Why do people ignore Lost Mark's issues?

[Glacies Frost 428]

I have two main issues in this episode, primarily. One is Diamond Tiara's mother, Spoiled Rich, who comes out of nowhere. However, since we rarely see Filthy Rich by himself, we can assume Spoiled is out and about being a socialite and all. We don't spend very much time in the school, nor do we see PTA or school board meetings, where Spoiled serves. Yeah, she comes out of nowhere, but we can easily rationalize that part away.

 

The second part was the... general design of the cutie marks. While they do fit a theme and have their own uniqueness to each, they seem a bit too... uniform. 

 

Outside of that and things coming to a head a little too swiftly for my liking, the usual complaints about pacing and all that, the episode was at least enjoyable for me. They did their best given the time they had.

 

Also, maiden name Spoiled Milk... that's just on-the-nose.

[MAIKUN 262]

So exactly, that's why this episode should've been banned in the first place, am I that right?

[Megas 27,831]

The highs are really high, high enough to ignore the problems, problems which I feel aren't that big of an issue.

 

There's plenty to like about CotLM, it gave a great cap to the CMC getting their Cutie Marks, and it helped give Diamond Tiara more character after being a generic bully for so long. 

[All that joy 1]

Yeah, I have a lot of mixed feelings about this episode. The thing with helping ponies to find the meaning for their cute marks had just started some episodes before with Troubleshoes, then it happens again with Diamond Tiara, and then it somehow becomes their mission in life, they don't care anymore about cute marks and bam! they get their cute marks. Too little build up, same for DT's redemption. But it was such a beautiful and emotional episode, I can't not love it <3

[ChocolateCrane 156]

Personally, I think Crusaders of the Lost Mark is one of the WORST episodes of season 5 in terms of quality writing composition. The reason people overlook it's inherent flaws is clear as day. #1 The CMC got their freakin' cutie marks, #2 Diamond Tiara was reformed, and #3 it was a musical episode with some absolutely amazing songs.

 

The writers decided to ditch two narrative crutches they have been using and abusing for the past 100 or so episodes. Diamond Tiara being the stereotypical "bitchy" school bully character was as one note as you could get. The CMC constantly trying to find their cutie marks ad nauseum was boring and predictable. With Crusaders of the Lost Mark, they ditched these two dead-end crutches allowing for much more interesting plot potential in future episodes. Not quite sure why they didn't capitalize on Diamond Tiara's new plot potential in season 6, as I consider a HUGE missed opportunity.

 

I will come right out and say this episode is trash by season 5 standards, but this one song right here makes up for all its shortcomings