"Pokemon Sun and Moon" is a historic anime for the villainous Team Rocket. The gang finally defeated protagonist Ash Ketchum and his team in a battle in the recent Jan. 27 episode.

This happened in a surprising twist to what appeared to be an ordinary "Pokemon Sun and Moon" episode.

Team Rocket leader Giovanni asked his members Jessie, James and Meowth if they are able to gather strong Pokemon in the Alola region. They earn a trip to an exotic island after lying to their boss, where they try to fish for new Pokemon.

James, who is wearing a Corsola helmet, encounters the aquatic Mareanie. According to Kotaku, it has been established in the anime's lore that Mareanie loves to eat the Pokemon Corsola, which prompts the Mareanie to try to eat James.

However, the Mareanie is convinced that James is another Mareanie and falls in love with him instead. They then encounter Ash and company at the beach.

Meanwhile, Ash and his friends are having a good day at the beach before meeting Jessie and James. The duo spark a renewed interested in capturing Pikachu.

However, instead of being defeated and "blasting off" into space, something strange happens. Mareanie battles and defeats Ash's Rowlet. The mysterious Pokemon Mimikyu, who was travelling with Team Rocket, hates Pikachu. This leads to quite the surprising victory for Team Rocket.

As Twitter user @pancakeparadox pointed out, it was the first time in 20 years that Team Rocket defeated Ash in battle.

In the episode, this is seen in just how surprised the talking Pokemon Meowth and Wobbuffet are, followed by a meltdown from James and Jessie. Unfortunately, the huge Pokemon Bewear steals Jessie and James before they get a chance to steal Pikachu.

"Pokemon Sun and Moon" is the latest series in the "Pokemon" anime franchise. This is set in the Alola Region, a tropical region in the world of Pokemon that is also the setting of the game "Pokemon Sun and Moon" for the Nintendo 3DS.