Flying Into the Sunset

Pikachu is carried by Butterfree to the helicopter, where it releases a powerful Thunder Shock Attack that sends Team Rocket blasting off. With the crisis averted, the pink beauty turns its attention to the heroic Butterfree, and a romance is born.

As the sun sets in the coast, it is time to part ways. After raising a timid Caterpie into the brave Butterfree it has become, Ash must let his Pokémon go, so it can start a family of its own. Flying into the horizon with its pink beauty, Butterfree says goodbye to its friends.

Ash bids farewell to his brave Butterfree.

Season 1 - Episode 21

"Bye Bye, Butterfree"

Team Rocket's Hideout

The balloon races after Butterfree, who is following the helicopter to a deep canyon. Team Rocket takes the stolen Butterfree to a warehouse at the bottom of the gorge, rejoicing in their triumph.

The heroes break into the hideout, and while Misty's Starmie chases Team Rocket, Butterfree painstakingly rips the net, releasing the captured Pokémon. Jessie, James, and Meowth refuse to give up, and board the helicopter to resume their hunt.

Team Rocket's hideout at the bottom of the canyon.

Season 1 - Episode 21

"Bye Bye, Butterfree"

Trouble in the Air

Despite following the advice of its love coaches, Butterfree still cannot attract the pink beauty's attention. Abruptly, a helicopter swoops in clearing its way through the balloons; it's Team Rocket, and they are here to cause trouble.

A giant net is deployed from the chopper, and with it, Team Rocket traps all the Butterfree, except Ash's, who uses its Tackle and Spore attacks on the helicopter without success. The Pokémon thieves fly away with their quarry.

Team Rocket's helicopter.

Season 1 - Episode 21

"Bye Bye, Butterfree"

Hiding in the Forest

Butterfree tries its best to get the attention of the pink beauty, only to be ignored, and ultimately slapped in the face. Heartbroken and ashamed, Butterfree flies away from the kaleidoscope, and into the forest.

The balloon lands in a clearing, and the group finds Butterfree crying near a tree. Misty encourages it to treat the courtship like a boxing match, Brock spiffs it up with a new scarf, and Ash motivates it to keep trying and not give up.

Butterfree hides in the forest.

Season 1 - Episode 21

"Bye Bye, Butterfree"

A Hot Air Balloon Ride

The gang is on its way to Saffron City, and leaving the forest to walk along the coast, they see a kaleidoscope of Butterfree. Brock explains it is their mating season, and they fly away to have their Caterpie beyond the sea.

Ash and his friends rent a hot air balloon, and soon are joined by other trainers that release their Butterfree so they can find a mate. Ash releases his as well, and it is soon infatuated by a beautiful pink Butterfree. 

Flying along the Butterfree.

Season 1 - Episode 21

"Bye Bye, Butterfree"