My Little Pony Thread

[StarFoxfan-FUR_ever]

I agree with Vydrach. Great episode overall, and it seems like the worst of Season 4 is behind us. I'm still bummed though that this "season long story arc" we were supposed to get hasn't happened at all...yeah I'll stop there. Then again, there are six keys so maybe if they plan it out to have six major episodes related to the box leading up the season finale two-part episode? Nah, I'm probably being too optimistic.

 

As for this week's episode (spoilers ahoy):

 

I call bullocks on the explanation that Twilight gives for our main issue in the second half of the episode regarding Fluttershy. You're basically on the same level with Celestia now crying out loud (at least in terms of what kind of magic you can handle), and you mean to tell me your magic was ineffective? (Or rather it worked, but on the wrong target....yeah right) The fact that Twilight played the role of "follower" to AJ only hurt her own characterization. Good thing you're a princess with god-like powers who takes orders from someone who is limited to farming apples.....

 

Am I the only one who is sick of "apple" related episodes? Yeah I get it, she gathers apples so they can run the business. If it weren't for the twist in the middle of the episode, there wouldn't have been much to it at all. It's like the writers don't care to expand on AJ's character, or any of the apple family members at all. (disregarding the CMC episodes of course. Those episodes do a better job at characterization than the "more important" episodes    I'll admit though, I would love to have the CMC tag along with the mane six more often)

They mention Granny Smith's old tales only then to not have her as a character appear in the episode at all. I was expecting her to clarify some information AJ may have misunderstood about the loss of crops they once had. And then vampires....why why why? I am sick of the mainstream vampire nonsense. Its a cartoon meant for children, and they were trying to be all "edgy" by adding vampires? (Also, it's a bit out of season for that stuff IMO ) Of course, this won't mean anything in the future episodes as I'm sure they will never refer to the vampires again, rendering the episode moot. Well, at least Fluttershy didn't have to re-re-learn the stand up for yourself lesson.....although technically there was a twist to it as seemed more peer-pressure related rather than being assertive in general.

 

So how can I rant this much and still say that the episode was great?

 

First, AJ gets her own song for the first time this season. Also the song itself actually helps move the plot forward in an effective way (which was apparently a complaint about that "strong as horses" song not moving the plot forward) without feeling rushed.

 

Second, Flutterbat Too bad we won't see this later on in the series though.

 

Third, CONTINUITY. A couple of things I noticed, RD is still addicted to cider, and Spike is still feeling great about being "useful" which aims to be a joke in that he did nothing in this episode. Also worth noting was how Rarity has again been confirmed to be fatally attracted to anything that sparkles or gives off a reflection, even if it holds no material value (The big apple in this episode) Finally, the most important bit of this episode: THE STARE

 

You know what? Take what I said about Flutterbat and apply it to the continuity being shown throughout of Season 4 thus far. Maybe we will get a mention of it again by the end of the season? Or maybe something will trigger Fluttershy to go into relapse of the events and then turn her back. Wishful thinking, the fans should just tell the producers to have Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry actually appear on the show so everyone can be satisfied already XD Though I do wonder what a Sunset Shimmer vs Trixie conflict would be like. Ok I'm analyzing this too much

 

Fourth, Pinkie Pie is not forced upon the viewers as being a silly joke character who is a bumbling idiot. My gripe with the Pinkie character before this episode was how the writers were turning her into a complete goofball, making her jokes so bad you have to laugh at them. In this episode, we get more of the good old Pinkie where she can be incredibly serious, and that alone clashes with the context of the story making her hilarious. And was that a Dig-Dug or a Drill Spirits reference with the drill animation?

 

Overall, while the episode seems to have lacked in providing the foundation for any future episode conflicts, it was certainly a refreshing feeling having the characters act more like what their established personalities were intended to be for the most part. The plot was neither rushed nor slow, and even though under real circumstances, both AJ and Fluttershy were in the wrong on both sides of the conflict, it was believable and fit in well with their personalities and beliefs. None of the characters seemed to overstep their boundaries either. Even in her normal "reckless" behavior, RD just wanted to get things done swiftly and effectively. Expect the fans to provide many more drinking jokes for RD now since the viewers were reminded endlessly about the cider

[Xidphel]

 

MFW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr2iNIyBLnk

[Vy'drach]

I agree with Vydrach. Great episode overall, and it seems like the worst of Season 4 is behind us. I'm still bummed though that this "season long story arc" we were supposed to get hasn't happened at all...yeah I'll stop there. Then again, there are six keys so maybe if they plan it out to have six major episodes related to the box leading up the season finale two-part episode? Nah, I'm probably being too optimistic.

 

As for this week's episode (spoilers ahoy):

 

I call bullocks on the explanation that Twilight gives for our main issue in the second half of the episode regarding Fluttershy. You're basically on the same level with Celestia now crying out loud (at least in terms of what kind of magic you can handle), and you mean to tell me your magic was ineffective? (Or rather it worked, but on the wrong target....yeah right) The fact that Twilight played the role of "follower" to AJ only hurt her own characterization. Good thing you're a princess with god-like powers who takes orders from someone who is limited to farming apples.....

 

Am I the only one who is sick of "apple" related episodes? Yeah I get it, she gathers apples so they can run the business. If it weren't for the twist in the middle of the episode, there wouldn't have been much to it at all. It's like the writers don't care to expand on AJ's character, or any of the apple family members at all. (disregarding the CMC episodes of course. Those episodes do a better job at characterization than the "more important" episodes    I'll admit though, I would love to have the CMC tag along with the mane six more often)

They mention Granny Smith's old tales only then to not have her as a character appear in the episode at all. I was expecting her to clarify some information AJ may have misunderstood about the loss of crops they once had. And then vampires....why why why? I am sick of the mainstream vampire nonsense. Its a cartoon meant for children, and they were trying to be all "edgy" by adding vampires? (Also, it's a bit out of season for that stuff IMO ) Of course, this won't mean anything in the future episodes as I'm sure they will never refer to the vampires again, rendering the episode moot. Well, at least Fluttershy didn't have to re-re-learn the stand up for yourself lesson.....although technically there was a twist to it as seemed more peer-pressure related rather than being assertive in general.

 

So how can I rant this much and still say that the episode was great?

 

First, AJ gets her own song for the first time this season. Also the song itself actually helps move the plot forward in an effective way (which was apparently a complaint about that "strong as horses" song not moving the plot forward) without feeling rushed.

 

Second, Flutterbat Too bad we won't see this later on in the series though.

 

Third, CONTINUITY. A couple of things I noticed, RD is still addicted to cider, and Spike is still feeling great about being "useful" which aims to be a joke in that he did nothing in this episode. Also worth noting was how Rarity has again been confirmed to be fatally attracted to anything that sparkles or gives off a reflection, even if it holds no material value (The big apple in this episode) Finally, the most important bit of this episode: THE STARE

 

You know what? Take what I said about Flutterbat and apply it to the continuity being shown throughout of Season 4 thus far. Maybe we will get a mention of it again by the end of the season? Or maybe something will trigger Fluttershy to go into relapse of the events and then turn her back. Wishful thinking, the fans should just tell the producers to have Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry actually appear on the show so everyone can be satisfied already XD Though I do wonder what a Sunset Shimmer vs Trixie conflict would be like. Ok I'm analyzing this too much

 

Fourth, Pinkie Pie is not forced upon the viewers as being a silly joke character who is a bumbling idiot. My gripe with the Pinkie character before this episode was how the writers were turning her into a complete goofball, making her jokes so bad you have to laugh at them. In this episode, we get more of the good old Pinkie where she can be incredibly serious, and that alone clashes with the context of the story making her hilarious. And was that a Dig-Dug or a Drill Spirits reference with the drill animation?

 

Overall, while the episode seems to have lacked in providing the foundation for any future episode conflicts, it was certainly a refreshing feeling having the characters act more like what their established personalities were intended to be for the most part. The plot was neither rushed nor slow, and even though under real circumstances, both AJ and Fluttershy were in the wrong on both sides of the conflict, it was believable and fit in well with their personalities and beliefs. None of the characters seemed to overstep their boundaries either. Even in her normal "reckless" behavior, RD just wanted to get things done swiftly and effectively. Expect the fans to provide many more drinking jokes for RD now since the viewers were reminded endlessly about the cider

 

 

This I need to respond to, but later, for I am tired now.

[Gestalt]

Firstly, episode stacking is such a beautiful thing. You should all try it sometime.

Second, Assuming everyone's watched I will de-spoiler for the purpose of replying.
 

I call bullocks on the explanation that Twilight gives for our main issue in the second half of the episode regarding Fluttershy. 

 

Yes, it's like the episode mounted the hill of plausibility then threw it all to the wind. It would made more brain if Twi would have said the spell radiated off the bats onto Flutters, or she was caught in the crossfire.

 

I was actually expecting some sort of "the bats were actually helping" plot where the apples were still spoiled because the bats were no longer making the seeds stronger.

 

Am I the only one who is sick of "apple" related episodes? Yeah I get it, she gathers apples so they can run the business.

 

No, an  AJ episode non-centric on the fall and rise of the orchard would be amazing. Check out the synopsis of January 11th's episode...It has so much fucking potential it hurts.
 
 

First, AJ gets her own song for the first time this season.

 

 

 

....which was apparently a complaint about that "strong as horses" song not moving the plot forward....

 
Methinks such songs have a natural place in mlp, as long as they appear at the very beginning or the very end (i.e. love is in bloom). 
 

[Xidphel]

I still haven't watched it yet.

[Vy'drach]

Ok, now I am ready to respond:

 

 

I call bullocks on the explanation that Twilight gives for our main issue in the second half of the episode regarding Fluttershy. You're basically on the same level with Celestia now crying out loud (at least in terms of what kind of magic you can handle), and you mean to tell me your magic was ineffective? (Or rather it worked, but on the wrong target....yeah right) The fact that Twilight played the role of "follower" to AJ only hurt her own characterization. Good thing you're a princess with god-like powers who takes orders from someone who is limited to farming apples.....

 

 

There is a difference between taking orders and agreeing with a friend and deciding to help them. Twilight does not view herself above her friends so her new title of Princess means nothing about it. AJ needed help, and Twilight agreed with her solution. Plus it wasn't that her magic was ineffective or worked on the wrong target, just that the stare caused something akin to a feedback loop.

 

 

Am I the only one who is sick of "apple" related episodes? Yeah I get it, she gathers apples so they can run the business. If it weren't for the twist in the middle of the episode, there wouldn't have been much to it at all. It's like the writers don't care to expand on AJ's character, or any of the apple family members at all. (disregarding the CMC episodes of course. Those episodes do a better job at characterization than the "more important" episodes     I'll admit though, I would love to have the CMC tag along with the mane six more often)

They mention Granny Smith's old tales only then to not have her as a character appear in the episode at all. I was expecting her to clarify some information AJ may have misunderstood about the loss of crops they once had. And then vampires....why why why? I am sick of the mainstream vampire nonsense. Its a cartoon meant for children, and they were trying to be all "edgy" by adding vampires? (Also, it's a bit out of season for that stuff IMO   ) Of course, this won't mean anything in the future episodes as I'm sure they will never refer to the vampires again, rendering the episode moot. Well, at least Fluttershy didn't have to re-re-learn the stand up for yourself lesson.....although technically there was a twist to it as seemed more peer-pressure related rather than being assertive in general.

 

I think you are underestimating the importance of the apples. Zap apple jam is how Diamond Tiara's family has acquired their wealth, the Apple Family essentially founded Ponyville (and Appleoosa and given the number of Apple Family members with their own orchards, likely other places as well), also, it's not uncommon for a character to be mentioned without actually making an appearance, even members of the Mane Six. Plus I don't think these vampire fruit bats are part of the mainstream vampire nonsense. Vampire bats are real, fruit bats are real. However, people generally adore fruitbats because they are adorable, case in point:

 

 

They needed a way to make that unlikable. Hence the vampire aspect because vampire bats are considered unlikable flying vermin. As for not coming up again in the future, did you not see the ending where Fluttershy very clearly still has fangs? 'Tis called foreshadowing. All they have to do now is follow it up.

 

 

 

[Vy'drach]

Today's episode left me wondering, how does one break an amethyst (or perhaps a tanzanite)? As in break it currency-wise. Is every pony a connoisseur of gems and able to appraise them on the spot?

 

Also, and spoilers now:

 

This episode seems to be attempting to counter-act all the times that Rarity, the element of generosity, was seen being less than that before.

 

Plus, the wet maned pony fans are going to love this episode.

 

And I have a theory, that spool of thread will be instrumental in getting one of the keys (it may very well even be a key, and perhaps Fluttershy's fang as well, but idk how that would work exactly).

[StarFoxfan-FUR_ever]

Rarity gets two songs, and for a second there, they had me thinking there was going to be a new recurring character....

 

So basically the important lesson from the episode to be learned is to never spend extended periods of time in New York as you will surely be corrupted over time, regardless of how kind-hearted in nature you really are

That said, its nice to see the show going down the "friendship lessons" path again. I have mixed feelings about the lesson itself from this episode though to be honest....perhaps because i've come to expect people to act in this manner in real life?

[Xidphel]

[Xortberg]

Honestly, I loved yesterday's episode even though I once again hate the stance that the fans and even the episodes themselves now take towards Rarity.

 

Okay, so first off we had Suited for Success, wherein Rarity offers to make gorgeous original dresses for all her friends as a favor to them, and they agree to model for her for a fashion bigwig. The episode itself isn't in the wrong here, because the message was "Dude, she just made 5 works of art for free and you're gonna be a picky bitch about it? Not cool."

 

The fans - at least, the ones who don't like Rarity - still think Rarity was in the wrong for overreacting even though it was only her career on the line when the failed dresses were modeled. Okay, that's fine. Fans are all stupid anyway, and just because they're wrong doesn't mean the show's gonna go full reta-

 

Oh wait, no. In Manehattan Rarity's career is, once again, at a crucial point and her friends offer to help her recoup her losses. BUT WAIT IF WE WORK TO HELP RARITY NOT GO DOWN IN FLAMES WE CAN'T SEE TEH MUSICAL!!1!1

 

So naturally, Rarity's all "You niggas said you would help, and this is MY CAREER, so HELP"

 

A reasonable reaction, even if she did drama queen it up a bit. Okay, so maybe this is just gonna be a reiteration of the Suited for Success episode, yeah. I'm sure that's what they're gonna-

 

No, wait. Her friends all basically say that yeah she was a bitch, but they'll forgive her. RARITY WAS IN THE RIGHT YOU DINGBATS. SHE GOT YOU THOSE TICKETS FOR FREE AS A FAVOR, THE LEAST YOU CAN DO IS ADMIT THAT YOU WERE BEING SELFISH TOO.

 

But that aside, I still loved the episode. Rarity bursting into song just as Dash was questioning that kind of thing got a chuckle out of me, and the songs themselves were good. Plus, it was just more proof that Rarity is the best pony, considering the only time she gets un-generous in the entire thing is when her GODDAMN CAREER IS ON THE LINE.

[Sarita]

Yeah Xort I'm with you on this one. I yelled at the other 5 so many times during this episode. That was some crap writing, but I did like the episode.

[Xidphel]

 

Ok. I'm convinced. Sibsy R63'd herself and put the result in the show.

[Gestalt]

Ah, this episode made me think...I like this.

My schpill is ahead for those willing

Firstly, having the whole cast along for these episodes may be hurting given the ~20 min restriction {just one other character[i dunno maybe(AJ)] would have sufficed for this'un} But then again, Rarity staying behind at the ending suggests that the writers might be doing this for a higher purpose...
 
The transition for Rarity- from the rest of the show to parts of this episode- was a bit stark for me the first time I watched. Not because I thought she was less generous before, but simply because I had grown accustomed to how she was generous. She generously gave things of value such as her time(sea-serpent), skills(the dresses), and attention (sweetie bell) not necessarily her money. I don't think it was necessary to overly re-affirm her element. Her struggles/resolutions with her element has a unique draw to it. On the flip side, 1)Lovely song and reprise 2)these feelings probably arise in me out of the lack of Rarity episodes in general and thus lack of development over an entire last season. And if it cuts down on the haters more power to it. And my smallest beef somehow gets the longest paragraph. Ain't that a..

..I loved the dynamic here: The other five expressed generosity by coming in the first place, asking if she needed anymore help before their night on the town, trying to get the cab, and calling for the bellhop to deliver the dresses. Yet, when attending "Hinny of the Hills" is in jeopardy they are reluctant to continue helping. Hey, I would be reluctant too...maybe..wouldn't show it as much, considering.

But Rarity, you can't imply that a favor-in-return is a required tag-on with a generous gift. But wait Rarity, you're not really doing that at all your just being angry. I would flip my shit too. With her friends it wasn't a question of generosity but loyalty. If it were anypony else then the others could have easily said piss on it your taking advantage of us. Once agian ~20 min restriction. Too many ponies. Should've just brought AJ.

Show of hands who else can tell their closest friends, "Yeh, you were a bitch" and it come across the most sincerest of apologies   I get that the others were in the wrong maybe even more so than Rarity, given that she was just angry and anger is a natural, forgivable part of life, and their apology totally should have been included with this being a key-episode and all...it would fit right in.


Also, DHX for the love of Equestria, stahp using Spike as a punching bag. Just No. A little character dev would be nice. You know if you don't need him in the episode...Why bring him at all. It comes off especially bad after Power Ponies
 
Here's the voice cast in case you missed it:

 
I am saddened I didn't catch Mizz Ball as Prim. I did get Wesluck as Coco, and shit Tabitha already voice's half the cast no surprise with Suri.
 
Lastly, The spool is a ruse Coco is the key:

[Vy'drach]

Season 5 officially confirmed! Yuss!

 

http://www.equestriadaily.com/2014/01/season-5-confirmed.html

[Gestalt]

Here's to another year of free drugs, fellas


Pinkie Apple Pie talk:

Sweet, you could actually here BicMac's part in the song.

And I've been waiting to compare the animatic to the final product and assess the carry over cuz this thing is beautiful:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOC7qHZ8CMY

 

Until otherwise stated my head-cannons are that the smudges masked evidence of a closer kinship than was at first assumed, maybe 1st, 2nd cousin, coughsistercough.
 
Totally should have just asked Pinkie's family. What are the odds of smudges three times in a row. I would have to call the plot convenience police.

Edited January 11, 2014 by Lord Shen

[Xidphel]

Well, I just saw bats! and Rarity takes Manehattan. I don't have much to say about the former.

The latter, though,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdSeZCwOUQw

 

 

And now, Suri. There's this man I'd like to refer her to. His name is Hank Scorpio (though I understand the coffee part).

 

Though now that I think about it, her voice reminds me of

Especially how she asks her underling coffee all the time (at least Suri drinks it... Maybe) and how she can be a bitch some most of the time.

[Vy'drach]

So Slendermane made an appearance in the new episode:

 

 

[Xortberg]

Pinkie said being related to Applejack was cooler than cotton candy on top of a chocolate fountain

 

In season 2, Pinkie argued that they shouldn't stop Discord from wreaking chaos and destruction across Equestria because he was making cotton candy clouds rain chocolate

 

Pinkie cares more about being related to her friends than she does about saving Equestria. Aaaaaaw

[Xidphel]

Majestic as fuck.

 

Also, for some reason, I always look for ways to make myself feel feels. For example:

[Vy'drach]

Legends of Equestria is having another open pre-alpha weekend, http://www.legendsofequestria.com/

 

 

Made an album of my adventures on there, for all of you to take a gander at if you want.

 

http://imgur.com/a/XLexw

[StarFoxfan-FUR_ever]

LoE, I really hope they decide to make an offline feature for the game as well in case at some point the online servers are forcibly taken down. I mean its so accurate with the detailed overworld that you gotta be concerned that they might recieve a C&D letter...

 

Either way i have been very impressed with the amount of effort they have put into this especially since nobody is getting paid to help create it.

[Arashikage]

Well, there was a company called Zap Apple Productions, they are making a game called Starswirl Academy, and they were told to change the names of their characters and locations as opposed to getting a Cease and Desist, so I think that might be something like what happened here, considering there are places like Ponyvale, and Cloudopolis.

[Dr. Orange]

>ponyvale

 

 

Damn thank you for making my day here.

[Xidphel]

So why the long face with Discord? He seemed to feel a little blue. I'm guessing he was sounding hoarse? (Didn't watch the episode.)

[Arashikage]

She looked like Sunset Shimmer, so I named her Sunrise Blossom, because she's a pegasus, not a unicorn.