Hearthbreakers Review *Spoilers*

I posted this earlier on Equestria Daily.

So, the second episode based around Hearthswarming Eve, and this time we get to see how two similar, yet also completely different families celebrate it with one learning to adapt to the traditions of the other. Right off the bat, I was surprised to see both Twilight and Spike appearing at the beginning, for I thought we were going to immediately begin with the train ride sequence. While it was nice seeing the tradition Twilight and Spike have during the occasion, I don't think they needed to be in this episode as it takes away from where the episode is supposed to take place. I'll give props to Pinkie for providing a nod to the legend of Santa Claus when she came down the chimney, but where on Twilight's castle was a chimney ever placed?

I also give props to Applejack for providing a shortened version of the story of Hearthswarming Eve which is a nod back to the episode of the same name, but there were certain details omitted such as not mentioning the six founders of Equestria who were essential to the kingdom's birth. On a charming note, I loved the visuals they used. Speaking of charming, we finally get to see character development for the Pie Family, and especially for Pinkie's other two sisters. Limestone Pie was quite aggressive compared with the rest of her family, and she felt antagonistic at times, but then she is merely showing a strong desire to stick to tradition, and keeping the farm intact.

I'm surprised at how she berates Pinkie all because she was trying to get some fun into the occasion, so I'd go as far as referring to her as the true polar opposite of Pinkie. Marble Pie was a delight what with being shy... she would definitely get along with Fluttershy were they to ever meet, and while she didn't say much, her expressions were enough to convey her character. I'm aware that she was blushing around Big Mac, but I see that as them being too shy to talk to one another, and nothing more. Huge props to Ingrid Nilson for voicing both Limestone and Marble which I wasn't expecting, and of course for voicing Maud as always.

Applejack can be best described in this episode as having good intentions, but trying to force one set of traditions onto someone else with different traditions never works in the end. Perhaps Pinkie should have explained things in greater detail, for that could have avoided a lot of the conflict. This is not the first time that both pride and stubbornness have gotten Applejack into trouble, and it certainly won't be the last, but I do like how she expressed her emotions over making such a terrible judgement. I would have liked to have seen her realize this on the Rock Farm as opposed to the train, but I suppose I can let it slide given what Granny Smith used as a visual aide, and Pinkie's hidden present.

Not much I can say about Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz other than they were given some good characterization, and we even learned how they got married which Granny Smith has taken an interest in. I do like their use of ye old English even though it did sound confusing sometimes. Cloudy Quartz must have been the character Andrea Libman was talking about during that online Q & A session she had a week ago. Oh, and I found it adorable when Applejack and Pinkie were saying the same words together at the exact same time. I was actually waiting for one of them to say jinx, for that would have been something. Before I forget, I love how beautiful the Rock Farm is especially in the mine.

Overall, I give this episode a 90% out of 100%, for I felt that Twilight and Spike didn't really need to be there, Limestone felt antagonistic despite her passion for the farm, and I suppose the conclusion just ended like that without anything to help convey the moment.