JH24

I enjoyed this episode. It had a slice-of-life feeling to it. The episode itself may not have been that special, but it was entertaining with a lot of interesting shots and camera angles, particularly during the race. The episode showed that adults don't always know best and I liked the ending and lesson. It was a nice touch how Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack all had their own reasons why they got so caught up in winning the race in their respective category. Rarity's motivation/flashback was hilarious.

That was a fun episode, I enjoyed it. I really like how the theme felt so familiar, something everyone as a fan of a series probably has gone through. For example, I like the turtles '12 series, but I don't like its heavy focus on mutants, aliens and space travel. I liked it more when the series goes back to the basics with streetgangs, Shredder and the Footclan. But at the same time many other fans love seeing the turtles go into space or fight against mutants. Same goes for an old cartoon I loved around 2006/2007 named Danny Phantom. The protagonist Danny who was a half-ghost had a complicated relation with his archenemy (also turned out to be a half-ghost) Vlad Masters. They were enemies yet had so much in common in so many ways. Things really could have been different between them but the series never made use of their potential. I like how they solved the disagreements in the end, neither Rainbow Dash or Quibble were in the wrong and I thought that was a nice way to end this episode.

"The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well" -- Rainbow Dash's portrayal...ugh. Normally I like to see her being taught a lesson if she's becoming cocky again, but the entire episode felt just weird. "Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep?" Lots of action, lots of drama, yet feels hollow and empty. Way over the top action and pandering to really enjoy. This one just didn't sit well with me. "Applejack's Day Off." Don't hate the episode, but it felt just utterly pointless. Waiting for some twist or change in story but it just never came. Honorable mention: "What about Discord." I appreciate the moral, I appreciate the story, but the execution of the episode felt wrong, and too much on the mean side. Humor felt flat and cringe-worthy at times. I still re-watch this episode from time to time for certain parts that were well done. I wanted to add "Newbie Dash" as well at first, I've been a bit up and down about this episode since it aired. In the end though, I can appreciate the episode for what it tried to do. Rainbow Dash became too cocky and completely obsessed with her nickname so I could understand the lesson she had to learn in the end, even if it was painful. I can't see it as humiliating, but more like Rainbow Dash maturing and growing as a character. Seeing her at peace at the end of the episode really sold it for me.

I like the idea of Discord's powers getting out of control, the consequences could be very interesting and hilarious. The reason for this could be because Discord is "reformed." With him being reformed he doesn't use his Chaos magic as often as he used to. He once was the ruler of Equestria and could transform the world in any way or form he wanted. He can't use his chaos magic like that anymore and now his "magic container" is slowly getting overloaded, releasing bursts of magic at random moments. I would love seeing Discord getting back to his roots again. He is the Lord of Chaos, spreading chaos is in his nature. Another possibility could be that his instincts are taking over, or that the "chaos" part inside of him doesn't agree with Discord being friends with ponies and tries to take control of him instead. But what I would love to see his Discord fighting seriously. To see him unleash his full power, even if just for a moment. I would love to see him use his magic to protect or save the lives of Fluttershy and/or the Mane 6.

After re-watching I have to give my compliments to Zephyr's voice actor. He really did such a great job in portraying this character. It fits perfectly. When I got over Zephyr's attitude, I really enjoyed his voice. Zephyr seems like someone who has been pampered too much by his parents and turned, despite their good intentions, into a spoiled brat. That, combined with him probably never really having to do anything led to him being afraid of failure, which in turn led to him creating a personality or facade to hide his lack of self-confidence. Not a good combination for anyone. I liked how in the end Zephyr wasn't entirely "reformed." He still has a way to go, both with his confidence and his character but I don't think he's a bad pony underneath. The scenes with Zephyr and Rainbow Dash were hilarious. Rainbow Dash was quite patient with Zephyr's antics but she doesn't seem to dislike him though. The season 1/2 RD would likely have smacked him or yelled at him. In a way it shows how RD has matured over the seasons as she seems more considerate, kinder and patient toward others. The song at the end was great. And I loved seeing Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash interacting together.

I enjoyed this episode. Good pacing, some of the humor/jokes were spot on, and it had a topic many of us (and that includes me as I live with my parents at the moment) are familiar or had experience with. Dave Rapp is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. I really enjoyed "Newbie Dash" and this one is even better for me personally. I like how each one of the mane 6 made an appearance as well. He did a great job with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash IMHO.

I tried to like this episode, I really did. But it was just so...it just dragged on and on. I just couldn't get into it. Last week's episode was so well paced and energetic without a dull moment. This on the other hand felt so slow. I appreciate what they were trying to do, it just feels it didn't entirely work out right. Positive things about the episode were seeing Spike, learning more about the Spa and Rainbow Dash getting "busted."

After re-watching the episode I suddenly realized that no one is even noticing the princess of friendship helping with the opening of the boutique. Like for example Mr. Stripes. Or even a comment from that reporter he had an exclusive interview with Princess Twilight. You would think that's the best kind of promotion and advertising for Rarity's new store. On the other hand, I think I like it this way. Twilight can stay herself and nothing about her interactions with others has to change.

I really enjoyed this episode. Great pacing, some good humor and dialogue and no weak moments. I was worried for awhile the final scene would drag out but it was very satisfying. Loved how they focused on the individual talents of each member of the Mane 6 to bring everything to a good ending.

Personally I say there's a large gap between Celestia and Twilight right now. And that's only natural, considering Celestia is at least thousand years old. In those years she gained experience, wisdom and likely developed her powers even more. If Twilight can live for another thousand years she would be at least as powerful as Celestia and probably way beyond that. Considering her talent is magic her powers might develop and grow much faster over time.

That was because Chrysalis had "absorbed" Shining Armor's feelings for Cadence into herself, making her a lot more powerful. At the start of the fight Celestia began overpowering her and she would have likely lost without this power-up.

Rainbow Dash may be a good flyer but that doesn't mean she's perfect. As a filly she was clearly overconfident, and tried to bite off more than she could chew. Others did call her Rainbow Crash before in the series so it's only natural they fill up that gap with a little scene. in the other scenes that went wrong Rainbow wasn't herself. She got frustrated because they kept calling her Rainbow Crash, which influenced her skills and performance in a negative way. As for the scene with the storm cloud. She did very well until she once again wanted to show off. She got so obsessed with getting rid of that nickname she once again set expectations too high and never considered the possibility of her plan ending in failure. Besides, even Rainbow Dash can lose control of her flying and herself when things aren't going as planned.

Anyone else only realized after the episode ended Starlight wasn't in it? I like her as a character but I was a bit surprised afterwards I didn't miss her at all during the episode itself. For me personally it made me realize that it will take a long time before the Mane 6 will ever become the Mane 7 in my mind, if at all.

That was a surprisingly solid episode for me personally. A good start for this new writer IMHO. There were some cringey moments, but at the same time I couldn't stop watching either, meaning the episode did something right. I liked how it gave further insight in the life and traditions of the wonderbolts and the ending itself was solid. Rainbow imitating her friends was something...special. But at the same time I couldn't stop watching. I especially liked how Rainbow Dash admitted her mistakes and would accept her punishment, as well as Rainbow being recognized as one of the heroes for having saved Equestria multiple times. That was a very nice touch.

That was one thing I felt was odd as well about this episode. All the dragons involved in the gauntlet seemed small and young. What about the bigger ones like in your picture or like the one in Dragonshy? It kind of distracted from this episode. While I'm sure there are some mature and massive dragons who likely have some kind of obsession (like guarding/hoarding a treasure and having no interest in giving it up to become Dragon Lord) at least a few of them should have shown up.

After re-watching this episode again this morning, I'm a little more positive about it. There are still quite a number of cringe-worthy scenes, but the scenes that showed the core of this episode were very well done. Rainbow Dash and Discord (Still love seeing those two together, in particular because Rainbow Dash showed the most hostility and distrust toward Discord in the past), Twilight and Zecora, Twilight trying to make her friends drink the potion, Twilight's tearful outburst, Discord revealing his intentions and Discord's plan turning against him in the end. Those scenes do make the episode worthwhile, but a number of other scenes can still be skipped without missing out on too much. The ending was a nice touch with Discord hugging the Mane 6 and Spike while they're all laughing. I liked how the writers wanted to show there were no hard feelings and they were still friends. One other positive point was Spike, he played a perfect supporting role and I like how he often reacted in a way we would while watching. ("It's not that funny, I know funny." Spike rolls eyes)

Mixed feelings about this episode. The first 75% was pretty entertaining, but the last 25% was...well, underwhelming. Maud confronting that pony about Pinkie's party cannon was disappointing, and could have been done much better. The last minute or two just felt like filler as it just kept going on. Overall, it was fun seeing Manehattan again. Once again, they've went a step further with the animation. And I loved Rarity's portrayal here. Pinkie had some great moments too, but at the same time felt a bit too much. A bit of a shame as they had toned her down a bit in the last season. Not bad, but not that great either.

After re-watching the episode, I began to realize how sad Sunburst's backstory actually is, in particular because it comes so close to real life. I mean, after Sunburst got his cutie mark, his parents send him off to Canterlot, having high expectations for him. Only for Sunburst to painfully find out his magic talent is limited, probably only allowing him to do the most basic of spells. (Like re-arranging books/manipulating objects) It must have been so painful and frustrating for him to know so much, maybe even being the best student in that area in magic school, but only to see others surpass him and do those things while he could only watch. I can imagine he felt so ashamed, felt that he disappointed his parents. This experience may have led to Sunburst closing himself off, starting to lead a sheltered life and feeling so ashamed he never made or kept any friends. No wonder he fled to the Crystal Empire when he got the chance, staying at Canterlot would have been to painful, as there was nothing there for him anymore. And because no one would know him in the Crystal Empire it would be the perfect spot to hide. He seemed like the type who would stay indoors for days at the time, avoiding outside contact as much as possible. (He may have had a job like a librarian or teacher or something. I assume he still needed to earn money for a living) No wonder he lied to Starlight about him being a wizard, after hearing she had become a protege of the princess of friendship. It must have only made him feel more ashamed of himself. I loved the message at the end that no matter who you are, you can always make a difference, as long as you believe in yourself. Sunburst seemed like a genuinely nice character. Just a normal down-to-earth pony who wants to do the right thing, but is capable of a lot more as long as he believed in it. I hope we'll see more of him later on. His design was very nice too, in particular is color scheme.

The premiere was better than expected. I especially found the first part very entertaining.The second half showed a flaw that happens often with MLP episodes, and that was stretching the storyline in order to fill time. But even the second part had a hidden gem, namely the scene between Starlight and Sunburst, with both admitting to each other their lives turned out very different from what they expected/hoped, and both bursting in tears when they admitted their "shame." That was a powerful scene. Sunburst's reaction to Starlight's life story was hilarious though. I quite liked the role Spike had in this premiere. He's much better as a character when he plays a supporting role, and he and Starlight have a lot of chemistry together. I'm hoping that with Starlight's introduction Spike will get a more meaningful role, in a way that he helps or hangs out with Starlight when she has a new (friendship) lesson/task from Twilight. (Or just hanging out for fun) Loved that little bit with Spike standing in front of the mirror. Nice throwback to the "Party of One" episode from season 1. Overall, a good premiere, not the best but still entertaining in general.

I'm wondering, when Chrysalis and her changelings disguised as Rainbow, Rarity and Applejack appeared in the village, they all looked beaten up/worn out. Does this mean they have been in a fight with the real versions and then copied them afterwards? Could it mean Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Applejack have been defeated/captured? (Or worse) When I saw Chrysalis and the other two changing in their true form, I got a very uneasy feeling about their fate. Starlight wasn't really stronger than Twilight though, they seemed evenly matched at best. And Starlight had prepared herself well. Being an Alicorn doesn't mean that you're head and shoulders above others immediately. But I think it does mean an Alicorn has more potential regarding magic and power. I can live with it because Starlight seems to have an affinity for Magic, just like Twilight. I don't think we have to worry about all antagonists being reformed. Some characters will still be off-limits. Although it would be nice if we learn more about the backstory of King Sombra for example. How did he turn out the way he did? Was he always evil or was he a good king/pony once?

After re-watching I can honestly say this is one of the best finales for me personally. I can't place it higher than Twilight's Kingdom, but they're certainly close. What I especially liked about this finale is, that in contrast to "Twilight's Kingdom", the pacing feels so much better. There wasn't one dull moment and every scene was able to keep my interest. Not to mention the sounds and background music were amazing. Especially during the different timelines and Starlight casting Starswirl's spell. The different timelines were very intriguing, of course they had to tone down the violence and possible deaths, but I'm pretty sure during the war against the Crystal Empire many ponies have died or have gotten injured. Not to mention everyone seemed absolutely miserable, having lost all hope and working day and night to support the troops in a terrible war they were probably losing, or at least a war that has reached a bloody stalemate. Personally, I can't help but wonder why Nightmare's Moon timeline was considered worse. Sure, it's always night but she seems much more rational as a leader in comparison to her earlier days. Chrysalis' timeline actually seems the worst. It feels like a terrible fate being locked into dungeons or camps, slowly being drained of your emotions and feelings bit by bit until there's nothing left. Then again, becoming subjects under King Sombra is probably just as bad. It also begs the question...What happened to past Twilight? I shudder to think what her fate might have been. Amazing finale that really enriches the backstory and world of MLP. I loved the emotional sruggle between Twilight and Starlight, how Twilight was slowly breaking down Starlight's shell she had build around herself, I really found their exchanges very, very well done.

True, it does seem a bit weak from a story point that all this happened because she lost one friend, On the other hand, emotions are both complex and unpredictable. She couldn't deal with her feelings and sadness and shifted the blame solely on the Cutie Marks. Her anger as well as her fear to lose more friends began to consume her, and eventually led to an obsession. Yeah, from an outside view like yours and mine it seems odd that all this happened, but Starlight likely just fell deeper and deeper into "darkness" to the point there was no turning back. I like how this explains her outbursts in this season's premiere. She cares about her new friends, she finally had new friends based on her values of "equality" only for Twilight and her friends to come along and --in her eyes-- take everything away from her. I really liked how in the end it took Starlight witnessing a devastated world (I got a kind of Fallout/Metro 2033 vibe from it, maybe there was a war and the ponies destroyed themselves and their world) to bring her back to reality. I look forward to re-watch the episode tonight, there's probably still so much I've missed the first time around.

The more I think about this episode, the more I want to pretend it never existed. The main issue for me was that this whole lesson felt mean-spirited towards Twilight, toward the point it drove her to tears. It just doesn't feel right. And the same goes for the reactions of her friends. Whenever Discord tries to teach Twilight a lesson it's done in a comedic and fun kind of way, this lesson and the way it was executed felt out of place. In the end, I still want to pretend that Discord bonded with all the Mane 6 over the course of the season, but with no association to this episode whatsoever.

That was an... odd episode. A good premise, but uneven in its execution. The part about the inside jokes lasted too long, and eventually I just wanted the plot to move on. This was probably the main issue of this episode, it needed to much filler before the climax. The pros still outweigh the cons though. It was great seeing Discord hang out with the other ponies, seeing Twilight learning a new lesson, and then seeing Discord's plan backfiring against him. I found the behavior of Twilight's friends at first somewhat mean, but near the end it was explained and when learning the truth they immediately turned on Discord. An important lesson for him as well, don't meddle in the affairs of a group of friends, because before you know it you'll get burned. Discord does seem to have taken an interest in Twilight's growth as a princess, it will likely not be the last time he tries to act as a kind of mentor to her. The ending was nice though, and it's good to see Discord on good terms now with all the Mane 6 and Spike. A season ago, I would have never expected Rainbow Dash hanging out with Discord like that. One thing I definitely must compliment Neil Dusadeau on, and that's his portrayal of Spike. He has only written one episode before and he already portrays Spike better than most of the other writers do. I loved his season 1 mannerisms and attitude, it just really feels like him. Overall, a somewhat unbalanced episode with some noticeable flaws, but with certain moments that still makes it a worthwile watch. Not the best Discord episode, but with a good premise and some entertaining moments.