Who is the Rani?

*Some spoilers for the latest season of Doctor Who, but no spoilers for the finale*

Long before the Master regenerated into Missy, the Rani was the epitome of a renegade Time Lady. I feel like TJ and I have been complaining a lot about the Master being overdone. Finally, we’ve been rewarded with a different rogue from Gallifrey. The Rani has returned! 

She only appeared in two television stories of classic Doctor Who, but she made her mark (literally and figuratively). While sometimes seen as a female version of the Master, she’s unique in her role in the mythos of Doctor Who, even in comparison to the other two major renegade Gallifreyan enemies (the Master and the Monk). The Master was the stereotypical evil James Bond version (becoming more and more bananas with each regeneration) and the Monk was more mischievous, messing with the timeline for his own fun. In contrast, the Rani was more calculating and indifferent to life forms she considered inferior (which basically included everyone else, including the Doctor and the Master).

As a scientist, it’s like the Rani’s schemes were an attempt to assert order into a disorderly universe. If the world is chaos, she wanted to turn it into order. Imagine if Sheldon Cooper were a time lady and wanted to impose his bathroom schedule over all of time and space. That’s the Rani. In one instance, she wanted to harvest human hormones to control the Miasimia Gorians. Another time she wanted to basically explode a supernova to remake the “errors” in the universe. Even her schemes in modern Doctor Who seems to be largely about control.

Like the Master, the Rani was an expert at deception and disguise. She flew under the radar in the 19th century on Earth by disguising herself as an old woman. Later, with the help of amnesia drugs and post-regeneration confusion, she later disguised herself as Mel Bush to manipulate the Doctor into helping her. And there’s no telling how long she hid on Earth as an average human before Sutekh’s attack on time and space. As Mrs. Flood demonstrated, the Rani knows how to blend in wherever she goes.

Now I just need to watch the season finale and maybe learn how the Rani survived the Master’s decimation of Gallifrey. If the Master has shown us anything, it’s that a renegade time lord can always survive… if the story calls for it.

LDS Geeks Podcast #42: Animorphs Re-Read (1)

Russell and I feel like we've been talking about this Animorphs re-read for forever. We've finally started! First episode in this series covers the first four books of the series.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 42 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

    Follow along: Animorphs Book Club Reading Schedule

    LDS Geeks Podcast #30: Animorphs Overview

        Show Notes: click here

        Spotify: click here

        Apple Podcasts: click here

    Spencer's Recommendation: Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan

    Russell's Recommendation: “Sea Shanty Medley” by Home Free

    #1 - The Invasion

    #2 - The Visitor

    #3 - The Encounter

    #4 - The Message

5 Marvel Movies to Watch Before Avengers Doomsday

I started doing my MCU “Binge List” posts after Infinity War and Endgame, when everyone was trying to watch the entirety of the MCU library before that culminating battle against Thanos. It’s served me well to prepare myself and review the story so far. However, with Doomsday coming to theaters next year, even just the known cast list provides a challenge, with over thirty movies and shows potentially playing a part in the upcoming multiversal event.

Sure, I could share the list of the forty-ish Marvel projects that will lead into this crossover… but that’s a bit much even for me. Instead, I’m going to highlight a few movies to rewatch (plus a few extra credit movies) to establish characters and story development. Later this year and next, leading up to the movie, I’ll add a few more movies and shows to the list.

X-Men

We know we have returning cast members from the original X-Men movies, including Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, and more. Since the third Deadpool movie established the Fox X-Men saga in the multiverse, it’s possible we’ll have those variants in Doomsday. However, there’s no guarantee they’ll portray the same variants from Fox or if they’ll be new variants (maybe from the universe where Monica ended up in The Marvels). Regardless, the original X-Men movie produced by Fox will give you a sense of the main characters appearing from X-Men, regardless of where they come from in the multiverse. 

Extra Credit - X2

The sequel to X-Men, so we have the continuation of Professor X and Magneto’s story. Also, this is when we meet Nightcrawler, who’s set to return in Doomsday. 

Iron Man

Since Tony Stark is gone, this movie might be a strange choice for rewatch before Doomsday. But this is where the formal MCU began (before retconning in Spider-Man, X-Men, Blade, etc.). It’s worth revisiting where this epic story began and how far we’ve come since Tony became Iron Man. And with RDJ portraying Doctor Doom, it’ll be interesting to see how they had the likeness between Doom and Tony. If they don’t address the issue of the doppelgänger, bringing RDJ back would be a waste of time. 

Extra Credit - The Avengers

We’ve come a long way since the Battle of New York, but this is when the Avengers first became a team. From the original roster, only Thor is confirmed to appear. But it’s worth remembering where the team began. 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier 

Bucky may have been originally introduced in The First Avenger, but his brainwashing at the hands of Hydra still impacts his story. Plus this movie marks the first appearance of Sam Wilson (the current Captain America) and it was a turning point in the story, as SHIELD fell. Plus since it’s still one of the most popular MCU movies, it could be the considered the pinnacle of MCU movie potential. 

Extra Credit - Captain America: Civil War

Just as The Winter Soldier changed the MCU with the fall of SHIELD, this movie was a turning point for the Avengers. Infinity War would’ve played out 100% differently if the Avengers hadn’t broken up. Plus, this movie introduced Wakanda and Spider-Man and it pushed Bucky’s story along powerfully. 

Avengers: Infinity War

After the fallout of Civil War and Ragnarok, things got chaotic really fast when the Avengers were pushed together on multiple fronts. This movie changed the MCU forever, not just because of Thanos’s snap, but also because of how the Avengers grew to include new intergalactic colleagues. We don’t have the Guardians of the Galaxy confirmed for Doomsday, but you never know (they did say Star Lord would return after their third movie).

Extra Credit - Ant-Man and the Wasp

I know plenty of people didn’t care for this Ant-Man sequel, but I enjoyed it. Bridging the gap between Civil War and Endgame, this movie progressed Scott Lang’s story. Plus, traveling into the Quantum Realm pushed us forward toward the multiverse, even if we didn’t know it yet. 

Avengers: Endgame

This movie is the basis for where the MCU left us in recent years. The Avengers reformed and traversed the multiverse to bring back everyone they lost in the Snap. This is also where half our original Avengers roster said goodbye. No more Tony, Natasha, or Steve. As far as the team is concerned, this is where we left the Avengers and Doomsday is an Avengers movie. It’s gotta be done. 

Extra Credit - Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

This is arguably one of the most popular movies from the post-Endgame era of the MCU. It’s certainly my favorite Marvel movie of recent years. And, along with Far From, this movie did a great job establishing the post-Blip world. 

I’ll be back in a few months with more Marvel projects to revisit. I expect we might have more cast announcements by that point. Avengers assemble!

Life is Pain

    At my uncle’s funeral, his son shared that the last words he heard from his Dad while beginning the drive back home (his Dad would pass unexpectedly a few hours later necessitating a drive back to his parent’s home) were “Have fun storming the castle.” These are the iconic words spoken by Billy Crystal as “Miracle Max” as he wishes Fenzinni the giant and Inigo Montoya the Spaniard farewell after helping them to revive the “mostly dead” man in black, Westley. 

    Hearing this at my uncle’s funeral has caused me to reflect on another classic one liner from “The Princess Bride.” The line comes near the beginning of the film when the man in black and Princess Buttercup are running away from Prince Humperdink. The Princess is bemoaning her fate and mourning the loss of her true love and expresses something about the pain she is feeling. The man in black (her true love Westley in disguise, though she doesn’t know it yet) replies, rather harshly, “Life is pain, highness! Anyone who says differently is selling something.” I thought of this line while at work where I was privy to hearing about the physical pains of physical therapy patients in addition to hearing about some of their emotional and mental pains as well. I also thought about this phrase while listening to General Conference talks from leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have not been spared the pains of life. President Nelson has lost 2 daughters and his first wife to death. Sister Amy Wright battled cancer. Elder Soares’ wife delivered a premature child who died. Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf had to flee his home twice as a refugee. President Eyring, President Holland, and President Oaks have all lost spouses. Just to mention a few of the well known pains suffered by leaders of the church. Additionally, you have your individual pains that you suffer from. Perhaps it’s back pain, or leg pain, or surgical pain. Perhaps it’s the pain of losing a loved one. Perhaps it’s the pain of heartbreak or loneliness or depression or some other mental health condition. At some point in life, we all experience the truth that “life is pain.” The great news is that we don’t have to suffer alone nor does the pain have to be our identity. There are eternal truths that can help us during moments of pain. The first is from a classic primary hymn: “I am a child of God.” He is aware of you and me and everyone who is experiencing a moment of life’s pain. Second from Elder Brook P. Hales in October of 2024: “Mortality Works.” I love the story he shares about his  deceased mother: 

“My mother did not have an easy journey through mortality. She received no accolades or worldly honors and did not have educational opportunities beyond high school. She contracted polio as a child, resulting in a lifetime of pain and discomfort in her left leg. As an adult, she experienced many difficult and challenging physical and financial circumstances but was faithful to her covenants and loved the Lord.

When my mother was 55, my next older sister passed away, leaving an eight-month-old baby daughter, my niece, motherless. For various reasons, Mom ended up largely raising my niece for the next 17 years, often under very trying circumstances. Yet, notwithstanding these experiences, she happily and willingly served her family, neighbors, and ward members and served as an ordinance worker in the temple for many years. During the last several years of her life, Mom suffered from a form of dementia, was often confused, and was confined to a nursing facility. Regrettably, she was alone when she passed away unexpectedly.

Several months after her passing, I had a dream I have never forgotten. In my dream, I was sitting in my office at the Church Administration Building. Mom entered the office. I knew she had come from the spirit world. I will always remember the feelings I had. She did not say anything, but she radiated a spiritual beauty that I had never before experienced and which I have difficulty describing.

Her countenance and being were truly stunning! I remember saying to her, “Mother, you are so beautiful!,” referencing her spiritual power and beauty. She acknowledged me—again without speaking. I felt her love for me, and I knew then that she is happy and healed from her worldly cares and challenges and eagerly awaits “a glorious resurrection.” I know that for Mom, mortality worked—and that it works for us too.”

   

     Finally, in Moses 1:39 we read, “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Heavenly Father is our loving father! He is aware of everything we go through and knows that what we experience will prepare us and help us in our eternal journey. So perhaps the next time you are struggling or experiencing a moment of life’s pain, take comfort and remember these words from Elder Klebingat, “I understand, Lord. I know what this is. A time to prove myself, isn’t it?” Then partner with Him to endure well to the end.” 

    

    "Life is pain highness," but we can know that this pain is part of our story which helps in our eternal journey.

Geek Tech 101: Duel Disks

As long as the card game and anime exist in some form, there will always be memes about the fate of the world being decided by a children's card game on Yu-Gi-Oh! I still love the mythology of the series (though I didn't care for how it changed during Zexal and Arc-V) but the series would not be near as engaging if the card game was played on tables and mats, like in the real world. That's why Kaiba's innovation of the duel disk is iconic and revolutionary for the purposes of the series.

Before the Duel Disk

Prior to Kaiba's innovations, it seems that Duel Monsters was played on regular playing mats and tables, like in the real world. It's actually funny to see Bandit Keith dueling in front of a crowd with a little table. But by the time the series begins, Kaiba had already developed his first holographic stadium. This technology was stolen borrowed by Pegasus for the Duelist Kingdom tournament. Imagine trying to install all those random stadiums throughout the island. Silly Pegasus, doing things the hard way. Meanwhile, Kaiba had already begun improving the holographic system with his first frisbee-like duel disk. Like Duelist Kingdom itself, the first duel disk made for some strangely unique rules. Of course it wasn't until Battle City that we got some more standardized rules for the card game.

Battle City's Innovation

At first it seems duel disks were exclusive for Battle City Tournament participants. Duelists weren't limited to the need for a stadium if they wanted a fancy holographic battle. Instead, the Battle City duel disks had holographic projectors that launched and created a stadium anywhere (though it seems like the flying projectors were phased out later on). Finally duelists could play wherever they wanted, including the park, the street, an aquarium, or on the top of a blimp. Dueling would never be the same.

Alternative Duel Disks

Despite the innovation of Kaiba's duel disks, it wasn't long before others would develop their own. During the Orichalcos arc of the anime, Dartz and his minions had their own alternatives to Kaiba's duel disks. He had to make them look extra freaky though apparently. By the time Kaiba opened Duel Academy and Jaden's cohort was in attendance, there was a new duel disk that seemed to be specifically for Duel Academy (though plenty of others had similar ones). Throughout Yu-Gi-Oh GX, we saw plenty of other weird duel disk variations from the Shadow Riders, duel spirits, and some of the transfer students. At some points it seemed like every new character had a duel disk customized for their deck.

Duel Runners and Beyond

After Yu-Gi-Oh GX, all bets were off with duel disks. By the time Yusei had his duel runner, the standard duel disk was a thing of the past in many ways. Dueling on motorcycles was the way to go. But if you weren't a turbo duelist, you still had your regular duel disk that detached. In later seasons, we saw plenty of duel disk variations throughout the multiverse. It kind of makes me sad though... later series like Zexal and Arc-V take the innovation of the duel disk for granted. It was a big deal when it first showed up during Duelist Kingdom and Battle City. A game changer! And we all wanted a duel disk in real life (I had two: original Battle City and the Orichalcos version). Now if only the real ones projected holograms like on television....

More Content You Might Like:

• "LDS Geeks Podcast #15: Yu-Gi-Oh Nostalgia" with Spencer and Joe
• Available for listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

LDS Geeks Podcast #41: Sunrise on the Reaping

I thought the next recording Russell and I did would be our first installment in our Animorphs re-read. Instead, we were both enthralled by the latest Hunger Games book. Check it out!

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 41 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

    Spencer's Recommendation: The Chronicles of Narnia audiobooks

    Russell's Recommendation: “Nobody” by Casting Crowns

Opposition [Inside Out] All Things

Movies don't often make me cry. They make me want to cry at times, but it's rare that the tears ever leave my eyes. An exception to this rule was Inside Out, one of the first movies I can remember physically evoking tears from me. However, the sequel had me ugly crying. Something about Riley's need to find friends and not be alone. Something about her panic attack on the ice. Something about Anxiety literally running circles in Riley's mind.

Whatever it was that make me so emotional, Inside Out 2 quickly found its spot close to my heart. So when "Pop Culture on the Apricot Tree" did their episode about the movie, I had to dive in. I mentioned this a little during my interview with Carl on our podcast, but the movie and their podcast episode struck a cord with me that cut deep. Not just because of Riley's panic attack, but also because of the lesson I learned from the Apricot Tree crew.

The unexpected lesson from Anxiety has left me thinking and rewatching this movie. "We don't get to choose who Riley is." Anxiety was echoing a comment from Joy and it hits hard. It'd be nice to think that life and emotions would be all joy, comfort, and straightforward. Life is more complex than that. I swear I can feel Anxiety running around in my head most days, trying to get done everything on my to-do list yet having no energy to do any of it. It's easy to let Anxiety run the show and make it central to how I feel about myself and how my days play out. 

I love that this movie shows just how complex emotions and personality can be. At the end of the movie, we get this line from Joy: "But every bit of Riley makes her who she is, and we love all of our girl. Every messy, beautiful piece of her." What is more affirming than that? It would be nice if life were so simple as to say "I'm a good person" like Riley started out the movie believing. Humans are too complex for that. And that's not just psychology. That's doctrine too.

"For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad." (2 Nephi 2:11)

For years I've thought of that verse through the lens of mortality (which is true). Good things happen to us and bad things happen to us. But I think it also accurately describes the human condition. We have the light of Christ (see Moroni 7) but we also have the natural man (see Mosiah 3). We have both sides in us. I have premortal Spencer in my heart but I also have my mortal experiences influencing my development (makes me think of a Once Upon a Time post that Joe did before I joined the team).

All this to say that maybe we all deserve some grace. I don't do a very good job granting myself that gift, but maybe I can start by sharing that grace with others when they make a mistake. I haven't figured out how to get Anxiety to stop running around my console during the day, but maybe I can show Anxiety some kindness in the meantime. Being frustrated with my kids doesn't need to mean I'm a bad father. Running behind at work doesn't mean I'm a bad clinician. My heart hasn't been able to process and understand those complexities.

In the meantime, maybe I'll just keep rewatching Inside Out 2 and maybe with each viewing I'll get better at giving myself grace.

PS: Does anyone else just want to hug Embarrassment every time he appears?

Our April 2025 Conference Reflections

Last year our team shared some of our favorite Easter-related scriptures. This year, as I listened to General Conference, I wanted to share some of our insights or highlights from this Conference. Good motivation for me to listen to the talks again, since I can't always listen with my kids around. We are grateful for modern-day prophets and ongoing revelation from heaven!

--Spencer

Russell: "Receive His Gift" by Elder Kearon and "Cherishing Life" by Elder Anderson

I love General Conference and the chance to hear from living prophets and apostles. As Spencer alluded to earlier, children can make paying attention the first time through difficult. I was travelling for much of the Saturday sessions and my daughter held my attention for much of Sunday's sessions. However, I always enjoy going back and reviewing the messages shared. I also cherish the first impressions I get because the Holy Ghost still testifies of the truths shared even when I cannot give full attention. I always love hearing where new temples will be built. It is a testimony to me that the work of God is moving forward. I also loved hearing apostles testify of the living, resurrected Christ. They are called to be special witnesses of Him and hearing them testify of Him is powerful. Those are my general thoughts about conference.

Specifically, Elder Anderson and Elder Kearon's talks stuck out to me. Elder Anderson's story about the couple expecting a child with trisomy 21 made me think of my cousin and his wife who recent had and then subsequently buried their daughter who had trisomy 23. They learned of their daughter's condition fairly early on in the pregnancy and my cousin's wife endured the entire pregnancy and birth. They considered it a miracle that they had 3 days with their daughter. I suppose there is a connection between Elder Anderson's and Elder Kearon's talks. Elder Kearon spoke about the gift of knowing that you are a child of God. This knowledge can be life changing and quite comforting in times of trial, hardship, and difficulty. Heavenly Father knows us and loves us very much. I love that Elder Anderson spoke of the sanctity of life and that Elder Kearon spoke of the gift of knowing what it means to have a life as a child of God.

Spencer: "Right Before Our Eyes" by Elder Rasband

I went into General Conference this year with a more specific prayer than usual. The last few months (and the last year) have been a struggle to keep up with the seemingly increasing number of changes in my life. I've felt for the past year (maybe longer) that Heavenly Father wants me to focus on taking care of myself, instead of exhausting myself to the point of breakdown. As I listened to Conference (and as I've relistened to talks I missed or forgot) I was reminded of the importance of developing a relationship with the Savior. Elder Rasband's talk was one of these, teaching about how our lives, our priorities, and our outlooks change as we come to understand our Heavenly Father and our Savior. Ever since these talks (and whenever I listen to a talk that reminds me of that impression) I try to think of how I can slow down and focus on the basics. How can I let go of my temporal worries and trust in the Father? He's always provided for me and my family in the past. Why not now? Just like any relationship, it's important to keep the relationship strong. It doesn't take long for a relationship to dwindle, so it's vital to take stock of important relationships and keep them close. I'm still trying to figure out what developing that relationship with God means for me, but the frequent reminders from General Conference help.

Michael: "Right Before Our Eyes" by Elder Rasband

As I prepare to defend my dissertation from BYU, Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s April 2025 General Conference talk, “Right Before Our Eyes,” resonated deeply with me. He emphasizes the Lord’s hastening work, highlighting the expansion of the Church through increased membership, missionary efforts, temple construction, and educational opportunities. Elder Rasband notes the fulfillment of Joseph Smith’s prophecy that the Church would fill the world, stating, “That prophecy is being fulfilled ‘right before our eyes.’” His message underscores the significance of education in this divine acceleration, aligning with my own experiences at BYU. Elder Rasband’s counsel to “give the Lord equal time” serves as a reminder to balance secular learning with spiritual growth. As I transition from student life, his words inspire me to continue contributing to the Lord’s work, recognizing the majesty of this moment and the role education plays in preparing us for future service. On a personal note I know that I would not have been able to graduate without the Lord's help and thanks to attending the temple and scripture studying I have been able to do something I know I wouldn't be able to do on my own. I am so grateful that the work of the Lord is being hastened so others can feel of the great joy that God brings to our lives.

 

Pokemon Binge List: Indigo League (2/3)

I can't say I'm a perfect parent, but I think I'm doing a great job indoctrinating my kids with Pokémon. Between my older daughter joining me for Pokemon TCG Pocket and feeding her Eevee daily on Pokemon Go, I think she might be investing in the franchise more (the Clefairy Squashmallow she got for Christmas from my brother might have helped too). And naturally I keep inviting (making) her watch the anime.

We finished the highlights of the Indigo League, but we still have plenty of other options to watch. As of the end of my last Pokémon Binge List, here's where Ash's badge count and our main characters' team rosters stood:

Ash’s Badge Count: 3

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Butterfree, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle   

Misty’s Team: Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen 

Brock’s Team: Onix, Geodude, Zubat

Jessie’s Team: Ekans 

James’s Team: Koffing

Season 1, Episode 19: "Tentacool & Tentacruel"
Click here to watch

They lay the tree hugging message on pretty thick, but the antagonist is literally named Nastina. It's hard to not be against her and on the side of the Tentacool. But here's where Misty gets her poor little Horsea.

Misty’s Team: Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen, Horsea

Season 1, Episode 21: “Bye Bye Butterfree”
Click here to watch

Why did Pokemon have to go and break our hearts? Ash's original team was only around for a handful of episodes when you think about it, but it remains iconic and Butterfree's departure will make you cry. PS: When can we get pink Butterfree in Pokemon Go?

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle   

Season 1, Episode 24: “Haunter Versus Kadabra”
Click here to watch

This episode concludes the trilogy of episodes about Ash getting the Marsh Badge from Sabrina. Despite never actually catching Haunter, Ash was able to coerce a badge from Sabrina and reunite her family. As a father, I approve. But you can also check out "Abra and the Psychic Showdown" and "The Tower of Terror" before viewing this one.

Ash’s Badge Count: 4

Season 1, Episode 25: “Primeape Goes Bananas”
Click here to watch

I suppose it's cute they gave a backstory to Ash's favorite hat. And while they don't keep Primeape around for very long (or revisit him ever again), here's where we meet Ash's first fighting Pokemon and his first disobedient Pokemon.

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Primeape

Season 1, Episode 26: “Pokémon Scent-sation!”
Click here to watch

In case you needed a reminder that Ash is an immature ten-year-old, he's disrespectful to all the girls at the Celadon City Gym. But he kind of redeemed himself by stopping the gym from burning down. So I guess that deserves a badge?

Ash’s Badge Count: 5

Season 1, Episode 27: “Hypno's Naptime”
Click here to watch

This episode hits harder as a parent. And it's super creepy. It's hard to like Hypno. And then Psyduck catches itself? I gotta ask though... why did Misty feel compelled to keep it?

Misty’s Team: Staryu, Starmie, Goldeen, Horsea, Psyduck

Season 1, Episode 28: “Pokémon Fashion Flash”
Click here to watch

We don't get a lot of moments where Brock is really shown as a budding Pokemon breeder. Despite still being a kid, he shows his maturity compared to Ash and Misty. No better deserving trainer for Vulpix.

Brock’s Team: Onix, Geodude, Zubat, Vulpix

Season 1, Episode 29: “The Punchy Pokémon”
Click here to watch

After only having Primeape for a handful of episodes and a rocky relationship, Ash was able to make peace with his fighting friend... only to leave him behind. 

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle

Season 1, Episode 30: “Sparks Fly for Magnemite”
Click here to watch

Another weird tree-hugging episode. And after being so antagonistic during this episode, Muk always appears so affectionate afterwards. It makes me wonder why catching a Pokemon changes its nature.

Season 1, Episode 31: “Dig Those Diglett!”
Click here to watch

Yet another tree-hugger episode. But what really makes this episode really weird is that Team Rocket basically willed their Pokemon to evolve with their tears.

Jessie’s Team: Arbok

James’s Team: Weezing

Season 1, Episode 32: “The Ninja Poké-Showdown”
Click here to watch

Maybe if it weren't for Team Rocket, Ash could actually have a normal gym battle. But Ash got his Soul Badge and we discovered that Psyduck has some useful powers... sometimes.

Ash’s Badge Count: 6

Season 1, Episode 35: “The Legend of Dratini”

This episode was never dubbed into English (because guns) but it's worth noting its existence since Ash caught his thirty Tauros here. I remember being confused about that later on at Professor Oak's lab.

Season 1, Episode 43: “The March of the Exeggutor Squad”
Click here to watch

So the Exeggcute guy is super creepy. I can't get over that. But at least it got Charmander to evolve... only for Charmeleon to start disobeying in the next episode.

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charmeleon, Squirtle

Season 1, Episode 46: “Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon”
Click here to watch

Dino Pokemon are cool. Simple as that. Plug Charmeleon evolved into Charizard and we got the mysterious Pokemon egg. But we'll have to wait until the third installment of this list before it hatches.

Ash’s Team: Pikachu, Pidgeotto, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Squirtle

And there we go for this round. As of now, all Indigo League episodes is available on the Pokemon TV YouTube channel. Gotta watch ‘em all!