Infernape learning Flare Blitz was neat. Love how it’s blue, I’ve always thought it looks so cool that way. Man, Infernape really is just the best at everything.
Cynthia singlehandedly making TR rich because of her indecisiveness was so fun, it’s funny that her gag is being the slowest person alive. Little traits like that give her so much personality. Love how she was there when Ash vs Paul was announced too.
This battle is so interesting. First, intentionally or not, love how Ash baited Conway. Switching your team out so the stalker gets the wrong idea is ingenious. But back to the battle itself, it’s full of serious strategic plays from Conway that really pressure Ash; there was a lot going on but it never felt like too much. The Trick Room strategy was smart (and accurate, Valerie) and so were tactics like Power Trick. Gible mastering the Draco Meteor with Shuckle still stuck in his mouth was so creative and fun. Noctowl shone her too, but Gible really put in work. His biting being put to good use here was neat; I love Gible.
But Ash vs Paul is next and omfg….being away from the anime for a while and then being reminded of this battle was why I decided to catch up again and rewatch DP. Peak zenith apex of fiction is next; expect grad school thesis’ on those next three episode threads.