Oh man, I remember this episode like I saw it yesterday. I was such a rabid PokéShipper... I hated Rudy so much XD As suave as he was, I was mad that he was trying to get in the way of Ash & Misty-ness... lmao. *sighs* Good times. I loved that Gym battle! I was anxious to see who Misty would root for, and it was so awesome when she started yelling at Ash to have Squirtle fight back.
Oh but the best, the best moment, was at the very end, when Rudy told Ash he was a lucky guy, and Ash said, "why?"
I almost fell off my chair. Undoubtedly a classic! <3