The following tropes are associated with this episode:
Badass Normal: Despite not owning any Pokemon, Looker proves himself to be quite the fighter being able to take down several Team Galactic grunts who were armed with metal poles.
Berserk Button: Saturn wasn’t exactly too pleased upon running into Ash and friends instead having the group instantly surrounded and tied up upon seeing them.
The Bus Came Back: Though he wasn’t seen too long ago, Looker does make another appearance in this episode.
Big Damn Heroes: Piplup saves the wild pink Shellos from being swept away by the raging river allowing Ash and friends to help them onto land.
Later in the episode, Looker saves Ash and friends after they were captured by Team Galactic.
Call-Back: When looking at the blue Shellos, Dawn quickly remembers how Zoey’s Shellos is pink in color.
Also, Team Galactic are still trying to find the gateway to Spear Pillar saying that their venture from Iron Island helped narrow things down.
Foreshadowing: After Looker greets Ash and his friends, Nurse Joy appears to be surprised that they know each other. Looker quickly leaves before she says anything else.
Master of Disguise: Looker reveals one of his skills as being able to disguise himself as other people, namely a Team Galactic Grunt in this episode.
Screw This, I'm Outta Here: After realizing that their search ended up at another dead end, Saturn, Commander Charon, and the rest of Team Galactic make a hasty retreat.
Wham Episode: Team Galactic finally reveals their goal of finding the gateway to Spear Pillar that they have been searching since Iron Island. Also, Looker finally reveals his status as a member of the International Police who had been tracking down Team Galactic’s plans for awhile.
