S09:E04 - Sparkle's Seven

[FlareGun45 2,221]

Thanks to this episode - I don't feel Spike's origins is needed anymore! All I really needed was to be convinced that Spike was actually part of the Sparkle family! This episode convinced me! Father Knows Beast didn't cut it - felt like he just went back to Twilight cause she was all he had. But NOW, there ya go! That fills that gap! 

But that doesn't mean I'm finished with Spike yet! He's still got a few things that needs solving.

[Thrond 3,263]

This was some pretty great fan fiction. For whatever reason, Twilight's sibling rivalry stuff feels a bit out of left field, but it's always felt that way to me so I guess that's just my problem. I also find all of the goofy faces kind of distracting - I wish the animators would take it down half a notch. And as lovely as all of the stuff placing Spike in Twilight's family is, I do wish there was more of it, and I think it makes his relationship with Twilight even more unclear. Otherwise, though, I laughed at all of the jokes here, and just wanted more of them. I could watch a whole episode of most of these ideas. It feels like fan fiction not only in how many call-backs there are, but also just in how the comedic sensibility is so much louder and busier and more aggressive - but I like fan fiction, and I'd probably favourite this story on FiMFiction.net. 

[TheAnimationFanatic 3,597]

I feel like we should have a poll up right about now...

Edited April 20, 2019 by TheAnimationFanatic

[Lord Valtasar 12,703]

any episode with noir Rarity is an insta win

[AlbaTross 1,586]

Awesome!  I really enjoyed the episode and had no problem with the livestream!  The only minor criticisms I have other than that I'm not sure if this is quite what I would expect from a 200th episode, are that Zephyr actually doesn't strike me as any more useless than the average royal guard (seriously, that's a job for him), the brick walls clearly aren't mortared properly if Rarity of all ponies can take it apart (and are a hazard given that there is now no fire escape), and if magic is nullified in the castle, how will Celestia and Luna handle the sun/moon cycle?  Do they have to go outside to do it now?

[Oleks 1,993]

Wow, they actually managed to surprise me with the plot! And with the twist too. It was not what I expected having avoided spoilers, but I liked it, and I also laughed quite a lot during the episode, so the jokes were great as well. I won’t even complain that they started to worry about the Canterlot Castle security only now. 
Astronaut Pinkie, Flutterspy, Rainbow Dash dressed in style, the return of noir detective Rarity, the sudden alter-ego of AJ, and especially the sibling rivalry with neglected Spike – all worked perfectly for me. Luna and Maud parts were welcome bonuses. So, the episode was brilliant and it proved its own point: you don’t have to invent anything over the top to do a great job, as long as the Mastermind Spike and the best princess are on your side.

[Thrond 3,263]

I need more noir Rainbow Dash in my life. So good. 

[Dynamo Pad 11,507]

I just finished watching the newest episode and I thought it was awesome! I like how we get some backstory and development with Twilight and Shining Armor's sibling relationship. I admit that it was a little out of nowhere how they were competitive. It didn't feel like there was any competitiveness between the two throughout the series. Even so, I thought this was pretty interesting. It was also pretty cool how Spike was show to be with Twilight and Shining Armor over the years. Some of the scenes from the kite flying and sharing an apple reminded me of 'A Canterlot Wedding.' It was nice to see Spike was added along in some of the scenes. It was an interesting, yet cool idea to invade Canterlot Castle. It didn't really feel like a competition, but more along the lines of seeing how their security could improve.

I liked each idea that was presented by the rest of the mane 6. It was great to see Rarity in her Shadow Spade and even Applejack's alter ego was interesting. I also liked how Rainbow was seen dressed up in a Watson wardrobe. My favorite would have to be where Spike and Fluttershy were spies and dodging the laser beams. Being able to take out laser beams and walking away with the crown felt pretty epic, in my opinion. Plus, it's great to see different team ups between the characters. I was sad to see Pinkie didn't get to go to space. Even how she did the moonwalk on Saturn's rings was pretty funny. Although, it would've been cool if she did the cake walk. It was great to see Zephyr Breeze and Maud make a return in the episode. As Spike and Fluttershy were trapped from the trap door, I honestly felt sorry for Spike. Even during the flashbacks, it felt like he was overshadowed as a sibling towards Twilight and Shining Armor. I remember in the episode, 'Once Upon a Zeppelin.' How Twilight had said to Spike that he was just as much a part of the Sparkle family when he took care of her Princess duties. I honestly thought that would have been mentioned at least once throughout the episode.

I especially loved how Spike was able to win the crown, while he was getting assistance from Princess Luna. The look Luna had, while sitting her throne petting the Geese was amazing. It was like she was Dr. Claw from the show, Inspector Gadget. I even said to myself that I hoped Spike would win the crown, but I wasn't expecting it to go down that route. The way Spike explained how he planned it all out was pretty interesting and definitely out of nowhere. Even the smug look Luna gave at the end was pretty funny, in my opinion. I did like how Spike was able to be crowned Sibling Supreme and known as a sibling between Twilight and Shining Armor. All in all, I truly enjoyed this episode and it was truly a great way to make a 200th episode. I'm really looking forward to what other episodes this season has to offer.  

Edited April 20, 2019 by Dynamo Pad

[Metemponychosis 1,262]

Oh boy. I had forgotten that this was the 200th episode. Written by the VAs.

Maybe if the cartoon had lasted for another 100 episodes it would be the one written by the fans and then the cartoon would implode into a singularity and create a new universe of stupid jokes and memes.

So, best joke in the episode was Celestia and Luna talking about how Canterlot's defenses needed to be buffed up. I'm glad they noticed it on the last season. Maybe with another hundred episodes, Celestia would've realized there is no reason for her to be the ruler of anything or even exist in this braindead cartoon. Maybe in another time, with another person at the helm.

Oh look! Celestia and Luna are bickering again. Maybe in another hundred episodes, they'd finally get over their childishness. Specially when talking about important things. So, who the hell rules Equestria after all? Because if you'll remember, the cartoon seems to forget that Luna is the co-ruler when it's inconvenient. I didn't expect it to fit the narrative, though. Well played. I'll just sit here and keep reminding myself of how much my favorite character is a useless idiot some more, and how Luna always seems to be her better. Maybe if the cartoon had another 100 episodes I could see Celestia being worth her existence.

Well, enough whining. The episode was very funny and I finally feel like the season has started. Maybe DHX should have the VAs write all the unfinished episodes till the end.

As soon as Twilight said they'd play to their strengths I imagined Shining should've anticipated that. And I actually laughed when his letter arrived. Oh man... I missed this. And then it kept getting better. A heist story, MLP style, with THAT ending. I loved it. Everything, from the visuals to the ideas, pacing. Everything. The only thing that bothered me a little is that that scene of the kites clashed a little with the one of Shining Armor helping Twilight with hers, but I can easily see both coexisting through their childhood.

The background music, when they finally get their plan working, was a nice touch. It always rewarded to pay attention to it in MLP, from the start and I think its a part of the staff that always delivers and rarely gets any acknowledgement.

And people were right... Rarity's 'unless face' is pure gold. Though Luna stroking that goose was pretty close. (I don't know if I heard wrong... They did call those things gees, didn't they?)

[Brainstorm 4,112]

I gotta say, it was a clever plan, Spike getting Luna and Zephyr involved. 

[Rushing cash 836]

So I watched this episode and man, I was not disappointed! Its finaly time they tied up the security, I mean its pretty easy for the villains to break in.

I loved the chemistry between the mane 6 here, it was really entertaining.   Rainbows act with zipher was funny yet so hard to watch.  The plot was unexpected (i though spike would win, but getting help from luna was a very nice surprise). Luna showed here why she is my favorite princess and one of my favorites characters overall. 

However, I really wish they didn't put a meme face in every scene, its getting annoying eventually. The beginning felt a bit stalling for me but its just nitpicks. The parts with spike were really heart worming. Lunas face near the end was the best moment in this episode in my book. I adored the royal sisters relationship here, felt just right and I hope to see more of it in the future. 9.5/10  

[bwrosas 252]

1 hour ago, FlareGun45 said:

Sparity!? When? Spike talked and looked at Rarity like he does to all his friends! Just as it should be!  

The hug, when they found each other in the castle. And Rarity was the first to notice him.

Edited April 20, 2019 by bwrosas

[RulesofRarity 493]

This episode was better than all of season 8 for me, honestly.

[bwrosas 252]

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsq914q_xoM (debuts in 10-12mins) My Review of #MLP200 #MLPSEASON9 #SPARKLES7 #MYLITTLEPONYFRIENDSHIPISMAGIC #MLPFIM 

 

[MangoFoalix 25,040]

I have edited in the Dailymotion watch link and MEGA download link for those (including myself) who haven't seen it yet.

Cheers!

[Sparklefan1234 173,824]

On 4/20/2019 at 11:55 AM, AlexanderThrond said:

I need more noir Rainbow Dash in my life. So good. 

 

I need to hear an Apple Chord original in full! 

Edited April 22, 2019 by Sparklefan1234

[StitchandMLPlover 930]

2 hours ago, Truffles said:

I hadn't even thought of it like that, but that's a great catch! Also, did anyone catch the others asking her if that story was true or not? I wonder if one of Ashleigh Ball's requests for this episode was for AJ to make up a complete and totally ridiculous lie? XD

Thank you! Maybe this story is based a little on Ball's own singing career? She has a band still right? I couldn't tell if Applejack was lying or not either. I could picture it as being a big lie as part of a joke or maybe Applejack really did want to try a singing career like Countess Coloratura but exaggerated the exact details for this retelling. I would love to know for sure.  

[Dark Qiviut 22,491]

Sorry for the delay, but the poll's up now!

@Oleks, @FlareGun45, @bwrosas, @AlbaTross, @Metemponychosis, @Jeric, @Truffles @Sparklefan1234 @StitchandMLPlover @PathfinderCS @Buttonmash1973 @Zephyr / Booker @ChB @jorge123esp @VG_Addict @Penguinbrony2409 @Will Guide @Odyssey @Adamgreen @JH24 @gingerninja666

^ Getting your attention to the poll, too!

[Sparklefan1234 173,824]

@ChB 

Spoiler

I  remember saying something about how I thought Applejack would be a great country singer if she ever decided to leave Sweet Apple Acres. 

"Sparkle Sense" is real. 

 

[FlareGun45 2,221]

Two of the polls - you already know my answer!

But Luna had the best faces - from smirking to Celestia to Mafia-style while petting the goose! XD

[Zestanor 98]

Is the school back in session? All of the 'professors' aren't there. Maybe they have a library open in the summer.

Celestia makes no reference to her retirement when discussing fortifying the castle.

The "Apple Core" section is certainly a fantasy. But does it show Applejack younger than she was in "Where the Apple Lies"? It must not.

Canterlot has Blue Laws (juice bar closed)

Hey maybe Celestia wants to quit because she doesn't like working with Luna. But I don't think Luna was in the right here. The castle and the guard had always been Celestia's, not Luna's. Luna was upset she didn't have a say in securing the castle themselves instead of Shining. Besides the the part that made it impossible to teleport into the castle, all of the security measures were not at all practical; incredibly high maintenance. She was right to be upset about the crappy security, and was wise to sabotage it since Celestia wasn't going to budge, but her main complaint seems to be the principle of discussing it with her sister, rather than the poor security system itself.

[Sparklefan1234 173,824]

16 minutes ago, Dark Qiviut said:

Sorry for the delay, but the poll's up now!

 

I've voted in your poll. That's a lot of Princess mentions. 

[Zestanor 98]

1 hour ago, Metemponychosis said:

Luna is the co-ruler

She really isn't. Celestia gave the moon back to Luna, but the Canterlot castle and guard (and the whole city) were always associated with Celestia, never Luna. 

Edited April 20, 2019 by Zestanor

[Dark Qiviut 22,491]

10 minutes ago, FlareGun45 said:

But Luna had the best faces - from smirking to Celestia to Mafia-style while petting the goose! XD 

Not to mention her glares and eye rolls at Celestia's direction. XD

Just now, Sparklefan1234 said:

 

I've voted in your poll. That's a lot of Princess mentions. 

What can I say? The princesses had some awesome lines and faces. XD Celestia's, especially at the end, are priceless. XD

[ggg-2 3,553]

*puts episode proudly up with the ending of Brotherhooves Social where it belongs* LOOOOOOOOOVED IT!