Ash's Charizard returns from the Charicific Valley.
Gary's starter Pokémon is revealed to have been a Squirtle, which has since evolved into a Blastoise.
Team Rocket doesn't recite the motto or blast off in this episode.
Ash's Tauros and Heracross are revealed to know Horn Attack and Megahorn, respectively.
When Ash is looking for his half of the broken Poké Ball, the rubber gloves and the clothesline Delia gave him in the first episode can be seen.