Holiday Special - Best Gift Ever

[Here No Longer 5,276]

This was an absolutely fantastic special aside from a couple of gripes:

1. Cringy forced Sparity shipping
2. The air date was two months early

[Denim&Venöm 18,784]

Got to watch this at Ponyville Ciderfest with a thousand other people. The atmosphere was as jovial as the episode and the reception was very positive. A very well done episode. The best holiday special in the whole franchise. I'd say it was even better than the movie. 

[Sparklefan1234 170,103]

1 hour ago, Denim&Venom said:

The best holiday special in the whole franchise. I'd say it was even better than the movie. 

Agreed 100%!

I don't think I've ever seen an episode with so many "Liked it" & "Loved it!" votes before! 

[Twilight Luna 31,352]

15 minutes ago, Sparklefan1234 said:

Agreed 100%!

I don't think I've ever seen an episode with so many "Liked it" & "Loved it!" votes before! 

The episode A Perfecy Pair has pretty much the same number of ‘like it’ and ‘love it’ votes. A Royal Problem has even more ‘love it’ votes.

Edited November 2, 2018 by Twilight Luna

[Music Chart Fan 819]

24 minutes ago, Sparklefan1234 said:

Agreed 100%!

I don't think I've ever seen an episode with so many "Liked it" & "Loved it!" votes before! 

10 minutes ago, Twilight Luna said:

The episode A Perfecy Pair has pretty much the same number of ‘like it’ and ‘love it’ votes. A Royal Problem has even more ‘love it’ votes.

The poll in the topic for "The Perfect Pair" actually has a unique sixth "It's AMAZING!" option, which is even higher than the usual "LOVE IT!" option. And in that poll, those two options combine for 91% of the vote, which might be the highest percentage in an episode poll for "loving" an episode. That wouldn't be surprising, considering how well that episode was received.

[Twilight Luna 31,352]

15 minutes ago, Music Chart Fan said:

The poll in the topic for "The Perfect Pair" actually has a unique sixth "It's AMAZING!" option, which is even higher than the usual "LOVE IT!" option. And in that poll, those two options combine for 91% of the vote, which might be the highest percentage in an episode poll for "loving" an episode. That wouldn't be surprising, considering how well that episode was received.

You are correct. It’s hard to watch that episode without getting the feels. 

[Sunlight Glisten 368]

This episode had it all, flurry heart and fam, discord, all 6 ponies showing their strengths, pinkie finally figured herself out after the catastrophe of pinkie episodes in season 8, M A U D!!!! Throw back references to all sorts of episodes and other classic Christmas movies. Nothing overboard. Perfect proportions of each. 

 

[ImpctR 155]

I would comment it the same way I do for episodes, and it is. It was a pleasant episode, not of my type but better than any Heartswarming episode, and for being 40+ mins that's what it aimed to be. I will start with things I liked mostly as going through the episode:

Starting with School 6 appearance, already had their episode in Season 8 so it's normal to focus on Mane 6.

 

Spoiler

 

The Pinkie family,. Gosh, I love Marble Pie, every time I see her it's the same as what Spike feels for Rarity. Speaking of Sparity in this episodes though... it's through the roof whoever doubted it still lived. Marble is shier than Fluttershy though hihi. There were Big Mac and Sugar Belle.

I'm not into songs in episodes but I know it goes with the holiday so it was in place to have them.

Again Twilight is poor planner, she has just another day upside-down. What they decide to give as presents in secret is something I've done few times in junior school. Not since.

I chuckled at those instant responses from AJ and the Remane when Spike asks 'No I dont have Rarity' 

 

Spoiler

 

As for the Flim-Flam. I know such villains are better than others with magic but are there no others? It was so tiresome to see these boring antagonists expecting them to fail any time.

Fluttershy was a bit naive though, did they have to portray her like that?

I liked how close Pinkie and Prince Rutherford have become. Now his cottage looked too ordinary but here is a thought on the map:

 

Spoiler

 

Yakyakistan, whatever it represents, Siberia or any such area, on the north is just one thing, the North Pole. And that's where the Reindeers are.

 

I know you like Derpy talking again:

 

Spoiler

 

What is this acorn place? WHERE is it? I like the new characters though, Acorns family? 

 

Spoiler

 

Looks like Rarity and this new acorn pony son, like each other Rarity such a two timer. 

Shining Armor shows he is not a useless husband, I liked that, and Cadence's confidence hah.Yes, I love that beautiful place, and interesting to introduce these new reindeers in the Equestria. The new uncharted world far on the north, in the snow! But even seeing the everfree forest in snow was also cool.

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

The winterchiller (?), such a  FURRY thing cute and funny as it grew:

 

Spoiler

 

Then we get the giant monster winterchiller and that blob trouble but it turns into 'Friendship' is the real present. I like that and the worry what present will be good enough is so relatable for me that it's good to remind us in the end it is what the act of giving a present or care matters. Also good that instead of Santa pony, there are these 3 reindeers to differ from the real life world.

There are two types of episodes, adventure ones two parters and these positive ones without much adventure but that are full of light and funny moments that make it pleasant and are more interesting than the Season 1 episodes. So both types I like and being a light and pleasant episode 5/5 a good one.

 

Edited November 4, 2018 by ImpctR

[CastletonSnob 3,074]

On 10/30/2018 at 9:00 PM, Truffles said:

Eh, I think it keeps Spike from becoming a Gary Stu if he has a few dark streaks like this, and it shows he still has some "typical" dragon in him. The funny thing is this scene is worse than it seems. If someone saw these screenshots...

...without any context, a first-time viewer would think he's the villain in the series. But as was stated by others, he could have asked and Fluttershy would have willingly traded with him. Plus he was so happy and excited to find Rarity's Secret Santa, it pretty much disarmed the scene for me.

It is curious, however, why he thinks he needs to trick others in order to get certain things. I'd love to blame Sludge's con artistry for rubbing off on Spike a little too much for this behavior, but he acted this way back in S3 in "Just for Sidekicks" - and with Fluttershy again no less! And he also stated he was going to sweet talk a valuable hoofball card out of Big Mac back in the opening of "The Cutie Map." So this is just how he behaves sometimes. I don't know if it's just a lack of maturity, or if there really is some instinctual dragon behavior in that otherwise big heart of his that refuses to be completely suppressed.

 

I see it as just him being a kid. Kids can be pretty manipulative. 

Edited November 4, 2018 by VG_Addict

[n1029 227]

I really hope they don't go any further with Sparity. There's no chance of a two-sided relationship there. There are plenty of other more appropriate characters in the series for Spike to hook up with.

 

My only explanation for the series' baffling promotion of that ship is so they can make romance jokes that no one at Hasbro will take too seriously while they save more legit ships for the end.

 

 

Edited November 4, 2018 by n1029

[bwrosas 252]

7 hours ago, Bas said:

They could literally make an episode and a dilemma out of it.

Spike being in conflict with his first love, and people trying to help him out of it.

Show of hands/hooves, who seen Family Matters? Does Steve and Laura Ring a Bell? How did the thing between them start and how did it ultimately end (when the series was done) and how long did it take to get too? And how many bumps and obstacles did it go through, before they finally ended up together?

 

Point I have with that, is Spike and Rarity are somewhat similar in a sense. (And please don't mention "Age" as an excuse as why they shouldn't be, let's not go there.)  The point, is how many seasons did it take for Laura and Steve to finally be together, about 9 whole seasons, which ironically is just about what MLP FIM is coming up too.

 

And it took special episode towards the end of S9 for Laura and Steve to wind up together.  And ironically, it takes one Hoilday special for Rarity and Spike (Spairty) to become semi/if not officially canon in FIM.

 

I know it sounds confusing, but trust me, when you put the pieces together, you'll understand.  Hmmm..., makes you wonder if the creative staff were big Family Matters fans and fans of Steve and Laura being/ending up together.

 

[Kevin Tang 2,426]

This is a great episode.

Many characters from past episodes made a cameo.

The song on the intro is very good as always.

But just one question, if Shining Armor and Cadence came to Twilight's place, where are her parents? I mean AJ and Pinkie had the whole family visiting them.

[n1029 227]

13 hours ago, bwrosas said:

Show of hands/hooves, who seen Family Matters? Does Steve and Laura Ring a Bell? How did the thing between them start and how did it ultimately end (when the series was done) and how long did it take to get too? And how many bumps and obstacles did it go through, before they finally ended up together?

 

Point I have with that, is Spike and Rarity are somewhat similar in a sense. (And please don't mention "Age" as an excuse as why they shouldn't be, let's not go there.)  The point, is how many seasons did it take for Laura and Steve to finally be together, about 9 whole seasons, which ironically is just about what MLP FIM is coming up too.

 

And it took special episode towards the end of S9 for Laura and Steve to wind up together.  And ironically, it takes one Hoilday special for Rarity and Spike (Spairty) to become semi/if not officially canon in FIM.

 

I know it sounds confusing, but trust me, when you put the pieces together, you'll understand.  Hmmm..., makes you wonder if the creative staff were big Family Matters fans and fans of Steve and Laura being/ending up together.

 

I don't know the background of Family Matters, all I know is Spike's crush on Rarity is a joke that got old in the first season, and there's no real foundation for a relationship there. It's not like Fluttercord where there's a legit mutual spark and they both make considerable efforts to please each other. Rarity's personal and professional ambitions are far beyond what Spike is capable of supporting, and I'd hope a show that otherwise has a fairly decent handle on interpersonal relationships would be able to put its foot down on this eventually once they think they've wrung all the laughs and cute feels out of it. There are plenty of other characters in the show that would fill that role for Spike a lot better, and I really hope the writers will push him toward one of those eventually.

[Jeric 46,851]

On 11/4/2018 at 3:11 AM, bwrosas said:

Show of hands/hooves, who seen Family Matters? Does Steve and Laura Ring a Bell? How did the thing between them start and how did it ultimately end (when the series was done) and how long did it take to get too? And how many bumps and obstacles did it go through, before they finally ended up together?

 

Point I have with that, is Spike and Rarity are somewhat similar in a sense. (And please don't mention "Age" as an excuse as why they shouldn't be, let's not go there.)  The point, is how many seasons did it take for Laura and Steve to finally be together, about 9 whole seasons, which ironically is just about what MLP FIM is coming up too.

 

And it took special episode towards the end of S9 for Laura and Steve to wind up together.  And ironically, it takes one Hoilday special for Rarity and Spike (Spairty) to become semi/if not officially canon in FIM.

 

I know it sounds confusing, but trust me, when you put the pieces together, you'll understand.  Hmmm..., makes you wonder if the creative staff were big Family Matters fans and fans of Steve and Laura being/ending up together.

 

Steve and Laura were in the same age group. If you want a pop culture reference you would probably best be served by using the Anakin and Padne analogy, since the age gap exists there, but even that falls apart because the audience is already aware they are destined to fall in love and have kids later so the audience buys it more readily. 

Family Matters is simply a bad example. If Spike were older in his first appearance then the audience could  accept it better. Sparity is old and worn and needs to die next season. Smolder is closer to Spikes age. That’s a worthy ship. 

 

Anyway, Spikes story in this episode and his motivation didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the special. Still one of the best episodes of FiM created. 

[Will Guide 21,360]

1 hour ago, Jeric said:

Steve and Laura were in the same age group. If you want a pop culture reference you would probably best be served by using the Anakin and Padne analogy, since the age gap exists there, but even that falls apart because the audience is already aware they are destined to fall in love and have kids later so the audience buys it more readily. 

Family Matters is simply a bad example. If Spike were older in his first appearance then the audience could  accept it better. Sparity is old and worn and needs to die next season. Smolder is closer to Spikes age. That’s a worthy ship. 

Just as long as you don't try to prove that Rarity doesn't care about him and only takes advantage of him for free labor. Because, that's would be way OOC for the Element of Generosity and ignoring the fact she once threatened to kick 3 teenage dragons' butts if they harm one scale on Spike's head.

[Quinch 1,120]

2 hours ago, Jeric said:

Family Matters is simply a bad example. If Spike were older in his first appearance then the audience could  accept it better. Sparity is old and worn and needs to die next season. Smolder is closer to Spikes age. That’s a worthy ship. 

The thing that I like about it is that it's entirely one-sided. Rarity knows Spike has feelings for her {as does the rest of Equestria, by the looks of it - is it just me, or would a Spike fanclub in Crystal Empire trying to make that ship come true make a hilarious story?}, and Spike knows she knows but he seems happy being around her by itself. Come to think of it, I don't think I can actually remember a situation where he expressed a desire, let alone expectation that she did return his feelings. So, while that romance will likely forever be unreciprocated, it's neither exploitative nor harmful, so until and if someone else comes along to capture his affections... eh, let it be.

[Loyal Defender 4,111]

Where do I even BEGIN on how much I like this episode? Not just because it introduced a few new characters, namely Aurora, Bori, and Alice, (it's funny cuz Northern Lights), but also because it showed the mane characters trying to be nice to other ponies, and not just to themselves. Like Sweet Acorn Orchards, with the Nut family, I liked how Rarity decided, likely out of the Christmas spirit, and not out of generosity, that Pistachio should keep her hat, since it seemed to make him so happy. And Applejack foiling the Flim Flam brothers by overacting the point of getting different gifts for different ponies. That was one of the funnier moments, not because of Aple Jack's and Flitterfloosh's overacting (Round Trip reference), but because even during the busiest time of the year, the Flim Flam Brothers STILL couldn't 100% scam anypony. I also really liked Aurora, Bori, and Alice, representing Christmas Spirits, and being REALLY darn cute. I'm hoping they're introduced or cameo'd in another Christmas special, cuz they added a nice dash of charm to the story. And speaking of Dash, I like how Discord was pointing out the flaws in Rainbow's plans, like how Fluttershy wouldn't do well around candles, spas, or much of anything. And Rainbow's finally like, 'EVERYTHING makes her worry!', and Discord points out, 'NOW you sound like somepony who knows her!' What really added to the moment for me was Fluttershy being oblivious to what gift she would've wanted. And I loved everyone one-lining Spike with 'I don't have Rarity'. It was SO savage, and hilarious! And don't get me started on Twilight's 'PUUUDDIIIING' face. THAT will become a meme in no time flat. 

 

The story was really nice, the songs were charming, the message in the end was kind of cheesy, but heartwarmingly cheesy, the artwork was fantastic, and overall, it was a good episode!

 

I give it a 9/10, minus one point for the reindeer trio not making an Aurora Borealis in the skies as they flew. But I'll actually give it that point back since the narration voice in the beginning had me wondering who was speaking, and a million guesses ran through my head wondering who it was. It turned out to be Alice, whom is my favorite of the trio. 

Edited November 5, 2018 by Loyal Defender

[DonMaguz 1,023]

2 hours ago, Quinch said:

So, while that romance will likely forever be unreciprocated, it's neither exploitative nor harmful, so until and if someone else comes along to capture his affections... eh, let it be.

I would agree if things weren't getting so weird with Spike's crush. His determination to have Rarity as his helper pony came out as obsessive and it is not the first time his crush is shown from an obsessive angle.

I guess they're not really trying to make him obsessed on her, but they're entering a dangerously gray zone. An obsession is not a joke, Spike doesn't deserve to live in one, Rarity doesn't deserve to be the object of said obsession, and their friendship doesn't deserve the repercussions of an obsession. 

As long as his crush is cute and childish, it's fine. But child crushes have an expiration date and Spike's crush has already crossed that date IMO.

[FluffyCloudy 1]

That episode was so damn adorable x3
I loved the songs and how they failed with each others gifts, but yet still succeeded ^^

[Fluttershutter 2,444]

I FINALLY had the time to watch this episode and focus and it(just found out it existed a week ago). Totally worth the wait!!! 

Easily one of the greatest episodes ever! Top five. I'll definitely be watching it a couple more times nearer to Christmas.

 

One very small gripe is that Flim and Flam looked miserable in the end. Sure they deserved it but it would have been more in the spirit if they were having a happy holiday together anyway.

------------

Ah, I've discovered why the special aired at halloween. To give people shopping time:

Still totally worth it. "Consumerism is the best gift of all!" 

Edited November 8, 2018 by Fluttershutter

[bwrosas 252]

I'm surprised, no one brought this up, cause if you're into shipping, this is an interesting thing that they did, When the drawing of names/cutie marks occurred,, (along with the trade), check out this unique situation, Spike (after the trade) got Rarity, and AppleJack got Spike., and Rarity got Applejack.  So if you're a RaraJack, Sparity,or Appllespike shipping, I hope you saw what they did there.

[Quinch 1,120]

4 hours ago, Bas said:

I am pretty sure you will find a shipping for every possible character pair online if you just search.

Prob even MacSpike or something.

Personally, I find crackships the most fun. Going "Like, how would that even work?" And then trying to envision the actual relationship. 

[PrismaWatercolor 0]

It was so nice we had a special like this but my question is... how did it only happen now? its been long overdoo... we could have had 7 at this point XD

[Ganondox 899]

Since it is now past Thanksgiving, it is finally legal for me to watch this episode. I enjoyed it, it had everything I'd expect from a Christmas special. The ending was a bit of a foregone conclusion, but there was some surprises in the details. In particular it struck me how asymmetrical the gift situation ended up being, with some ponies actually getting gifts despite everything falling apart, but not others. The writing in this episode came across as particularly self-aware. This could be could as it led to some very funny moments like the Reindeer-Ex-Machina, but at times it felt like I was watching another episode verbatim, like when Fluttershy calmed the Winterzilla. Sparity is really getting old, but I actually liked how they used it this episode. Finally, I'm disappointed Flurry Heart reverted back to demon spawn this episode. 

[bwrosas 252]

13 hours ago, Ganondox said:

Sparity is really getting old, but I actually liked how they used it this episode. 

Yeah, but when you think about it, this may be the way they make Sparity, semi-canon/official as the series nears it's final seasons (10 would be just right).