The animation stopped this episode from being perfect in my opinion. I
really tried my best to ignore it, but I just couldn't. It sucked major as
s, with FAR too many freakishly off-model shots and poorly executed movements for my liking. With hindsight, I wish they had considered having Iwane work on this episode, instead of the failure of a comedy ep that was last week's Sudowoodo romp.
Though I will say this. I'm not one for the appearance of attacks constantly altering. But my word, Noctus-chan’s rendition of Needle Arm kicks Cacnea’s weedy little rotating limb attack to the curb.
But otherwise? it was still a great watch.
They've been blatantly overusing Harley throughout the Battle Frontier trek, but I don't give a crap. Thus far, he hasn't failed to impress and I don't think he will for a long time to come. Straight off the bat (And I use the term 'straight' lightly...) he poured on the charm. The whole 'Oops! I 'accidentally' dropped my ribbon case' charade, the overly effeminate poses and the limp wrists. It was all a wonderful display of why this character is so god damn awesome. And there was his reaction to his oh-so-precious Ariados-chan being burnt to a crisp. Lovely stuff that, just lovely
I also enjoyed how sinister Team Rocket turned out this time around. I mean, we had the occasional scene of comic hi-jinks (the flaming Ariados...naturally *rimshot*), but otherwise their performance was pretty much spot on. Especially that of Jessie.
But of course, their comic rountines were great fun too. Noctus-chan crushing on Jessie was gut busting stuff to be sure.
Combusken's appeal kicked so much rear it's just not funny. Screw Squirtle and it's bs ice sculptures, and to hell with Munchlax and it's...whatever the hell it does. That one fire tornado spat all over the other performances we saw, and the instrumental of 'I won't lose!' only served to make it all the more appealing. Combusken is where it's at, for both appeals and battles.
Speaking of which. The scene near the beginning of the episode involving the sparring match between Ash and Haruka provided a much-needed slice of Haruka training time. We need to see more practise matches between the two in the future, as seeing little tid-bits like that make Haruka seem a much more respectable pokémon trainer.
If next week's episode turns out to be as good as this, despite obnoxious Squirtle usage, methinks I'll have to christen this as one of, if not
the best Contest stop-off yet.
CyberCubed said:
Cacturne's appeal was great, as was Combusken's. Top notch I'd say, some great animation with May twirling and falling on her butt, nice.
Well, of course. That's because most of it was stock footage from one of Tokuda's episodes
