Pokemon - The Johto Journeys - A Brand New World (Vol. 39) [VHS]
Taken on its own terms, Pokémon is an agreeable if somewhat cutesy children's entertainment that emphasizes friendship, perseverance, and good sportsmanship. These new adventures (the third television series) take Ash, Misty, and Brock to the land of Johto, where they encounter new Pokémon and people, including Professor Elm, a former student of Professor Oak. (Professor Elm gives first-time trainers their initial Pokémon in Johto.) In "The Double Trouble Header," Ash is challenged by Casey, a novice trainer, after he dismisses her favorite baseball team. The comic villains Team Rocket (Jessie, James, and Meowth) trick Casey into demanding a rematch so they can kidnap Pikachu and Chikorita. When Team Rocket's scheme inevitably backfires, Ash and Casey part as friends. Woodruff the Forest Ranger offers a lesson in ecology in "A Sappy Ending." Team Rocket has built a robot to collect the sweet tree sap several types of Pokémon live on, upsetting the ecological balance of the local forest. Ash, Misty, and Brock help Woodruff route the villains and acquire a Heracross as a bonus. Suitable for all ages.--Charles Solomon