Being cutesy and whimpy doesn't matter at this point, as long as you love the games then its alright. Though the game is more "adult" oriented now, they still want to keep it "child" based, thus the cutesy and whimpy looks we are receiving, you can't blame Nintendo for trying. -shrugs-
Besides, not every pokemon can be ugly and intimidating like gyarados, and with this being a newer region away from the standard Japanese based ones means we're going to get a whole lot of new based things. Frankly I think all of the Isshu region along with the pokemon is what I've been expecting and more! Kind of glad I put a reserve on my favorite pokemon and favorite region now, because everytime new information comes out or new pokemon are revealed it pleases me.
Back on the topic of the episodes; I love the graphics, and it'd be cool if Dento wasn't a professional pervert like Brock. A change is always good, though the creepy fanboy doesn't add an interesting subplot to the show. Ash's new look is by far better than his older on from the Diamond&Pearl saga. Kibago and Isis look plain weird, I would have much rather had White (the girl from the new game) as Ash's traveling friend then this chick.
Dento appearing as his other friend just screams REPEAT, simply because Brock was the first gym leader who trailed Ash after losing to him. Change is good, but everything remaining the same is kind of OLD.