Maybe I should stop paying attention to the show's critical reception

[Pony Of The Month 534]

So, I started watching the show in the summer of 2012, so I never saw an episode during its premiere until season 3. I was lucky enough to catch every single episode of season 3 during its premiere. When I was watching seasons 1 and 2, I didn't pay any attention to the bronies' reactions of them. I just watched the episodes and enjoyed them. And I think I made a huge mistake when I started watching season 3. I payed attention to what everyone else thought of the episodes. It sort of ruined the experience for me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the f*** out of season 3. I was just bothered by the fact that no one else did, or at least the ones who didn't were the most vocal. When I watched season 3, I looked at the discussion pages on Equestria Daily for a majority of the episodes. It took the fun away from the episodes, and I will not do it for season 4. When season 4 comes out, I'm not going to pay attention to anyone's reception. I'm just going to form my own opinions, and not worry about everyone else's.

 

So here's what was going through my mind while reading the fandom's reactions towards each season 3 episode:

 

The Crystal Empire: Am I seriously the only one who knew Sombra wasn't going to be anything special? I enjoyed the **ck out of this episoode, not because of Sombra, but because of Twilight and her test.

 

Too Many Pinkie Pies: Guys. Calm down. That is the real Pinkie Pie. She was in the same spot where Rainbow dropped her....

 

One Bad Apple: How could you not think that this is the most adorable episode ever?

 

Magic Duel: You should all be happy this episode was made. Boast Busters was the worst episode of the series, and Trixie deserves better.

 

Sleepless In Ponyville: It's about time you guys actually like an episode for once!

 

Wonderbolt Academy: So you think this episode sucks just because it was written by Merriweather Williams who sucks just because she wrote The Mysterious Mare Do Well? (which has some cute moments and isn't nearly as bad as Boast Busters)

 

Apple Family Reunion: Boring? Really? I was entertained every minute of it.

 

Spike At Your Service: I already thought this was the worst episode of the season so the fandom's reaction didn't bother me. Although, I don't like how everyone was complaining about the timberwolves being CGI.

 

Keep Calm And Flutter On: This episode was perfect! What would a second part accomplish? You guys would still hate it just for reforming Discord.

 

Just For Sidekicks: So, do you hate it because it's a spike episode, or because it's not a rarity episode?

 

Games Ponies Play: This episode was so mediocre, that I didn't care what the fandom's reaction was.

 

Magical Mystery Cure: I've seen this episode multiple times, and I've never been able to form an opinion about it other than that I've enjoyed it every time I watched it. When people said "This is the biggest development in the show's history, and this is all it gets?" I thought to myself, Yeah. This is all it needs.

 

I'm not saying that you should all agree with me and that your opinions are invalid. I'm just saying that I wish I never payed attention to your opinions because it sometimes ruins the experience for me.

 

How much do you pay attention to other fans' reviews of the episodes. Do they ruin or enhance your experience?

 

 

 

[MLP Dazzleglow 56]

I see others opinions on the episodes, and that all they are. they are just opinions and i dont really dwell too much on them. I like every single episode of Season 1-3. The only episode i did not like was two. I cant remember the first name, but it had to do with Angle being spoiled, and would only eat the food if it looked just like his picture. Pissed me off, caused me to start disliking angle. and the second one, was Spike at your service. Just because it was spike messing things up everywhere he went. You never saw him do that when he helped twilight, so why do that when he helped AppleJack? those were the only two episodes i disliked out of all three seasons.

[Shanks 10,816]

The opinions of others don't really sway me that much, I liked most of the episodes of season 3 although I was dissapointed that Sombra didn't get developed as a character as much as I would have liked I still enjoyed the Crystal Empire two parter. Sleepless in Ponyville and Wonderbolt Academy caused me to really start to like Rainbow Dash to the point where she is now my 2nd favorite pony. Apple Family Reunion did the impossible for me and caused me to actually have a favorite Applejack episode when the Applejack fanboy in me just couldn't decide before because they were all awesome. Magical Mystery Cure is the only episode of the season and only one of two episodes (the other being the one with Gilda) that I actually hated because it was so rushed and made absolutely no sense whatsoever to me and watching it again only made me hate it more.

Edited March 16, 2013 by EarthbendingProdigy

[Leafeon 2,702]

I have a few different opinions, may as well share them.

 

Too Many Pinkie Pies: I found this episode loud and obnoxious. It was fun, but I don't like hearing fun over and over.

 

Sleepless in Ponyville: I don't get why everyone likes this one so much. It was good; but I find it very overrated.

 

Wonderbolts Academy: No. This episode is bad because the ending is awful.

 

Apple Family Reunion: Probably the best AJ episode.

 

Just for Sidekicks: Why are you jumping to conclusions? No one ever said that. The reason it's not liked is because Spike is terribly wrighten in it.

 

Magical Mystery Cure: The only sin this episode has is how rushed it felt. Like really, I shouldn't need to elaborate on that.

 

And here's where I would put my opinion on a Rarity episode:

 

[Rainbow Dash Loyalty 1,275]

Everyone has their same opinions, but that doesn't let me change mine. If I see someone over-react over something and tell everyone to hate it just because they do, just shut the hell up please.

[Keylise<3 488]

I feel the same way. I spend every second trying to find errors and comparing it to other episodes, and constantly question myself if i like it or not (which I do).

I need to stop.

[Loriem 639]

I form my own opinions first, watch the episode my self, and then think of them critically myself. Then I go see what other people think and consider what they are saying, for good and bad.

 

I have never been too annoyed by the fans reactions, but sometimes I just think "You all DO know this is MY LITTLE PONY were talking about, right?". I mean, we got something amazing considering what My little pony was at one time. 

 

But, on the other end, all of the criticism is good in a way, it shows that we consider it a REAL show with potential. People don;t spend much time criticizing something they think won't go anywhere. 

[Bardock 139]

^{The Crystal Empire: Sombra was a terrible villain, yes, but I still overall enjoyed this season opener.}

 

^{Too Many Pinkie Pies: Liked it. Nothing special. but enjoyable.}

 

^{One Bad Apple: Meh......never really was a big fan of CMC episodes.}

 

^{Magic Duel: One of my favorites of the season, regardless of what other people say about it.}

 

^{Sleepless In Ponyville: Good, but really overrated by some bronies, IMO.}

 

^{Wonderbolt Academy: Meh. It was okay, but I was expecting better.}

 

^{Apple Family Reunion: Snooze-fest for me.}

 

^{Spike At Your Service: Mediocre, and pretty cliche.}

 

^{Keep Calm And Flutter On: Favorite episode of the season.}

 

^{Just For Sidekicks: Better than I thought it would be, but still not very memorable.}

 

^{Games Ponies Play: Really enjoyed this one, actually.}

 

^{Magical Mystery Cure: Didn't like this one. For a season finale, it felt rushed. The songs were nothing special, almost no humor whatsoever, and it just overall wasn't a satisfying finale for me.}

 

^{With that said, I don't really let others opinions affect mine. Different strokes for different folks.}

Edited March 15, 2013 by Bardock

[MLP Dazzleglow 56]

Oh come on, The wonderbolt ep was my overall fav, mainly because it was a military episode. I am biased when i comes to the military not because i serve in it, but because as far back as i can remember my entire family was military and i lived on the bases. So yea, Wondrebolt was my fave ep in Season 3

[Pixel Mouse 84]

Meh, honestly I enjoyed all the episodes, even the Magical Mystery Cure. I enjoyed it, but it doesn't leave much for the future. It also felt a little rushed, but it was ok.

[Antismurf9001 1,271]

Yeah, ignoring the critics is probably the best way to go.  You're definitely not the only one who enjoyed season 3, because I enjoyed season 3.  The reason that we only tend to hear what everyone dislikes is that angry people tend to be very loud.  I'm also starting to think that we as a fandom are starting to get overly critical of a show meant for 8-12 year olds that's aired on a TV station meant for 8-12 year olds.  I'm not going to lie, I'm guilty of this too though, so I really shouldn't be talking (I nit-pick way too much... In fact, I dislike the season 2 finale because of one single line said in the last 5 minutes).

[Bucky McGillyCuddy 956]

I agree with op 120% on this. Seeing some peoples pessimistic opinions does take the fun out of the show. I swear some people have forgotten that it's a child's show and that it doesn't owe them anything. 

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

Almost every episode has a vocal hatedom somehere, even as far back as season one(Over a Barrel and Feeling Pinkie Keen are good example), so you just have enjoy what you enjoy, and dislike what your dislike. 

 

For me personally, Mare Do Well, and To Many Pinkie Pies to a lesser extent(is wasn't bad, just a little weak) are the only episodes so far to leave a bad taste in my mouth). 

 

I have to disagree with The Crystal Empire, Sleepless in Ponyville, Mystery Cure, Magic Duel, Games Ponies Play, and Wonderbolts Academy being bad, all those would probably make my top 15 episodes(some of them 10, and even top 5)

[Mutemutt 773]

First, I watch the episode myself and form my own opinion of it. Next, I post my thought on the episode and then read others' thoughts on the episode. And finally discuss the episode.

 

I honestly like hearing others' opinion on the episodes and discussing them. We may not agree (and we don't have to) but I like to understand why they have a certain view of the episode. The best discussions are those where everyone involved is not only trying to prove their point but also trying to understand the view of the others involved. 

 

So I'm gonna say they enhance my experience.

[Whofch 128]

I must admit that viewing experience through S1 and S2 was much more enjoyable for me as I had never once visited a mlp fansite until just before S3 started up. Think that's because the show felt like it was all mine and I didn't have to share it and it's a bit disheartening when others don't share your opinion.

 

None of that changes my opinion on the episodes themselves mind you. I'm still happy with the episodes of S3. Some aren't as good as others and some are top notch. One even has the pleasure of being 1 of my favourites but none of them have the bad luck of being 1 of my worst.

[Scootalove 10,689]

All episodes have their flaws besides, even though people are open to opinions. They are just solely opinions, people take them 50/50 as mostly facts alone. I couldn't care less for other people's opinions, unless they are accurate. So to quote the Rock, ''It doesn't matter what you think!'' So, the only time I would care is if the opinion is not 100% biased.

But people are open to opinions, but for now:

[Megas 27,765]

The fandom does have a tendency to blow a lot of negatives out of proportion honestly, even if they're just opinions, and there was still a lot I enjoyed from this season despite its shortcomings. Hell, even Spike At Your Service, the epsidoe founds "Terrible" and "worst in the series", I was just dumb at worst imo, which doesn't make it bad, since I still found it better than most of S1 and S2 "bad" episodes

Edited March 15, 2013 by Megas75

[TailsIsNotAlone 3,695]

No, other bronies' opinions don't ruin the experience for me at all. If they ruin yours, then you're paying too much attention to the negative. There were many positive receptions to all of the episodes you listed.

 

And Boast Busters was not even close to the worst episode in the series.

Edited March 15, 2013 by TailsIsNotAlone

[Sugar Cube 4,843]

I never let the opinions of others sway my own. I've got plenty of unpopular opinions, and I don't feel bad about it either. I for one loved Spike At Your Service, and I don't even think Spike was out of character. Sometimes, people need to realize that MLP is a cartoon. Just enjoy the humor and wackiness of it. Not everything has to make perfect sense.

 

On the other hand, I was absolutely BORED with Luna Eclipsed (yes, I know that was season 2). In fact, it's one of my least favorite episodes of all time.

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

I won't say that others' thoughts or analysis have never affected my opinions about an episode,but I do think that I'm pretty good about forming my own opinions and not being easily swayed from them without good reason.

 

A few episodes this season I seem to disagree with people about are Magic Duel, Keep Calm and Flutter On, Apple Family Reunion, Wonderbolt Academy (somewhat), and Too Many Pinkie Pies. I'm not talking about Magical Mystery Cure since hardly anybody can agree on that.

 

I thought Too Many Pinkie Pies was brilliant, with pretty much everything I love about Pinkie. It would be her best episode if Party of One hadn't been so incredible.

 

Magic Duel kept your attention. It had some good scenes and a nice little ironic twist at the end, but I don't seem to enjoy it anywhere near as much as a lot of the fandom seems to.

 

Wonderbolt Academy is my second favorite episode of the season. An excellent villain, great character development for Dashie (combined with her best scene in the entire series), Spitfire, lots to love about this one. Merriwether's finest hour, and this episode deserves no flak simply because it has her name on it. I also had no problem with Lightning Dust's expulsion. She had shown herself to be completely unfit to be part of a team, consistently dismissive of the health of other people and unremorseful for her actions. I look forward to her probable return.

 

Apple Family Reunion seems to be considered average at best, but I liked it a lot and I consider it Applejack's best episode.

 

I used to have a problem with Keep Calm and Flutter On and Discord's reformation, but I had something of a revelation that I explained here  http://mlpforums.com/topic/46291-s03e10-keep-calm-and-flutter-on/?p=1183462 and now I enjoy the episode a lot. Discord and Fluttershy were brilliant.

 

 

Overall I kind of like hearing others' opinions on episodes even when I don't agree with them. It helps me gain a broader understanding of things to appreciate and it gives me more food for thought.

Edited March 15, 2013 by DashForever

[Phoenix237 353]

I never let opinions sway my reaction to each episode. I watch each episode first without reading any review from it. I do sometimes read the criticism, and it doesn't bother me. Everyone has their own opinions. Now if someone else dislikes and episode that I though was great, well then who am I to judge.

[The Crystal Maiden 221]

Oh, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!

I regret looking at lots of opinions for certain episodes because it stopped me from enjoying them as much. This happened for the later season 2 episodes, cos that's when I started watching it. But since season 3 started, I've started ignoring other people's critcisms and just enjoyed the episodes.

[Zygen 6,066]

I listen to others opinions, but I don't really necessarily let them bother me, if I like an episode I like an episode, thats that.

 

I sometimes consider opinions, but to be honest not most of the time.

 

I really actually like basically all the episodes to some degree. Its better then alot of stuff I could watch on TV now, even of the worst. Some episodes do kinda get ruined when I listen to others opinions, Mare do well kinda lost my interest after watching a review of it. not to say it was great, but I kinda liked it in a little way. Least favorite episode, but still ok.

 

So yeah I take other opinions with a grain of salt.

[pinkieshyrose 58]

I have few diffrent opinons on episodes these season I thought they werent as good as the other seasons they felt more stuff with  animation but other than that certain episodes were bad in my opinon and some were good Thought I like pinkie pie I found two many pinkie pies only a ok episode because the comedy felt forced somtimes.

 

  I didnt like the cystral empire as much because I was supspecting a mane six centric episode with twilight as the main character but instead I got a episode with but instead we got twilight not relying on freindship and her freinds in the sidelines for her and spike though I actually like sombra Ive always liked evil pressences and if you think about it he is the most evil of the villans with him wanting slaves and all.

 

One apple felt adorable but boring at times and the song wasnt a instant like. Babs at first felt like a oc to me but then th feeling evoloved after watching it again. I actually found the pinkie pie puns funny because they were "funny bad" pepole seem to forget that pinkie did not know what was going on and proably got a cabbage float just to say those lines.

 

 

Sleepless in ponyville felt boring and predictable.

 

Apple family reunion was ok, I think the amount of old pepole swayed my opinon not that I dont like old pepole but on cartoon they seem to lag the animation.

 

Spike at your service was fine and funny the moustache gag made the episode to me and rainbowdashes writing joke I think spike messed up everthing because he wasnt so used to those tasks hes used to cooking, book help , and writing letters to celestia.

 

I found the wonderbolts plot boring but pinkies pies waiting to get the mail was funny and pinkies pies rants were actualy understandble to me you have to understand that pinkie has great memory so she might not know how a regular ponies memory is and thinks its not that great she wasnt acting disturbed like some pepole say just silly. 

 

 

I felt there was only one joke in keep calm and flutter on I like and it just wasnt funny to me I actulally liked episodes that dealed with flutershys isecurietes I was hoping we would see one on what her fears are other than dragons.

 

As you can see my opinons are diffrent than alot of fandom reaction, I dont let opinons bother me there just opinons.

Edited March 16, 2013 by pinkieshyrose