Can't really see that... both trainers are smart enough to send out something that Torterra will be weak to, so Ash would use Infernape and Paul would use Magmorter, I think.
And yeah, both Johto openings rock amazingly hard. As does the Advanced Battle opening. I'd start a thread on the music, but it'd only get locked as a "favourites thread". Oh well.
BUMP, to discuss the second episode. i enjoyed it, nice to see Buizel getting more screentime and learning a new move. I found the Pokemon Martial Artist's habit or abbreviating everything somewhat annoying though.