Ash is unable to have an official Gym battle with Norman because he needs three Pokémon. He is allowed to have an unofficial battle instead, but loses.
Max joins the group.
The title of this episode is a reference to the common saying "There's no place like home".
When first arriving in her home city, Misty was also wary of Ash going to the local Gym because of it being run by family, just like May is in this episode.
Ash goes to the Petalburg Gym and meets May's brother Max, her mother Caroline, and her father Norman, the local Gym Leader.