S04:E19 - For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils

[Oblivion 20,266]

I really enjoyed this episode, and it had LUNA which made it even more amazing, oh...and being the huge Scoots fan that I am I am happy that Scoots flew like 15 feet of the ground, that was AWESOME!

[Whatevs 377]

Just one thing, Luna really only showed up as needed and had few lines.

Yes she important but if you liked this episode Sweetie and Rarity deserve your praise more.

[Batbrony 16,051]

Just got around to watching the episode myself.  Gotta say that I for one loved it, especially Princess Luna (a.k.a. Best Princess (obviously  :comeatus:)), and it was definitely a nice way to cap the trio of episodes focused on the sibling-pairs of the Mane 6/CMC we've gotten this season.  Won't be writing a full review now seeing as I have church early tomorrow morning, but rest assured to any of my regular readers I will be getting one up tomorrow as soon as I can.  Definitely got a lot of good things to say about this one (though thankfully it shouldn't be too long; really just have to write about Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Princess Luna, and some of the more notable plot points).  Have a good night everypony, and well done DHX on yet another great episode! 

[Nothing&NoOne 695]

Well well, I finally (partially..) got my Luna episode.

 

I wish we could see some Luna flashbacks, but.

 

Overall, it was alright. I honestly have been retreating back from "bronyhood" ever since the end of season 3, and all episodes thus far have disappointed me. (Maud was cool though)

 

I'll probably make a ranting thread about it.

 

I do like what they did here though, it was nice to see more of Sweetie Belle having a relationship with Rarity.

 

And nice to see more Luna.

 

Although..

 

Did anyone else notice how her voice changed at the end? It sounded like Celestia's VA trying to impersonate Luna.

 

 

6.5/10.

I want more Luna.

[Moved to Elsewhere 11,331]

Wow this is an impressive turnout, Only one person didn't like it. Then again that's what I said with Filli Vanilli and suddenly people were talking about Pinkie's excellent *sarcasm* writing in that episode.

[Radd 2]

Now I can't wait for an Applebloom Luna episode in season 5

[InkyJay 21]

While I'll agree that SB has always felt outshined by her amazing older sister, comparing their behavior in this episode to their behavior in Sisterhooves Social is ENTIRELY inaccurate.

 

In Sisterhooves Social, it was a back and forth force created by Rarity yelling at Sweetie Belle a few times; the tension, and the anger, was less petty and more mutual. 

 

In this episode, however, Sweetie Belle was the only one in the wrong. Rarity worked hard to make those dresses look the best they could for Sweetie Belle's play, so much that it put her career and her designs for a top-tier celebrity clientele on hold, JUST so she could make a few dresses for her sister's play. 

 

When Sweetie Belle came in there and screamed and threw a fit about how Rarity's outfits stole the show, Rarity didn't yell back, and she seemed to feel a bit bad for it. She wanted to talk things over with Sweetie Belle, but SB was far too mad to do so.

 

That's when SB deliberately sabotaged Rarity's dress, which could've turned her into a laughing stock and effectively ended her career. 

 

Worst part is, it showed at the beginning of the episode that Sweetie Belle was entirely aware of who Rare's client was and how make or break this was for her career, but she did it anyway.

 

In Sisterhooves Social, they were both in the wrong, more so Rarity, but she felt remorse and made up for it.

 

In this episode, Sweetie Belle was the only one in the wrong, but she felt remorse and made up for it just as much as she messed up for it.

 

These two episodes are not alike in the slightest past sibling bickering.

 

 

I think this is one of those episodes that makes more sense if you've seen previous installments of the series. It's no surprise that Rarity has a habit of stealing the spotlight, both intentionally and unintentionally. She can also be rather manipulative and self-centered and has a habit of neglecting her sister when it came to her work, and we were kind of reminded this by one of Sweetie Belle's lines in the first act of Twilight Time (another Dave Polsky episode). I can almost imagine a few unseen occasions where Rarity made some deals or decisions that shortchanged her sister in the long run while still remaining oblivious to Sweetie's increasing bitterness towards her.

 

You could say that this week's episode was just a case of the time bomb finally going off, but yeah, with the behavior of the sisters in this episode, it's hard to really see that without watching previous episodes.

[Ace O. Jade 122]

Was it just me or did Sapphire Shores have one two many bends in her arm in the final scene?

[Singe 2,111]

This episode supports what Fluttershy said about Pinkie Pie and Rarity in Putting Your Hoof Down. If Pinkie Pie doesn't have her parties and cake, game over. Same with Rarity if fashion crashes, game over.

[Radiance64 7,053]

Just watched it again, a couple other random thoughts:

-I'm not sure how Sweetie Belle found Rarity's 'secret stich' in the headdress. Guess it wasn't all that secret.

-5 year old Sweetie Belle is adorable. Even her crying was cute.

-The lines 'Get Your Pony On' and 'That's one of my favorites!' right after... yeah, I could just see the Hub sticking those into their commercials as we speak.

-the credits on the Hub are dumb because they cut out to small window before you can tell who played Sapphire Shores... I dunno if it was the same person as before whoever that was or not.

-Also, when Luna last appears she almost sounds more like Nicole Oliver is voicing her there, probably not but it's weird...

-Lastly, that ending hug... most adorable hug. Ever.

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

A very classic jealousy episode, with a Christmas Carol dream sequence.... Excellent..... Truly excellent. Rarity going crazy.... Was scary but fun to watch, and the animation team once again gave us stunning, fast paced visuals with no detectable glitches. 9.99999/10

[Metemponychosis 1,259]

So, during Luna Artemis Dickens' replay of A Christmas Carol... Do you guys think that she actually did show Sweetie Belle the future? Or was it just a scenario she created to get her point across?

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

So, during Luna Artemis Dickens' replay of A Christmas Carol... Do you guys think that she actually did show Sweetie Belle the future? Or was it just a scenario she created to get her point across?

The way I interprets it, is Luna had nothing to do with the vision. Sweeties guilt finally comes though, and makes the nightmare. Wise old Luna let a child's guilt to the work for her

[Singe 2,111]

The worse outcome Sweetie Belle thinks Rarity will just lock herself away from the world and obsess over that one failure.

 

Sweetie Belle never been for one to take death seriously as Heart and Hooves Day showed. So no Rarity casting a death spell on herself.

 

Rarity: There is nothing left for me. It's over. 

Spike: *Waves from the window.*

Rarity: My life is fin... Now to try that Distengrating Spell Twilight taught me.

Sweetie Belle: What is my sister doing?

Luna: Shhh! Best part.

*Rarity glows green and turns to dust.*

Sweetie Belle: *Screams.* What happened?

Luna: She vaporized herself. I really love these special effects.

Sweetie Belle: What am I going to do?

Luna: Nothing.

Sweetie Belle: Really?

Luna: *Nods.* I'm going to eat you now. *Turns into Nightmare Moon and attacks.*

Sweetie Belle: *Wakes up screaming in bed.* What a nightmare. *Breathes heavy. Looks under her covers.* Good, no accident. *Holds up a book.* That's it, no more Hitchclop before bed.

Edited March 23, 2014 by Singe

[Thaliel 116]

Hooray for best princess!

Though, as other seem to also have noticed, she sounded different during her last voice scene.

Also, I find it odd that the security isn't letting anypony in, but Luna seems to freely roam sapphrire shores' house as if she was invited (which she likely wasn't)...I smell a complaint for breach of domestic peace incoming

[Singe 2,111]

Hooray for best princess!

Though, as other seem to also have noticed, she sounded different during her last voice scene.

Also, I find it odd that the security isn't letting anypony in, but Luna seems to freely roam sapphrire shores' house as if she was invited (which she likely wasn't)...I smell a complaint for breach of domestic peace incoming

 

Princess Luna doesn't give hoof about tresspassing or privacy.

[GenderIsAnIllusion 2,177]

Hooray for best princess!

Though, as other seem to also have noticed, she sounded different during her last voice scene.

Also, I find it odd that the security isn't letting anypony in, but Luna seems to freely roam sapphrire shores' house as if she was invited (which she likely wasn't)...I smell a complaint for breach of domestic peace incoming

OMG that would be the best episode of cops EVAR!!

[Life Giver 1,063]

I'm betting that Luna is going to visit Applebloom next in her dreams. 

[Metemponychosis 1,259]

Hooray for best princess!

Though, as other seem to also have noticed, she sounded different during her last voice scene.

Also, I find it odd that the security isn't letting anypony in, but Luna seems to freely roam sapphrire shores' house as if she was invited (which she likely wasn't)...I smell a complaint for breach of domestic peace incoming

I'm guessing the Princesses in general just do what they want and ponies can't do anything about it just trust them.

Celestia wants to free THE most dangerous creature in Equestria? Sure. No problem.

Twilight wants to receive the breezies, even though it would be Mayor Mare? Of course, your highness.

Luna wants in? Security pony will stop the fillies, but not the princess.

Celestia has video footage of all of her student's life? Who cares?

[DryGuy84 (Inactive) 927]

I explain in a little more detail why I loved this episode in post #26 on Page 2 of the "Too Much CMC" thread by @Cloud Runner

 

Go check it out if you want.

Edited March 23, 2014 by DryColt84

[Singe 2,111]

Princess Luna intervenes in dreams and vanquishes nightmares. So there must be something more to these nightmares...

 

I'm guessing that nightmares are lethal in that world and Sweetie Belle could died in her sleep making some weird face.

[NavelColt 22,879]

Fitting that the person with the Lunavatar is the one who posted the topic.

 

>Sapphire Shores? DHX, stahp, what are you doing, you don't re-use one-off fashion plot device characters in episodes involving Rarity! What is this madness that is not Sparta? You're breaking away from your trends and shit.

 

>But CD they brought Photo Finish back in Equestria Girls.

 

>Hmmm, touche. But, how bout that Luna. She sure does like aiding the CMC. First Scootaloo and now Sweetie Belle. Luna, where were you to help Apple Bloom when Applejack forgot that her sister wasn't one year old?

 

>Probably playing video games and kicking Rainbow Dash's butt at Pony Combat XI, CD.

 

>This is true.

 

It was nice to see Rarity and Sweetie's relationship maturing like this. Rarity was about ready to throw the mini marshmallow out the nearest boutique window in Sisterhooves Social, and one or two other episodes where Sweetie tried and failed to help her out while she was working. Yay for continuity, yay for character development. I mean hell, they had a ten second hug moment, haven't seen that either in a while. Last time they spent quality time Rarity made her lug her cart up a hill hurr hurr.

 

Another good episode for Sweetie Belle, and another good episode for their relationship as a whole. Finding irritation with her sisters' extravagant talent because she feels it's hindering her own quest to find her own talent, is certainly a deep and unique theme. Definitely a good plot for a sister episode. Sweetie was a bit over-the-top bitchy at parts, but it's forgivable considering she's a kid, this is important to her, and that the show was trying to make a point. And I did feel bad for Rarity in this, whereas, every single other episode that's been about these two's relationship, is usually playing Rarity as the problem, and Sweetie as the one dealing with trying to overcome it, which was new. I also love how the other Mane Six cleared right out. 'Whoops guys, the Marshmallow sisters are about to go supernova again, head for the panic room everypony.'

 

Rarity listening outside her door, etc was all very cute as well. I half-expected Rarity to become at least slightly equally irritated with Sweetie acting like a brat talking to her like that, but she didn't, not once throughout the entire time Sweetie was ranting. She listened and only felt concern. That was a very nice part on her character, I think.

 

I feel like, especially in this season, characters are often portrayed too over-the-top in the in-episode roles they're meant to portray. AJ was supposed to act overportective about Apple Bloom finally demonstrating that she's moving up in the world of being a grown up pony, but she came off as way too overprotective to the point of making her past interactions with Apple Bloom appearing null. Sweetie was supposed to be mad at Rarity for feeling like she was living in the shadow of her sisters' talent, but in turn her bitchiness brought about something that her character has never done before, and thus doesn't seem in-character for her to do. I find these trends have been happening a lot this season, and it's why so many people have had issues. Hell, it's been happening to poor Pinkie this entire season.

 

But ah well. You know I prefer to praise than criticize, since so many people do the other for me. Asides from that, it was a very good episode. And though Luna is still second best princess, it was great to have her get more screen-time, especially follow-up on her dream warrior quest. It felt like goddamn Christmas Carol with Luna taking Sweetie around in the past and showing her shit. And goddamn were there some more examples of amazing scenes and effects throughout that entire sequence. Luna teaching another character about how to not go down the path she did is epic in of itself as well.

 

I was shaking my head at the shrunk-pony-in-mouth part, I must say. Mostly because, prior to the episode, I saw plenty of art of Sweetie holding onto the back of the throat of somepony, and was like, 'the fuck is this latest episode about X.x'. All those pony vore fans I see across DeviantART and beyond will take this episode and make it their shrine. Ah well. At least we haven't had other themes causing fetish thoughts to emerge in the guttery minds of us bronies, this season.

 

Oh wait.

 

 

Premiere, the worm thing in Discord's episode...riiiiight. Hasbro, don't stop this fetishistic thought-erecting season, at once!

 

And now that that's all out of the way, here's my obligatory afterthought.

 

>More CMC episodes, without Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo doing cute sister things. I'm in the fetal position and crying, DHX.

 

>But CD, remember that one scene this episode?

 

Spike: Yeah, I'm sure your sisters would have loved it!

 

*unimportant talk*

 

Scootaloo: Even Rainbow Dash?

 

Spike: Yeah, Rarity fell way behind.

 

>...This is good. Referencing to their relationship is good. But we must now have screen-time hugs and hnnng-worthy games and or cuddling. My body remains ready as ever, DHX! By which I mean not ready at all!

 

At any rate, impeccable episode overall, great Sweetie Belle episode, knowing she doesn't have many eps in general, and actually had me at the edge of my seat worrying for Sweetie to get there in time :3 Goddamn Luna you master of dreams you, giving ideas and shit.

[FullMetalDash 194]

The episode was good for many reason:Sweetie Belle,Luna,NO MUSICAL, etc...

It showed that Rarity cars more for Sweetie then Sweetie and we thought.

I still loved the episode.

[MrHaru 217]

I thought the lesson learned was nice for what it accomplished in the end but honestly did Sweetie Belle really need another reminder how much her sister, the Element of Generosity, actually cares for her?

 

Hello? Rarity ran through an obstacle course drenched in MUD to prove how much she cares for her.

 

Then again, she's basically a kid and kids do forget stuff like that from time to time I suppose so her initial reaction to everything was realistic but...meh. Yknow.

[Sunny Fox 5,950]

Hooray for best princess!

Though, as other seem to also have noticed, she sounded different during her last voice scene.

Also, I find it odd that the security isn't letting anypony in, but Luna seems to freely roam sapphrire shores' house as if she was invited (which she likely wasn't)...I smell a complaint for breach of domestic peace incoming

 

 

Princess Luna doesn't give hoof about tresspassing or privacy.

I guess if you have the power to walk into other ponies' dreams, you're not going to give much consideration to staying out of their houses.

Edited March 23, 2014 by SolarFox