James
Gender: | Male |
Region: | |
Position: | Member of Team Rocket |
Generation Appearance: | Generation I, II, III, VII, VIII and IX |
Debut Appearence | Pokémon Emergency! |
Anime appearances
Pre-series
Before joining Team Rocket, James grew up in a wealthy family, expected to follow their wishes. He grew up with high societal expectations and pressure to adhere to family traditions. Despite this, James found himself at odds with his family’s values and yearned for a life of freedom and self-expression.
During his youth, James was betrothed to Jessebelle. However, he reconsidered the engagement upon witnessing her domineering nature. He fled his opulent life and his cherished Growlithe, Growlie, seeking freedom from her control.
James’s journey led him to cross paths with Jessie and Meowth, and together, they formed the iconic Team Rocket trio.
In “The School of Hard Knocks” Jessie and James confessed to Meowth about their dismal performance at Pokémon Tech, scoring the lowest in the school’s history. The memories of their time there haunted them. Later, they joined a bicycle gang in Sunnytown.
Inconsistencies between Kanto, Johto, and Training Daze obscure James and Jessie’s post-bike gang journey. However, they joined Team Rocket independently, initially at odds but reconciled quickly, forging a strong friendship.
Original series
In the original series of Pokémon, James serves as one of the primary antagonists as a member of Team Rocket alongside Jessie and Meowth. The trio’s main objective is to capture rare and powerful Pokémon, particularly Ash’s Pikachu, in order to impress their boss, Giovanni, and further Team Rocket’s goals of world domination.
James first appeared in the anime during the episode “Pokémon Emergency”. Teaming up with Jessie and Meowth, they targeted the injured Pokémon at the Viridian Pokémon Center. Here, Team Rocket resolved to capture Pikachu, recognizing him as an exceptionally powerful Pokémon, and made it their mission to seize him.
In “Battle Aboard the St. Anne” the Team Rocket trio collaborated with other Grunts to snatch Pokémon from Trainers on the S.S. Anne.
In “Holy Matrimony!”, James is lured back to his family estate under false pretenses. He confronts his controlling ex-fiancée, Jessebelle, and ultimately rejects his inheritance to remain with Team Rocket, choosing friendship over fortune.
In “The Ultimate Test” James aimed to enter the Indigo Plateau Conference but struggled during the Pokémon League Admissions Exam. His poor performance led to expulsion when he violated rules in the practical skills test, highlighting his determination despite setbacks.
In “The Battle Of The Badge” Jessie, James, and Meowth assumed temporary leadership of the Viridian Gym on Giovanni’s behalf. They pursued Ash to the Orange Islands, where Giovanni tasked them with operating a blimp. In “Dues and Don’ts” they were disbanded from Team Rocket due to unpaid dues but were offered a chance to return by defeating Ash and his friends.
In “Will the Real Oak Please Stand Up?”, James posed as Professor Oak alongside Jessie disguised as DJ Mary to reap the benefits of fame. When the real Oak and Mary arrived, a confrontation ensued. James was exposed due to his inability to mimic Oak’s poetry, and he faced a similar situation at the Twinleaf Festival.
Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire appearences
James continues her mischief in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire as part of Team Rocket’s ongoing schemes. Throughout their misadventures, he, along with Jessie and Meowth, concocts various schemes to capture rare Pokémon and thwart Ash’s progress in his journey. James showcases his unique personality traits and occasionally reflects on his past experiences, contributing to the dynamic of the trio’s antics.
In “That’s Just Swellow” James competes in the Crossgate PokéRinger tournament with Jessie’s Dustox but loses to Ash’s Swellow. In “A Scare to Remember” Team Rocket tricks Pikachu into joining them using amnesia, but Pikachu regains his memory and blasts them off. In “Sweet Baby James” James reunites with Nanny and Pop-Pop while caring for his sick Chimecho and obtaining Mime Jr. In “Off the Unbeaten Path” James wins Pokémon Orienteering with Mime Jr. but gives his prize to Ash’s group. In “The Ole’ Berate and Switch!” James briefly separates from Team Rocket and reunites after a failed theft attempt.
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl appearences
The trio landed in Sinnoh region via their iconic balloon. In “Two Degrees of Separation!”, they visited James’s old vacation home, where he reunited with his long-lost Carnivine. However, they had to leave abruptly due to the impending arrival of James’s overbearing fiancée, Jessebelle. Despite this, Giovanni greenlit their plan to establish a Team Rocket branch in Sinnoh.
In “A Secret Sphere of Influence!”, Team Galactic hired the trio to steal the Adamant Orb. Despite framing Nando, their attempt failed. In “Once There Were Greenfields” James bid farewell to his beloved Cacnea, entrusting it to Gardenia’s care. His struggle with this decision was evident in subsequent episodes like “Throwing the Track Switch” and “The Keystone Pops!”. Despite his sadness, James was pleased to learn of Cacnea’s progress in “Barry’s Busting Out All Over!”. In “Sleight of Sand!”, a rivalry with Butch and Cassidy led to a botched attempt to steal a Hippowdon, thwarted by Ash and friends. Later, in “Pursuing a Lofty Goal!”, James entered the PokéRinger competition but suffered defeat when Yanmega was disoriented mid-match.
In “Dressed for Jess Success!”, James took Jessie’s place in the Lilypad Town Pokémon Contest. Impressing judges with a unique performance, he advanced to the Battle Stage, defeating Dawn with clever tactics. James ultimately won the contest, earning a Ribbon he later gave to Jessie. In “The Treasure Is All Mine!”, James’s past resurfaced when his childhood love letter was discovered, leading to chaos as his obsessed fiancée, Jessebelle, reappeared, intent on marriage.
Pokémon the Series: Black & White appearences
In the Black & White series, James, along with Jessie and Meowth, after being promoted, continue their pursuit of Pikachu and their schemes to capture rare Pokémon in the Unova region encountering various challenges and setbacks but always bounce back with new plans to achieve their goals.
In the initial episodes of the series, the trio, under Giovanni‘s orders, undertook various missions. In “Triple Leaders, Team Threats!”, they were tasked with seizing control of the Dreamyard’s ‘Future Energy’. Later, in “The Bloom Is On Axew!”, they investigated a meteorite fragment at the Desert Resort as per Giovanni’s instructions.
In “A Home for Dwebble!”, the trio successfully stole data about the Meteonite from the Antimony Research Lab. In “A Night in the Nacrene City Museum!”, they were tasked with replacing a fake meteorite with the real one at the Nacrene Museum, which they accomplished. In “A Venipede Stampede!”, they located the Meteonite in the Desert Resort, marking their final mission from Giovanni. From then on, they decided to pursue capturing Ash’s Pikachu independently.
In “Stopping the Rage of Legends! Part 2” Team Rocket attempted to capture the Forces of Nature after destroying shrines but were thwarted by Ash and friends. In “A Restoration Confrontation! Part 1” they aimed to steal a Cover Fossil to access a time gate for Fossil Pokémon but were stopped by Ash. In “An Epic Defense Force!” they pursued Meloetta for “Operation Tempest” and in “Meloetta and the Undersea Temple!” captured Ash, Pikachu, and Meloetta for their plan at the Abyssal Ruins.
In a dramatic turn, Giovanni’s possession led to a retreat from Unova, with Jessie, James, and Meowth joining him. They resurfaced in “New Places… Familiar Faces!” with renewed determination to catch Pikachu, bolstering their team with new Pokémon.
Pokémon the Series: XY appearences
Throughout Pokémon the Series: XY, James, along with Jessie and Meowth, made a comeback continuing their role as members of Team Rocket, accompanying Ash to the Kalos region.
In “A Battle of Aerial Mobility!”, Giovanni sanctioned the trio’s scheme to snatch rare Pokémon in Kalos. In “A Battle by Any Other Name!”, they participated in the Poké Puff Contest but shifted to theft when they lost. Their plan was thwarted by the twerps’ Pokémon.
In “Facing the Grand Design!”, James and Inkay’s bond is tested when Inkay encounters evil Malamar. Despite doubts from Jessie and Meowth, James understands Inkay’s anger stems from past hypnotism by Malamar. Working together, they rally forest Pokémon to defeat the evil Malamar. When Inkay is brainwashed, James’s love and a croissant help him break free. Inkay chooses to stay with James, revealing his happiness with Team Rocket. James is moved to tears by their bond.
Later, in “Party Dancecapades!”, James and his team attended a lively dance party hosted by Monsieur Pierre. In “An Explosive Operation!”, Jessie, James, and Meowth reported to Giovanni about Team Flare and a unique Pokémon with multiple forms. Giovanni tasked them with capturing it.
In “Master Class Is in Session!”, James supports Jessie in the Pokémon Showcase Master Class, hoping for a win to return to crime. Despite Jessie’s loss, they celebrate with a feast. Later, they assist Malva in the Kalos League, aiming to capture strong Pokémon but feeling overworked. Their plan to steal Ash and Alain’s Pokémon is foiled by Team Flare.
In “Coming Apart at the Dreams!”, James joins his team to take down Team Flare. In “The Right Hero for the Right Job!”, he battles Celosia and Drapion with Inkay, later helping subdue them. After a surprise attack, they flee with their helicopter, aiding Ash and Alain against Zygarde. Despite the chaos, they claim victory over Team Flare.
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon appearences
In Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, Jessie, along with James and Meowth, find themselves in the tropical paradise of the Alola region. They continue their pursuit of Pikachu while also encountering various new Pokémon species unique to the region.
In “The Sun, the Scare, the Secret Lair!”, Jessie’s disdain for Giovanni’s secretary, Matori, is unveiled. She views Matori as a rival, often referring to her as “four eyes”. In “A Seasoned Search!”, they finalize their secret base in Bewear’s den. And in “A Team-on-Team Tussle!”, they embark on a quest for a Z-Crystal after discovering Z-Moves.
In “Pulling Out the Pokémon Base Pepper!”, Jessie’s secret admiration for Oluolu, a renowned Pokémon Base player from Melemele Island, is uncovered. In “Alola, Kanto!”, Team Rocket heads to Kanto on orders from headquarters, aiming to pilfer Pokémon from Professor Oak‘s Lab. Despite their efforts being thwarted, Bewear whisks them back to Alola in “When Regions Collide!”. In “Fighting Back the Tears!”, James battles Toxapex for Mareanie’s affection. Despite considering releasing her, he saves her from danger twice. After a challenging fight with Toxapex, Mareanie chooses to stay with James, strengthening their bond.
In “A Battle Hand-Off!”, Team Rocket plays the role of Ash’s trial opponent at the Thrifty Megamart. Then, in “Spying for the Big Guy!”, Giovanni tasks them with sending Bewear to him, as they previously claimed to have captured her.
In “Battle Royal 151!”, James competes in the Manalo Conference as Jamesio. Using Mareanie, he advances as one of the 16 remaining Trainers in the Battle Royal preliminary round. He defeated Jessie in the next round. In “Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Strategy!”, James progresses to the second round, facing Gladion. Jessie entrusts him with their Z-Power Ring for the battle. Despite his worries about disappointing Jessie, she supports him, and they resume selling Malasadas afterward.
In “Thank You, Alola! The Journey Continues!”, Team Rocket gets a call from headquarters instructing them to return.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series appearences
In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, in the episode “Ivysaur’s Mysterious Tower!”, Jessie, James, Meowth, and Wobbuffet received orders from Giovanni to capture powerful Pokémon to bolster Team Rocket’s reputation. Utilizing the Rocket Prize Master, they acquired a Tyranitar and Gyarados but were thwarted by Ash’s Pikachu in battle, despite their formidable additions.
Before “Kicking It from Here Into Tomorrow!”, Team Rocket established a secret base in Vermilion City. In “A Talent for Imitation!”, they encountered a Ditto struggling with its transformations. Hoping to recruit it, they trained Ditto but ultimately returned it to its trainer when needed. Later, in “A Little Rocket R & R!”, deceived by Matori’s fake vacation reward, they joined forces with Ash and Goh to thwart her Pokémon-stealing scheme. Their plan succeeded, leading Matori to retreat when faced with Officer Jenny’s intervention.
In “Team Rocket Expedition” Jessie, James, and Meowth journey to the Paldea region. In “Rocket Revengers!” they reunite with all their current Pokémon at Team Rocket HQ. Disappointed by another failure to catch Pikachu, the trio concluded it was time to part ways.
In “Ash and Latios” James, disillusioned with his cafeteria job, attempts to steal Pikachu again. Unexpectedly, he encounters Jessie and Meowth with the same plan. Reunited, they launch their attack but fail. Despite this, they vow to never give up and disappear into the distance.
About James
James, a member of Team Rocket, is characterized by his distinct personality and backstory. He hails from a wealthy family but chose to leave his privileged life due to various reasons, including a failed engagement to a controlling fiancée named Jessebelle. This decision led him to join Team Rocket, where he forms a close trio with Jessie and Meowth.
James has demonstrated instances that reveal he’s not inherently bad. His troubled past is the sole reason behind his affiliation with Team Rocket.
Despite his affiliation with a villainous organization, James stands out for his refined demeanor, often displaying gentlemanly traits and a love for poetry and culture. However, beneath his polished exterior lies a complex character with a troubled past and conflicting emotions.
Throughout the series, James demonstrates a strong bond with his Pokémon, often treating them with care and affection. From his mischievous Victreebel to his lovestruck Mareanie, each Pokémon reflects a different aspect of James’s personality and history. Despite being a member of Team Rocket, James’s compassion and empathy shine through, as he often shows concern for his friends and Pokémon.
James frequently indulges in cross-dressing, often impersonating characters like Nurse Joy, Officer Jenny, and Jessie. Additionally, he enjoys dressing up as famous personalities and even non-human objects like Pokémon and animals. James has amassed a considerable collection of rare bottle caps since childhood. Occasionally, he opts for a deck of cards instead of a Pokédex to identify Pokémon.
Throughout the Pokémon anime series, James undergoes significant character development, gradually evolving from a reluctant villain to a more nuanced individual. Despite his comedic antics and frequent involvement in Team Rocket’s schemes to capture Pikachu, James emerges as a sympathetic character with layers of complexity and a sense of loyalty to his friends and Pokémon companions.
James's Pokémon team
James has had a diverse team of Pokémon throughout the Pokémon series. Initially adhering to Team Rocket’s tradition of using Poison-type Pokémon, James later exhibited a preference for carnivorous or potentially hazardous Grass-type Pokémon. His roster includes Weepinbell, Victreebel, Cacnea, Carnivine, and Amoonguss. Capturing Cacnea in Hoenn solidified James’s favoritism toward Grass types.
He forms deep bonds with his Pokémon, akin to parental care, likely influenced by his solitary childhood where Pokémon were his only companions.
These are just not much examples of the Pokémon James has owned and trained throughout his journey as a member of Team Rocket.
Core series games appearances
Throughout the games, players encounter James and Team Rocket in various locations, thwarting their schemes and ultimately putting an end to their criminal activities. In contrast to the anime, Jessie and James don’t shadow the protagonist or concoct their typical schemes to capture Pikachu.
In Pokémon Yellow, Jessie and James, known collectively as the Rocket Trainer class, appear as in-game bosses representing Team Rocket. They first confront the player in Mt. Moon, attempting to steal rare Fossils. Later, in Celadon City’s Rocket Hideout, they guard Giovanni’s room seeking revenge. They also hold Mr. Fuji hostage at Pokémon Tower and later appear in Silph Co. in Saffron City, trying to hinder the player’s progress.
Spin-off games appearances
Pokémon Puzzle League – Jessie and James, along with other anime characters, are featured opponents. They appear with Pokémon like Weezing, Arbok, and Golbat, serving as main adversaries in the “Spa Service” line clear challenge.
Pokémon Zany Cards – Jessie and James serve as the initial opponents in both Wild Match mode and Special Seven mode.
Pokémon GO – James is part of Team GO Rocket.
Pokémon Masters EX – Jessie forms a sync pair with Weezing in this game.
Manga appearances
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
James appears in this manga alongside Jessie and Meowth. In “Pikachu’s Excellent Adventure,” they attempt to steal Pokémon from a Hidden Village but are expelled by Kangaskhan.
James appears next in “You Gotta Have Friends,” where he and Jessie try to steal a herd of wild Pikachu. In the manga, they follow Ash to the Pokémon League championship and cheer him on at the Orange League. In the manga’s epilogue, James confesses his love to Jessie, and they are depicted as married with Jessie pregnant.
Movie adaptations
James has appeared in every Pokémon movie to date, making him a consistent presence in their manga adaptations as well.
Ash & Pikachu
In the manga adaptation Ash & Pikachu, James is featured alongside her Team Rocket companions, Jessie and Meowth.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
James made his debut in this manga in “Flash of the Titans!” However, the involvement of the Team Rocket Trio is notably reduced compared to the anime, often resulting in their roles being removed or significantly smaller than in the original episodes.
Summary
James stands out as the sole main character in the Johto region not acquiring any Pokémon, except for his second Victreebel. He’s also the first to release a Pokémon. Excluding Victreebel, he’s never battled his Pokémon prior to capturing them.
James brings a unique blend of comedy, compassion, and complexity to the Pokémon series. Despite his affiliation with Team Rocket, his character is multifaceted, showcasing moments of kindness, loyalty to his friends, and a deep bond with his Pokémon. Overall, James emerges as a complex and compelling character in the Pokémon series, blending humor, heart, and humanity in equal measure. His journey from a villainous Team Rocket member to a beloved companion highlights the depth and richness of the Pokémon world.