Besides Apples to the Core, if there's one thing I can't praise enough, it's the way Pinkie was characterized. She's crazy and zany, but some differences:

1. Her humor and zaniness have a purpose. They're not random to fill in time.
   
2. Her zaniness actually keeps her more grounded into the story. Compared to many other episodes this season, she's more toned down.
   
3. There's genuine joy in her character.
   
4. She's not always being happy and wild. Pinkie's a very complex character with a wide range of emotions that makes her her. The fact she was also very disappointed and upset at the end is refreshing for her as of late.
   
5. She's treated as someone with intelligence! (FINALLY!) Pinkie's not stupid or random for no reason. She's both smart and competent, and PAP respects her!
   

Easily her best role since her human counterpart in Equestria Girls!

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Source: S04:E09 - Pinkie Apple Pie