'Pokemon Journeys: The Series' traces Pichu's life with Kangaskhans before he evolved into Pikachu
Ash and Pikachu's friendship is undoubtedly special for Pokemon fans. After a rocky start, the two have been inseparable, as they've been to town after town, suffered terrible defeats, and celebrated enormous victories. Initially, Ash's enemies Jesse and James were desperate to get their hands on Pikachu, but the electric Pokemon with his human friend managed to outwit them every time.
Their friendship began 23 years ago (for fans that is, because Ash will always remain 10 years old). Ash woke up late on the day he was supposed to begin his Pokemon journeys. He rushed to Professor Oak's house, only to discover that the other Pokemons had all been taken. Professor Oak handed Pikachu over to him. Pikachu was not pleased and didn't hesitate from giving him electric shocks whenever he wanted. However, his mind changed after Ash saved his life after a flock of Pidgeottos attacked him.
In the premiere of Season 23, the first episode relates the backstories of both Ash and Pichu, before he evolved into the Pikachu we know and love. Pichu was a happy electric pokemon, chilling in a forest. However, after being attacked by psychic Pokemons, Pichu falls off a cliff, right on top of the stomach of a Kangaskhan. The Kangaskhan adopts Pichu as its own, and Pichu is more than pleased. Meanwhile, a six-year-old Ash is as usual late for Professor Oak's Pokemon camp. It so happens that Goh, an over-pompous brat who becomes best friend later, is present there too. During this excursion, baby Kangaskhan falls from the cliff and a wild Mew saves it with its psychic powers. Mew is one of the most powerful Pokemons, and this is the first time Goh sees one.
At the end of the episode, Pichu gambols away from the Kangaskhans, and remembers how they took care of him. But he realizes that he doesn't belong there. And then, he evolves into Pikachu. The story flashes forward where we see Ash picking Pikachu up from Professor Oak's lab. And so, the journeys begin.
'Pokemon Journeys: The Series' is now streaming on Netflix.