Nas

Thanks, it doesn't usually take much for me to ramble on things that much if it's something I really like. I just have to be willing to take the time to do it, because I don't think I can ever write a short review on things like that anymore.

Should've put my input earlier, but anywho... Well...first of all, I, personally haven't been too thrilled so far with the show this season...for some unknown reason. Could've been I just lost my hype over the hiatus, or maybe I'm even starting to not like the show as much? Whatever the reason, I can forget that being an issue, because watching this episode restored my faith in my passion for the show, and got me straight back into my good ol' pony hype state. I absolutely enjoyed the hell out of this episode, and, albeit I watched it late, it's always good to be satisfied with the pure awesomeness of the show that never dies. ^^ I originally knew this was going to be the return of Daring Do, of whom already had a potential for another episode other than her first. I'd prior learned that the author of the books, A.K. Yearling, looked like Daring, but the only connection I made was that she designed the character out of herself. But holy hell, I was not expecting Daring to be real at all. This pleasant surprise was probably my favorite part of the episode, and kept me happy all the way through. I was expecting this to be just another episode about Daring's adventures, but I didn't realize that the mane six would be involved. As soon as the realization kicked in, I was enticed for the unexpected for the rest of the episode. Of course, it's good to see Dash and Twi again expressing their love and knowledge for the book series. Makes them quite the adorkable pair, I'd say. x3 Though, doesn't Dash's unseccesful waiting for the new book to come out seem strongly reminiscent of us bronies waiting for another season/episode of the show to come out, hm? Of course, since the type of adventures Daring Do goes through in her stories is something I really enjoyed about Read It and Weep, I non-surprisingly loved that portion of this episode. Episodes that mostly take place outside of Ponyville/Canterlot/etc. (or in cases like Hearth's Warming Eve, a different time period than the present) are unique compared to the typical episodes of the show, and from my perspective, seem to be not as favored, perhaps for that reason. I, for one, love seeing the show going in unexpected, variety-filled directions once in a while, it really spices the mood and theme up and that's something I love to see. I love episodes like Over a Barrel, Hearth's Warming Eve and Dragon Quest for that very reason. I'm just a big fan of variety, and experiencing things from unique perspectives every once in a while. ^^ The only issue that comes to mind at the moment is that at a few points it seemed rushed. A few parts of dialogue seemed to be missing (for instance, Rainbow Dash telling Daring that she was a huge fan, or Dash telling her to not go on her expedition, to which both she scoffed and walked away, which, really, could have rather used a word or two from Daring, but, timing in these things is understandable), and it felt that a few things could've been explained more (as in, even though it's clear to the audience, it doesn't make sense how the characters could understand it so quickly), but really, that's all there is to the negatives in this one for me. Also, something that isn't quite an issue, but made me question at first. It was interesting to see how the rest of the mane six other than Twilight and Rainbow fit into the picture. For the rest of them, this was an unfamiliar environment, and it was weird how they seemed to do a good job adapting to a situation they never would've expected, especially something like this. A lot of parts of this episode warmed the ol' heart up a bit. Firstly, the fact that Dash got to meet her #1 heroine (or heroines, rather, but since one's an alter ego, and she knows that, maybe it's just one? Maybe? I guess?). Not only that, but practically saved her life, and conquered her own enemy together as well. Which, all, ultimately resulted in Dash getting written into the next installment of her favorite book series, alongside her idol, written by her idol. Makes me really happy for Rainbow. Oh, and this, when I first saw this...it got to me. :') Unexpected hugs are best hugs~ <3 This part really touched me, and it was so like Dash to, instead of shaking Daring's offered hoof, to just skip right to a big hug for her big hero. And the accepting nuzzling by Daring just makes it for me. x3 Truly one of the best moments in the season by far. Oh, and yes, let's not forget the first entry of Major Story Arc #2, here, the diary, which I'm still glad is a thing. Nothing else on the keys, yet, but still interested to see that particular arc advance. Really going to make for an interesting season, other than what there already is in the first place. As always, the animation is splendid. It's really great to see them vastly improve on things, particularly this season environment design/detail and shading/lighting, and background/foreground blurs which have been executed well in this episode, see below. Hmm...what else? Oh, another Wilhelm Scream, which I love that they incorporated into the show (as well as Equestria Girls) since the pandering storm of season 3. It's one of those small things that add a lot to the show experience for people like me that appreciate things like that, and is a nice shoutout to the commonly-used sound effect. It was a great episode, all the way until the happy awesome ending. The action was good, and it had a few really nice surprises that ultimately made me very satisfied, and re-established my pure excitement for ponies that I had seemed to lost for a few months. There's no doubt in my mind that, with episodes like this to kick it off, and two enticing season-long story arcs that are very promising, this is going to be one kick-ass season. Season 4 is incredible so far. Good night you wonderful pony-loving people, and sweet dreams. Let's all watch another great episode of the show we love in the morning.