How could you not recognize him? He's my favorite out of PH, though I love most of the cast (bar a certain someone, but explaining why would mean spoilers). You should really continue the manga, it gets pretty intense. It's one of my favorite mangas ever. Alright, tell me your opinion once it does!
I actually really liked training even in Johto. As a testament to that, I had around 30 level 100 Pokémon, and my Pokedéx was full. Well, almost full. Never got Celebi or Mew. I didn't know of the Mew trick back then, and Celebi was out of my reach from the start. So it was 249/251. But yeah, training's a lot easier in the new games, especially the ones that have VS Seeker. I love FR/LG/D/P because of that. At least, I think D/P had that. Not... actually sure anymore. Been a while since I've played. But anyway yeah, evolve her!
Yeah, I stopped watching mid-way through Johto, only seen random episodes after that. I did watch around 10 episodes of BW, but Iris made me want to punch things so much I just couldn't take it. I swear, if I hear "kodomo neee~" one more time, things will burn. Ugh. It did feel more fast-paced than the previous seasons though, but that might just be my memory failing me, since it's been a long time since Johto. Have you read the manga? If you're bored of Ash, I recommend it. I should read it too. We can do it together 8D
Oshawott was kinda jealous yeah, but more because he's prideful. He's not in love with Ash like Chikorita. He's just got a big ego, the adorable little thing. At least, in the episodes I saw.
They better not make Fennekin have a fighting dual type. Seriously.
The teams have already been assigned but yeah, you did end up in the same team as him~