S05:E05 - Tanks for the Memories

[Cloud Strife 928]

I wasn't really all that fond of this episode. I'm watching it and I'm just not getting that 'best Rainbow Dash episode ever' vibe that others are. I understand people's point of view on her loyalty, but there are a few things that are taking me out of this episode:

• Tank is literally only hibernating. I mean, Rainbow being a little depressed that she won't be able to play with Tank makes sense, but enough that she's bawling for several minutes? It's much more akin to a reaction of Tank permanently dying. I know the intention was to parody that but it just makes Rainbow look as if she's highly reactive, which she isn't.
• Rainbow is one of the more grounded of ponies, in that she can easily grasp common sense. It's common sense that Fluttershy would know best about Tank, especially since Rainbow got Tank from Fluttershy. I know it's supposed to be 'denial', but I must redirect to my first point on that in that case.
• It has already been pointed out by someone else but I will reiterate that yeah, it takes me out when you consider that Rainbow likely has already dealt with a Winter Wrap-Up with Tank before, and I highly doubt it was only one, either, considering she got Tank seasons ago.

I did like the solo, and I liked the emotions that were being aimed for, I just feel 'the feels' here were misplaced. As a result, instead of heartfelt, it comes off as cringy to me. It's kind of sad, because I really wanted to like this episode.

 

EDIT: Also, to those noting the episodes are 'out of order', keep in mind that Twilight has her wings in this episode.

Edited April 26, 2015 by Ken Ichijouji

[Unr3alGamer 230]

The song (which was AWESOME) and the Game of Thrones references were the outstanding things in a generally pretty good episode. 

 

It's somewhere between and 8.5 and a 9 out of 10 for me. 

[Twilight Frost 271]

honestly, RD was my least favorite pony and now she has to be my second favorite. Until now, she has just been a stereotype with no real personality or interests outside of the cliche of I am a girl who is athletic and the token its ok to read episode. This added the MUCH needed emotional layers she was missing. We now know that is is every bit as vulnerable and has genuine feelings like all the others.

Did this by any chance remind anyone of Futurama's Jurassic Bark?

 

No, just, Hoofing no. Don't you DARE mention that episode again.....not around..

me.

[Fawkes The Phoenix 737]

I'm having a hard time. I always enjoy every episode regardless of their flaws, but this one.... I couldn't. It started really great, but the way it was executed totally ruined it for me...

 

First, dealing with the loss of a loved one is a great lesson for the audience. The problem? Nobody was losing anything. If you wanna pull a message like that make sure the characters in the episode are actually dealing with something similar. Otherwise everything ends up being an over-reaction. They did a better job with that in "Castle Sweet Castle".

 

Second, the idea of stopping winter was totally stupid. I can see Rainbow coming up with that idea, but no getting that far. How in the world didn't she get punished for trying to sabotage the weather factory? She was lucky it ended up making winter come faster, and only for the convenience of the plot. 

 

Finally, the continuity issues some people have mentioned. 

 

It could have been a great episode with an amazing lesson, but it failed. The episode had other good things too, like Fluttershy's characterization, the song, the humor, seeing how much Rainbow loves Tank... It's sad not even that makes me enjoy the episode, or at least bear it.

Edited April 26, 2015 by Fawkes The Phoenix

[Cloud Strife 928]

honestly, RD was my least favorite pony and now she has to be my second favorite. Until now, she has just been a stereotype with no real personality or interests outside of the cliche of I am a girl who is athletic and the token its ok to read episode. This added the MUCH needed emotional layers she was missing. We now know that is is every bit as vulnerable and has genuine feelings like all the others.

 

Er, what? This episode didn't introduce those to Rainbow's character. In fact, we've seen her be vulnerable several times. I'm not sure why people keep saying this.

 

I know we love to decry The Mysterious Mare Do Well but even that episode showed how vulnerable Rainbow could be when she feels she's not admired for who she is. We also have Sonic Rainboom, a season one episode at that, in which she succumbs to stage fright. As far as other interests go, she has that in Read it and Weep (I mean, it was the whole point of that episode...). May the Best Pet Win had her pretty vulnerable, too, outright crying because none of the other pets aside from Tank came back to rescue her when her wing got stuck.

 

If anything, this episode made her seem overly dramatic and bawwww worthy, which I feel is too much. I don't want Rainbow to be crumpling and weeping over the smallest thing. It's nice to have things that round her character, yeah, but there's a point when you're making the character seek the WHAMBULANCE instead of having actual rounded character.

 

EDIT: Just noticed you pointed out the reading episode anyway. Here's the thing - unlike other shows who supposedly do the token 'it's okay to read' thing, Rainbow keeps and references that interest in other episodes. Also, it's not the only instance in which she's been invested in something that's completely unrelated to sports; even just two episodes ago, Rainbow was completely focused in helping Twilight feel happy in her home, even giving away her posters which likely meant a lot to her.

Edited April 26, 2015 by Ken Ichijouji

[Tao 7,776]

You didn't like it? Was there something in particular about it? 

 

1. Over done RD drama.

2.This issues should have been done bout winter and Tank given a timeline wise.

3.Yes had cute moments and I could have seen Dash crying a bit,  being upset but it was just "pushed" way to much to feel like a RD and how they have made her in the show a bit.

4. Reasons for a solo song, I think fans wanted a RD solo that they might have just did a service ep...

5.Animal Abuse.

[Jonny Music 3,412]

I definitely had the feels when watching the episode. And I did cry in the inside like AJ did during "that scene" (because it was touching (and also a bit funny), imo).

 

It was also nice to see another side of RD. There was some great character development of her. I've got to tip my hat to the writers who did a great job handling that part nicely without going too far to make it too dark for this episode specifically.

 

Overall, I liked the episode. Despite how much RD had to go through, she had to let it go eventually.

 

(Just a minor rant/confusion/complaint that I had with this episode) Cathy Weseluck fooled me into thinking it was Matt Stone (who voiced Terrance (the South Park reoccurring character (along with Philip) in the South Park franchise)) who voiced Sunshower. Their voices (comparing Terrance with Sunshower) sound too darn similar! I had to rewatch that skit to be sure that it was Cathy Weseluck all along. After doing so I can confirm, that it was indeed, Cathy Weseluck who voiced Sunshower. Case Closed.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmtGVjfvKAQ

 

Again, it was a great episode. So I am indeed looking forward to the next ones.

Edited April 26, 2015 by Jonny Music

[Justin_Case001 4,891]

Meh.  Meh, I say.

 

Not a fan of this one.  I'm biased out the door because I never liked Tank.  I'm sorry, but I wanted her to choose the Hawk.  Never really got over that.  I know that would have defeated the purpose, but Tank's is just stupid imo.  I know that's not a popular opinion, but that's my two cents on the matter.

 

So, I just didn't enjoy it being a whole Tank episode.

 

PROS

 

RD finally gets to sing.

Grinch face

AJ crying on the inside.

The six finally visit RD's house.  That's been overdue.

Great Fluttershy moments, good character development.

Who's on first.

Game of Thrones reference ("Winter is coming.")

 

CONS

 

RD's song had to be about something stupid.  (Just my biased, unpopular opinion)

 

I really hated seeing Rainbow be so negligent and reckless.  I agree 100% with @Nightmare Muffin on this one.  Their actions need to have consequences now and then.  Rainbow is suppose to be chief weather pony, is she not?  And she f*ckin sabotoged Cloudsdale?  I hated that.  I want to see her be more professional.  We haven't actually seen her do her job since (I believe) Winter Wrap Up.  AJ and Rarity are shown doing their jobs more than others.  They are usually very professional as well.  Rarity in particular, what with her filling orders for prestigious clients all the time.  But Rainbow.....it regresses her character, in my opinion, to have her act like she did here.  They just took it too far.  I want to see her actually lead her weather team and do her friggin job.

 

Revealing that this was her and Tank's first winter together is a HUGE continuity error:

 

Season 2, Episode 7:  May the Best Pet Win

Season 2, Episode 11: Hearth's Warming Eve

 

I rest my case.

 

This added the MUCH needed emotional layers she was missing. We now know that is is every bit as vulnerable and has genuine feelings like all the others.

We now know?  I'd like to direct your attention to Testing 1, 2, 3.  Though I do agree that seeing her be emotional was nice.  I just thought the saboteur stuff went too far.

 

*EDIT*

 

It raises my opinion of this episode when it's considered as an allegory for death/permanent loss, which I didn't think of at first.

Edited April 26, 2015 by Justin_Case001

[Soaring Symphony 372]

BEST. EPISODE. EVER.

 

Prepare yourselves, winter is coming - Twilight Sparkle 2015

 

I know I've heard that phrase somewhere before seeing this episode but I can't remember what exactly.  What the BUCK was that a reference to????????

[LongGoneGr 1,305]

The feels!!! I'm crying after watching it..... SO SWEET!!!

[BlackWater627 700]

1. Over done RD drama.

2.This issues should have been done bout winter and Tank given a timeline wise.

3.Yes had cute moments and I could have seen Dash crying a bit,  being upset but it was just "pushed" way to much to feel like a RD and how they have made her in the show a bit.

4. Reasons for a solo song, I think fans wanted a RD solo that they might have just did a service ep...

5.Animal Abuse.

 

I see. Though I disagree with some of your points, I'm glad you responded. It's good to voice your opinions. RD's song really might have been fan-service since so many people (including me) wanted it. Having said that, I'm happy they did it. 

[LongGoneGr 1,305]

This episode makes me like RD a bit more.

[Jonny Music 3,412]

This episode makes me like RD a bit more.

Agreed. I respect RD much more than before after watching this episode.

Edited April 26, 2015 by Jonny Music

[LongGoneGr 1,305]

Agreed. I respect RD much more than before after watching this episode.

 

She's still tied with Twilight in dead last of the Mane 6, but she's still great.

 

1: Pinkie Pie/Rarity

2. Applejack/Fluttershy

3. Rainbow Dash/Twilight Sparkle

[Buck Testa 5,505]

By Celestia's fashionable shoes this was a good episode. RD sings amazingly, the comedy was spot on, Fluttershy and DAT CHARACTER GROWTH THOUGH! great stuff, going to watch that more than once today!

[[NULL] 906]

I thought it was pretty good. It had some funny moments, and I liked seeing Rainbow Dash in denial over Tank leaving. It was also nice to see Fluttershy have a redeemable moment.

Also Who's on First.

 

However, It would've been easier for me to sympathize with Rainbow Dash during the final scene if there was more previous on-screen time with her and Tank. Also it was kind of odd for there to be no consequences for destroying a workplace. I understand that shifting the story to her paying for damages would take up too much time and make the episode feel unfocused, but they could've at least made it so her friends were initially angry with her, or something.

 

8/10

Edited April 26, 2015 by SpaceOnion

[Tao 7,776]

 

 

I see. Though I disagree with some of your points, I'm glad you responded. It's good to voice your opinions. RD's song really might have been fan-service since so many people (including me) wanted it. Having said that, I'm happy they did it.

 

I think they could have dealt with it given the time they made us wait for the new season .   (I could withstand pink pie in this season a bit,  only time was season two..) But parts of it felt pushed to forced in some ways, I did like the soft moments of Tank and RD but the over drama killed it a bit.

 

(thanks, also brewing Tea in the Valley must make for some killer sun tea,  im in north AZ )

[Grepper 3,192]

I thought the slapstick was hilarious, but I really didn't like the implications of Rainbow Dash not getting punished at all for her sabotage.

[HailTrixie 239]

This episode was awesome!

 

Th-there was the Flutteshy giggle near the start, a-and then like RD's angry face, and l-like the name confusion scene with the AMAZING voice acting, and t-then they had the whole sneaky beaky weather factory, a-and the Game of Thrones reference, and the crying on the inside joke, and-and-AAAAAARGH!

 

It was a pretty funny episode, and Fluttershy coming out of her shell a bit was nice to see. It's also pretty good to see some character development. I'd give it an 8/10.

It lost one point because of the fact that Rainbow Dash had no punishment whatsoever for what she did, and nobody was even mad at her, and it lost the other point because Rainbow Dash's crying scene went for way too long (but I guess they had to fill that time up with something) and was a bit too over-dramatic. It just would have been nice to see the reaction of the other ponies (non mane 6) to Dash's sabotage.

I want to remove a third point because of Twilight's "WE R ALL FRUNDS AND LECTURE LECTURE BLAH" but I don't think that would be too popular.

 

Also, weather factory. Rainbow factory is closer to becoming canon guys!

Edited April 26, 2015 by HailTrixie

[Steve Piranha 29,425]

I definitely had the feels when watching the episode. And I did cry in the inside like AJ did during "that scene" (because it was touching, imo).

 

It was also nice to see another side of RD. There was some great character development of her. I've got to tip my hat to the writers who did a great job handling that part nicely without going too far to make it too dark for this episode specifically.

 

Overall, I liked the episode. Despite how much RD had to go through, she had to let it go eventually.

 

(Just a minor rant/confusion/complaint that I had with this episode) Cathy Weseluck fooled me into thinking it was Matt Stone (who voiced Terrance (the South Park reoccurring character (along with Philip) in the South Park franchise)) who voiced Sunshower. Their voices (comparing Terrance with Sunshower) sound too darn similar! I had to rewatch that skit to be sure that it was Cathy Weseluck all along. After doing so I can confirm, that it was indeed, Cathy Weseluck who voiced Sunshower. Case Closed.

 

 

Again, it was a great episode. So I am indeed looking forward to the next ones.

Yeah, I knew it was her all along 

But also, doesn't that Sunshower looks kinda like a certain OC with big........ assets?

 

Well, apart of Cutie Map, this is definitely my favorite S5 episode. Dash's solo song was way better than I expected, and we got some more Dashie, INCLUDING OUTRIGHT CRYING  . Well, I found the crying more funny than touching, but it was welcome seeing a more sensitive part of Dashie 

[smitty121325 64]

Just the fact that there was a winter episode before this one, but after the first Tank episode. But apparently the Episodes aren't in order?

 

 

To be honest, that's something that I've been confused about myself. Both "Princess Twilight Sparkle" and "Pinkie Pride" imply that only a year has passed since the events of "Friendship is Magic." If all of the events have taken place over a year, then, damn, the Mane Six sure have had their hooves full. I think another poster pointed out that the slice of life episodes are self-contained and are out of order, so they could probably be easily seen as taking place over one year, but the premieres and finales sure make how much time has passed in Equestira since Twilight moved to Ponyville extremely confusing. 

[HailTrixie 239]

second thing I disliked- Fluttershy making Dash cry. OHHHHH, if it had been anypony making FLUTTERSHY cry, NO ONE would be forgiving. But It's all fine and dandy for her to make other ponies cry (let's not forget how she kept going on about RD's fears to freak her out, in Sonic Rainboom, but Luna forbid Pinkie goes and throws Flutter's fears in HER face. And Rarity gets upset over Fluttershy crying and not Rainbow Dash? Bias, much?

 

Fluttershy had a reason to make Dash cry (and it worked). When she was going on about RD's fears, I don't think she was doing it on purpose. And as for the Rarity thing, that was the joke - that the episode was about RD but Rarity was feeling sorry for Fluttershy. It could have been a joke as simple as that, or it might have been a reference to the fanbase (This episode seemed to have a fair few self-references so I wouldn't be suprised).

 

Oh, and the no one would be forgiving thing - I dunno if you are talking about the fanbase or the show's characters, but the other ponies were pissed off at Fluttershy for doing that.

Edited April 26, 2015 by HailTrixie

[StitchandMLPlover 930]

Just the fact that there was a winter episode before this one, but after the first Tank episode. But apparently the Episodes aren't in order?

 

Do you know where I can find a link to that Interview?

 

And I found that GoT reference to be completely Out of character for twilight to say. She doesn't talk like that.

 

As for Rainbow not getting punished for sabotaging the factory, I can think of two explanations:

1. Nopony knew it was her. She was never seen in the factory, And no one saw her land. I don't think there was any evidence that it was her. The only line that even implies that the others know are at the end:

    Pinkie Pie: You think we could mess up winter every year? It's way less work!

    Twilight Sparkle: Uh, I don't think Rainbow Dash could handle it. 

And that can easily be explained away as them thinking it was the Weather ponies who messed it up.

 

2. The weather ponies realized that with a bit of tinkering, they could replicate what Rainbow did in the factory, allowing them to cause winter much quicker than they have in the past.

I think it was this one but I'm not entirely sure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhN6T7KpP30  Good point about Rainbow not being punished. 

[MAIKUN 262]

OMG at the end, I have finally found Scootaloo's dad....Proving that Scootaloo DOES have a family, which means....It's finally canon!

Edited April 26, 2015 by MAIKUN

[soul_crusher 33]

this is one of the reasons i really like it

  

i also liked it because it had great humor and slap stick