bunkerman18

If you mean that their side isn't explored deeply enough, I agree with you there, but before they revealed the sanctuary to her they wanted to make her sanctuary "better" than she expected. This was addressed in each scene with the expert, Fluttershy, and the Mane 6 pony that recommended the expert. If non-Fluttershy fans watch this episode then it might not be a comfortable one. I think she was too optimistic about everything in this episode. Therefore, she wasn't perfect.

This episode shouldn't be anyone's first mlp episode tbh. It was very cathartic to see Fluttershy apply all the lessons she learned from every previous episode to achieve something that she had dreamed about her entire life. I've been rooting for her ever since season 1 and this episode made all the fluttercheers worth it. She is one of the reasons why I enjoy this show. She has never been so determined to pursue anything until now. I loved the rest of the Mane 6's reactions to her boldness; they represent the viewers that have known (watched/seen) Fluttershy up until now and understand the progress she has made throughout her life. There's a reason why Fluttershy and they are always friends. She was honestly hard to watch at the very first season, almost annoying. I feel like we see her doing more in recent episodes than before, such as performing in the "Origin of Equestria" play in season 8 and volunteering to watch Rarity's shop. I think there should have been more emotional devastation when she found out that the "experts" did not make what she wanted. Having to apply everything she learned for nothing would be unexpected for her and might even lower her confidence substantially. What if she thought she couldn't achieve her dream? What if she didn't think her dream would be possible? What if everything she learned was useless? However, the episode kinda made her regain her confidence on her own, which felt a bit contrived and anti-climactic. Right now I feel like Fluttershy is too perfect. Everything is going her way right now. That's why for season 9 I hope they revisit the sanctuary and something beyond terrible happens to it that would drain Fluttershy's confidence; maybe a hurricane or a rough storm destroys it. It might be hard to come up with a non-contrived way to destroy the sanctuary, but it is definitely doable. A sanctuary is considered a safe home, but isn't perfectly safe against everything. She might go into a severe state of depression, one that might make her want to leave Equestria forever (killing oneself). Maybe she becomes so depressed that not only does she not want to talk to her friends but to her animals as well. Maybe the rest of her friends and animals will greatly encourage her to stay, leading her to cry after realizing that she would be giving up those two values that keep her going today. Trying to write this kind of episode well will involve conducing the viewer to feel sympathetic for Fluttershy instead of annoyed or frustrated at her sulky behavior. The writer will have to really put themselves into Fluttershy's hooves and analyze the feeling of depression. Also piano music and silence would be the main sounds of the episode. It will be the ultimate test of her confidence and mentality and a great end to a relatable character arc. Even if we don't get this kind of episode when season 9 hits, I think I'll be satisfied with this one anyway.