Vocal Analyst

My feelings on the episode are exactly the same as yours. Most of my big issues actually stem from the EEA itself. I thought there were lots and lots of issues with how the group was written. 

What were your main issues with the episode exactly? 

• The First part not as good as second
   
• Relying on the overused narrative device of Twilight being so self-assured in her own ideas that she doesn't recognise them failing
   
• The first musical number not being as good as the second (that being said it's only better by a small amount)
   
• The Mane Six as teachers despite HAVING OTHER JOBS (something that's not addressed)
   
• The EAA seemingly being above the royalty of the land (which is fine but is never addressed)
   
• Being too on the nose about its political undertones and domineering themes about individuality versus conformity
   
• Re-using aspects of Discordant Harmony's message
   
• It's irritating balance of tone between the dramatic and the humorous
   
• A blasé attitude towards to whole central plot concept itself and the lack of subtlety that comes along with it
   
• A slow as hell pace that was turgid early on, especially through the boring teaching segments that felt never ending despite how short they were... even though they were executed like that on purpose so we could live vicariously through those new characters.

I think that covers everything... just about.

I did not like the EEA, I don't like the school idea much at all and I honestly really did not like how they went so far to make sure the movie is direct canon. Mainly because I hate the sea ponies. Oddly enough, I didn't like the hyppogryph in the group. I did like all of the other students though, they were the highlight. The way they all became friends was pretty surprising and I liked the second part better as a result. I am torn overall too because quite a few characters were dumb, and Neighsay was a bit overdone, but it is really interesting to see the topic of racism in FiM. I also didn't like how Starlight once again was right, we got enough of that last season.

Either way, decent premiere for what it is worth. I liked it better than the season 5' premiere.