^ I agree. Although I have to say I loved the tension between May and Erika. I was hoping for some girl on girl action at some point. ANYWAY...
I have to say, 4kids did a great job with the voices. Erika and Joshua sound great, and Jynx has the same voice it did back in season 1.
I loved the love triangle in this episode. Erika thought that May and Joshua were interested in each other and she acts all jealous around her. Erika/May tension = gold.
Meowth making that Ice sculpture of Giovanni was pretty cool. Although Jessie entering a contest at this point was pointless. I mean this was the final contest before the GF, even if Jessie won she'd only have 1 ribbon anyway.
I haven't watched the second part with the battles, but the first episode was great. I still say the writers put more time and effort into May's Contests over Ash's Gym battles.
For me, the Contests have been so much more fun to watch. Great characters, (all the coordinators are always unique and interesting), the appeals are nice most of the time, the battles are good, and it stars May. Another excellent contest episode IMO.