HOLY ARCEUS, TEAM ROCKET ACTUALLY BLASTED OFF! Even if they were blasted right in Bewear's arms, they still blasted off--and they looked so happy about it!
I love how much character the starter Pokémon had in this episode! It was great to see Popplio's personality; it hadn't really done much up until this point (except clap its fins, bark, and otherwise just seem happy), but it really shone in this episode as the straight man to Rowlet's insane man--the one who mostly stayed calm and rational while Rowlet was panicking. It also proved that it can battle (and it ain't too shabby, either). Even Rowlet joined in in kicking Team Rocket's butt, even though it was tied up!
Litten's intervening to save Rowlet and Popplio showed that it really does care about its fellow Pokémon, even if it's cold toward humans. And it brilliantly pulled a fast one on Team Rocket. I hope it retains that cunning and intelligence once it joins Ash's team; it would certainly be a great foil to Rowlet's bumbling airheadedness.
And I was wrong about one thing. I thought Litten would disappear into the shadows once Rowlet and Popplio reunited with Ash and Lana, and Ash and Litten wouldn't actually meet; but I'm glad I was wrong about that. I liked how Litten was wary when Ash approached it (as though it thought he might attempt to catch it), but then was completely taken aback when Ash asked if Stoutland was doing well.
Speaking of the old Stoutland... I love its relationship with Litten--how it takes on a mentor role, but also an almost parental role. I like that it was Stoutland who told Litten to lead Rowlet and Popplio back to their Trainers, and that Litten eventually gave in and relented, despite its initial reluctance. I think I might just cry if the old dog dies (even though I have a bad feeling that's what might happen to it).
Also, Ash, you moron, why didn't you use your rock puppy to sniff out Rowlet and Popplio in the first place? And Rockruff, why didn't you suggest that to your Trainer to start, rather than letting him run all over the city? For that matter, Pikachu, what were you doing?