The work going into D/P has suddenly jumped, and refused to come down. Aside from the Leagues, a string of good episodes this long is unheard of. A basic filler plot like this was taken to the next level with the TV crew, good use a yawn bubble gag, and many fun subtleties in the dialouge. I think it all started with Cheryl showing up, or maybe Buizel. But the average of these episodes is unparalleled to the previous low standard as
Cooking up a Great Story, or a basic Hoenn/Johto filler.
Still thought Buizel submerging the dry-ground type was pretty funny. And James a lead role in today's scheme? Jessie/Meowth falling asleep made that flawless. Ronda smacking Jack, too many delightful segments to detail, I'll leave it at..
I re- watched the ep just now and enjoyed every minute of it.
..well said.
7/10 I found it very amusing.
The pre-evolution of one of my favorite pokemon almost tipped the scale in the episode for me. But not for a lack of potential. Hippowdon firing its sand canons for a force of taking a rock to the face, creating its own landscape, and sinking into ground for defense would have all been an interesting fighting style to see for Ash. No doubt that would take a heavy toll on the animation team.
For a thunder-striken minute the little sand terrestial was facing the three trainers with a plump face, Dawn throwing in some words, and Ash ready to reach out his hand and offer it a pokeball. To think that if the TV crew never showed up... Oh well, that's the end of this tale.