Abia

I cannot find a single thing to disagree with in this post.

Wait, wait. There's nothing wrong with having a critical opinion. The sentiment behind the episode is great. It's a thank you to the fans, and I appreciate that. That's great. But whether or not I approve of the concept doesn't affect my judgment of the writing, pacing and characterization. This is an episode, just like any other, and I'm interested in analyzing it for its quality as well as its intention.

I don't find the ponies, specifically, attractive. It really depends entirely on how they are drawn. Some fan art is sexy, but I don't find the ponies attractive when in context of the show. The only reason I sometimes find them attractive is because of their personalities. I don't find people attractive unless they appear to have some depth to them. If there is depth, if there is potential, it makes someone a viable partner in my eyes--whether or not I have discovered who they really are. The ponies in the show are not real. I don't expect to meet them in real life. I don't expect to meet someone like them in real life. I don't have the desire to date, have sex with, meet, etc., any of them. But they are valid, deep characters to me. I look at them the same way I would any other fictional character. Sometimes, that means I look at them with sexual attraction. @@Gestum, you have confused me. Please tell me precisely why it is wrong to have crushes on fictional characters. "They don't exist" is not, to me, a valid answer. I know they don't exist, that's why they're fictional characters. What about their not existing makes liking them wrong? Because I will never meet them? I know that. I acknowledge that. I have no misconceptions about that. What's the problem? Do you think it's wrong to be aroused by live action media (e.g. pornography) depicting fictional characters? The characters played by those actors are no more real than My Little Ponies. It is fine if you are not attracted to fictional characters of any kind. I don't care. But--as long as one is fully aware that a fantasy is a fantasy--what is the issue with attraction to things that don't exist?

I think you've misinterpreted what most people are saying. Heh, it's just plain silly to pretend that MLP wouldn't have reached the same success it has if not for Bronies. We are a huge part of the viewership. We help the ratings. We buy the merchandise. We do help. Of course the show would have continued beyond the pilot if not for us, but it definitely would not have taken the direction it did if we were not taken into consideration by the writers. Yes, that's the point. They've proven for four seasons that the show is successful without extra lines from the background ponies. They're catering to the fans. That's it. Most of us would continue to watch the show whether or not an episode devoted to background characters was released. I don't think anyone said that the characters in this episode are necessary for the show's continued success.

I'm just about to watch it. Got the video open in another tab. I've avoided spoilers completely so far and I'm honestly a bit terrified. Here we go. -- Adding reactions to this post as I watch. I laughed when Derpy was the one to mess up the wedding invitations. I don't care for her fanon personality, but it was funny. Hopefully her lines are minimized, though. I still don't like that voice. Was hoping for a special opening theme, but whatever. I like how Derpy's eyes switch between being focused and wall-eyed. It's great that they didn't attempt to censor her eyes, but also good that the effect isn't completely overwhelming. Doctor Whooves's accent is awful. "Ever since a particularly traumatic instance as a foal"--what the hell is that supposed to mean? Sounds like the backstory of a bad OC. Not enjoying it so far. The voices don't sound right and the writing feels forced. I'd rather they'd stuck to what they knew they could pull off, rather than attempting to shoehorn in background characters to appease the fans. It's not easy to create a canon/in-show episode specifically for the fans and actually have them like it (EqG is a good example of something bad being made because of the fandom). Vinyl's introduction was fun (that music isn't dubstep, but dubstep would be a bit hard to fit in). Warming up to Whooves. I like how they're varying enough from the Doctor's character to make Whooves distinct. Pinkie Pie... as a wedding planner? Is that really a good idea? It's great to see Lyra and Bon Bon as canonical best friends. I don't have a problem with their voices or personalities so far. I'm a bit curious to see if they'll in any way address Bon Bon's voice inconsistencies from the past. Pfft, Special Agent Sweetie Drops? Ha, that's actually pretty funny. I don't have an issue with this. Poor Lyra. "The benches we sat on" line is a great way to be silly and also give a nod to Lyra's odd sitting position. Vinyl and Octavia are roommates! Gummy's inner monologue was surprisingly morose for the show. I love seeing Celestia and Luna argue. Great peek into their sisterly relationship. Seeing a Changeling at the wedding is interesting. Are some of them now integrated across Equestria? Very cool. I support Changelings joining Equestrian society in whatever way possible. This was pretty good overall. The only part I disliked was the Derpy-Doctor segment. That was too forced for my liking. There were some really great one-liners: "'Me'? What an unfortunate name." "Maybe it's just a friendship problem, and it'll all be cleared up in half an hour or so." "There's some monster attacking Ponyville or something." "But--but the lunches. The long talks! The benches we sat on!"

Hm. I took a pony break for a few weeks and am just catching up now, so I don't know if there's anything added in the next few episodes that makes up for this one. I was not fond of it. I feel like this completely squanders the entire purpose behind, and all established lore about, cutie marks. Cutie marks are supposed to appear once you have realized who you are and what you are meant to do. They come with meaning, and if there is no meaning, they simply don't come. I'm not articulating this well, but this episode in my opinion completely defeats everything we've learned about cutie marks thus far. I'm happy to see Braeburn again and am enjoying the number of CMC episodes so far, but this was not good. Troubleshoes contradicts so much of what we know about Equestrian society, and unless it's clarified in another episode, I don't see myself liking this anytime soon. ETA: The pacing also felt off. This wasn't well written, and Troubleshoes (Is it one word or two?) is just a discount Eeyore. ETA again: The rain dripping off of ponies' manes was really nice. I watched this on very low quality (like 340px) but was still able to recognize the improving animation, which is great. Still doesn't make up for the bulk of the episode, unfortunately.

It was a couple years ago so I don't remember exactly what I said, but I if I remember correctly it was like, "Hey so I saw your recommended videos have ponies in them, I was wondering if you liked My Little Pony because it's a thing that people like and I like it and that would be cool." Mm, problem with being a teenage or female Brony is that sometimes older or male Bronies aren't very welcoming. This hasn't been a problem with conventions, since there are a lot of people to talk to if someone else snubs you, but with smaller meet-ups it can be weird.

Watching people come up with increasingly terrible OCs.... Ooh, once a teacher was showing the class educational YouTube videos, and many of the recommended videos were MLP related. I came up to him after class about it and he said he'd let his 8-year-old daughter use his account. -_- So close!

The title "Tanks for the Memories" also implies that no more memories will be made.

I normally love the songs in MLP, but this season hasn't been doing it for me. "In Our Town" was great, and AJ's lullaby in "Bloom & Gloom" was cute, but I disliked "Make This Castle A Home" and "I'll Fly" was solid, but not fabulous. I'll be fine if there's a song every episode, but unless the quality improves, I'll be hoping for at least one or two breaks this season.

That's an interesting thought. I think all the magic types are equal in raw strength, but execution power varies with the species. I'm going to agree with those who have said Earth pony magic is the hardest to extract, but I think its actual strength is equal to that of Unicorns and Pegasi. I think their underappreciation is just within the fandom, and so it wouldn't make sense to have an Earth pony appreciation episode because they're already fully appreciated in Equestria.

Don't be worried. You're not the only one who noticed, and you're certainly not the only one who enjoyed it (just look at the poll)! Seems this is one of the more controversial episodes, with part of the fandom loving it and another part hating. Either way you've got people agreeing with you.

Hmm, there are several I dislike, but I'd say my least favorite (from the top of my head) would have to be "Leap of Faith". Flim and Flam were completely butchered.

Okay, I was originally going to post this as a reply to the official "Tanks for the Memories" thread, but as I wrote it I realized it had virtually nothing to do with that episode, and then I thought I could make a complete review topic thing and it would be cool. You're welcome. I don't care if anyone disagrees and this isn't a valid headcanon or anything. I doubt I'm going to defend this if someone does disagree, but there's always a chance I will. "Tanks for the Memories" didn't feel like an episode of season five. (Not saying anything against its quality as an episode. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just an observation.) Yes, I know season five has barely started, but so far the season feels (to me) like a continuation of season four, quality-wise. I preferred the writing and development averages in s4 to the averages of our s5 so far, but s5 is doing an excellent job at addressing the lore and developing Equestria, now that its characters are more advanced. I'm going to address the basics of my opinion of each season first, then go into the details, for those of you who just love long posts. I didn't actually do this so never mind. I'm giving each episode one category, based on what I think the primary purpose of each episode is. It goes without saying that any episode with real value should be able to progress the series in at least two categories. (I can elaborate on this point if asked, but I think it's pretty self-explanatory: quality episodes make one giant leap for one category, one small step for others.) Also I'm not going to do the quotation marks around the episode titles in the lists because typing those little dots is getting really annoying. I grade all two-part episodes as one episode. Season 1: Establishing the characters and the culture of their world. Season one is underdeveloped as far as characters go, but it goes above and beyond with world building. Main character establishment/development: Friendship Is Magic, The Ticket Master, Boast Busters, Dragonshy, Look Before You Sleep, Suited for Success, Feeling Pinkie Keen, Sonic Rainboom, Green Isn't Your Color, A Bird in the Hoof, The Cutie Mark Chronicles, Owl's Well That Ends Well, Party of One, The Best Night Ever World building: Applebuck Season, Fall Weather Friends, Winter Wrap Up, Call of the Cutie, Griffon the Brush-Off, Bridle Gossip, Swarm of the Century, A Dog and Pony Show, Over a Barrel, Stare Master Side character development: The Show Stoppers Filler: nah. Season 2: More world building, focusing on character development, especially of side characters. Season two works to introduce and develop minor characters, with less importance on world building and main character development. Main character development: Lesson Zero, Sisterhooves Social, May the Best Pet Win!, The Mysterious Mare Do Well, Sweet and Elite, Baby Cakes, Read It and Weep, Putting Your Hoof Down, It's About Time, Hurricane Fluttershy, MMMystery on the Friendship Express World building: The Return of Harmony, Hearth's Warming Eve, A Canterlot Wedding Side character development: Luna Eclipsed, The Cutie Pox, Secret of My Excess, Family Appreciation Day, Hearts and Hooves Day, Dragon Quest, Ponyville Confidential, A Canterlot Wedding Filler: The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 Season 3: Focuses largely on main character development, with minor world building and minor character development. This season had very high high points and very low low points. Extremely hit-or-miss. Main character development: Too Many Pinkie Pies, Wonderbolts Academy, Apple Family Reunion, Keep Calm and Flutter On World building: The Crystal Empire, Magical Mystery Cure Side character development: One Bad Apple, Magic Duel, Sleepless in Ponyville, Spike at Your Service Filler: Games Ponies Play, Just for Sidekicks Season 4: A pretty even balance of world building, main character development, and side character development. My favorite season. I can't decide which category this belongs to: Princess Twilight Sparkle, Somepony to Watch Over Me, Testing Testing 1 2 3, Twilight's Kingdom Main character development: Daring Don't, Bats!, Rarity Takes Manehatten, Rainbow Falls, Pinkie Pride, Simple Ways, Filli Vanilli, It Ain't Easy Being Breezies, Maud Pie, For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils, Leap of Faith World building: Side character development: Flight to the Finish, Power Ponies, Three's a Crowd, Twilight Time, Inspiration Manifestation, Equestria Games Filler: Castle Mane-ia, Pinkie Apple Pie, Trade Ya! Season 5: So far seems to be revolving mostly around lore and world building, while also touching on the deeper, more serious problems our characters must face. Main character development: Tanks for the Memories World building: The Cutie Map, Bloom & Gloom Side character development: Filler: Castle Sweet Castle Okay, "Castle Sweet Castle" isn't filler in the sense that it was very important the crew address the destruction of the Golden Oaks Library. While that acknowledgement was important, the episode itself did nothing to enhance any character, nor did it add to our understanding of Equestria. I will admit that a few categorizations were influenced heavily by my own dislike for certain episodes. I tried not to let it affect me, but I'm sadly only human: several filler episodes probably wouldn't be in that category if I'd liked them more. Sorry!! Filler isn't necessarily a bad thing, by the way. I've enjoyed filler episodes. Filler, by my definition, can be enjoyable (or not!) but doesn't add to or change your existing knowledge of the show, its universe or its characters. It isn't necessary in order to understand and appreciate the development and progression of the show. Oh yes, the reason I made this post! I forgot about it for a little while there, oops. Um, season 5 so far focuses as I said on addressing and developing existing points in the show (cutie marks, namely), a-and "Tanks for the Memories" is a highly character growth-driven episode, so it doesn't quite fit in with those we've seen for s5 so far…? I dunno, the emphasis it had on RD on an individual (the same focus was absent in currently released ep.s of s5) felt like it belonged in a character-driven season, maybe season 2 or 3. Honestly I think this is just because Cindy Morrow hasn't written for the show since season 3, so it kind of makes sense that her style is not quite that of the other episodes? Purely theorizing here, and I definitely don't think there's an issue with Morrow's talent or writing. I loved the new episode, but it felt a little nostalgic to me. I didn't nearly cover everything I wanted to in this post, but that would've taken a lot more time and it's 2 a.m. and I am going to bed now. Thank you sincerely for reading, even if you disagreed with everything I said above.

Many people have made many posts addressing your points, but in other topics. I'm not going to waste my time rephrasing. Have some quotes. Actually, just two quotes. And one of them is from me. Sorry, I thought I had more. I realize my opinion of RD's development isn't actually clear from this post, so: Rainbow Dash has developed and learned, but her personality (and those oh-so-obvious flaws in her personality) have remained consistently stubborn. She's learning, and she's still cultivating her personality.

Please don't let the reaction of a biased fandom count in your list of sins for this episode. Fluttershy's lines didn't disagree with anything we've seen of her ("Sonic Rainboom", "It Ain't Easy Being Breezies"), so while I understand (and share! damn you Fluttershy-coddlers and your illogical hatred of Pinkie Pie!) your annoyance, I don't think it's a fair point against this episode.

@@Stellafera, thank you thank you thank you for your post! Gosh, you've summed up essentially all of my feelings about this episode and season five in general. I think I'm in shock. Yours is about the one post in this thread that I agree with in its entirety. I just came here to say that. I don't actually have anything to contribute to this topic right now. Sorry.

Bias. That's it. That's all there is to it. I think what Fluttershy did in this episode was the right thing to do. I think what Pinkie Pie did in "Filli Vanilli" was the ri... okay, it wasn't right per se, but it was not even close to being an issue. I wrote a long post about that, somewhere. Here. In a nonsensical way, I'm proud that Fluttershy actually remembered and applied a lesson from a previous episode, which she normally never ever ever ever ever does.

My post has many generalizations. There are exceptions to pretty much everything I'm about to say, so please don't think I'm ignoring those cases. I'm merely referring to what I have observed (and what I assume others have observed) as the general consensus (can't think of a better word, sorry). I'm also operating under the assumption that Rainbow Dash has not suffered much pain throughout her life. Rainbow Dash was selfish in this episode. That is, in my opinion, a fact, and anyone who disagrees with it is kidding themselves (sorry). In this episode, Rainbow Dash is selfish. I'm not going to comment on her character as a whole, but here, she was entirely self-centered. Now that that's been said. This episode was, indeed, an allegory to great loss or grief in real life. The scale in the show was off, inaccurate, bad, you might say. I think it's just a case of naivety on Rainbow Dash's part. Grieving people are selfish. Grief makes people entirely, incredibly self-motivated. Grief in its four first stages does not make someone grateful or enlightened or mature. It makes them a bitch. (Again, generalizing here.) Rainbow Dash is no exception. When you are in pain, you try to make that pain stop. Rainbow Dash was in pain. Did the event at hand warrant a reaction like she had? No, absolutely not. This episode makes me think Rainbow hasn't experienced much emotional pain at all (which fits in with my perception of her as a character, but that's beside the point). In these fields, Rainbow is inexperienced and naive, and thus will react extremely to events other, more experienced people would consider trife. We (people in my culture, my household, my life as I know it) typically learn about loss in small doses. Slowly we learn to let things go. First it's a toy, then a friend, a pet; we learn to let go gradually so that we can be prepared for the inevitable deaths of our loved ones. This episode makes me think that RD knows very little about loss. She hasn't been through the emotional training required to accept and recover from the (temporary) loss of things she loves. She meets Tank, and her friends introduce her to the idea of pets. RD learns that pets are companions. So when she has to say goodbye to Tank--perhaps the first constant companion she has ever had--it doesn't matter that it's just for a few months. It may even feel like a betrayal. ("I took care of you when I was sick/injured, and now you're saying you can't handle a little discomfort to make me happy?") Logic is involved in none of RD's reaction. She hasn't learned about loss yet. I don't think you were supposed to be cheering her on. I don't think any viewer actually wanted Rainbow Dash to stop winter in order to ensure her own happiness and security. We were instead hoping for her to fail so that she could grow and learn to accept what simply is a part of life. RD, yes, put her own happiness before that of her pet. When you care about someone enough that your happiness is affected by their presence or absence, it's normal (I think?) to assume that the feeling is mutual. By that logic (or lack thereof), how could hibernating possibly be good for Tank if it took him away from Rainbow Dash? It's like watching someone on their deathbed. They might want to die, but you want them to live, and it is your selfishness which drives you to ensure their medically-assisted extended life. The difference between losing a pet and watching a loved one's body slowly deteriorate is huge, of course, but that's why it's an allegory. TL;DR: This episode was for character growth. Rainbow Dash was selfish and she had to learn, at the end, to be less selfish (I'd say "selfless" but I don't think that really applies here). The episode was about loss, and grief makes people assholes. This was about learning to accept grief and stop being an asshole.

Princess Luna has a pretty accent. I mean when she talks, not her design.

I'm in agreement with you; I noticed the 5 stages of grief as well. Bargaining was definitely the longest and most drastic of the stages for Rainbow. Do you think this accurately reflects people's response to loss in their own lives?

[edit] I wrote this before looking at anything already posted in this topic, so I apologize if anything I say is a duplicate of someone else's opinion. [/edit] Season 5 Episode 5: “Tanks for the Memories” Writing my thoughts down as I’m watching the episode for a second time. The callback to the Running of the Leaves was nice, but I imagine this episode as a whole would be pretty confusing for someone who wasn’t already familiar with the show and the ponies’ control over the seasons and weather. There’s nothing wrong with this in principle, it’s just unusual for MLP. It’s adorable to see Rainbow Dash able to read Tank so deftly, even when the ever-observant Twilight describes him as “just like he always does”. It’s similar to Pinkie Pie’s ability to talk to Maud. Rainbow Dash’s understanding and grieving over hibernation followed near exactly the 5 stages of loss and grief. 1. Denial and isolation: Rainbow Dash ignored the opinions of her more knowledgeable friends (Fluttershy and Spike) when they told her Tank had to hibernate. She convinced herself that Tank wasn’t going to hibernate, that they were wrong: denial by definition. She then isolated herself by pushing her friends away when they tried even indirectly to address the truth. Isolation is most clearly expressed when Rainbow Dash separates herself from Fluttershy, Spike and then Pinkie Pie, with the separation from Pinkie Pie leading clearly into the second stage. 2. Anger: This continues the isolation and denial. Not only is Rainbow furious about the truth she is slowly being forced to accept, she is in denial of her anger. Both of these factors contribute to her increasing isolation. 3. Bargaining: Aware now that hibernation is the issue, Rainbow turns to alternate solutions. She tries to avoid saying the word “hibernation”, thinking that it might be some placebo effect forcing Tank to sleep. She talks about the perks of winter, trying to convince Tank to stay awake, and then resorts to possible guilt-tripping: “Don’t you want to do those things with me?” Getting more desperate, she realizes she can’t have both Tank and winter. She attempts to eradicate winter in exchange for Tank’s presence. 4. Depression: Probably the most obvious stage in this case. Rainbow Dash on the bed, exhibiting typical symptoms of depression (monotony, denial, lethargy, isolation, etc.), then bursting into tears and crying and stuff. I’m not going to explain this. 5. Acceptance: Rainbow taking the time to dig out a space for Tank to sleep, using the word “hibernate”, and even helping Tank fall asleep by reading him a story. It was great seeing another pet episode and a Rainbow Dash episode, this coming from a person who is a fan of neither MLP pets nor Rainbow Dash. Lots and lots and lots of adorable/funny/stand-out moments in this one, just gonna list ‘em all: Fluttershy with the stethoscope looking at Tank Rainbow Dash’s reaction to Tank hibernating: “You know he’s not a bear, right?” Rainbow’s entire comprehension (or lack thereof) of hibernation, her discussion with Spike, etc. Spike’s room in the castle, getting to see the castle as a normal part of the scenery, castle castle castle, etc. The confusion between the different ponies was cute and funny. Brings up a good point, too: What the heck do they do about all these names being shared with natural phenomena? Rainbow Dash finally gets her own song! I don’t think any part of the song is excellent or outstanding, but it was still enjoyable. It was great seeing more of the Rainbow Weather Factory. Pretty interesting how they make the seasons. Also the room of weather jars! Awesome! Rainbow’s high-pitched scream when the jar of lightning crashed and brought a thunderstorm. Freaking adorable! Rainbow Dash in the bathrobe. I want to squeeze her. <3 I loved Fluttershy here! I think it fits well with her personality that she’s able to know that Rainbow can only let it go once she’s let it out. It shows some great growth in character since earlier seasons--finally, Fluttershy’s remembering a lesson from earlier (“It Ain’t Easy Being Breezies”)! The domino effect with the crying was funny. Reminded me a lot of the fandom. No one can stand seeing Fluttershy crying. “Applejack cries on the inside, Twilight!” / “It’s true.” Ponies in outfits are always wonderful. Rainbow Dash’s and Twilight’s were especially cute. And a few cringeworthy/questionable moments: Fluttershy’s forced educational explanation of hibernation The lyrics of Rainbow Dash’s song were sloppy in places. The examination of snowflakes. Presumably Pegasi are the only ones able to easily access the factory and live in Cloudsdale? Creating snowflakes would be much better suited to Unicorn magic. I know it’s perfectly possible for a snowflake factory to exist in the sky, I just think it’d be a lot more practical to have it on the ground. Pegasi can’t be the only ones with weather-making cutie marks. Overall… Humor: 9/10 Plenty of references, jokes, visual gags and other things provided quality comic relief. I found this a very funny episode. Plot/overall presentation (pacing, development, soundness, writing, etc.): 7/10 The plot was believable, but the introduction to the episode wasn’t great and I resent Fluttershy’s explanation of hibernation. We’ve already addressed hibernation and what it is in “Winter Wrap Up”. I know, I know, it’s a kids’ show, but I really think MLP is better than shoehorned educational lines. https://youtu.be/sdhdZm5DF_k?t=1m45s Specialized characterization (Rainbow Dash): 10/10 Rainbow Dash felt in-character the entire time and the episode made me appreciate her a lot more. No complaints here! Overall characterization (minor-for-the-episode characters): 6/10 I love how Fluttershy knew what to say to make Rainbow Dash feel worse in order to make her feel better. Almost all of the ponies crying together was sweet and somewhat believable, but I took that more as comedic relief than characterization. Overall, this didn’t do much to add depth to characters other than Rainbow Dash, but it didn’t detract from the development arcs and may have advanced them very very very slightly. Animation/visuals: 6/10 This score is more of a guess, since I don’t pay a lot of attention to visuals. It was nice seeing the detail in the Weather Factory and there were a lot of very cute moments, but nothing wowed me. I also might not be judging this fairly because I watched it on pretty low quality, so there may be things I missed when the screen froze and skipped a few frames in between. Overall score would be 7.6/10. You can round that up to 8/10 if you want, but I think 7.6 describes the episode quite well. Definitely enjoyable, great characterization for Rainbow, we’ve finally got another pet episode. I’m kind of sorry that we don’t get to see more of the castle and the map and all that really REALLY interesting stuff they introduced in the opener, but hey, this was still a solid episode.

Sounds a lot like "Magical Mystery Cure".