Is frequent RariJack episodes a reason why they get the least solo episodes?

[FirePuppy 736]

I noticed earlier ago that Applejack and Rarity usually get just one solo episode per season, unlike all the other Mane Six:

Season 1 - Applejack: Applebuck Season; Rarity: Suited for Success

Season 2 - Applejack: The Last Roundup; Rarity: Sweet and Elite

Season 3 - Applejack: Apple Family Reunion; none for Rarity

Season 4 - Applejack: Leap of Faith; Rarity: Rarity Takes Manehattan

Season 5 - Applejack: The Mane Attraction; Rarity: Canterlot Boutique

Season 6 - Applejack: Where the Apple Lies; Rarity: The Saddle Row Review

Season 7 - Applejack: The Perfect Pear; Rarity: It Isn't the Mane Thing About You

 

To my knowledge, the somewhat high prevalence of RariJack episodes could be a reason why they're not getting much solo episodes compared to their other pony friends, the second most being Pinkie Pie with about 11 so far. Any other opinions?

[Jeric 46,867]

Some of those are hard to classify as solo episodes for a character -- like Perfect Pear. That brings me to an interesting point, many of Applejack's episodes rely heavily on other members of the Apple family sharing equal or almost equal time. It's part of her identity as a character in general. 

Also, even as a Rarity fan it's hard to look at Saddle Row Review as a Rarity 'solo' in the same way it's hard to look at The Last Roundup as an AJ 'solo'. Though the catalyst and resolution surrounded the characters, they were both heavily ensemble episodes. 

And that is why I think focusing on numbers is a bad way to go. The show works best when it starts with a great story and utilizes the characters to build that story. Saddle Row Review is a perfect example of that. Another great example is Sisterhooves Social, which followed Rarity and Sweetie in equal measure with significant roles given to AJ and AB. 

Even though Rarity is my favorite character, I would much rather see a wonderful Pinkie or Twilight episode over a lackluster Rarity one any day of the week and twice on Sunday. This is actually what kinda happened in Season 3 where they retooled an episode that was meant for Rarity since it was considered a bad story for her. 

Make the characters appearances meaningful first. Then I'll talk numbers. I reject character parity completely. Give me good stories!

[Dark Qiviut 22,500]

Rarity also had A Dog & Pony Show, Simple Ways (AJ & Spike secondary characters), and Rarity Investigates! (Dash secondary).

Rarijack's a common pair, because of their differing personalities create both chemistry and conflict. But I don't think this is why they (moreso AJ) have the least solo episodes. AJ works best with another character, because her personality and goals are set. As a result, it's very difficult for DHX to write an AJ episode with a solid conflict.

[Marimo 555]

33 minutes ago, Jeric said:

Also, even as a Rarity fan it's hard to look at Saddle Row Review as a Rarity 'solo' in the same way it's hard to look at The Last Roundup as an AJ 'solo'. Though the catalyst and resolution surrounded the characters, they were both heavily ensemble episodes. 

Plus with Sonic Rainboom from season 1, even though most people consider it just a Rainbow Dash episode, the story's moral and lesson end up being directed at Rarity.

[heavens-champion 1,905]

Why did you post this topic twice?

[Jeric 46,867]

13 minutes ago, heavens-champion said:

Why did you post this topic twice?

It was likely a glitch. I let the staff know and if they want they should be able to merge the two and then just hide the superfluous OP. 

[cmarston1 5,960]

If that's the case, than it is a pretty big shame given how bad Rarijack episodes tend to be.

[M'gann M'orzz 745]

Honestly most characters don't get many purely solo episodes per season. 

Also Simple Ways, Rarity Investigates might have Applejack and RD as secondary characters but Rarity completely drives the plot, and Dog and Pony Show is just a flat out pure Rarity episode. So she really isn't that far behind most in terms of solo's. Rarity's total of Solo's is really around 9, so she's actually more up there than a few others, pretty sure she's got more than Flutters.

Edited September 27, 2017 by M'gann M'orzz

[Thrond 3,263]

I don't think the MLP crew is al that concerned with quotas, to be honest. I think constantly pairing Rarity and Applejack together shows a degree of laziness regarding the two, but I'm unconvinced that those episodes exist just to give those characters some focus.

[Hierok 11,832]

I wouldn't rely on numbers and facts. I rather see a story where there characters fit in perfectly then a pushed cameo or solo episode.

[FirePuppy 736]

6 hours ago, M'gann M'orzz said:

Honestly most characters don't get many purely solo episodes per season. 

Also Simple Ways, Rarity Investigates might have Applejack and RD as secondary characters but Rarity completely drives the plot, and Dog and Pony Show is just a flat out pure Rarity episode. So she really isn't that far behind most in terms of solo's. Rarity's total of Solo's is really around 9, so she's actually more up there than a few others, pretty sure she's got more than Flutters.

No, Fluttershy has 9 herself -- 2 each in Seasons 1, 4, and 7; and 1 in Seasons 2, 5 and 6. So they'd be tied under your thoughts.

Edited September 27, 2017 by FirePuppy

[FlareGun45 2,221]

Even though I do agree that Rarijack has over stayed their welcome, Rarity and AJ don't usually have the least episodes. Every season since season 4 was a great season for Rarity! Just poor for her in seasons 2 and 3. Seasons 3, 4, and 6 were big seasons for AJ! AJ only had two this season which is unlike her though.

Basically, Spike, Big Mac, Fluttershy, and Discord are the ones who usually have the least episodes every season. This season was pretty lucky for Flutters though - even though Discordant Harmony was overshadowed by Discord, and Triple Threat was overshadowed by Ember and Thorax. Next season, some of these fewer episode characters need more episodes.

Edited September 27, 2017 by MegaSean45

[Hierok 11,832]

2 hours ago, MegaSean45 said:

Even though I do agree that Rarijack has over stayed their welcome, Rarity and AJ don't usually have the least episodes. Seasons 3, 4, and 6 were big seasons for them! AJ only had two this season which is unlike her though.

Basically, Spike, Big Mac, Fluttershy, and Discord are the ones who usually have the least episodes every season. This season was pretty lucky for Flutters though - even though Discordant Harmony was overshadowed by Discord, and Triple Threat was overshadowed by Ember and Thorax. Next season, some of these fewer episode characters need more episodes.

Well, Spike makes a lot of cameo's in the episodes, but he clearly needs a few solo/duo episodes, like the Dungeons and Discords episode.

[FlareGun45 2,221]

1 minute ago, Hierok said:

Well, Spike makes a lot of cameo's in the episodes, but he clearly needs a few solo/duo episodes, like the Dungeons and Discords episode.

Exactly! That's a good amount! Just give him like three episodes per season! At least one could be solo, and the rest could be duo episodes! Spike is at his best when he's with another character, right? How about some duo episodes for him with Fluttershy or Pinkie for example? C'mon, it's not difficult to find new chemistry for these characters! It's as easy as the chemistry between Starlight and Maud!

Nick Confalone is one of the best when it comes to new character interactions! Great examples being Heartbreakers, No Second Prances, Dungeons and Discords, and Rock Solid Friendship! I love seeing episodes like that! That's why Nick is one of the writers that needs to write the show more often!

[Hierok 11,832]

1 minute ago, MegaSean45 said:

Exactly! That's a good amount! Just give him like three episodes per season! At least one could be solo, and the rest could be duo episodes! Spike is at his best when he's with another character, right? How about some duo episodes for him with Fluttershy or Pinkie for example? C'mon, it's not difficult to find new chemistry for these characters! It's as easy as the chemistry between Starlight and Maud!

Nick Confalone is one of the best when it comes to new character interactions! Great examples being Heartbreakers, No Second Prances, Dungeons and Discords, and Rock Solid Friendship! I love seeing episodes like that! That's why Nick is one of the writers that needs to write the show more often!

I also want a Discord, Celestia and Luna episode or Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Cadence and Discord episode where they go on a holiday/mission with each other.

[Jeric 46,867]

12 hours ago, FirePuppy said:

No, Fluttershy has 9 herself -- 2 each in Seasons 1, 4, and 7; and 1 in Seasons 2, 5 and 6. So they'd be tied under your thoughts.

I'm sorry but I side with @Dark Qiviut and @M'gann M'orzz. You skipped some Rarity driven episodes. I suspect it's because whatever you personally use for your metric for assessing a KPI for quality ignored story and theme for statistics. Except, the show has never followed a system like that. 

There is also a difference between a Main Character and a Protagonist. Which further complicates your flawed system. 

Quality is more important than parity. 

[FirePuppy 736]

7 hours ago, MegaSean45 said:

Even though I do agree that Rarijack has over stayed their welcome, Rarity and AJ don't usually have the least episodes. Every season since season 4 was a great season for Rarity! Just poor for her in seasons 2 and 3. Seasons 3, 4, and 6 were big seasons for AJ! AJ only had two this season which is unlike her though.

Basically, Spike, Big Mac, Fluttershy, and Discord are the ones who usually have the least episodes every season. This season was pretty lucky for Flutters though - even though Discordant Harmony was overshadowed by Discord, and Triple Threat was overshadowed by Ember and Thorax. Next season, some of these fewer episode characters need more episodes.

I'd prefer Spike and Fluttershy of those four to be them. As for BOTH Applejack and Rarity -- less than three each.

4 hours ago, Hierok said:

I also want a Discord, Celestia and Luna episode or Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Cadence and Discord episode where they go on a holiday/mission with each other.

I don't think that's possible. Remember, we're getting no more than two Discord episodes in Season 8.

[FlareGun45 2,221]

34 minutes ago, FirePuppy said:

I'd prefer Spike and Fluttershy of those four to be them. As for BOTH Applejack and Rarity -- less than three each.

I don't think that's possible. Remember, we're getting no more than two Discord episodes in Season 8.

Who said "no more"? John de Lancie said he voiced two episodes. That means we're getting AT LEAST two Discord episodes next season!

[FirePuppy 736]

14 minutes ago, MegaSean45 said:

Who said "no more"? John de Lancie said he voiced two episodes. That means we're getting AT LEAST two Discord episodes next season!

Well, either way, I surely hope one's with Pinkie and Fluttershy. He's gone with Starlight once, and Spike once, after all.

Edited September 27, 2017 by FirePuppy

[FlareGun45 2,221]

1 minute ago, FirePuppy said:

Well, either way, I surely hope one's with Pinkie and Fluttershy. He's gone with Starlight once, and Spike once, after all.

I wanna see him duo with the princesses, and again with Trixie! I'm sure everyone wants to see those!

[Conred 274]

If the writers supported RariJack they would focus on their actual bond rather than giving Rarity away to Capper.