"Putting Your Hoof Down" - Darker atmosphere compared to other episodes?

[DJ MUFF1N D3RP 322]

I will agree that this episode was slightly darker, but it was nice to see that, like us humans, the ponies can also have a "nasty" day. I mean, if you look at the sky in the episode, it was grey and dark for the whole episode, and I know those kind of days make me depressed and a little cranky. The way I see it, everypony was just having a bad day, and Iron Will showing up and offering exactly what Fluttershy wanted(albeit with the complete wrong wording) made it all worse by Fluttershy taking it way too far. She didn't mean any of what she said, she was just trying to better herself, and the fact that everypony else was having a bad day didn't help matters.

[Yellow Diamond 7,569]

I would also owe the "darker" atmoshpere to the manner in which the lesson was summarized at the end of the episode. The reconciliation amongst Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity was a footnote to Fluttershy's nod toward being assertive. Even at the conclusion, the whole theme of the episode didn't feel quite as convincing as previous ones. Considering the heights and extremes to which Fluttershy ascended, the scaling down felt incomplete.

[Dreadmallon 353]

I liked it.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

I would also owe the "darker" atmoshpere to the manner in which the lesson was summarized at the end of the episode. The reconciliation amongst Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity was a footnote to Fluttershy's nod toward being assertive. Even at the conclusion, the whole theme of the episode didn't feel quite as convincing as previous ones. Considering the heights and extremes to which Fluttershy ascended, the scaling down felt incomplete.

 

I would assume that after being locked up for a while, Fluttershy's friends would realize that she truly does feel sorry even if FS never apologized to them directly (it wasn't until Pinkie Pie and Rarity came to Fluttershy's cottage that they spoke again) because after all, they're all elements of harmony. One would assume that they can feel each other's emotions even without contact -- because that's what friendship can bring, a very special connection to another person. Also, they've always been very understanding to anypony to an extent, so the whole "scaling down" thing wouldn't be needed.

[ScarletDagger 88]

Fluttershy made herself cry it was so sad!

[Yellow Diamond 7,569]

I would assume that after being locked up for a while, Fluttershy's friends would realize that she truly does feel sorry even if FS never apologized to them directly (it wasn't until Pinkie Pie and Rarity came to Fluttershy's cottage that they spoke again) because after all, they're all elements of harmony. One would assume that they can feel each other's emotions even without contact -- because that's what friendship can bring, a very special connection to another person. Also, they've always been very understanding to anypony to an extent, so the whole "scaling down" thing wouldn't be needed.

 

But that's the thing. The whole matter, which had gotten seriously out of hoof, was settled with a couple of kind words and a hug. Now, I am all for reconciliation after traumatic events---I wouldn't be watching MLP if I couldn't enjoy such a premise---but the ending seemed to gloss over how much damage had been done. Furthermore, it didn't feel completely convincing that Fluttershy necessarily learned the appropriate lesson; instead, she understood not to completely fly out of control. Once more I blame the writing and the poor pacing of the episode. It's similar to some episodes of Batman: The Animated Series wherein the characters (usually Batman) had about 20 seconds left to consider the impact of the events, usually being resigned to a quip which glossed over a deeper subject.

 

In short, the reconciliation of the ponies was depicted as an afterthought. I wish Pinkie and Rarity---or the whole of the Mane Six, in the best case scenario---played a larger role in restoring Fluttershy's right nature.

[Radiance64 7,053]

I loved how different the episode was, gives me hope they'll be able to keep the series fresh in the future.

[Comet Tail 808]

I suppose we just have different world views. Or, we don't have the same definition of Utopia. A Utopia is a perfect society, if I'm not mistaken, not "near perfect." We also most likely have differing views on what "dark" means. From your giant wall of text, your definition of "dark" resembles that of "realistic." Still, I don't see how people getting angry is pessimistic necessarily. The show can have a slightly darker edge and still convey meaningful messages of friendship, as this one did. Was the anger overdone? Yes, but in my opinion that's due to a weakness in the writer of the episode.

 

And your comment about "bringing our role models and heroes down to our level," are you implying that we are "dark," as in bad? The comment after that one is also perplexing. You have no idea why I like the show, nor why I'm here. I for one like seeing the ponies more expressive; they feel more alive and realistic to me.

 

To sum it up, If they have to get a little more realistic, then that's okay. Sorry if I come off a little harsh. I haven't much time to respond, so I've had to mince words.

 

I should add: Fluttershy was most certainly NOT herself whilst she was bullying people around. She basically let someone do her thinking for her (Iron Will,) allowing him to influence her. She was being told all these things and probably had no idea exactly what she was doing. Think of a child or young person being told to commit a heinous act by someone with an aggressive, forceful personality. I'd be almost certain that when said person commits the heinous act, he/she won't be doing it as himself/herself. It's as Rarity said. Fluttershy wanted to become more assertive, and "received some bad advice..."

 

Whether you think of the world as good or bad comes from how you choose to view it and set as your standard. Of course there's problems, there always will be, we're far from perfection, but IMO we're even farther from the ruin and violent anarchy that is the natural state of the world, where individuals fight for their lives and don't think beyond today. I think we as people get so wrapped up in issues, climbing the next few feet of moral height in front of us, that we forget we stand on an enormous mountain.

 

...

 

Eh. I was tired and I took it a bit too far, in hindsight. School's been a pain with homework and when I get on a subject I think is important I tend to clamp on a little too hard.

 

In the case of that post, the subject I clamped on was pessimism in society as a whole. We view the world through the glasses of our perception, and we tend to make the world what we view it as. Having a pessimistic attitude drags the world down, but seeing things in an optimistic light (which doesn't mean ignoring issues, rather, it means not letting the bad emotionally outweigh the good in our perception, which comes from being able to appreciate/remember all the good we take for granted), and being hopeful, can turn someone into a character that uplifts others around them.

 

I think Pinkie Pie is a perfect example. By always choosing a positive and cheerful attitude, she shares it with others, everyone's uplifted, and the world is a little bit of a better place. But imagine if she was pessimistic, and saw the world in a negative light, and preferred to think and talk about the bad in the world. The result would be a character that isn't uplifting, but rather, tends to drag others down.

 

That's really the issue I was getting at. It bothers me when people favor pessimism for that reason.

 

 

 

But MLP:FiM is all about optimism. People like things that make them feel good, seeing something uplifting and optimistic makes you feel good, that, quiet simply, is probably why a lot of bronies like the show.

 

But anyways, MLP:FiM's positive outlook is kinda like a Pinkie Pie in the real world. Who would ask Pinkie Pie to stop singing "Smile smile smile" and "get real"? It's really the exact same thing as saying MLP:FiM should be more dark.

 

 

Granted, I do enjoy emotionally deep characters, but the show's managed to do just fine so far with how Equestria is. Not a perfect world, but better than our world. And there, problems still arise that can reveal emotional depth.

 

But that's the thing. The whole matter, which had gotten seriously out of hoof, was settled with a couple of kind words and a hug. Now, I am all for reconciliation after traumatic events---I wouldn't be watching MLP if I couldn't enjoy such a premise---but the ending seemed to gloss over how much damage had been done. Furthermore, it didn't feel completely convincing that Fluttershy necessarily learned the appropriate lesson; instead, she understood not to completely fly out of control. Once more I blame the writing and the poor pacing of the episode. It's similar to some episodes of Batman: The Animated Series wherein the characters (usually Batman) had about 20 seconds left to consider the impact of the events, usually being resigned to a quip which glossed over a deeper subject.

 

In short, the reconciliation of the ponies was depicted as an afterthought. I wish Pinkie and Rarity---or the whole of the Mane Six, in the best case scenario---played a larger role in restoring Fluttershy's right nature.

 

Some things had to be kinda hurried to meet the 22 minute limit, I'd guess. I remember reading in this great derp recently about how the original (Was it animator or writer?) had planned a much larger scene, and even the shorter version was cut even shorter, and they didn't even know it until they saw it on TV. So my guess is there's more to it in the written version, but for necessary limitations, it was either cut out some really neat/key scenes, or cut out the lengthy moral exposition, and the moral exposition is what got the axe.

 

So you can just kinda imagine that behind the scenes there's more to each scene than what we get to see.

 

But I do agree, Fluttershy would have to make a lot of apology and re-assurance, and surely having a best friend turn on them like that might really send both of them into doubt.

 

But, I'm glad they did the right thing, unlike what a certain someone I know would do, they put aside their own hurt and realized their friend was hurting and needed them, too. That's selflessness. That's love. That example is how you create an ideal society IRL.

[Page.Turner 940]

Okay, okay, okay... I haven't seen the episode yet but from reading this thread I feel I have a good understanding of what everyone is worried about.

 

UTOPIA. It is an impossible achievement and it is basically a nicer way of saying communism. And please, before commenting on what I just said, have a FULL understanding of what communism is and not what you think it is based on real world problems. Not trying to sound rude, but I have had too many people in my life argue with me that communism is basically one person with full power who corrupts and ruins his/her society for their own personal gain. It is not true.

 

Anyway, I seriously think this is probably one of the best episodes in terms of teaching young children, and possibly preparing them, for the facts of life. It is human nature to have a "rotten" side. Everyone has their limits and everyone has their bad days. From the title of the show being "Putting Your Hoof Down" (and correct me if I'm wrong), it's about finding that line and learning how to act when someone or something crosses it? IF that's the case, then it's better than children doing what kids do and either hit the other kid or start scream-crying.

 

Anyway, I think I'm about to go watch the episode now... I'm interested.

[FlutterDerpy582 89]

I completely agree with this topic. All throughout the episode, I felt as if it was a fan made "Creepy Pasta" story. The ponys all seemed a bit "off", and they displayed Fluttershy's "Dark side" a little too much IMO. However, I do see where the writers were coming from, it shows just how fed up Fluttershy was with being pushed around by everyone she came into contact with. It was a big risk the writers took, and admittedly they did a great job showing how not to be pushed around, but to not go off the deep end with it.

Edited March 18, 2012 by YourAverageBronie582

[Bow Heart 84]

I honestly don't think it was that dark. Well....My definition of 'dark' is a little more than opinionated, but still. I guess it was a bit dark when Fluttershy had destroyed her home and locked herself up. But everything turned out nice in the end. Fluttershy had learned how to say no while still being herself. Although Rarity's way was a bit...Uhm...suggestive, and Pinkie had reminded me of Looney Toons, I think that everypony had their own way of saying no in the end. In my opinion, it wasn't that dark. It taught an important lesson on how to be assertive but also nice at the same time.

[Gizmo 206]

Well it's not exactly the first time it's happened in the series. When rarity went to Canterlot the couple at the beginning we bashing on her for being from Ponyville. And lets not forget about Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara who always hassle apple bloom for being a blank flank. But I really enjoyed the episode overall, especially iron will. Didn't think i'd ever see a Minotaur in Equestria.