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Do you prefer the magical aspects of the show or the more down-to-earth side?


Bit Boss

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What kind of episodes and story-lines do you prefer; the ones centred on the Alicorns and Unicorns with their magical powers and artifacts

or

the episodes where the narrative is more down-to-earth, perhaps even paralleling our own world.

An example of the former would be "A Canterlot Wedding" in which Shining Armour is under a spell. One might think it's going to be a realistic story about Twilight's jealousy over her brother's marriage to Cadence, who she imagines as two-faced and mean. But the conflict in this story arc comes from magical spells and the power of the changelings to impersonate ponies.

 

An example of a more down-to-earth-pony episode would be "Look Before You Sleep". The conflict arises as two very different friends are forced to spend time together when they really need some space from each other (a problem us humans can relate to!). The solution also doesn't involve magic, Rarity and Applejack communicate and compromise to fix their relationship.

 

I think I prefer the episodes which deal with real-world problems, as I think it gives the show a mature attitude and respects the kids enough to understand metaphors for stuff that happens here on earth.

 

What say you? 

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I agree, a mix is the best way to go. I love the magic and fantasy elements the show brings to the table, but it does not bother me having a simple down to earth slice of life episode where we just see the characters dealing with ordinary obstacles many of us can relate to here in the real world.

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As everyone has said, a mixture of both. I like shows that are set-up in these fantastical worlds and use their elements, but still have slice of life relatable stories.

Yeah I like it when the writers use metaphors and symbols for real-world problems/situations! It's probably the best way to get a message across to kids

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Magical. I really like the world building best with various magical aspects. Like for example, Cutie mark chronicles is one of my favorite all time episodes, and Top bolt exploring the WB academy was really enjoyable.


This ISN'T to say that I dislike the Normal ones like Saddle and row review or whatnot, but that i just disproportionately prefer the more magical ones.

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To be honest I was never wondering on that one, but I agree - a mix is the best way to go.

I like some silly real-life-like episodes with hugging all over the place, but sometimes it's nice to see some action as well, so it all is really nicely balanced.

 

Thoooough actually I kinda like real-life ones more? Seeing them spend time together itself is really nice.  :catface:

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To be honest I was never wondering on that one, but I agree - a mix is the best way to go.

I like some silly real-life-like episodes with hugging all over the place, but sometimes it's nice to see some action as well, so it all is really nicely balanced.

 

Thoooough actually I kinda like real-life ones more? Seeing them spend time together itself is really nice.  :catface:

Didn't Lauren Faust say she had originally intended for the show to be more action-packed? But cartoons with a lot of action take longer to animate....

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I'm not sure how about previous generations, but from what I've heard, these ones were more like tea-party simulators aaaaaand too girly.

In G4 (Friendship is Magic) there's an actual plot and adventures and that's what Lauren wanted to achieve.

At least I think so.

Edited by Rikifive
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I like both of the aspects actually! Not too much mindless magic battles or anything oozing with super epic magic and spells and larger than life characters but enough to keep people interested with the lore and mysteries while at the same time building characters and their interaction on a more down to earth level :fluttershy:

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It depends on how those elements are used - specifically, for which stories. I, too, enjoy a mixture of both, but I prefer magic used to complement characterization, rather than being used to complement action and worldbuilding. Generally I feel that "down-to-earth" episodes are better for character growth and have more character-driven stories, so if I had to choose, I enjoy those more, but "magical" aspects can be used to build on character development, which is when I most enjoy this world's goofy world of spells and creatures. 

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Why seperate them? Combine them. Amending Fences got magics and down to earth confrontation, it's the best presentation of balance.

I think "Amending Fences" was pretty far in the "down-to-earth" direction. Not a whole lot of magical threats in there, even if Twilight does make use of magic.

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I think "Amending Fences" was pretty far in the "down-to-earth" direction. Not a whole lot of magical threats in there, even if Twilight does make use of magic.

I just thought the scene with Twilight try to use magic to catch Moon Dancer attention fit the bill, oh well...
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