This was a much better episode in implementing the characters. I liked seeing the strengths of each of them. The welcome party was cute.
Sophocles and Togedemaru. They are much stronger trainers than I believe they were going to be. Seeing them use Togedemaru's ability of Lightning Rod was amazing. It showed the great potential that little one has which, in my opinion, mirrors the game as well. Togedemaru may not be competitive top tier but it gets the job done, especially when I use it in the Battle Tree. My Togedemaru has the Sturdy Hidden ability, hyper trained, with Fake Out, Zing Zap, Iron Head, and Fell stinger and holds King's Rock to buff up its flinch causing percentage. I hope they show how great Yogedemaru really is In the anime.
Lana and Popplio are everything I hoped for. She is the silent Misty. I find her precocious but strong at what she does which is marine related activities. I really want to see this character develop. She plays the least to her femininity which intrigues me as to how the writers will direct her character.
Once Tapu Koko came into the picture, I saw sh!t got real. And that battle was good to see. I do not, however, like that the Z-crystal broke. Made no sense but whatever. Hopefully Pikachu's signature Z-move becomes the star Z-move.
I give this one a 7.1/10