The Progression of the Show

[Crecious 256]

Okay, so.

I've watched every episode of this show, and I was captivated with the first and second season. Third season, I felt a little rush. And the most recent two. Even more so.

I feel like there is a lack luster, to the show, It used to be so new, and original. I felt as though I could use the lessons learned by the characters and apply them to my own real life problems.

But lately, I feel like the characters are making the same mistakes, just different situation, same problems, the elements of harmony are just getting into the same situations that they have to rediscover the lessons.

 

Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like the show is losing it's edge. The edge of originality. Don't get me wrong though, the show is still good, I just feel it's lost that spark it had that got me to love it.

I felt like if Faust came back, things would be different, and apparently she's been working on the new episodes? I don't feel like anything's changed.

I feel like it's still getting dull. 
There are of course great episodes, like slice of life. But I feel over all the tone of the show's changed.

 

I'd love to hear what you all think, and how you feel about it.

I'm going to say this right now. I'm not trying to start a fight, I'm not trying to upset anyone. I'm only putting my feelings about it down, do not hesitate to disagree, and put in how you feel about the show.

 

Thanks

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 42,202]

I think that is a case of the show's 'new' factor has worn off on a lot of us. Instead of it feeling like this new revelation in TV, now the show has been around for 5 years so that initial jolt has faded. About the morals, I have no problems with that really. I think what they are doing is exploring sort of the same morals but from different angles. That can be interesting to me if done well and I think this particular season has been doing the morals amazingly. Easily my favorite season from the moral standpoint alone. 

[Crecious 256]

I think that is a case of the show's 'new' factor has worn off on a lot of us. Instead of it feeling like this new revelation in TV, now the show has been around for 5 years so that initial jolt has faded. About the morals, I have no problems with that really. I think what they are doing is exploring sort of the same morals but from different angles. That can be interesting to me if done well and I think this particular season has been doing the morals amazingly. Easily my favorite season from the moral standpoint alone. 

Interesting.  Maybe I'm growing up slightly, but I'm tired of seeing the same characters make mistakes they've addressed for 5 seasons. Again, not that it makes the show bad, or unwatchable, but it makes me roll my eyes sometimes.

 

 For example, the episode for Halloween, I hated that Fluttershy somehow over came her fear, for one episode, and totally scared her friends, which was completely out of character for her. Granted it was all Angel's idea, but still! 

I've never liked Fluttershy personally, so maybe it struck a nerve with me. I don't' know.

[Sporemane 546]

I started watching the show this year so it is still new to me even the old episodes. I have really enjoyed season five.

[Crecious 256]

I started watching the show this year so it is still new to me even the old episodes. I have really enjoyed season five.

That's awesome. I just don't know, I think I might be growing as a person. But. I don't know really.

[Sidral Mundet 1,666]

I agree with some of your statements but overall I still fine the show as enjoyable as ever.

That being said Season 2 is still my favorite season. I agree with the tonality part of your statement in that it's changed. The first two seasons had a far more consistent tone to them and it's one of my problems with Season 5 is the lack of tonal consistency.  For instance you go from a super dark season premier to a lighthearted Sol story about fixing up a house with emotional baggage to Inception to Death metaphor,etc,etc.  I think at a certain point the show became too aware of itself, that it knew it was popular and big with adult fans and well it's like the Observer phenomenon Discord described in What About Discord, no matter how much someone tries to replicate something, the knowledge that someone else is looking on changes the outcome and that's what happened to a degree. Then again, I will also admit season 2 had it's share of problems but nothing is perfect so I continue to enjoy the show, flaws and all.  

[Crecious 256]

I agree with some of your statements but overall I still fine the show as enjoyable as ever.

That being said Season 2 is still my favorite season. I agree with the tonality part of your statement in that it's changed. The first two seasons had a far more consistent tone to them and it's one of my problems with Season 5 is the lack of tonal consistency.  For instance you go from a super dark season premier to a lighthearted Sol story about fixing up a house with emotional baggage to Inception to Death metaphor,etc,etc.  I think at a certain point the show became too aware of itself, that it knew it was popular and big with adult fans and well it's like the Observer phenomenon Discord described in What About Discord, no matter how much someone tries to replicate something, the knowledge that someone else is looking on changes the outcome and that's what happened to a degree. Then again, I will also admit season 2 had it's share of problems but nothing is perfect so I continue to enjoy the show, flaws and all.  

A very valid point. 

It has become aware of itself. Slice of life, which remains my favorite episode. Pandered so much to the fans. It was glorious! 

But, then again, I heard from some people that it was lacking because it didn't really have much substance. 

I feel like that's the case.

I still watch the show. Just. Sometimes, it's just too hokey. 

[Odyssey 5,719]

Hello @Crecious,

 

Since this discussion is concerning MLP:FiM itself, I have moved it to Show Discussion.

[Steve Piranha 29,496]

Well, it's true, in many aspects, the show has been around for five years, inevitability, the new and whoah factor would banish, not to mention the more mature direction it's taking since season 4. I'm not sure how much longer this show will last before it becomes stagnant, because we went from slice of life in Ponyville with barely introducing some world building, to worldbuild like maniac these last seasons: new characters, new places, kicking in the nuts to the status quo constantly.... I hope they still got fresh ideas in the long run    

[Wind Chaser 4,768]

This is just the natural consequence of MLP running as long as it has, as well as the type of show MLP is.

 

MLP is a rigidly-formatted show: once a week, 22 times per season plus the season premiere and finale (assuming both are two-parters as was the case with seasons 2, 4, and 5), and each episode must have a clear moral and/or character development. It has to have a message clear enough for kids to understand without being too simple. The biggest balancing act is preserving the characters' core identifying traits without having them entirely regress on lessons learned (though occasional lapses are excusable), as well as progressing the show without tying up the continuity beyond a few landmark events.

 

The run/hiatus cycle of this show can become quite a grind, and if you've been watching it for a long time, certain flaws become increasingly apparent. To that end, after the novelty of MLP wears off you begin to realize the possibility that there are other shows out there that might be doing what MLP does even better (or that you just might want to do something else with your time, like creating the next MLP).

 

That said, MLP is doing a hell of a job to keep itself relevant by doing more mature storylines, adding new characters and locations, and expanding upon the roles of its core characters to allow for more story opportunities. A lot of times, I think I'm going to lose interest in the show until a big enough episode like "The Cutie Map" or "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" comes out and has us talking for the next two or three weeks about it, even after other new episodes come and go. On the other side of the same token, the grind that MLP's episode schedule is and the difficulty to the staff of making the "right" kind of episode becomes apparent with the duds and "mehs" that come along the way.

 

I think the show is fine for now and will continue to be fine through Season 6 at least with all that the staff putting into it. However, when this show falls a bit short, remember that there's another show out there that'll probably do it for you. There's also a chance it hasn't been created yet.

Edited November 9, 2015 by Wind Chaser

[Marimo 555]

For example, the episode for Halloween, I hated that Fluttershy somehow over came her fear, for one episode, and totally scared her friends, which was completely out of character for her. Granted it was all Angel's idea, but still! 

I've never liked Fluttershy personally, so maybe it struck a nerve with me. I don't' know.

Fluttershy didn't really overcome her fear. The point of her being the scarer was to keep her away from being a target to be scared. 

 

The point of Fluttershy trying to scare her friends was because that's what you did on Nightmare Night, it's part of the fun. And she was encouraged to give something she doesn't normally do a shot. And she tried it and didn't like it.

[Crecious 256]

This is just the natural consequence of MLP running as long as it has, as well as the type of show MLP is.

 

MLP is a rigidly-formatted show: once a week, 22 times per season plus the season premiere and finale (assuming both are two-parters as was the case with seasons 2, 4, and 5), and each episode must have a clear moral and/or character development. It has to have a message clear enough for kids to understand without being too simple. The biggest balancing act is preserving the characters' core identifying traits without having them entirely regress on lessons learned (though occasional lapses are excusable), as well as progressing the show without tying up the continuity beyond a few landmark events.

 

The run/hiatus cycle of this show can become quite a grind, and if you've been watching it for a long time, certain flaws become increasingly apparent. To that end, after the novelty of MLP wears off you begin to realize the possibility that there are other shows out there that might be doing what MLP does even better (or that you just might want to do something else with your time, like creating the next MLP).

 

That said, MLP is doing a hell of a job to keep itself relevant by doing more mature storylines, adding new characters and locations, and expanding upon the roles of its core characters to allow for more story opportunities. A lot of times, I think I'm going to lose interest in the show until a big enough episode like "The Cutie Map" or "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" comes out and has us talking for the next two or three weeks about it, even after other new episodes come and go. On the other side of the same token, the grind that MLP's episode schedule is and the difficulty to the staff of making the "right" kind of episode becomes apparent with the duds and "mehs" that come along the way.

 

I think the show is fine for now and will continue to be fine through Season 6 at least with all that the staff putting into it. However, when this show falls a bit short, remember that there's another show out there that'll probably do it for you. There's also a chance it hasn't been created yet.

You have a very valid point. 

 

Maybe I'm just having some trouble right now, because I'm a bind. I've always been accused of being young for my age, and here I am watching a show that's target audience is for young girls.

Don't get me wrong, the show does balance well for the adults and kids. 

 

But, I'm trying to improve my over all world view, and educate myself in more things.

 

We'll see how the season ends, I really would have liked Sunlight Glimmer to come back, I thought she was an awesome villain because she wasn't really a villain, just a nut job cult leader xD

Fluttershy didn't really overcome her fear. The point of her being the scarer was to keep her away from being a target to be scared. 

 

The point of Fluttershy trying to scare her friends was because that's what you did on Nightmare Night, it's part of the fun. And she was encouraged to give something she doesn't normally do a shot. And she tried it and didn't like it.

I have always found her the least likable of the mane 6. Again, this is personal feelings about it. 

I've always disliked how cringy she is, and how she's always scared.

I feel like that doesn't paint a really good picture to kids. While on the same coin, Rainbow Dash is too reckless and bold. Of course as a whole they all balance each other out, however, I remember my niece telling me how uncool it was that Fluttershy was always so scared. And that got me thinking.

[Marimo 555]

I feel like that doesn't paint a really good picture to kids. While on the same coin, Rainbow Dash is too reckless and bold. Of course as a whole they all balance each other out, however, I remember my niece telling me how uncool it was that Fluttershy was always so scared. And that got me thinking.

Some people are like that. Maybe not to the same degree, but there are people who get easily nervous and scared over things. There are times and situations where you need to be able to overcome those fears to accomplish certain things, but being naturally easy to scare isn't something that a person should be ashamed of.

Edited November 9, 2015 by Marimo

[Crecious 256]

Some people are like that. Maybe not to the same degree, but there are people who get easily nervous and scared over things. There are times and situations where you need to be able to overcome those fears to accomplish certain things, but being naturally easy to scare isn't something that a person should be ashamed of.

I have a lot of fears, that make my life sometimes very had to live. I understand what Fluttershy goes through. Granted I don't think we should show nothing but amazingly brave people, in TV but that being said.

 I find it irritating watching her cower from a rustle in the trees. You know what you do in that situation. Hold perfectly still, don't make a noise, and watch to see what it is.

Having lived in places with dangerous animals. Showing fear can only get you in trouble. It's better to hold your ground, and after you're safe break down. Yes, I've done this.

It's pathetic, but has saved my life more than once.

[Marimo 555]

I have a lot of fears, that make my life sometimes very had to live. I understand what Fluttershy goes through. Granted I don't think we should show nothing but amazingly brave people, in TV but that being said.

 I find it irritating watching her cower from a rustle in the trees. You know what you do in that situation. Hold perfectly still, don't make a noise, and watch to see what it is.

Having lived in places with dangerous animals. Showing fear can only get you in trouble. It's better to hold your ground, and after you're safe break down. Yes, I've done this.

It's pathetic, but has saved my life more than once.

Seems to be more just not handling surprises well. She tends to be able to handle herself just as well, if not better than others, with ferocious animals.

[Lunar Echo 10,335]

The show has gotten better I think, from the first year that is. The first year was your typical little girl centered show where not much was known for where the show was heading. Year two is really when the fan base was really starting to flare up. After that it has been slight hints here and there to it being more nurtured towards the current fan base we have today. I only fore see the show getting better with time, at least I'm hoping they can keep it up It has been great so far.

[shy0wl 484]

I still get really excited on Saturdays and get really engaged when the show is on.  It might be different for other people.  Maybe you might be more involved in the fandom than the show itself?  

 

I mean eventually the writers will run out of things to write about without it becoming repetitive but I feel like there is still quite a ways the show can go and still be fresh.

[Chronamut 355]

let's be honest - all of the other mane 6 get over their pitfalls - vanity for rarity, stubbornness for applejack, arrogance for rainbowdash etc.

 

it gets really boring if fluttershy is always the pushover. 

 

I think you are expecting too much out of a childrens show.