Pokemon Scent-sation

Misty learns an important lesson in Episode 26. As our heroes find their way through Celadon City, they discover Erika's grass-type Pokemon gym. Erika explains:

Gloom doesn't have a bad smell all the time. Whenever Gloom is in danger, it lets out the bad smell its a natural defense mechanism but as long as gloom doesn't feel threatened, it smells fine! Just make sure gloom feels safe and show you want to be its friend.

Erika shares a touching account of how a Gloom saved her as a child from a rouge Grimer. In fact, according to the episode this event is what inspired Erika to become a grass Pokemon trainer.

In order to get in to the Celadon City gym, Ash Ketchum is dressed up by team Rocket to resemble a girl. Pikachu quickly recognizes Ash, however, Erika consents to Ash's challenge anyway, due to her Pokemon League obligation.
Erika first using a Tangela and a Weepingbell, Erika finally sends out her Gloom.

Some memorable quotes from this episode:

'I should never have listened to team Rocket!'
-Ash Ketchum
'You can't judge a Pokemon by its smell.'
-Narrator
'Gym rules: no theives allowed'
-Erika

Episode Tidbits:

Episode 26 features one of team Rocket's first fourth wall jokes - one of many to come! Basically, Meowth comments on how the animators never gave him a nose.

When team Rocket is dressing Ash up as a girl in order to get into the Pokemon Gym, the music plays from the game soundtrack, when you are being led to the Pewter City Gym.
Trainer Tips:
Gloom
クサイハナ (Kusaihana)
Pokedex:

The fluid that oozes from its mouth isn't drool; it is a nectar that is used to attract prey.

Before you evolve your Gloom into a Vileplume by means of a grass stone, consider waiting until it has learned some of these powerful grass type moves. Remember, your Gloom will not learn any new moves once it has been exposed to a grass stone.

Acid - Lv 28
Petal Dance - Lv 38
Solar Beam - Lv 52



Pokemon TCG:

Gloom debuted as the 37th card in the Jungle set,
Its card depicts a placid Gloom amongst its natural environs, a characteristic bit of nectar dripping from its mouth. The
Level 22 Gloom is 2' 7" tall, and a mere 19 lbs. - your typical grass type, weighing not 20 lbs.

The artist behind this lovely card is Keiji Kinebuchi, the original 3D artist for the franchise.