Pokemon Why Is Team Rocket So Obsessed With Pikachu

Pokemon: Why Is Team Rocket So Obsessed With Pikachu?

Team Rocket has had their sights set on Ash’s Pikachu from day one, but why is the trio so obsessed with the little Electric-type?



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Pokemon Why Is Team Rocket So Obsessed With Pikachu

Since first airing in 1997, the Pokemon anime has introduced viewers to numerous locations, characters, and of course, Pokemon. But while the series has changed with each generation, one thing that has remained constant is Team Rocket’s obsession with Ash’s Pikachu.

As Ash’s starter, Pikachu has accompanied the young Pokemon Trainer throughout his journey, with the Rocket Trio usually not too far behind. Their many attempts to snag the little Electric-type have led to a multitude of humorous situations that almost always end with them being blasted off into the sky. Despite the very painful running gag, Jessie, James, and Meowth haven’t once given up on their ambitions. But after more than two decades of tirelessly pursuing it, it’s fair to wonder just why the trio is set on getting their hands on Ash’s Pikachu in particular.

Pokemon Why Is Team Rocket So Obsessed With Pikachu

Most would assume that after so many failed attempts, the Rockets would simply try to steal or capture another Pikachu. But there’s something about Ash’s Pikachu that’s special – at least to them. The loveable goons first appeared in the anime’s second episode, “Pokemon Emergency,” where they tried to steal Pikachu alongside a myriad of other injured Pokemon. They were eventually sent flying into the sky by Pikachu’s Thunder Shock, kicking off a long-running gag and sparking their obsession with it.

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In the episodes that have followed, the Rocket Trio has tried every dirty trick in the book in the hopes of stealing away Ash’s longtime pal. This has ranged from taking on ridiculous personas to investing in ineffective or faulty equipment, made specifically to counter Electric-types.

Looking at it with logic from the games, Team Rocket would be better off trying to steal nearly any other Pokemon Ash and his companions have carried throughout the series. Pikachu shouldn’t be all that desirable of a Pokemon, especially when compared to the different legendary, mythical, and pseudo-legendary Pokemon that have appeared in the anime. Yet the Rockets always try to steal it alongside whatever else catches their eye.



To their credit, Ash’s Pikachu has proved to be anything but ordinary. Its proclivity for improvisation has led to it unleashing various unique moves in battle, often giving Ash the edge. Despite having never evolved, Ash’s Pikachu is shown to be stronger than most other Pikachu and Raichu, and it has been shown to defeat Pokemon despite obvious type disadvantages.

It could be that the trio views Ash’s Pikachu as a sort of rare variant. That wouldn’t be too farfetched given everything that it’s done over the years. With Jessie, James, and Meowth desperate to please Giovanni, their long pursuit might stem from a desire to gain their ruthless boss’ favor.

Giovanni is always looking for unique or rare Pokemon. The Rocket leader was obsessed with Mewtwo in the original series, so it’s easy to imagine him being at least somewhat happy with having Ash’s Pikachu. Ironically, their constant blundering has done nothing but damage their reputation and earn Giovanni’s ire. What’s more, Giovanni is never shown directly telling the trio to snag Pikachu, raising questions of whether or not he’s even aware that it exists.

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Ash’s Pikachu is certainly special, and Team Rocket has been on the receiving end of enough Thunderbolts to know that. They’ll likely keep trying to steal it as long as they continue to appear in the anime, but after so many humiliating failed attempts, one has to wonder if the super-powered mascot is even worth the trouble.

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