One thing I like about this episode is how it plays off "Noodles, Roamin' Off" in more ways than expected. Not just the continuity of Meowth's ability to make noodles, either.
When the team split up, Jessie decided to spend her time focusing on being a better Jessilina. In other words, she proved that she views it as a role separate from her job in Team Rocket. And since she views it as a role, it is thus something that anyone can play, including James.
But James decided to become a better trainer and went after the meanest Pokemon in the area. While shiny Metagross was more than a match for him, it's that reckless confidence he can exhibit that paid off in the end of this episode, as Carnivine's ability to fearlessly stand up to Mamoswine and throw it off its stronger game caused its rampage that cost Dawn the finals.
So in the end, while the breakup lasted less than the episode's length, everything they did in the meantime came back to win Jessie her next ribbon. Woohoo!
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You should get at least one alt in the event you get warned or put into Purgatory. - Luster
It's probably easier to just not break the rules. - SmartMuffin