Does Twilight not value Pinkie and Rarity when it comes to planning?

[A Talking Dragon 257]

I've notices sort of a trend:

 

Dragonshy - Twilight was relying on Fluttershy's animal skills the most. Rainbow Dash was send to clear the smoke for visibility. Applejack to assault the dragon from a distance if things got sticky. Rarity and Pinkie were lumped together to "distract" a full grown dragon for A.J.

 

 

Swarm of the Century: After Fluttershy's "pets" go out of control, Twilight thinks of Applejack first to deal with the situation. Later, as she goes crazy, Twilight tries to plan using Rainbow. Rarity is left out and Pinkie is just plan ignored.

 

 

Return of Harmony part 1: Twilight had Rainbow gather the pink clouds. A.J rounded them up and Fluttershy convinced her animals to get rid of them. Pinkie and Rarity are left out.

 

 

Return of Harmony part 2: Twilight recuses Applejack first, then Fluttershy. Rarity and Pinkie are the last two (Rainbow Dash is out of the picture at this time).

 

    In Twilight's plan B to get back Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy was to hold RD down as A.J lowered Twilight on the rope to cast the spell. Pinkie and Rarity were once again left with nothing to do.

 

    In Plan C, Twilight has Fluttershy pull the balloon while A.J tries to rope R.D. Pinkie is apparently told off screen to "secure the rope" by someone, maybe since Twilight's hooves were tied. Yet Twilight secures the rope herself after Pinkie and Rarity are pulled out of the balloon.

 

 

Luna Eclipse: Twilight doesn't go to either of the two to ask them to help Luna.

 

 

The Last Roundup: When chasing A.J, Fluttershy and Rainbow are pulling the wagon even though Fluttershy's not that strong or fast. While Pinkie Pie is part of a plan that episode, it's not Twilight's. Both Rarity and Pinkie are left and forgotten in the desert.

 

 

It's About Time: Applejack is sent to Everfree forest and fixes the dam. Rainbow Dash is sent with her team all over Equestria. Pinkie and Rarity mostly do assists and smaller tasks.

 

 

 

The only time I can think of where Rarity and Pinkie are used properly in Twilight's plans is when A.J's farm was at stake in SSCS 6000.

 

There's no question in my mind that Twilight cares about all her friends, but are Rarity and Pinkie underused in group efforts?

 

-

[Nobody Special 210]

Well, I guess the writers don't like them anymore? Jk That's a good point you have though, maybe the writers will include Pinkie and Rarity in season four.

[Darkshift 85]

It's a TV show Christ!!!Dont go to deep inside or you'll end up finding so many problems you just won't enjoy the show and trust me I know.

[tehepicpony 22]

This is maddness.  I never noticed this..... How do you think this is possible? IT'S NOT POSSIBLE DOCTOR! They have skills, and they could help..... this confuses me.

[TasteTheRainboom 82]

This is the thing, when looking for plot points their not all that usefull, for magic we have Twilight, Pinkie is just there for laughs and they lack wings to do anythign flying related, when strength is needed they use AppleJack, when speed and sometimes strength is needed they use RainbowDash, when magic is needed Twilgiht, Fluttershy is only used for her ability to comunicate with animals or for her niceness and greacefullness and she gets left out sometimes too but the fact that she can fly makes her improtent in a lot of plot points.

[~Silver Essence~ 2,625]

Maybe the main reason for this is due to their, differences in terms of situations.

 

Think about it, pinkie pie is always random and most of the times, looks like she's just having fun rather than taking something seriously, if they rely on her, it could be pretty wacky in terms of planning.

 

As for Rarity, she is always stating she never likes getting her hands dirty when it comes to working other than her fashion designs, along with her having to rely on someone else to do it for her like fluttershy for modeling and spike for manual labor.    

[tehepicpony 22]

I always thought at one point pinke would get a sugar rush and help out..... that would move dash to lookout seeing as flutters likes to stay on the ground. Rarity could make.....something...out of cloth? Okay, never mind, that's stupid.

[A Talking Dragon 257]

 

Pinkie is just there for laughs and they lack wings to do anythign flying related, when strength is needed they use AppleJack

 

^ The thing is when AJ is used it's not for strength. It's for one of her other talents or she takes charge of the situation herself.

 

Pinkie has many talents and can get serious when the situation calls for it. I would certain count on Pinkie's speed.

 

 

"Rarity could make.....something...out of cloth? Okay, never mind, that's stupid."

 

"As for Rarity, she is always stating she never likes getting her hands dirty when it comes to working other than her fashion designs"

 

^ Rarity got dirty for her sister and proved to be surprisingly athletic on the Sisterhoove Social course. She carried around a giant bolder before and can cart around as much as the others. She fought off changlings boxer style and even kung fu kicked A.J down.

 

Rarity turned part of a tree into decorative ornaments. Since she works with all types of material, I'm sure she could tie a rope together.

[Scootalove 10,689]

She does value them in planning but, she might not think that they have very clever plans when it comes to planning. Rarity and Pinkie Pie might have clever plans but they don't say them to Twilight.

[DaReaper 1,944]

there is supposed to be a deleted scene from Luna Elcipse were rarity gives luna a makeover and turns her all pink and girly so they did plan on using her at least(i didnt fact check this dunno how true so dont kill me if i'm wrong i can only find a pic saying it's luna from the deleted scene)

Edited June 29, 2013 by DaReaper

[Zygen 6,066]

I think to an extent your right, it's just that pinkie and rarity typically aren't doing a whole lot in a bunch of situations as pinkie is for having fun and stuff, and rarity is normally not one to get her hooves dirty.

 

They both supply their own help, of course they do get left out sometimes due to their forms of help being a little more specific then rainbow or applejack.

 

They do their fair share of help. Rarity making the dragon outfit in dragons quest, pinkie helping fluttershy to get across the cliff in dragonshy, rarity making fluttershys disguse in magic duel, pinkie kicking but in the s2 finale changing fight then using twilight to fight, and eventually her party cannon. She also uses her party cannon to setup parties.

 

There's many instances they help it's just their help is more situational then rainbow and AJ who are both strong physically and thus able to do a lot of the big action work. Twilight has her magic so of course she's useful.

 

Twilight does seem less trusting of pinkie and her ability to help in swarm of the century, however she learns by the end that she can be helpful.

 

Same somewhat after rarity is "rescued" from the diamond dogs.

 

I guess twilight to an extent doesn't see their uses in situations as easily as AJ and rainbow, but she does learn and use them aswell, and they get their chances to shine.

 

So like I said your partially right. But i think it's more rarity and pinkie have their ways of helping which are just required less often.

[Rainbow Dash Loyalty 1,275]

Good observation, although I find Pinkie and Rarity the least helpful when it came down to problems like that. I'm not saying that they are both completely useless, it's just that Applejack is good with her strength, co-ordination and really focuses on the problem, Fluttershy has all her animal friends to help which is probably the most helpful thing you could do, and Rainbow Dash has speed and better than Fluttershy at flying.

Rarity is a really fancy pony and would hate getting into dirty situations and focuses on the little things first, like how in the episode Look Before you Sleep how the tree fell in Twilight's house, instead of getting rid of the tree she was just cleaning up the books until Applejack apologized and finally helped.

Pinkie is there for laughs and her randomness and such, but she can handle problems by herself, like when she got rid of the Parasprites without any help. She's always so crazy in her own Pinkie way, but that's definitely not a bad thing, in fact that's probably the reason why a lot of people like her so much!

[Blique 211]

I think Rarity and Pinkie are just "support" type by nature.

 

Rainbow and Applejack are both physically fit, and are good for action roles (speed and power respectively). Fluttershy's quiet nature seems like she'd be a support type, but since animals comprise a large portion of Equestria, and since wings tend to be good to have in many situations, she's used to carry out the tactics of others. Twilight typically has the leader role.

 

Rarity is an artist by nature, and the main power of artists is influencing the emotions or views of others. An example is her fashion success in Canterlot, and her fashion shows (both good and bad). There isn't really anything action-y that she can do in her line of work.

 

Pinkie Pie spreads cheer, and is similar to Rarity in how she influences emotions. Her goal is to encourage (a hop, skimp and jump), celebrate things done well (too many to mention), and create bonds (Cranky). Though she appears hyper and action-y, the most she can do is shoot confetti at enemies, or throw parties for them.

 

Both of them have roles in the group, but it's usually emotional support rather than anything you can physically see.

 

To put things another way, Rarity and Pinkie give off positive energy. Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Twilight are neutral (can go either way). Defeating enemies requires negative energy. Therefore, Rarity and Pinkie can only give their positive support to their friends, because they can't do anything negative to their enemies.

Edited June 30, 2013 by Blique

[HunterScars 505]

what your saying is completely true and i hate to admit it ( total RARITY fan ) 

 

hopefully in season 4 there will be chances for the two of them to be put to use  in completely new ways  

[hawkflame 3,310]

What you say is unfortunately true, especially in regards to Rarity.  But the thing is, she does have useful skills that could come in handy in various sticky situations- her eye for detail, precision telekinesis, and her influence as a charmer over the opposite sex. 

 

Maybe Twilight could have Rarity look over her plans for any possible flaws.   She could be used in any kind of plan that requires social interaction.  And she would be great for creating disguises necessary for various plans.

 

With Pinkie Pie, I like to think that Twilight sort of leaves her as a wild card- she's best left to just let her do her thing and can't really "plan" for her.  Using Twilight as a gatling gun, pulling out the Party Cannon as a weapon- Twilight can't really think of or prepare something like that.

[Flash Bolt 11]

I can see what you are going at, and I agree. The thing is, there isn't much Rarity can do in an adventure scenario, unless she really felt like fighting/had to, but not in general. Pinkie Pie doesn't have too many talents in an adventure scenario as well, besides being fast, likes to laugh and whatnot.

 

But still, the writers should utilize Pinkie Pie and Rarity more. I'm sure they could have found a way to use them effectively.

[Sugar Cube 4,843]

I think you make some good points here. I'm thinking it really just depends upon what the situation is. Everypony plays to their strengths, and perhaps the others ponies have been in situations that call upon their skills more so than Pinkie or Rarity.

 

I've notices sort of a trend:

 

Dragonshy - Twilight was relying on Fluttershy's animal skills the most. Rainbow Dash was send to clear the smoke for visibility. Applejack to assault the dragon from a distance if things got sticky. Rarity and Pinkie were lumped together to "distract" a full grown dragon for A.J.

True, but Rarity and Pinkie Pie both had a shot at trying to get the dragon to leave, so regardless of what Twilight had planned, they both put forth some effort. In fact, Applejack did the least in regards to trying to move the dragon.

 

Swarm of the Century: After Fluttershy's "pets" go out of control, Twilight thinks of Applejack first to deal with the situation. Later, as she goes crazy, Twilight tries to plan using Rainbow. Rarity is left out and Pinkie is just plan ignored.

Actually, Twilight looked to both Fluttershy and Applejack to solve the problem, which makes sense. Fluttershy is an expert on animals, so naturally Twilight would look to her for help. Applejack is an excellent herder, so again, the situation played to AJ's strengths. Rainbow Dash actually volunteered to try and get rid of the parasprites. Twilight never asked RD for help.

 

Return of Harmony part 1: Twilight had Rainbow gather the pink clouds. A.J rounded them up and Fluttershy convinced her animals to get rid of them. Pinkie and Rarity are left out.

Those two simply weren't needed. The other three were better suited for the task at hand.

 

Return of Harmony part 2: Twilight recuses Applejack first, then Fluttershy. Rarity and Pinkie are the last two (Rainbow Dash is out of the picture at this time).

 

    In Twilight's plan B to get back Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy was to hold RD down as A.J lowered Twilight on the rope to cast the spell. Pinkie and Rarity were once again left with nothing to do.

 

    In Plan C, Twilight has Fluttershy pull the balloon while A.J tries to rope R.D. Pinkie is apparently told off screen to "secure the rope" by someone, maybe since Twilight's hooves were tied. Yet Twilight secures the rope herself after Pinkie and Rarity are pulled out of the balloon.

To be fair, securing the rope was an important task. Rarity was the one who told Pinkie Pie that she was in charge of securing it, so unfortunately, Rarity was never given anything to do in this situation.

 

Luna Eclipse: Twilight doesn't go to either of the two to ask them to help Luna.

Rarity's part in the episode was cut out, so you can't be sure that Twilight never thought to give Rarity a chance. Pinkie Pie was busy getting candy, but in the end, Pinkie was the one who helped Luna the most, so Twilight definitely should have looked to Pinkie for advice sooner than she did. In this episode, Rainbow Dash was the one who didn't help at all.

 

The Last Roundup: When chasing A.J, Fluttershy and Rainbow are pulling the wagon even though Fluttershy's not that strong or fast. While Pinkie Pie is part of a plan that episode, it's not Twilight's. Both Rarity and Pinkie are left and forgotten in the desert.

Again, not much either of them could do. RD and Fluttershy were the only ones who could keep up with Applejack whilst keeping everyone together. Earlier in the episode, the gang did use Pinkie Pie's loud mouth to get AJ to "spill the beans," but it was Rainbow who looked to Pinkie for help, not Twilight.

 

It's About Time: Applejack is sent to Everfree forest and fixes the dam. Rainbow Dash is sent with her team all over Equestria. Pinkie and Rarity mostly do assists and smaller tasks.

Twilight did go to Pinkie Pie for her fortune telling services though. Unfortunately, all Rarity did was assist Applejack in small ways.

 

[Lightning Dancer 28]

Well first of all in Dragonshy she has Rarity try to charm him and has Pinkie Pie try something. Also in Swarm of the Century Pinkie Pie is the reason they save it all and Twilight even gives her credit for that in the letter she sends to Celestia.

[Wispy Breeze 10]

I agree with the others that Rarity and Pinkie's talents aren't really that suited to the situations you've been describing. Most of the tasks are pretty physical, which makes sense for Applejack and Rainbow, and Fluttershy has both flight and the ability to communicate with animals - which is pretty invaluable considering Ponyville is rural with a heavy wilderness presence.

 

Pinkie and Rarity are both most at home in the social field, but in most of the examples above, diplomacy wasn't really an option (exception; Luna Eclipsed did miss out of Rarity, though Pinkie's not being part of the plan is excusable in that she had previous responsibilities). Heck, Rarity came the closest by far to success in Dragonshy before her greed crushed that victory.

 

You did miss out on Magic Duel, where Rarity (and Sweetie Belle) paired with Applejack as central to Twilight's plan, and Pinkie Pie was the final trump card.

 

Also, Pinkie was the first pony Twilight went to in Magic Duel - specifically to initiate the planning phase. That should really count for something.

[A Talking Dragon 257]

 

True, but Rarity and Pinkie Pie both had a shot at trying to get the dragon to leave, so regardless of what Twilight had planned, they both put forth some effort.

 

^ But this isn't about who had a shot or who didn't. Twilight didn't really use them well. The fact that there were other things they could do just makes it worst.

 

 

Actually, Twilight looked to both Fluttershy and Applejack to solve the problem, which makes sense

 

^ I'm not sure what scene you're talking about. Fluttershy brought the creatures there in the first place and kept extra afterwards. Applejack, however, used both Fluttershy and Rarity, with Twi and R.D who were around, to round up the Parasprites. 

 

 

To be fair, securing the rope was an important task. Rarity was the one who told Pinkie Pie that she was in charge of securing it, so unfortunately, Rarity was never given anything to do in this situation.

 

 

^ Assuming it was Rarity who gave the first order, and not the reminder, how does this disprove my overall point?

 

 

 

Rarity's part in the episode was cut out, so you can't be sure that Twilight never thought to give Rarity a chance.

 

^ It doesn't matter. It's not canon, just an idea like cake eating Applejack and teacher Luna for Twilight. And in the context of the whole, this is still bad.

 

 

RD and Fluttershy were the only ones who could keep up with Applejack whilst keeping everyone together. Earlier in the episode, the gang did use Pinkie Pie's loud mouth to get AJ to "spill the beans," but it was Rainbow who looked to Pinkie for help, not Twilight.

 

^ You think Fluttershy is faster and that Pinkie can't keep up with Rainbow Dash? Pretty sure Rarity can make a rope to catch A.J.

 

As for the second point. Again, how does this disprove what I'm saying?

 

 

Twilight did go to Pinkie Pie for her fortune telling services though.

 

 

^ Yes, but whose idea was it to try her out in the first place? I should remind you of him.

 

 

Many are saying that Pinkie and Rarity can only be useful in narrow situations. The problem with saying this is that Fluttershy must be included here, and in most of the examples I've given, she's not used for her animal ablities.

 

Others in the show seems to be able to find value in their help. Why does Twilight have more trouble?

 

--

[Sugar Cube 4,843]

^ But this isn't about who had a shot or who didn't. Twilight didn't really use them well. The fact that there were other things they could do just makes it worst.

 

Twilight's spoken "plan" never even materialized, and still, planning a diversion is a way to help. Especially considering that Rarity is the queen of drama and Pinkie Pie is so random. None of the others would have been as capable of creating a diversion. I will admit, it's not that great of a way to use them.

 

^ I'm not sure what scene you're talking about. Fluttershy brought the creatures there in the first place and kept extra afterwards. Applejack, however, used both Fluttershy and Rarity, with Twi and R.D who were around, to round up the Parasprites.

 

Yeah, Fluttershy brought the creatures to Ponyville, but at one point, Twilight asked if she knew how to deal with them, to which Fluttershy replied that she had tried everything. All I'm saying is is that Twilight had faith in both Fluttershy and Applejack at one point, but that's it. There never was much of a plan to get rid of them outside of AJ's herding.

 

 

^ Assuming it was Rarity who gave the first order, and not the reminder, how does this disprove my overall point?

 

It doesn't, in Rarity's case. Twilight did plan something for Pinkie Pie, which was to secure the ropes. So with Rarity, I agree she was given nothing.

 

^ You think Fluttershy is faster and that Pinkie can't keep up with Rainbow Dash? Pretty sure Rarity can make a rope to catch A.J.

 

The idea was to have the two pegasi pull the cart, in case they needed to fly, which they did. In the end, Pinkie and Rarity weren't needed for the task at hand, so Twilight's plan proved successful.

 

 

As for the second point. Again, how does this disprove what I'm saying?

 

It doesn't. (I'm just giving my thoughts. I'm not trying to disprove anything.) I was just commenting that at least Rainbow Dash values Pinkie's abilities.

 

 

^ Yes, but whose idea was it to try her out in the first place? I should remind you of him.

 

Pinkie is always up to something crazy, and I doubt Twilight even knew about the fortune telling before she was told about it.

 

 

Many are saying that Pinkie and Rarity can only be useful in narrow situations. The problem with saying this is that Fluttershy must be included here, and in most of the examples I've given, she's not used for her animal ablities.

 

Others in the show seems to be able to find value in their help. Why does Twilight have more trouble?

 

I'm not really agreeing or disagreeing with you about Twilight, but it's possible that Pinkie and Rarity's efforts just aren't always needed. Applejack has strength and specific skills such as herding and using her lasso, and that's where her value comes from. Rainbow is an exceptional flier with tremendous speed and courage. Fluttershy is an added set of wings which is helpful in itself, but when you throw in her animal skills and the stare, she has quite an arsenal. Rarity has limited magic and an eye for detail, and she's creative and very persuasive. Pinkie Pie uses her toonforce, Pinkie sense, and crazy contraptions. I just feel like Rarity and Pinkie have abilities that are harder to incorporate in most of the types of situations the ponies end up in, so Twilight hasn't found a role for either of them as often.

 

I could be wrong, and maybe the writers just haven't focused on the two as well as they should. I'm with you in that I'd like to see Pinkie and Rarity be a bigger part of the plan more often than they are, because they have many talents that can benefit the team.

Edited July 1, 2013 by Sugar Cube

[True Rarity 1,240]

There's no agreement or disagreement about this. But, here we go:
 

Dragonshy - There's no denying Twilight was relying on Fluttershy. She picked the best jobs for AJ and RD, and Pinkie Pie would have been a great distraction. Twi probably thought that since Rarity fit in nowhere else, a distraction may work for her. She might dazzle the dragon with her beauty?

 

Swarm of the Century - Applejack has amazing roundup skills. I can't blame Twilight for asking for her help first. Rainbow Dash would probably be the best second choice, as she's sporty and not afraid to get dirty (besides she wants to be rid of the parasprites), and Twilight was going crazy anyway. Pinkie Pie was running all over the place looking for instruments, so if Twilight wanted her help, she couldn't gain it easily. As for Rarity, she wouldn't be much help (she hates the parasprites - you saw how they reproduce! EEEEWW!)

 

Return of Harmony Part 1: Of course RD was asked to gather the pink clouds. She's really the only one fast enough to do it (other than Pinkie Pie, but she can't fly!) AJ is amazing with a lasso, who else would Twilight ask to do that task? Fluttershy's very persuasive when it comes to animals. Rarity wouldn't be able to do much even though she is pretty persuasive, just not for animals. Besides, she was the one who encouraged Twilight ("Twilight will come up with something.") As for Pinkie Pie, she was eating the clouds, and her little reply to Fluttershy ("You and me both, sister!") only persuaded the animals more.

 

Return of Harmony Part 2: Applejack might have been the easiest to hold down. Pinkie Pie is very wild, Rarity would just hide behind Tom or something, Fluttershy would fly away, and RD was, as you said, out of the scene. Besides, they needed Applejack to help hold the others down. AJ was the best first choice, so she could hold down Fluttershy using a lasso. Fluttershy could fly and gain high ground just in case Rarity tried to run up the stairs or up a hill or something, and, in turn, Rarity could use her unicorn magic to grab Pinkie Pie's tail.

 

Twilight's plans: Again, she used all the skills accordingly. AJ was best for lassoing RD. Fluttershy can fly (duh), but she wouldn't have been best to hold down RD, I admit. Maybe Twilight should have made Rarity grab Rainbow's tail with her unicorn magic or something, or at least have her secure the rope. Then again, Discord was a traumatic experience for her. She was tired. Pinkie Pie wouldn't have been much help, but if Twilight had told her to "secure the rope tight", Pinkie Pie would tie it tight enough, just like tying down a party balloon.

 

Luna Eclipsed: Pinkie Pie was running around like a chicken with her head cut off (pun intended), and Twilight did go to her to help, but she had to tackle her first. The only way Rarity really would have helped is if Luna needed advice on how to look less threatening, but she looked fine. No, Luna looked amazing! ...anyway, Twilight didn't go to Rainbow Dash, either! Besides, nopony except Luna knew what Twilight's costume was. She was frustrated.

 

The Last Roundup: I'll admit Pinkie Pie probably would have been a better choice to pull the wagon (she's matched RD's speed before), but what if they needed to fly? Pinkie Pie can jump pretty high, but she was pretty mad, mad enough that she might not have been able to control herself. Besides, they needed her to give AJ the "lecture" once they caught up to her. And Rarity... Uh, there's not much she could do on a dirty trip like that, besides try to catch Pinkie, so it wasn't Twilight's planning.

 

It's About Time: True, all the other ponies do the harder jobs, but Rarity was following AJ around, probably to clean up after her, and she was later seen cutting Pinkie's mane. Maybe Rarity made sure there was lots of clothes for everypony, and that all the hair was cleaned up from manecuts. Pinkie Pie couldn't do much. Maybe Twilight was afraid she'd mess something up ("You know what a nightmare she is with scheduling!")

 

Overall, Rarity and Pinkie Pie weren't underused. Twilight's plans usually end up involving dirt or things that aren't always fun, and that's what Rarity and Pinkie Pie don't like. Sometimes they're just there for moral support!

[DarligPegasi 315]

D: Wow that's kind of sad. But if you think about it any of Rarity's plans might be outrageous and plus she doesn't like getting dirty and stuff.

I'm thinking that Twilight keeps Pinkie task free, so she can focus on supplying the group with motivation.

[A Talking Dragon 257]

It doesn't. (I'm just giving my thoughts. I'm not trying to disprove anything.)

 

I could be wrong, and maybe the writers just haven't focused on the two as well as they should. I'm with you in that I'd like to see Pinkie and Rarity be a bigger part of the plan more often than they are, because they have many talents that can benefit the team.

 

^ Ok then, sorry. Yes, I want Rarity and Pinkie to be used more in Twilight's plans in season 4.

 

Twi probably thought that since Rarity fit in nowhere else, a distraction may work for her. She might dazzle the dragon with her beauty?

 

^ I don't know, Rarity was surpringly effective in her area: If she didn't try to take advantage of the situation, understandable, she would have done Fluttershy's job for her.

 

 Pinkie Pie was running all over the place looking for instruments, so if Twilight wanted her help, she couldn't gain it easily. As for Rarity, she wouldn't be much help (she hates the parasprites - you saw how they reproduce! EEEEWW!)

 

^ There were moments Pinkie was calling for their attention; One scene had the gang running off as Pinkie was still talking. One can't help but consider that Twilight not taking Pinkie seriously was a factor. In fact, this was made an issue five episodes later.

 

As for Rarity, you yourself should know that getting dirty has not stopped Rarity from doing what needs to be done, although she doesn't like it (Look Before You Sleep, Dog and Pony Show, Sisterhoove Social).

 

Applejack might have been the easiest to hold down.

 

^ You're saying that Applejack is the easiest to hold down and overpower of the group?

 

Pinkie Pie is very wild, Rarity would just hide behind Tom or something, Fluttershy would fly away, and RD was, as you said, out of the scene. Besides, they needed Applejack to help hold the others down. AJ was the best first choice, so she could hold down Fluttershy using a lasso. Fluttershy could fly and gain high ground just in case Rarity tried to run up the stairs or up a hill or something, and, in turn, Rarity could use her unicorn magic to grab Pinkie Pie's tail.

 

 

^ You might be stretching a bit much on some of these. I'd be too afraid to jump AJ without any support. Rarity running up a hill? Even if her house has like a dozen and one secret doors and escape routes, she would never leave Tom behind for me. Besides, if Rarity attacks with magic, Twilight can counter, so she'd be the first choice to use the memory spell on. Pinkie's the worst fighter of the group. If Rarity uses her magic to seal all the windows and doors while Twi grabs her, it's a done deal. From there, either Fluttershy or A.J will do: A.J to rope the former or Fluttershy to help in ganging up on the cowpony.

 

Then again, Discord was a traumatic experience for her. She was tired. Pinkie Pie wouldn't have been much help, but if Twilight had told her to "secure the rope tight", Pinkie Pie would tie it tight enough, just like tying down a party balloon.

 

^ You can argue her being tired for the other times too.

 

I would trust the pony who dealt with lacing up things the most to tie up lose ends. With Pinkie, they're in a balloon! Who better to maintain it and keep it steady than her (she's done it before)? More examples of Twilight not being able to utilize them properly.

 

The only way Rarity really would have helped is if Luna needed advice on how to look less threatening, but she looked fine.

 

^ Maybe. Rarity's usually good at understanding social behavior. Not sure what to say about A Bird in a Hoof though.

 

I'll admit Pinkie Pie probably would have been a better choice to pull the wagon (she's matched RD's speed before), but what if they needed to fly?

 

^ I doubt they knew they would leap a train, even so, Fluttershy's not that strong. I doubt the cart would be in the air for more than a few seconds (note how she was breathing afterwards). Besides, they were chasing an earth pony in a carriage pulled by other earth ponies in the flat lands of an open desert, how would they have guessed they needed to fly?

 

And Rarity... Uh, there's not much she could do on a dirty trip like that, besides try to catch Pinkie, so it wasn't Twilight's planning.

 

^ How is Rarity and Pinkie forgotten after A.J was coaxed into coming home. Who's seen as the leader of the group?

 

Overall, Rarity and Pinkie Pie weren't underused.

 

^ Oh, they were underused alright. Half the fandom believes that Pinkie can do anything and Rarity is always surprising us with what she can accomplish (right hooking a changaling indeed).

[Winona the Dog 1,984]

I don't think Twilight intentionally leaves Pinkie Pie and Rarity out of the group. Applejack and Rainbow Dash are essentially the powerhouses of the group and  sometimes that's all the group needs to get certain jobs done. 

 

For instance in Swarm of the Century; all they needed to do was round the parasprites up in a single spot to drive them out. The only reason it didn't work was because Fluttershy screwed them over. I do suppose you kind of have a point in some cases. Pinkie Pie can be plenty helpful at any given point due to her randomness. I'm not sure about Rarity though. She tends to flip flop throughout episodes.