Rachael Lillis, who previously voiced Misty, Jessie and others when the show was dubbed by 4Kids, returns to the anime in this episode as the voice of Maylene. This makes her the first main cast member to return to the series since the voice change.
Ash and his friends arrive in Veilstone City and meet Maylene, the local Gym Leader. They also meet Reggie, Paul's older brother and a Pokémon Breeder who takes care of Paul's Pokémon.
Reggie reveals some events that happened to Paul: Paul's Murkrow evolved into Honchkrow, he caught a Magmar, replacing his Chimchar, and he defeated Maylene to earn the Cobble Badge.
Reggie promises to help Ash to teach his Staravia to use Brave Bird.
Ash has a battle with Reggie and wins.