S05:E15 - Rarity Investigates

[Sunset188 193]

I thought it was pretty enjoyable, though I did have the mystery solved from the beginning

[LongGoneGr 1,305]

Yeah that would've been cool... but the episode was more of a noir homage than anything else. Rarity is best detective!

Some kind of Cornered theme would've been rad tho

 

I want to make an editted video of the accusation scene with this playing in the background:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sg7iWlqwwX4

[yoonshi 37]

Yay! Can't wait until I get cable

 

I just moved to Nevada

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

OMG...this was just amazing...

 

To think how far somepony would go just to preserve some record that will be broken nonetheless...

 

And the music in this one was phenomenal...

 

100/10 would watch it again

 

I tell ya, Season 5 just keeps on firing on all cylinders.  

 

EDIT 1: Anyone miss the Wilhelm Scream close to the end?

Edited September 20, 2015 by C. Thunder Dash

[Lambdadelta 1,462]

The animation of this episode is awesome ) Are Rarity trying to seduce the guard ?  The plot is too predictable, the culprit is too obvious. I think they should at least put some twists in the end and add more paranoid atmosphere (i like reading mystery so this episode disappointed me a little bit  ). 8/10 

[IcefireInfinite 227]

Manipulation is Magic

It was weird seeing Rarity manipulate other to get what she wants.

It was one of those moments where I just kept thinking to myself: You know, for kids!

[rpc8169 238]

Love this for the same reason I like "MMMystery on the Friendship Express," one of my all time favs. Much better than last week's ep. Also good character development for RD, too. 10/10 for me.

Edited September 23, 2015 by rpc8169

[Luna the Great of all the Russias 2,984]

Is it not supposed to be innocent until proven guilty rather than guilty until proven innocent? Accusations Wonderbolts made to Rainbow Dash lacked any actual hard [forged] evidence against her. This is one part of this episode that bothered me the most. Would have been much better if they presented some sort of evidence or was more specific about what it was about Dash that made her suspicious; way it was presented, it seemed like it was more like "Rainbow Dash happened to be with Spitfire therefore she is suspicious therefore she is most certainly guilty."

 

But disregarding that, I personally would consider this better version of MMMystery on the Friendship Express. Was interesting to see interaction between Rarity and Rainbow Dash throughout this episode which I don't think happens too often. Style of episode was appealing and was nice to see various dresses Rarity was wearing.

[Solar Cloud 493]

All I have to say is that face on Rainbow.

[colt .45 259]

Since when does Rarity have any experience in being a detective? I really hate to be the party pooper here, but it dosen't make any sense for me. It kinda seems like that the writers just made her a detective just because.

 

You can prove me wrong if you want and maybe then i'll give it a better score. But as it stands, it's just okay. Not bad, but also not very good.

Let's see if I can explain why this didn't bother me. First, no, Rarity has never indicated having any interest in investigation in the past. Intact in "MMMystery on the Friendship Express" the whole idea of forensic investigation seemed to be a foreign concept to most of the ponies. So, there you go. You're right on that point. But... Here's why it worked. Near the beginning, Rarity says that she is a fan of mysteries. (the fact that it is of the noir genre isn't mentioned, but it totally suits Rarity s character that it is, as seen in the style that she is imaging the investigation in her head). Her interest in this style of mysteries has inspired her to create a fashion line based on said style. Just as we would expect from Rarity. The next thing that makes this work is also foreshadowed in the beginning of the episode. We already know from having watched the show that Rarity is a very detail oriented pony, but in case you didn't already know that, they make a point to re-enforce that in the opening scene at Canterlot Carousel. It was more about Rarity using her skills and attention to details to help prove her friends innocence than that she was an amazing forensic investigator.

 

Rarity being a detective was A) her using her imagination that she was a character from one of the books she had been reading, and Dash is known for "big adventure" (says so in the into song). Well, Rarity finally got to have an adventure with Dash, and it wasn't just camping or in a race or something. It was her showing loyalty and generosity to her friend, when Dash's integrity was on the line. Not just adventure for the sake of adventure, but adventure done with a real pourpose. And with style and class, as we would expect from Rarity.

 

Hope that helps you be able to enjoy it more.

[rpc8169 238]

Another subtle detail I like is how Spitfire if breathing hard and RD isn't. Guess she can fly long distances!

[Melon Blitz 423]

I'm 50-50 on this episode. Not sure if I like it or not.

 

Soarin in one of my favorite characters and I was really surprised that he didn't have more trust that Rainbow wouldn't try to sabatoage the Wonderbolts, especially after Rainbow Falls and the Wonderbolt Academy (where she even stopped Spitfire from replacing Soarin himself).

 

Rainbow Dash sure is doing a bang up job of getting ponies kicked out of the Wonderbolts though.

Lightning Dust:

 

Windrider:

 

WHO'S NEXT!

[Truffles 2,033]

Rainbow Dash sure is doing a bang up job of getting ponies kicked out of the Wonderbolts though.

Lightning Dust:

 

Windrider:

 

WHO'S NEXT!

 

Yes, Rainbow Dash is doing a bang up job of creating her own personal army of nemeses! If the map hadn't of sent her to Griffonstone, she'd still have Gilda, too!

 

BTW, what's up with that screenshot of Spitfire? Wow, didn't even notice she was looking so smug over kicking Windrider out! 

[MLPFanatic34 3,234]

That was a really good episode, was anyone else reminded of the Fairly Oddparents episode where Timmy investigates Wanda's disappearance for Cosmo? lol, I loved Rarity in this episode, she was adorable and sassy, and I loved Rainbow's facial expressions with the Wonderbolts, It was awesome to see the full Wonderbolts team and to see Spitfire and Soarin, they're my two favorites, also loved the black and white backgrounds when Rarity was investigating, I do find it odd that Soarin didn't have more trust in Rainbow about Spitfire disappearing, since he was so cool with her in Rainbow Falls, but oh well, another good Rarity episode and I hope they'll be more Rarity episodes later on, also great to see Sassy Saddles again. 10/10!!

 

 

Also in response to Melon Blitz, yeah Rainbow is really getting ponies kicked out of the Wonderbolts lol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Melon Blitz 423]

Yes, Rainbow Dash is doing a bang up job of creating her own personal army of nemeses! If the map hadn't of sent her to Griffonstone, she'd still have Gilda, too!

 

BTW, what's up with that screenshot of Spitfire? Wow, didn't even notice she was looking so smug over kicking Windrider out! 

It was weird, they seemed all too happy to kick out a supposed wonderbolt "living legend." That screenshot was from Spitfire saying "How would you like to take Windriders spot in the show." Rainbow dash is on such a high pedestal, Spitfire and Soarin talk about how she can break his record even though they still haven't inducted her as an official starter Wonderbolt.

Edited September 20, 2015 by Melon Blitz

[TwiWoo 15]

Ooh, double Rarity episode, I hope they have a Double Pinkie episode!!!

[StitchandMLPlover 930]

SPOILER ALERT!

 

I just saw "Rarity Investigates" this morning and I like it at least as much as "Canterlot Boutique" if not more. probably more! I liked that we immediately saw Sassy Saddles and the new boutique again. I see Sassy is following Rarity's lead. I think that proves a point about Rarity's business in that since she makes "couture"(it tends to mean handmade or specially made) she makes unique hand sewn, or hoof sewn in this case, dresses to peak the interest of ponies and then those dresses are ordered by each individual pony on a more case by case basis, not a store that mass produces. Throughout the whole series like in "Scare Master","Sisterhooves Social" and "For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils" Rarity mentions deliveries and orders.  And I like that we finally got to see Rainbow Dash in her role as a Wonderbolt Reserve. I loved the fact that Twilight became a Princess in season 3(My fave ep is still "Magical Mystery Cure") but I think the progression of Rarity and Rainbow Dash's arcs are better in my opinion because they are happening a bit more slowly over a few more seasons. Like it seems being a Wonderbolt requires many steps no matter how good at flying you are. I love that we finally got an episode that starred Rarity and Rainbow Dash together without the other main characters. I'v wanted to see them paired together in an episode for a while. I think Rainbow Dash is adorable in this episode. She's actually humble instead of brash so you can see how she has grown, which only makes it all the more sad when she is falsely accused. The other thing I adored was seeing how smart and clever Rarity truly is. I knew she paid attention to detail but wow I'm so impressed!! It makes me like her so much! Kinda wish Applejack had seen her detective skills. The Wonderbolts were characterized well and I love that we saw that Spitfire has a mom. They seem to be giving side characters bigger speaking roles now. The black and white film noir touch was a cool artistic decision, especially with Rarity's narration. I know they tried that in "Mystery on Friendship Express"  but it works better in this episode. The animation of the facial expressions in the black and white scenes was beautifully done. My only complaint is that the episode is predictable and some parts might be over simplified as so many others have said. I do understand however there are young kids who watch MLP so they wanted to make it gettable. On a side note I think "Rarity Investigates" is basically the pony version of my latest film, "Crips Not Creeps" especially the bit with the note/letter and the accusation and what a big impact the accusation made. (I think the episode teaches the lesson that a false accusation is a big deal so don't accuse somebody before you have ALL THE facts) I'm not saying Hasbro stole my idea! And I'm not trying to be an egomaniac. But the episode is kinda similar. See my film below. http://cripvideoproductions.tumblr.com/post/109840448686/crips-not-creeps-enhanced-visual-quality-version 

My film is on youtube as is "Rarity Investigates" in case people want to see it on youtube. 

[Truffles 2,033]

 

 

All I have to say is that face on Rainbow.

 

 

And all I have to add is... The view's not bad either...  :comeatus:  

Yes, I'm going to Tartarus...

[Jonny Music 3,410]

There was so much to like in that episode.

Rarity likes mystery, old-cinema references (Film Noir, so to speak. A nod to the B+W classic films (Citizen Kane, anyone?)), well done animation (especially the harsh shadows in some scenes) and the humour.

 

I liked it a lot.

[Scion of Arcadia 69]

...Meh. I think I was spoiled. I just got done watching Turnabout Storm, the Ace Attorney/MLP crossover (top-notch storytelling there, by the way) and I guess I was kind of hoping for something like that. The franchise is well known for doing little nods to the fandom like that. But it wasn't. It wasn't bad, I suppose, and it did keep in character. But compared to the several hour long webseries I just watched... I suppose I was just a little let down.

[Luffyiscool 397]

Loved the episode, and really enjoyed putting together this week's mini PMV.

 

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

[Thunderlane 550]

EDIT 1: Anyone miss the Wilhelm Scream close to the end?

I got it (on 18:00 ^^)

I love how they always manage to sneak it in haha

[Jeric 46,851]

Also, Rainbow called Rarity 'Rare', as odd as it may sound, they both made a really cute team together. :3 This is now one of my favorites of the season. I know my impressions are fairly simple but they are to the point I suppose.

I didn't mention that in my earlier thoughts, but that little moment was great. Rarity fans have called her Rare or Rares as a nickname for a while but the show never gave her a nickname in the show proper. It helped to underscore that Dash and Rarity do have an off camera 'direct' friendship even though we don't see them interact nearly as much as some would like.

Another subtle detail I like is how Spitfire if breathing hard and RD isn't. Guess she can fly long distances!

Yep. Some missed the payoff to the Rainbow Dash dialog with Wind Rider when RD downplays her abilities, only to see that she can do a long distance flight without breaking a sweat.

 

So far this season we have seen RD, Rares, and Fluttershy show mature aspects of their personalities, while still keeping in character. Several times in this episode Dashie actually was given an opportunity to self promote and she took the modest route. I love this season and how it is addressing these characters.

[dekutree64 713]

FINALLY another Rarity/Rainbow episode! And it's 100% exclusively them! Pretty rare not to even have a short appearance by a third main character.

 

I love continuity, so it was great to see the new botique and Sassy Saddles featured again so soon.

 

Am I the only one who noticed how similar Dash's "my bad" was to Derpy? And here she was the one giving Derpy a hard time about her clutziness in The Last Roundup... But apparently it was just a poorly designed door, since the mail pony thumped it too.

 

Does it count as an official date, Rainbow inviting Rarity to the Wonderbolts dinner? I'm not that much of a Raridash shipper, but this episode does have some good material. Rainbow seemed quite happy to have Rarity around, especially at the practice session, And Rarity obviously knows Dash very well and accepts her for who she is, not making a big deal about messing up the boutique, or Dash's slobbish eating, or spilling Rarity's drink on her beautiful dress. It must be nice to live in a nudist society where it's perfectly acceptable to change clothes right in the middle of the ballroom Also sweet not letting the others interrupt Rainbow's ridiculous happy dance.

 

Rainbow's starry expressions over Wind Rider were pretty cute.

 

Too bad he didn't deserve them. I wonder how many other potential record breakers he's sabotaged before? Rainbow really could end up being one of the most legendary Wonderbolts of all time, not only for being the fastest, but for her sense of honor, whereas the other seem to be mostly jerks.

 

But not only did this episode contain Raridash shipping, it indirectly contains Rarilight shipping. How awesome would Rarity and Twilight be as a detective pair? And how much influence did Twilight's performance in MMMystery on the Friendship Express have on Rarity's interest in mystery novels and detective work? Since Rarity was one of the culprits before, it's hard to tell if she would have been good at solving the case back then or not.

 

And how about Raripie, since they both narrate their own adventures in the third person?

 

The mystery solving was pretty fun. I didn't guess the result right off the bat, and actually was starting to suspect Dash sleep-writing the note just before Dash herself thought the same thing But by the time they got to the raspy voice at the bakery, I was pretty sure it had to be Wind Rider.

 

All in all, a great episode. My only complaint is that there wasn't more focus on the performance itself at the end. Sometime there needs to be a Rainbow Dash episode that really focuses on the joy of flying, and shows what it's like from her perspective.

[Grtxkkyz 388]

That was a neat episode! Much needed interaction between Rarity and Rainbow Dash, and a rather positive one at that! The two ponies may be different but are great pals nonetheless. Rares proved herself to be an awesome detective. After all, those who work with fashion have a great eye for details. Oh, and Sassy's back real soon. Dat continuity. And she's doing a great job as a business partner.

I really liked how they handled the film noir elements, even going deliberately monochrome in certain scenes. Needless to say, Wind Rider totally got what he deserved. I'm specially fond of how Soarin' was like. Even if Spitfire's not around, he's a competent authority on his own. And more Wonderbolt members!

Mmm, Rarity is a fan of detective Shadow Spade's novels, huh? Could she be as popular as Daring Do?

Also, those ponified Sherlock, Wadson and Moriarty... sweet. And that jazz version of the end credits was amazing.

Edited September 20, 2015 by Dino-Mario