Wind Chaser 4,768 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 I noticed this post on the MLP Analysis Reddit stating the similarity between "Simple Ways" and "Green Isn't Your Color". http://www.reddit.com/r/MLPAnalysis/comments/1xejlg/simple_ways_vs_green_isnt_your_color/ Similarity to older episodes seems to have been happening more in Season 4, regardless of how good or bad the episode. "Pinkie Pride" has been compared to "Suited for Success", "Party of One", and "A Friend in Deed", and I can see the similarity to "Party of One". Similarly, "Rainbow Falls" seems to have gone over the same ground as "Wonderbolts Academy", as has "Bats" with "Over a Barrel". All of this despite tweaks to the show's format in an attempt to keep it from running empty (Mane 6 friendship reports in Season 2, Twilight's ascension post-season 3). When I first got into this show back in Season 2, I had predicted that it was going to run out of ideas sometime between seasons 4 and 5. What do you think? Is the show's well of story ideas running dry or are they still fresh to you? How much longer can they last and what new things can they try to keep going strong? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mywas 687 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 If you think that they are running out of ideas then you really don't know a lot about cartoon. Look at tv shows like South Park, The Simpsons and Family Guy. Look at how long they have been going on and yet they still haven't ran out of ideas 5 Credits to Mint Drop for an awesome Sig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scootalove 10,692 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 They are far from running out of ideas, just comparing new episodes to old episodes does not mean that the writers are running out of ideas they would be recycling plots if that happened. So, no. 5 Credit: Moony © Forum FAQ Forum Rules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metemponychosis 1,262 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 Most episodes this season have had repeated themes from other seasons. I guess this is why series that are too long are associated with decrease in the quality. But I think that MLP still has a lot of gas to run. They just need to explore all the stuff they left untouched. 4 https://www.fimfiction.net/user/32864/Metemponychosis For dumb, self-important fics about mythology, ponies and fascist griffons that can't figure friendship out. And I'm just getting started. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moved to Elsewhere 11,331 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 I don't think they are running out of ideas. Some ideas might be similar to other episodes but they still have a unique way of telling the story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonlight 7,290 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 They're not running out of ideas. Just because some newer episodes may seem similar to the old doesn't mean they're running out of ideas. A show could tell the same basic story idea as before but still make it interesting, entertaining, and unique to watch. 2 matching setups with my bff pathfinder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wind Chaser 4,768 February 9, 2014 Author Share February 9, 2014 (edited) Most episodes this season have had repeated themes from other seasons. I guess this is why series that are too long are associated with decrease in the quality. But I think that MLP still has a lot of gas to run. They just need to explore all the stuff they left untouched. That is true, it did take 3 seasons for Scootaloo to get an episode and Scootaloo's second episode is one of the highlights of season 4. That's one idea with some potential. Also, the season premiere was something we haven't seen before. However, my focus is on the more recent episodes. Thematic similarity to older episodes can be justified by the change of the theme to one where season 2's students have become season 4's teachers, inspiring others when their elements are tested. If you think that they are running out of ideas then you really don't know a lot about cartoon. Look at tv shows like South Park, The Simpsons and Family Guy. Look at how long they have been going on and yet they still haven't ran out of ideas Those shows really aren't good examples to compare with MLP. For one, they are rooted in social satire which makes it harder for them to run out of ideas. A show oriented towards children with moral-based plots, however, is hard to continue running for 5-6 years at the least. The average competitor to MLP, if it only is a modest success, usually lasts about that long or less than that. If it is a critical and commercial success, it usually becomes a long-runner that eventually experiences a quality drop typically attributed to "running out of ideas". Edited February 9, 2014 by pegasusexpress2010 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FoxyCryptid 4,330 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 (edited) I don't think so. I actually think S4 is doing a pretty job of experimenting and trying new things. It's been kind of a breath of fresh air so far. Edited February 9, 2014 by Shoboni 7 "You know, I don't know who or what you are Methos, and I know you don't want to hear this, but you did teach me something. You taught me that Life's about change, about learning to accept who you are, good or bad. And I thank you for that." -Duncan McLeod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NomDeSpite 452 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 Until the Cutie Mark Crusaders either A: flat-out earn their cutie marks or B: make serious progress towards that goal, there will always be new story ideas for Friendship Is Magic Also: Princess Luna. She exists. Please use her! 2 On 4/12/2014 at 0:00 AM, Miaq_The_Truthful said: This is the internet, not reality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wind Chaser 4,768 February 9, 2014 Author Share February 9, 2014 Also: Princess Luna. She exists. Please use her! Seconded. She needs another episode. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sonicrules831 520 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 I think this show has ALOT of ideas left. I see this show running for a long time to come. I agree with Hidan though, Family Guy is still running at almost 15 years, Simpsons for almost 30, South Park, SpongeBob, etc. I see this show going on for a long time. Sure, some of the episodes may seem similar, but they have their differences. I enjoy every single one of them. This fandom will keep going and so will the show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunbro 4 Lyfe 939 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 Yes. I do believe they're running out of ideas. As soon as all character flaws have been covered in some way, they'll then be left with the cmc and maybe a derpy episode or two. And so it may take a season or two, but they'll begin to run out pretty soon. "You really are fond of chatting with me, aren't you? If I didn't know better, I'd think you had feelings for me!" Solaire of Astora. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imlizyeah 56 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 Using similar ideas is not a sign of running out of story. Every writer knows there is no such thing as an original idea. only an already thought of idea that's been spruced up and touched with a different flair. When you boil any story down to the simple truths of its plot or character then everything will seen unoriginal. But that's because that is the nature of story telling. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NomDeSpite 452 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 Seconded. She needs another episode. My idea is that Luna saves Ponyville from being destroyed by some lunar-based catastrophe, like a tidal wave caused by the moon behaving erratically, or some sort of spell that the moon casts that makes everyone go insane. On 4/12/2014 at 0:00 AM, Miaq_The_Truthful said: This is the internet, not reality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trolzilolz 31 February 9, 2014 Share February 9, 2014 Meh. Does it really matter? They are at least still good in my opinion. "You tried your best and you failed miserably, the lesson is never try" - Homer J. Simpson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DryGuy84 (Inactive) 927 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 (edited) I don't see it because of the following new ideas touched upon: Castle Mane-ia was a Scooby-Doo-esque comedy Daring Don't made Daring's adventures canon Flight to Finish explored Scoots inability to fly Power Ponies was an homage to comics Bats! had AJ and Flutters' first extended interaction, and had a Nightmare Before Christmas vibe Rarity Takes Manehattan made the give and take that is generosity its primary focus in a new setting Pinkie Apple Pie explored Pinkie and the Apple Family's interactions on a lighthearted road trip Three's a Crowd gave glimpses of Discord's relationship with the Mane 6 Pinkie Pride went deeper into Pinkie's psyche, and was the first episode based entirely around a guest star Simple Ways further showed how AJ and Rarity perceive one another, and briefly experimented with a love triangle Edited February 11, 2014 by DryColt84 1 "Oh look, there's our friend Rarity GOING DOWN IN FLAMES!!! ISN"T FRIENDSHIP MAGIC!!!?" -Tabitha St. Germain as Rarity "No matter how many times others tell you you're great, all the praise in the world means nothing if you don't feel it inside.......Sometimes to feel good about yourself, you gotta let go of the past. That way, when the time comes to let your greatness fly, you'll be able to light up the whole sky." -Cathy Weseluck as Spike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Singe 2,111 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 (edited) The problem is not them running out of ideas, just that at some point it becomes redundant when the same characters are learning the same lessons over and over again for a moral theme show. Series has a large roster of characters that the writers could take a break from Mane 6 focus and give one of the lucky chosen their 30 minutes of fame. One episode story could be split into two parts offering a different perspective. Edited February 10, 2014 by Singe 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerpop198 696 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 No, they still got lots of ideas. I think they will have ideas for many years to come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Herald 169 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 "Pinkie Pride" has been compared to "Suited for Success", "Party of One", and "A Friend in Deed", and I can see the similarity to "Party of One". Sure, it's similar in that Pinkie gets depressed. The reason WHY she's depressed is what varied, and it's interesting to see what exactly causes the most energetic pony in Equestria to get to that state. It's a side of Pinkie that we rarely see, and it adds a little bit to her character. Aside from that, I don't see any more comparisons. They actually took an interesting angle at putting another pony in to take Pinkie's place- and I love the idea of doing so. I don't think anyone expected seeing another pony just as energetic and fun as Pinkie, so it was a welcomed addition to this already outstanding season. 4 Silver Herald X Solarshine since 2012! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judgement 445 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 Coming up with a new theme is simple. If they DO ever start to run out of ideas, then they can just hire new writers. The basic idea of friendship can branch off in all directions. If spongebob can stay on air for over 14 years, then so can MLP. Though spongebob is totally stale, MLP can always take a new turn. Whether it is just a silly episode, or if it is part of the main storyline, we've got a bit of time left before MLP passes it's expiration date. And when that happens, ON TO GEN 5! Tom V.S. Boulder: Who will win? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMarkz0ne 962 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 (edited) I believe and know that they would have more ideas if they stuck to what Lauren Faust wanted in the first place...Adventure arcs and character growth. This is why I love the comics, which I think are highly underrated. I love the slice of life stuff, but it gets old and repetitive after a while. I honestly don;t know why Faust had to leave. I mean the show is amazing and I love to watch it. The issue is we have the typical...Friends in conflict and we need to resolve a situation, throw a moral at the end..I want them to experiment and do some things we aren't going to see coming. If they can try some new stuff, I can see this generation going for 8-10 seasons, then possibly a sequel G5 Edited February 10, 2014 by TheMarkz0ne 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FoxyCryptid 4,330 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 (edited) I believe and know that they would have more ideas if they stuck to what Lauren Faust wanted in the first place...Adventure arcs and character growth. This is why I love the comics, which I think are highly underrated. I love the slice of life stuff, but it gets old and repetitive after a while. I honestly don;t know why Faust had to leave. I mean the show is amazing and I love to watch it. The issue is we have the typical...Friends in conflict and we need to resolve a situation, throw a moral at the end..I want them to experiment and do some things we aren't going to see coming. If they can try some new stuff, I can see this generation going for 8-10 seasons, then possibly a sequel G5 We might need someone to settle a point here. I actually read that, that was misinformation and she intended it to be a "slice of life" show all along. Also, she only wrote a handful of episodes, and aside from the shows opening they were far from the best that have aired. In this case she was better at designing the show and building the world and characters than she was writing actual stories. Edited February 10, 2014 by Shoboni "You know, I don't know who or what you are Methos, and I know you don't want to hear this, but you did teach me something. You taught me that Life's about change, about learning to accept who you are, good or bad. And I thank you for that." -Duncan McLeod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mars 4,863 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 If you think that they are running out of ideas then you really don't know a lot about cartoon. Look at tv shows like South Park, The Simpsons and Family Guy. Look at how long they have been going on and yet they still haven't ran out of ideas But Family Guy and South Park have more freedom because of their audience. Plus, they focus more on pop culture which is neverending. Still! MLP is not running out of ideas anytime soon. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wind Chaser 4,768 February 10, 2014 Author Share February 10, 2014 (edited) To let everyone know, that my opinion is not necessarily that the show is "running out of ideas". I have a full understanding that not everything is completely original. From when I first started watching the show until now, I could find at least one other show that ran a similar plot to an episode of MLP every week with few exceptions. The allure of MLP, as with any other show, is how it can handle these plots in their own style. Coming up with a new theme is simple. If they DO ever start to run out of ideas, then they can just hire new writers. The basic idea of friendship can branch off in all directions. If spongebob can stay on air for over 14 years, then so can MLP. Though spongebob is totally stale, MLP can always take a new turn. Whether it is just a silly episode, or if it is part of the main storyline, we've got a bit of time left before MLP passes it's expiration date. And when that happens, ON TO GEN 5! It's true that SpongeBob hasn't run out of ideas. They just ran out of good ones, and a concern of mine is that this could potentially happen to MLP as well, as most cartoons do not last as long as they are expected. They aren't really given the proper finales; they're either cancelled too early or run into the ground so much that no one cares anymore. Sure you may have heard of the famous series finales of M*A*S*H, Mary Tyler Moore, and Seinfeld, but when has a cartoon ever been afforded the same luxury? The problem is not them running out of ideas, just that at some point it becomes redundant when the same characters are learning the same lessons over and over again for a moral theme show. Series has a large roster of characters that the writers could take a break from Mane 6 focus and give one of the lucky chosen their 30 minutes of fame. One episode story could be split into two parts offering a different perspective. I agree with this. However, will The Powers That Be allow this show to break out of potential stagnation by focusing on other characters? So far, they haven't all that much. Outside of the Mane 6, only the Crusaders and Spike have gotten focus episodes, but we've seen that this show is open to change. Hopefully, they deliver. The repetition of morals makes sense when it is taken into account that the students of season 2 have become the teachers of season 4 and that the key episodes are all about the given member of the Mane 6 setting a good example for someone else. It's subtle, but it was mentioned in the finale of season 3 and the premiere of season 4, and it makes sense when you think about it. The idea of one story in two parts sounds good. "Games Ponies Play" and "Just for Sidekicks" was as close as we could've gotten to that so far, however I have separate issues with those episodes. Edited February 10, 2014 by pegasusexpress2010 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaoticgeek2 71 February 10, 2014 Share February 10, 2014 I don't think so at all, maybe some episodes are similar to old ones but I think the analysts are just looking too deep into it. It's not like tertiary characters are getting their own episodes yet or special guest stars are being overused Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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