Why I dislike My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

[Flamegeyser 41]

     It seems like the Pony phenomenon has exploded, with several million Bronies now. I never understood them, honestly, but I held a presupposition that this show sucks.

     Despite never seeing this show, I always outwardly "hated" it, and refused to have anything to do with it.

     One month or so after I saw that MLP was on Netflix, I finally got passed my bias and decided to watch it. Aaaaaaaannnnnnnddddd....

     I don't like this show. After hearing all the praise on UrbanDictionary and other places, I expected much more than what I got. People said the show had witty humor, fantastic animation, great lessons, and character development, and after about 20 episodes, I don't really see it.

 

     Though I am kind of hesitant to write this (something in the rules about not seeing the appeal I think) I am still going to list off what I dislike. Feel free to criticize, but please be constructive.

     

     Music and Songs: The background music is just that, background, and I thus never payed attention to it. The Musical like songs though, are something else. Aside from the Villains song in A Canterlot Wedding, all songs were too upbeat, and too simple. Singing in shows only work when the song is better to listen to then dialogue, and every song I saw kinda bugged me. Maybe it's because it takes me into a kiddy experience, and though that should happen, it doesn't work on me, and a lot of men I know. I do like when they take the Spongebob route and mock that they are singing out of the blue. Maybe it is Mattner's Law (Kid's stuff is less likely to work on older demographics) So let us do another topic.

 

     Comedy: Now, I never expected like Dave Chappelle kind of funny, but my sister and I laugh at Avatar: The Last Airbender plenty(Keep in mind, I am in my 20's) and so I expected some good comedy. Shows of this caliber can not always focus on comedy, but I have laughed a total of twice in my whole viewing experience, once in the second or so episode(replacing 'fool' with 'foal) and once in the episode "Swarm of the Century"(Sprites covering where Rainbow Dashes Breasts and Birth Canal should be)

     Kid's shows can obviously not swear, or make obvious sexual references(except for Rocko's Modern Life) and so maybe the problem is that I am not accustomed to the sense of humor. In general, I cannot see a 21 year old male constantly laughing at this. (Maybe I have seen the wrong episodes.)

 

     Morales: Perhaps my favorite part of the show. My Little Pony occasionally teaches Morales that I vogue most adults never learn, such as prejudice or the importance of listening. I dare say that I was taught a thing or two from these episodes. In that respect, this is wonderful for all ages to watch. I wouldn't be writing this post if that was all that this show was, however. This does not excuse this show from its hiccups from time to time. For example, in the episode  "Lesson Zero" the message is set up to be "Don't sweat the small stuff" but then turns into a repeat of "Swarm of the Century" What? No seriously, she would have been fine being a day or two late! Then Twilight starts a huge riot through magic, and, well, at least gets punished. This is still, perhaps, the only reason I would watch this show over others given the choice(it's not enough, though)

 

    Characters and Development: I like half of the Main Cast's voices, that's it. Oh sure they all have there moments that really have me respecting them, but it ends there. Apple Jack, Twilight, and Rarity are the voices I like will the raspy Rainbow Dash, incredibly light and timid Fluttershy, and overly peppy Pinky's voices I hate. All of the characters have the capacity of incredible cruelty, and the development only sinks in if they never touch on the issue again, showing that it isn't a problem anymore. Other times, they are just incredibly stupid, such as the time when Twilight does everything to make sure that she looks exactly like what the, in her mind, apocalyptic future Twilight looks like and then goes back in time with a one time magic spell to tell her former self, without bettering her appearance, to not worry about the future and then lets her past self shush her up again! What the hell? The very fact that you went back in time was what scared her, thanks for wasting the incredibly powerful time travel!

     Pinkie is annoying, her gags and speech were never funny to me, and her name makes me feel like an idiot whenever I say it. Fluttershy is too timid and shy, unless the plot demands it, and suffers from the Law of Character Undevelopement( the law that states that if  a character has a negative defining trait, that trait will have no effort put into resolving it beyond the end of an episode, arc, or season) that the problem without putting characters in danger,and Luna should be around more often. I do not like most of these guys.

 

     Story: I do like some of the stories in My Little Pony. For example, the first two episodes of the first two seasons are very well written in my opinion. The rest of them, well, have the problem of being based around the moral at the end. The creators of this show have to incorporate the moral that they want in the end, and this sometimes leads to less than favorable results. The episode may have to have a moral on trust, and thus cannot be about one character and the horribadity of showing off, if you see my point. Most of the stories are just there, in my opinion, and one of the worst things you can do in the media is be boring.

 

     Art: The art is very stylized and allows for great movement and expressions, as well as cartoon logic. I think it fits for the target demographic and, well, anyone really. But is it perfect? No. The shapes are very simple, in most cases. (Just about every character has little to no detail on them) and the only things I found myself liking in the animation department were the premieres and finales, like usual. Not too bad, actually, and I think it works in the context of the show.

 

     Conclusion: I really dislike this show. Just about every moment I watch it makes me wish I was watching something else. And since I will only ever watch in on Netflix, I always can. The characters can be annoying, stupid, evil, and lack any real development beyond single episodes. The stories are nothing impressive and based around the morals, the art works, and so do the morals(usually). 

     This is nothing against the community here or any other brony. You guys are, as far as I can tell, amazing, and no different then anyone else, and I am completely fine letting you guys do what you want. I do not personally like this show, feel free to comment and give feedback. Please be constructive.

 

Have a nice day: Flamegeyser, the Non-Brony.

Edited May 12, 2013 by Flamegeyser

[NavelColt 22,881]

Everyone's got their preferences on what they do or don't like, and there's nothing wrong with that :3 You like aspects of it, fully admit that, and are if nothing else supportive of the community so, that's great in of itself.

[Pinkazoid 3,493]

Different taste, i respect your's, valid reasoning and such, and even just saying "i just don't like it" seems acceptable. The show isn't for everyone, not trying to make it sound like some sort of medical prescription or anything.

 

For me, i don't like everything about it, i do know it's somewhat overrated, but then again, it's also underrated, it's all on the perspective.

[IronPonyApplejack 318]

Interesting...I am curious as to your motivations here. Joined a brony forum and typed a long, thought out post about why you do not enjoy the show and post it for bronies to read...

 

Your opinions are well-stated and not inflammatory, so I'm not trying to say "UR JUST A HATR!!" or anything...I'm just not certain as to why you'd go through the trouble of doing this.

Edited May 12, 2013 by IronPonyApplejack

[Blue Moon 6,341]

I have a lot of respect for you right now. Unlike most people who dislike the show, you actually took the time to watch it. Not only that, you also went into extreme detail on why you didn't like it and your provided a reasonable explanation. Also, you didn't just focus on your negatives and actually put some positives too. This, my friends, is what I would like all non-bronies to be like. While I may not agree with your opinions, I will respect yours just like you respected mine and didn't just go out and hate all the bronies. Actually, you never once in your review criticized the actual people who watched the show which is quite respectable.  

Edited May 12, 2013 by Blue Moon

[~Sole~ 852]

Your opinion I guess. But I really don't agree with your reasoning. Its kinda blunt in my opinion. I personally love dashes voice, and her character. I'm not gonna argue with you saying you should like it, but at least you gave it a try. That's more then most people can say.

[Mio Akiyama 145]

Forget the writing, I'm extremely amused by the fact that you took your time writing this stuff down, and to us. Last time I checked we're not the type of bronies that verbally attack you for any negative comment made about My Little Pony. Now I understand that you don't like the show, thats cool with me. But did you really have to go on a forum, not ran by hasbro, just to say all that. And here you say you could've watched something else instead of My Little Pony, but you could've been doing something more important to yourself rather than posting here. And if you do say it was necessary, then I have to say you really have to set your priorities(I'm not saying you are, but just throwing this out there to save yourself time from saying that it wasn't your intentions).

[Scootalove 10,689]

Well that is your opinion. We all have our different opinions, and we do respect your opinion. Even if someone does not like the show, the community will still be growing. Nevertheless, your opinion counts on your behalf.

[Betez 1,734]

Well said. I hope you didn't expect to get flamed, we're better than that.

 

Anyway, I respect your opinion, and the fact that you have the balls to say it on a Brony forum.

[Derpular 90]

I respect your opinion, and I don't mind at all that you don't like MLP. Everyone has their own tastes. However, I'm a little confused about one thing: How come you made an account here if you aren't a fan? Just curious, I'm not saying it's a bad thing.

[Lisa 5,553]

I don't intend to sound rude, but I'm wondering as to why you took the time to create an account and write this if you're not a fan..?

[Just some guy 1,070]

Well,this is a switch.Usually,I see haters go "OMG PONIEZ SUX LULZERZ IM SO KEWL!" and just leave it at that,but you made a very constructive post there.Kudos on being one of the few haters who actually watched the show.I totally respect your opinions and even agree on some points with you.

 

However,I will admit that I'm actually more curious as to what compelled you to...well,make an account on the biggest brony forum and post something like this.Not going to bash you for it or anything,just wondering why you did this exactly,I'm honestly curious.

Edited May 12, 2013 by CaptainBlue808

[Sir.Flutter Hooves 2,953]

Well, I think the humor is great, who could forget the hilarious line "The Punch has been spiked"?  The songs are top notch, really catchy with some great lyrics.

 

The Character and their development are great.The writers did a great job making them a life outside the show and making them human like.

 

But, unlike alot of haters you actually watched the show. I solute you good sir, and thanks for watching an giving us your input.

 

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[elbj 190]

First off I'd like to say, thank you for giving it a chance, which is more than any of my friends can say. You broke down the episodes you watched and listed what did and didn't appeal to you very well. I wish more people like you existed, you have an open mind and aren't afraid to post an unpopular opinion on a site dedicated to a show you don't like. You, sir, have my respect.

 

There is only one problem that I have with you're critique of the show and that is that you seemed to have watched them out of order, and by doing so missed some of the continuity that comes with the show as well as character development and highlights. 

 

However, in your short time watching the show you have recognized some of the same faults we have, namely some characters don't grow as well as others and that some episodes have better writing and production than others. MLP:FiM isn't perfect and it isn't for everyone. Part of what makes the show so great isn't the show itself, it's this fandom. So many wonderful things have been created by people who were inspired by this show, its astonishing. 

 

Feel free to come back anytime, judging from the comments above, it sounds like you'd be very welcome.

[Princess Lona 382]

I think the OP has done a great thing here by showing us an example of a normal person who doesn't like the show, as opposed to the narrow-minded trolls and haters who often express their opinions in more uncouth ways. I think it's great that you took the time to write us a well thought-out explanation of why you don't like the show and remained respectful of the brony community at the same time. Thank you!

[Dusty Soul 2,611]

I can respect that.  Everyone has there own opinion on whats good and I'm glad you said reasons why and not just "I don't like it"  For me I like every aspect of the show, but it all comes down to preferences.

[Sugar Cube 4,843]

Kudos to you for giving it a shot. Most people who criticize the show never even give it a try, and it's rare that I see someone who gave the show a try actually not like it. Hey, there's no perfect world where everyone loves everything. You had some nice things to say about it, but in the end it wasn't your thing. There's nothing wrong with that.

[~Master~ Button Mash 2,307]

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I'm just glad you made your opinion - and an eloquent one at that - after giving the show a chance, that's all we ask (and its not just MLP, but a good mindset to have in general).

 

Even though I respectfully disagree, i respect your opinion.

[Shanks 10,816]

Although I find it a bit strange to see you a non fan here of all places I do of course respect that you gave the show a chance and though you decided it wasn't your cup of tea didn't jump on the "hate the bronies" bandwagon.

[Kitty Cat Moonshire 629]

 

 

Luna should be around more often

Dude, because of this, I don't care if you downright hate the show, hate the fandom, hate the world, You are now officially my favorite non-brony. 

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

I don't intend to sound rude, but I'm wondering as to why you took the time to create an account and write this if you're not a fan..?

 

It sounds like he wanted a bit of critiquing to his post. From what I read I got the impression that it wasn't malicious at all but rather a genuine attempt at expressing his thoughts on Friendship is Magic and nothing more. He has also stated that the community is stellar despite his disappointment of the series.

 

All in all, It is not common to witness someone watch the show and write a detailed, informed piece about it so we should give this guy some props regardless. That effort alone is respectable.

[Kitty Cat Moonshire 629]

And hey, I respect that you dislike it. Nothing is for everyone. For example, reality shows. I hate them, others enjoy them.

 

I do disagree on some of the things (I can get into detail if you're interested), but over all it seems most of it comes down to preference.

Thanks for trying it, at least!

[Dr. Eggnog 203]

Thanks for your detailed opinion.  I would say that sometimes the humor and songs of the show are a bit overrated.  Though the animation is simple, it's really quite good.  Really though, the heart of the show is its characters, and if you don't really like those, that's why it's not a show for you.  Yeah, they make mistakes, but that's how they learn, and I think they all have a great set of pros and cons in their personalities and are very likable for their own reasons.

Edited May 12, 2013 by Dr. Eggnog

[Night Shine 767]

Well, in that case...

 

 

 

:3

 

 

 

 

I will list the reasons why I disagree with you, just to throw in my two bits:

 

 

 

 

-Music and Songs: The BGM is pretty much just an extended score of classical/instrumental music, which I enjoy--but everyone has their own tastes in music. The songs are blatantly optimistic, but I consider those songs' value to lie not so much in how intriguing or badass they are but in their effectiveness as an antidepressant.

 

-Comedy: I think the characters are all hilarious, especially Pinkie, but it would appear that we have different tastes in humor. Everypony does. ;3

 

-Morals: I personally think it has to do more with the show's position on this scale than the direct, spoken morals; I think it is more about the underlying morality and moral themes.

 

-Characters and Development: I think analysts such as Digibrony have stated better than I ever could the complexity of the characters in the show. As for Pinkie, I almost completely (externally) share her personality, so seeing an environment where she is not just tolerated but loved for that personality was awesome for me.

 

-Story: I agree with you on the 'adventure' episodes, such as the two-parters. However, I think that in order to appreciate the 'slice-of-life' episodes, one really needs to love (or at least like) and relate to the character it is about; otherwise it is indeed boring.

 

-Art: Why I love the art style of MLP is embodied in the difference between the words "simple" and "simplistic".

 

-Hey, thanks for the compliment about the brony family! Or, community, if you will If anything here really demonstrates that you come from an open, unbiased perspective, it is that final paragraph.

 

 

 

That said.

I can understand where you are coming from, and I absolutely love that you actually gave it a legitimate chance and took the time to analyze it with little to no bias. For that, you have my complete respect, good sir /) although I still don't get the point of posting that...but then again, my rebuttal was equally pointless.

 

Have a nice night! Or, day, if that's how ya roll ;3

Edited May 12, 2013 by Night Shine

[PinkieShyFlutterPie 408]

I think its cool that you at least took the time to watch the show to see if you really did not like it, most people just hear about it and decide they hate it! Everybody has different opinions, and i respect that. In my opinion i love the songs, probably cause i love up-beat songs plus i think the lyrics are good to! I like the humor, think Pinkie Pie is awesome, she can be a bit annoying but in a funny cute way to me and i also love Fluttershy because she is so adorable buuuut that's just my opinion! 

 

I agree with you on 1 thing tho, Luna should be in the show more :3