Review-like Thingy: "Simple Ways" -- (SPOILERS, duh...) · 9:05pm Feb 8th, 2014
I don't normally do the whole episode reviews thing. Well not explicitly at least. I don't write blogs of my own, but some of my replies to other blogs or vlogs can be nearly as detailed. One such blogger I routinely engage in such comments with is my good friend InsertAuthorHere, arguably it's how we became friends in the first place. (…oh, and while someone of his famed renown hardly needs my meager endorsements, I'll implore anyone reading this blog that doesn't already follow his work to GO AND FOLOW HIS WORK! Seriously, he was one of the authors that helped inspire me to make my own feeble attempts at pony fanfiction)
Anyway, IAH was apparently of the opinion that because of my status as an unabashed worshiper of the one and only BEST PONY that is the fair lady Rarity, that I'd be driven to the war path by this episode (I guess for steeling my "waifu" or something like that, as if I'd ever be worthy of her affections). While I certainly had my reservations about it, after-all clichéd romance was supposedly one of those girly tropes that this show explicitly didn't cater too. Still, I was committed to keeping an open mind, but now that I've actually seen it with my own eyes, what's the verdict? Is the episode a worthy tribute to the goddess, or is it time for me to bust out a doomsday device or two and teach the world a lesson for daring to besmirch her flawless grace… let's find out.
Oh, and just as a final reminder, there will be SPOILERS!!!
So after a functional, but mostly expository open, the episode proper hooks me right away with Rarity's newest dress, a prefect reflection of the styles I associate with her character and something her last focus episode failed to deliver on. Rarity's tastes aren't fashionable just because they are edgy or unconventional, but because they are a true artistic expressions of the soul that reflect her personal inspirational muse -- most often expressed by gratuitous use gemstones.
Now then though, we come to the episode's controversial new character, Trenderhoof. When Rarity first drops his name my reaction was similar to the rest of her friends; it just seems so out of left field, not to mention why should a celebration of Ponyville town pride need to in any way impress this pony. Still, to the episode's credit Rarity quickly explains how his reviews have put other towns on the map, and so for a brief instance I get my hopes up that this episode is actually going to focus on Rarity trying to impress him not for her own sake, but for her desire to enhance the reputation of Ponyville... and then she starts fawning like a school-filly.
Now admittedly, this isn't really anything new for Rarity, but I'll be upfront about it; Trenderhoof's design out right sucks. He's awkwardly lanky, with a bland color palette, a too cool for rules soul patch, and don't even get me started on his wardrobe. He bears no resemblance to any of the previous ponies that Rarity has idolized, romantically or otherwise. Hoity Toity, Fancy Pants, and even Blueblood; these were all ponies that could be readily identified as individuals of sophistication and class at a glance. Trenderhoof though, no, just no.
He's really seems more of a hipster by design, which is seemingly reflected in his pension for liking things before they are cool. This is practically the antithesis of Rarity and the types of ponies she has previously admired who are all TRENDSETTERS. Admittedly there is a superficial overlap, but the key difference if that a trendsetter thrives on promoting their passion so that others can appreciate it too (or at least to enhance their own fame), as opposed to the hipster mentality that almost abhors the notion that the things they like could be corrupted by the masses.
Sigh… and then we get to the train station which is a scene that gives me very mixed feeling. Rarity is nervous, to the extreme, which might work if this was an episode just about town pride and/or her career. We've seen Rarity get nervous about living up to the expectations of her idols and likewise seen her embarrassed about the rusticness of her hometown. Unfortunately this scene frames it all "romantically", which is something Rarity has never really been shown to falter on. Compared to her forwardness with trying to woo the affections of Blueblood… well, technically she did still have to work up the nerve to first introduce herself, but in this episode that aspect is overplayed and it gets old fast.
Still, expectations can be a real nerve-racker, and once she does get over them her interactions with Trenderhoof are everything I've come to expect from Rarity, even if I still don't really get what she finds attractive about him, physically or intellectually. Of course then we get to the even bigger controversy of this episode, the love triangle… but you know what? I actually like this part. I mean I still don't get Rarity's half, but Trenderhoof's attraction to Applejack makes more senses. As I mentioned before, he seems to me like a hipster archetype and so for him the appeal of AJ would be in the "exotic". Now admittedly one might think he's met farmers before, but AJ isn't just a farmer; previous episodes have established that she is genuinely good looking and cleans up real well, so I can believe that the combination of such contrasting aspects would sucker Trenderhoof. I even adore his initially inane attempts to woo AJ with things she could care less about. I also like how AJ is clearly not oblivious to his advance, she's just not even remotely interested and has got better things to do.
Oh, and along the way we get some amusing lampshades in regards to Spike's one-sided crush on Rarity. They never really go anywhere, but they are still no less fun.
Now then, we have Rarity's first attempts to emulate AJ and prove that she can be just as rustic, in her best jewel incrusted work-duds… and I absolutely love every minute of it. I mean, yeah, it's painfully embarrassing and reeks of the most shallow superficial facades imaginable, but that's pretty much the entire point. Then failing that, she takes it all even further with an insultingly over the top hick style redress of not just herself but the entire theme for the upcoming festival… and that accent, my god that forced country accent. I. just. LOVE. It! Beyond that I think what I enjoy most about Rarity's bald-faced attempts to go "simple" is that she embraces it with ALL her normal flare for the elaborate, and in so doing completely misses the point.
Admittedly, I half expected Applejack to be rightfully infuriated that this is how her supposed "friend" sees her, but to AJ's credit the whole scenario is just too absurd to do anything other than laugh. Besides, why get angry when you can get even, which brings us to the elegant Miss Applejewel. Now the shoe is on the other hoof and I love it all just as much, and even if AJ is actually trying to help, I like to imagine her taking at least a little satisfaction in it as well. Admittedly AJ's choice of dress does clash with her own natural colors, but that's kind of the point; Rarity sucks at being rustic and AJ is equally bad at being fancy. Though one minor complaint, her vocal affections in this scene were disappointing; I really wish that they'd used her Manehattan accent from Cutie Mark Chronicles, but I guess AJ's just out of practice after all these years.
So after a bit mudslinging --literally-- the conflict is resolved and all is right in the world again, plus we all get to have one last laugh at Trenderhoof's expense… and may it truly be the last as if I never see him again it would be too soon. Seriously, I'll take more of Blueblood's pompously inflated self-important flank any day. Now I will say that I was a little disappointed with the closing montage of the actual festival. I don't much care for all the blatant recycling of Canterlot character models which seem too fancy for Ponyville even under the auspicious supervisions of Rarity. It all feels more like she just went and replaced everypony in town rather than gussying them up as best she could. Still, for just these short few scenes I guess we couldn't expect them to budget the expense of anything new.
So then, my final evaluation? 
The episode has its flaws. It really should have kept the focus of Rarity's desire to impress Trenderhoof on her career rather than heart. The attempt at a love triangle is woefully forced and arbitrary to the point of contrivance. That said, the sheer absurdity still made me genuinely laugh in between attempts to palm my own face off to make the embarrassment stop. Even at their worst in this episode though, the characters remain relatable and likable. I cringe not because the episode is "bad", but because I pity the characters self-inflicted misfortunes. So in the end I like the episode, I really and truly do. It can't compete with any of my top three favorites of this season, but it easily beats out most everything else, including Rarity's other episode this season.
Granted, Rarity Takes Manehatten had a better premise (and earns bonus points for world building), but it stumbled on a forced and grossly superficial execution. By contrast, Simple Ways has a dreadful premise, but for the most part shines in execution. For all that I still don't see why Rarity would have a crush on Trenderhoof in the first place, for the rest of the episode she's in nigh perfect form, even as she compromises everything she believes in to impress a pony that in no way deserves the effort.
Anyway, Sorry if my lack of fury disappoints, but for good or ill the world shan't be ending today, at least not by my hand.
Well, at least you're not going to destroy us all.
static.gamespot.com/uploads/scale_super/140/1403302/2383319-6001212769-OBJEC.gif
Let me tell you why you're wrong about Tenderhoof, EB... IN SONG!!!
Wait, no, I forgot the background music, so I'll just break it down for you normally.
As you claim to know, hipsters are known for liking things that aren't very popular and having that super arrogant air about them. They don't spread news about what they like because they don't want it to become popular, and that's because if it becomes popular, Hipsters will think that it will suck. Now we look at Trenderhoof (you know nothing about cool shirts, btw. That sweater is awesome and I want one. Orange is best color.), we see that he goes around the world, showing off the unique and often times putting places on the map, making them popular which is the exact opposite of what a hipster would do.
So this bit?
It holds no water, Bookman!
Next we move on to your complaints and your opinion about Rarity falling for Trender and how she should have been in it for the town, not her heart. While I will concede a certain amount of credence to the fact that she shouldn't have been that afraid after Blueblood (though one can argue that she possibly knew more about him and placed him on a much high pedestal, unlike Blueblood, giving the fawning more credibility), you have to recognize that the episode would not work at all if your idea had been used. What's more, like I said earlier, Rarity having a crush on somepony is not contrived in the slightest, despite your fondness of that word.
Also, I'm in the fence about the episode. It just didn't do it for me.
1811596
So wait, you're here to complain about my appraisal of an episode that I openly admitted to actually liking despite its flaws, even though you yourself are only on the fence about it?
1811732 um... yeah, pretty much.
I mean, I don't hate this episode. The writing was solid, and so was the premise, it's just it didn't really do it for me.
I dunno. Lately, when Rarity gets an episode, they've just been kind of pouring her on really heavy to me, although that might just be my opinion.
At any rate, I simply think that most everything you said was contrived or was OOC wasn't that far and away from the general characterization of the characters involved.
And who disliked my comment?
1811899
Actually, I more or less said that outside my inability to understand what Rarity found appealing about Trenderhoof in the first place, I had absolutely ZERO problems with anything being OoC.
You know, that system is anonymous for a reason. I'll admit to wishing I could know who downvotes my comments/stories too, or more accurately to know WHY? In the end though if you have to ask, it really only betrays a lack of confidence and/or maturity on your own part.
1811981 more irritation that is happened than maturity, confidence issues.
And you've known my long enough to know I like to think out loud on the forums.
1811989
Well, you've certainly got the "out loud" portion down.
1812014 yes, well...
So what do you think of the future shippings of Trender and AJ?
So yeah I agree that the episode was still enjoyable even for all of its faults and I understand why others enjoy it so much. It just wasn't for me.
^agree 100% with that.
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I was seriously conflicted as to whether or not I would rank this below Rainbow Falls. After much mental deliberation (which involved writing most of the stuff below), RF shall remain my pick for “Worst of Season 4.” However, both of these episodes are terrible in their own ways, which made it hard to put them side by side. Rainbow Falls is one of the worst episodes of MLP to date through sheer incompetence: annoying side characters, uncreative and grating dialogue, cherry-picking continuity to follow and ignore, making Rainbow drastically out of character, yet unintentionally putting her in the right do to a ridiculous setup. Simple Ways, on the other hoof, does an excellent job at what it sets out to do, and that is making Rarity into a horrible person. The only other episode Josh Haber has done is Castlemania, where Rarity also had questionable motivations, dragging Fluttershy around crumbling ruins to make money off of artifacts. This wasn’t as bothersome though, since Rarity wasn’t the focus, and wasn’t the only character making bad decisions. Here, I don’t know if I can decide what I hated more about her in this episode:
- The way she cuts the entire town off at the knees, throwing their founding day celebration into disarray, and makes the people participate in her idiocy, to glorify herself and fulfill selfish desires.
- The way she degrades an entire demographic; her view of country denizens and farmers is worse than anything we saw from the snobs in Canterlot; her “representation” is more stereotyped than Beverly Hillbillies. When she dresses Applebloom like a crazy country hobo, I think an appropriate equivalent in our world would be putting a black child in a loincloth in a school play representing African culture.
- The way she degrades herself. She snaps out of her crazy poser state thanks to the events of Applejack’s intervention. The way things were accelerating, who knows how far it would have reached? If Trenderhoof had a scene shoveling manure, would she have started doing a jig in it? Rolling in it?
I have to disagree with your complaints about Trenderhoof. You make a good comparison between Trender and the other people Rarity’s admired. But I can easily see how Rarity would fall for him with average looks: as a travelling writer, he doesn’t have the opportunity to fuss over or maintain a dazzling wardrobe. His success hinges on him being able to mingle with the populace he visits, and being overly gaudy might be counterproductive. Rarity would understand this. It’s true that Rarity has never shown in interest in reporters or literature before, but it’s pretty easy to rationalize; Rarity is a hopeless romantic. Emphasis on “hopeless.” Her first long term crush was Prince Blueblood, the cream of the crop in the city she admired most (“the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot”). Once he knocked himself off her mental pedestal, there was probably one or more periods in which she searched for someone else to fulfill the stallion-shaped hole in her utopic fantasy of her future.
1813562
You know what; this comment of yours actually cheers me up in a round about way. Not because I agree with any of it, quite the contrary. Rather it reassures me that as jaded as I might be getting, at least I'm not that far gone.
1813970
This most likely won't improve your image of me, I can't read this without feeling I'm being put down, whether you intended it that way or not. You've spoken before on how you feel your general view of the show might have become cynical and harder to please. Now you say that you see yourself as positive by comparison to me.
But you don't know what my general outlook is, nor my reactions were to any of these past episodes, the current season, or the show. I tried expatiating so I could share with you the surprising difference between our feelings on this show. But you took my notations on 22 minutes of a show and made me out to be a small and angry person, and posted it for everyone to see.
1817640
Yeah, I might have been in kind of a bad mood last night, and so might have overreacted to the way in which you expressed your negativity. It also probably didn't help that that a sizable section of your complaints disparaged Rarity as a character, seeing as she's my unquestioned and eternal best pony, and no one likes to see their favorite character painted as a monster by other fans.
1818341
I don't like seeing her painted as a monster either, especially by the show writers.
LOL, she's my favorite character as well.
Before "Pinkie Pride" came along, "Takes Manehattan" was my favorite of the season. Ironically, my biggest complaint that bumps it down to 2nd is that they didn't put Rarity enough in the wrong, so the conflict didn't feel completely natural.
1818486
The "irony" here --or whatever because no one uses that word right-- is that I rather disliked that episode because to me it was the episode that completely screwed up and misrepresented Rarity. I don't considered RTM the worst of the show, or even the worst of the season, but I do consider it the worst Rarity episode ever.
Conversely my problem was actually quite the opposite, as I thought the episode put her unnecessarily in the wrong. Yeah, she was a bit cross with her friends, but the truth is that the only reason any of them were even there in the first place was by there own admission so they could help and support her in the first place. So their complaints about not getting to see the play, that they only had ticks to in the first place because of Rarity, was more than a we bit selfish.
Really though, the bigger problem was focusing on a conflict of Rarity -vs- her friends in the first place, especially when we had a perfectly good antagonist in Suri Polomare, who went woefully underutilized.
I finally mustered the courage to watch the episode. I was a bit aprehensive but like you the absurdity just won me over. Poor Rarity putting herself into that silly situation over that lanky goofball. Major kudos to Tabitha St.-Germain for what was basically a DOUBLE ACCENT performance! It was just incredible.
It was a surprisingly enjoyable episode, but I guess it comes as no surprise since all of Rarity's best episodes come as surprises.
1829163
Yeah, the forced country twang overtop Rarity's normal posh inflection was just crazy amazing. I mean seriously it's hard to do something that's supposed to be intentionally bad and still make it sound good.
Maybe it's just personal biased for best pony, but I'm seriously inclined to declare Tabitha the most talented member of the vocal cast. Rarity's normal range of being able to rapidly snap between subdued eloquence and over the top melodrama is impressive enough (and that's not even getting into her great work with Luna), but this episode just went and took all of that to the next level.
I think Andrea Libman might be the only real contender, since switching between Pinkie's bombastic energy and Fluttershy's quite timidness can't be easy, but I don't think we've ever had an episode where both characters played off each other enough in the same scene to see just how far she can take it.
1829261 You could probably replace any cartoon's entire cast by Tabitha St-Germain and Scott McNeil and it would still sound GREAT.
1829369
Now there's a dynamic duo that I'd love to see in action.
Oh, and speaking of accents, I was just looking of her credits and found out that Tabitha did Suri Polomare's voice. Now I really wish that episode had been more focused on the conflict between those characters rather than on Rarity supposedly taking undue advantage of friends who were supposedly there to help and support her in the first place.
As Tabith also does Granny Smith, Mrs.Cake, and Photo Finish as well I'd say she really could be the cast of an entire episode all on her own. Almost makes me want to go write up some kind of Tabithaverse wherein Rarity, Suri Polomare, Photo Finish, Granny Smith, and Mrs.Cake are all somehow the bears of the elements (obviously with Luna as the reigning princess). Of course that would be a few too many earth ponies for a balanced team, though I could maybe get away with saying Photo Finish is actually a pegasus who hides her wings under her dress. Plus I'd also still need a sixth character as well.
Edit: Oh wait, Derpy... how could I forget her?
1829399 That'd certainly be cheaper to produce