The Gift for Maud Pie Review by the HeroofBergen (Spoilers)

The first 'normal' episode of Season 6 and it was good. The tone of it was what I had expected for the first 'normal' episode. No storyline where Equestria is in the possibility to being destroyed. No, it was a Slice of Life episode with Rarity and Pinkie Pie going to Manehatten with Pinkie's sister Maud. This the third straight season that there had been an episode based in the city of Manehatten, along with straight season with an episode that has Maud in a major capacity. Both the city and the character introduced in Season 4.

Now to the episode itself. The episode was entertaining, the pace was rather slow, but I believe it works to its advantage. Pinkie Pie and Rarity go to Manehatten for different reasons. Pinkie to share a special tradition with her sister, and Rarity to setup a new store in the city. After the success of her store in Canterlot (continuity!) I do watch Silver Quill, in case you are wondering. While the topic of Rarity's new store is introduced, it is not the mane focus. But it isn't completely forgotten, with it being returned to on multiple occasions. With the episode ending with Rarity getting her new store.

I wouldn't say that there one stand out character throughout the entire episode, being that each character has time to show their best. Rarity in the beginning, by helping Pinkie find the best gift for her sister. Pinkie in the middle, by giving up her iconic Party Cannon to an asshole (it's not cursing I am referring to a real ass) of a 'sales pony' for a rock punch for Maud. A moment that made verbally gasp. Maud in the end by 'threatening' the pony that took the cannon into returning it to Pinkie, with a little help from Rarity.

Credit goes to the two newest writers of the show. All of the character present were in character and were able to grow from this experience. Rarity was great. Her being able to play off of the insanity of Pinkie Pie, and the complete opposite with Maud. Maud quickly being able to rival her sister as my favorite earth pony. Rarity being the best of Mane Six, outside of Pinkie, to have scenes with Maud.

If I were to criticize the episode I would say that some of the dialog was very exposition heavy and could have been done better. Some of Rarity's lines also didn't make me believe that she was a business mare that had just started a store in the city that all famous ponies want to have an expansion in. But that being said the dialog in question was so bad that it was either unintentionally funny or directing to the plot and moral of the episode. Which being was a little cliche, that gift isn't about how great it is, but of how much love is it. Which is pretty much every Christmas movie ever made. It is still a great moral that was handled every well.

Overall, I thought this was a great episode that made laugh, feel, and sit back and enjoy. Season 6 looks to being going in the right direction. My final rating for this episode is a good 7.5 stars out of 10. I am the HeroofBergen signing off until the next episode.