Early in the episode, Team Rocket expresses an interest in Sandshrew. However, later on they say they take no interest in A.J.'s "second rate" Sandshrew.
This episode is the last in which Ted Lewis voices James, as well as Eric Stuart's first episode voicing James. Stuart takes over the role when James summons Koffing in battle. Lewis had left for a time to do theater, but would return later on to voice Giovanni and Tracey.
This is the first episode not explicitly set within a location from the games.
The English dub of this episode mentions a real animal. Misty claims that A.J. controls Sandshrew with the crack of his whip just like a lion tamer. In the Japanese version, she simply remarks that it is amazing A.J. can control Sandshrew with the crack of his whip.
American Title: "The Path to the Pokemon League".