Rowlet is
absolutely adorable. I love its backstory: even though it was the odd one out in the flock, it tried its hardest to fit in, and the Pikipek, Trumbeak, and Toucannon accepted it, anyway (despite its apparent airheadedness
).
However, the pinnacle of cuteness was Rowlet's interactions with Ash - from its happy cooing when Ash was petting it, to it snatching the watermelon and completely ignoring Ash trying to entice it into being caught, to it burrowing in Ash's backpack. I liked the realistic touch of Rowlet's talons actually hurting Ash's bare arm (and Ash, being Ash, just bearing the pain). It was sweet that Ash was willing to give up on catching Rowlet, even though he so badly wanted to, because he saw how happy it was with its family. That's the loving, caring Ash I like. Even better, Toucannon encouraged Rowlet to go with Ash - a parent encouraging its child to leave the nest and go out on its own. No wonder Ash looked like he was about to explode from happiness!
Rotom's reaction to the unorthodox capture was hilarious. I can't decide if this thing is going to entertain me or get on my nerves. I wasn't too fond of how it interrupted Mallow to show off its knowledge of Bounsweet. :/
I'm glad I'm not the only one who was bothered by the fact Jessie caught Mimikyu with a Luxury Ball she
stole from James (and after he begged her not to use it, too). However, given how vicious this Mimikyu is, I have to say it's the perfect Pokémon for a woman like Jessie.
I don't know how Pikachu can struggle against a Grubbin. This is too much in my opinion. Mimikyu, well maybe that still can be accepted, but Grubbin?
Lillie got in the way of Pikachu's Quick Attack - which no doubt threw Pikachu off his game a bit - and then Grubbin grabbed Pikachu's leg with Stringshot and literally slammed him into the ground.
Speaking of which, I liked the realistic (for lack of a better word) touch to battles. For instance, when Grubbin's Stringshot missed Pikachu, it almost hit Ash. Then, when Grubbin next tried Stringshot, it narrowly missed hitting Kiawe and Mallow. I don't recall often seeing the humans get caught up in a Pokémon battle, so that was nice to see.
