Thoughts on S9 Part 6: No Plan Survives Contact With the Fandom

Funny how things work out. The time I plan for three episodes in two weekends, first the Canadian releases never appeared and then my viewing of episode 13 is delayed by my viewing buddy being out of contact...So sod it, thoughts on 13 are being pushed back to a pre-show event for the thoughts on Rainbow Roadtrip post. Couple that with my gran going into hospital in the interim and the general ridiculousness that's been filling everything for the past week and, yeah. Let's just get on with this pair.

Probably not since another episodes come out since (and one of these going viral for all the wrong reasons) but still, possible unmarked spoilers if you haven't seen these two yet.

Episode 11 - Student Counsel:

Wow, it feels like forever since we've had a Starlight episode. That's already a plus point, considering best pony hasn't had a meaningful scene since the freaking premiere! Starting off with her waifu taking her out to dinner is another. Add another for the realisation that Twi effectively trusted her with the school in one of its most hectic periods, and one more for the return of Sunburst, Maud, Mudbriar and Terramar. I will say though, Yona having trouble with her braids? She should be going to Sandbar for help on that one.

Getting back on point, it makes sense for somepony like Starlight to stretch herself as far as she can helping others. Maybe keep that in mind Trixie, being perhaps a bit too Trixie and clingy this episode (he says, having said he'd the Trixie out of his friend group while watching). If anything, Silverstream was the one who needed that frustration venting at. She was kind of all over the place, asking for help with trivial measures and probably pulling off the biggest 'lucked into the solution' of the show. At the very least, she owes Starlight a hug for the stress and self-esteem hit (don't feel bad Glimmy, I didn't think of Harmony's Retreat when she went missing either).

Among other things, we got some proper advancement for Mudbriar (elevating him from decent to good. Yes he is, shut up), some...interesting insights into how Maud's mind works (along with her cute relationship with Mudbriar), worldbuilding for cockatrices of all things, best ship, all in all a lot of fun little things interspersed with just enough grating ones to bring the episode down a peg. It's still a good ep from Haber, but I'm really hoping we get one more for Starlight before the end. Preferable one to tick off Alicorn Starlight from the bingo list.

Episode 12 - The Last Crusade:

First things first, I should probably address the elephant in the room regarding Holiday and Lofty. But since the show didn't make a big deal out of nothing, I'm not going to (though I will say Holiday might well be my favourite new pony this season). I will address the other elephant about Snap Shutter and Mane Allgood though. Yes, their priorities are somewhat questionable, but that doesn't change the fact they're clearly loving parents who genuinely want the best for their daughter and made arrangements to ensure she remained safe and happy, rather than dragging her into harms way. That makes them a lot better than quite a few parents we've seen so far, such as Spoiled Rich, Grand Pear, Stellar Flare, Clear Sky, Ma Hoofield and whatever tragedies of parenting raised Cozy Glow or Strawberry Sunrise.

Oh yeah, did I mention that we finally meet Scootaloo's parents, pissing off the fandom almost as much as their appearance in the first place?

Mix that in with their potential to break up the CMC, everypony's reactions to that, and this is one of the most feels filled episodes in recent memory. Joy, sadness, relief, that indescribable feeling when you think you've found a new waifu, it had them all and never let up. It also served as an impromptu highlight reel of the crusader's achivements, bringing everycreature in for their appreciation, plus a little more SugarMac. If only they could have brought Luna in as well, and maybe have her speaking instead of just Skedaddle and Terramar out of everyone there (opportunities missed!)

If this does end up being the send off episode for the CMC, we couldn't have asked for a better one. Both in itself and from Nicole Dubuc. While it's somewhat tarnished by the fandom proving we've learned nothing since Fame and Misfortune, I personally loved the ride on this one, enjoyed Scoots' parents (I really hope she does like Applejack and keeps her dad's hat) and wish the girls all the best in whatever may come next. Just stick together and nothing'll stop you!

Episode Rankings:

1 - Frenemies (Up one rank, just retains that rewatch factor a bit better)
2 - The Last Crusade
3 - Sparkle's Seven (This is gonna make my all-time rankings interesting...)
4 - She's All Yak
5 - The Beginning of the End
6 - Student Counsel
7 - Common Ground
8 - The Point of No Return
9 - Sweet and Smoky
10 - Uprooted
11 - Going to Seed

S9 Bingo - 7/25 (Check off Scootaloo's parents, also I'm just outright replacing Snowdrop Canon with Spitfire Episode here, more likely AND preferable)