Roark being at the coal mines is a reference to his occupation in the Generation IV games, when the player first visits the Gym.
This episode holds the record of having the most Abilities activated, with a total of four: Elekid's Static, Onix's Rock Head, Chimchar's Blaze, and Cranidos's Mold Breaker. Unlike what is shown here, however, Cranidos's Mold Breaker nullifies Elekid's Static. In the games, this would not happen, as Static does not protect Elekid from any kind of moves.
This is the first episode in which one of Ash's rivals earns a Gym Badge onscreen.
Paul defeats Roark in a Gym battle and earns the Coal Badge.
Team Rocket does not blast off in this episode.