Could an episode about addiction work?

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

I actually have an idea for an episode premise involving the concept of addiction. Basically, its a Fluttershy episode similar to Putting Your Hoof Down, only instead of Fluttershy learning to be Assertive, its about her gaining a gambling problem.

 

Simply put, The CMC are playing a new trading card game when Rainbow and Fluttershy come along. Scootaloo asks Rainbow if she wants to play, but Dash prefers more physical based competition. Fluttershy is then asked to play, hesitant at first, she decides to try it. Fluttershy manages to beat Scootaloo, making Rainbow question how she did it. Fluttershy simply says its just basic logic, and probablility calculations. Scootaloo suggests that Fluttershy competes in the tournament league for the game. Confident in her newfound knowledge of the game, Fluttershy accepts.

 

The rest of the episode is basically Fluttershy showing a darker, more personal side. The game makes her increasingly selfish, cruel, disrespectful, and borderline sadistic towards her challengers. To the point where she eventually begins to con Spike and Discord to buy her more cards after Rainbow and Rarity decide to restrict her. Towards the end of the episode, Fluttershy becomes a twitchy, card-obsessed, psycho who calls herself Fluttercard: The Game Master. After almost losing to a game, Rainbow reveals that the tournament Fluttershy's been competeing in was just a shaddy hoax. The shopkeeper who arranged the tournament actually paid some of the players to purposley loose just boost the TCG sales. Fluttershy returns to normal and forfits the tournament. And the lesson is, competition can be fun, but not when it takes over your life and costs you your friends.

 

Addiction is a somewhat serious issue, but as long as it isn't about drugs, I still think it could work. As for why I choose Fluttershy, Well she's the most likely of the mane 6 to be good at a trading card game. Rainbow prefers using her strength for competition than her brain. Applejack knows when enough is enough, Twilight lacks the ability to adapt to when things don't go her way, Rarity would probably be against tournament play, and Pinkie would probably get bored after 2 rounds. Plus, Outside of her being shy and cowardly, we hardly know Fluttershy on a personal level compared to most of the other mane 6. When she's not trying to get over social anxiety for the umpteenth time, most of her episodes are about caring for others. So an episode about addiction could show us how naive Fluttershy could possibly be. 

[Jeric 46,871]

Yes an episode on addiction and the nature of addiction could work, but only if you treat if subtly. There is one Season 4 episode that is viewed by some as an addiction allegory already. 

 

Inspiration Manifestation can be viewed this way - most definitely from the enabler's point of view as Spike is almost like someone who is permissively allowing a substance abuser to continue. 

 

 

 

[TheMisterManGuy 344]

Yes an episode on addiction and the nature of addiction could work, but only if you treat if subtly. There is one Season 4 episode that is viewed by some as an addiction allegory already. 

 

Inspiration Manifestation can be viewed this way - most definitely from the enabler's point of view as Spike is almost like someone who is permissively allowing a substance abuser to continue. 

 

 

 

I'm mainly talking about from a gambling perspective. There's one episode of All Grown Up! similar to my idea where Chuckie gets a gambling problem from Yu-Gotta-Go! (Parody of Yu-Gi-Oh!)

Edited November 10, 2014 by TheMisterManGuy

[sweetolebob18 728]

The Simpsons did an episode w Marge having a gambling problem, but they don't have a TVY rating.  Arthur did an episode about being obsessed w fads w Beanie Babies (they didn't use that name, I forget what they did call them -but that is what they meant)

 

It might be possible, but they would have to be careful

[Celli 4,341]

I think if it's something that's pretty obvious, there's no way the show staff could get away with it.

[Sazama Ichida 2,367]

I thought it would be cool they had a" Twilight Says" thing at the end of each episode if you know what I mean.

[smitty121325 64]

Shoot, man, now I want this episode to be made! Or someone should at least do it as a fanfic.

 

I do believe tha an episode about addiction can work. Other cartoons, such as Rugrats, have done it. But, wasn't addiction what "Inspiration Manifestation" was all about?

The Simpsons did an episode w Marge having a gambling problem, but they don't have a TVY rating.  Arthur did an episode about being obsessed w fads w Beanie Babies (they didn't use that name, I forget what they did call them -but that is what they meant) It might be possible, but they would have to be careful

"Alvin and the Chipmunks" even did an episode about Miss Miller struggling with a gambling addiction. Similarly, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" did an episode with Toph struggling with a gambling problem.

[A Black Circle 1,586]

hell yeah.

 

they can tackle more mature themes.

 

(They can take an example from Arthur/Hey Arnold)

[Rainboom Dash 1,056]

An addiction episode could work if they find a way to make it subtle yet applicable for everyone.

[SBaby 660]

Pinkie Pie tries to conquer her addiction to sweets.  Hilarity ensues.