Pick a Flaw: S2, E22 - Hurricane Fluttershy

[Dark Qiviut 22,617]

Note: For the collection of other "Pick a Flaw" episode threads, head over to the "Pick a Flaw" blog portal (which'll be updated periodically) or check the list at the bottom of the OP (hidden under the "spoiler" tag).

 

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Season two is widely regarded as the best (or most favorite) amongst so many bronies because plenty of them were very well-done. One of the biggest examples of why is this episode, considered to be one of the most popular episodes in not just season two, but the overall series. Hell, some have it in their top spot.

 

Many of you've participated in these threads before and understand how they work. But for those who are entering one of these threads for the first time, pick one of the flaws or weaknesses in the poll above and explain your reasons for them. If the one that bothers you the most isn't up there or if it's more than one/all of the above, click "other" and explain in your post.

 

One warning about the "other" option: It DOESN'T stand for "the episode is flawless."

 

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Putting Your Hoof Down may be my most favorite Fluttershy episode, but when looking at it objectively, it's definitely one of the worst of season two (second-worst behind Dragon Quest and ahead of Mare Do Well and May the Best Pet Win!). On the other hand, Hurricane Fluttershy is much lower on my personal favorite lists, but it's easily the best Fluttershy episode. It has plenty of nicely done humor with a blend of old-fashioned technology. But the best part is the exploration of Fluttershy's internal conflict. Previously, Fluttershy was basically shy, but this episode evolved that into something much, much deeper. It was stage fright brought from the consequences of her being bullied as a filly. The whole episode was about rooting for her and triumphing despite not being the best or fastest of the bunch, and it works because so many people can relate to her.

 

That said, it isn't perfect. There are flaws that stand out. But if there's one thing that really holds back HF from being the cream of the crop (if I were to put a current best-to-worst list, this wouldn't crack the top ten — maybe fifteen, either), it's the final act.

 

Fluttershy leaves the training facility because she feels she's not a cut above the rest despite her drastic improvement. But in the next act, on the day everyone was supposed to fly, eight fliers, many of them really good and fast, fall for the "feather flu" offscreen. By doing this, it gives the writers an excuse for Fluttershy to come back and eventually save the day. Here's the big problem with it. By using this obvious contrivance, you marginalize not only the moral you're trying to teach, but also her whole conflict. As this episode was about Fluttershy overcoming a very serious internal crisis as a result of being bullied, it's very important to not make any story-based event feel organic. This shortcut was lazy and damaged the story's integrity.

 

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Season 1:

• Friendship Is Magic, Parts 1 & 2
• The Ticket Master
• Applebuck Season
• Griffon the Brush Off
• Boast Busters
• Dragonshy
• Look Before You Sleep
• Bridle Gossip
• Swarm of the Century
• Winter Wrap Up
• Owl's Well that Ends Well

Season 2:

• The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000
• Putting Your Hoof Down
• Hurricane Fluttershy
• Dragon Quest

Season 3:

1. Spike at Your Service

Season 4:

• Rainbow Falls
• Simple Ways
• Filli Vanilli
• Twilight Time
• It Ain't Easy Bein' Breezies
• Somepony to Watch Over Me
• Maud Pie
• For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils
• Leap of Faith
• Testing Testing 1, 2, 3
• Trade Ya!
• Inspiration Manifestation
• Equestria Games
• Twilight's Kingdom

Other:

1. The Micro-Series, Part 1 - Mane Six
2. The Micro-Series, Part 2 - The Other Cast & Overall Series

 

 

Edited July 5, 2014 by Dark Qiviut

[PoisonClaw 8,175]

While this may be the quintessential perfect episode for me, suddenly having a good number of the flyers fall ill with an undefined illness was kinda contrived. We knew Thunderlane had it and that Blossomforth was starting to develop a nasty cough, but come tornado day and suddenly a good number of the team is missing.

 

You could argue the science and physics of the tornado because this is a magical world with pastel colored ponies inhabited by Pinkie Pie, but math wise it doesn't add up. Assuming the 1000 wing power goal was just barely reached, the sick ponies would have needed to have a combined WP of around 200+ for them to threaten the chance of completing the tornado at all. We were only told eight were sick, but actually nearly two dozen would have needed to be out of commission, more if we assume that not everyone could manage a 10 WP min. Having that many out sick on the dawn of the eleventh hour seems rather unlikely to me.  

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,331]

I didn't really find many flaws with the episode because it is very well done, so I just voted Spike's obnoxiousness which his snarky comments even then are only a nitpick and admittedly kind of funny.

[silvadel 1,394]

Spitfire really could have helped.

[LZRD WZRD 1,929]

Spitfire was really being a lazy bum, just sitting there on the sideline

[Pastel 7,630]

Hard to find one, for once I really liked Spike's role in this episode.

I guess the biggest flaw was the fliers falling sick, and the fact they only need one pegasus to make it.

[Sunny Fox 5,961]

I have a problem with the maths of the sick fliers. The tornado needs 800, RD aims for at least beating the previous record of 910, and from her comments, it seems like they were going to meet or exceed that. "Smashing a record" implies more than getting just 911. Then 8 fliers are out, and they can't even get to that 800 without Fluttershy. Their goal was 10.0 wing power from each flier, so they should only be lacking around 80 in total. 910 - 80 is 830, so why couldn't they reach the goal without Fluttershy?

 

As for them getting sick in the first place, well, I think that shouldn't be considered a flaw. It was hinted at throughout the episode with various ponies coughing, so it's not like the problem came out of nowhere. But the maths... that's a problem.

Edited July 5, 2014 by Sunny Fox

[baba_booey 4,303]

I'm going to put myself an "Other" comment.

 

So what's my problem?

 

Well, I noticed watching this a few times, the plot style feels a bit too much like Dragonshy.

 

Something happens in Ponyville -> Fluttershy is asked to help -> Fluttershy is too afraid to do it -> It comes down to when it's needed -> Fluttershy doesn't volunteer -> Catastrophe happens -> Fluttershy finally helps out -> OMG EVERYTHING IS FINE.

 

I mean, it was a good episode at all (especially since RD was more laid back than in Dragonshy), but it's not perfect.

[silvadel 1,394]

I have a problem with the maths of the sick fliers. The tornado needs 800, RD aims for at least beating the previous record of 910, and from her comments, it seems like they were going to meet or exceed that. "Smashing a record" implies more than getting just 911. Then 8 fliers are out, and they can't even get to that 800 without Fluttershy. Their goal was 10.0 wing power from each flier, so they should only be lacking around 80 in total. 910 - 80 is 830, so why couldn't they reach the goal without Fluttershy?

 

As for them getting sick in the first place, well, I think that shouldn't be considered a flaw. It was hinted at throughout the episode with various ponies coughing, so it's not like the problem came out of nowhere. But the maths... that's a problem.

 

Obviously Rainbow Dash was over optimistic with her original assessment and if those 8 pegasi were there, probably would have merely hit say 780+(70 or 80) = 850 or so.  As it was, she was able to show a lot more guts by NOT having those 8 pegasi.

 

By the way, Twilight Sparkle who WAS keeping track of the actual numbers being put out by the pegasi immediately came to the conclusion that missing those 8 flyers was going to put them in trouble for reaching 800.  She was likely trying not to hurt RD's feelings by saying, "You know Rainbow, we aren't breaking the record."  Either that or she actually wanted some time NOT on the track each day because Rainbow wouldn't have given up on the record that easily.

Edited July 5, 2014 by silvadel