This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- The Cameo:
- Ash briefly thinks back to his own Phanpy while on the island with all the Donphan.
- Caroline appears in another flashback, where May remembers the promise, she made to take care of Max.
- Extreme Mêlée Revenge: After May is convinced, she has lost out on entering the Grand Festival, Team Rocket decides to crash the party at a very inappropriate time, leading her to snap and angrily sends her Pokemon to do their worst on them.
- Foreshadowing: Ash thinks of his Phanpy, who ends up returning to his team (and evolving) for the Battle Frontier arc about twenty episodes down the line.
- Imagine Spot: While we don't actually see the vision in question, May suddenly thinks of the possibility of getting lost in the woods with Ash forever.
- Plot-Driven Breakdown: The group's boat for Pacifidlog Town suddenly gets engine trouble, stranding the gang on an island.
- Roaring Rampage of Revenge: With the thought of having missed her last Contest (and entry to the Grand Festival) May takes all her frustration out on Team Rocket.
- Running Gag Stumbles: Meowth’s usual Imagine Spot as to a Mundane Utility for the target of the week is derailed by James pointing out the logical flaws of each suggestion.
- Stealth Pun: When Meowth suggests Giovanni could use Donphan as a transport.James: Where would he store his belongings?
Meowth: In the trunk.
