Okay, can I say I loved this episode? I mean where do I start...
Pikachu. I really enjoyed how they did not forget about him in this episode. He respected Ash's wishes to be alone in the previous episode, and in this, he stayed behind and played support. The way that he sent out Talonflame, Hawlucha, and Noivern and they all decided to train while Ash was away was great. The side plot he had with Team Rocket was heartwarming. The trio really do care about Pikachu in the fact that they did not want to capture it in its weak mental state. It does feel like an Eggman and Sonic relationship (in some canons) at this point. They just antagonize because it is protocol, but they have a soft spot and kinda cheer on the protagonist.
Serena. Okay, I loved this interaction. Serena scolded Ash good. She is following her own words in what she told Palermo. Pre-Performer Serena wouldn't have had the courage to do what she did. While she was close to confessing her feelings for him, I'm glad she didn't. This wasn't the time. Ash didn't need s lovey confession, he needed someone to put him in his place. I felt so proud of her and I am so glad the snowball scene was not spoiled for me in any way. Ash had forgotten what he told Serena after her Master Class loss, and I'm glad her words knocked some sense into him. What I appreciated the most at the end was the fact that he thanked her when they met up again. Throughout the series, we've seen them both inspire each other with words of encouragement and I do think the friendship side of the relationship has solidified more.
Can I just cut something in. I just found it adorable how Hawlucha and Noivern were trying to protect Bonnie, Dedenne, and Squishy from the blizzard. The Pokémon are also part of the Kalos family.
Squishy. Okay, Squishy has grown to care for these kids so much. It helped them find shelter and then helped Greninja find Ash. At the end of the episode, when it tried to speak to Blue Core, it appears like it mentioned Ash and Greninja to it, perhaps citing how humans and Pokémon can coexist and help each other grow. However, I would need to wait until Sushi works her magic.
Greninja. It is very clear I like Greninja, but this episode also made it clear how much Greninja loves Ash. It seems to have blamed itself for letting Ash down. Greninja was also heavily upset about its losses to Sawyer and Wulfric as much as Ash was. This is what it is going to make it hard to see Greninja stay behind at the end of the series. The thing that consoles me is that Froakie was bullied for being so battle focused instead of socializing with the fellow Froakie. However when it will be at Oak's Lab, it will be embraced just how it is. Ash's Pokémon have a variety of personalities, and I can see it making good friends with Charizard, Sceptile, and Infernape. Great sparring buddies where they will constantly push each other despite Ash not being there.
Ash. I am happy, they didn't reuse Snow Way Out's scenes for this and instead gave us a new look at Ash's past experiences before becoming a trainer. Ash has a gift in that he can befriend almost any Pokémon and that he considers them all friends. His genuine love for Pokémon is a big part of his character and the driving force behind Ash-Greninja. What this episode wanted to show was that his love isn't just exclusive to Pokémon he catches, it envelops all. It seems this has reminded him the reason why he became a Pokémon Trainer.
Which leads to him reevaluating his approach towards Greninja and himself. He seems to want to start once again and reignite his passion. Which his passion is what leads to the transformation being unlocked. This time, it wasn't to show off, or beat an opponent for some ego boost. This was to save a Pokémon from likely death. The way they synchronized showed about in sync they are now mentally. This was also a fairly dangerous thing for them to do as well as Greninja could have gotten hurt, and since it was in Ash mode, Ash would have also felt the pain. Both went down safely and they did it together.
They are now ready to face whatever comes their way, together. Their feelings are now synchronized. They
are Protean Mold Breakers... whatever that means.
Oh and one last thing. Ash... should have just thrown a Pokéball at the Spewpa it saved...
The only non-Legendary Kalos Flying-type to keep flying away from joining his team. Haha.