I'm kinda undecided at the moment.... the Battle Frontier has been doing great so far, picking up the pace and having less fillers.... however, this does show signs of rushing (evidenced in some contests and Frontier Brains only getting a single episode), and some of these episodes are crap even if they do have a worthwhile event occuring in them (Mizugorou's evolution, Eievui hatching, or Hinata and Celebi's appearance.... I know that last one seems like filler, but some people tend to shrug off any episode involving game events or legendaries, which this episode had both of, as non-filler). Also, two things really damage this saga for me: the crappy start (which continued until Manene showed up), and Haruka's suck-as* team, which includes my most hated thing in the anime to date. On the other hand, Satoshi's team has never been better (though the team at the end of Houen closely rivals it), even if it doesn't have a 6th member (bound to change by the time Battle Frontier ends).
Speaking of Haruka's team, the overload of babies would be another damaging factor... although Manene is one of the cutest things the anime's had in a good while (and definitely one of the few babies to actually succeed in being cute, yet not sickeningly excessive. It gives Rocket Dan one of their better running gags, too, considering mimicry actually has variance every time it comes up), and here's hoping that Haruka's Eievui evolves quickly. Characterization has been alright, especially for Kojirou. Battle Frontier's one of my favorite openings, too, if not my number one fav. I can't say the same about the ending themes, though (Pokemon Count sucks, and Glory Day's alright, but it's not my favorite and we did see plenty of it in Houen). The Lucario movie was damn good as well.... overall, it's pretty great, but I friggin hate that Zenigame's existance so much that even Satoshi's current team with a fully evolved Jukain seems like it'd be hard-pressed to counter it. But, if Harley really is gonna get a win.... and I guess if they just make that friggin turtle get its as* kicked at something (running off the field while fighting Flygon doesn't count), it'll be all great.
But, I won't pass judgement until it ends. Like I said, there is signs of evident rushing, and rushing ended up ruining Houen by the very end. I'm not gonna be very happy if the Battle Frontier goes off on such a note as well. If it is rushed, let's hope they take a little advice from Heath and pull it off really well in spite of lack in episode numbers.
