Best of Season 5 · 12:36pm Nov 30th, 2015
WARNING: This is probably my longest journal since TrotCon 2013.
Alright, now that season 5 is complete, and I've had time to look back on the epicness that has happened between April and now, I'm ready to pick my favorites!
Each category may have one or more runner-ups.
Best New Character
Moondancer
This was probably the writer's most creative idea: take the opening scene from the series, and give it a "Where are they now?" treatment. Turns out most of Twilight's former friends were fine. They had long gotten used to Twilight's demeanor of books first, friends second. All except one; Moondancer, who seemed to take after Twilight quite a bit, and became a shut-in after her abrupt departure, ultimately becoming what Twilight was before discovering the magic of friendship down in Ponyville.
Twilight's efforts to get her to come out her shell again are both amusing and heartfelt, and her breakdown at the party did a phenomenal job of tugging at the heartstrings.
(Runner-up: Starlight Glimmer)
Best Song
The Pony I Want To Be - Diamond Tiara
This song barely inches one out above the runner-up simply because of what it did to us:
It made us feel sorry for the biggest brat and bully in the show in approximately 104 seconds.
(Runner-up: We'll Make Our Mark - Cutie Mark Crusaders)
(Second Runner-up: The Magic Inside - Coloratura)
(Third Runner-up: In Our Town - Our Town Villagers)
Most Unexpected Moment
Rainbow Dash - Crystal War Timeline
Oh. My. God. Talk about an upset at the last minute, but just look at her. Out of all the things I thought a kids show could never, ever imply, dismemberment pretty much tops that list.
(Runner-up: Diamond Tiara's Heel Face Turn)
Hardest Heartstrings Puller
Moondancer's Breakdown
I believe Twilight's party for Moondancer is still my most re-watched scene in the entire season. Twilight tried time and time again to apologize, and here, Moondancer finally let her have it, baring her heart in front of all her former friends.
(Runner-up: Diamond Tiara performing The Pony I Want To Be)
(Second Runner-up: "If mom and dad were here...")
(Third Runner-up: Starlight's Childhood)
Best Face / "Faic"
Starlight Glimmer - Bravo
I will understand if some argue with me here, because for this to have the full hilarious effect, it indeed involves more than her face, as she sarcastically applauds Twilight's blunder. Without a doubt the biggest, and perhaps only laugh of the finale. Twilight comes zooming out of the portal and fires a magical blast at Starlight, only for her to sidestep, and her immobilization spell hits Rainbow instead, essentially doing Starlight's job for her.
(Runner-up: Lemon Hearts - Science)
(Second Runner-up: Party Favor - I Didn't Listen)
Best Background Gag / Reference / Hiding Spot
Derpy in the Corn Maze
"Princess Derpy" can be spotted as the mane cast are running from Fluttershy's ghosts in Scare Master.
(Runner-up: Starlight's Dish Best Served Cold)
Starlight's first appearance after the premiere had keen-eyed fans shocked, and no doubt going back to previous episodes to see if they missed her anywhere else.
Cutest Colt or Filly
Starlight Glimmer
Our antagonist inches one out above our runners-up. I hope I'm not waiting too long before seeing fanart of adult Starlight with pigtails.
(Runner-up: Gilda)
(Second Runner-up: Troubleshoes)
The Worst of Season 5
Worst Episode
Princess Spike
You see that look on the masseuse? That was my face this ENTIRE EPISODE.
Most Underwhelming First Impression
Starlight's Childhood
Given the story I just posted and the feedback it's receiving, you're probably wondering why this is here.
Simple: The presentation. Entirely too much time was given to the six alternate timelines, leaving very, very little time to truly reveal the tragedy that was Starlight Glimmer's past. Given the high amounts of criticism this segment received, it takes considerable imagination and reasoning skills to fill in the blanks and understand why Starlight did what she did.
(Runner-Up: Princess Luna's Guilt)
If what is seen on-screen is to be believed, it is highly doubtful that Luna's usurping of the throne lasted long enough to hurt anypony. Except her sister.
So why is she creating a magical entity to amplify her guilt? Way to overreact, Princess Angst.
Welp, that's all I can think of. Agree? Disagree? What are yours? Fire away in the comments!
I liked how Moondancer was actually attending Twilight's presentation on cutiemarks.
3581185 I was actually surprised to see that she had not gone back to her previous "scholar's cut" mane style.
No Best Episode?
3581387 Nope. I could not decide between Amending Fences and Crusaders of the Lost Mark, which are both already heavily featured here.
This is my vote for best face.
Please note that the above text is a link.
I think What About Discord? was worse than Princess Spike.
Best Comedic Moment of the Season: Probably either Starlight's face in the finale when Twilight blasts filly Rainbow Dash, or Applejack blowing her nose into Rainbow Dash's tail (and Rainbow Dash's reaction).