Mostly an exposition heavy episode, though we get a couple introductions.
Looking at this episode and next episode's preview, Hapu looks set to be a 'Napoleon', an insecure character that's resultantly got a bit of a haughty attitude. She even seems offended when Team Skull retreat upon their admin appearing. She looks apologetic when she realises Ash isn't a thief however (I think, I need subs) suggesting she isn't all bad, but she's still giving the cold shoulder right now. Plumeria appears but not much but a teaser right now.
Like the attention to Pokemon interactions, Marowak once again carrying Charjabug, Popplio having to stop Eevee falling into the ocean, Team Skull's Pokemon being afraid to battle Nanu's Mudsdale, etc.
What exactly is Mallow planning to do in Poni by the way? She doesn't appear to have an episode planned yet but she seemed set on something.
Sure... Hapu isn't a perfect character, but I'm kinda glad, that the Pokémon anime finally starts to add more characters with flaws. If every character would be a perfect goody two shoe in the Pokémon universe it would be really boring. This is kinda the reason, why X&Y didn't interested me that much. Because everybody in that anime was way to perfect and flawless.
Same. The first couple of Kahunas being helpful (but eccentric) worked fine, but Nanu and Hapu having attitude problems gives more investment and makes the Alola region feel less revolved around Ash when others have flaws of their own to deal with. It's actually kinda annoying how some of the side characters feel more rounded than some of the companions.
