Until I saw "Party of One", "A Dog and Pony Show" was hands down the funniest episode of Season 1 for me, and it's still really close between it and "Party of One". Both Spike and Rarity are absolutely hilarious throughout the episode, Rarity proves that she can handle herself in her own way, and the Diamond Dogs both made some of the best pop culture references of the show up to that point and also were unique and original characters in and of themselves. Of course, the biggest staying point of the episode remains Rarity's antics; after all, it's not the greatest ensemble episode, and Spike, despite being awesome, still doesn't do that much. But Rarity? Sweet Celestia, Tabitha St. Germain is simply a revelation throughout the episode; if "Suited for Success" convinced me that Rarity was a great character, this episode convinced me that she's one of the funniest out of the Mane 6, and solidified my appreciation for the unique style of humor she brings to the show.

Finally, it contained what very well may be still the greatest and most memorable extended monologue from any character in Season 1:

I always wonder how many people inside and outside of the recording booth were absolutely losing it when this was recorded. Also, I think I'm in love; Tabitha, will you marry me?

All in all, "A Dog and Pony Show" is one of the cleverest parodies that Studio B has done yet of the typical and increasingly girly drivel that was produced by Hasbro from G1-G3, and remains one of the all time funniest episodes of the show. Definitely always a treat to go back and rewatch this one, and every time I have I can honestly say it's never gotten old or redundant. Bravo Rarity, bravo.

Lesson of the Week: never assume that the pretty pony is the easiest one to abduct and hold prisoner. She's not... she's REALLY not.