On the subject of Onix's evolution:
Bittersweet. Oh, hey, it evolved? Great! Now instead of being an honest to goodness Onix, its a generic Steelix. What a surprise that we see it using Iron Tail and Dragonbreath during the battle--two attacks that are so non-descrip. for a Steelix its painful to witness.
Odd, isn't it? Usually we cry for evolution, and when the time comes we almost have to do a double-take. Great idea, Pokemon writers--wrong choice. In other news, Geodude gets Sandstorm (relatively unique but nothing we haven't seen) and Mega Punch (we're back to RBY TMs now! [yes, I know it's a tutorable move. Go easy!])
On the battle itself:
Funny. But also more of the same. I can see the headline already...
"You've seen Team Rocket get cranky at one another and lose battles before! Now, get ready to witness the same thing again... BUT with new Pokemon!"
And new is a relative term. Charizard? Okay, I know I've joked about his appearances in the past before, but at this point I'm inclined to believe that they sincerely can't think of any other Pokemon to pick. Seriously! Maybe it's a disease or something. Charizarditis. A new discovery. Prevents any sane person from choosing a Pokemon other than Charizard. Looks like they were able to take some medicine for a short bit because I see AGGRON of all Pokemon! What a choice. Now there's something creative and not-Charizardish.
But anyway... Yeah, the battle wasn't anything special on TR's side of the field. They get blasted off... the Gym is saved ....Mozeltoff. Ash and Brock were cookin' fiercely but the efforts were a bit of a 'why bother' situation.