A categorization & overview of the MLP eps/seasons

[Abia 258]

Okay, I was originally going to post this as a reply to the official "Tanks for the Memories" thread, but as I wrote it I realized it had virtually nothing to do with that episode, and then I thought I could make a complete review topic thing and it would be cool. You're welcome.

 

I don't care if anyone disagrees and this isn't a valid headcanon or anything. I doubt I'm going to defend this if someone does disagree, but there's always a chance I will.

 

"Tanks for the Memories" didn't feel like an episode of season five. (Not saying anything against its quality as an episode. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just an observation.)

Yes, I know season five has barely started, but so far the season feels (to me) like a continuation of season four, quality-wise. I preferred the writing and development averages in s4 to the averages of our s5 so far, but s5 is doing an excellent job at addressing the lore and developing Equestria, now that its characters are more advanced.

 

I'm going to address the basics of my opinion of each season first, then go into the details, for those of you who just love long posts. I didn't actually do this so never mind.

I'm giving each episode one category, based on what I think the primary purpose of each episode is. It goes without saying that any episode with real value should be able to progress the series in at least two categories. (I can elaborate on this point if asked, but I think it's pretty self-explanatory: quality episodes make one giant leap for one category, one small step for others.)

Also I'm not going to do the quotation marks around the episode titles in the lists because typing those little dots is getting really annoying.

I grade all two-part episodes as one episode.

 

Season 1: Establishing the characters and the culture of their world. Season one is underdeveloped as far as characters go, but it goes above and beyond with world building.

Main character establishment/development: Friendship Is Magic, The Ticket Master, Boast Busters, Dragonshy, Look Before You Sleep, Suited for Success, Feeling Pinkie Keen, Sonic Rainboom, Green Isn't Your Color, A Bird in the Hoof, The Cutie Mark Chronicles, Owl's Well That Ends Well, Party of One, The Best Night Ever

World building: Applebuck Season, Fall Weather Friends, Winter Wrap Up, Call of the Cutie, Griffon the Brush-Off, Bridle Gossip, Swarm of the Century, A Dog and Pony Show, Over a Barrel, Stare Master

Side character development: The Show Stoppers

Filler: nah.

 

Season 2: More world building, focusing on character development, especially of side characters. Season two works to introduce and develop minor characters, with less importance on world building and main character development.

Main character development: Lesson Zero, Sisterhooves Social, May the Best Pet Win!, The Mysterious Mare Do Well, Sweet and Elite, Baby Cakes, Read It and Weep, Putting Your Hoof Down, It's About Time, Hurricane Fluttershy, MMMystery on the Friendship Express

World building: The Return of Harmony, Hearth's Warming Eve, A Canterlot Wedding

Side character development: Luna Eclipsed, The Cutie Pox, Secret of My Excess, Family Appreciation Day, Hearts and Hooves Day, Dragon Quest, Ponyville Confidential, A Canterlot Wedding

Filler: The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

 

Season 3: Focuses largely on main character development, with minor world building and minor character development. This season had very high high points and very low low points. Extremely hit-or-miss.

Main character development: Too Many Pinkie Pies, Wonderbolts Academy, Apple Family Reunion, Keep Calm and Flutter On

World building: The Crystal Empire, Magical Mystery Cure

Side character development: One Bad Apple, Magic Duel, Sleepless in Ponyville, Spike at Your Service

Filler: Games Ponies Play, Just for Sidekicks

 

Season 4: A pretty even balance of world building, main character development, and side character development. My favorite season.

I can't decide which category this belongs to: Princess Twilight Sparkle, Somepony to Watch Over Me, Testing Testing 1 2 3, Twilight's Kingdom

Main character development: Daring Don't, Bats!, Rarity Takes Manehatten, Rainbow Falls, Pinkie Pride, Simple Ways, Filli Vanilli, It Ain't Easy Being Breezies, Maud Pie, For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils, Leap of Faith

World building:

Side character development: Flight to the Finish, Power Ponies, Three's a Crowd, Twilight Time, Inspiration Manifestation, Equestria Games

Filler: Castle Mane-ia, Pinkie Apple Pie, Trade Ya!

 

Season 5: So far seems to be revolving mostly around lore and world building, while also touching on the deeper, more serious problems our characters must face.

Main character development: Tanks for the Memories

World building: The Cutie Map, Bloom & Gloom

Side character development:

Filler: Castle Sweet Castle

 

Season 5: So far seems to be revolving mostly around lore and world building, while also touching on the deeper, more serious problems our characters must face.

Main character development: Tanks for the Memories

World building: The Cutie Map, Bloom & Gloom

Side character development:

Filler: Castle Sweet Castle

Okay, "Castle Sweet Castle" isn't filler in the sense that it was very important the crew address the destruction of the Golden Oaks Library. While that acknowledgement was important, the episode itself did nothing to enhance any character, nor did it add to our understanding of Equestria.

 

I will admit that a few categorizations were influenced heavily by my own dislike for certain episodes. I tried not to let it affect me, but I'm sadly only human: several filler episodes probably wouldn't be in that category if I'd liked them more. Sorry!!

 

Filler isn't necessarily a bad thing, by the way. I've enjoyed filler episodes. Filler, by my definition, can be enjoyable (or not!) but doesn't add to or change your existing knowledge of the show, its universe or its characters. It isn't necessary in order to understand and appreciate the development and progression of the show.

 

"Tanks for the Memories" didn't feel like an episode of season five. (Not saying anything against its quality as an episode. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just an observation.)

Yes, I know season five has barely started, but so far the season feels (to me) like a continuation of season four, quality-wise. I preferred the writing and development averages in s4 to the averages of our s5 so far, but s5 is doing an excellent job at addressing the lore and developing Equestria, now that its characters are more advanced.

Oh yes, the reason I made this post! I forgot about it for a little while there, oops. Um, season 5 so far focuses as I said on addressing and developing existing points in the show (cutie marks, namely), a-and "Tanks for the Memories" is a highly character growth-driven episode, so it doesn't quite fit in with those we've seen for s5 so far…? I dunno, the emphasis it had on RD on an individual (the same focus was absent in currently released ep.s of s5) felt like it belonged in a character-driven season, maybe season 2 or 3. Honestly I think this is just because Cindy Morrow hasn't written for the show since season 3, so it kind of makes sense that her style is not quite that of the other episodes? Purely theorizing here, and I definitely don't think there's an issue with Morrow's talent or writing. I loved the new episode, but it felt a little nostalgic to me.

 

I didn't nearly cover everything I wanted to in this post, but that would've taken a lot more time and it's 2 a.m. and I am going to bed now.

 

Thank you sincerely for reading, even if you disagreed with everything I said above.

[colt_following 169]

I really like your categorization and organization, but I don't believe every season should be /weighted/ towards any one of those categories.

( mostly referring to where you say s5 e5 belongs in a character driven SEASON)