I don't know if the second part will tarnish this episode, but this one was great.
The dub voices for Maxie and Archie were good, they sounded like I would expect them too. Lance kept his dub voice, and I was surprised to see his Red Gyarados return as well.
For such strong legendary Pokemon, Team Magma/Aqua didn't have much trouble keeping them contained. The concept of a stalemate was interesting, with both sides having the opposing ball for the opposite Pokemon.
Wow, Shelly is a cutie.
She looks better without that bandana in her hair. Is it just me, or did it look like Team Magma was getting owned in the entire episode? Kyorge completely blows up their submarine, and then Archie captures both legendary Pokemon.
If it weren't for Team Rocket setting Kyorge free, Team Aqua would have still had the upper hand.
I'm surprised that 4kids actually kept the scene with May, Max and Brock drowning in the ocean. The aftershock of the Hyperbeam could have sent May, Max and Brock to their deaths if Gyarados didn't come to rescue them.
Oh, and possessed Pikachu = Awesome.
Great episode, I hope the second part doesn't ruin this one too much.