Centennial · 4:50am Jun 17th, 2015
Howdy, y'all.
Just this past Saturday, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic aired its 100th episode: Slice of Life. There's no denying it was an odd duck of an episode, and its quality is being hotly debated all throughout the community even as I type this and as you read it. Whether you liked the episode or not, though, is not what I want to talk about today. What I want to do here is take a step back from all the criticism and controversy the episode itself has created and just look at the broader picture.
Guys. We made it to 100 episodes! That is no small feat by any means. Let's celebrate!
There are a lot of television shows that fall well short of one hundred episodes. The fact that FiM has lasted so long—and through so much turmoil along the way—is extraordinary. It's a testament to the quality of the show and the willpower of all the people behind it. And I'm not just talking about the show staff. Certainly we owe a debt of gratitude to all of the writers and animators and composers and storyboarders and directors and voice actors and a million other folks who brought this show to life. But we can also take some time to give ourselves a pat on the back—the show wouldn't have survived this long without the fans, both young and old, and it wouldn't be what it is without us.
We've all created something beautiful together. A complex and dynamic world that's constantly evolving and changing and becoming more and more beautiful. A place full of countless stories and ideas, where the impossible is every day. I, for one, am proud (and a bit in awe) of it all, and I'm so happy to have been a part of it.
So let's take a trip together down memory lane. I want to share with y'all my favourite moments from each episode (and movie) so far. Every episode has had its ups and downs, but there's always something that you can take away and enjoy from each one. So hit below the break for a journey through our time in Equestria, told in 102 pictures.
Episode 1: Friendship is Magic, Part 1
Remember Twilight's first party in Ponyville? Back then, who could've guessed how many more there would be?!
Episode 2: Friendship is Magic, Part 2
Remember the spark?
Episode 3: The Ticket Master
Remember their first friendship squabble? They still had so much to learn.
Episode 4: Applebuck Season
Remember AJ going all woo woo woo!? She seemed alright by Pinkie! Honorable Mention (there are gonna be a lot of these): Baked bads.
Episode 5: Griffon the Brush-Off
Remember, "I'm a year older than you." Still one of my favourite lines, but Fluttershy was so quiet back then that I doubt anyone heard her.
Episode 6: Boast Busters
Remember the first time Twilight really awed us with her magic? I was (and still am) so in love with Twilight's magical growth arc that this episode was my favourite for a good, long while. Honorable Mention: The actual Ursa Major.
Episode 7: Dragonshy
Remember when that rainbow one kicked him? This was a hard one to pick, actually. Every character had great moments! Honorable Mention: Hop, skip, and jump!
Episode 8: Look Before You Sleep
Remember this quarrelsome scene? Amazing how friendship can bloom between such different ponies. Honorable Mention: Rarity going, "Oooooo!"
Episode 9: Bridle Gossip
Remember Flutterguy singing Evil Enchantress? Poison joke was amazing!
Episode 10: Swarm of the Century
Remember, "Let's build an exact replica of Ponyville right over there! We've got less than a minute!" I hope we see the parasprites again sometime. Honorable Mention: Rainbow Dash bug bikini.
Episode 11: Winter Wrap-Up
Remember the first big song of the show? I'm sure people are still listening to it and remixing it to this day! Honorable Mention: Literally the rest of the episode. I love this one.
Episode 12: Call of the Cutie
Remember Apple Bloom: Businesspony Extraordinaire? I love that she's still so determined. Honorable Mention: The Cuteceañera.
Episode 13: Fall Weather Friends
Remember Rainbow mocking Twi at the starting line? Also the entire Running of the Leaves sequence. RD and AJ together are dynamite!
Episode 14: Suited for Success [Best of Season One]
Remember this song? Rarity is quite possibly my favourite character, and this episode highlights it perfectly. It was a masterstroke. Honorable Mention: The second fashion show.
Episode 15: Feeling Pinkie Keen
Remember the alligator in the bathtub? I wonder what he was philosophizing about at that point. Honorable Mention: "Can you explode twice?!"
Episode 16: Sonic Rainboom
Remember the second Sonic Rainboom in recorded history? And Rainbow hardly even cared at this point—she was too focused on saving Rarity and the Wonderbolts. It still gives me chills. Honorable Mention: "Yay!"
Episode 17: Stare Master
Remember Sweetie Belle singing?! Absolutely phenomenal!
Episode 18: The Show Stoppers
Remember this amazing trainwreck? This episode is what really sold the CMC for me. All of their hijinks were fun, and they work so well together! Honorable Mention: Sunny Daze and Peachy Pie!
Episode 19: A Dog and Pony Show
Remember Rarity's whining? Tabitha, you really are a saint.
Episode 20: Green Isn't Your Color
Remember when they made up after the Photo Finish incident? A super cute way to end a super cute episode. Twilight was especially cute. Honorable Mention: "FOREVER!"
Episode 21: Over a Barrel
Remember, "You gotta shaaaare! You gotta caaaare!" We definitely need to see more of the buffalo. I miss Little Strongheart! Honorable Mention: Braeburn.
Episode 22: A Bird in the Hoof
Remember how sad Fluttershy got over Philomena? A bit of an odd choice for my favourite moment, but it stands out in an episode full of zaniness (not that I didn't love that too!). Fluttershy really cared, and it was sweet. Honorable Mention: Princess Celestia hates tea.
Episode 23: The Cutie Mark Chronicles
Remember homesick Applejack? Too sad. I love how happy she was when she came back to Ponyville—where she really belongs. Honorable Mention: Each cutie mark story.
Episode 24: Owl's Well That Ends Well
Remember the meteor shower? I was gonna pick a Spike moment for this, but this meteor shower scene was too good to pass up. A great stage-setter. Honorable Mention: Spike's mustache and top hat!
Episode 25: Party of One
Remember Pinkie's party of inanimate objects? When she loses her laughter, things get sad and things get scary. If you didn't like Pinkie before this episode, you almost certainly did after.
Episode 26: The Best Night Ever
Remember the Pony Pokey? It highlighted everything that's great about this episode! Maybe not the most grandstanding season finale, but a good way to round off season one. Honorable Mention: "You're going to LOVE ME!"
Episode 27: The Return of Harmony, Part 1
Remember when Discord had to forcibly corrupt Fluttershy? Who knew it would be the start of a beautiful friendship? Honorable Mention: "Your horn! My horn?! Aaaah!"
Episode 28: The Return of Harmony, Part 2
Remember when Discord almost won, but then friendship pulled through? Honorable Mention: "What's soaking wet and clueless? Your face!"
Episode 29: Lesson Zero
Remember when Spike saved Twilight from herself? A stellar ending to a stellar episode. Honorable Mention: Atomic Rainboom.
Episode 30: Luna Eclipsed
Remember Zecora's fantastic Nightmare Night spectacle? I loved her costume the most. All the costumes were awesome though (Twilight makes a great weirdo clown.) Honorable Mention: Princess Luna in general.
Episode 31: Sisterhooves Social
Remember this incredibly touching moment? I still get teary-eyed when I see it. Season two is full of great episodes, and this is up there with the best of them.
Episode 32: The Cutie Pox
Remember Apple Bloom speakin' in fancy? One of my favourites in an episode full of gags. Honorable Mention: Twilight with Rarity's mane.
Episode 33: May the Best Pet Win!
Remember this titular song? Fluttershy was so ecstatic to help Rainbow find a pet! I love these two together. Honorable Mention: Tank and Rainbow crossing the finish line.
Episode 34: The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well
Remember how Rainbow Dash hates being alone? I felt for her here, even if she did it to herself. She needed a taste of her own medicine, but that doesn't make it taste any better. Honorable Mention: "Spike's a ghost!"
Episode 35: Sweet and Elite
Remember this fabulous song? Not to mention the fabulous outfit! Don't get too fabulous for your friends though, Rarity! Honorable Mention: Rarity comes clean.
Episode 36: Secret of My Excess
Remember this heart-wrenching scene? No words needed. It was beautiful.
Episode 37: Hearth's Warming Eve
Remember the Fire of Friendship? A fantastic bit of worldbuilding, this one. Honorable Mention: "The earth is round. There is no up or down!"
Episode 38: Family Appreciation Day
Remember Granny Smith's story? The music alone in that sequence gives me goosebumps. This may be out of left field, but this is among my favourite episodes.
Episode 39: Baby Cakes
Remember Pinkie trying to be responsible? To be fair, Pound and Pumpkin were more than a hoofful for anyone, let alone her. Honorable Mention: The twins' first words.
Episode 40: The Last Roundup
Remember Applejack's homecoming? It was too sweet. A nice callback to her other homecoming in The Cutie Mark Chronicles too. Honorable Mention: "Raritycatchme!"
Episode 41: The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000
Remember when Applejack didn't learn anything? Flim and Flam can keep their fancy doodads and catchy song. AJ's got her friends and family! Honorable Mention: Fluttershy sleeps naked.
Episode 42: Read It and Weep
Remember when Rainbow Dash became an egghead? I love that this character trait has stood the test of time. Reading Dash is so endearing! Honorable Mention: Daring Do!
Episode 43: Hearts and Hooves Day
Remember when Sweetie Belle sang again?! I'm such a sucker for this filly. Honorable Mention: Cheerilee and Big Mac getting married in a pit.
Episode 44: A Friend in Deed
Remember when Pinkie made all of Ponyville smile, smile, smile? There's so much great about this episode beyond this song, but it definitely steals the show. Honorable Mention: Cranky finally finds Matilda.
Episode 45: Putting Your Hoof Down
Remember when Fluttershy of all ponies made Pinkie and Rarity cry? Utterly heartbreaking. It happened to be the wake-up call Monstershy needed, though. Honorable Mention: Pinkie haggling with Iron Will for more time.
Episode 46: It's About Time
Remember when Cerberus happened? No explanation. Just Cerberus. And also Tartarus. I loved it.
Episode 47: Dragon Quest
Remember when Twilight actually let Spike go? Gwah! I love their relationship so damn much! One of the best Spike episodes, bar none. Honorable Mention: "You're my family."
Episode 48: Hurricane Fluttershy
Remember when Fluttershy couldn't handle the pressure? I always get a little teary during this scene, if only because I can relate to her so well. I'm glad she pulled through in the end, though. A great pay-off!
Episode 49: Ponyville Confidential
Remember when Gabby Gums came clean? I couldn't really tell you why in this short caption, but it was really satisfying. Another amazing episode. Honorable Mention: Applejack and Big Mac role reversal.
Episode 50: MMMystery on the Friendship Express
Remember the most complex cake relocation operation in Equestria? You gotta go the extra mile when handling the Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness! Honorable Mention: Gustave le Grand as old-timey villain.
Episode 51: A Canterlot Wedding, Part 1
Remember when all of Twilight's friends turned on her? Something about that moment when Celestia says, "You have a lot to think about." always pierces my heart. It's hard for me to watch, and that's why I love it. Honorable Mention: Cadance and Twilight flashback!
Episode 52: A Canterlot Wedding, Part 2 [Best of Season Two]
Remember when true love saved the day? This stands as one of my favourite moments in the entire series, and certainly one of my top ten episodes. I can't explain it. It's just breathtaking. Honorable Mention: This Day Aria
Episode 53: The Crystal Empire, Part 1
Remember Twilight's failure song? She's come such a long way, but she's still unsure. I should mention that this is the first episode I ever saw live, so it holds a special place in my heart. Honorable Mention: Pinkie's Fluttershy costume.
Episode 54: The Crystal Empire, Part 2
Remember when Twilight realized that she couldn't do this alone, regardless of Celestia's test? Honorable Mention: Spike and Twi vs. Sombra's Fear Door.
Episode 55: Too Many Pinkie Pies
Remember when Pinkie successfully watched paint dry? I don't think anyone expected this episode to be even remotely serious, and I know it surprised me in that regard. Another one of my top ten favourites.
Episode 56: One Bad Apple
Remember this catchy-as-all-get-out song? Perhaps not the most memorable episode, but the song instantly jumped into my head when I got to it. Honorable Mention: Babs's amazin' accent!
Episode 57: Magic Duel
Remember when the magic of friendship trumped the Alicorn Amulet? I still remember getting fooled by this reveal the first time I saw it. Simple and elegant! Really embraces the theme of the show. Honorable Mention: Fluttershy's dangerous mission outfit.
Episode 58: Sleepless in Ponyville
Remember how seriously adorable this was? I haven't talked much about Scootaloo on this list, but I really do love the little squirt. Honorable Mention: Scootaloo's first nightmare.
Episode 59: Wonderbolts Academy
Remember Rainbow quitting the academy? This whole ending sequence gives me chills. RD's really grown since the first season. Honorable Mention: "DON'T FORGET TO WRIIIIITE!
Episode 60: Apple Family Reunion
Remember when they Raised This Barn? A good song to cap off a phenomenal episode. This is actually another one in my top ten of all time. Season three really wowed me!
Episode 61: Spike at Your Service
Remember when Spike said goodbye to Twilight? This may stand as my all-time favourite scene between these two. It's subtle and beautiful. Honorable Mention: Giga-Timberwolf!
Episode 62: Keep Calm and Flutter On
Remember when Discord lost his only friend? A real breakthrough moment. This one changed the series forever, really. And I'm a sucker for teary moments like this! Honorable Mention: All of Discord's lines. Gold.
Episode 63: Just for Sidekicks
Remember that PINKIE LOVES GUMMY MORE! I always found this episode and its counterpart a bit strange, but they definitely have their moments. Honorable Mention: Industrial-Strength Pet Hair Dryer.
Episode 64: Games Ponies Play
Remember the Crystal Empire cheer? Truly a thing of beauty. You go, girls! Honorable Mention: "Imagine her mane turned into a porcupine."
Episode 65: Magical Mystery Cure [Best in Show]
Remember this beautiful song? Even just looking for this picture I got misty-eyed, and watching the episode itself makes me blubber more and more every time. I don't care what anyone else says—this is the pinnacle of the show. Honorable Mention: All of it, but most especially Celestia's Ballad.
Movie 1: My Little Pony Equestria Girls
Remember Twilight discovering what a great leader she can be? Say what you will about the movie itself, but the underlying arc of Twilight becoming a leader was extremely well done. A great primer for season four! Honorable Mention: Sunset Shimmer.
Episode 66: Princess Twilight Sparkle, Part 1
Remember this cliffhanger?! Agh, so good! This premiere had a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that none of the others had. I think it might be the best premiere of the lot, honestly. Honorable Mention: Applejack foreshadowing the Elements.
Episode 67: Princess Twilight Sparkle, Part 2
Remember when they brought the Elements of Harmony home? Honorable Mention: Twilight's friends go on without her.
Episode 68: Castle Mane-ia
Remember when Twilight beat everyone in freeze tag? The whole episode built up to this crazy moment, and boy was it fun! Honorable Mention: Pony of Shadows.
Episode 69: Daring Don't
Remember Twi and Dash totally geeking out over A.K. Yearling? They couldn't have done this scene better! So cute! Honorable Mention: Rainbow's expression. You know the one. Oh, and Ahuizotl.
Episode 70: Flight to the Finish
Remember when Scootaloo's friends gave her back her mojo? Such an uplifting sequence. One of the best of season four, in my humble opinion. Honorable Mention: Hearts Strong as Horses. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, too.
Episode 71: Power Ponies
Remember the Power Ponies totally messing up their first encounter with the Mane-iac? Such a zany scene! That's what this episode was: zany fun from start to finish, with a little sweet moral sprinkled over the whole thing. Honorable Mention: Twilight's nightcap.
Episode 72: Bats!
Remember this unique musical number? Possibly one of my favourite songs of the series. I hope they do another one like this at some point. Honorable Mention: Fluttershy in general. She's grown so much!
Episode 73: Rarity Takes Manehattan
Remember this great reprise? This has to be one of my favourite Rarity episodes, and one of the best in season four to boot. This song solidified that. Honorable Mention: Coco Pommel.
Episode 74: Pinkie Apple Pie
Remember yet another song? Specifically Pinkie's verse. It sealed the deal on an already great episode. Wish we got to see more of just AJ and Pinkie. It's a fun pairing!
Episode 75: Rainbow Falls
Remember, "Choosing not to choose isn't really a decision." One of the best lines this show has delivered, and delievered in exactly the right way to exactly the right pony. Honorable Mention: Bulk Biceps! YEAH!
Episode 76: Three's a Crowd
Remember Twilight and Cadance nerding out over Star Swirl the Bearded together? It's a small thing, but I really love these two being sisterly. Honorable Mention: Glass of Water, and the Tatzlwurm.
Episode 77: Pinkie Pride
Remember Pinkie's Lament? A pitch-perfect sad song amid a fantastic lineup of happy ones. A lot of people say this is the best episode of season four, and it's definitely up there. Honorable Mention: Cheese Sandwich.
Episode 78: Simple Ways
Remember that they didn't forget about Spike's crush? This episode could've broken that very easily, and they managed to work around it. Thank you, writers. Honorable Mention: "I LOVE BEIN' COVERED IN MUD!
Episode 79: Filli Vanilli
Remember Rarity hitting this high note? Probably not, I guess. I couldn't tell you why, but this moment always makes me really happy. It's triumphant, or something. Honorable Mention: Zipporwhill.
Episode 80: Twilight Time
Remember Twilight giving the CMC a second chance? Seriously, the CMC were awesome in this episode, but so was Twilight. This is one you wouldn't expect to highlight how far these characters have come, but it really does.
Episode 81: It Ain't Easy Being Breezies
Remember how adorable the mane six are as breezies? I don't know why Rainbow wants to be a griffon. Breezies are definitely where it's at! Honorable mention: Spike's apology.
Episode 82: Somepony to Watch Over Me
Remember when the chimera was revealed? The first time I saw it, it legitimately sorta scared me. Very well done. Honorable Mention: "A hunk o' ricotta?!"
Episode 83: Maud Pie
Remember, "I don't really like candy. But I do love Pinkie Pie." That line right there. That's so Maud. Absolutely the best way they could've closed this episode. Honorable Mention: "This one's about rocks. They're all about rocks.
Episode 84: For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils
Remember when Sweetie Belle blew up on Rarity? Talk about a role reversal from Sisterhooves Social. I totally get Sweetie's frustration here, which makes it all the better. Honorable Mention: "I prefer show tunes."
Episode 85: Leap of Faith
Remember Applejack's key moment? People often undersell this episode, I think. For me, this is the best key moment of all of them, save maybe Twilight's. They did it really well here. Honorable Mention: Lyra's upside-down score. Hilariously cute, especially after seeing Slice of Life.
Episode 86: Testing Testing 1, 2, 3
Remember this whole reenactment? Not only some neat worldbuilding, but hilarious and really clever, in context. Strange learning technique ya got there, RD. Honorable Mention: Pinkie's rap.
Episode 87: Trade Ya!
Remember when Rainbow accidentally sold Fluttershy? It was sad, but had a nice resolution. This episode altogether was a bizarre mix of sad, sweet, funny, and crazy, but it somehow all works together. The character matchups were really good. Honorable Mention: The orthros.
Episode 88: Inspiration Manifestation [Best of Season 4]
Remember when Rarity completely lost control, only for Spike to pull her back before it was too late? It makes me shiver every time. I'm obviously biased towards this episode given that it showcases Spike and Rarity, two of my favourite characters, but I think it stands as one of the best episodes regardless. Honorable Mention: Twilight, Luna, and Cadance had to clean up Ponyville.
Episode 89: Equestria Games
Remember when Twilight was brutally honest with Spike? If this had been a season one episode, I think Twilight would've gone along with Spike's firemind delusion, and we would've had a very different episode. I love this moment because it really displays how far we've come. Honorable Mention: Spike vs. the Airborne Iceberg.
Episode 90: Twilight's Kingdom, Part 1
Remember when Tirek swayed Discord to join him? Something about this conversation between two villains was quite chilling. Tirek does what he does well. Honorable Mention: Twilight figures out the Chest of Harmony.
Episode 91: Twilight's Kingdom, Part 2
Of course you remember Twilight's battle versus Tirek. I was gonna be all sappy and pick one of the many emotional moments in this one, but screw it. We all know which sequence stole the show here. Honorable Mention: The entire episode, but I have a fondness for Discord's apology.
Movie 2: My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks
Remember being Under Their Spell? This was a phenomenal piece all around. The choreography. The music. The lyrics. It's all top-notch. Very well done. Honorable Mention: Too many. Let's go with Sunset & Twilight's kitchen scene.
Episode 92: The Cutie Map, Part 1
Remember the equality song? It's so delightfully creepy—perfect for both Starlight Glimmer and her town. Extraordinary. Honorable Mention: The mane six's cutie marks are stolen.
Episode 93: The Cutie Map, Part 2
Remember when these other ponies saved the day instead of the mane six? I loved it! Really helped set the theme for this season: passing on friendship to others. The mane six have pretty well mastered it. With Twilight as the Princess of Friendship, it's time to spread the wealth! Honorable Mention: Applejack's talent includes her countryisms. What.
Episode 94: Castle Sweet Castle
Remember when they paid tribute to the Golden Oak Library? It made me tear up so bad! The library was an icon of the show, and I'm so happy they memorialized it like this. Honorable Mention: "I'm pancake!"
Episode 95: Bloom and Gloom
Remember when Apple Bloom was an amazing twittermite wrangler? Seriously, I can't be the only one who secretly hoped this was her real special talent. It was pretty awesome.
Episode 96: Tanks for the Memories
Remember when Rainbow sang for Tank? This song stands out in the series to me. It's the only uplifting, triumphant song that I get a bit sad at. It's so bittersweet, and rounds off the episode nicely. Honorable Mention: "Applejack cries on the inside, Twilight!"
Episode 97: Appleoosa's Most Wanted
Remember how freaking huge Troubleshoes was? I loved his first scene to death. His one line, "I'm the fresh casualty of an unusually unfortunate circumstance. My lot in life, I suppose." That was absolute gold. You're amazing, Troubleshoes. Honorable Mention: Applejack getting totally dissed by the CMC after winning her trophy.
Episode 98: Make New Friends but Keep Discord
Remember Discord's home? It was so perfect! I love how a mailpony somehow got there. This episode was full of awesome moments, and it was really hard not to just name all of them, but this one really seized my interest. Honorable Mention: Gotta be the smooze.
Episode 99: The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone
Remember the Legend of Arimaspi? I'm a huge sucker for worldbuilding, and this is among the best we've seen in the show. Just a crazy cool legend put in for no real rhyme or reason. It was the bow on this gift of an episode. Honorable Mention: Twilight's narration. "Photo op!"
Episode 100: Slice of Life
Remember Mayor Mare's brilliant speech? Cranky and Matilda's wedding managed to tie together all of the crazy vignettes in this episode, but this speech really sold me on it. Ponyville's full of all sorts of ponies with thousands of stories, and we got to see a small glimpse of that here. And who better to deliver that than the mayor herself? Honorable Mention: Steven Magnet.
So, there you have it. When I set out to make this list, I didn't realize how hard it would be. I had to skip over a lot of great stuff, even with all the Honorable Mentions. It just goes to show how amazing this show has been. From the pilot episode all the way up until this most recent, we've made so many great memories. Happy ones, sad ones, funny ones, crazy ones, sweet ones, and a million other emotions too complex to fit into words. And I know a lot of words!
Feel free to share some of your favourite moments that I might've missed. I hope this has been a nice break from all the grousing and griping and debating and conflicting I've seen so much of lately. Please, take some time and just celebrate. This show deserves it, the show staff deserves it, and we deserve it.
Here's to another hundred episodes!
—Arg
Thank you so much for putting this together, reliving moments from the whole series thus far was wonderful, and I'm bookmarking this blog so I can do so again. I might actually sit down and rewatch every episode now…
Favorite moments… arg, that's so hard. You honestly hit most of them.
- I'm partial to just about anything involving Spike and Rarity, as my list of stories should attest. I can't stop rooting for him.
- The At The Gala song from The Best Night Ever stood out to me in a big way the first moment I heard it. The Smile Song and Winter Wrap Up are catchy as all get out, but At The Gala floored me from the very first listen. That was definitely the point that transitioned my interest in the series from amusement to full-on adoration.
- Fluttershy's panic attacks in Hurricane Fluttershy and Filli Vanilli; similar yet different, and both heart-wrenchingly personal in a way that most shows targeted at adults will never even come close to.
- Twilight. Period. She's grown so much. I can't get enough of her being her. I just hope we haven't seen the last of her face-plant-level stumbles, like It's About Time and Twilight's Kingdom Part 2 (all the magic-infused rage in the world couldn't measure up to an act of friendship)
Once again, thank you for the trip down memory lane
Onwards to 200!
A very well crafted list! This was obviously a labor of love, and I'm glad you put it together.
For me, the episode that sealed the deal was A Friend In Deed, and Pinkie's awesome song. I don't know why it hit me so hard as it did, but it did and I've been hooked since then.
This was fun. And reminds me I still need to watch trade ya, Inspiration manifestation, and the Equestria games.
The start of season three was also when I first started being able to watch the episodes live.