TR pokemon-obtaining methods

[flaming infernape]

Has anyone ever noticed/wondered why Team Rocket try to steal wild pokemon when they could simply catch them? We've seen at least once (or more) that the characters don't need to develop a special bond with a wild pokemon before they get caught *coughPaulcough*

I know that one obvious reason is that TR's a little thieving-addicted, but please post any other theories here.

 

[Lethal Carnivine]

It's so simple,really. Team Rocket(JJM) are kleptomanacs, if it is not stolen, than they won't take it. Also, I like their plans better when it involves some elaborate plot or gigantic machine.

 

[Doctor Oak]

They actually explained this in the show at some point (though, I think possibly not by or through Jessie, James or Meowth themselves), that they don't capture them in Pokeballs 'cos they're more valuable and useful as wild Pokemon than caught Pokemon (since capturing a Pokemon [or most Pokemon, anyway] in a Pokeball seems to domesticate it automatically in some way).

I believe they also explained that "Pokeballs cost money" which they don't have... despite having enough to procure giant robots or massive scissor grabbers and so on every week...

That said, it should be pretty obvious from a non-in-world point of view. If they ever actually caught a Pokemon in their Pokeballs, it'd make it their Pokemon. I guess it just makes it clear that they're not actually obtaining these Pokemon when they catch/steal them.

 

[VibuzeSG]

That said, it should be pretty obvious from a non-in-world point of view. If they ever actually caught a Pokemon in their Pokeballs, it'd make it their Pokemon. I guess it just makes it clear that they're not actually obtaining these Pokemon when they catch/steal them.

That definitely makes sense, especially given all the effort J goes through as well.

 

[Pikapi]

Except with J, she apparently tries to capture Pokémon who already have trainers. As we have seen, throwing Poké Balls at owned Pokémon simply does not work. Though, it may have worked on those Shieldon. I don't think they had actual trainers?

 

[VibuzeSG]

Except with J, she apparently tries to capture Pokémon who already have trainers. As we have seen, throwing Poké Balls at owned Pokémon simply does not work. Though, it may have worked on those Shieldon. I don't think they had actual trainers?

If I recall correctly, the Shieldon were wild, but they lived in a reservation. As far as I understand, the only thing that would keep someone from catching them is the law. Which J obviously cares little for.