I feel like I'm over MLP's animated series

[ManaMinori 4,149]

the stupid stick has been passed one too many times for me to enjoy MLP's characters. Like having the ponies experience firsthand the impact of Tirek, knowing that he got out once, and having them be aware o him also working from the inside with a certain somepony, only to put that certain somepony in the same vicinity of him when that certain somepony gets caught. I mean, really?

 

Also- the repetitive "morals" and stories. How many times have we been through the 'what am I? who am I meant to be?" thing with Spike? Why did we need a lite version of Dragon Quest, which is, in itself, a complete rip from g1's "Spike Search"? Or backtracking with RD and AJ 's characterization in "Non Compete Clause".  I just feel like the series is well past its prime. The characters are suffering for it, and the lessons have gotten stale. Does anyone else think that it's past time to put the series out of its misery? Would such things be happening if the show went back to how g1 handled episodes, through a constant rotation of characters that were focused on being different in every episode, and not implementing any overarching narratives and arcs?

[MangoFoalix 25,058]

I've already seen this thread many times before and I will keep on saying the same thing. No, the series is not "stale" and no, it should not be "put out of its misery".

Just because you are sick of the show doesn't mean everyone else is to be honest. I know people have said lots of bad things about Season 8, but to completely fair with you, I don't see what is too wrong with most of the episodes. The only dud I can think of is Yakity Sax, but that seems to be just it.

[The Recherche 29,982]

While I have not seen much of the show itself (I am merely far into Season One), such things are inevitable with series that run this long. The very purpose of telling a story is to begin, create a conflict for our protagonists, and eventually come to a close when all of the possible arcs have been completed. The only other solution is to run in circles, or disrupt the status quo significantly enough to create more original and meaningful conflicts. From what I have seen, MLP has done both, to varying degrees of success, depending on who you ask.

Either way, do I believe that MLP:FiM should end? Well, assuming that it truly is merely running in circles, even if indirectly... it shows that every meaningful conflict the writers can feasibly create has been written already. In that regard, ending the series may be appropriate... but ultimately, MLP will end when the producers want it to. I don't have a very strong opinion on this topic, to be true, but I do believe that it will soon be time to move onward... and if the leaks are to be believed, then that should happen promptly.

[BastementSparkle 20,335]

No, I think Season 8's been pretty good, I've enjoyed it, I don't think the show's gotten stale at all and I don't think it needs to be put down. Every single season so far has at least a few episodes where the fans seem to generally think they're duds, and every single season has at least a few fans posting topics like this where they talk about how the show's gone downhill and isn't good anymore. Seriously, I've been seeing threads and discussions like this since Season 2, even back then there were people going "This isn't nearly as good as Season 1, anyone else think the show should end?". As long as the series runs, it's never going to stop.

 So, if that's how you feel, then you're completely entitled to feel that way. If you dislike Season 8 and think it's gone downhill, that's a legitimate opinion, but there are still plenty of other fans enjoying the show to this day. I guarantee you, once season 9 starts you're going to have some people posting the same conversations about how they liked the show up until now but they think they're over it, or how now in Season 9 they've finally got the "Worst episode ever", and if the show get's a 10th season, it will happen again.

Like I said though, plenty of fans still enjoy the show, just like they did back when people were complaining about Season 2, or 3, or Twilicorn, or whatever else. I still like the show myself too, so I say it should continue.

Edited October 8, 2018 by BasementSparkle

[gingerninja666 487]

I just don't watch the episodes if I don't like them. so I haven't seen Non-Compete, Father Knows Beast, or Yakity Sax. If you just watch the episodes that look interesting to you, or wait until word of mouth spreads, then I still have a blast with the series. The show isn't serialized, you can get away with skipping the odd episode.

 

Episodes 19-23 has been one of the best runs of episodes in the series in my opinion. And it seems likely that next season IS going to be the last one. In that case, we're near the end anyway, so let's just see what good can come from these last episodes.

The way I think of it is this: I ignore episodes I dislike, while taking in episodes and concepts I do. Without season 8 I wouldn't have the student 6. I wouldn't have The Washouts. I wouldn't have Rockhoof and a Hard Place. I wouldn't have Hearthswarming Club or Smolder bonding with Spike. I wouldn't have Sunburst's hot mom. I'd miss out on so much that I enjoy because an ep here and there had one of the mane 6 being badly written.

[Thrond 3,271]

26 minutes ago, gingerninja666 said:

I just don't watch the episodes if I don't like them. so I haven't seen Non-Compete, Father Knows Beast, or Yakity Sax. If you just watch the episodes that look interesting to you, or wait until word of mouth spreads, then I still have a blast with the series. The show isn't serialized, you can get away with skipping the odd episode.

 

Episodes 19-23 has been one of the best runs of episodes in the series in my opinion. And it seems likely that next season IS going to be the last one. In that case, we're near the end anyway, so let's just see what good can come from these last episodes.

The way I think of it is this: I ignore episodes I dislike, while taking in episodes and concepts I do. Without season 8 I wouldn't have the student 6. I wouldn't have The Washouts. I wouldn't have Rockhoof and a Hard Place. I wouldn't have Hearthswarming Club or Smolder bonding with Spike. I wouldn't have Sunburst's hot mom. I'd miss out on so much that I enjoy because an ep here and there had one of the mane 6 being badly written.

I'd like to do this, but I honestly find this show kinda unpredictable. A lot of the episodes people like in the latter half of this season have left me kinda cold, even though most of them were about things I was interested in. And in the past, I've enjoyed episodes I thought I'd hate. So for me it kinda feels like all or nothing.

I haven't seen this week's episode yet, but I'm kind of on my last rope as well; I too often feel like I don't like things in this show that everyone else does, and that's dispiriting. 

Edited October 8, 2018 by AlexanderThrond

[Will Guide 21,372]

I agree with the guys above me that just because one person hates something that doesn't give them the right to say everyone else has to hate it.

On TV Tropes, There's a whole of page about the group called Fan Dumb ,the dark side of any fandom that usually act entitled, think they know better than anyone else, etc.

[Jeric 46,884]

1 hour ago, Nightmare Muffin said:

Also- the repetitive "morals" and stories. How many times have we been through the 'what am I? who am I meant to be?" thing with Spike?

This is a constant journey of discovery, similar to what we all experience. I am 41 and I have yet to completely crack that riddle, but I get closer each passing day. I'm a bigger fan of slow burning narrative storylines, so I can't agree with you there. 

1 hour ago, Nightmare Muffin said:

I just feel like the series is well past its prime.

To some degree it probably is, but what does that truly mean? This is one of those phrases that makes me snicker because of the leap one makes with the connotation that after reaching your peak any value, diminished or not, isn't worth the effort. That's a silly concept. I get what you were trying to say, but using another idiom or just simply saying what Thrond did would suffice. 

1 hour ago, Nightmare Muffin said:

Does anyone else think that it's past time to put the series out of its misery?

You have for quite some time. I mean, it's fairly easy for me to pull up your history and wade through the posts you have made since I have been here, but it isn't a jump to suggest that you have never particularly enjoyed the show as presented anyway. If you have you failed to communicate it well. This isn't meant as a slight as much as a call for you to own it like others have. Most of your topics are centered around your dislike for elements featured on the show, or wishing for things from prior generations to appear in this show. There is a strong level of cynicism and unhappiness that permeates your candor and seeks to grab the reader and scream .... I DON'T LIKE THIS SHOW. That's alright I guess, since in a way this probably brings you some form of enjoyment or personal meaning. 

As far as your closing question, if you don't like G4 anymore, and it sounds like you only tolerated it (at best), you can watch it to keep up with the conversation I suppose. I mean, we all know you will stick around for at least that if nothing else. I spent yesterday with my five-year old niece who loves the show. She certainly wasn't around when it was new, yet she loves the newer episodes, and seemed to be a giggle fest at some that we tend to think missed the mark. It certainly has its audience even though it is past its prime, and its longevity assures it will still have some newer viewers. I mean, I look for something different than what others do in FiM. I would never spend my time watching prior gen episodes as it just doesn't suit me, similar to how I suspect FiM never quite suited you. It's cool. 

[ManaMinori 4,149]

14 minutes ago, Jeric said:

This is a constant journey of discovery, similar to what we all experience. I am 41 and I have yet to completely crack that riddle, but I get closer each passing day. I'm a bigger fan of slow burning narrative storylines, so I can't agree with you there. 

To some degree it probably is, but what does that truly mean? This is one of those phrases that makes me snicker because of the leap one makes with the connotation that after reaching your peak any value, diminished or not, isn't worth the effort. That's a silly concept. I get what you were trying to say, but using another idiom or just simply saying what Thrond did would suffice. 

You have for quite some time. I mean, it's fairly easy for me to pull up your history and wade through the posts you have made since I have been here, but it isn't a jump to suggest that you have never particularly enjoyed the show as presented anyway. If you have you failed to communicate it well. This isn't meant as a slight as much as a call for you to own it like others have. Most of your topics are centered around your dislike for elements featured on the show, or wishing for things from prior generations to appear in this show. There is a strong level of cynicism and unhappiness that permeates your candor and seeks to grab the reader and scream .... I DON'T LIKE THIS SHOW. That's alright I guess, since in a way this probably brings you some form of enjoyment or personal meaning. 

As far as your closing question, if you don't like G4 anymore, and it sounds like you only tolerated it (at best), you can watch it to keep up with the conversation I suppose. I mean, we all know you will stick around for at least that if nothing else. I spent yesterday with my five-year old niece who loves the show. She certainly wasn't around when it was new, yet she loves the newer episodes, and seemed to be a giggle fest at some that we tend to think missed the mark. It certainly has its audience even though it is past its prime, and its longevity assures it will still have some newer viewers. I mean, I look for something different than what others do in FiM. I would never spend my time watching prior gen episodes as it just doesn't suit me, similar to how I suspect FiM never quite suited you. It's cool. 

Jeric, buddy. Listen. If FiM never "suited me", I most certainly wouldn't have the majority of my pony merch be g4 stuff. I would't be drawing g4 art or writing g4 fanfics or making g4 theories and headcanons.

 

I very much DO like this show....or rather, did. There was a point in time where it was spectacular.  I wouldn't be pessimistic and cynical now if I didn't feel like it lost that special 'secret sauce' that once made it good, and start living up to its full potential again. I complain because I care. I'm not going to be ,  nor should anyone be expected to be satisfied with sub-par when it comes to what their passion and joy is, or used to be.

[ShootingStar159 2,157]

33 minutes ago, Jeric said:

This is a constant journey of discovery, similar to what we all experience

I’ve grown very tired of the “repeated morals” complaint, as it often seems to miss the point of characterization. The main characters have very rarely actually repeated moral lessons, the lessons are just similar to ones they’ve faced before. And that’s because the lessons are driven by their characterizations. When people complain about characters not “learning their lesson,” it’s really them complaining that the characters aren’t becoming completely different people.

Rainbow will always be egotistical, Rarity will always be obsessed with dramatic, and Starlight will always be impulsive. The idea that if they do anything wrong along these it means they aren’t growing or changing is both narrow minded and short sighted.

[gingerninja666 487]

6 minutes ago, ShootingStar159 said:

I’ve grown very tired of the “repeated morals” complaint, as it often seems to miss the point of characterization. The main characters have very rarely actually repeated moral lessons, the lessons are just similar to ones they’ve faced before. And that’s because the lessons are driven by their characterizations. When people complain about characters not “learning their lesson,” it’s really them complaining that the characters aren’t becoming completely different people.

Rainbow will always be egotistical, Rarity will always be obsessed with dramatic, and Starlight will always be impulsive. The idea that if they do anything wrong along these it means they aren’t growing or changing is both narrow minded and short sighted.

Yeah, like, Shy doesn't learn lessons about not being shy anymore. And even back when she did, I felt like they were all about different aspects of being shy. It tackled one subject very thoroughly.

And sometimes they re-explore a subject but do things about it better. Like, Parent Map involves an overbearing parent plot that has the parents admit that they were in the wrong. Something an episode like PArental Glideance didn't do. Or 28 Pranks LAter has the MAne 6 actually try to pull an intervention on Rainbow for her behaviour before resolving to teach her a lesson (like they didn't do in Mare Do Well).]

I tend to feel like each episode has enough going on to cover for some repeated concepts by exploring those concepts with different characters. Like, I think Sounds of Silence could've made for a great Starlight episode precisely BECAUSE the lesson is a mixture of two prior Starlight episodes.

[Will Guide 21,372]

Just now, gingerninja666 said:

Yeah, like, Shy doesn't learn lessons about not being shy anymore. And even back when she did, I felt like they were all about different aspects of being shy. It tackled one subject very thoroughly.

You are right about Fluttershy tackling different aspects of being shy and as she herself said to her haters in Fame and Misfortune:

Quote

"Listen up! I am more assertive! And yes, it took me a while to get there. But can you honestly say that you could learn something one time and completely change who you are? [beat] I didn't think so."

She's referring to the facts of reality that not everyone changes after one epiphany. As a guy struggling to get better in life, I have first hand knowledge that Everyone goes through their own Character Development at their own pace and it's what makes them unique individual peoples, whether you're human or pony. Some people learn their lessons right away, others take time. You can't force people to change right away.

Heck look at S3's Keep Calm and Flutter On. Twilight considered using a Reformation spell on Discord but it was not only unethical, it wasn't really necessary since Fluttershy's method of allowing Discord some space to be his chaotic self actually got him to see Fluttershy as the first real friend he ever had. Throughout his appearaces in S4, he would still continue to troll some ponies but his character development really started to stick come the S4 Finale. As TvTropes puts it:  

Quote

While Fluttershy taught him that he desired willing companionship, it is a betrayal of a presumed ally (Tirek), plus Twilight's example (of chosing to not give up her magic to Tirek until he releases ALL her friends including Discord after his actions have betrayed the ponies) that teaches him the character and loyalty of his companions is more important than them letting him do whatever he wants. This turns him from a being who saw friendship as a restrictive burden with benefits into one who's begun to see it has its own value.

 

[Kadeda 178]

I hate it when people think their opinion is so important that there no way people can think differently. Season 8 is one of the better seasons with only 2 bad episodes. Non complete Clause, Yakiky Sax. Rest of the episodes are pretty solid.

[Celli 4,349]

@Nightmare Muffin

Then stop watching the show and spreading your annoying negativity around to people who don't care.

[ManaMinori 4,149]

14 minutes ago, Celli said:

@Nightmare Muffin

Then stop watching the show and spreading your annoying negativity around to people who don't care.

I'm just gonna leave this here, kay? 'Kay.

 

[Sunny Fox 5,961]

4 hours ago, Nightmare Muffin said:

the stupid stick has been passed one too many times for me to enjoy MLP's characters. Like having the ponies experience firsthand the impact of Tirek, knowing that he got out once, and having them be aware o him also working from the inside with a certain somepony, only to put that certain somepony in the same vicinity of him when that certain somepony gets caught. I mean, really?

Also- the repetitive "morals" and stories. How many times have we been through the 'what am I? who am I meant to be?" thing with Spike? Why did we need a lite version of Dragon Quest, which is, in itself, a complete rip from g1's "Spike Search"? Or backtracking with RD and AJ 's characterization in "Non Compete Clause".  I just feel like the series is well past its prime. The characters are suffering for it, and the lessons have gotten stale. Does anyone else think that it's past time to put the series out of its misery? Would such things be happening if the show went back to how g1 handled episodes, through a constant rotation of characters that were focused on being different in every episode, and not implementing any overarching narratives and arcs?

Nowhere in the OP does Nightmare Muffin say their opinion is more worthy or correct than anyone else's. Quite the opposite, looking at the bolded phrases above. Heck, even the title emphasizes that it's a personal feeling or opinion, not an pronouncement of how any one else has to think.

3 hours ago, Happy Yoshi said:

I agree with the guys above me that just because one person hates something that doesn't give them the right to say everyone else has to hate it.

On TV Tropes, There's a whole of page about the group called Fan Dumb ,the dark side of any fandom that usually act entitled, think they know better than anyone else, etc.

Well, that's good, because NMM didn't say anyone else has to agree with their views. 

1 hour ago, Kadeda said:

I hate it when people think their opinion is so important that there no way people can think differently. Season 8 is one of the better seasons with only 2 bad episodes. Non complete Clause, Yakiky Sax. Rest of the episodes are pretty solid.

NMM never stated that they think their opinion is more important than anyone else's, or that there is no other way to think.

As for me, I haven't been keeping up with episodes since the end of Season 6. So, yes, I do feel MLP is not what it once was, and may no longer be for me. I find Steven Universe much more to my taste these days. Just my personal opinion. 

[cuteycindyhoney 13,339]

6 hours ago, Nightmare Muffin said:

I'm just gonna leave this here, kay? 'Kay.

 

Don't like, don't watch isn't an argument. It's a piece of good advice. If I watch a show, even if I saw multiple episodes, I don't try and convince everyone not to like it because I didn't like it. The guy in the video seems to be a bit full of himself. He has the "My opinion is best opinion, because I'm on YouTube" syndrome.

Edited October 8, 2018 by cuteycindyhoney

[Jeric 46,884]

10 hours ago, Nightmare Muffin said:

Jeric, buddy. Listen. If FiM never "suited me", I most certainly wouldn't have the majority of my pony merch be g4 stuff. I would't be drawing g4 art or writing g4 fanfics or making g4 theories and headcanons.

 

I very much DO like this show....or rather, did. There was a point in time where it was spectacular.  I wouldn't be pessimistic and cynical now if I didn't feel like it lost that special 'secret sauce' that once made it good, and start living up to its full potential again. I complain because I care. I'm not going to be ,  nor should anyone be expected to be satisfied with sub-par when it comes to what their passion and joy is, or used to be.

Then the flavor of your posts definitely wasn’t balanced back when you loved the show. This goes to my point that you may have communicated your feelings poorly. Also you need to stop being so defensive with others. You set this topic up with the question surrounded you so they and completely permitted to tell you what they think about your approach. If all you are going to do is create a topic that amounts to playing king of the hill ... which seeks opinion yet swats every criticism ... start making blogs. 

If you dislike the show, people telling you that you should cease is a completely valid response that you invited with this topic. 

[碇 シンジン 27,440]

Im actually pretty happy on what direction the show has been taking even though i havent watched the recent seasons. The feeling and the foundation of the show is still something that i am able to get behind  even though I dont think i'll watch the new episodes any time soon

 From what i can gather here I feel that the issue there is more centered on what if scenario and that way expressing the care of the show by bringing up points that were alright but could've been better. Personally these days I try to avoid these what if scenarios as I dont see how contemplating with them can advance my progress on the subject. 

Using them could be relevant if reviewing the episodes and their impact in more detail but i dont think they are solid enough to base your feelings on atleast for me.

Some ways to help this situation include readjusting the importance of the subject in question, reevaluating the feelings formed in the process and reestablishing the connection with the subject 

[Goat-kun 2,531]

I daresay my opinion has been put across with sufficient clarity many times. It does not require further repetition. We have all tossed our dices onto the table. Now we wait for them to stop.

 

 

Be advised: Don't like it, don't X it is how products die these days. This argument shall be thrown back at you, so use it at your own peril.

[Celli 4,349]

9 hours ago, Nightmare Muffin said:

I'm just gonna leave this here, kay? 'Kay.

I don't give a rat's ass. Not everyone is as insufferable and unpleaseable with the show as you. Some people still love the show and that's fine.

2 hours ago, cuteycindyhoney said:

Don't like, don't watch isn't an argument. It's a piece of good advice. If I watch a show, even if I saw multiple episodes, I don't try and convince everyone not to like it because I didn't like it. The guy in the video seems to be a bit full of himself. He has the "My opinion is best opinion, because I'm on YouTube" syndrome.

Pieguyrulez is hilariously overrated.

[Celli 4,349]

8 hours ago, Sunny Fox said:

Nowhere in the OP does Nightmare Muffin say their opinion is more worthy or correct than anyone else's. Quite the opposite, looking at the bolded phrases above. Heck, even the title emphasizes that it's a personal feeling or opinion, not an pronouncement of how any one else has to think

NMM constantly makes annoying topics like these whining about the current state of the show. It's quite grating and tiring to see.

[Jeric 46,884]

I think the topic has run its course. Tempers running a bit hot here for my tastes.