This week's episode was 'Simple Ways' by Josh Haber. I liked the episode and it gave rise to a few interesting subjects, but first I want to talk about Mr. Haber. I rewatched Castle Mane-ia with my brother the other day and I noticed something about Haber's writing style, it often takes cues from Season 1. I'm not sure if anyone else noticed this, but in 'Castle Mane-ia' the AJ and RD competitive streak was reignited (albeit in a more friendly manner), Rarity and Fluttershy were seen hanging out separately from the group, and now we have another Rarity love interest resulting in an oddly 'Look Before You Sleep'-esque climax between AJ and Rarity. Just food for thought, ON WITH MY INTERPRETATION/ ANALYSIS!!!!!

I noticed during the stream that many people have taken issue with Trenderhoof for "being a douche." I didn't see Trend as a douche throughout the episode though I saw him as an oblivious, ignoramus that seemed a bit weird toward our hard-working Earth pony Applejack. He can be seen as racist during the line: "Y'know I've always loved the work ethic of Earth ponies," but I honestly don't think that we can draw such a conclusion from one line. I think the line was just a very, very poor attempt at flirting from Trend. Other people say Trend was harassing AJ and being rude to Rarity. I agree, but I think it was due to his aforementioned obliviousness. Overall, I found Trenderhoof to be a bland and uninteresting character that served his purpose; nothing more, nothing less.

Now on to Rarity *cough* best pony *cough* (I'm kidding, though she's my favorite). I at first found her fangirling strange, but I thought about how she reacted to Sapphire Shores and Photo Finish in 'A Dog and Pony Show' and 'Green Isn't Your Color' respectively. I think Rarity was well done and in character during her overreactions. I must say I love how Spike and Rarity interacted this episode. Spike showed great maturity in sticking by Rarity and accepting her crush without objection, it was an admirable display. Tabitha St. Germain never ceases to amaze with her talented voice acting, pulling off a Trans-Atlantic accent doing a bad Southern accent was hilarious in my opinion, but there was more going on in this scene. Rarity was behaving in the manner in which sees AJ, so AJ responded in kind with an interpretation of Rarity that would make her angry to the point where she snaps back to reality. Which leads me to a ok segway that I just fucked up....AJ!

Applejack's down-to-earth dialogue really emphasized the craziness that was Trend and Rarity. Because of this AJ kind of acted as the viewer's voice in several scenes like "Rarity, what are you wearin'?" and "That is the most ridiculous get-up I've ever seen!" Personally, I think AJ was the funniest character throughout the episode (though I find Rural Rarity funnier than Apple Jewel).

All-in-all I think it was a good episode with a good moral and it gets a LIKED IT! on my arbitrary and kind of unnecessary rating scale listed below.

LOVED IT!

-LIKED IT!

MEH

DISLIKED IT

HATED IT

Side Note: I also think Pinkie was in character this episode. She was excited and eccentric, which is classic Pinkie.

I may attempt to do this weekly if I receive positive feedback, and will answer any questions you may have for me below! I promise I will read all responses, but it may take a while for me to answer due to other priorities (college, friends, family, etc.).