Somepony To Watch Over Me Should Have Been A Rarity/Sweetie Belle Episode

[Shanks 10,817]

I didn't exactly care for Somepony To Watch Over Me because although I am an AJ fan and was looking forward to the episode it was so absurdly out of character for Applejack that it just made me go "nnnnoooope". While there are some hints that it is plausible for Applejack to be overprotective of Applebloom in some situations there is not enough to suggest that Applejack would be a hard core worry wort that would literally freak over forgetting to remind Applebloom that she need to open the droor if she wants to get a spoon. We all know it is Rarity that is a drama queen but Applejack?

[Frostgage 7,982]

They kind of did that already in Sisterhooves Social.

 

Besides, with how close-knit the Apple family is, I thought this episode worked pretty well, though I'll admit Applejack was out of character at times.

[Shanks 10,817]

They kind of did that already in Sisterhooves Social.

No they didn't, Sisterhooves Social was about Rarity being selfish and not taking Sweetie Belle's wants and needs into account but then realizing it and making it up to her. It about give and take which is a good lesson but a very different one than the "don't baby her too much" lesson of Somepony To Watch Over Me.

[My Little Mandy 838]

I think AJ's over protectiveness is creepy in this one.

It makes me wonder how she'd be if she had kids

and if she'd put them in a padded room to keep them safe.

(shivers)

[Frostgage 7,982]

No they didn't, Sisterhooves Social was about Rarity being selfish and not taking Sweetie Belle's wants and needs into account but then realizing it and making it up to her. It about give and take which is a good lesson but a very different one than the "don't baby her too much" lesson of Somepony To Watch Over Me.

 

Rarity still didn't really trust Sweetie Belle to do anything on her own, like with the parsley.

 

Still though, even if AJ was over-the-top at times in this episode, I think the overprotective role fits her much better than Rarity.

[DryGuy84 (Inactive) 927]

I didn't exactly care for Somepony To Watch Over Me because although I am an AJ fan and was looking forward to the episode it was so absurdly out of character for Applejack that it just made me go "nnnnoooope". While there are some hints that it is plausible for Applejack to be overprotective of Applebloom in some situations there is not enough to suggest that Applejack would be a hard core worry wort that would literally freak over forgetting to remind Applebloom that she need to open the droor if she wants to get a spoon. We all know it is Rarity that is a drama queen but Applejack?

 

I knew this would happen...She's not OoC they are just exaggerating a personality trait to show how irritating her overprotectiveness is (like Twilight's psychosis in 'Lesson Zero', Fluttershy's fears in 'Hurricane Fluttershy' and 'Filli Vanilli', or Pinkie's breakdown in 'Party of One'). AJ has shown this overprotective/overbearing trait in 'Bridle Gossip', 'Call of the Cutie', 'The Cutie Pox', and 'Apple Family Reunion'. An episode about AB growing-up would also be less engaging in earlier seasons since we wouldn't be able to see any real character growth. The CMC have come a long way from their roots, so it makes sense. 

 

As for Rarity and Sweetie Belle being a better choice, I don't see it. Rarity and Sweetie don't live together as shown in 'One Bad Apple' so why would Rarity be worried about leaving her home alone? She certainly didn't care in 'Sisterhooves Social' when she went to go get her baby-blue sapphires (proven to be out of town in 'A Dog and Pony Show'). 

 

God that was a lot of citations...*pants* 

Edited March 8, 2014 by DryColt84

[Anilewe 2,178]

No, it shouldn't have been about Rarity and Sweetie Belle. DryColt84 already said why. But they should have EXPLAIN why Applejack is so overprotective. A little mention about their dead parents would be nice. Or some scene, where Apple Bloom really makes something reckless or dangerous, instead of making a mess, which wasn't really her fault (though, AJ didn't know that).

Edited March 8, 2014 by Anilewe

[DryGuy84 (Inactive) 927]

No, it shouldn't have been about Rarity and Sweetie Belle. DryColt84 already said why. But they should have EXPLAIN why Applejack is so overprotective. A little mention about their dead parents would be nice. Or some scene, where Apple Bloom really makes something reckless or dangerous, instead of making a mess, which wasn't really her fault (though, AJ didn't know that).

 

True, it would have been nice, but I try to avoid the whole "missed opportunity" as a criticism, because it has no real backing.

[Anilewe 2,178]

True, it would have been nice, but I try to avoid the whole "missed opportunity" as a criticism, because it has no real backing.

 

Yeah, me too Anyway, Rarity would never be so overprotective, while Applejack has very good reason. She's like a mother figure for Apple Bloom and cares so much about her family.

 

Besides, why when Twilight got carried away in Lesson Zero a lot of fans were like 'Awww, she's adorable, when she freaks out', but when Applejack does the same people can only criticize? XD Everypony sometimes acts irrationally. Even AJ. I don't think it was as OOC as some fans seem to think.

Edited March 8, 2014 by Anilewe

[My Little Mandy 838]

I wish this had been a key episode. 

Don't we need just more keys to open that crystal box?

THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!

[Ribbonfree 2,384]

Just here to say inb4 Ghostie shows up and goes on a 'Rarity is best sister world' spiel.

[Anilewe 2,178]

You know, though I completely disagree that it should be about Rarity & Sweetie Belle, it would be interesting if it was about Applejack and Big Macintosh XD Of course, it would be totally different, but... Overprotective Big Mac? Yes, please *3*

[Lightwing 12,980]

You know, though I completely disagree that it should be about Rarity & Sweetie Belle, it would be interesting if it was about Applejack and Big Macintosh XD Of course, it would be totally different, but... Overprotective Big Mac? Yes, please *3*

Overprotective Big Mac???

 

 

Just imagine the scene!!!It would be so beautiful

 

 

Oh,and INB4 Ghostie

[CrimsonWeb 786]

Overprotective Big Mac???

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0QHw7iy1Rg

 

Just imagine the scene!!!It would be so beautiful

 

 

Oh,and INB4 Ghostie

True, but it would also be good to see a overprotective GRANNY SMITH?

[pegabeats 32]

This was a really bad lesson for kids, like

'If you don't want a babysitatter, go to Amazon to carry out that 'Save The Trees' protest.

See what I mean?

Applejack handled that way too well. Rainbow Dash was better when Scooltaloo snuck out, like "What are you doing out here? Don't you know it's dangerous?"

Anyway, okay ep.

But one problem:

We didn't see a single rainbow shining across eyes or metal.

[Anilewe 2,178]

This was a really bad lesson for kids, like

'If you don't want a babysitatter, go to Amazon to carry out that 'Save The Trees' protest.

See what I mean?

Applejack handled that way too well. Rainbow Dash was better when Scooltaloo snuck out, like "What are you doing out here? Don't you know it's dangerous?"

Anyway, okay ep.

But one problem:

We didn't see a single rainbow shining across eyes or metal.

 

Hm, actually I think this episode was more about Applejack leraning something. It was her lesson, not Apple Bloom's. Of course, AB also learned that it's good to have a sister like AJ, who cares about you, but it wasn't the point. And all those scenes with overreacting were, for me anyway, something like a parody. While for older audience it was probably a little annoying, I'm sure that kids (and even parents) can relate to this. 

[DryGuy84 (Inactive) 927]

This was a really bad lesson for kids, like

'If you don't want a babysitatter, go to Amazon to carry out that 'Save The Trees' protest.

See what I mean?

Applejack handled that way too well. Rainbow Dash was better when Scooltaloo snuck out, like "What are you doing out here? Don't you know it's dangerous?"

Anyway, okay ep.

But one problem:

We didn't see a single rainbow shining across eyes or metal.

 

The lesson was that sometimes you need to let up on those you care about to let them grow, it wasn't just aimed at kids. Also, AB was also grounded for a month, because of her actions (more of a punishment than Scoots). It's hardly advocating dangerous activity to get out of a babysitting.

[pegabeats 32]

The lesson was that sometimes you need to let up on those you care about to let them grow, it wasn't just aimed at kids. Also, AB was also grounded for a month, because of her actions (more of a punishment than Scoots). It's hardly advocating dangerous activity to get out of a babysitting.

Yeah, I'll accept dat quote. But for Scootaloo, it was more.. understandable.

But great point!

[Shanks 10,817]

I knew this would happen...She's not OoC they are just exaggerating a personality trait to show how irritating her overprotectiveness is (like Twilight's psychosis in 'Lesson Zero', Fluttershy's fears in 'Hurricane Fluttershy' and 'Filli Vanilli', or Pinkie's breakdown in 'Party of One').

Exaggerating a character trait to the point where the situation does not becoming believable in other words something the character actually would do than it is indeed out of character. As you correctly pointed out Applejack was overprotective in Bridle Gossip but what made it believable was the racist attitudes that nearly all the ponies had toward Zecora with herself being the worst with the exception of Pinkie Pie. What makes it ubelievable in this case is that we are yet to see any evidence that Applejack's overprotective nature goes anywhere near to the cartoonish extent that was shown in Somepony To Watch Over Me, she literally had every room in the house padded down in part because Applebloom made a mess with some pies. Applebloom didn't really start to do anything truly dangerous until she started delivering the pies herself. It is believable that Applejack would be a bit nervous about leaving Applebloom home alone but I guess my main gripe is they didn't really give any good reason for this exaggeration, it would have made more sense if when Applejack got home that Applebloom really did try something dangerous. Applebloom and her friends have done some fairly reckless things before so that is entirely believable. I suppose one good thing I can say about this episode is the scene where Applejack saved Applebloom.

 

 

 Or some scene, where Apple Bloom really makes something reckless or dangerous, instead of making a mess, which wasn't really her fault (though, AJ didn't know that).

If they did that and maybe a few other tweaks this could have been a good episode because it would have made more sense.

[DryGuy84 (Inactive) 927]

Exaggerating a character trait to the point where the situation does not becoming believable in other words something the character actually would do than it is indeed out of character. As you correctly pointed out Applejack was overprotective in Bridle Gossip but what made it believable was the racist attitudes that nearly all the ponies had toward Zecora with herself being the worst with the exception of Pinkie Pie. What makes it ubelievable in this case is that we are yet to see any evidence that Applejack's overprotective nature goes anywhere near to the cartoonish extent that was shown in Somepony To Watch Over Me, she literally had every room in the house padded down in part because Applebloom made a mess with some pies. Applebloom didn't really start to do anything truly dangerous until she started delivering the pies herself. It is believable that Applejack would be a bit nervous about leaving Applebloom home alone but I guess my main gripe is they didn't really give any good reason for this exaggeration, it would have made more sense if when Applejack got home that Applebloom really did try something dangerous. Applebloom and her friends have done some fairly reckless things before so that is entirely believable. I suppose one good thing I can say about this episode is the scene where Applejack saved Applebloom.

 

 

If they did that and maybe a few other tweaks this could have been a good episode because it would have made more sense.

 

But you failed to see my point. You don't have a problem with any of the other portrayals I mentioned save Filli Vanilli correct? Why is Pinkie breaking down and having inanimate objects "talk" to one another over her friends not attending one party, and being confused by the secrecy of her friends ok, but AJ losing her mind over the fact that her sister (who's a known troublemaker) is left home without any family isn't? That's why it was exaggerated by the way, AJ was losing her mind as evidenced by her actions becoming progressively more over-the-top as time went on. She also states something to the extent of "...and here I am fretting over you every five seconds, maybe you are old enough to be left alone." (it's paraphrased) she was clearly letting her worries get the best of her to an absurd extent and she herself acknowledges it in this line.

Edited March 9, 2014 by DryColt84

[ninjamon102938 222]

Not to rain on anyones parade(or opinion rather) but I don't exactly why everyone so obsessive about reviewing episodes or talking about them in HUGE detail. Its just cartoon, a really good cartoon, but a cartoon nonetheless. We watch for fun. Yes it has memorable characters and awesome storylines but can we just enjoy it for a what it is, a cartoon with great characters, amazing stories, spectacular animation, and great moral values. To make a long story short, can't we just watch the show for fun? But if you are the analytical type, you're fine. I'm just sayin.

[Seaweed-Headed Dragon 359]

Well we already had that kind of Rarity/Sweetie Belle in another season with the Sisterhoof Social. And we saw Scootaloo and RD in Sleepless in Ponyville...So We haven't really seen AB and AJ

[Wind Chaser 4,769]

The problem here was not that Applejack was out of character. She wasn't. Overprotectiveness was a part of her character in "Bridle Gossip" and it's not out of the question given her tendencies to want to be in control.

 

What was wrong with this episode was that instead of building up this trait naturally, Sonneborn used it to push out comedic punchlines. Some of the other comedy in this episode was good and the ending really stole the show, but I see where some are coming from when claiming Applejack was OOC.

 

Rarity and Sweetie Belle's dynamic was already explored in "Sisterhooves Social", and I think it was great that they used this story to develop Applejack and her decidedly more developed younger sister, because I really think Applejack needed it more.

[Shanks 10,817]

 But if you are the analytical type, you're fine. I'm just sayin.

And I watch it for fun too and I always try to see the best in every episode but just because a show is good dosen't automatically make it immune from criticism, this wasn't the first bad episode but it sure was the first bad Applejack episode which as an AJ fan seriously pissed me off. I say stuff like this because I want this show to stay a good show but this season although it has had some good episodes has honestly been a disappointment for me for the most part with Applejack still keeping her momentum from season 3 despite this shitty episode. You don't even need to look that hard to find multiple examples of out of character moments and inconsistencies. "It's just a cartoon" should not be considered a valid excuse, people don't say "it is only a novel" or "it is only a movie" so why "it is only a cartoon?" I hold nothing against anyone who liked this episode but I must respectfully disagree.

What was wrong with this episode was that instead of building up this trait naturally, Sonneborn used it to push out comedic punchlines. Some of the other comedy in this episode was good and the ending really stole the show, but I see where some are coming from when claiming Applejack was OOC.

That is exactly what I have been trying to say all along, I still stand by this being out of character for her simply because the justification was so weak but for me personally the comedy fell flat because it felt forced and arbitrarily shoe horned in.

[Dark Qiviut 22,656]

@, You're really comparing apples to oranges on several aspects.

 

Twilight's psychosis in 'Lesson Zero'

Twilight's loyalty to Celestia and will to perform at her very best puts her under intense pressure as a student, and she always wants to impress her because she doesn't want to look embarrassed before her. Also, she was VERY organized, stubborn, and punctual to a major fault. Lesson Zero culminated this by forgetting to put one VERY important thing on her checklist that she'd submitted on time or early every single week. Twilight's sudden overreaction made total sense because in-character continuity reinforced it without being so forced; she had the right personality, work ethic, and development of characterization up to that point. Therefore, her response was very in character.

 

Fluttershy's fears in 'Hurricane Fluttershy' and 'Filli Vanilli'

Fluttershy is an extremely different case. She has stage fright, which is a psychological phobia that can literally eat through someone's nerves and overall personality if left unchecked. If succumbed to the intense pressure, then she can have a very nervous breakdown. She's not just shy. She's psychologically injured.

 

In Hurricane Fluttershy, her stage fright was enforced by the extremely bullying she received as a filly and the graphic animation, and the laughing broke her down into a fit. She tried to skirt out of her civic duty because she felt worthless and will crumble under the pressure. Although she got over it partially, stage fright isn't something to quickly break through, and it was was front and center again in Filli Vanilli because her internal conflict holds her back from showing off a closeted passion. When she screwed up, she broke down. She feels more comfy now; yet, it's still not all there.

 

Pinkie's breakdown in 'Party of One'

Pinkie Pie's actions are reinforced by her personality, in-character activity, purpose, and morals. The Bearer of Laughter is a gigantic workaholic, spending plenty of time working in Sugarcube Corner and preparing countless events, jokes, and parties for ponies throughout Ponyville to laugh and spend casual quality time. Also, she parties not to make herself happy, but to make others happy. When she makes others happy, she is happy. So when the Remane Five (her closest friends) sloppily excuse themselves from attending Gummy's after-birthday party, Pinkie gets suspicious. Then their sneaking around Ponyville, suspicious dialogue, and constant hiding reinforce her hypothesis of them not wanting anything to do with her anymore. It makes her feel worthless, causing her to mentally break down before Act 2 concluded.

 

AJ has shown this overprotective/overbearing trait in 'Bridle Gossip', 'Call of the Cutie', 'The Cutie Pox', and 'Apple Family Reunion'.

A few big differences, too.

 

In Bridle Gossip, AJ defended Apple Bloom because she didn't trust Zecora's attitude and cryptic rhyming. That said, AJ was just as out of character there as the others. Her rationality and stubbornness were replaced by irrational assumptions, mean-spirited unlikeability, incompetence, and stupidity. I don't defend her actions there, I certainly won't here in StWOM.

 

In Call of the Cutie and The Cutie Pox, Applejack had a good reason to be worried. The former had Apple Bloom being obsessed with getting her cutie mark, and she was being bullied for being a "blank flank." The Cutie Pox revolved around her getting too many cutie marks, and she was feeling sick.

 

Apple Family Reunion was about preparing for a grand reunion. What she did wasn't stubbornness, pampering, or whatever. It was about putting a layout that is WAY too grand for everyone's liking, and her plans and excitement clouded her judgment. When she realized she screwed up, she learned her lesson; rectified it; and had a memorable time, after all.

 

As far as StWOM is concerned, there are three big details exposited during the story, something I see overlooked way too much already.

1. In Act 1, AJ presented her with a scroll featuring a long set of chores and reminders for her to do. Apple Bloom completed everything. She doesn't have to fully monitor Sweet Apple Acres, as they were already done by the time the others departed. Even if something bad happened, she has lived with them for so long that she should know what to do in case of an emergency.
2. Once the chores were done, Apple Bloom didn't have to be at Sweet Apple Acres. She could do whatever she wished, such as explore Ponyville, eat some lunch, play with SB and Scootaloo, and even visit some of her older friends like Rarity and Twilight. She did all her chores and was punctual about them.
3. Big Mac and AJ weren't going to be gone for very long. At the very beginning, Granny Smith said she was allowed to live at alone alone through the afternoon. That means anywhere from six to ten hours depending on the route, conflict, time of delivery, and so on. AJ and Big Mac are prepared for their traveling in case of an emergency, hence the equipment featured in Act 3. They wouldn't have gone unless they knew what they were doing. They were returning by a little past nightfall.

Applejack has known AB since pretty much the day she was born. AJ knows AB has been without a guardian for stretches of time for a while. Bridle Gossip, Cutie Mark Chronicles, Family Appreciation Day, Ponyville Confidential, One Bad Apple, Twilight Time, etc. AJ knows she's been with other fillies or by herself several times up to this point. And Apple Bloom isn't a newborn foal in preschool. AJ trusts AB; AB trusts AJ. AJ and AB can cooperate very well. She KNOWS AB is pretty mature for her age, can care for herself, and shouldn't fret, if their relationship in Sisterhooves Social holds any water. Some of the reminders and chores that were (supposed to be) on the lists were so mundane, it was obvious she was going to be out of character from the start. (As they trekked in Act 1, AJ wanted to put on the list a reminder that in order to get a spoon out of the drawer, Apple Bloom needs to open the drawer first.) And then to make it worse, AJ's out-of-characterization was reinforced by a combination of extreme incompetence and stupidity, an ingredient that doesn't a high-quality story make.

 

If you're going to dial up a trait, make sure it's established; back it up with a very good reason; and don't make the affected character look like an incompetent idiot. If Applejack saw Apple Bloom do something that could've gotten her badly injured or killed if she didn't save her, you would give her some incentive for her over-pampering. If this closely followed Call of the Cutie, then you can reinforce Bridle Gossip and fix this issue of logic and characterization. But many instances of AJ's protection then occurred during seasons one and two, and she had very good reasons for them. Not to mention, up until somewhere like Dragonshy or even the end of the pilot, many of these characters were somewhat blank slates. We're now in Season 4; these characters are established and have grown tremendously since the pilot. You can't just create a new light switch or outlet without knowing how to correctly handle the circuit.

 

As an Applejack fan myself, Applejack in Somepony to Watch Over Me isn't Applejack. It's Twilight in Season 1 with extreme stupidity, incompetence, and no objectively good reason to write her behavior off like this.

Edited March 9, 2014 by Dark Qiviut