(Not So) Quick Thoughts on Magical Mystery Cure · 5:52am Feb 18th, 2013

If I've never made it common knowledge that I am a musical theater geek, then I'm making it public now. That being said, allow me to gush a bit over the absolutely superb use of musical storytelling in the Season 3 finale.

Every high and low point of this episode was expressed in song, and every moment of it kept me invested and hit me right in my emotional core. We've had plenty of songs on FiM in the past, but not all of them have done what was consistently done here. And that is using musical numbers to move the plot. You can love Pinkie's "Smile Smile Smile" all you want, but it's a plot stopper and adds nothing to its episode "A Friend in Deed" in the long run. This was never, ever the case during "Magical Mystery Cure."

"Morning in Ponyville" was the icebreaker. It let us know exactly what we were in for this episode--a musical romp with our favorite ponies. "What My Cutie Mark is Telling Me" introduced the conflict, and did so in a way that was both humorous and made you feel sorry for the other five girls. "I Have to Find a Way" was the melancholy reflection once the realization has sunk in--that through one small error on her part, Twilight has basically ruined her friends' lives. "True, True Friend" is the pick-me-up, where the Mane 6 dust themselves off, realize they have work to do and turn things back around. And then we have "Celestia's Ballad", a gorgeous piece of music that brings Twilight face to face with her destiny--all coming back full circle with a reprise of our opening number at the Coronation episode conclusion.

It really hard for me to explain why I love this episode so much, because yes, it is indeed far from perfect. But I felt so emotional while watching it! I was happy, I laughed a lot. I also shed some tears, from sadness and joy as I watched the events unfold. Over the course of watching this show, you become so attached to the characters and following them through their trials and tribulations that to see one of them reach a milestone such as the one Twilight reached is so incredibly satisfying. I'm happy that she's an Alicorn. I'm proud to see that all of her hard work and dedication to the study of friendship has finally paid off. I'm excited to see what the future holds now that Twilight and her friends are entering this new chapter in their lives. And I'm just plain glad that My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has still retained the elements that made me fall in love with it in the first place: The investment in the characters and the desire to see them learn and grow.

I've now seen the episode twice through, and honestly it is even better the second time around. So if you haven't given yourself at least a couple more viewings, I suggest doing so. You will notice several new things you missed the first time around, that's how dense and packed it is from every corner of the frame. I know I can't wait to watch it again soon!

--Your Friendly Pegasister, Applecinnamonspice

Report applecinnamonspice · 593 views ·

Comments ( 2 )