Ash's Torterra: From Turtwig to TRAGEDY? | Complete History

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Which Pokemon should we tackle next??

[@ttoismailpikaninja]

Ash's hawlucha

[@joshfarmer8408]

James cacnea

[@evanpokemon1434]

Aipom

[@Pushpabhandary08]

Ash's Goodra 💗💗

[@Heracrossboi]

James' Cacnea

[@blackbulls8783]

Having paul's Torterra being ash's Torterra mentor could have been interesting idea

[@TomFullman]

Paul’s torterra showed Ash how to use grottle and yet he still tried to use it as a speedy attacker once it got rock climb.

[@LoreCamargo-g8n]

It should have stayed a Gortle.

[@johnathanwoodley5005]

​@@LoreCamargo-g8nwhy

[@joshfarmer8408]

Ah yes, the story from how he went from a speedy and powerful battler into one of the animes' biggest pushovers

[@ferrellkang4954]

My Torterra would have the following moves: - Bulldoze - Trailblaze - Heavy Slam - Leech Seed

[@mannyblight6140]

What sucks is against Paul infenape got plot armor to beat Paul but they could’ve let toterra beat drapion at least

[@AnimationisTHEfuture]

@@mannyblight6140 Infernape didn't need to win against Ninjask, could've given it to Torterra, just sayin'

[@mannyblight6140]

@@AnimationisTHEfuture you’re absolutely right

[@JoshTrager-j9g]

​​@@AnimationisTHEfuture Unfortunately, the writers had become full-out Infernape fanboys by that point.

[@SaberAI6]

They did Torterra so dirty! I’ll never forgive them! Bro is built like a beast along side an amazing design and they said "hmmm… let’s make him the worst of ash’s team"🤦‍♂️ as a kid this made me so mad! Another great video btw professor!

[@laxusstrauss5945]

Nah it wasn't the worst None of the others would have beaten the ones who beat torterra either Except maybe infernape and pikachu

[@zimonzieclown1633]

@@laxusstrauss5945 I don't exactly see Infernape and Pikachu beating Bertha's Hippowdon either tbh.

[@laxusstrauss5945]

​@@zimonzieclown1633 yeah me too I was mainly reffering to electivire and drapion And yet pikachu wasn't strong enough to deal with drapion either since it even struggled against aggron and frosslass So gonna say infernape was the only one who could beat it on a 1V1

[@JaMarcusRussellGOAT]

After Turtwig evolved, the only major battle it won was against Candice’s Sneasel.

[@JoshTrager-j9g]

Because Infernape, Infernape, Infernape, Infernape.

[@silvernick65]

It's finally here.....the potential this guy had only for him to be overshadowed by infernape

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Hope you'll enjoy!

[@joecrammond6221]

turtwig had so much potential from the start, only to lose it on evolving into Torterra, a massive powerhouse on Ash's team, only to lose all of its battles minus those against Team Rocket, Torterra marked the last time a grass type starter belonging to a main character evolved until Horizons

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

All it needed was an epic league battle to redeem itself

[@joecrammond6221]

too bad its only league battle was against Paul's Drapion, shame it didn't know any ground type attacks that might have helped

[@DudeLover-wo7gw]

@@joecrammond6221 Unfortunately, moves like earthquake and magnitude aren’t allowed. Probably would’ve preformed better

[@federickamen9354]

It could have got tutored earth power though

[@bloojay133_GVO]

Should have gotten wins against Volkner, Byron, maybe palmer’s Rhyperior tho idk, and definitely Paul’s drapion / aggron. It should have continued to gotten wins and learned new moves

[@delphoxhoopa7289]

Infernape's story is unambiguously my favorite in the anime, but even I admit that they did Torterra DIRTY in order for it to happen. At least when it was still a Grotle it still had a bit of personality. When it evolved it didn't even have THAT. Combined with its massive losing streak, it's definitely one of the most famous examples of Ash's Pokemon being remembered for all the wrong reasons. It definitely deserved better than it got.

[@burkshomemadememes]

Infernape used torterra as a stepping stool so he could shine...

[@peekopyro1840]

Torterra walked so Infernape could run

[@youtube-kit9450]

Torterra absolutely should've had knocked out one of Volkner's pokémon and Paul's Drapion. Thoses two changes imo already would've made a world of difference in how he was perceived.

[@dragonsvideos6737]

But I wish they had given all or most of the characters a great enough story you know? Like do chimcahr’s story level of greatness and apply it to like everyone you know?

[@MoonlarkSpirits]

Sometimes I wonder if the writers only gave their favorite Pokemon a good story I mean, that’s probably not what had happened

[@JPJ1608]

Never forget that Torterra did better against an Elite 4 member than Infernape did, despite Infernape being the "Ace". He did something that only Pikachu had been able to do at that point, and actually land a decent hit on an E4 member's Pokemon.

[@MarcusMapua]

PREACH!!!!!

[@bige81892]

I always say Torterra isn’t as bad as people say it is. Great point! Thanks!

[@sonicfan2403]

This little guy could've gone through a redemption arc with that whole weight issue, but instead the writers just drop it.

[@OmnicidalClown1992]

It was one of the biggest crimes in all of the DP Pokémon series. They made Ash's Turtwig fully evolve into Torterra, and yet when it evolved from Turtwig to Grotle, and then from Grotle to Torterra, it was struggling... badly. And then it got to the point where it would never win a match at all.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Should've starred at a league battle :/

[@alakazamlover4908]

@@ProfessorAlexSilver to be fair to Ash, he didnt use it in that fight against Conway because people assume that Ash knew Conway was there so gave a false-team and Ash is a very spontaneous person

[@JaMarcusRussellGOAT]

When it was a Grotle, it defeated Candice’s Snover at least.

[@bige81892]

@@JaMarcusRussellGOAT Sneasel not snover. It also OTK a Swampert

[@JaMarcusRussellGOAT]

@@bige81892 My mistake. I asked an AI, and it lied. Still, no wins against Volkner or in the league?

[@castform7]

I feel like Rock Climb hurt more than it helped Torterra. Think about it, before it got the move it was practicing being able to take more hits and dish them back rather than than focus on speed. When Grotle learned Rock Climb, it "got its speed back" and didn't really work on taking hits anymore. Rock Climb in hindsight feels like the wrong solution to Torterra's problems.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Even thouggh it didn't clinch a victory against some of the high level opponents, I love the idea of the move. But, that's a good point that grotle didn't have to focus as much on Torterra's teaching. Would've made for a cool follow-up episode.

[@matthewkuscienko4616]

I feel very much the same way: I've said in the past that I feel like having Grotle learn Rock Climb was more or less backpeddling on the development it got after evolution. The best example I can point to is Ash's battle with Palmer's Rhyperior: looking back on it, I think that Grotle may very well have won if Ash had it use it's grass moves more (which would deal 4x super-effective damage) rather than trying to "brute force" it by focusing on Rock Climb, which Rhyperior had the defense and type resistance to withstand a LOT more easily -- it's also worth mentioning that it put Grotle in range of Rock Wrecker and Megahorn -- not a very smart call by Ash. That said, while there is an argument that Torterra got overshadowed by Infernape in the end, I still think that it would have actually done better if Ash focused more on taking advantage of it's defensive capabilities rather than capitalize on it's improved speed granted by Rock Climb; this would also have the side effect of helping it to better differentiate itself from Ash's other Pokemon at the time

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

I think Torterra suffered from a trope known as The Worf Effect. Powerhouses/Big Guys on teams usually suffer from The Worf Effect in order to establish how powerful the enemy/rival is.

[@619Slipk]

They could at least share the load. Torterra got the short end of the stick most of the time.

[@laxusstrauss5945]

torterra had the bad luck to always face powerhouses And the fact that ash sucks on training slow pokemon didn't help

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

My thoughts at the end focuses a lot on that. Guy is still a beast!

[@Sonnenschein_Maedchen]

There was an episode where Paul's torterra give ash's grotle an advice to use it's defense instead of speed and ash was taking notes but now idk, it really seems like ash didn't really learn from it. It's such a perfect scene for ash to learn how to use his torterra but oh well. It's kinda sad that the writers didn't do much justice for torterra.

[@DSLego3]

I'll be honest, the Torterra family is my favorite Pokémon line for sure, but sadly Ash's disappointed me after it evolved. Paul's Torterra better showcased what made the Pokémon awesome for me, shame Ash's couldn't make the same impact. His Torterra did awesome against Roark at least, that's my favorite battle with him for sure. Great video Professor. Keep up your informative content, stay safe and have a great day. Also thank you for giving this starter the spotlight despite the little love he got compared to a certain other starter from Sinnoh.

[@Nephalem2002]

They screwed over Torterra so much. Like, when he became Torterra he should’ve became Ash’s Ultimate Tank. HE ALSO SHOULDVE LEARNED EARTHQUAKE AND DEFEATED PAUL’S DRAPION WITH IT.

[@Bozzyverse]

It seemed like Rock Climb was a curse. Nearly every time i remember him using it, it just set up the opponent to knock him out, giving them the high ground. Imagine if Torterra had earthquake instead but it would never have happened.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

It came in handy against Seviper at least XD

[@14oliverhedgehog74]

Earthquake annoyingly was banned for some reason, but they could at least given earth power to torterra as it wasn't banned for some reason when Earthquake was

[@JoloBondoc]

In anime it was banned bcoz of the 2004 earthquake and the only moves that are banned in anime are fissure earthquake and magnitude but bulldoze or even earth power aren't banned

[@sniper712]

Least Turtwig evolved all the way, there's always room for more potential but having two fully evolved sinnoh starters is good enough for me. Infernape just had the whole saiyan arc in a sense

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

I love the deisgn. Rock Climb is also one of the coolest signature moves employed by Ash's Pokemon. It becomes a speedy tank with it

[@phantom5757]

I love Ash’s Torterra but I would change a few things. 1) Have Torterra and Infernape have a brotherly bond. The fact they didn’t do this amazes me as it works so well with Torterra helping Infernape out as a turtwig. I don’t think Torterra should be the ace of the team but he should have been the second strongest behind infernape. 2) Have Torterra defeat one of Volkner’s pokemon instead of Pikachu, have him win the battle against Palmer. I don’t think he should win against Bertha but Palmer and Volkner would be enough. 3) Finally have him take a win against one of Paul’s Pokémon in the final battle instead of Buzial and have it be Honchrow. It would give an end to their rivalry and the fact they didn’t surprises me as well.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Great points all around

[@kevinbogdan9301]

Thanks so much for finally doing Ash's Torterra!!! I've been waiting for this one. I wish Torterra had gotten redemption in the Journeys series. The writers should've had both Ash & Paul's Torterra's battle in the Sinnoh League with Ash's winning against Pauls, as well as Paul's Honchcrow in DP in their 1st full battle as a Grotle to show how strong it got. If the Journey's writer's had let Ash use all his pokemon + his new ones, I've pictured Ash & Torterra in the Journeys series: Helping Ash advance in the Rankings in the WCS, & learning to Dynamax Going on a training journey in Unova & training with Terrakion & Torterra battling it & learning Bulldoze or Earth Power, Rock Tomb or Rock Slide. It needed one of those moves. Using Rock Climb seemed to mostly backfire. At least it now has Frenzy Plant. Ash training all his pokemon at Oaks lab & Torterra Learning the Bloom Doom Z move. Can you do Ash's Noivern next please?

[@luigiRobs14]

Torterra got done dirty which is a shame since he was essentially the ace of the DP team until Chimchar joined

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Agreed!

[@Cerez1881]

In my opinion, the biggest shortcoming of Ash's torterra was that it did not know earthquake movement.

[@TKnHappyNess]

I think because of that cancelled AG episode involving Barboach and Whiscash is why they banned Earthquake, Magnitude, and Fissure in the anime

[@hiddenfan-37]

Earth Power or Bulldoze could have been a good choice.

[@JoloBondoc]

Lol they aren't banned in anime bulldoze and even earth power still in the anime

[@WinterSupernova39]

@@hiddenfan-37 also bulldoze is also a gen 5 move

[@supermariogamer1757]

RIP Ash's torterra,had so much potential but didn't get a single win as a torterra

[@TheSebliterator]

I think the writers gave up on Torterra around the time of his second evolution because they didn't know what else to do with him at that point, short of releasing him (perhaps this is the case with Ash's other pokemon that get so little attention he may as well have not caught them at all but who knows). Torterra started off strong but got shafted as time went on because the focus then shifted onto Infernape's development. The writers didn't have Torterra released because they knew that would be the most disrespectful thing at the time they could've done to US. Like I said, it's clear they didn't know what else to do with Torterra as he seemed to have outlived his usefulness in their eyes. So if the writers couldn't have him ''fired'', the easiest thing they could do was just make him the punching bag of Ash's team, the deadweight loser. I feel so bad that such a big and powerful pokemon like Torterra was made to look weak, incompetent and go down like a bitch. Torterra wasn't the only one, mind you. Remember Pidgeot? Remember Unfezant? Boldore? Noivern? To name a few. But worst of all, who could forget Ash's one pokemon who has literally only appeared in 15 episodes throughout the ENTIRE series (including recaps and flashbacks): PALPITOAD!

[@jaredlanglitz5651]

I never noticed that Bulbasaur actually headbutted Misty right in the butt. Turtwig is a protector of Pokémon who’re enslaved by humanity, he’s got a good soul. I’m sure Torterra would be strong enough to beat Hippowdon and Ryperior now.

[@esteban8471]

Torterra, like many of Ash's other slower Pokémon except for maybe Snorlax, suffer from a mediocre track record. It's tough being a slow tank in a series that's all about high speed action packed battles.

[@tylerdw100]

Ash only has two bulky pokemon besides Torterra and that Snorlax and Goodra. The only reason Snorlax can move fast is because he still agility despite being heavyweight and learn to take hits before he was capture while Torterra never did learn because of his rock climb move which Ash should've replaced with another move. Lucky with Goodra, He learn to do bide and learn to take hits which help Ash in the long run.

[@esteban8471]

@@tylerdw100 Torkoal also didn't perform the best, though he was more slow than bulky.

[@calebcardinal3867]

Grotles depression arc was beautiful. Learning rock climb was such a great moment it’s a shame torterra never got to shine

[@CoolNala]

I think the writers thought they made Turtwig too much like Ash’s other grass types combined, and, after the whole Grotle training with Paul's Torterra, they kinda had nothing else planned for him, narrative-wise... Since Buizel, Gible, and Infernape got more attention. Turtwig's time and its training with Paul's own will always be some of the best moments in Sinnoh. Shame that, once it fully-evolved, it didn't really accomplish anything. I would have loved to have seen him win a major battle or two, and then team up with Sceptile at some point.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Much agreed!

[@alperenayman620]

I'll forever feel sad about Torterra, my boy was wasted just because writers decided to focus on Chimchar which is kinda unfair... They could utilise them both... I remember back at then immediately watched the episode where Ash fought Against Volkner once it was aired because I was excited to see what Ash's Torterra is capable of... my disappointment was in another level. Then we all thought this happened because he will finally shine in the final match against Paul... and it seems we were just so innocent... Journeys could justify him a bit... but naah... such a shame....

[@lauseraw7714]

Youre 100% right ! Agree with all. They did him so dirty ...

[@felipook9]

I was like 12 year old at the time and knew what they are doing with turtwig in favor of chimchar's narrative

[@FalcnPWNCH]

Dunno what it is with turtle pokemon, but both *_Torkoal_* and *_Torterra_* ended with the same unfortunate demise of a role: being *_a punching bag_* and *_a cannon fodder to be thrown first into battle_* to create suspense..... and not score almost a single victory on their own with their own merits and effort

[@sabertrat]

ash's squirtle was pretty reliable tho

[@JaMarcusRussellGOAT]

Since Chimchar joined Ash’s team, Torterra fell victim to the Worf effect.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Yup :/

[@paperluigi6132]

I heard someone theorize that Turtwig getting worse as it evolved was because defensive isn’t really Ash’s style.

[@kyndrablankenship1758]

That is a possibility. Ash has always been a 'strike fast; strike hard' type of trainer.

[@hiddenfan-37]

True, but Ash also overused his Infernape so much that he made Torterra, Gliscor, Buizel and Staraptor look bad (Gible doesn't count as he was last minute substitute).

[@tenshi7784]

Imagine how good Torterra could've been if he was taught Rock Polish. He would have his boosted power and defense along with the speed it once had in its prime.

[@Rodolphin]

I think getting rid of Synthesis would’ve helped because I feel like every time Torterra attempts to do so, it gets taken advantage of. Also not having Earthquake is also a huge drawback

[@curseofgladstone4981]

@@Rodolphin So a moveset like Rock polish Leaf storm Stone edge Rock climb/energy ball energy ball to use as a powerup. not the best coverage wise but not actually that bad. Grass and rock together are only resisted by steel and a few rare type combo's. Would at least give it neutral against anything it would expect to face and rock counters all of Torterra's weaknesses.

[@zbl28]

“Turtwig lost to Chimchar’s Peek-a-boo” hahahaha I haven’t laughed out loud like that in awhile, thank you

[@AD-tj4jc]

Love how Torterra had a whole arc of learning to battle after getting slower, trying to proving it can still battle after evolution. Only for it to prove that, NO, IT CAN'T BATTLE AFTER EVOLVING. He literally got the reverse of Chimchar's arc, proving Paul's point of pokemon that lose being useless.

[@YESICANSINGA]

Tbh when we think about how ash battles Torterra and Torkoal for that matter are VERY different to what ash is used to.Hinestly i feel like if Brock mentored him on how to actually USE slower bulky pokemon (He has an onix and a bunch of geodudes so hes perfect) and thn have Ash figure out hiw to combine the 2 battle tyle woulve bem amazing.Both of Ash as a battler and Torterra as a pokemon

[@UltraAfroman]

If only there was a Sinnoh Battle Frontier arc, he would've had a redemption arc like Sceptile. Though you have to admire the stamina.

[@alakazamlover4908]

sadly all we got was *shiver* Black and white

[@kinganthony5885]

​@@alakazamlover4908don't insult BW anime 😡😡😡

[@alakazamlover4908]

@@kinganthony5885 my dude that season was TERRIBLE i watched it start to end and i HATE Iris, i HATE cilian, i HATE how serious team rocket was Ash was a bigger idiot then he was in Kanto during that season! MAN RAN OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF A GYM FIGHT TO SWAP POKEMON! Like it was terrible, face facts, i cant go on my full rant here because i dont have the time or care, but Deal with it also i can hate on whatever i want, its an opinion

[@snapclub8751]

Am I the only one who finds Happiny carrying Grotle both cute and hilarious?

[@bige81892]

I doubt that

[@bige81892]

FINALLY!! I’ve been waiting so long for this one! I remember back when diamond and Pearl first came out how cool I thought Torterra was and prayed to God Ash’s Turtwig would eventually become one! I was ecstatic when my dream came true, but the writers had to go and turn my dream into a nightmare by not letting Torterra beat anyone except Team Rocket. That being said, I agree that Tera isn’t as bad as people say and think it’s more unlucky than anything else. There was no way it would beat an elite 4 pokemon at the time, its fall to ice punch was understandable given its double weakness to the move, and arguably did the best of all the Pokemon that fell to Drapion. Personally, I wish earthquake hadn’t been banned from the anime, and Tera had been given that move instead of leaf storm. It would’ve wrecked elective and Drapion that been the case.

[@TheGamingVanillite]

I don't understand how Ash's didn't teach him a speed boosting move like Rock Polish, if speed was an issue, then a speed boosting move like rock polish would solve it

[@edgargaebolg9307]

Or just make it faster than the rest of its species just because? It's the same gen with a Happiny lifting frozen ponds

[@AuraMasterUmi]

There’s a few interesting things about Torterra that it has against it. Ever since Gen3, the move Earthquake has been banned in the anime. The move would have allowed Torterra an edge in his battles, such as against Hippodown when it used dig, or avoiding Torterra to go close range like against Electivire and Drapion. Torterra was screwed over by not getting access to a move that allowed it to be powerful with in the games. Torterra losing after the anime went on is dissipointing, but I think this showed something that people hasn’t considered, and that’s Ash as a trainer. Ash is more used to speedsters, and Grotle started getting more wins after it learned Rock Climb. He’s not used to other battle styles, and Torterra is proof of that. He lost Torterra to Drapion because he forgoed the boxer play style and opted for speed. Ash still had room to grow as a trainer, which could have been used in the future. Problem, is that future writers didn’t get the memo. Even after his departure, Ash never has fully been able to master tank Pokemon, and that’s a shame to see a part of Ash’s weakness never really focused or resolved.

[@HelenaSan425]

Ash's Torterra is GOATED but he hasn't won much against matches but still he's cool

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

I still think the Rhyperior battle was one of the best in DP :)

[@anthonyvermeer8259]

I just thought of something. Ash has 2 base Turtle looking Pokemon (A fire and a Water type in Torkoal and in Squirtle). One who can evolve and a Fully evolved Turtle looking Pokemon (A Grass Type) in Torterra. If he would Evolve Squirtle once Ash would have a Base (Torkoal) a Stage 1 (Wartortle) and a Stage 2 (Torterra) Turtle looking Pokemon. And all 3 made a elemental core as well

[@paolocalapatia6401]

Said it before and I’ll say it again: NOT at first BUT Ever since MY rewatch of DP Series, Torterra actually became MY #2 Fave Sinnoh Ash Mon & #3 Fave Grass-type Ash Mon🍃… …which is WHY I’m still mad that even after taking on Palmer’s Rhyperior AND Bertha’s Hippowdon, even at the End of DP Series, He’s NOT given The Redemption He deserves😤

[@nathancruz9172]

15:10 I just realized that torterra got the bonsai 🌳 on his 🐚.

[@sodium285]

I've seen a lot of people blame Ash's Infernape for Ash's Torterra never winning an "Official Battle" after evolving from Grotle. Now, this might be because Infernape is my favourite of Ash's Fire Types (Sorry Charizard Stans) and my favourite of all of Ash's Regional Aces (Sorry Greninja Stans), but I don't. If anything I blame GIBLE and maybe his Johto Team too. Hear me out before you you have a go at me before I explain myself. Torterra is actually my 2nd favourite of Ash's Grass Types, Sceptile's my favourite while Bayleef might be my 3rd favourite. 1) It's the only one of ANY of Ash's Sinnoh Team to have AT LEAST one gym battle in ALL of its evolutionary forms each (3 as a Turtwig, 1 as a Grotle, and 1 as a Torterra) Ntm, Torterra (as a Turtwig) WON Ash his 1st Sinnoh Gym Badge. Let's not forget that. 2) Unlike a lot of other fans, I judge Ash's Pokémon not based on their "Winrate", but rather on their personality and determination that matches Ash's. It's why I love Ash's Infernape, Sceptile, Gliscor, Bayleef, Torkoal, Swellow, Corphish, Bulbasaur etc. a lot. 3) Not only was Torterra such a delight as Turtwig and Grotle (from Turtwig playing the drums, to constantly biting Ash's head (which IMO was MUCH MORE adorable than Gible doing it), to Grotle jumping on Ash and rubbing its head next to him in an adorable way), but throughout all 3 of Torterra's evolution stages, I could see it was a determined Pokémon every time, and would ALWAYS give it its all, regardless of whether it wins or loses. I was actually rewatching Torterra's battles against Bertha's Hippowdon and Paul's Drapion, and both times, Torterra still puts up a great fight. Heck, with that Energy Ball and Leaf Storm doing quite a significant amount of damage during the the latter battle, I'd argue Torterra may have actually had taken down Drapion had Paul not told it (after being attacked by Leaf Storm for quite a bit) to use Pin Missile to counter attack. After Drapion defeats Torterra, Ash tell it "You gave it everything you got." 3) And this leads me to why I blame Gible, and, sometimes his Johto Team. Noticed how, even after both Monferno and Grotle had evolved into Infernape and Torterra respectively, whenever we saw Ash train in the final season of DP, about 95% of the time it was with Gible to get it to master its Draco Meteor? 4) As we all know, during the Sinnoh League, Ash not only used his Sinnoh Team, but many of his Pokemon from his Kanto, Johto and Hoenn teams. Torterra only took part in Ash's 6-on-6 Battle with Paul at the League, but that was the same with Infernape, Gliscor and Buizel (unless either of those 4 were in Ash's 2nd Round battle alongside Snorlax, but we can't say for sure). The only ones of his Sinnoh Team (Not counting Pikachu since he's always on ALL of Ash's regional teams anyway) that got to be part of more than one Sinnoh League Match were Staraptor and Gible, despite the latter having NO Gym Battle experience, yet Gible got be part of more League battles than Torterra, Infernape, Buizel and Gliscor. 5) Now, let's look at Ash's other 3 Sinnoh League Battles against Nando, Conway and Tobias, where we got to see the full battles rather than skip over them like with the 2nd round: vs. Nando: Ash used Staraptor, Quilava and Heracross vs. Conway: Ash used Noctowl, Donphan and Gible vs. Tobias: Ash used Heracross, Torkoal, Gible, Sceptile, Swellow and Pikachu While I was happy half of his team against Tobias comprised of his Hoenn Team (I love his Hoenn Team), it felt like his Johto team dominated most of Ash's battles in the Sinnoh League. I feel this was done to help promote HG/SS (funny how the writers didn't give Ash's Hoenn and Sinnoh Teams the same treatment for the Kalos League and Masters 8 Tournament to help promote OR/AS and BD/SP) I hope I have explained myself well on why I love Ash's Torterra, and why I don't hold Infernape responsible for Torterra's lack of "wins". I love Ash's Sinnoh Team. The ONLY one I don't love is Gible.

[@trentwillams7805]

Oh yeah 👍. Turtwig to Torterra my favorite grass pokemon and I've watched him battle and I was like man this little grass pokemon can really battle even when it evolved it get stronger. 😊😊❤

[@silverbladeslash5151]

Ah, Torterra, a Mon with such potential that got wasted. I feel that there were some better ways to handle Torterra and how he fared in the series. And note that these do take into consideration that Earthquake has been sent to Purgatory in the anime thanks to some past events. First, I don't have an issue with Rock Climb, even though some say it did more harm than good. Considering that Torterra actually got some decent wins thanks to Rock Climb proves it. Rather, I have an issue with HOW it was used. Ash treated the move more like a finisher, to the point it became a Death-or-Glory Attack (that ended up on the "Death" side of things too often). If Ash treated it more like a utility move and not a finisher, instead relying on more well-rounded and useful moves like Energy Ball. After all, in Sinnoh, Rock Climb is an HM, thus it's more of a utility move to begin with. If Ash had used Rock Climb less like a finisher and more of a way to weaken the enemy or put them in a position where they can't retaliate then that would've been better. Secondly, the anime could've really taken some notes on how to handle a Torterra from the Adventures manga. Diamond's Tru was pretty powerful and rarely lost, often using creative tactics like Razor Leaf Mach-One-And-Only, showing what a Torterra could be like in the right hands. While, yes, Ash prefers speedsters, that then raises the question why he was so good at handling Snorlax despite it being one of his slowest Mons to date? If the anime staff had taken notes from how Adventures handles Torterra and also used the same methods they used when it came to Snorlax then maybe Ash's Torterra would've fared better. Thirdly, Ash really should've tapped into the Energy Ball powerup trick more. That could've really helped him in the long-run. But the idea was dropped after teaching Mamoswine the technique with Ice Shard, which is a huge wasted opportunity. Considering that Grotle nearly beat Rhyperior thanks to that accidental discovery it could've been a useful ace up his sleeve. And it would've been an excellent way to use Energy Ball to the fullest extent by giving it a hidden function that Ash could've used with other Mons that knew the move like Leavanny. And finally, if they wanted to give Torterra a Ground-type move that wasn't Earthquake they could've gone for a safe option like Earth Power instead. That way Torterra would've had a Ground STAB move that wouldn't ruffle any feathers and give him a useful tactic to deal with things like Paul's Drapion. Sure, it wouldn't be as powerful as Earthquake, as it was a Special move, but considering that Torterra's movepool shifted to a more Special-based anyway it would've been fine. Overall, Torterra isn't terrible. His win/loss ratio isn't horrible, as not all Mons should be defined by their win/loss ratios, and he had some great development episodes and arcs, but the writers really dropped the ball on him and pretty much left him for dead. Yeah, I know it was to give Infernape's storyline some depth and emotional weight, don't get me wrong, as I love his storyline. But they could've done a lot more with Torterra other than make him the biggest punching bag of the Sinnoh squad. Those are just some thoughts I have that could've made Torterra more than just a punching bag and gave him a better reputation.

[@4brianXtowns4]

By far the best grass starter sceptile a far second 🐢🌳

[@MarcusMapua]

At least in my opinion Ash’s Torterra got slightly redeemed in the end when it learned Frenzy Plant!!! FINALLY one of Ash’s Starters learned how to use the Starter Trio’s Ultimate Moves!!!

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

I had hope to see more of the ultimate moves throughout the series, so that was def cool

[@MarcusMapua]

@@ProfessorAlexSilver At least XY was able to do it with utilizing all 3 Ultimate Moves into the anime!!!

[@bige81892]

I agree. But in a perfect world, he would’ve used it to score and awesome win.

[@MarcusMapua]

@@bige81892 Agreed. And if anything between its moveset, I'd have replaced it with Synthesis

[@bige81892]

@@MarcusMapua id go with rock climb. It has hurt more than it has helped. Both in battles and in plot.

[@ParisJacobs-o3p]

TORTERRA: DIGS A GRAVE AND BEINGS CRYING AND WALKS AWAY INFERAPE READS THE THE GRAVE: HERE LIES TORTERRA’S HOPES AND DREAMS?!

[@ajserafica3983]

Torterra should have gotten enough spotlight in the Diamond and Pearl series.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

A few more battles would've been nice

[@madnessarcade7447]

Torterra wasn’t weak he was just up against tough opponents and he did his best

[@Psychicduelistrbd]

The writes really messed up with Torterra, it had great potential, but the writers decided to have Ash do the dumbest decisions when it comes to Torterra.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

If only it got that starring role in a league battle

[@Squidbuck_94]

As Torterra being my favorite of the Sinnoh starters, the way the Anime writers did my boy so bad really hurt. And, I can't help but to wonder: why didn't they make Ash''s Torterra learn Rock Polish? It was a move that was introduced in Gen 4, and Ash's Turtwig being wanting to go fast could've turned into that being one of it's moves, you know, instead of Energy Ball or Synthesis? I know Rock Climb isn't as useful of a move, so it could've been switched into Earthquake as well. But there was the Barboach episode thing, that made that move banned from the Anime- so maybe that's why Ash's Torterra didn't get double stab alongside Razor Leaf. But there were other Ground type STAB he could've gotten, like Sand Tomb, Mud-Slap or Earth Power. Either way, all I'm saying is that one of the reasons for Ash's Torterra's downfall was also for it's rather weird moveset, which could've been much more different- Rock Polish being it's main move instead of Energy Ball, due to Turtwig's personality. Torterra deserved so much better than it got presented as in Ash's team!!

[@AlexKostandy]

I ❤ torterra

[@saivignesh9552]

Looking at how bad Turtwig became after fully evolving, i am glad that Bulbasaur resisted from evolving and continued being a hero.

[@jamesrobson8308]

Not to forget the energy ball boost thing could of been a nice thing to improve on

[@emperorholocron8278]

Torterra suffered from so much bad writing. You could tell the writers just couldn’t be bothered anymore and that’s such a shame. I think DP could’ve had some of its filler slots to Torterra have an arc against Palmer’s Rhyperior where it lacks confidence after its loss and Infernape helps it train. Especially with how Chimchar was bullied and Turtwig’s whole thing was standing up to bullies. I honestly think it should’ve been him to take out Paul’s Drapion in the Sinnoh League.

[@Ferril21]

I will never forgive them how they butchered Turtwig after he evolved. Ash is best with fast Pokémon like pikachu or Infernape, but he could have had a bigger arc about learning to work with Torterra. And it sucks earthquake is banned from anime, and Torterra was stuck with rock climb.

[@PkmnTrainerEmerald]

Torterra had such a great start. The one thing i wish would have happened is winning at least once towards Paul. Imagine it leanred stone edge to finally take down Hounchkrow. Or like you put it have it win at the league at least once or the torterra battle with Paul's own. That's another thing that while what we got between them was good wish we could have seen more develop between the 2 grass starters was always interesting seeing Paul's Torterra go on its own to help Grotle after it evolved from Turtwig. At least it was cool to see it come back in Journeys and see it know frenzy plant! 🪴

[@riyan3754]

You are like a real Pokémon Professor

[@joseangel2475]

I’ll never forgive the anime for how they treated my all time favorite starter 😭

[@Sakurasan2023]

I like Turtwig a lot

[@INTR_ERR]

I'm currently running a playthrough for the gen 4 platinum edition and i really like it.

[@LordRumshi]

Torterra’s downfall could be attributed to not fully taking advantage of his tremendous bulk/size. While Paul’s Torterra did give Grottle some demonstration on being more defensive in battle, it likely would’ve helped if Grottle/Torterra had a move pool to hit from a distance and one move for when an opponent closed the distance.

[@dragonsvideos6737]

He was a gen 4 bulbasaur but then he lost so many times like oshawott. I mean dang!

[@BigM5304]

It’s kinda funny how Liko’s Floragato is actually the first time the grass starter evolved at all since Turtwig

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Rowlet >>> Evolution XD

[@N7Landry]

Who's next? Goodra? Hawlucha? Melmetal? Either way, love the videos. Keep it up!

[@liyum3409]

I wonder if Torterra going back to his speedy fighting style was what caused him to have that losing streak

[@natalimoina]

Really great mon from start to finish

[@twidashfan]

I like torterra,it's just like how in real life big adult turtles and tortoises are very slow,but have a shell they hide it and use it as a defense

[@JesseNightingale]

I love the Torterra line so much I don't even count it as a favorite within my top ten cause I want to give other mons a chance lol

[@JesseNightingale]

Also this show has the best animations for moves imo just look how epic that energy ball looks lol

[@castform7]

While I get that Torterra went up against Elite opponents after evolution, it doesn't change the fact that it sucks to see such a promising Pokemon not get a single win in its final form. I do still think that this is a rare case of a Pokemon becoming worse as it evolves.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Very true, I try to find the silver lining XD

[@paulpavlus6664]

The main problem with Ash's Tortera is that its rock climbing attack leaves it wide open for a finishing blow. Because the opposing Pokémon gains an opportunity to deal a final strike since Torterra moves slow enough to get hit and/or the target stays in one place, giving it the opportunity to strike.

[@JarlQboyq]

Man that had alot of buildup fighting elite 4 members just to... get benched

[@swift3520]

meanwhile in the alternate reality where ash goes “woah that move palmer used was so cool! i should teach grotle how to use that!”:

[@aureliamastergoomba1278]

1:16 My version of that after Turtwig tackled Ash: Turtwig: “Stay away, pa-.” *Gets smacked in the face by Pikachu’s Iron Tail.* “Ow, hey!” Pikachu: “That’s my friend, you fool!”

[@tofaniiii]

Aku sangat menyukai turtwig dia pokemon yang bijaksana , penurut dan setia tapi kecewa setelah berevolusi padahal saya berharap turtwig tetap menjadi turtwig sama seperti bulbasaur atau pikachu yang diperlukan hanya banyak melatih potensinya biar bisa menang di setiap pertarungan

[@RomanMcCandless]

I was waiting for this video forever thanks professor silver

[@deshawnedwards6412]

The Complete History of Paul's Honchkrow: From Murkrow to Predator of the Sky

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

On the list!

[@rozzan1010]

Torterra is my favorite Pokemon and it sucks that he was done so dirty. It seems like he was originally supposed to be the sinnoh ace based on how he was treated before, but the writers seemed to have changed their minds and shove him aside for infernape.

[@lunamelody2025]

Tbh, I think Torterra could've been an offensive brawler if it learned Gyro Ball, Rapid Spin, or Grass Pledge. Kinda like a 305 wrestler, who can be able to be very agile despite being very heavy in weight. That said, if it had learned Frenzy Plants before battling Paul, that could've made things interesting.

[@briansherrod1916]

Ash’s torterra could have been so broken but instead, it was broken! 😂

[@The_Jam_of_Love]

I think both Torterra & Dragonite were used as barometers for their opponents strength, to show that if big bruisers like them could go down so easily, then it would show how much Ash needed to work to defeat them

[@ryebur7625]

Poor dude needed a win in the league

[@bluefirekid]

The curse of being a [non-Snorlax] bulky tank on Ash's team. As cool as it would've been to see it in a battle, at least it got *Frenzy Plant by the end as consolation. (*An elemental "Hyper Beam" that no other fully-evolved starter Ash has had nor its equivalents.)

[@DaMossyJake]

Turtwig is the GOAT!

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the video Professor Alex silver

[@ttoismailpikaninja]

Nice choose 👍

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

Thanks :)

[@adamaba3433]

Did they really have to make Ash vs Volkner about Infernape? Torterra evolved a few episodes prior it should've been about him. Also Torterra should have beaten Paul's ninjask.

[@ProfessorAlexSilver]

One man's loss is another man's gain

[@ReadyBergStudios3]

11:12 it was sky attack because I watched the episode

[@brendanhart517]

Was surprised at the actual record of 51.6% because i didn’t think it got a win after evolving into grotle

[@jamesrobson8308]

Torterra is just missed potential honestly, obviously the focus was on fire monke but even still it could of had a training arc with Paul's, or at least learned how to use it's new defence and bulk to it's advantage or winning another gym battle or two

[@Crossbones628]

I feel like a moveset of Giga drain for recovery, earthquake because obviously, rock climb for speed, and body slam/superpower to take advantage of said speed would have made it an absolute power house

[@jrp4623]

I love this starter

[@abdulahiadde]

Do The Complete History Of Guzma's Golisopod Please

[@AnimationisTHEfuture]

I've been waiting for this

[@OwenLooker]

Ash Torterra is still my favorite Pokémon but I think they should give it a new moveset for Leaf Storm, Stone Edge, Cruch, and Earth Power. This will give Torterra a bit of type coverage against Flying,Fire, and Ice Types and this will help against with Pokémon he lost.

[@9THDEATH]

Awwww him learning rock climb so cute

[@funeral1395]

The prime example of how some pokemon are built differently. Torterra was built almost exclusively like a tank, what it lacks in speed and agility, it makes up for in long range power and be able to tank alot of hits. It's just sad ash nore the series never caught on to that line if logic