The teleportation shenanigans were funny (except for the return of that Arceus-forsaken Jigglypuff gag. I
really hope the writers don't use that too often
), but otherwise, this episode didn't really have anything to make it stand out.
I like that Nebby teleported itself straight back to Ash when it found itself alone. As Red Tiger 12 pointed out, it shows that Nebby has grown attached to and feels safe with Ash, which is kind of sweet. I also like that Lillie kind of bonded with Nebby, by being the only one who was able to calm down its crying. (I do wish they had shown the audience the face she made, though, since that face even horrified
Professor Kukui). Also, Nebby clearly feels comfortable enough with Lillie to fall asleep while clutching her leg.
If I understood correctly, Nebby teleported the classmates to places related to what they were thinking about at the moment of teleportation. Sophocles said his sculpture looked like a Jigglypuff, so Nebby teleported him to Jigglypuff. Mallow was thinking to herself, "Yare yare" when Nebby teleported her to Oranguru's (
Yareyutan's) bar. Lana often has the ocean on her mind, and that's where Nebby teleported her. Kiawe was thinking about the "mountains of Akala" (i.e., the volcanoes), so Nebby teleported him to one such "mountain."
Really appreciate Jessie being smart about her surroundings, completely outplayed Ash. Ash, you're such a noob. Team Rocket are really enjoyable out of a few bad episodes with them in.
Actually, I think that was James's idea, not Jessie's—more proof that James is really the brains of the TRio and ought to be in charge more often. (A shame Jessie's domineering personality prevents that.) Regardless, it was still a clever idea and allowed the TRio to actually outsmart Ash (although it only worked because Ash was stupid enough to put Nebby down).
To be honest, I expected a little more out of the confrontation between Ash and Team Rocket. I expected TR to temporarily escape with Nebby and/or for Ash to legitimately battle them; but only one move was exchanged, and then the TRio doomed themselves by wondering where Bewear was.
I wonder if that scene of Lillie writing in her diary will have any future significance. Will this be something recurring? Is this another way of cementing her status as the deuteragonist?