So what do I think of Season 5? · 9:21am Dec 23rd, 2015
Episodes 1 & 2
Well, the opener is creepy as all fuck. There are kids in that town, for one thing. We finally have a villain who has targeted children on screen. More relevant stallions, good too.
The villain is… I’m going to go on a limb and say ‘decent’. I’ve harped on enough about cutie marks and them being ill-defined and all, but it’s handled close enough to acceptable for me. The spell used to steal the cutie marks was gotten through years of study, apparently, and while that does leave some very, very unfortunate implications, it’s not the cop-out I’d feared. Someone pointed out in the comments on Quorum Sensing that apparently this girl was born too late, if the canon in QS depends on cutie mark-related diseases in the past, but I’d sooner say the QS canon just happens to fit into show canon a little better now. We get characters like Live Wire (Troublehooves) now, and the whole Quorum Sensing plot. How did ponies deal with toxic cutie marks and still retain their own sense of self? By amputating said cutie marks, temporarily.
She says she studied years to learn it. Someone else invented it. For a reason. I’m left feeling very uncomfortable by the notion, but I’m not against it being a thing. It fits into what we’ve seen so far.
And we get another famous mage! Hallelujah, we can finally lay off Star Swirl the Bearded being the only important wizard in Equestrian history!
As terrifying as it is a notion that there’s an antagonist with that kind of power, at the end of the day she’s not even that powerful; she’s actually pretty balanced in this. She knows one spell with high impact, just one, and she knows her way around brainwashing methods. As long as she doesn’t pull any other overpowered stuff, I’m okay with how she fits into the plot. Again, though, I have to wonder what law enforcement is present in Equestria.
I really don’t like her being on the loose, either. The way she got the town under her control, and how she thinks, it makes me think she’s going to come back and do something she really shouldn’t be able to do. I’ve seen spoilers-ish that imply she travels back in time and prevents the Sonic Rainboom or something. Cutie marks aren’t defined enough for that to work, it was stupid when they did it in Season 3, and continuity is not this show’s strong suit, never has been.
I really hope I’m proven wrong. Though at worst, I suppose it’d just get a resigned groan from me.
Episode 3: Castle Sweet Castle.
Scootaloo was not addressed by name by an adult until Season 3. The Golden Oak Library was not addressed by name until after it was blown up. Par for the course.
Now, maybe this is due to the version I have of it, but I’m noticing some odd things in the background. The style of it all, the way the light works and the linework, it’s all a bit crisper than usual in places. In the third episode especially, I’m seeing stuff I’d expect to see in an anime. And on the whole, a lot more effects with the light, especially with the establishing shots of the castle. It makes everything look a lot brighter. So, this Season sets itself apart right from the get-go. The show is a different beast entirely. Again.
Bulk Biceps as a massage therapist. I’d say the show stole that from Upside to Your Backside, but… nah.
Episode 4: Bloom and Gloom
Bloom and Gloom, watching now. She’s off to sleep, and I’m breaking out my sitcom scripts checklist, this one’s going to be ‘It was all a dream’, isn’t it? It’s kind of obvious, and I haven’t even seen spoilers for this one.
The Ghostbusters bit. Deer Lords of the Tundra, this show is turning into an anime.
I think I like it. Hell, the pest pony even name-drops one of my OC’s. ^^
Please tell me Starlight Glimmer can’t enter dreams? I can accept that other spell, not the dream thing. Unless that is a legitimate artifact being used, of course.
Oh. Scratch that earlier remark, it’s a Groundhog Day plot. Well played, show, well played. Didn’t think you had the runtime to pull a fast one like that.
And we’ve gone Jungian now. Well, did not see that one coming. This episode deserves some love. Remind me to put some Luna fics on my to-do list, starting with Rumble.
Edit: never mind. I got this.
Episode 5: Tanks for the Memories
Okay, so this one’s about Tank needing to hibernate. Considering how Spock went out, I think I may need to brace myself. Rainbow’s in for a rough ride.
That’s assuming he doesn’t die outright. I wouldn’t put it past this show, honestly. I mean, it is turning into an anime, after all.
The ‘Open Skies’ thing… I know that’s based on some classic sketch, so I shouldn’t be too excited about it, since it’s been done before, but err *squee* best ponifying ever.
*ugh* Again with the Wilhelm Scream, huh? We’re never getting rid of that? *insert Discord grunt here*
“I can’t bear to see Fluttershy cry.” Yeah, but who cares about Rainbow, right? Never mind her crying just like Rarity does. It’s sweet. And I totally wasn’t crying during the song. No sirree, wasn’t even close.
Curious that we’ve had three episodes in a row with a song, but none in the opener. Oh, wait, the welcome song. Huh. That’s not going to be a thing, is it? I get the distinct impression that’ll get old really quick.
Fluttershy being firm with Rainbow Dash is both remembering the lesson with the Breezies and coming full circle after Hurricane Fluttershy.
Episode 6: Appleloosa’s Most Wanted
I got my first official FiM merch recently; an art book. I was hoping to get more guidelines on how to draw, but well, it is a nice thing to have in and of itself. Reason I bring it up is because it contains a double-page illustration of the girls with their ‘villainous’ equivalents. So it has Spike and greed growth Spike, Twilight and Future Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Zap from the Power Ponies (guessing that comes up later?) and Applejack across from an AJ with a black hat. So either that’s part of comic canon or it’s this episode.
Otherwise, it’s bizarre to see an opening with the CMC and not have AJ involved.
Quality of this one is a little down, so not sure if any remarks on the visuals are valid.
Couple of new locations, not sure if I need to write them down. Hoof City, Pitchaw Creek? Also, they had a steer pen there. Guessing those weren’t talking steers, then?
There’s an outlaw, though? Wouldn’t that imply there’s a law to be out of, or some pony upholding it in some fashion?
Well, I’ll be. Sheriff actually holds the phrase ‘innocent until proven guilty’ in high enough regard. Points to Griffynd-d’err, points to the sheriff.
There’s a character missing here, you know. One who’d make this a very different sort of episode. No, not Twilight.
Winona.
Even in the rain, a dog can track you.
Wow. I was right in my old prediction. This is the season where everything revolves around cutie marks. So I’ll repeat what I said then here: the reason the show goes this way is because cutie marks are a defining trait of the My Little Pony franchise. Any copycat brand cannot afford to copy cutie marks as long as it’s made important enough for this franchise.
Also, I’m liking this Troubleshoes character. Lovely design.
Actually, it almost reminds me of… wait.
No way.
No fucking way.
They turned Eeyore into a pony?
Not just any pony, but the most heavyweight of them so far (barring Bulk Biceps)?
I’m not sure how I feel about that.
Colt Troubleshoes. *hnnggg* I may have just found a redesign for Whimper. Then again, Whimper’s kind of my flagship OC, it’d be wrong to just colourshift some other pony.
I’m dang tempted to, though. Poor kid. Kind of has some similarities in theme, too.
Wait a second. Big friendly lug, hurts ponies even though he doesn’t mean to, gets picked on, cutie mark he doesn’t like, friendly with the CMC…
I write characters like him. It’s like my default schtick. Did… did the show just beat me to writing that guy?
Again, don’t know how to feel about that. If there’s a muscly pegasus colt with asthma later in the Season, I’m out. Ditto unicorn with electricity powers or a changeling foal.
If nothing else, now I’m going to have to tweak my original characters to be less MLP-ish. Can’t afford a lawsuit once the novels come out. Love this episode, though, I have to say. Might be my favorite one so far, right up there with Mare Do Well, Winter Wrap-Up and Best Pet.
Episode 7: Make New Friends But Keep Discord
Umm… okay, snake-like neck rising up out of Spike’s bed as he wakes up. You know, for kids!
What an odd title to give an episode, too.
Cutie Mark Crusaders at the Gala? I’m surely not the first person to say it, but that doesn’t mean I’m not still going to say it.
Make them dance. With colts. It’ll be hilarious.
Dang, they’re only plus-ones. Well, there goes that chance to launch a pony Navy. All the ships!
I’m kind of regretting not having finished my Flight Camp sequel earlier now. Since it err… it makes Rainbow Dash’ mom a hippy. We already have a hippy pony now, I guess. Also, Tree-Hugger? Between that, Featherweight, and Cheese Sandwich, no one gets to make fun of Doldrum Whimper’s name anymore, okay?
…
…
Let’s not pretend here. You know what just made brain explode into a gooey mess. And if I wasn’t sitting in my room right now, I’d be screaming.
Moving right along.
....
….
My brain just exploded twice. Discord has a chaosstar on his staff.
Someone did their homework on chaos magic.
Hey, Pinkie Pie is socialising with Pokey Pierce there, isn’t she? Well, better than nothing. Ship ahoy!
“Wow, are my interspecies parts tired.” Hey, I’ve been looking for my mind all night. It was right there in the gutter all along. Fancy that.
And a Rodney Dangerfield reference. Classy.
New colt! I think. Might be a colourshifted one, though. And an Earth pony. Dammit, where’s the new unicorn already?! I want a new unicorn colt, and soon.
Episode 8: The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone
Oh, dear. So this is going to be the thing this Season, then? Getting sent on missions by the cutie marks? How do those things even work? How are they connected? What the blazing saddles are they?! Do they represent destiny or skills or likes and dislikes or what? Show, we’ve been through this. Settle on something and then roll with it. Either that, or stop pretending you can do any serious plot involving plots.
*ahem*
And if I had to guess, it involves the eight magical artifacts? Huh. I wonder if they went so far as to associate one artifact for each kind of chaos magic. If they did, I can’t wait to speculate which one represents Sex Magic.
*sigh* Never mind. Let’s just see what this episode’s about. Gilda’s coming back, I guess? Should be interesting.
Wait. So Equestria has kingdoms within its borders? So it’s more like Europe, then?
I’m gonna stop that train of thought before it derails, thanks.
Loving the different designs on the griffons so far. Need to be careful not to take notes, since I’m using griffs in my original stuff and all.
This show is turning into an anime. Just throwin’ that out there in case anyone missed it the first time.
It’s sweet, though I can’t help but think Celestia’s a bitch for not giving griffons the same social security as ponies. I mean, this is, as Season 2 said, ‘the peaceful rule of Celestia’, and the kingdom is stated to be within Equestria. They should have the same things ponies do. Assuming ponies have it at all.
Thanks, Obamare?
Episode 9: Slice of Life
Okay, donkeys in the opening. Weird.
Is this a Rhinox episode? He was my favorite Maximal back in the day. Keep in mind, though, that the show ended with the time warp in my country. So he was never a Transmetal, as far as I knew, until my parents got me the toy. Which was really weird, because I never saw him Transmetaled on screen afterward. Another thing to catch up on.
Oh, gods, Derpy is back. And cross-eyed. Nice voice, too. Be still, my aching heart.
Wait. This isn’t… Oh, cud, I knew this was coming. Is this the one? Surely it’s not… it is.
Oh, Featherweight, you ditz.
What the… is that… I’d say I need a doctor right now, but that’s part of the issue. Oh, my.
I’m going to stop pausing and commenting now. This is getting a bit much and I have a feeling I need to see this in one glorious swoop.
Okay, taking a deep breath and… Octavia standing behind Scootaloo. Yay.. Move over, Twist, you’re hogging my fanon.
“It’ll all be cleared up in a half an hour or so.” I see what you did there, cheeky bastards. Well, half an hour with commercial breaks, maybe.
Huh. So that’s that Bugbear I’ve been hearing so much about. Oddly, kind of what I was expecting. Gettin’ predictable there, fellas.
“The lunches, the long talks, the benches we’ve sat on.” Okay, again, see what you did there. Cheeky bastards.
Bon Bon’s bit, though… no. Just no. Not a loud no, not a big no, just no.
The return of the Sea Monster. You have redeemed yourself, show.
Gummy’s inner monologue. You need to redeem yourself again. Bad, bad show.
Thunderlane is there, but Rumble’s nowhere to be found. Guess his family didn’t want to take the risk. I’ll settle for Featherweight. Featherweight’s cool.
What the… is that a changeling foal? Goddammit, first Troublehooves has to be ‘The Earth Pony Colt Wise Cracker Forgot to Write’, now we get Bastion undercover.
(In all seriousness, though: Bastion would have visible irises. I’m just kidding.)
“I now pronounce you jack and jenny.” Nice. “You may now kiss the ass.”
D’oh, come on, you knew that was coming.
Okay, so that was episode 100. Guess I should stop and share my opinion on it, however briefly. It is kind of a milestone.
*ahem* Scratch the first and last bit there, and you have my response to the whole thing. It wasn’t bad, but it could’ve been a lot better.
The thing with Derpy and the Doctor, I mostly liked. Doc is an original character here: a pony who is obsessed with science. Earth pony at that. The traumatic experience in his childhood? Might be the Sonic Rainboom. He still has the look and feel of an MLP character, not something defined only by what he’s referencing. He fits right in. Derpy is what I had hoped she’d be: a loveable ditz. I liked that Sparkler says she hasn’t organised anything since Twilight came to town. Yes, thank you, finally. Now, who was the librarian before Twilight arrived?
Anyone? No? Fine.
Octavia and Vinyl Scratch were pretty awesome to see together, though it does make me think about what happened when I put Scootaloo under the same roof as those two. I think it kind of makes sense with this episode’s canon, but just barely. Their house is interesting, their dynamic looks heartwarming. It’s the sort of stuff this show thrives on: showing differences complementing each other, not being swept under the rug or ignored. Not the stereotyping I dread.
No, that ugliness came in when Bon Bon started talking. I can see why JawJoe would dislike this episode so much: it’s Bonsy and not Twilight who’s in Night Shift.
The overall plot of Cranky getting married is, again, heartwarming and interesting to see. His story had room for development, he gets both more backstory and an acknowledgement. It was a good choice to tie this whole thing together.
But on the whole, I think some parts were superfluous and pure fanservice for the sake of fanservice, which hurts it a lot. Button Mash randomly ends up in the big pony pile, reminding us all of what we couldn’t have on YouTube. The Doctor’s ‘Allons-y’ is a little over the top, as is the Mayor’s speech. I don’t know what the Gummy thing was supposed to be.
But the bickering between Celestia and Luna is great, and so is Steven Magnet. Holy cud, I was not expecting that guy to return, and it makes sense. As much as you see the mustache-cutting coming, it’s still cute to see.
There are parts that celebrate the show, and there are parts that only celebrate the fandom. The former is great, the latter is… questionable. Much like the fandom itself.
So on the whole, I don’t think this is the best episode ever. It’s not my favourite, either; that title still goes to ‘May the Best Pet Win’. It’s not my favourite of the Season so far; at the time of writing, that’s ‘Appleloosa’s Most Wanted’, for obvious reasons. But it’s certainly in the top ten, and easy enough on the eyes and ears to want to see again.
It’s a little on the messy side. But it’s an enjoyable mess, nonetheless.
And we have now gone 100 episodes with only 3 unicorn colts, one of which was more of a young adult than a colt. And in one episode only. And he was a recolour.
Complaining? Moi? Hells no; leaves more creative space to mine for me. And hey, if I end up tossing a bunch of unicorn colts into my novels, they can’t sue, because Hasbro’s only got two I might rip off, and they both suck for my purposes.
Moving right along now.
Episode 10: Princess Spike.
Jeez, fellas, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were overcompensating the lack of unicorn colts with an abundance of unicorn stallions in this episode. Weird.
And while Scootaloo always wears a helmet when she’s on her scooter, the unicorn stallion drilling into the ground isn’t wearing any ear protection. Eh, can’t get it right all the time, I guess.
“Just put the hay in the apple and eat the candle.” Umm… kudos for that. Seriously. Someone did their homework on that one. That’s exactly the sort of rambling that comes out of people when they’re half-asleep.
This is another one of those episodes where Spike starts out good, but he’s given so much power the greed goes to his head, and it quiets any rational thinking on his part, isn’t it? He’s got the calendar now.
Ooh, loving the subtle swaying of those trees when he’s talking to Cadence. That’s smooth, right there.
And Fancy Pants throws his weight around. Delightful.
All mentions of Princess. Not one of a Prince. Must… suppress… misogynist urges…
Poor Spike. Really gets the short end of the stick in these things.
Episode 11: Party Pooped
Yakyakistan? Seriously? Real subtle there, guys.
Hang on a second. These guys automatically destroy anything that isn’t yak enough?
Huh. So we had a reference to communism, marxism, all the horrible stuff of radical leftism, and Tumblr, in the season opener. Then we had sort of an episode about Facebook rape, and possibly misandry, in Princess Spike.
Now we have a bunch of oversensitive guys with long hair and beards, and who are very much covered up, who smash anything they perceive as an insult or is not perfectly in line with their culture.
Are the yaks supposed to represent religious radicals? Did I miss the riot we had about that one?
The shot of Sugarcube Corner. When are those eggs going to hatch already?
I wouldn’t be surprised if those were Spike’s siblings sitting under there. Someone write that fanfic.
The return of Cherry Jubilee. Nice.
What would have happened if Pinkie hadn’t gotten stuck there? If Back to the Future 3 is to be believed, Dodge Junction would have a Cherry Jubilee Ravine then.
The yaks declare war? Really, now?
Yaks, meet Discord. Discord, meet the yaks. Discord, be a dear and get your friend the Smooze, would you? I think you’re going to want to share this fun with a friend. Knock yourself out, really. I insist, have fun with the yaks. Go Medieval on them. After all, you and your Smooze friend missed out on so much fun: the Pony Pox epidemic, the Paso Fino Inquisition, the Braided Bunch Reunion. It’s only fair you get to catch up.
By the way: yaks, fellas, you may want to adjust your calendars because the night will last forever. You’re up North, it’s not that hard to cut you off. Just saying.
“She may be more organised than you.” Huh. Didn’t see that coming, probably should have. Wait, actually I did, sort of. I did have Rainbow mention to Rumble that Pinkie has a whole file on him in Blue Moon Bloom.
Having just got to that part, it’s going to be the sled, isn’t it? I haven’t seen Citizen Kane yet, but is this episode a Citizen Kane tribute? She did bring back a sled.
And it’s not. Darn. Instead it’s about cultures mingling instead of forcing each other out. Yay, real tolerance.
Episode 12: Amending Fences.
Okay, this one I’ve heard of. This is the Moondancer one, right?
Hey, official names for the background mares. I’m always up for on-screen confirmation.
This episode might come across as more heartwarming if it didn’t rub salt in the wound that I’ve basically lost touch with all my rl friends. Still, fun to see.
The d’awws are strong in this one.
Episode 13: Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep?
Tantabus?
Oh, is this one of those ‘holding back the darkness’ plots?
It’s a tantabus. So there can be more. Huh. Umm, you know how I usually harp on magic not making sense or just not having been researched enough? This one’s pretty legit, I got no criticisms on this idea.
“I know you said no pony can help, but I’m no pony.” Best Spike line of the Season. Might be one for the whole series.
Soo… Rarity dreams of a Tim Burton house? Girl’s got style.
And again, I can see why JawJoe wouldn’t like this one. Don’t worry, Joe, I think we’re tied right now if you count the changeling foal as Bastion.
I’m starting to see how Fluttershy confused the Pokémon world for Equestria in Season 4. That rabbit thing has a Charmander tail.
Either Diamond Tiara’s mom is a pegasus with a rainbow cutie mark, or Filthy Rich has a thing for lesbian pegasi.
Edit: having seen Raiders of the Lost Mark now… yeah...
Sailor Mac.
Whelp, it’s a male alicorn. I got exactly what I wanted, that box is ticked. And I hate to repeat myself, but… this show is turning into an anime.
Oh, and there’s the second appearance of Zap. I wonder why she’s marked as a villain, then. Must be comic canon.
So this episode’s about a rogue tulpa. Props for that.
Hmm… don’t think it quite beats out Appleloosa’s Most Wanted as favorite of the season, but it’s a nice one, nonetheless. And I’m unfairly biased in favour of the former, so I’m willing to say it’s the best episode so far.
Actually, no. My favorite remains Appleloosa’s Most Wanted, the best one would have to be Tanks for the Memories. So far.
Episode 14: Canterlot Boutique
Thanks for the exposition dump, Twilight. Very regal of you.
Sassy Saddles is a good marketer. I hope she doesn’t turn out to be a cliché. Or do I? I’m not sure.
Hey, Terrance. Where’s Phillip? You know who I mean, the fashion reporter for Cosmare. Didn’t catch his name, not rewinding.
Move over, Tank, this is the best episode so far. Good pacing, relatable moral, good feels. A villain who’s not over the top, and a satisfying ending.
By the way, we’re 14 episodes in now. Any explanation for the rainbow power surge last Season? Are we just glossing over that rainbow superpower thingie? Have we found Starlight Gimmer yet? Does she have a warrant for her arrest yet? Are those ‘Wanted’ posters being printed and hung up so ponies are warned?
*sigh* She’s going to be the villain for the finale, isn’t she? She’d better not pull any Deus Ex crap.
Episode 15: Rarity Investigates.
Okay, another day, another dozen episodes to go.
Is this the one where the Wonderbolts are jerks again? Okay, let’s get it over with.
Have we had a RariDash episode? Getting the impression we haven’t yet. This should be interesting.
“Let her have this, darling.” Awws. So, when do they wreck it for her?
Come on, Rainbow Dash doesn’t get to be happy like this, ever. Something has to burst that bubble and stomp on the puddle.
I see ‘innocent until proven guilty’ only goes for actual sheriffs, huh? I think I’ve gotten the spoiler that it’s Soarin who is responsible, but considering what happened in Rainbow Falls, I have to wonder why he’d let Rainbow take the fall.
Oh, so it’s a film noir tribute. Okay, then. Mark that off the checklist. Now we just need a bodyswap and a beach episode, right?
Oh, so it wasn’t Soarin… okay, so what’s the problem with this episode? There’s one old guy who is a jerk, and old Wonderbolts bylaws that nearly screw Rainbow Dash over, along with a bad track record Wonderbolts are seemingly trying to shed.
I like this. And hey, Rainbow Dash finally gets to fly with the Wonderbolts. It’s what she always wanted, and what she’d hoped to get at the first Grand Galloping Gala. She's only a reserve, still, but it's a start.
It’s a good episode, good character-driven one. As much as I hate seeing ‘guilty until proven innocent’ in real life, it’s nice to see it played out here. Good way to let kids see that this is wrong. Characters can be wrong, too. Vaccination parallels and all.
Not a lot more to say on the matter.
Episode 16: Made in Manehattan
Okay, so that’s Pinkie and Rainbow in Griffonstone, and AJ and Rarity in Manehattan. That just leaves Fluttershy and Twilight. But it’s likely not going to be Fluttershy and Twilight, but rather Fluttershy and Discord, and Twilight alone, but then finding her friends again.
I’m going to hazard a guess and say the finale involves their new friends, then?
Rarity just cost a hat seller money. Oh, joy.
Whoawhoawhoawhoa, hold the phone.
Rarity calling out friendship advice in a street. Never mind the prostitution angle there. There’s a police pony there.
Manehattan has police ponies. Unless he’s a stripper on his way to work, of course.
We’re basically ignoring the whole free will angle in favour of blindly trusting destiny and a map, huh? I’m not sure if I like that, but hey, artistic vision and all.
“That is, if we can ever get off this street corner.” Sounds like a real challenge, seeing as you’re not even on an actual corner of the street, AJ. I’m guessing the storyboard artists decided to make the image less that of a street worker, but the writers kept the dialogue. Smooth move.
I’d argue about using the word ‘moons’ as a measurement of time, but BobSheaux already covered that in his Alpha and Omega reviews, so just refer to that. I think it’s lazy, honestly, but hey.
“I haven’t had a chance to reinforce the stage yet!” Huh.
Pausing for a moment here. So the Revival is supposed to enhance the sense of community in the neighbourhood, yes? And get the locals interested in theatre again? Collapsing stage, theatre, rushing to put it all together...
Why do I get the feeling this will mark the return of Babs Seed?
“But somethin’s better than nuthin’, right?”
Okay, pattern emerging now. The point isn’t that the big problems are fixed instantly, but that the path to a lasting solution is set. So maybe the finale will expand on that. Or it’s something for the next Season. That’s possible, too.
Chubby pegasus colt. Seen him in the background earlier.
And the play itself is that recurring moral again of talents being mistaken. The sort of stuff I like to write, I mean.
The ponies are sitting in the middle of the street. What happened to the carriages? Nopony’s getting run over?
Again, I like the moral in this one. Don’t get caught up with big projects you can’t finish; producibility is important.
Like Amending Fences and It’s About Time, I’d feel a lot better about this episode if it didn’t hit so close to home.
Another yellow Earth pony colt in the closing conversation, green hair.
Episode 17: Brotherhooves Social
This is the one with the trans drama, isn’t it? Okay, let’s get this over with.
Got the opener done and… aww, is this going to be about Big Mac wanting to spend time with his little sister? Screw the drama queens, then.
“You feelin’ a little left out?” Well, kinda hard not to, I’d imagine. Also, that music… does Big Mac sing in this one?
Scootaloo and Rainbow in the Social. I’d ask to write that fanfic, but I think we’ve got that one covered. Repeatedly. Guessing Scoot’s family is okay with it, too?
Big Mac’s plotting face. Priceless.
“That’s Big Mac in a dress.” Best. Line. Ever.
Rainbow and Mac’s exchange. Priceless again.
Called it. Big Mac sings. Not what I was expecting, but singing nonetheless.
Rainbow and Scootaloo ropeskipping. I think you know what I’m gonna say about that one.
Okay, disbelief broken. This episode sucks now, for one major reason.
Oh, calm down already. Drop the torches and pitchforks. Drop them, I say, drop! Better. Now, what would have snapped me out of this disbelief?
Apple Bloom doing the tongue-cleaning of her face. Why is this an issue?
Because of Pinkie Pie. Pinkie does that move all the time. And Apple Bloom doing that reminds the audience of one little detail: Pinkie is an Apple, or close enough.
Pinkie Pie and Apple Bloom at the Sisterhooves Social. Now there’s an episode I want to see.
Oh, poor Big Mac. He wanted to win so badly.
Wait. Big Mac screwed up. He did a bad thing. He’s a bona fide character now. Yay.
Dammit, that conversation at the end in the sunset… I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: this show’s turning into an anime.
People didn’t really complain about this one, did they? It’s awesome, and heartwarming. What’s there to complain about?
Episode 18: Crusaders of the Lost Mark
Is this the one where they get their cutie marks? Oh boy, this is gonna be a rough one.
Presidential campaign? So who’s he running agai-oh. Oh, never mind. This is going to be glorious. First time we see them interacting with a boy like this, too, I think.
Spoiled Rich is head of the school board? I believe it was Einstein, or was it Newton, who famously said:
“Well, umm, that explains a lot.”
You know, come to think of it, it may have been Shrek.
After that whole ‘Vote for Pip’ song… I’m going to guess they get their marks in getting Pip his, maybe?
Also… I got what I wanted; an episode or plot centered around a colt. No complaints here. Box ticked.
“Just because she’s never cared about anypony else’s feelings, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t care about hers.” Dangit, I knew I should’ve finished my Flight Camp sequel earlier.
Ah, so is this where they put on a show to raise money, maybe? That little snippet of plot that was supposed to be in Season 4, perhaps?
“My talent is getting other ponies to do what I want.” Called it, totally called it.
Well… I don’t think there’s anything I can say about this episode that others won’t have said already. Nothing I’d really change about the brief. Perfect execution, still a little wonky on why Scootaloo’s family isn’t present, but okay.
Give the CMC their cutie marks in an episode that both marks them interacting with a boy for the first time, and in what is essentially a Diamond Tiara episode. Good idea, good execution.
Yeah, it’s the best episode so far, of this Season, in terms of construction, pacing, morals, delivery, all of it. Not sure if I can say it beats Best Pet for favourite overall, but it’s definitely up there. It is, essentially, a Season finale for the Cutie Mark Crusaders and a Pinkie Pride for Diamond Tiara, all in one. I get the impression this was another milestone episode, I’ve heard bits and pieces that it’s an anniversary of sorts? If so, this was better in quality than Slice of Life was, at least overall. This one has consequences, for one thing. The playground is permanently altered (and in a nicer way than the castle), it acknowledges the damage Tirek did, it makes the girls actually go back on them uniting against Diamond Tiara like they did at the start (and like the Founding Mares did against their superiors), not to mention them being public about their activities after starting off as a ‘secret society’, which never went anywhere. They finally act like proper classmates to their classmates. And as fast-paced as this is, it manages to stop at the right times to let things sink in. Meanwhile, Diamond is given background and a song quite like Pinkie’s downer one.
And Apple Bloom is confirmed not to have her parents anymore. I’d respond to that, but it’s a spoiler for something I’ll get around to writing eventually.
What’s next? Does this end the CMC episodes? Well, the girls find their talent, or rather what they want to do in life, is helping others get or understand their talents. So we can now expect lots more foal characters to become plot relevant, possibly colts. We might actually get a Rumbleloo episode now, and have it make sense in the context of the canon so far. I look forward to seeing where they take that.
As for the fanfic stuff, meh, I can always add disclaimers.
I am okay with this.
And on a side note, I watched this around lunchtime. I had some horse steak with pepper sauce, and it was delicious. I’m sure that means something profound to someone.
Episode 19: The One Where Pinkie Knows.
Wouldn’t you know it? Missed this one the first time around, just skipped to Hearthbreakers. Hope I didn’t miss anything else, then.
So this is the one about the baby. Okay, this should be good. And the title drop… Friends reference? Okay, interesting. And it’s a Pinkie episode, possibly Twinkie. Yay?
Ponies have crossbows. Colour me intrigued.
Is that… what the..
That’s a party. With as many colts as fillies. Well, mark that off my list of pet peeves addressed. Box ticked. Now where’s the freaking unicorn colt?
Rumble has shared screen time with Thunderlane for the last three times he’s been seen: at the Filly and Foal thingie, in this Season’s opener in front of the castle, and now here. Don’t bother writing that fanfic, I’m already on it.
Featherweight has a voice now. Check off another box on the list?
I just realised the CMC have a shield for their cutie mark. So does Shining Armour.
Huh. That’s kinda sweet, leaves room for symbolism and all. Ponies whose calling is to reach out to others and shield them from emotional or physical harm get a shield pattern on their flanks, and the nature of their skills determines what's around the shield: how they do this protecting.
Shining's a cool dude.
What happened to the schoolhouse? The girls had their marks, so isn’t the yard supposed to be decorated?
Oh, Deer Lords of the Tundra, the adorbs are real in this one.
Episode 20: Hearthbreakers
Oh, Spike. I think I hear Tim Minchin again.
You know how I keep saying continuity isn’t this show’s strongest suit? Apple Bloom has her cutie mark in this. So this is another big timeskip, then, a whole winter has gone by since Tanks for the Memories, and this is another one. So that’s a whole year that’s passed, at least, since we saw Starlight Glimmer.
No?
Marble Pie is adorable. And Pinkie’s a twin. Non-identical, obviously.
Remember back in Season 4, when Spike was off on his quest, and this one dragon said to him “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were part pony”?
Looking at the Pies eating rocks, I’m starting to think he was on to somethin’ there.
People hated rousettes for the wedlock thing, but they’re okay with the Choosing Stone? Well, that’s just age-ism for ya.
Incidentally, guys: thank you for not spoiling that much of this Season. There have been some wonderful, wonderful surprises.
Marble Mac. I ship it so hard I heli-carrier it. Their children will be superpowered mutes.
“I know we have their traditions and they have ours.” Godsdammit. JawJoe, I’m marking down number three. I realise that’s being a bit generous, but hey.
“You planted your pole on a fault line.” Move over, Sweetie Belle, Maude gets best line of the Season. Mind, gutter, you’ve met, right?
“I don’t want you to have to choose between the family you born into and the friends who treat you like one.” Probably a good thing I didn’t catch this episode when it aired, because I totally would have stolen this line and modified it to suit Rumble.
Maud… sings? Oh, diz gun be good.
Huh… kind of a letdown, I guess?
Good episode, still.
Episode 21: Scare Master
Doesn’t take long to see this is a Nightmare Night episode. Even before the title drop.
By the way, in case it’s not obvious by now: I’ve been writing this as I go, pausing when something worth remarking happens. I’m getting my episodes from a source that doesn’t list the titles in advance, so I came into this Season not knowing which episode was which. So this bit here? Written before I knew the title. Moving along.
Ponies dressed as changelings. Nice.
Granny is best crazy old lady.
Spike giving a motivational speech. Again, nice.
Mannequins. They’re called mannequins. And one came to life and haunted the other costumes. Okay, JawJoe, I think you lead by one point again.
Scootaloo the Wonderbolt, and a Sailor Moon outfit. Well, I’m sure you heard me the first few times, I shan’t repeat myself.
The background music is again reminiscent of the Mountain King thingie, but it’s more subtle. Listen close when they’re pinning the horns. It’s there… at the edges…
Like a few episodes back, this might go down with me better if it wasn’t so close to home. This situation actually happened in school once or twice. Just replace the friends with not-so-friendly classmates and the events with… well, let’s not go into detail there, shall we?
“I couldn’t possibly predict what might upset me.” You mean like Angel Bunny starving tonight, or your animals breaking out and looking for you because you didn’t tell them you’d be out for Nightmare Night? Because that seems kind of obvious right now.
“If you’re the one doing the scaring.” Wait, is this the official return of Flutterbat, then?
“It sounds like it’s a scary tea party?” Not sure if political or not.
Gods…
I’ve been saying it all Season, haven’t I? Look at those signs, look at those damn drawings! Look at the style! I was right!
This show! Is! Turning into an anime!
Was that a Godfather reference? I need to see that movie, still.
They’re in the maze now, and I’m guessing either Flutterbat or something involving that spider that was in the opener and we’re supposed to have not noticed.
Is that Derpy in a Zombie Twilight costume? I’m disappointed. I was expecting a vampire Twilight, at the very least. Heheh.
Okay, so the ghosts were her birds, that fish monster is her bear, now we just need the spider, right?
Ah, there’s the web. I remember seeing a scene like this in the movie with the Smooze. Another thing I need watch again.
Well, called it. Not a hard call to make, though.
Still a nice moral, and good to see that sort of tolerance. Not a lot of meat to it, though.
Episode 22: What About Discord?
Opener: three uninterrupted days of sorting books, huh? So is this the one where she gets called away on a mission? I’d imagine it does involve Fluttershy, then.
Hmm, no call. Spike episode, then?
Ah, there’s the title. I stand corrected.
I know Discord is referencing some painter, but I can’t be arsed to look up the name right now. Also, this is creepy. Starlight Glimmer levels of creepy.
See, this is kind of a problem with the current situation of the show. The Mane Six never actually referred to themselves as ‘The Elements of Harmony’. They were their own individuals. Here, Twilight refers to herself as the Princess of Friendship, repeatedly. Kind of a step in the wrong direction, I feel.
Obvious Back to the Future reference is obvious. She’s not going to drink that zebra potion again, is she? Well, I suppose that would be the best solution; this episode is missing a little bit of spunk.
I can’t help but think this is all going to fail because the one thing that’s different is Twilight is there, and this whole episode is basically Too Many Pinkie Pies with just enough Pinkie Pies.
“He makes another good point.” Easy call to make, but one has to wonder where this is going. Another Twilight freak-out?
“If we don’t break the spell they’re under-” Oh, this should be good.
“And none of us begrudge you for it.” Aww.
Good line from Rarity, considering Green Isn’t Your Colour and all.
Discord is stopping Twilight from going Nightmare. Huh, kinda nice.
And she gives him an orange at the end. Aww.
Not a bad episode, just a very light one. Good to see some Discord in action, I suppose. And good that Pinkie did drink the potion, just in case.
Episode 23 The Hooffields and the McColts.
Fluttershy getting called. I’m guessing Breezie land, then? Oh, and animals can read, apparently. And she’s going without Twilight? Maybe Treehugger will be in this one, considering the pattern, but… eh, Breezies. I’m guessing Breezies.
And it is with Twilight, nice. So what’s the finale going to be, then?
Hmm, so far it’s been sowing the seeds of friendship across the nation, so whatever the finale is about, it’s going to be a nation-wide disaster. Oh, Starlight Glimmer’s gonna go full Amon on their asses, isn’t she?
Oh well, what’s the title for this one?
Hooffields and McColts? Not Breezies, then. Suppose that’s probably out of Equestria anyway.
Sounds like another joke episode, honestly. Most of it points that way.
I see a colour-shifted Troublehooves. I am not sad about that.
That’s a Trojan cake, isn’t it?
Those squirrel sounds? Pretty close to realism. Pretty close to Spock’s grunting days.
“We don’t have to speak Animal to know what y’all are sayin’.”
Two things:
-one: is Animal a general language?
-two: you’re Earth ponies. I thought you did speak Animal?
All in all, not a bad episode for what it is, but what it is isn’t much.
Now, the only spoiler I’ve gotten that hasn’t been resolved yet is the fact that Cadence and Shining Armour have procreated.
Guessing that’s the next episode, then? Or is there a fast one to pull and is it the finale?
Okay, just realised I missed episode 19. Thanks, spoilers?
This is going to look very strange when I publish this. Psh, editing? Who does that?
Episode 24: The Mane Attraction
Countess Colouratura? Umm, okay, not the pregnancy plot, then. Can’t say I’m disappointed.
Aww, she calls her friend Rara. And then that music…
*sigh* Lady Gaga. Well played, show, well played. Did not see that one coming.
Fernando. Really? We’re doing this now? Okay, I’m going to be expecting name-drops of Pokerface, Judas, and… oh, I’m sure I’ll know it when I see it.
The Razzle Dazzle song.
This show… is turning… into an anime. Just thought I’d play that record again before it breaks.
Very nice impersonation of Lady Gaga, by the way. If I didn’t know any better, I might mistake it for the real thing.
So that’s an eavesdropping spell or a ventriloquism one that threw his voice. Got it.
Not a bad singing voice for the regular song, either. Will check the closing credits to see who they got for that.
Lena Hall. Very good performance there, sounds familiar. Will look that one up. Hmm, was expecting something bigger. Hope she goes interesting places.
So, as with the other Seasons (except the first) this one’s a fine way to close it all off. Nice emotional closer, cutie mark takes a special role (the glowing, I mean) just like most of the Season has been.
It would even have made a good series finale, if they did pull the plug too soon.
It’s recognisable, pop culture references make sense without being too brickish, the new character is sympathetic, the songs memorable and really strong enough to stand on their own.
It’s a happy ending.
Let’s see how it all goes to Hell, shall we?
Episode 25 and 26.
Before the viewing: I haven’t seen the title yet, but I think it’s Cutie Re-Mark or something. I’m expecting that horrible Starlight to go back in time or some such nonsense and undo cutie marks to foals. Which is a pretty terrible thing to do and really shouldn’t be possible, both in canon and as a concept. The issue is that we still don’t really know what cutie marks are supposed to be: talent, likes/dislikes, destiny… we’ve been led to assume, sure, but the show never gives anything concrete and that one episode in Season 3 just muddled the issue even further.
So I’m hoping this is good. I don’t know if I should excited or terrified. But considering I saw Alien for the first time today and I’ve seen ‘The Mist’, I think I can handle some disturbing imagery. Starlight Glimmer is just terrifying to me, is all.
Nightmare Moon was the bully you begrudgingly befriended in school. Discord was the troll you occasionally joined on the Internet. Chrysalis was the bitch who couldn’t stand anyone else be happy in school. Sombra wasn’t even a kid you knew, just a big brother some little twerp threatened you with.
But Starlight? Starlight was nothing. She is something. She is a radical, who turns others into radicals and claims it’s for their own good. Forget any associations with collectivisms of varying stripe or any specific ideologies. She’s not scary because of what she can do, or because people like her exist. She’s scary because people like her are everywhere.
So if she’s not the villain in this, this whole rant will appear pretty silly.
Let’s do this.
Okay, speech for Celestia’s school. Sounds harmless enough.
Opening rolls… by the way, anyone else notice that for the past five Seasons, Twilight has been hopping out of the balloon without wings? Seems like that should have changed at some point.
And it’s called the Cutie Re-Mark, alright. Oh, boy.
They’d better not end this two-parter on a cliffhanger, is all I’m saying.
Okay, I can kind of understand the time travel if it’s locked in a scroll. Barely. That it’s activated by contact, okay. But no security in the Castle? Really? The Tree of Harmony doesn’t stop this thing? Twilight hasn’t found anything about it, why would Starlight?
“Is that Sugarcube Corner?” Must be: the eggs still haven’t hatched.
If this is going to be Magical Mystery Cure Mark 2, I am expecting some upgrades. Like, less songs and more making sense.
Okay, so it’s creepy, and it’s mostly a “Mess with the past, monkey’s ruling the future” sort of plot. Okay, that I can live with.
Starting part 2 now.
Changelings return. Seeing a pattern here. Discord should be next, then Nightmare Moon. Not complaining about that, just… switching my brain off so it doesn’t hurt. It’s entertaining to watch, though, I’ll give it that.
But err…
Anime.
Charmed and Naruto.
That’s it, really.
What, no Discord version? I am disappointed. Timberwolves are looking a little more animated than usual.
Ah, Discord, there you are.
Well, I’ll be. Sunburst. Rejoice! We have a new unicorn colt. At long last.
The impossible has happened, the final frontier: a new unicorn colt who is relevant to the plot and actually started off the whole mess in the first place. Finally. Last item on my checklist.
And he’s in a display of the past so he’ll only show up as an adult later.
*twitch*
Really, show? Really?!
*distant sounds of furniture being violently rearranged, obscenities uttered, and a checklist being torn to shreds*
Well, that’s that chore done. Pretty disappointed, but not surprised. Can’t fault the episode for the execution, but the brief was pretty awful, especially the ending. Still, it’s not bad if you can turn your brain off. Not my cup of tea, but it had good moments, at least. Made Sombra look creepier. Gotta give it props for that.
And unlike MMC, this plot does make it a little easier and painless to do so. So it’s not another two episodes I can’t bear to watch again, just a pair of episodes I don’t care to watch again.
I'd suggest you read some about why Lena Hall got picked to do an episode. It's nothing extraordinary, but it's heartwarming.
You've liked the season as a whole, but found the finale to be disappointing. Same here! The finale was very nice to watch and everything, but that plot is rather... meh.
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Wow. I just got done re-watching Raiders. You posted that when I started watching. Odd coincidence.
Anyways, yes, I've sort of given up on the Season openers and closers. They follow different rules, appeal to a different audience. Just that final cocktease of something I've been rambling about for ages that drives me up the wall. As for the plot... I hate to say 'Simpsons did it,' but... that's exactly the case. All in all, it's Charmed meets Naruto, basically. The whole Season was the show turning into an anime, really.
It's fine by me, though. Just an odd thing to realise.
She gave a shoutout to the show when accepting an award? Oh, that is sweet.
3638291 More than that. Apparently she started watching the show when her life wasn't exactly good and it brightened her life. It's really sweet.
I really like the continuity. The crusaders have their mark on every appearance they had after Raiders.
Oh, and they being bored with nothing to do during The One Where Pinkie Knows.
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Hmm, yeah, it'll be fun to see if the animators ever screw up on them or on any of the foals they end up helping.
On a side note/ramble, the second viewing really sold the marks for me. They look the same from afar, but at closer glance they're very different, which can be said about the girls, too, at times. They all have cutie marks in threes: three lines to mark their friendship, three figures. The shield is what they share; wanting to help other ponies (though they only sing 'fillies'). Then the middle figure shows something physical; wing, apple, star. To soar, to sow, to inspire. And the inner one might symbolise what's their defining trait: their drive (lightning bolt), caring (heart), voice (musical note).
Or something. My guess is the shield represents wanting to protect their fellow ponies from pain and disappointment, the middle represents what fields they'll specialise in: Scootaloo becomes a stunt/flight instructor, or maybe pegasus medicine, Apple Bloom teaches gardening or farm ponies, Sweetie Belle takes care of the magical problems. And the inner one represents character or what exactly they inspire in their students: take away apathy, help them learn to care, help them speak up and use their voice. The reason they got such a big show of it would be because their destiny is directly tied to others realising theirs, much like Rainbow Dash' was. Their jobs would be tied more to the middle figures, then, not the rest of their marks.
Anyway, that ramble aside: I'm looking at some clips on YouTube of her right now. It sounds like she really does get something positive out of the show, which is awesome. I can attest to it being a positive influence on a person's life. But that sort of thing can lead to obsession, and I do hope she doesn't take things too seriously. Still, I can see why they went with her. She seems like a really nice person.