Story: This show starts with a great story idea. Ash befriends Pikachu (and several other pokemon) to help him work his way to the Pokemon league. Ash makes two mostly permanent traveling companions along the way. But sadly this is all over the course of maybe 5 episodes. After that most episodes become predictable.
A generic episode consists of Ash trying to get one step closer to the pokemon league, team rocket attempts to steal Pikachu or whatever pokemon they find cool that episode, and they go on their merry way. The plot is slowwwwww to develop and there are much better cartoons out there for kids.
Another point to mention: Ash's gang is always too dumb to notice Team Rocket and Team Rocket has some kind of infinite funding from Team Rocket corporate and never succeed at much.

Dialogue: Dry after the first few episodes, Brock can't keep it in his pants, Ash wants to kill other people's pokemon, and Misty exists to throw in obvious statements now and again.

Animation: Pretty low grade considering all of the other anime/cartoons of the time.

Entertainment: Low. This is due to the fact that the goal never usually changes and few new characters actually stay in the show.

Unless you are 10 and under, avoid. (show less)