Judging by summary and preview at first i was pretty skeptic about whole episode, but im glad to see that i was proven wrong. Clemont is starting slowly but surely to earn his place growing on me.
I enjoyed in his enthusiastic, full of passion demeanor acting prideful and as real genious when it comes to science. I liked how we get to hear more about his backstory, bungle his robot caused in running gym while true owner was on journey and get to know more about past and family like their father Limone. Normally i don't consider someone parents to be much to write home about, but sheer level of spirit and vividness bursting out from that guy crying manly tears was priceless. Adding to natural, unforced characterization being one of those mature, yet quirky adults which has fire in themselves.
Battle between Robot and Clemont was ok, nothing that special imo using typical double team and dodge waiting for right moment strategy. But it was still good enough to catch my attention and keep me interested.
If this episode emphasized on something, than it is definitely positive influence presence of Ash character is leaving on Clemont. Serving as inspiration, motivator for Clemont to become stronger and more confident in himself and this episode along with previous one based on Rhyhorn racing is really bringing fruits on table.
In fact whole cast produced interchangeable and enjoyable dynamic between themselves having varied and at this point and time pretty tight chemistry.
Serena and Bonnie already established sweet and endearing two way interacting, making me remember why i always wanted that writers for change include two girls in group(like desire of many Misty and May in Hoenn which could had lead to many enjoyable and cute interactions,or conflict contrast in characterization would bring).
Way Bonnie behaves around Serena always being close to her gives out impression how she views her as some sort of "older sister", protective figure comforting her in feeling safer and more sure in herself. Combination of two girls in same cast opens door to so many variables and directions in which interactions can flow. In fact only way to top this would be in having two girls of same age or approximately same in one cast since it would open room for even more profound, packed with charge dynamic through rivalry and more mature views on world both may share having to overcome differences and earn each other respect.
But yeah so far im liking development of relationship starting to happen between Serena and Bonnie, but between Ash and Clemont as well working as solid group so far.
Im only worried how bond is perhaps too solid at this point and time running into risk of ending cpontrived and out of place if there is no proper build up and well paced flow as far as evolution of friendship goes. After all to form natural, flud friendship there need to pass some period so that people could get more familiar with themselves and adjust to each ther, leaving time for gradual and spontabeous development of strong bond over time filled with not just care, but friction and misunderstanding aswell being normal occurence in every relationship.
So hopefully writers wont fire all cards on table already, but as of now im definitely enjoying in Ash, Clemont, Bonnie and Serena interactions bringing humor, positive atmosphere and various crazy moments(in good way that is).
Overall great episode indeed.