Why Was Applejack So Untruthful in Season 1's "Party Of One"?

[Harratot33 93]

Just re-watched that episode and this really bothered me - Applejack represents the element of honesty and is so well-known for that trait. Sometimes she's honest to the point where she gets in trouble for it ("Honest Apple"), the whole plot of "Where The Apple Lies" is discouraging Apple Bloom from being insincere.

Don't get me wrong, the episode is awesome, but I don't understand why such a character would suddenly take up an attitude that is the exact opposite to what she stands for. Specifically, I am referring to the scene in which she attempts to convince Pinkie that construction is underway in the barn. I know it was for the greater good, and she was doing it to hide the fact that the others of the Mane Six were planning a surprise party for Pinkie Pie, but still.

What is everyone's thoughts...?

[cmarston1 5,959]

I don't see it as a problem because it was really clear that Applejack was really struggling when trying to lie to Pinkie.

 

[GrimGrimoire 4,973]

 

There are a few times in life where lying is acceptable... trying to surprise someone for their birthday is one of them. The alternative is "Hey we are planning your surprise party....!!!!! Whoops... well guess we can throw that out the window! Sorry everybody... my bad!" As mentioned above you can see Applejack struggling with it, but her friends party and the surprise of it was more important to her overall.

[Dark Qiviut 22,424]

What makes a character in character isn't merely the "what," but the "why." Why did she lie?

She lied to Pinkie because the RM5 planned a surprise party at Sweet Apple Acres for some time, and telling Pinkie the truth ruins it. AJ was justified to lie for that reason.

[joshyang908 85]

Obligation of protecting friend's secret party > honesty.

In all honesty, AJ's a horrible liar because of her strong morals and her main character trait. That's why she was pausing a lot even though her lie made the most sense out of the other 4 ponies.

 

[Foxy Socks 2,599]

She lied before hasn't she? It would be quite boring to have only perfect ponies, and it makes it more realistic. Besides, it has shown she lied a lot in the past anyway.

[Sugar Cube 4,843]

Well, for starters, the scene takes place at Applejack's barn! Pinkie doesn't know the rest of her friends are in there, (save for Dash) and she's not supposed to, so it makes sense that it'd be AJ there to cover up for the others as they work on the surprise party. AJ had no choice but to lie or else the surprise party would be spoiled. If you replaced that scene with any other character it simply wouldn't have worked. Besides, it's clear through AJ's sweating and awkward smiling that she's struggling immensely at lying. There's nothing wrong with any of it tbh.