Kanto Pok'emon Questions

[MikeandRaph87]

Seeing a few clips made me come up with a few questions about the anime during Pok'emania. I was wondering why Primeape was caught and released after less than handful of episodes never to be used in battle.

Also, Butterfree was only with Ash for a brief time as well leaving less than 20 episodes with him. Due to being with Ash so briefly I question why the Pok'emon was ever decided to join Ash.

I was wondering why it was decided for Charmander of the team to evolve and have his personality change from being mild mannered and sweet to arrogant and a show off who is disrespectful.


Also, were ages ever given for anyone aside form Ash who is the forever 10 year old. I thought back then that Misty was 12, and Brock, Gary, James, and Jesse were 17. Though I could be off.