There are times when a series sheds a more sympathetic light on its resident villains, and Pokémon is no stranger to this. Jessie, James, and Meowth of Team Rocket have always been right behind Ash and his friends, scheming to capture Pokémon for their boss. Yet there have been many moments when the trio showed they have hearts too. Maybe not for the immorality of larceny, but we all have our vices right?
Pokémon Go has recently come out with another Team Rocket themed event where trainers can battle Jessie and James. And just like other Rocket grunts, they use corrupted Shadow Pokémon. The problem with this is that Shadow Pokémon are created when a Trainer mistreats their partner in the name of forcing out more power. Jessie and James wanting to hurt their partners just doesn’t seem to be in their nature. Let’s look back at some times in the anime that prove Jessie and James have a caring side too.
Jessie Stood Up For Gourgeist
During an episode of Pokémon XY, the group came upon a town celebrating a Gourgeist festival. Jessie meets a character named Count Pumpka who takes a great interest in her Pumpkaboo, intending to marry it off to his own. While hesitant, Jessie agrees to the trade. However, Jessie’s Pumpkaboo instantly evolves into a Gourgeist after the trade, infuriating the Count. He proceeds to insult it by calling it useless, but Jessie immediately stands up for her Pokémon stating how it’s always been there for her. They trade back and the two are happily reunited.
They Let Their Alolan Pokemon Stay Free
At the end of the Sun and Moon anime, Team Rocket was told by Giovanni to come back to the Team Rocket Headquarters in Kanto, meaning their Pokémon would have to as well. By this time they had caught a Mareanie, a Mimikyu, and befriended a Bewear along with its Stufful child. Bewear was humorously seen throughout the series nabbing the pair away before they could be blasted off by Pikachu like usual. Knowing their new friends would not like life as Team Rocket Pokémon, they left them there in Alola to continue being free.
James Loves His Growlithe
We learned in the Indigo anime at one point that James’s best friend growing up was his beloved pet Growlithe, nicknamed Growlie. James grew up in an aristocratic wealthy family where the pressure of the lifestyle stressed him out. The Poké-pup alleviated this stress, and as such James was heartbroken to leave Growlie behind when he ran away from home. He returns years later and almost gets sucked into an arranged marriage that his loyal dog saves him from. James always leaves Growlie with his parents, knowing he’s better off happy and spoiled there.
They Saved Arbok And Wheezing
Last but not least, and the moment that lots of Pokémon fans probably remember, there was a time when Jessie and James were forced to say goodbye to their beloved Arbok and Weezing. Early on in the Ruby and Sapphire Series, the group came upon a poacher named Rico capturing Pokémon from Petalburg Forest. Furious to see electrified cages full of Ekans and Koffing, they attempt to use their Pokémon to free them. Team Rocket quickly realizes that Rico is too strong for their partners to deal with, so they make the heartbreaking decision to have Arbok and Weezing lead the packs of Ekans and Koffing far away to safety. While the Pokémon flee, the humans personally attempt to try to fend off Rico’s nasty Tyranitar in order to let their friends get as distant as they possibly can. To this day, fans consider it one of the hardest moments of Pokémon to watch.
These anecdotes prove that a negatory label doesn’t mean you’re heartless. Jessie and James may be part of a criminal organization, but they still love their Pokémon as much as any good Trainer.
