Thoughts on 28 Pranks Later

This episode was one that I felt needed more time in the oven, as it wasn't one I particularly cared for. First, the beginning, where Rainbow Dash scares Fluttershy, makes no sense. Not only did they make it clear that Fluttershy was easily frightened in the last Halloween special, but it also felt overly cruel for Rainbow Dash to prank Fluttershy, knowing her since she was a filly. Then we get to where Rainbow Dash's pranks are getting out of control, almost out of spite for her friends trying to tell her to stop and be more mindful with them (especially the one where she put a brick in Mr. Cake's hamburger, or slamming a massive boulder into Big Mac's cart) Then they get back at Dash to pretend that her joke cookies (which makes their mouths have this rainbow colored stain on their muzzles) actually turned the ponies that ate them into zombies! I get where they're coming from, but it did feel like this massice prank was abit much as Rainbow Dash sometimes is over the top with her pranks, but it's primarily tasteful and harmless. I think I get the premise, and it would make more sense for this episode to be in the first three seasons, where she's still learning to be considerate of her actions and showboating, like in the Mystery Mare episode. But this is season six, where she's a Wonderbolt and seems to have matured a lot since her season one appearance. I feel her conflicts should align with her role in the Wonderbolts and learning to deal with them and herself with this new responsibility. She was much better in the Stranger than Fanfiction episode as she curbed her issues with Quibble Pants and listened to his advice.

I think this episode wasn't all that necessary and probably needed to be reworked. I wouldn't say it's terrible; I guess there are worse episodes than this one, But this episode it isn't one I enjoyed particularly and somewhat damaged Rainbow Dash as a character.