I'm still not over the terrible memory of what happened last time ping-pong was played on this show. But it's nice to see how Ash, despite not remembering the game fully, has a faint memory of playing it before. Even the JP version forgot about that (yet another thing to add to the ever-growing list of **** wrong with that version).
I'm always happy to see a Pokemon on my favorite of each type chart make an appearance in the show. Case in point: Mienshao, my favorite fighting-type. But man, I don't approve of making him into a total joke of an opponent. I mean, I wouldn't have wanted him and his dickhead trainer to win, but at least put up an actually effortful fight.
I can tell whoever voiced Ikari was having the time of his life. Definitely one of the most enjoyably loud performances all season. See, if the JP VAs could act like that (that is, not being indiscriminately loud or indiscriminately quiet), that's be a serious problem with it solved.
Ilima was better in the games, I must say. The show just has him in a usual life coach-like role, and it really didn't work out.
It's weird. I'd normally complain about this show using dramatic music for something not serious, but somehow, this episode pulled it off on the Lillie vs Sophocles match. Even the retention of the SM Trainer Battle theme was a good choice (though that theme's not as serious-sounding as the aforementioned track). But then...that bit of the Totem Battle theme had to break the winning streak... Damn it, Mima. And damn it, Gopal. Thankfully it got better in the final match.
This was a very fun one, all things considered, and a good one to end the summer block on. Next week, the dub schedule is back to Saturday mornings.