Best Episode to Introduce the Show?

[Magpie 623]

I used the Flim-Flam brothers one. (Can't remember the title, sorry.) I don't know why, but it just seemed appropriate. It was also the newest episode at the time. Only because the one person I've shown who actually was willing to watch it asked me for a good episode. If they don't like it though, I'd personally say let them dislike it.

Edited December 31, 2012 by Brosparkles

[Mu Nova 66]

I second using Return of Harmony or Lesson Zero. Dragonshy could work too. And blah blah blah blah

 

I must say, when it comes to introducing someone to MLP, my first desire is to start then from the beginning, because it's like "if they do like it, wouldn't it be regretful for them to not experience it 'properly' from the start?" But the cheesier themes are too prevalent--better to use an actively anti-stereotype episode than offering an orthodox start.

 

And of course, there's considering the personality of who you're showing it to, and all. And with all that said... Well, I'm sorry your first attempt with someone didn't go over as well as hoped. Maybe this other friend you're showing may pass the idea around that it's not so inherently childish and girly and get the first one to change his/her view a bit? lol

And, I wish you luck. I think this thread has done a good job of singling out good prospective episodes, so here's hoping.

 

And just to relate to the situation somewhat, my girlfriend was pretty skeptical when I suggested she consider trying it. "I dunno, I don't think I'd like that," figuring it was something stereotypical. "I'll try it once, just for you" (though we weren't together yet, lol), then she fell in love immediately and stated she loved me for bringing her to ponies. They made her smile and helped her forget her troubles for a bit. And I started her off with the pilot, even. lol

So that's an instance of things turning out well. :U

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

And just to relate to the situation somewhat, my girlfriend was pretty skeptical when I suggested she consider trying it. "I dunno, I don't think I'd like that," figuring it was something stereotypical. "I'll try it once, just for you" (though we weren't together yet, lol), then she fell in love immediately and stated she loved me for bringing her to ponies. They made her smile and helped her forget her troubles for a bit. And I started her off with the pilot, even. lol

So that's an instance of things turning out well. :U

Yeah I can relate to that as well. There was a girl I know that I admit I liked, and when I told her about the fandom, she was a skeptic. Then she went on to see the pilot herself and told me that she loved it. She loved the show and it's characters. Then...well, her parents found out when I linked her to the forums via Facebook message. I wasn't caught by them, but my friend was. She told me something about them asking her if she was five, putting a password lock on the computer, and blocking this site and YouTube. When I asked her what she'd do next, she told me, and I swear I've never been so surprised by anything before, that her plan was to "pretend this never happened", to erase memory of the fandom because she believes that this happened for a reason, otherwise she'd still be watching it.

 

I really don't know what to believe on that one, but it is proof that the pilot can work. It just isn't the best episode based on my experience.

 

Also, that friend of mine? He said (I don't know how serious he was) that he wouldn't judge us and didn't care if the show was good or not. He just didn't want to get into it, which I'm perfectly fine with.

[Appetite4Democracy 452]

Bridle Gossip

Return of Harmony

If you can get them to sit through the girly beginning, A Canterlot Wedding.

Wonderbolt Academy

[Feather Gem 967]

The Crystal Empire?  I showed my dad just now.

Or pick one with NO singing.  Party of One maybe?

Or maybe its About Time?  Simple, funny.

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

The Crystal Empire? I showed my dad just now.

Or pick one with NO singing. Party of One maybe?

Or maybe its About Time? Simple, funny.

He he, Party of One actually has a short song in it. I do think that you've made wonderful choices though. It's About Time particularly.

[Feather Gem 967]

He he, Party of One actually has a short song in it. I do think that you've made wonderful choices though. It's About Time particularly.

I went to see what you said about my post and when I was rereading my post, I realized before I even saw your post.

xD My bad!  (my mom watched Party Of One first!)

[roptiriolg 49]

Imo show them The Canterlot Wedding, especially if they like starcraft, they are sure to love it! Hehe it really reminded me of it with the Queen and the changelings

[Anonymous666 11]

i was a brony hater and my best friend who is a brony told me to watch the pilot. i didnt like it but after watching 5 or so more episodes i began to start enjoying it.

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

He he, Party of One actually has a short song in it. I do think that you've made wonderful choices though. It's About Time particularly.

 

Considering my friend got his hands on a Metal Gear Solid game for Christmas (I'm hoping for MGS4), "It's About Time" would be perfect to show him the references the show makes, as well as it's high quality and dealing with darker, more mature themes.

 

Imo show them The Canterlot Wedding, especially if they like starcraft, they are sure to love it! Hehe it really reminded me of it with the Queen and the changelings

 

ZERG RUSH! Also, they probably don't even know what Starcraft is, but the fight scene in that episode is sure to prove it's a good show, right?

[Shift 4,272]

Dragonshy or a Canterlot Wedding, or maybe It's About Time. They all have adult humor, especially Canterlot Wedding, or maybe Magic Duel if you want something violent. Just get them to sit through the girly begingin.

 

Actually, Return o Harmony should work.

Edited January 1, 2013 by DJ Shift

[Mu Nova 66]

Yeah I can relate to that as well. There was a girl I know that I admit I liked, and when I told her about the fandom, she was a skeptic. Then she went on to see the pilot herself and told me that she loved it. She loved the show and it's characters. Then...well, her parents found out when I linked her to the forums via Facebook message. I wasn't caught by them, but my friend was. She told me something about them asking her if she was five, putting a password lock on the computer, and blocking this site and YouTube. When I asked her what she'd do next, she told me, and I swear I've never been so surprised by anything before, that her plan was to "pretend this never happened", to erase memory of the fandom because she believes that this happened for a reason, otherwise she'd still be watching it.

 

I really don't know what to believe on that one, but it is proof that the pilot can work. It just isn't the best episode based on my experience.

 

Also, that friend of mine? He said (I don't know how serious he was) that he wouldn't judge us and didn't care if the show was good or not. He just didn't want to get into it, which I'm perfectly fine with.

Um... Damn. Just wow. Talk about overreacting... No comment. But then she goes and decides there must be a good reason her parents reacted so strongly to watching a show? Blargh.

 

That just sucks, big time.

 

But that other friend claiming he wouldn't judge sounds alright, lol. So long as people don't bash, they're fine.

[LavaBronyZard 5]

Yes the second episode in the first season (The Elements of harmony) and the first in the second season (The Crystal empire) and not at all girly, maybe even a tiny bit violent. 

[Puddin'Pony100 1]

To be honest I'm the only one of my friends that watches the show. So if I were to try and get them started I'd probably choose A Canterlot Wedding because it's so full of epiciness! Or Too Many Pinkie Pie's because it's cute, funny, and you just gotta love Pinkie pie!! 

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

I'd say it depends, if they like Disney movies go with the Wedding or The Crystal Empire. If they like Toon Disney stuff go with Baby Cakes, or Spike at Your Service, or even Wonderbolt Academy, or maybe Sleepless in Ponyville If they like darker stuff go with Return of Harmony. 

 

For random other stuff, It's About Time might work too. 

Edited January 1, 2013 by Shoboni

[LoKé kRude 31]

Never show these to them first.

Green isn't your color

Look before you sleep

Friendship is magic

Bridle gossip

Call of the cutie

Siuted for success

Feeling pinkie keen

The cutie pox

Sweet and eliete

Baby cakes

Hearth's warming eve

Hearts and Hooves day

Dragon quest

Sisterhoove Social

I would say:

A Canterlot Wedding

Return of Harmony

The Crystal Empire

The two parters have been known for bad writing(to me at least) but if their a brony hater they definity won't be able to figure that out.

Some of these work too

Sonic Rainboom

Wonderbolt Academy

Sleepless in ponyville

Magic Duel

It's about Time(haven't seen it though I here it's good)

Hurricane Fluttershy(maybe, maybe not)

Read it and weap

May the best pet win(maybe)

Luna Eclipsed

Lesson Zero

Party of one

Winter Wrap-up(maybe)

Griffon the brush-off

Applebusk season(maybe, haven't seen it in a while though)

For me I watched all the episodes in order. I was hooked before I finished the pilot, but that's probally because I researched why people like it, and went in with a extremely open mind. The fact that millions like the show should be enough to get them to watch 2 or 3 episodes. Chose wisely and there bound to at least respect you.

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

I appreciate all the suggestions, but I have one other question that's troubling me: How do you bring it up? I mean, let's say my friend and I just got done with a game of with a game of zombies on Call of Duty, how exactly am I supposed to bring up ponies?

[Betez 1,734]

Probably not the first 2...

 

I'd say lesson Zero or maybe Too Many Pinkie Pies, both of them I think are cleverly written and aren't all about friendship

[cuteycindyhoney 13,306]

I still don't understand this compulsion to try and force others to watch a television show that you like. Why do so many people feel the burning need to "Convert" people into being bronies? If they don't want to watch it, just leave them alone already! There isn't any other show on TV that has a fan base regularly discussing how to ram it down a non-fan's throat. I like the show. I like it a whole lot, but I don't grab my friends and make them think there's something wrong with me by demanding that they also watch it. To be frank, it's this "You have to watch what I watch if you're my friend!" mentality that makes people think Bronies are weirdos and freaks. Just watch the show and enjoy it. Enough of the campaigns to strap people into chairs and FORCE them to watch! 

[Dashicorn 74]

Wonderbolt academy.  No questions asked.  possibly the umm … "manliest" episode.  By far is the best one to show to a hater.  Although I got hooked off the season 2 finale.  But i was never a hater.

 

 

Best to show a hater - wonderbolt academy or season 2 ep. 1 or ep. 2

 

 

 

non brony?  ALMOST any episode ( trust me they will be hooked ) 

 

Don't show either the first ep. ever because that one will be umm … "girly" to them.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Dashicorn

[Megas 27,563]

Wonderbolt academy.  No questions asked.  possibly the umm … "manliest" episode.  By far is the best one to show to a hater.  Although I got hooked off the season 2 finale.  But i was never a hater.

 

 

Best to show a hater - wonderbolt academy or season 2 ep. 1 or ep. 2

 

 

 

non brony?  ALMOST any episode ( trust me they will be hooked ) 

 

Don't show either the first ep. ever because that one will be umm … "girly" to them.

I started with the first episode and I turned out just fine

 

Just as food for thought, there are people who like to start out with the first episode of any show

[Dashicorn 74]

I started with the first episode and I turned out just fine

 

Just as food for thought, there are people who like to start out with the first episode of any show

 

True but to a hater that would be their opinion.  Personally I love the first episode.  However to a hater or possibly just a non brony it would seem sort of "girly" to them.  Best to start out with those episodes I listed if you want them to get hooked.

[Tav of Paradise 16]

Lesson Zero is when I really got hooked, so that's what I've recommended to my friends.

 

I think it works because it was the most outrageous episode released when it aired, and who doesn't like seeing someone's sanity peeled over a trivial thing from time to time. Just look at online gaming.

 

I also think it shows them that the show isn't all rainbows and sunshine, and if you're a hater I suppose it would help you realize that it's not really all that bad.

Edited January 4, 2013 by Tav of Paradise

[ShyForever 284]

Return Of Harmony Parts 1 and 2 because, well, who doesn't like Discord?

 

 

Wonderbolts Academy because that episode is not girly at all, and is a great episode to learn from and watch aswell.

 

 

Bridle Gossip because it shows the humor in the show. 

 

These episodes are what I use to slowly engulf my school in brony-ism. Trust me, it works.

[sweet insanity 9]

I would probably suggest a episode that suits their interests because if they like things that are adventurous then you would suggest a episode like read it and weep.