Japanese Title: Fokko VS Mahoxy! A Splendid Performance Battle!!
Original Airdate: March 12, 2015
US Airdate: May 23, 2015
Bear witness to what The Power of Love can do.
Serena and her Pokémon are having difficulties training for their next Performance. While in town venting, Serena runs into "Ariana", who helps her with her Performance difficulties. Later, they engage in a Performance Battle, where Serena puts "Ariana"'s pointers to good use.
This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- Anti-Climax: Braixen and Pancham get one attack in after the former's evolution, then "Ariana" is interrupted by a phone call, and has to cut the performance battle short.
- Borrowed Catchphrase: Not the exact catchphrase, but Serena is the one who tells Bonnie to knock it off when she tries to get Aria to take care of Clemont.
- Chekhov's Gunman: "Ariana" gives Serena the pointer to always wear a smile when performing.
- Clark Kenting: Aria approaches Serena as "Ariana". The only differences are glasses and a hat. Serena figures it out at the end of the episode when seeing Aria on TV reminds her of "Ariana".
- Early-Bird Cameo: Meanwhile, back at Lumiose City, Clemont defeats another trainer, Sawyer, in a Gym Battle. Sawyer would become an important character in the XY anime, representing the inclusion of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire in Generation VI.
- Early-Installment Weirdness: The subtitles for this episode refer to Sawyer as Scottie. As his name wasn’t stated for several episodes, many assumed this to be his dub name.
- Plot-Mandated Friendship Failure: Serena, Fennekin, and Pancham begin the episode getting in an argument as their training goes awry. Serena goes off into the city to blow some steam, where she meets "Ariana" and gets some pointers, while Ash and Bonnie help Fennekin and Pancham get over their issues.
- The Power of Love: When Serena remembers to smile during the performance battle with "Ariana", Fennekin is so inspired that she evolves into Braixen.
- Took a Level in Badass: In her case, Braixen upgrades from Ridiculously Cute Critter to Badass Adorable. Her first attack combo with Pancham is capable of matching up with "Ariana"'s Delphox and Aromatisse.
- Naturally, "Ariana" having a Delphox means Aria's Braixen has evolved.
