Team Rocket's utter failure to beat Ash's team of Pokemons has been a running gag for the anime series for almost 20 years. All that has changed in last week's episode of Pokemon Sun and Moon when Team Rocket has finally beaten Ash in a Pokemon match.
Kotaku reported that episode started with Ash and his friends enjoying a day at the beach. Team Rocket meanwhile was contacted by their boss Giovanni himself asking about their progress on capturing any good Pokemons in the Alola region. Both Jessie and James lied to their boss, knowing that they haven't done anything of note.
But that was enough to motivate them to start doing something. So Team Rocket decides to fish for Pokemons. Nothing bites and James decides to put on his scuba suit to explore the waters.
That's when James sees a Mareanie which attacks and poisons him. It caused James' face to turn blue which then made the Mareanie fall in love with him thinking he too is a Mareanie.
Ash then shows up which prompts Team Rocket to once again steal Pikachu from him. They then challenge Ash to a battle. Normally when the two face each other, Team Rocket always losses but the circumstances in this battle aligned just right for Team Rocket to gain the upper hand.
The Mareanie who fell in love with James fought with all of its strength to battle Ash's Rowlet. Meanwhile the Team Rocket's Mimikyu who hates Pikachu then goes on to demolish its rival. The combination of love and hate was enough for Team Rocket to earn them their first victory over Ash in almost 20 years.
But just when Team Rocket is about to steal Pikachu away from Ash, Bewear shows up and carries Jessie and James away preventing them to get their prize. Team Rocket being carried away is also a running gag on Pokemon Sun and Moon. According to Dorkly, the Bewear is just concerned for Team Rocket who wants to take care of the duo.
