This was a great episode! I expected Lillie would be able to touch Pikachu by the end of the episode, so no surprises there, and I liked the lead-up to it. Lillie not only took another step toward conquering her fear of touching Pokémon, but she also took another step toward truly becoming a Pokémon Trainer. She struggled against Hobbs until she realized that Pokémon and Trainer battle
together. Once she realized that, she was able to get over some of her nervousness and better command Pikachu. I do give Pikachu more credit for that win, but Lillie still advanced as a Trainer.
The way Pikachu leaped into her arms after that victory was so natural, as that is exactly what he does with Ash. I loved Lillie's reaction when she realized she was hugging Pikachu. "Pikachu, you're so warm." That was adorable.
Also, props to Pikachu for learning from SM08. How gentlemanly of him to scoot over on the seat so Lillie wouldn't have to sit so close to him on the way home, and for holding absolutely still when Lillie tried to touch him.
I like how Ash didn't try to force Shiron to interact with him, but took his time and gave Shiron space. (Really, he was more concerned with Shiron's refusal to eat than with its refusal to bond with him.) In the end, he decided to take Shiron and his other Pokémon for a stroll (I believe he said something about how Lillie and Shiron like taking strolls together) and then take Shiron to the beach where he and his Pokémon train. He finally got through to Shiron by suggesting it train to become stronger and impress Lillie.
I thought it was interesting that Shiron seemed to gravitate toward Litten, the most aloof of Ash's roster. I also love how it was Litten who gave Shiron a piece of fruit. It was a good show of Litten's kindheartedness when it comes to other Pokémon. (I'm really liking how this cat is being portrayed.)
As for the rest of the interactions... I love how Kiawe had no idea what to do with Popplio other than having Hoshi play with it until the Tauros started fighting and Popplio voluntarily hopped up to splash some sense into them with bubbles. It was satisfying to see Harper and Sarah get their comeuppance for messing with Turtonator by getting explosions to the face. It was sweet of Steenee to get into bed with Sophocles and use Sweet Scent to lull him to sleep. I felt so sorry for Mallow--and for her father and the restaurant patrons!--having to deal with Togedemaru's hyperactivity, but I got a chuckle out of how she inadvertently discovered a way to make Togedemaru's hyperactivity useful.
It's as though she doesn't quite grasp that she is going to have to spend the night away from Sophocles. Although, given how she didn't want to leave Mallow at the end of the episode, she might not be as loyal to Sophocles as he is to her. Poor Sophocles.
I actually would have liked to see how that battle played out; I'd be curious as to who truly had the upper hand. On the one hand, Ash is the more experienced Trainer, which gives him an advantage over Lillie, naturally. On the other hand, Pikachu is the more experienced Pokémon, which gives him an advantage over Shiron.