S04:E09 - Pinkie Apple Pie

[Nerdy Luigi 2,065]

Big Mac had a bit of personality in this episode, and I LOVED IT!

I really liked Pinkie in this episode. She's excited as can be the whole time. Even through all of the Apple Family's arguments.

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

This was an episode that I was looking forward to loads, especially since Pinkie and Applejack are dueling it out for my second favorite pony and have been for pretty much the entire season. And I'm happy to say that it was just as good as I'd hoped it'd be, if not better

 

First, I want to just talk about how freaking amazing the Apple family is. Pinkie shows up, over the moon about their being barely related (if at all), and they're by all accounts genuinely happy to have her. Going out that far, they're probably related to a third of Equestria or something, but for the entire time they seem to share Pinkie's seemingly endless joy and enthusiasm. I also enjoyed all their interactions and their family dynamic probably more than ever before. They even fought on a roadtrip masterfully, as all good families do. Watching the episode, you really get the sense of how much fun being a part of this family would be, and it helps you understand Pinkie all the more for it

 

As for Pinkie, even though I love her, I felt that she's been hit and miss at best for the last season and a half or so. That's why I was so happy watching this, as it was a real return to form for her old self that I enjoyed so much. She was hyper, eccentric, crazy, but she was also a fantastic character who brought a lot to the episode. Her enthusiasm, optimism, unique way of thinking, all of her best traits were on full display .

 

Between all of this and a wonderful song, I'm tentatively calling this my favorite episode of S4 so far, and I'm really looking forward to the next.

[ninjamon102938 222]

I question Twilight and Spike's very short screen time

[Luna Eclipse 2]

Dat Duckface Pinkie did! XD

[Nerdy Luigi 2,065]

I question Twilight and Spike's very short screen time

They were nowhere near the main focus of the episode, they were just background characters for this episode.

[Zekromic 1,054]

I like to think Pinkie is related to the Apples

[ninjamon102938 222]

They were nowhere near the main focus of the episode, they were just background characters for this episode.

Then why even have them in the episode?

[Nerdy Luigi 2,065]

Then why even have them in the episode?

For the reason Vinyl Scratch exists.

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

Then why even have them in the episode?

 

To help set up the plot and have a reason for Pinkie to randomly discover she might've been related to the Apples. Not every character needs a massive role in an episode every time they appear, and I highly doubt giving them more screentime would've make the episode any better.

[Coco Pommel 669]

That was an adorable episode. Pinkie duckfacing pretty much made the episode for me. xD

[Stancet 688]

I adored this episode! For that matter, adore this whole season!

 

This episode tackled a lot the show hasn't explored yet. I'm actually surprised by this episode's premise, because making Pinkie Pie one of the Apple Family is a real leap in character development. I'm only disappointed that they couldn't specify if it's true or not by the end but I guess it's more fun to be guessing. An episode about a family road trip immediately struck me as awesome because many comedy shows make many such situations into the funniest skits ever. 

 

Best of all, Applejack has FINALLY gotten a good episode. I'm not one of those people who made a big deal out of it when it was a problem, but I have sympathized with Applejack's case. In this episode she was put in an uncomfortable situation where she's forced to be keeping up appearances even though she can't contain her frustration. The episode took it even further but giving ALL the Apple Family moments of their own and making the relationships between them feel more real. Pinkie Pie was amazing too because she became the heart and inspiration behind this episode. Applejack is containing her frustration with good reason but Pinkie Pie makes a good point. Families don't always get along, but true families know how to work through those times. My only complaint is maybe Golden Delicious's hoarding habits is maybe a little too creepy (Seriously, I can't stomach the TV show Hoarders). 

 

I loved this episode! It was weird at first because Natasha Levinger had strange pacing at the start of the episode but it was a type of narrative I quickly began to enjoy. The song was also catchy and I think it made me love the Apple Family even more by the time it was over. Man, I hope future writers take note. I want every Applejack episode to be this nice.

[Mintyshy 4]

Love this episode- I couldn't stop smiling!!! And that song just blew me away. Not only is it stuck in my head but I am seriously craving apples.

 

Highlights for me:

 

Big Mac : Eeyu-HEY!

 

GS: Anyone seen my traveling bonnet?

 

AB: is it that it on your head?

 

GS:NO!!!

[Sugar Cube 4,843]

Two Applejack centric episodes in the first half of the season? Color me pleased! I was anticipating this episode more than any other episode this season, which says a lot considering that Bats! answered the call on one of my biggest requests of the season (an episode focused on Applejack and Fluttershy’s friendship). For one thing, I’ve always enjoyed the chemistry between Applejack and Pinkie Pie and I also tend to love any and all episodes focused on Applejack and her family at large, so this episode had "favorite" written all over it. Luckily for me, this episode did not disappoint in the slightest.

For one thing, I don’t recall laughing all that much to any of season 4’s episodes until this one. Pinkie Apple Pie is hilarious from start to finish. I was practically in stitches when Applejack and Big Macintosh reacted to Apple Bloom after she lost map. AB, you had one job! And man, was Applejack’s sarcasm in full force or what? I couldn’t stop giggling when she commented about how a raft was about the only thing that Big Mac didn’t pack, as well as when she rolled her eyes at Granny Smith’s comments about using sap to glue things together. People tend to think of Applejack as generally being an unfunny character, but that couldn’t be more untrue, as she has proven time and again that her straightforward and common sense nature tends to bring out a lot of classic deadpan humor.

The characterization was really strong in this episode. Pinkie Pie as of late has been criticized for being like a shallow caricature of herself, but this was not the case here. Pinkie Pie demonstrated competence and purpose in this episode while remaining true to her wacky, unorthodox zaniness. Instead of freaking out where there’s danger, Pinkie Pie was celebrating and having a great time taking pictures during the trek through the cave as well as the waterfall. This fearless Pinkie Pie (think Giggle at the Ghosties) is the one that I have been missing for a while now but she seems to have made a return this season if episodes like this and Castle Mania are any indication. But it was at the end where Pinkie Pie truly shined. When the Apple Family were left feeling sorry about their behavior, Pinkie reassured them that they all got through the adventure as one big unit and owned up to their mistakes. Pinkie Pie actually delivering part of the moral? I want more of this!

And of course there was THAT SONG. Apples to the Core is hands down my favorite musical number of S4 so far. It’s the catchiest, it’s fun to sing, and it says so much about our favorite party pony and her newfound family. This is the kind of happy-go-lucky jingle that you want to clap to and sing along with. It was exciting to finally see this song fully animated and to hear it in high quality. I thought the scenes that went along with the song were as brilliant as they usually are. Seeing AJ and company playing instruments was adorable and seeing them in thief attire was also really cool. I’ll be playing singing this song nonstop for the next several weeks. Bank on it.

 

The best part of the episode was seeing the Apple Family in their first real portrayal of conflict. Up until this point, they've been painted as such a tight-knit family that they were almost picture perfect. To see all four of them quarrel with one another to such an extent was an excellent premise and I thought it was executed in a very believable way.

If I can offer one or two points of criticism, would it kill the writers to introduce an elderly pony who ISN’T an over-the-top kook? Granny Smith already fits the bill for the “crazy old lady” but it seems as if there are no elderly ponies who can really be taken seriously. Goldie wasn’t too bad, but her "crazy cat lady" trope mixed in with some horrible hoarder tendencies didn’t do her too many favors either. Not all senior citizens are weird. And please, hire a woman to voice a female character. There’s no reason for Goldie to sound so darn masculine. Another thing, I wish the nods to the fandom would be kept to a minimum. Season 4 has done plenty of pandering already. But hey, minor gripes I assure you. ^^

In the end, we didn’t find out whether Pinkie Pie is an Apple or not. This conclusion surprised me a tad. I thought for sure the episode would confirm that AJ and Pinkie are NOT related, but instead the episode didn’t confirm it either way which leaves it up to fan interpretation for now (and all ApplePie shipfics are safe!) However, what was predictable was Applejack’s speech to Pinkie Pie about being family regardless of the actual genealogy. I know Applejack’s wise and empathetic ways by now, and I knew right from the get-go that this would be part of the resolution. It’s good to see Applejack so consistent in her character! Overall, this episode gets my stamp of approval and then some. It's right up there with Rarity Takes Manhattan as my personal favorite so far. The story is great, the characters are gems, the humor is the best it’s been all season, and there are plenty of heartwarming  feels all over the place. The amazing song and moral are the scoop of ice cream atop this perfect apple pie! Or Pinkie Apple Pie, rather.

 

We're apples together! Apples forever! We're family but so much moooooooore!...

Edited January 12, 2014 by Sugar Cube

[Forlong 1,726]

My Vlog is back, guys.  Well, it never went anywhere, the last one was just aweful (the vlog, not the episode).

 

[NavelColt 22,879]

Welp, I call bullshit on anyone who dares say that this episode was predictable, as many love to do frequently with episodes :3 Most gasp-worthy cliff-hanger leading to the intro that I've seen in this entire show, yet, and the rest of the episode didn't plan out in any sort of way I imagined it would. Boy this season is awesome. No matter what the hipsters neigh about <3

 

It's cute how they linked the ideas, though. The seeds long-past known of, 'My family owned a rock farm, we spent our days, workin' the fields...' suddenly makes you draw connections and connect dots. And speaking of cute, Applebloom may very well push past Sweetie Belle for second best CMC for me, because of this episode. My heart both looks forward to and anxiously awaits the incoming hnnngs of Pinkie/Bloom sisterly adorableness in artworks, in the coming week. My DeviantART outpost may need a new favorites folder...

 

Like others have mentioned, Pinkie's characterization was great this episode, not that all the others' weren't as well. She's as funny as ever, and it's nice to see that there's now proof the writers are not abusing/misusing/*insert term here* her, like I've seen various complaints of about her in the past few episodes, this season.

[Vorax 43]

Then why even have them in the episode

 

They're there for plot convenience

[Thaliel 116]

very enjoyable. If goldie ever feels like not caring for the cheetah any more, ID be willing to take it, cheetahs are cool.

[Vorax 43]

1. I liked that the writers didn't screw up Pinkie Pie, her humor in this episode, when you think about it, actually isn't random filler and has a purpose.

 

2. Applebloom's nod to the fandom made me laugh

 

3. The episode sort of reminded me of "Rule of Dumb" from Spongebob, in which every credible source that could've answered the whole episode is damaged

 

4. The moral of the episode is sound, even if AJ and Pinkie aren't related at all, good friends can seem like family

 

Oh and P.S: IF YOU SHIP THIS, I will not judge you, but may Celestia have mercy on your soul.

[Rocky 68]

OVER/UNDER You've listened to Apples To The Core 3 times before reading this post?

[The Leafeon Pinkeh 3,603]

First episode of the new season Ive seen. I liked it! The song was good and it had a nice story and all. I liked Appleblooms song xD and Pinkie Pie breaking 4th wall at the end.

[Fluffy The Dragon 46]

I love Apple Jack's face in this part here-

[silverreverb 129]

I've been waiting for this episode ever since the song was revealed at san diego comiccon. it was so great to see the final animation for the scene in question. the overall plot and resolution for the episode was what I expected and I like the way it played out through the episode.

 

apples to the core is easily my favorite song of the series now :3

[Forlong 1,726]

I love Apple Jack's face in this part here-

image.jpg

Good Celestia, AJ!  Don't give the shippers ideas!  You know being Pinkie's cousin changes nothing, especially when the relation is so distant.  Of course this does mean I can still ship Pinkie Pie with Big Mac.

[RuqyoHighsong 23]

Not the greatest episode so far, in my opinion, despite the fact that it was really fun. AND THAT SONG! Best song so far, very strong, very catchy. Pony needs more bluegrass in it.

 

The beginning was very quick. They just launched right into it.

 

I kinda thought AJ might have been more concerned about being related to Pinkie Pie; colour me surprised.

 

Crazy cat lady hoarder? Really? Ugh, that made me feel queasy. And why the heck did she have a male voice? For a moment I thought Goldie was a crossdresser rather than an actual mare.

 

Pinkie had an Emmy winning performance here. She took her protein pills and went above and beyond the call of Pinkie. All those snapshots on the way down the waterfall... XD

[Rainboom Dash 1,056]

I thought it was an great episode. Not very memorable, but still great. And the new song is now one of my favorite songs.

Edited January 12, 2014 by Rainboom Dash