All righty, Season 4 is underway, and you know what that means! That's right, it's time for another season of reviews, starting with today's first and second episodes of Season 4, "Princess Twilight Sparkle: Part 1 and Part 2".

 

Let's start by getting a big elephant in the room out of the way: retconning Twilight's flying abilities. We've known for quite some time that the writers were pretty much entirely retconning her being able to fly perfectly fine at the end of the Season 3 finale for the sake of plot convenience, but ya know what, it worked, it really, really worked. They didn't just have her struggling to fly for the sake of doing something cute; instead, they tied her struggling to fly with Twilight's deeper insecurities about her new role as a princess, and the royal duties and responsibilities that come along with it. If there's one thing that came across crystal clear about Twilight in this episode, it's that she's still adjusting to her new role as a princess, and probably will be for much of the season, and the reason that works is because it's believable! I mean, if you suddenly got slapped with a pair of brand spanking new wings and told you'd been promoted to royalty, wouldn't you be freaking out for quite some time afterward too? So in conclusion, I wholeheartedly believe there's no reason to make a big fuss over her flying abilities; yes, it's a bit silly in hindsight and definitely worth a good chuckle or two, but not actually getting worked up over. Overall, the flying retcon worked for me just fine.

 

Now that that's out of the way, let's jump into the episode itself. The plot's a good enough spot as any to start, so let's begin there. This was... a very different premiere/finale. Not so much in its beginning and end, those followed general plot points as we'd seen them executed before. Something bad goes down at the beginning, it gets resolved in the end. But how it was all executed stands out from previous entries into MLP canon. There were a lot, and I do mean A LOT of very detailed segments thrown in, especially in the backstory department, and it shed a light on Equestrian history like we'd never seen before. The closest parallel I can recall would be the images of Sombra's rule that Celestia conjured in "The Crystal Empire: Part 1" last season, but that's it. While at first the flashbacks might've come across as pandering/needless filler, really, they played a fundamental role in the overall plot. They not only helped Twilight and company solve the mystery of what was going on, but I have a feeling they might play a bigger role in the whole season to come. The Nightmare Moon origin sequence makes sense because her banishment revolved around the Elements of Harmony, plus their old castle was located atop the site of the Tree of Harmony. The banishment of Discord proved its worth in the end when it was revealed that Discord really was responsible for all this mayhem, albeit a thousand years ago. And finally, well, it goes without saying why the final flashback sequence was crucial. Overall, the level of detail we got in these little plot points, even if they meant that the general course of events was a little more rushed than one might expect (especially towards the end), were much appreciated on my part. In fact, I cannot heap enough praise on the Nightmare Moon sequence; honestly, it was probably my favorite scene in both episodes. It was executed spectacularly, captured the power and emotion of that singular moment in Equestrian history, and looked absolutely gorgeous. My only regret is that we didn't get to see Celestia immediately following Luna's banishment, as it would've been deeply moving to see how emotionally distraught she was after having to do such a terrible thing, but I get it, they were cramming in a lot into both of these episodes. All in all, it's one of the finest sequences I've ever seen in all of MLP, and I cannot laud enough praise on DHX for the way they put it together.

 

Now, the details in the flashbacks aside, what else stood out in the plot? Other little moments; one in particular that I enjoyed immensely was hearing both at the start and finish in great detail from Celestia herself how the Summer Sun Celebration has always been a painful occasion for her given it marked the banishment of her sister, but now it is an occasion that she too can rejoice in along with her faithful subjects to mark her sister's redemption. It's one of the most detailed looks into Celestia's mind we've ever gotten, and one of the first concerning her own sister at that, and those little moments that dwelt on it were among my favorite in both episodes. The Mane 6 worked superbly as a team in their sequences; even if they were a bit rushed (again, a small sacrifice for the detailed flashbacks), they simply flowed together like running water. You can just tell that at this point they're naturals at having to save the day and fall back into the role with ease. I didn't really mind when they sent Twilight back to Ponyville, even if it did waste some time, just because their logic that she needed to stay safe was sound, plus it did play a part in setting up the lesson they learned at the end that just as Equestria needs its rulers, so too do the Mane 6 need each other, every single one of them. It wasn't so much saying that they needed Twilight solely, because they saved her a number of times themselves, especially at the end; it just so happened that in this instant she was the crucial part of the group that was, in fact, missing. Discord and his comedic relief were of course fantastic, but I'll talk more about that later. The set-up for what will probably be the show's first season-long plot point (i.e. the case with six locks) was very intriguing, and I'm very interested to see what the payoff will be at the end of the season. I think the one plot point that really ticked me off, the only one that actually aggravated me at all, would have to be Zecora's explanation of the potion, because, well, it wasn't an explanation at all! All she said was that Twilight had to turn the potion from purple to white; she didn't explain how, she didn't say what that would do, she didn't say what the potion as it was already did, heck, she didn't even explain what she was doing with a potion that could only be completed by alicorn magic in the first place!!! It was stupid and very clumsily explained, and overall just a weak bit of plot convenience that was not masked at all for what it was. I don't mind that much, because the potion itself was awesome and the flashbacks were phenomenal, but yeah, Zecora's non-explanation was just stupid and poorly handled (shame too, I really like Zecora, besides the incessant rhyming of course). Overall, I thought the plot of these first two episodes was very solid and executed in a very unique and standout way, unlike any we've ever seen in the show before, most notably for all of the flashbacks we got. Thumbs up DHX, ya done good in the plot department.

 

Next, it's time to cover characters. Quite a bit to talk about in this department, so let's get going. First of all, concerning our star Twilight Sparkle, as I said before, I very much enjoyed the level of insecurity she displayed. She may be the de facto leader of the Mane 6, but one should also keep in mind that up until the Season 3 finale she was also a student, and in many ways she still is, just in a new sense. Now she has a completely new batch of responsibilities this season, responsibilities which, unlike say somepony like Cadance, she's never spent her whole life explicitly preparing for at all. She didn't know in becoming Princess Celestia's student that she'd be preparing to become a princess, how could she? So yes, I like that Twilight had a whole new bundle of insecurities and worries to handle, and I liked how she was portrayed handling them. Besides that, her attempts at flying were very cute (although I don't know why she didn't consider teleporting to Ponyville instead, but maybe it's too far away to do that, even for her, who knows?), and her faith in the power of friendship was really great to see, especially from her of all ponies, the pony who at the start of Season 1 needed to learn more about friendship than anypony else. Now, after witnessing its power for so long, she showed that she had more faith than even her friends did, that even if they give up the Elements of Harmony themselves, the power of their friendship will be as strong as ever, keep them together, and be more than enough to pull them all through thick and thin. Twilight proved why she's the main character of this show swimmingly, and I cannot wait to see what further development her character goes through this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, let's cover the rest of the Mane 6. Probably the best out of all of them in the Season 4 premiere would have to be Applejack. This was honestly one of her best appearances to date, and from start to finish she was simply a boss and owning every scene she was in! I loved that she was so take charge, and I anticipate that if the Ponyville bunch are a little more separated than usual from Twilight this season, AJ, having always been Twilight's right-hand mare (a position she more than proved in these two episodes), will more than likely take charge of the Ponyville bunch in Twilight's absence, at least for anything concerning all five of them. Even if Twilight delivered the lesson of the episode to her in the end, AJ was very level headed throughout the episode as well, doing what she could to ensure Twilight that their friendship was as powerful as ever (even if she thought the Elements were necessary for that to some extent), and logically coming to the conclusion that Twilight should stay out of the Everfree Forest for Equestria's sake (even if she should've considered that they'd probably need her most of all, but still, she was being her selfless self and just putting Equestria's needs before her own). She led the Mane 6 in Twilight's absence, including leading the charge to come to her rescue against both the rocodile and the Everfree vines, and was also kind of a boss in the moves department (seriously, she's bucking Indiana Jones at this point!!!). All in all, AJ had a simply fantastic Season 4 premiere, probably the best out of the Mane 6 besides Twilight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainbow Dash had a solid premiere herself, proving herself once again to be the loyalest of ponies. She played more of a supporting role than we usually see her in, but given how much was going on that makes sense. I was not surprised to see her being the one to butt heads with AJ once they realized they needed Twilight, seeing as she's the most loudmouthed pony of the bunch, and that bit of character continuity was much appreciated. Of course, I'd also be remiss if I didn't mention how cute it was seeing her trying to teach Twilight how to fly. As for the others, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie all had solid episodes, but nothing special. Again, there was a lot going on, much of it which didn't even directly involve any of the Mane 6, so it's not surprising that they didn't especially standout seeing as they're not as take charge or loudmouthed as AJ or RD, nor leaders of the group. They had some nice moments, some very funny bits (Pinkie's fantasizing about cake was especially hilarious), and were great support to Twilight and great heroes for Equestria as usual, but again, they mostly filled more subtle supporting roles this time around, somewhat akin to the level of involvement all of the Mane 6 (besides Twilight) had in "A Canterlot Wedding: Part 1 and Part 2". I anticipate that their truly shining moments this season will come later when episodes focus specifically on them, or when they're in more intimate supporting roles, a lot less is going on, and a lot less characters are involved. Spike was kind of a non-presence besides providing some comedic relief, but he did have his moments and, again, considering how much was going on it's a wonder they got in as much for him as they did. I expect he'll have better moments/episodes as the season progresses as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, the support from within Ponyville, namely Discord and Zecora. Well I'll start with Zecora; it was nice enough seeing her again, but like I said earlier her explanation for that potion was kinda bull crap. Here's hoping she has more flattering appearances this season, cause aside from the fact that the flashback potion was awesome, her appearance was pretty underwhelming here. Discord, on the other hand, was simply fantastic! For one, he provided the majority of the comedic relief, especially in the second episode, but he had a healthy enough dose in the first as well. I'd go so far as to say this appearance of his was even funnier than his return in "Keep Calm and Flutter On". Fantastic laughs from John De Lancie as usual, and I anticipate more chaotic goofiness and shenanigans as the season continues. What really stood out to me about Discord, however, was his ambivalence. I absolutely love that it's still very much up in the air just how good he really is, and how easily he'd return to his chaotic ways if given the chance. I'm convinced he more or less egged Twilight on into returning into the Everfree; sure, he's fine for the time being that they succeeded, but they also had to give up their Elements as a result, so kind of a win for him if he ever decides to turn back to his evil ways down the road. Plus, it was very obvious that he'd have been more than happy if they'd failed, seeing as Equestria would pretty much be his for the taking. And finally, of course, that twist at the end was to die for; zany, but at the same time scary good, showing just how much Discord plans ahead and that he is still, even when reformed, the best villain the show's had to date (although I will admit I was just a little disappointed that it didn't turn out that it was some new villain hiding in the shadows responsible for the mess in the Everfree who'd end up appearing later, though again, not too upset seeing as it possibly portends things to come for Discord). All in all, I couldn't have been happier with Discord's reappearance; he was zany as usual, but also ambivalent enough that you don't really know where he stands, even after being reformed. As far as I'm concerned, right now he could go either way, and whatever he chooses to do I'm sure it's going to be awesome in its execution!!! Definitely a highlight of the episodes for me, seriously one of the best appearances from any supporting character we've ever had.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, Celestia and Luna had hands down their best appearance together to date (if not Celestia's best appearance yet on a whole). Yes, Luna had her episode in Season 2, but we haven't ever really seen those two together that much in any episode. They might've been abducted for much of it, but I think this portends good things to come. Celestia discussed Luna in a manner we've never seen to date in some of the most touching, emotional scenes I've ever seen from the Princess of the Sun, both at the beginning and the end of the episode. Heck, they even show up now in the show's opener together, which I hope is DHX conveying in their own way that those two will both be appearing together more this season, which would make a lot of sense. Twilight has to learn about royal duties now, responsibilities that Luna and Celestia are most qualified to teach her about, so I think there's good reason to believe that we'll be seeing more of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna than ever in any season before. Besides their appearances in the present, as I mentioned before the origin and banishment of Nightmare Moon flashback sequence was among one of the most impressive and moving I've ever seen in the show as a whole, and was probably my favorite scene in both episodes. On top of that, their other flashbacks were great as well, especially their banishment of Discord; you really got a sense of just how desperate their stand against him was, particularly in their roughened up appearance when they confronted him. Here's hoping that Celestia and Luna's great premiere appearances is but the start of a fantastic Season 4 on the whole for both of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, that's characters pretty much out of the way, so just a few more things to cover now. Animation: do I really need to say anything? Probably not, but I'm going to anyway. The animation was among the most gorgeous we've ever seen. The only disappointing part might've been that the Everfree Forest was kind of lackluster looking at times, but besides that it was spot on. The character animations look more gorgeous than ever before, especially in the lighting and shading, which I'm sure will stand out even more once I get to rewatch the episodes in higher quality. My favorite characters to see were probably Celestia and Luna, just because I've always loved their designs and we got to see A LOT of them here (not to mention some more Nightmare Moon in one of the Top 5 most impressive sequences animation-wise we've ever seen in the show to date, one which I simply cannot wait to rewatch in higher quality). The Mane 6 and Discord's animations were a delight as well as usual, and the Everfree vine sequences were pretty impressive as well (not the best ever, but still very smooth). The only thing that was a little lackluster was probably the CGI animations for the Elements of Harmony/the Tree of Harmony, although that might've largely been the quality of the stream I was watching. Maybe it'll look better when I watch it in higher quality, and to its credit the fact that they were able to so seamlessly work in CGI animation with Flash animation is incredibly impressive. Overall, DHX's animators are better than ever, and I can't wait to see what other animation wonders are in store for us this season. Can't say much about the music, seeing as there were no musical numbers considering how much was going on, but the instrumentals sounded solid as usual, with the Nightmare Moon sequence especially sounding epic. Background characters didn't show up that much either, aside from a few little sequences here and there (the guards were pretty fun to hear from, plus that sequence in Ponyville when Discord freed those two Ponyville citizens was pretty cute), but I do think I spotted Derpy at the end at the Summer Sun Celebration, which I was most pleased to see. The new opening is pretty awesome (though it is pretty hilarious how Twilight now becomes an alicorn within the opening itself), and I especially love seeing Luna alongside Celestia now at the end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, Season 4 has gotten off to about the best start I could've possibly hoped for, and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the season has in store. Let's give it up for DHX everypony! MLP is back, and it's better than ever!!! Hip hip, HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!