Piplup is showing signs that it is ready to evolve and Dawn is excited, but Piplup is not happy about the thought of evolving. It's even started using Bide to stave off the evolution process. One night, Piplup gets so frustrated that it runs off into the woods and Dawn must follow and patch things up with it.
- The Bus Came Back: Though Barry was seen not too long ago during the Iron Island arc, Kenny, meanwhile, makes his first full onscreen appearance since the episode "Team Shocker" exactly 61 episodes ago.
- Catchphrase Interruptus: As Team Rocket was in the middle of doing their motto, Barry cuts them off clearly not in the mood to listen to it.
- Growing Up Sucks: In the Japanese version, the reason why Piplup refuses to evolve is out of fear he'll end up like Swinub, who became disobedient after evolving into Piloswine, and then Mamoswine, in a short amount of time.
- Running Gag: Once again, Barry literally runs into Ash upon his entrance.
- Status Quo Is God: Piplup is given an Everstone, thus preventing him from ever having to evolve.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Piplup gets angry at Dawn for disregarding how distressed he is feeling about evolving and trying to encourage him to evolve when he clearly doesn't want to. It takes Meowth translating Piplup's thoughts that makes Dawn realize how insensitive she was.
