An issue with this episode is that there isn't really anyone to greatly support here.
AJ has the credentials and bonds with his Pokemon to back up his methods, but he's still a smug asshole and his training approach still borders on abusive (abuse is still abuse even if the victim doesn't disapprove of it). Ash has a point about AJ's training but he too is egotistical and standoffish, and seems as much motivated by being a sore loser that wants to discredit AJ's win over him.
Kanto in hindsight was a pretty damn cynical season, nearly all the COTD were pretty self righteous and harsh towards Ash, even considering his own attitude. Sometimes I feel like Shudo put up with a lot of hard edged professionals in his life who had the approach that being modest and nurturing got you nowhere in the business world.
It's arguably a relief the kid started travelling the world and going to more pleasant regions that relaxed his ego and defensive streak.
AJ has the credentials and bonds with his Pokemon to back up his methods, but he's still a smug asshole and his training approach still borders on abusive (abuse is still abuse even if the victim doesn't disapprove of it). Ash has a point about AJ's training but he too is egotistical and standoffish, and seems as much motivated by being a sore loser that wants to discredit AJ's win over him.
Kanto in hindsight was a pretty damn cynical season, nearly all the COTD were pretty self righteous and harsh towards Ash, even considering his own attitude. Sometimes I feel like Shudo put up with a lot of hard edged professionals in his life who had the approach that being modest and nurturing got you nowhere in the business world.
It's arguably a relief the kid started travelling the world and going to more pleasant regions that relaxed his ego and defensive streak.