The following tropes are associated with this episode:
Chaste Hero: Ash is this in full swing in this episode questioning Piplup being in love with Marill on that “Pokemon like each other all of the time” and later dismissing Elekid’s playful teasing of Marill as it not having a good aim.
Curb-Stomp Battle: Piplup went down ‘’very’’ quickly to Elekid in their first battle. Though considering the type disadvantage, this made sense.
Dream Intro: The episode opens with Piplup having a nightmare about him and Dawn fighting a Raikou.
Idiot Ball: Jessie’s Yanmega becomes paralyzed and is about to show off the status healing effects of the Lum Berry… only for her to eat the Lum Berry herself instead of feeding it to her Yanmega.
Love Triangle: The plot of this episode focuses on Piplup and an Elekid fighting for the affection of a Marril.
Loving Bully: Elekid was picking on Lulu's Marill because he had a crush on her.
Recycled Premise: An episode that focuses on a love triangle between three Pokemon (two are Water types and one being a starter) with one being part of the Marill line? Sounds a lot like the plot of the episode “Love, Totodile Style.”
Running Gag: Ash, being Ash, still doesn’t understand the concept of love saying that Pokemon like other Pokemon all of the time.
The Rival: The wild Elekid becomes this to Dawn’s Piplup due to both of them having feelings for Lulu’s Marill. Even after they save themselves from Team Rocket, Piplup and Elekid continue to fight with each other. However, they eventually become friends after working together to stop Team Rocket.
Status Effects: Jessie’s Yanmega becomes paralyzed after getting hit by a Thunderbolt from Elekid.
