S05:E14 - Canterlot Boutique

[Luffyiscool 397]

Regarding the fat pony,
I don't see the issue either. In fact, I applaud them for putting that in there.
Putting her in doesn't have to be some kind of "joke" just because she looks different,
I actually think they were being pretty cool by doing this.
We've seen a pony in a wheelchair, and there was a lot of praise for the fact no one brought it up,
or made it an issue. I think this was something similar.
They're saying "look, some ponies are overweight too." but Rarity & Sassy didn't make fun of or even bring up her weight.
They interacted like normal ponies with her, just like what happened with wheelchair guy. Wonderful stuff!
Hell, they weren't even shocked to see her! To me, this showed yet more love and care for the different kinds of bodies out there. Edited September 14, 2015 by Luffyiscool

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

I really see the premise of this episode setting it up to be a model Season 5 episode. It takes a dream that Rarity has been building her entire life around to this point and really puts her through the wringer. When you're working towards something you love, you can count on there being one big obstacle being thrown at you, threatening to disillusion you from your passion. This is where the world tests how devoted you really are, if you love doing something so much that you're willing to weather adversity for it. A lot of us in the fandom have what Rarity has. We've weathered trolling, dramas, and the 1000 other shows we could be watching for this and we don't show any signs of giving in.

 

Like Suri Polomare, Sassy Saddles served as a means to Rarity's end, serving up a nice lesson about the price of fame. She got Rarity to question whether or not this really was the end she wanted. Where Season 5 works the best is when it's operating on a theme of deconstruction. This is what Rarity wanted her entire life, but the stress and possibility of being taken advantage of is not really something she accounted for. The episode does an excellent job of communicating this and does not drown it out in the noise of other subplots. In a day and age where many find themselves obsessed with getting "social capital" and those 15 minutes of fame that can very easily turn into a nightmare, a lesson on the consequences of pursuing success is really in order.

 

I really thought the episode was going to end with Rarity selling out the Canterlot Carousel and coming back home. Shame on me for expecting the easy way out of it. However, I still think Sassy might have a ways to go in learning how to control her desire for fame and success. Having her work for Rarity might be a good enough send-off, but maybe she will, and maybe she won't. I can't buy her changing those desires in the space of a single incident, but that open-endedness is a natural consequence of her being a new character in a show full of mostly self-contained, 22-minute episodes.

 

I'm glad the bulk of the episode turned out this way. Unfortunately, it relied on a bit of expository dialogue to set up the plot as so many episodes seem to do, and ending on an incredibly stupid and tonally out-of-place joke almost soured the tone of the third act. However, the result seems quite satisfying for what this season has been up to so far.

[Lukington17 40]

I found this episode so-so overall (can't vote in the poll 'cos I'm new, I think).  I thought this episode did develop Rarity's character a lot, like people are saying, and it was nice to have a smooth re-introduction to the series after the intense last episode with Luna. 

       There were several flaws, like Music Chart Fan said, such as the unexplained survey result that Twilight is somehow Equestria's favourite pony despite appearing to do very little; Rarity seemed a bit of a pushover despite finally securing her dream boutique.  If your store manager is giving you a hard time, give them a talking to; don't sit and suffer in silence.  Sassy and Rarity came across as obviously having completely different attitudes to running a boutique.  As a result, their making-up at the end felt rushed and artificial - I personally wouldn't have left Sassy in charge of the shop in my absence!  Lastly, Sassy implied this was not her first attempt at running a good shop: wouldn't it have been nice if there'd been a brief sequence showing Sassy's failed stores in the past? Hell, they put Rarity through so much in that infamous nightmare sequence in 'For Whom the Sweetie Belle Tolls', you'd think we'd see that it happens to others as well!

 

Anyway, they pretty much could have done anything in this episode and, I think we'd all agree, it wouldn't have mattered that much - it's just nice to have MLP back!  

[ManaMinori 4,145]

I borrowed this image.

image.jpg

These two are probably going to be the main characters in several fanworks, focusing on their friendship (which I do realize they might be total strangers to each other), they just contrast each other so well. Also, I find the "Fat Bargain Hunter" pony (or is that a hippopotamus?) to be way more offensive than Derpy ever was. I did like the episode though,

P.S. Not enough Derpy.

how is the big pony at the end offensive to you? Did you get offended over Snails, Mrs Cake, or the ony puppet master, in "Inspiration manifestation"? What about big Pinkie, in "The cutie map", afte she ate all those muffins? Did Bulk Biceps offend you? Did you get offended over Fleur di Lis or Cesletia, or Featherweight, for having body types that bordered on anorexic? It not, then what right do you have to take offense to "Alberta Blue"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZbtL0TdbZw

Regarding the fat pony,I don't see the issue either. In fact, I applaud them for putting that in there.Putting her in doesn't have to be some kind of "joke" just because she looks different,I actually think they were being pretty cool by doing this.We've seen a pony in a wheelchair, and there was a lot of praise for the fact no one brought it up,or made it an issue. I think this was something similar.They're saying "look, some ponies are overweight too." but Rarity & Sassy didn't make fun of or even bring up her weight.They interacted like normal ponies with her, just like what happened with wheelchair guy. Wonderful stuff!Hell, they weren't even shocked to see her! To me, this showed yet more love and care for the different kinds of bodies out there.

people are taking more offense to fat pony, and scolding the fact that she's just thete, rather than honing in on the tone Rarity and Sassy took with fat pony, which is the Real issue here. When other customers asked if the princess dress was still being marketed, Rarity responded with a patient explanation. But the last customer comes in and asks, Rarity and Sassy just yell "No!"

 

And while big pony wasn't offput by the harsh response, a customer should Not be yelled at, as it could cost a sale, or many otential sales, if word of mouth plays a part. I get Rarity had a bad day, but she shouldn't have taken her exasperation out on the customer, when she got tired of handing out patient explanation to everyone else who asked about the discontinued dress.

 

I love Rarity, but I won't give her (or Sassy) a free pass, on this issue. They were at fault. Not fat pony

[Seamore Sandwich 471]

how is the big pony at the end offensive to you? Did you get offended over Snails, Mrs Cake, or the ony puppet master, in "Inspiration manifestation"? What about big Pinkie, in "The cutie map", afte she ate all those muffins? Did Bulk Biceps offend you? Did you get offended over Fleur di Lis or Cesletia, or Featherweight, for having body types that bordered on anorexic? It not, then what right do you have to take offense to "Alberta Blue"?

That was kind of a joke, I believe you misread the tone of it. What I meant was that Derpy was so controversial, but the show still does things that risk creating the same kind of controversy, like creating the "fat bargain hunter" stereotype as a character. Did you even notice how I described her as a "hippopotamus"? Definitely joking. Now I've been a bit overweight myself for some time, so please don't think I'm making fun of fat people for being fat, it's just that the rounded shape on four legs reminded me of a hippo.

[ManaMinori 4,145]

Yes, Canterlot Boutique joins the pantheon of amazing Rarity episodes. Suited For Success, Sweet And Elite and Rarity Takes Manehattan. Rules Of Rarity joins Art Of The Dress, Becoming Popular and Generosity.

 

Personally, this episode had everything right. Sassy Saddles was not written along the same lines as Suri Polomare but rather a reverse-example of executive meddling where she, under Rarity's employ, makes genuine missteps which takes the creative flair and fulfilment out of Rarity's work in what she believed was for the best. From that wonderful interaction with Pinkie Pie at the start, the episode had a great song, startling relevance to the creative industry, rich and snappy dialogue. It felt authentic and real, so it manages to overtake The Cutie Map - Part 2 and is roughly on par with Tanks For The Memories to be one of the best episodes this season.

 

The next two weeks are also Rarity-centred and Rarity Investigates hopefully will give her some much-needed interaction with Rainbow Dash. It's too much to hope for, but I secretly wish the two could have a duet. Rainbow Dash only got one line this episode and the morbidly obese pony at the end, was frankly a little disconcerting.

I don't think the episode got Everything right.

 

I'm rather disappointed that Rarity caved so easily, after the client whose princess dress she tried to customize, shot it down. True, Rarity took an order to make her dress a certain way, and shouldn't have messed with the order, but she also should've recalled her experience from "Art of the dress", and realized that what the customer wants isn't always right. Rarity, in my opinion, could've tried harder, knowing that, to have the pony see that, and insisted that she just try the dress on, instead of agreeing with the pepper pony and going back to her sweat shop

[ElegantNerd 39]

My reaction to the episode before reading any other responses:

 

"Meh."

 

No deep meanings; no great character development; no memorable songs.  

 

*Why was Rarity such a doormat?  

 

*I liked Goth Pony (and that they called her Goth Pony in the credits)!

 

*What the hay was with that random ending?!

 

It wasn't a *bad* episode, but it wasn't one I'm likely to remember.  

Edited September 14, 2015 by ElegantNerd

[Luffyiscool 397]

people are taking more offense to fat pony, and scolding the fact that she's just thete, rather than honing in on the tone Rarity and Sassy took with fat pony, which is the Real issue here. When other customers asked if the princess dress was still being marketed, Rarity responded with a patient explanation. But the last customer comes in and asks, Rarity and Sassy just yell "No!"

 

And while big pony wasn't offput by the harsh response, a customer should Not be yelled at, as it could cost a sale, or many otential sales, if word of mouth plays a part. I get Rarity had a bad day, but she shouldn't have taken her exasperation out on the customer, when she got tired of handing out patient explanation to everyone else who asked about the discontinued dress.

 

I love Rarity, but I won't give her (or Sassy) a free pass, on this issue. They were at fault. Not fat pony

I personally think you might be overthinking that "no!"

 

It seemed more like when Fluttershy and Rarity shouted "We go!" as they left Photo Finish.

A gleeful "nope!" to an issue they've put behind them, while smiling and laughing with each other.

That's all it really was, an enthusiastic "NO!" to the dresses availability.

It doesn't come off as a jab at the pony at all, or even a display of exasperation towards a customer.

 

It was just a light heartened ending note for the episode.

The pony shrugged as if she were saying "did I miss something?", implying she wasn't offended at all,

because quite rightly, there was nothing to be offended about.

I really do think it's simpler and more innocent than you give it credit for.

 

No deep meanings; no great character development; no memorable songs.

Woah, it's like we were watching two completely different episodes. Completely disagreed on all fronts. Edited September 14, 2015 by Luffyiscool

[ElegantNerd 39]

 

Woah, it's like we were watching two completely different episodes. Completely disagreed on all fronts.

Well, I was comparing this episode to ones like "Tanks for the Memories" where they tackle the 5 stages of grief and  showstoppers like "Canterlot Wedding."  I have high standards.  

[FrozenSpark 47]

Sooooooooooooooo, basically, this episode meant to critizise mass production?

 

The running gag with pinkie's cupcakes seemes unnecessary

That's just Rarity's style, this episode has a lesson : always do things your way.

Edited September 14, 2015 by FrozenSpark

[Photon Jet 5,491]

I think Raven's dream of becoming a pony finally came true. That's what I think when I saw her and the comment reactions at the same time.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_F-v9-1fL8

Edited September 14, 2015 by Photon Jet

[----------------------- 171]

I think I'm one of those people that thought this episode was just... mediocre. It's a bit surprising for me, since I really enjoy Rarity episodes. The only aspects that I liked weren't the story or the situation with Rarity (just the song, seeing Raven ponified, the random big mare at the end). It's good, but I'm more interested in the next episode that features her and Dash.

[Truffles 2,033]

 

 

Painting over one's cutie mark is an interesting concept we saw Starlight Glimmer use. I am surprised we haven't seen the CMC, especially Applebloom paint a cutie mark on to their flanks but maybe "Cutie Pox" taught them that a fake cutie mark gets you no where. If the cute super obese pony did paint it on I bet it has been washed off by accident multiple times like Starlight's cutie mark was.

 

I would think so too. It's interesting you mentioned Starlight Glimmer because it occurs to me this cutie mark is the antithesis of what her philosophy was - everypony fitting in as an anonymous cog in a machine. Here we have this rotund pony who's cutie mark is the ultimate expression of individualism - her special talent is herself!

 

Dang, now I kind of want to have an episode that follows up on this pony, if for nothing else just to answer what her cutie mark is really all about... Plus it might give DHX an opportunity to defuse the situation they've created by throwing her in at the end as a joke and causing a controversy. It also might be nice to know why Rainbow Dash had a picture of her in her locker - if she's some kind of celebrity that would go a long way to explaining all three issues.

[cider float 2,538]

The best message was how the relationship between the marketing and the designers clashed. But in real life Rarity would have to privatize her business if she wanted to keep doing what she was doing and lose any sponsors.

 

Was it worth the wait? Well.... not really. :/

On the bright side it's finally a Rarity episode involving her alone and not sharing it with another pony.

Edited September 14, 2015 by cider float

[Chewbroccali 32]

I think Raven's dream of becoming a pony finally came true. That's what I think when I saw her and the comment reactions at the same time.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_F-v9-1fL8

I hadn't made the connection to raven until later on and now in retrospect it is really funny

[EVBP 94]

I thought we were going with "Woah Nelly", which is the name she's tagged with on derpibooru?

 

 

That works. Also, am I the only one who is reminded of Homestar Runner when looking at her cutie mark?

[Pat.Rio.T. 305]

This episode, for me, caused a strange reaction. Because of the setting and nature of this episode, throughout most of it I was thinking, "This is going to be boring." but in the end, it wasn't.

Through the song; "Oh, not another one of these songs." Yet, I enjoyed it.

That blue guy that showed up, and now people are shipping; "Oh no, I'm going to hate this character!" But I didn't!

 

Sure this isn't my favorite episode, but was surprisingly good, and that makes me happy.

[glitterbomb 162]

LOL yeah no kidding. Painting over one's cutie mark is an interesting concept we saw Starlight Glimmer use. I am surprised we haven't seen the CMC, especially Applebloom paint a cutie mark on to their flanks but maybe "Cutie Pox" taught them that a fake cutie mark gets you no where. If the cute super obese pony did paint it on I bet it has been washed off by accident multiple times like Starlight's cutie mark was.

 

See this is what I was afraid of…people getting touchy over the obese pony. I do not think it is a big deal. I respect your opinion as I don't think it is nice to make fun of overweight people at all, but if you ask me, if the obese pony is a gag she is a poke at the popularity of shows about obese people or they are making an irony joke about Canterlot being absorbed with image yet a kind of pony who would be made fun of in our world is not made fun of in the pony world…who knows? No offense to you of course. It could be the obese pony was a flash error they exaggerated for fun with stretching of the animation in the software. The obese pony and the other ponies never say anything offensive about weight. The obese pony is treated like a regular pony.

 

You know, that's actually a good point. I rewatched the episode last night and realized they aren't laughing at her, they're just giggling cause they're so done with the princess dress. Thanks for posting your opinion in a polite and respectful way, it really made me rethink this!

[Lexamena 391]

Did anybody catch Twilight sparkle giving the princess/pageant cupped hand wave? I did.

[ManaMinori 4,145]

I think Raven's dream of becoming a pony finally came true. That's what I think when I saw her and the comment reactions at the same time.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_F-v9-1fL8

thing is, though, she really doesn't look anything like Raven

[cider float 2,538]

Is this episode telling bronies to "wait for the next episode damn it."

I hadn't made the connection to raven until later on and now in retrospect it is really funny

First when I saw her looking at the mirror I thought those were boobs.

[smitty121325 64]

It's a Rarity episode, so I knew going in that it was going to be good. But, this episode kind of falls flat when compared to all of the other great Rarity episodes. I'm not saying that it was terrible. The moral was good and the song was great, but I felt that the story culd have been better. I also didn't much care for Sassie. This is a real shame considering all of the other great characters we've had this season so far. This is the one character that I didn't like very much. I feel like the Goth Pony that appeared in this episode (yes, she does sound like Raven from Teen Titans, but she is in fact voiced by Andrea Libman, doing a near perfect impression of her) is the one who will get the most attention. Sassie, to me, was a wasted character. I really feel like the writers could have done more with her. The song also seemed rather odd. There was only one verse before the chorus came in, but, God, is it catchy. I'm going to be humming this song for the next week. Damn you, ingram! Why is that Applejack and Rarity always get the best songs of the season/series? 

Next week features Rarity defending Rainbow Dash when the latter is accused of something that she didn't do. Looking forward to it, but why am I getting flashbacks of Turnabout Storm all of a sudden? 

Edited September 14, 2015 by smitty121325

[Luffyiscool 397]

Even Cobaltsky, someone who often gives Rarity a hard time,

says that this is his favourite Rarity episode, and that she should be portrayed this way all the time.

 

That speaks volumes about the episode, and reaffirms my decision to give it the full 5 stars.

Loved most things about this.

[Grtxkkyz 388]

Well, another righteous reward for surviving this lesser pony drought. That was a pretty decent episode. It's nice to see Rarity getting quite some episodes for herself after being negated the first whole half of the season. And it was great to see achieving her dream of a boutique, even if it was just for a while. But the dresses she made are gorgeous nonetheless (even if the business didn't turn out as she had hoped). Yeah, the twist in Sassy Saddles' character feels a bit forced, but was an alright addition. Kinda adds more perspective to her, but it was truly sweet from Rares to not fire Sassy despite having full reason to. She truly is the element of generosity after all. She may not have a boutique in Canterlot anymore, but she's got an employee, so that's just alright.

Fatty pony FTW

[Sunset188 193]

I loved this episode, not only was it about my little Rarity   but also a really enjoyable plot. I liked how it mirrored real life, where everyone wanted to be the same.... just a really great episode for me. Especially since I haven't liked this season that much.