Well, this new episode came much quicker than expected! Aired a week early in Canada so naturally it found its way to the internet for all to enjoy and I couldn't help but watch it. 

"Wow, Fluttershy. I've never heard you speak with such conviction!" I think that quote says it all... Fluttershy has grown so much as a character and this episode makes it very clear. That's not to say she isn't timid anymore. She's always been that way and it's a vital part of who she is. But even Iron Will would be proud to see how far this pony has come. The new Fluttershy is here, and she's got such a determined demeanor.

The episode revolves around Fluttershy's dream to establish a wildlife sanctuary. For a while, I figured this was something she would be interested in. I even had a headcanon theory that Fluttershy's house and the surrounding area already were a sanctuary and Fluttershy was the mayor-appointed wildlife "guardian" of sorts. But this still works fine!

When Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack bring in some "experts" to help design and build the sanctuary, they fail to grasp the vibe that Fluttershy wants: natural, mimicking the natural habitats of the critters that will live there. And I like how Fluttershy has developed the courage to stand up for what she does want. Assertiveness! See Fluttershy, it can pay off.

Oh, and look who made an unexpected reappearance after a couple of seasons: Big Daddy McColt. His beard still looks fake, though.

The whole sanctuary is beautiful; shows how much effort is being put into the scenery this season. Not to mention it's adorable.

Oh Spike, you poor, poor thing. You're helping out your friend Fluttershy when you could be napping back in the castle. 

All in all... I can't help but adore this episode. Can't really find anything to complain about. Not sure if that's my love for Fluttershy's character talking, but regardless, this is the best we've seen this season thus far. It's a 9/10 episode, easy. LOVED IT.