" (大一番！ハルカVSタケシ！！)	March 9, 2006	November 18, 2006
May finally arrives in Gardenia Town ready to win her Fourth Ribbon. She gains a nice surprise when she finds out the Eevee has learned Dig. While May prepares for the contest, Brock meets another Pokémon Breeder named Yuma. After seeing his Pokémon skills, she convinces him to enter the Gardenia Contest. After amazing appeals by Squirtle and Bonsly, both May and Brock make it to the battle rounds. Will May be able to beat her friend in order to win her Fourth Kanto Ribbon?
445	440	"Three Jynx and a Baby" (Muchul and the Three Rougela Sisters!!) "Muchūru to Rūjura San-Shimai!!" (ムチュールとルージュラ三姉妹！！)	March 9, 2006	November 25, 2006
On their way to the Battle Tower, May finds a Smoochum behind a bush. She tries to pick it up, only to be attacked by three Jynx, Smoochum's sisters. After a short battle Ash and the others leave and head for town. Soon after, Team Rocket take Smoochum and plan to make her a star. The Jynx then begin to attack the town and Ash and May hold them back before luring them to where Smoochum is. However, when they get there, Jessie has no intentions to give Smoochum back to her sisters!
446	441	"Talking a Good Game!" (Tower Tycoon, Lila Appears!) "Tawā Taikūn, Rira Tōjō!" (タワータイクーン、リラ登場！)	March 16, 2006	November 25, 2006
As Ash and the others finally arrive at the Battle Tower, Ash does some last minute training with Pikachu. He is suddenly attacked by a Beedrill and a girl comes to his rescue. After sending Beedrill away they are attacked by a Gyarados and she once again talks to him and helps him calm down. Soon Team Rocket attacks wanting Pikachu and this human who can talk to Pokémon. After fending Team Rocket off, she introduces herself as Anabel. Before Anabel can properly introduce herself, Ash runs off to the Battle Tower, only to find out Anabel is the leader. As the battle begins, Ash quickly falls behind as Anabel can speak to Pokémon through telepathy. Can Ash manage to get past her special ability and win his Sixth Frontier Symbol?
447	442	"Second Time's the Charm!" (Battle Tower! Telepathy Battle!!) "Batoru Tawā! Ishindenshin Batoru!!" (バトルタワー！以心伝心バトル！！)	March 23, 2006	November 27, 2006
After a devastating defeat at the hands of Anabel, Ash is eager to challenge her again, except this time he plans to think with his Pokémon like Anabel instead of rush in. While training for the re-match, Ash is once again attack by Beedrill and then Team Rocket after eating their lunch. After sending Team Rocket away, Ash and May try to learn how to talk to their Pokémon just like Anabel, however Corphish and Combusken just look on with blank looks. After finishing his little "lesson" Ash begins his battle with Anabel. Just like last time Anabel uses her telepathy ability to fight. Will Anabel prove to powerful with her telepathy, or will Ash overcome it to win his Sixth Frontier Symbol? Even though Ash is at a disadvantage, he surprisingly does better than last time, even managing to win in the first round!
448	443	"Pokémon Ranger! Deoxys Crisis! (Part One)" (Pokémon Ranger! Deoxys Crisis!! [Part 1]) "Pokemon Renjā! Deokishisu, Kuraishisu!! (Zenpen)" (ポケモンレンジャー！デオキシス・クライシス！！（前編）)	April 13, 2006	October 28, 2006
A Pokémon Ranger thinks that a Deoxys is causing geo-magnetic problems. Max and others follow her into meteor crash cave and team Rocket follows them wanting Deoxys for the boss. Deoxys is just scarded so he posseses Meowth to comunicate to Max and take them with him.
449	444	"Pokémon Ranger! Deoxys Crisis! (Part Two)" (Pokémon Ranger! Deoxys Crisis!! [Part 2]) "Pokemon Renjā! Deokishisu, Kuraishisu!! (Kōhen)" (ポケモンレンジャー！デオキシス・クライシス！！（後編）)	April 13, 2006	October 28, 2006
Part 2 of Deoxys Crisis. Ash and other call a temporary truce to work with Jassie and James to get Max and Meowth back from Deoxys. Will they solve geo-magnetic problems and help Deoxys?
450	445	"All That Glitters is Not Golden!" (Usokkie! Gold Legend!?) "Usokkī! Ōgon Densetsu!?" (ウソッキー！黄金伝説！？)	April 20, 2006	November 28, 2006
Ash and May bump into a golden Sudowoodo. May wants to catch it for her next Pokémon Contest, but it belongs to someone already! And the Sudowoodo isn't really gold!
451	446	"New Plot, Odd Lot!" (Harley & Team Rocket! The Formation of the Villainous Alliance!?) "Hārī ando Roketto-dan! Akuyaku Dōmei Kessei!?" (ハーリー＆ロケット団！悪役同盟結成！？)	April 27, 2006	November 29, 2006
Finally in Mulberry Town, May learns that this is the last contest before the Grand Festival. May becomes nervous and begins to doubt herself, but this is quickly put to rest when Harley shows up bragging about his five ribbons. Harley finds Team Rocket outside planning Jessie's contest strategy. Harley decides to help Jessie, but only so May won't make it to the Grand Festival. He gives her Cacturne and Banette to use. As the appeals get underway, Jessie takes an early lead, and thanks to James, Meowth, and Harley's Ariados, May and Combusken are starting to slip up. Will May be able to pass the appeals and get to the second round.
452	447	"Going for Choke!" (Haruka vs. Musashi! The Final Contest!) "Haruka Tai Musashi! Saigo no Kontesuto!!" (ハルカVSムサシ！最後のコンテスト！！)	May 4, 2006	November 30, 2006
As the battle rounds for the Mulberry Contest begin, James and Meowth trick Ash, Brock, and Max into a huge metal box so that they can't cheer May on, in hopes that it will cause her to lose. Harley is more determined than ever to make sure May loses. Jessie and May easily breeze through the battle rounds. As the final round arrives, May sticks with her trusty Squirtle and Jessie stays with Harley's Banette. Will May be able to beat Jessie and win her final ribbon so she can compete in the Grand Festival? And what about Ash and the others, can Drew rescue them in time?
453	448	"The Ole' Berate and Switch" (Team Rocket Breakup!? Respective Roads!) "Roketto-dan Kaisan!? Sorezore no Michi!" (ロケット団解散！？それぞれの道！)	May 11, 2006	December 4, 2006
Jessie, James and Meowth get into an argument and they decided to split up, with Jessie joining Butch, James joining Cassidy and Meowth going it alone.
454	449	"Grating Spaces" (Takeshi & Satoshi! Defend Nibi Gym in a Tag Battle!!) "Takeshi Ando Satoshi! Taggu Batoru de Nibi Jimu o Mamore!!" (タケシ＆サトシ！タッグバトルでニビジムを守れ！！)	May 18, 2006	December 5, 2006
Team Rocket tricks Brock's parents into leaving the Pewter Gym, leaving Ash and Brock to defend it. So Ash and Brock battle two on two with Ash's Donphan and Brock's newly evolved Steelix vs. Team Rocket's Pokémon Charizard and Aggron. Delibird gives Jessie and James a Charizard and Aggron by accident and claims it back for Butch and Cassidy in the end.
455	450	"Battling the Enemy Within" (Battle Pyramid! Vs. Regirock!!) "Batoru Piramiddo! Tai Rejirokku!!" (バトルピラミッド！VSレジロック！！)	May 25, 2006	December 6, 2006
Ash and friends finally arrive at the Battle Pyramid. As they get close, they fall into some ancient ruins. After almost being crushed, they run into a guy named Brandon who owns a Regirock! Brandon acts as if they are in the wrong for being there and decides to take them out. Brandon tells them that these are the ruins of the Ancient Empire Pokélantis, and the legend of its King and the legendary Ho-Oh. When they find the throne room, Ash touches a sphere and he is possessed by the evil King himself. He then tries to steal everyone's pokémon! Brandon decides to stop him in a battle and save Ash. Will Brandon be able to win and set Ash free? Or will the King win and steal all the Pokémon?
456	451	"Slaking Kong" (Miracle! Mountain of the Giant Kekking!!) "Kyōi! Kyodai Kekkingu no Yama!!" (驚異！巨大ケッキングの山！！)	June 8, 2006	December 7, 2006
On the way to Indigo Plateau for May's Grand Festival, a group of Aipom come by and steal Ash's hat and May's ribbons! An old man comes by and tells them that local Aipom, Mankey, and Vigoroth have been stealing his berries and taking them up to the mountains. He also tells them that there is a rumor about a giant monster living in the mountains. They follow the Aipom into the mountains to a giant wooden fence. When the fence opens up, they run in and find out that it is really a Giant Slaking working with Team Rocket! They plan to use all the berries to make and sell Pokéblocks at the Grand Festival, and Jessie will use May's ribbons to compete! After being chased out of the Slaking's territory, Ash and Brock are separated from everybody else, along with the Aipom that stole Ash's hat. Can they reunite, get May's Ribbons back, solve the mystery of the Giant Slaking, and get Ash's hat back?
457	452	"May, We Harley Drew'd Ya!" (Begin! Pokémon Contest – Grand Festival!!) "Kaimaku! Pokemon Kontesuto, Gurando Fesutibaru!!" (開幕！ポケモンコンテスト・グランドフェスティバル！！)	June 15, 2006	December 11, 2006
Ash and friends finally arrive at the Indigo Plateau for May's Kanto Grand Festival. Before the competition, excitement already unfolds as Aipom returns and steals everybody's hats! With that help of Drew and a new trainer named Solidad, they manage to get the hats back. After Drew leaves, Solidad tells May how she knows Drew, and how much he talks about May. While this is going on, Brock and Max run into a cloaked figure that they suspect to be Harley. As the next day begins, May, Drew, and Solidad all pull off impressive performances, but everyone begins to wonder where Harley is. All of a sudden, Harley, dressed as May and calling himself Mayley, comes out for a Harley original appeal. As the first round ends, May, Drew, Harley, and Solidad all progress, however, Harley has set out to defeat all of them!
458	453	"Thinning the Hoard!" (Haruka vs. Harley! Stage On with a Double Battle!!) "Haruka Tai Hārī! Daburu Batoru de Sutēji On!!" (ハルカVSハーリー！ダブルバトルでステージ・オン！！)	June 22, 2006	December 12, 2006
The Grand Festival continues with appeals as Drew shows off his new Absol. May, Harley, and Solidad also do great appeals and the four of them all make it into the Top 16, which are the battle rounds. In the first match, May has to battle Harley. She chooses Munchlax and Eevee while he uses Cacturne and his new Wigglytuff. Eevee and Munchlax easily take out Cacturne but Wigglytuff badly beats them back. After devising a perfect strategy, May wins. Soon after, Solidad and Drew beat their opponents. Now in the Top 8 May must face Drew! She selects Combusken and Squirtle and Drew picks Absol and Flygon. Will May be able to beat her longtime rival?
459	454	"Channeling the Battle Zone" (Haruka vs. Shū! The Final Battle!) "Haruka Tai Shū! Saigo no Tatakai!!" (ハルカVSシュウ！最後の戦い！！)	June 29, 2006	December 13, 2006
As May and Drew continue their battle. Drew quickly gains a lead with a new combo move. As the battle progresses, May manages to finally defeat Flygon with Squritle. However, her victory is soon spoiled as Absol quickly takes out Squirtle. Combusken and Absol continue to battle with neither side letting down. During the battle, Combusken learns Overheat and is able to strike back with amazing power. As the battle ends, it comes down to May winning by just a few points! After the battle, Ash finally catches the troublesome Aipom. May then finds herself up against Solidad and her amazing Pidgeot and Slowbro. Can May defeat Solidad and go on to win the Grand Festival?
460	455	"Aipom and Circumstance!" (Aipom and the King!) "Eipamu to Ōsama!" (エイパムと王様！)	July 6, 2006	December 14, 2006
The four heroes arrive in a town where whoever wears a crown until sunset for one particular day gets to be king of the town for one year. However, the crown becomes stuck on Aipom's head.
461	456	"Strategy Tomorrow – Comedy Tonight!" (Perap and the Pokémon Comedian!) "Perappu to Pokemon Manzai!" (ペラップとポケモン漫才！)	July 20, 2006	January 6, 2007
While Ash heads to the battle pyramid he meets a girl named Ada. Ada was going to do comedy with her Chatot. Chatot also went to a hospital to see little kids. Ada decided to do her comedy there. First comes May. She decided to use her Squirtle and Eevee. Then came Max using May's Munchlax.
462	457	"Duels of the Jungle" (Attack! The Stray Manyula!!) "Pshūgeki! Hagure Manyūra!!" (襲撃！はぐれマニューラ！！)	July 27, 2006	January 13, 2007
On their way to the Battle Pyramid, Ash and his friends encounter an injured Weavile.
463	458	"Overjoyed!" (Battle Pyramid Again! Vs. Registeel!) "Batoru Piramiddo Futatabi! Tai Rejisuchiru!!" (バトルピラミッド再び！VSレジスチル！！)	August 3, 2006	January 20, 2007
Finding the Battle Pyramid in time for his rematch against Brandon and his legendary Pokémon, Ash decides to train against the local Nurse Joy to test his Pokémon. After the battle however he obtains Torkoal from Professor Oak and rechallenges Brandon for the rematch. However Brandon this time uses the Pokémon Registeel. Will Ash be able to defeat it?
464	459	"The Unbeatable Lightness of Seeing" (Haruka vs. Shū! Rivals Forever!!) "Haruka Tai Shū! Raibaru yo Eien ni!!" (ハルカVSシュウ！ライバルよ永遠に！！)	August 10, 2006	January 27, 2007
Having lost his match against Brandon, Ash ponders his next move while staying at the Pokémon Center. He gets a spark for a rematch when Professor Oak arrives with a 'pick me up' package from Delia and Ash's Pokémon, as well as a postcard from Gary and a gift from Misty. When Drew appears on the scene, he notices that May is sad and decides to cheer her up by challenging her to a battle. May gladly accepts Drew's challenge and the two of them start their match, using the Pokémon Center's Contest Hall. Will the Rivals have an all out battle?
465	460	"Pinch Healing!" (The Pokémon Center is Very Busy!) "Pokemon Sentā wa Ōisogashi!" (ポケモンセンターはおおいそがし！)	August 17, 2006	February 3, 2007
To win against Brandon, Ash kept training at the Pokémon Center. However, Joy who is managing the Center faints on the floor.
466	461	"Gathering the Gang of Four" (First Pokémon! The Final Battle!!) "Saisho no Pokemon! Saigo no Tatakai!!" (最初のポケモン！最後の戦い！！)	August 24, 2006	February 10, 2007
Ash trades in some of his old Pokémon and brings Bulbasaur, Charizard, and Squirtle back. They head up into the mountains for a little training and reminiscing of the past. After stopping yet another Pikachu stealing attempt from Team Rocket, Ash runs into Brandon who is impressed by the four Pokémon. Brandon declares a 4-on-4 battle this time so he can see the true strength of Ash. Ash agrees and the next day the battle begins. Brandon chooses Dusclops and Ash chooses Charizard. Will he finally be able to win?
467	462	"Pace – The Final Frontier!" (Deciding Battle! Vs. Regice!!) "Kessen! Tai Rejiaisu!!" (決戦！VSレジアイス！！)	August 31, 2006	February 17, 2007
Ash continues his battle against Brandon. With faith in his Bulbasaur, Ash manages to finally beat Dusclops. Then, Squirtle faces off against the speedy Ninjask and manages to pull off a win. Squirtle isn't so lucky when he faces down Solrock. Solrock defeats Squirtle. Ash then sends out Bulbasaur, and then Bulbasaur and Solrock knock out each other. So it comes down to the final battle: Pikachu vs. Regice. Pikachu manages to weaken Regice, but Regice uses Icebeam and traps Pikachu under a layer of ice, and using Rest, heals himself completely. Regice then freezes Pikachu inside an ice pillar using Icebeam, but Pikachu manages to break free from the ice. Using two Iron tails in a row, Pikachu weakens Regice again. Like before, Regice traps Pikachu under ice layer again and uses Rest once more. With time running out Pikachu breaks free from the trap and charges a full-power Volt Tackle at Regice. Regice manages to wake up from Rest and fires Ice Beam several times at Pikachu. But Pikachu manages to dodge the Ice Beams and attacks in time, fainting Regice. Ash wins over Brandon and becomes the "Battle Frontier Champion". Ash is offered a Frontier Brain position, but he declines. Ash waves a goodbye and Brandon leaves in his air ship.
468	463	"Once More with Reeling" (Satoshi vs. Haruka! The Last Battle!!) "Satoshi Tai Haruka! Rasuto Batoru!!" (サトシVSハルカ！ラストバトル！！)	September 7, 2006	February 24, 2007
Having finally beaten the Battle Frontier, everyone's headed for home. On their way however, Ash and May decide to enter into a Pokémon Contest that's open to everyone. Appealing with Pikachu and Eevee, Ash and May both get past the appeal stage and end up having to battle each other. After a break to the final round, Team Rocket appeared and steals the Pokémon. Combusken gets so mad it evolves into Blaziken and blasts Team Rocket and rescued the Pokémon. The final round of the contest begins. Ash using Sceptile and May using Blaziken, the battle is fierce. However despite the type advantage, Ash gains an upper hand.
469	464	"Home is Where the Start Is" (End of a Journey, Yet Beginning of a Journey!) "Tabi no Owari, Soshite Tabi no Hajimari!" (旅の終わり、そして旅の始まり！)	September 14, 2006	March 3, 2007
The Pokémon Contest finally finishes. Ash and May are able to stand on the stage as the smoke clears and the battle ends up as a tie. Ash and May did their best and spectators let out a large applause and cheers of joy. Sceptile used Leaf Blade to cut the ribbon half as a lucky charm. After the battle, Ash, May, Max, and Brock go their separate ways. May reveals that she is going to the Johto region alone to compete in the Pokémon Contests. Max remains in Hoenn, hoping to become a Pokémon trainer. Brock returns to his gym in Pewter City and Ash returns to Pallet Town. However upon his return he meets Gary and they decide to have a Pokémon battle. Ash appears to be confident he will win until he finds Gary has caught an Electivire from the Sinnoh region, which easily beats Pikachu. Ash decides to travel to the Sinnoh region as well and, along with Pikachu and Aipom, say goodbye and head to Sinnoh.

See also

• Banned episodes of Pokémon

References

1. http://www.amazon.com/Pokemon-Battle-Frontier-Vol-Box/dp/B001675ZII/ref=sr_1_2?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1336068114&sr=1-2
2. http://www.amazon.com/Pokemon-Battle-Frontier-Vol-Box/dp/B001BP14F8/ref=pd_bxgy_mov_text_b

External links

• Pokémon US official website
• Pokémon anime website at TV Tokyo (Japanese)
• Pokémon: Advanced Generation website at TV Tokyo (Japanese)
• Pokémon TV Anime at Pokémon JP official website (Japanese)