Arguably one of anime's most iconic trios, Team Rocket's Jessie, James, and Meowth of the Pokémon anime has been around and kicking for pretty much the entire run of the show, and for good reason. Their crazy antics and blunders as they try to steal Pokémon, including Ash's Pikachu, have been a joy to watch in many ways.
That being said, despite being often the main antagonists of each episode and being part of the villainous organization, the Rocket Trio does have some admirable qualities in there deep down. They may be bad guys, but that doesn't mean they're all bad.
10 They're Pretty Funny
Probably the most notable thing about this trio of bumbling villains is the hilarious mishaps that end up getting in the way of most of their schemes. On top of that though, Team Rocket just has a great sense of humor, whether it be some physical slapstick-style comedy, quick word-play, or even breaking the fourth wall.
Jessie, James, and Meowth have something of a Three Stooges dynamic going for them, and with that comes great comedic chemistry too. While they're often in sync, the group will fire some clever burns at each other every now and then.
9 They Can Communicate With Pokémon
There is often a language barrier between humans and Pokémon, though the relationship between them has been strong even without words being needed. For Team Rocket, this barrier technically doesn't exist thanks to Meowth and his mastery of human speech.
Meowth is often an interpreter for whatever certain Pokémon have to say, which he can relay back to Jessie, James, or whoever else is listening. In a sense, Team Rocket has a more accurate understanding of what a certain Pokémon is thinking or feeling thanks to this method of communication.
8 They Are A Creative Bunch
Another trait that many know Team Rocket for is their over-the-top plans when it comes to snatching Pokémon. Sure, the Rockets could just bum rush their target, but that isn't their style. For Team Rocket, half of a good scheme is the out-there creativity that they can come up with. It's almost as though they're putting on a show.
From their many disguises to strange contraptions, Team Rockets' robberies are anything but boring. It's also partly what leads to so many blunders, but they do get an "A" for effort if nothing else.
7 They Really Know How to Take a Hit
From how many times they've been zapped, blown up, and of course blasted-off, one thing that's clear about Team Rocket is that they really know how to take a hit. In almost any other anime, they'd probably be dead after all that, but thankfully they're slapstick villains so they can get back up again pretty fast.
This not only allows for plenty of ways for the Rockets to be defeated, but they're also able to use their many blast-offs as ways to go out in style. At this point, they're either gluttons for punishment or they've built up a tolerance to pain.
6 They're Capable of Crafting Mechas
Surprisingly, despite not always being the brightest bulbs in the box, Team Rocket (Meowth in particular) is a pretty handy bunch with machines. The group's schemes have often involved creating large and impressive gadgets, including full-on mechas to help them steal some Pokémon.
A lot of the time, these mechs are pretty sturdy and resistant to a lot of different attacks, but this is Team Rocket we're talking about so they're not invincible either. The most impressive part is where they get the funds to build these machines, considering the trio is usually broke.
5 They Have Interests Outside Villainy
While their main goal is to capture Pikachu or any other Pokémon that'll get them in the good graces of their boss, Giovanni, the Team Rocket trio does have hobbies and interests that aren't as sinister.
James is known to be an avid collector of bottle caps and Meowth plays the guitar, though probably the most notable example was when Jessie, in disguise, had a career as a Pokémon Coordinator and competed in various contests. Sure these interests don't exactly stop their more villainous habits, but it does make them slightly more well-rounded.
4 Their Pokémon Really Care About Them
Team Rocket may not be the best trainers when it comes to Pokémon battling, but this doesn't mean they're bad trainers. Their losing streak and bad choices are miles wide, but there's also plenty of examples of the Rockets' treating their Pokémon with a lot of care and respect.
James most notably has shown to be quite loving towards his Pokémon, and they seem to love him back too, the most famous and heartbreaking moments of the Rockets' compassion for their Pokémon was the time Jessie, James, and Meowth had to say goodbye to Arbok and Weezing while defending them and a herd of Ekans and Koffing from Team Magma.
3 They Have Got Eachother's Backs
Each member of Team Rocket comes from a different background, though pleasant isn't exactly the word they'd describe any of it. Jessie grew up poor and hungry, James grew up rich but wanted to live free from his overbearing parents, and Meowth was a stray that learned to speak for the sake of love but was rejected.
Coming from sad beginnings, the trio seemed to find a place they belonged in the Team Rocket organization and while they fight and argue a lot, they got each other's backs and are willing to do what's best for each other no matter the sacrifice. If nothing else, Team Rocket isn't just a team, but a found family.
2 They Can Be Helpful At Times
Team Rocket are often the ones causing trouble in almost every episode they're in, forcing Ash and his friends to put a stop to their schemes. Yet, believe it or not, there are times when this villain trio can put aside their conniving ways to help someone other than themselves.
Sometimes it's because they relate to a certain trainer or Pokémon's plight, other times it's out of a sense of pride or kindness, whatever the reason Team Rocket is capable of serving the greater good. Miraculously enough, they've even helped Ash and the gang out of a jam more times than once.
1 They Don't Give Up
After over twenty years of scheming to capture one little Pikachu, only to fumble and get sent packing each and every time, one would think the constant failure would get to the Rockets at some point and force them to quit. Surprisingly enough, their big loss count is just motivation to keep on trying, because they're still set on taking Ash's Pikachu even after all these years.
While the topic of quitting or even leaving Team Rocket has come up once or twice, the trio always sticks together and never gives up on their villainous plots. Despite the motivation and morality of their goals, there is something admirable about the way Team Rocket doesn't give in to defeat.