Lieutenant Surge

The Lightning American.
Lt. Surge
Species	Human
Hair color	Blonde
Eye color	Blue
Base	Vermilion City Gym
Debut	Pokémon: Red Version/Pokemon: Green Version

Lt. Surge is the gym leader of the Vermilion City gym, who hails from America. In the past he apparently worked in the army as a strict taskmaster. His faith in electric-type Pokémon comes from the fact that they had saved his life when he was fighting in the war.

Background

In Pokémon: Red, Blue, Green and Yellow Versions (as well as Pokémon: FireRed and LeafGreen Versions), Surge was the third gym leader Red battled. But due to the cautious nature Surge had developed during his military service, he had sealed himself off from the rest of the room with an electrical barrier, that could only be deactivated by pressing special switches hidden within wastebaskets. After being defeated, Surge gave Red the Thunderbadge as well as TM 24: Thunderbolt (Or TM 34: Shock Wave in FireRed and LeafGreen).

Surge could also be challenged by Gold in the Gold, Silver and Crystal Versions. He was the first Kanto gym leader that Gold could battle in the game, and would once more give away the Thunderbadge upon defeat.

Pokémon Roster

Lt. Surge specialized in electric-type Pokémon. In the first generation games, his line-up consisted of Pikachu, Raichu and Voltorb. However, in Pokémon Yellow he had only a Raichu due to it being his only Pokémon in the anime. In Gold, Silver and Crystal, Surge had the following Pokémon in his roster:

• Raichu
• Electrode (2)
• Magneton
• Electabuzz

Other Games

Lt. Surge appeared in Pokémon Stadium as one of the enemies in the Gym Leader Castle. This time his Pokémon in the first round were Raichu, Voltorb, Electrode, Pikachu, Magnemite and Magneton - most of which were later used for his roster in the Gold, Silver and Crystal versions. In the second round he used Raichu, Tangela, Poliwrath, Lickitung, Electabuzz and Electrode.

Surge (as he appeared in the anime) appeared in Pokémon Puzzle League as the fourth opponent. His line-up consisted of a Jolteon, Raichu and a Magneton.

In Pokémon Stadium 2, Surge was the third enemy in the Gym Leader Castle. He used Raichu, Magneton, Electrode, Electabuzz, Porygon and Lanturn. In the second round his Pokémon were Raichu, Victreebel, Dodrio, Jolteon, Quagsire and Porygon2.

Trivia

• Surge is rumored to have also been a pilot when he lived in America (possibly while fighting in the war), and his plane was powered by electric Pokémon.
• Lt. Surge appeared in an episode of the Pokémon anime, where his only Pokémon was a Raichu. He taunted Ash Ketchum for not evolving his Pikachu and often referred to Ash as a baby. But Ash was ultimately able to prove Surge wrong by defeating him in battle.