Hi there! I'm a huge fan of the Pokémon anime, and I've been following Ash's adventures since the very beginning. I've seen every episode countless times, and I know pretty much everything there is to know about the series. So, if you have any questions about Pokémon, feel free to ask!

You're asking about Torchic's evolution, right? That's a great question! It's a memorable moment in the Hoenn region journey.

While it's true that Ash's Torchic eventually evolves, it doesn't actually happen in a single specific episode. The evolution is more of a gradual process that unfolds over several episodes, building up to the big moment.

Let me break it down for you:

The Early Stages:

When Ash first receives Torchic as a starter Pokémon from Professor Birch in "Gettin' the Badge!" (AG002), it's small, cute, and still learning the ropes. We see Torchic gradually gaining experience and confidence throughout the early episodes of the Hoenn season.

Signs of Growth:

As Ash and Torchic continue their journey, Torchic starts showing signs of growing stronger. It learns new moves like Quick Attack and Double Kick, becoming more adept in battles. A notable instance is in the episode "A Corphish Out of Water" (AG010), where Torchic manages to hold its own against Team Rocket, showcasing its growing power.

The Turning Point:

The episode "Playing with Fire!" (AG035) marks a turning point in Torchic's development. During a practice battle against Ash's Grovyle, Torchic is pushed to its limits. It struggles to keep up with Grovyle's speed and agility, leading to some frustration for the little Fire-type.

The Evolution:

Immediately following the battle with Grovyle, Team Rocket appears, aiming to steal Ash's Pokémon as usual. As they close in on Pikachu, Torchic instinctively steps in to protect its friend. Fueled by its determination and the desire to safeguard its Trainer and companions, Torchic undergoes a dramatic evolution, transforming into Combusken right before our eyes!

Combusken's Debut:

The newly evolved Combusken, now bigger and more powerful, easily defeats Team Rocket with its newly enhanced Flamethrower. This episode highlights the protective nature of Torchic, showcasing its loyalty and courage.

So, while Torchic's evolution doesn't happen in a single, isolated episode, "Playing with Fire!" (AG035) is the key episode where the actual transformation takes place. The preceding episodes build up to this moment by showing Torchic's growth and the challenges it faces, making the evolution that much more impactful.

I hope this explanation is clear and helpful! Let me know if you have any more questions about Torchic, Combusken, or anything else Pokémon related!
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In Episode 355, "A Shroomish Skirmish", May's Torchic evolved into a Combusken while defending Ash's Corphish against a mob of wild Breloom.read more >>