The reason I thought this episode works so well because it shows development for BOTH the trainer and the Pokemon, and not just one or the other. Both had something to learn and eventually come together near the end, and I thought it was extremely well done here. Serena, Braixen and Pancham all have had good moments of character growth and I want to touch on all of them.
For Serena, her development came from the fact that she didn't understand Braixen's feelings, or why the broken stick was so important to her. She tried to find a replacement for it instead of trying to understand why Braixen loved that stick so much, why she rejected any replacement for it. It wasn't until James came along and helped Serena realize why Braixen cherished that stick so much, as it was a prized possession that both Braxien and it's trainer put it's hopes and dreams on (to become Kalos Queen), understanding a Pokemon's feelings is very important for a trainer and I think this was a great episode for Serena because of that because she learned how to empathize and connect with Briaxen on a more emotional level (she was determined to get Braixen's stick fixed once she learned how important it was to her). Near the end of the episode where it's clear the stick can't be repaired, Serena made Braixen, along with Pancham renew their promise on a new stick, one where they put all their thoughts and feelings into, Serena shows just how much she's grown on her journey so far.
Braixen has it's own issues with being to possessive and particular on a stick because of what it represents, not realizing that even though the stick is gone, the feelings and emotions that fueled the desire to become "Kalos Queen" has not. This was highlighted during the battle, where Ash said that due to Braixen's broken stick it may not have been able to use it's fire attacks, and yet despite that it was able to learn and use the powerful Fire Blast even though the stick was near broken. This is why the title of the episode "Braixen's Strong Feelings" exist, because it's FEELINGS that matter, the stick is just a tool, and the Wood Doctor lets her know that, with Braixen's powerful emotions, it can master any tool it uses. I believe Braixen's arc is learning not to place so much importance on a prop/item and realize what is actually important and what actually provides her power, that being the love and support of her trainer and Pancham and not the stick itself.
Pancham's role is seeking to make things right since it was the one at fault, again, showing growth from it's bratty, mischievous nature and has grown to see Braixen as a very precious friend and performing partner. I like how in the end, all three of them have a piece of themselves in Braixen's new stick. Pancham finds it, Serena puts a ribbon on it and Braixen is the one who uses it. It's a solid representation of the trio as a whole and perfect way to end the episode.
