Kind of strange nobody didn't draw attention to Dusk Lycanroc. Like, maybe have Lillie use Lycanroc to shield herself from Lusamine.
Ash never shown them Dusk Lycanroc, he has a habit of seeing rare or legendary Pokemon as just buddies.
Interesting episode, looks like the plots setting in, I'm still not sure if Ash is stealing Lillie's role with Nebby, since while he collects it by 'destiny', the others play a role taking care of it, including Lillie naming it. Like it has hints of a bond with Rowlet though.
I'm still on the side that this maybe isn't Lusamine putting on an act and is actually her normal self, along with the anime associating her with good intentioned people early on. I get the feeling the anime would want to downplay suggestions of an abusive relationship for Lusamine 'not being herself' as she slowly gets corrupted, thus we show normal good intentioned but overbearing Lusamine before things gradually get darker.
Lillie definitely has mommy issues. We haven't seen her pouty side since the first couple of episodes. I also kind of liked her and Kukui vouching for Ash caring for Nebby. They haven't known him for that long, but they know he's dependable.
Some funny comedy moments in the episode, what with the students struggling to comfort Nebby (Kiawe as usual gets the best faces).
For more minor observations, noticed Marowak is in class as Kiawe's representing Pokemon. Bad signs for Turtonator.
No one falling for Lana's fibs anymore.
Lycanroc 'rock nussles' Ash awake, while Litten takes a more fierce approach.
*sigh* It's looking more and more like the only thing Steenee has to stand out is smacking around Rowlet and Meowth (the former of which doesn't exactly make her likeable since it's always her that sets Rowlet off in the first place).