I thought this episode was pretty entertaining for a set-up episode. It wasn't anything amazing but I still enjoyed it for what it was worth and it had quite a few factors that really made it entertaining despite the overall plot being nothing to write home about. Yeah, the episode was pretty engrossing from start to finish.
I'm glad the majority of the episode didn't focus solely on Nonomi picking out her first Pokemon, that small problem was resolved fairly quickly. I also thought Nonomi herself managed to be pretty entertaining for a one-shot COTD, unlike Shinko, the girl from the Hikari Special. Her Pokabu was cute and she got a nice character building moment when she mustered up the courage to try to take on Pururiru, despite being unsuccessful. Her fantasies with the idea of using different Starters were amusing. No surprise she picked Pokabu, Satoshi has the other two under his ownership. Chances are slim, but I wonder if we'll see or hear from her again? The Tag Battle was not-surprisingly short but was pretty fun to watch, nice to see Emonga and Maggyo since the Electric-types get the least screen time on their respective teams.
Team Rocket's intro looked pretty luxurious and expensive, the drawing was beautiful. I don't have an opinion at all on their older motto being used, I honestly prefer their normal "Shiroi, Kuroi." motto. Pretty amusing Dare Da?! we got there. Rocket-Dan Forever playing during the entrance of their new Pokemon was cool. Both had pretty nice movesets, Psychic, Bubblebeam, and Shadow Ball for Pururiru especially. I can't believe it took that long for Satoshi to snap to his senses and use Kenharou Gust to fan away that Stun Spore/Mist mix. I kept wondering why no one else seemed to be impacted heavily by it, Maggyo and Emonga were doused by just as much as Pikachu and were knocked out cold. Always nice to see a reserve get some screen time, it's more than obvious TR had Kenharou and Pikachu aced but the plot of the episode demanded they lose so lose they did. Though being One-Hit KOed by Aerial Ace and Air Cutter kinda sucked and made the resolution feel a bit rushed.
Yeah, it was an entertaining enough episode. That appearance by Araragi-Hakase was icing, that guy certainly is a fun, old one. Lastly appearance by N at the ending was expected but I still thought it looked pretty epic. Solid episode.