SWSH001

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**The New Land of Galar! The First Champion Duel!!** is the first episode of *Pocket Monsters: Sword and Shield*, and the ???th episode of the Pocket Monsters series. It first aired in Japan and the United States on November 10, 2019 as a one-hour special alongside SWSH002.

## Plot

We begin in Postwick where we're introduced to childhood friends Hop and Gloria.

Hop is excited to watch his older brother, Leon battle he wants Gloria to watch along. However, she has a prior commitment and is running late. Hop continues to watch his brother on TV and we then transition to the actual battle in Wyndon Stadium. It's an exhibition battle between the Champion of Galar, Leon and gym leader Raihan.

After an exchange of words Leon gigantamax is his Charizard and Raihan does the same with his Duraladon as the Pokemon trade powerful blows. We focus in on 10-year old Ash Ketchum and his partner Pikachu who are watching in the stands, they are an absolute awe.

We then flashback to a few days earlier in Pallet Town. Professor Oak tells Ash that Leon of the Galar region has been trying to contact him after hearing of his achievement in Alola. Leon sends Ash an invitation to competing Galar's Pokemon League. Professor Oak explains how the Galar region has one of the most challenging Pokemon leagues and is very selective with their gym Challengers This gets Ash fired up so he accepts Leon's invitation and heads to Galar.

We return to the present where Leon has defeated Raihan. Afterwards, Ash meets Leon. However, their introductions are cut short by Leon's fans. The two of them then decide to take a Corviknight taxi together to have a proper conversation.

Leon congratulates Ash on the Alola League. He then Hypes up the Galar League and then they even bond over their love of Pokemon in battles. Ash was so impressed with Leon's exhibition match that he challenges him to a battle.

Leon explains how they're on their way to meet his kid brother to give him a gift but he doesn't mind squeezing in one more battle.

We then see Team Rocket's balloon following closely behind. We find out that they were sent to Galar by Giovanni to catch strong gigantamax Pokemon. They were originally going after Leon, but are surprised to see Ash is here as well.

Ash and Leon then arrive at Postwick where Hop eagerly awaits Leon has a quick catch up with his brother and he then introduces him to Ash. Leon apologizes to hop as his gift will have to wait until he's done having a battle with Ash. Hop doesn't mind though as he's excited to see a battle between two champions

Ash and Leon begin their battle it's a one-on-one between Pikachu and Charizard the battle starts with a clash between Pikachu's Thunderbolt and Charizard's Flamethrower. They're evenly matched. Pikachu then goes in for a Quick Attack but Charizard Dodges and uses Ancient Power. Ash smirks and commands Pikachu to jump on the rocks and then send the final one back with Iron Tail. This catches Leon and Charizard off-guard allowing Pikachu to hit it with a direct Thunderbolt. Ash says he figured out how to counter that move after watching Leon use it in his exhibition battle. Charizard then uses Air Slash. Pikachu flinches giving Charizard the ability to launch a fully charged Solar Beam. Charizard then closes in on Pikachu and as tries to slow it down with Electroweb but Charizard Dodges it and lands a point-blank flamethrower. Pikachu is knocked down and Leon decides to end the battle there.

Although they were losing, Ash and Pikachu were really happy for the battle Meanwhile, Hop is bursting with energy and loved every minute of it. The episode ends with Hop finally receiving his gift from Leon. He gets to choose one of the Galar starters Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble.

## Major events

* Hop and Gloria were introduced
* Ash is revealed to have traveled to the Galar region.
* Ash watches the Exhibition Match between Leon and Raihan
* Professor Oak is revealed to have an invitation from Leon for Ash.
* Ash meets Leon and Hop for the first time.
* Ash has a battle with Leon. But was defeated.
* Hop is received a gift from Leon as he prepares to choose his starter Pokémon.

### Debuts

#### Humans

* Hop
* Gloria
* Leon
* Raihan

#### Pokémon debuts

* Duraladon (Raihan's)
* Corviknight
* Grookey
* Scorbunny
* Sobble

## Characters

### Humans

* Ash Ketchum
* Hop
* Leon
* Gloria
* Raihan
* Professor Oak
* Jessie
* James
* Citizens

### Pokémon

* Ash's Pikachu
* Meowth (Team Rocket)
* Charizard (Leon's)
* Duraladon (Raihan's; debut)
* Corviknight (Trainer's; debut)
* Scorbunny
* Grookey
* Sobble

## Trivia

* Professor Oak's Pokémon Giant Informer: Pikachu
	+ This Pokémon Giant Informer was moved to SWSH002 on the first airing, due to SWSH001 and SWSH002 airing as a one-hour special.
* "Who's That Pokémon?:" Charizard
* ??? replaced Your Adventure as the opening theme.
* ??? replaced Type: WILD as the ending theme.
* This and the following episode are the first episodes to air in Japan and in the US 5 days before the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield].
* This episode marks the first appearance of a number of Pokémon species in the main series after long absences:
	+ PLACEHOLDER who
* Ash, Leon, & Hop narrate the preview for the next episode.
* This is the first episode to use music from "The Beast of Thunder Zeraora".