Finally got to see the new episode · 4:31am Jun 5th, 2016
Fast as lightning, sharp as a sword
I never thought I'd see the day when the show could give me a character I hated more than Rainbow Dash AND Starlight Glimmer COMBINED.
But damned if they didn't. Zephyr Breeze has all of Dash's ego and all of Starlight's detestable traits. And he's a stallion. So much for the strong male characters in this season. 
Okay, now that that's out of the way . . . . . .
I FUCKING LOVED THIS EPISODE!!!
Fluttershy was excellent! Her parents are excellent! As hateworthy as he is, Zephyr Breeze's character arc was excellent (TAKE A LESSON, STARLIGHT-FUCKING-GLIMMER!!), the song was excellent, the moral was excellent, the cameo (Link) was excellent, the humor was excellent! And yes, seeing Rainbow Dash annoyed by the male version of herself is fucking EPIC!!! 
I don't usually rate new episodes, but seeing Fluttershy at her absolute strongest and finally getting to see her family, with a great story to match, I give this episode a solid 9 "yays" out of ten.
Good job, Dave Rapp! You have left that mishmashed mess "Newbie Dash" in the dust!
And welcome back, Megan McCarthy! We missed you!
Review to come, really soon!
Stay quick, stay sharp, and thanks for reading!
I'm glad you liked the episode, but don't you think that your hate of a fictional character is the tiniest bit pathetic? She is not real, and even then, she does have good qualities about her. I really don't get the hate.
3999369 I presume you refer to my notorious dislike of Rainbow Dash?
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3999381 To be fair, I wouldn't be curious if you didn't bring it up every chance you got.
3999383 I got this from another user, too, with him saying I bring it up every blog or something like that. Believe me, I wish I could ignore Rainbow Dash. But her character makes it abundantly clear that she will not be ignored. It's one of the many things I dislike about her.
Bottom line: her flaws far outweigh her good traits, to the point where she barely has any good traits anymore. Her mere presence puts me off. That's a mark of a poor main character; if I don't like it when she's on screen, and never like it ever after 6 seasons, it's time for a (disgustingly late) character change.
I just saw it as well, and I must agree with ALL of your points.
1) Fluttershy's brother is a bitch that almost poisoned a lot of animals, ruined many ponies' days, and doesn't lift a hoof to help, yet still had the nerve to still be an arrogant piece of shit.
I've found worst pony. And that's saying something since I didn't have one before and Spoiled Rich didn't even end up there; that's really saying something.
2) This episode is best Fluttershy episode for me, calling it. Because this face:
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this face:
i.ytimg.com/vi/qoDwYoKE2BQ/maxresdefault.jpg
this face:
i.ytimg.com/vi/-o5eY7i8qSg/maxresdefault.jpg
And this face:
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...tell you that something is wrong if Fluttershy disapproves.
3999416 Flutter-faces are the best!
And yes, Zephyr is a douche. Or at least was. But even I have to admit, this episode shows how to do a reformation arc right.
For once.
(Trixie, Gilda, Starlight, etc. etc. generic hate spout, whatevs.)
3999406 I disagree.
Her positive qualities include nobility, loyalty, bravery, being supportive, and a willingness to try new things. She also has a sense of responsibility and sportsmanship.
And her negative qualities include her ego and insecurities.
Honestly, it seems like you have such a fixation on her that I would find it believable if you just had a thing against arrogant people. Which I would understand a lot more than you just saying that she's a bad character without giving a reason why.
3999424 His reformation is better than others. But his character's still
for me.
3999424
Well he's not completely reformed yet. The temptation to go back to the way things were may be stronger when he's living back in his parent's house...Fluttershy may have to visit regularly
3999428 Fine. Here goes:
She's pushy, lazy, arrogant, self-serving, inconsiderate, bullying, egomaniacal, bullheaded, single-minded, loud, obnoxious and rude. Her "loyalty" only comes into play when her Element of Harmony status warrants it, and she always puts her own desires before everything else, leading to a great deal of crimes and disasters on her part that she regularly gets away with. She habitually bullies Fluttershy, called Twilight names, didn't care about Tank's feelings when he wanted to hibernate, and is perfectly willing to prank people even if it hurts them or scares them, and will do it without conscience.
And to make it worse, she has not changed.
Twilight used to be antisocial. She's more caring and open than before.
Fluttershy used to be weak-willed. She's stronger now.
Pinkie Pie used to be an overgrown infant. She's much more mature than she used to be.
But Rainbow Dash is still an annoying, showboating glory-seeker who loves herself waaaay too much and never cares about anyone but herself.
There. Now the haters are coming. But at least you have my full stance on the matter. I brace for your scathing counter-argument.
Oh dear God.
The first six seconds Zephyr showed his incredibly punchable face I knew I was going to hate him. And as it turns out, I did hate him. And the fanbase in general right now also seems to hate him.
Like this guy has practically every unlikeable trait in the book and pretty much nothing to actually like.
Humongous douche? Check. Overly self-absorbed? Check. Doesn't give a shit he's getting on ponies' nerves? Checkity. Incredibly annoying and grating voice? Hell yes. Cringe comedy? Checkaroo. Hitting on Rainbow Dash even though it's obvious she's not interested and he just won't fucking lay off? Yep (The worst part is people are going to ship them. Kill me.) I seriously didn't think that the writers could make a character just as bad, if not worse than Starlight, but they did it. At least Starlight had SOME enjoyability as a villain in the S5 premiere. But Zephyr is just a pain from beginning to end. He's literally a parasite.
Everything else about the episode is really good but Zephyr...fucking die. Jeez.
I just got done watching the episode and the first thing I thought was "Lightning's gonna have a field day with this one".
I absolutely love how Fluttershy was in this episode. Kind enough to not let her brother live in the woods even after he failed to do simple jobs, yet assertive enough to make sure that he finally gets his rear in gear and not just quit after the first try. Really brings together everything she's learned in the past.
And even though Rainbow isn't your favorite, I felt that she was good in this one as well. Much better than last week. Seriously. Her parts could've been completed erased and it would've taken nothing away from the episode. The funniest part, for me anyways, was seeing Zephyr come into Fluttershy's house with looking like he lost a fight with Zeus because of how much Rainbow zapped him with a storm cloud.
Speaking of Zephyr..... he reminds me so much of a certain family member of mine. Won't go into details because of personal reasons. In the beginning where we first saw him, I thought "how the fuck is he Fluttershy's brother?" Instantly disliked him. He's cocky, arrogant, lazy, and doesn't take other ponies into consideration before he does something. Completely the opposite of Fluttershy.
But in the end, it was a good episode. It exceeded my expectations by a long shot. Makes me glad that I bought the first half of the season on YouTube so I can watch it again whenever I like. I'll even go as far to say that this could be one of the best ones of the season so far.
I'll be looking forward to seeing your review on this episode, my friend.
3999450 Well, like I said, his reformation arc is well-done. Better done than Starlight. So, at least he has some hope, and can stand alone as a character, instead of whining in every episode he's in and having the world he's in drop everything to serve him.
3999448 Well, I can't say that Rainbow is the best (Shes my least favorite out of the Six) but I think you're being to hard on her. Ask Scootaloo about all the times that Rainbow's been like a sister to her.
But that brings up another question. Why do you think that I'm going to bitch at you? Give me some credit. As inexplicable as I find your hate of what I think is a good character, I'm not some one minded douche who can't comprehend opinions other than my own.
Not everyone is out to get you. You've written over two dozen stories, you have over 700 followers, your doing alright, and clearly people like you, there is no need to go all woe is me.
3999465 I'm sorry. You've actually been a lot nicer than most people are when I get into this subject. It's just something I've come to expect from people, whether it actually happens or not. Don't take it personally. I'm just more used to bad-tempered replies than I'd like.
3999469 BUUUUUT!!
Since I'm still me....
(These are the two most popular and respected bronies in the community, I ask that you give them a chance)
3999499 I'd appreciate the gesture, but I'd really rather not. I like Silver Quill, but something about Firebrand just rubs me the wrong way. I've seen his work with Dr. Wolf, and I'm just not overly fond of the guy. I don't hate him, but I don't really like him, either. Sorry.
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This was an interesting read.
...
... When do I get to see the two of you kiss?
Poorly planed joke aside, that was a very well thought out conversation the two of you had.
The oddest thing about this episode that kept messing with me. Was his name. Every time I heard it, this song went off in my head.
But that's what you get when you grow up listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
3999509 Grey Mane, how could you? I could never sleep with someone who didn't like Firebrand!!
(I kid, I kid)
3999517 That is a good whiskey, I wouldn't know anyone who didn't like that one.
...
... Wait... I'm thinking Fireball whiskey.
3999448 She wouldn't have stayed with Fluttershy to support, give advice, help clean up her cottage and attempt to get Zephyr a job and encourage him to do better if she only cared about herself
That's my two cents anyway.
3999535 A single "once in a blue moon" moment of selflessness doesn't forgive an entire series' worth of inconsideration.
3999546 I dunno. I can think of a lot of selfless moments from Dash in the series, as well as a lot of brave moments for Flutters. Saving Equestria aside, all of the mane six go out of their way to help and support eachother and ponies they meet.
3999560 I could easily give you two bad Dash moments for each good Dash moment. Effortlessly.
3999563
You could indeed. But the same thing can easily be said about every main character on the show.
3999571 with the possible exception of Fluttershy. Most of her faults come from the writers waiting fave seasons to progress her character in any meaningful way.
I'm glad you liked the episode, but I have to disagree with you on Zephyr Breeze's character. I'm the only person so far who seems to like him, and I think the reason is because I identify very strongly with him.
The line he has when he's at his lowest is:
This doesn't show that he's lazy, which every other character thinks he is because they just judge on appearance without trying to understand him (Seriously, not even his own sister thought to just talk to him about it?). It shows he's incredibly afraid of failure, to the point where he doesn't want to even risk failing at anything. I know I've definitely felt like this before, to the point where I just coasted through school without ever really studying properly or trying in case I screwed up. Fortunately I was lucky enough to get decent grades on my natural intelligence, but I've always known that I could have done better.
Not only that, but look at how he talks to Fluttershy and Dash:
Imagine how insecure he must feel comparing himself to his older and seemingly much more successful and perfect sister (and her just as successful friend who he obviously has a crush on)? Fluttershy in this episode reminds me a ton of my own older sister. For all my younger life she seemed to have things figured out while I had no idea what was going on. She was more popular in school, she got her first job at a much younger age than I did, and I placed her on this pedestal and never thought I could be as good as her. However, as we've got older and she's begun to talk to me more about her own failings and encouraging me to have more confidence and supporting me, we've connected more because I know she has problems too. Zephyr has never seen Fluttershy's failings in the show because he's always been up in Cloudsdale while she lives in Ponyville, so she's still on that pedestal to him. When she actually admits to being scared of failing and encourages him instead of just judging him, he begins to believe in himself more and actually pulls through. Sometime's the only thing an insecure person needs is to have the one person who matters most to you say they know you can do it.
Finally I get why you might not like his ego, especially given your feelings for Rainbow Dash. But whereas Dash is arrogant because she knows she's good, Zephyr's cool and confident demeanour is a defensive front. He only acts like this because he doesn't want anyone to know how he feels. If there was one thing I was more afraid of than failing, it was looking weak in front of people I respected and loved, especially family. I was a bit more introverted than Zephyr, feigning an easygoing laidback personality instead of being overly arrogant like he is, but just the same I could almost see the gears in his head switching to defensive mode when someone was angry at him, like how he tries to smooth-talk Rarity by immediately shifting blame (I used to do that a lot too). I still switch to defensive mode when I''m agitated and immediately shut down and turn inwards on myself. I say nothing's wrong when my mind's going a mile a minute with worries about the future and berating myself for doing something wrong and trying not to look weak.
The end of the episode shows that Zephyr still has a ways to go. He's gotten more confident sure, but he's not gonna stop his internal defences overnight. He's actually more like Fluttershy than I first thought when I saw the episode, the only difference is that he internalises all his worries and insecurities, while hers are always on the surface. I love the fact that I've managed to find a chracter that reminds me so much of myself in the show, and that it shows that just having someone to encourage you when your down can make all the difference.
Sorry this is an essay of a post, this is just the first time I thought I could contribute something to the conversation, and I relly wanted to defend a character I think deserves more than he's getting
3999609 They do take their sweet time with her, maybe because she's difficult to write, or are afraid to give her MORE faults because...y'know...she's Fluttershy
3999611 I also like him. And I think everyone ever can identify with Zeph.
Personally I like the lack of strong male characters. There are enough shows on the the market nowadays with dominant male leads. I think the best thing for MLP is to add MORE strong female characters. I'm sure I will get hate for this but fuck it it's my opinion. Granted I would like to see more side characters like Big Mac and Shinning Armor but that's about it.
3999642 scratch that saying adding more strong female leads may have been overboard soblets just omit that statement.
I enjoyed it as well for one thing, Fluttershy's character growth was working at full pelt, thank goodness Meghan McCarthy was present for this one. This is what makes a good episode when continuity is present from start to finish.
3999611 People go by your actions rather than your thoughts. No one is a mind reader. So unless they know something's up, they won't try to correct it until they hit rock bottom. Which is what happened.
Don't get me wrong, as much as I detest Zephyr, his character arc and redemption is one of the best in the whole show. It wasn't rushed, it went the absolute lowest it could go before things got better, he wasn't instantly accepted for his new persona, and his behavior wasn't entirely different, but was still more tolerable. The only redemption arc that comes close is Sunset Shimmer's.
And his fear of failure makes him entirely relatable (trust me on this one), rather than Rainbow Dash's apparent fear of absolutely nothing (which makes her totally unrelatable).
So, while I dislike Zephyr as a character, his change is probably the only good redemption story in the entire show (excluding the EG movies).
3999571 Not remotely. Rack up every wrong thing Dash has ever done. I guarantee you, whoever of the Six has the second most, she will have double.
3999609 Fluttershy has social anxiety. Socially anxious people tend to regress in their progress, regardless of experience. It's something I can relate to, and Fluttershy handles it every day, with the show often bringing her struggle to the forefront. And despite her shortcomings and tendency to take steps backwards, she handles her fears, insecurities and anxiety far better than I ever could. So it's more than just preferring Fluttershy over Rainbow Dash. Dash isn't remotely relatable to me. And Fluttershy is something of a hero to me.
3999642 It wouldn't be so bad if the only recurring male leads weren't either there just by virtue of their blood relation to a main female lead, an infant dragon, and a psychotic demigod.
Spike has done better lately, but it's not enough. It's kind of embarrassing to sacrifice good male characters to make the female characters better by comparison. That's not necessary. Good characters need to be able to stand on their own.
4001681 She has a lot of flaws, sure, but that's what's great about her. She's not perfect, but she always strives to be a better friend, pony, and Wonderbolt. She's never bland in any way, and she owns the scene when she speaks. Plenty room for development, which I enjoy.
4001702 That's the thing, though. She hasn't changed. At all. She's still egomaniacal, and puts her ego above everything. Otherwise "Newbie Dash" wouldn't have happened.
Her flaws are not endearing. At all. In fact, they make me want to slap her every time I see her. And even if they did start developing her now, it would be too late. I can't stand her, and I never will.
4001721 She didn't like reading. She reads Daring Do every chance she gets. She didn't trust Fluttershy to step up when needed. She now encourages Fluttershy and relies on her skills. She was afraid of being seen as a softie, now she goes to the spa regularly. She only saw Scootaloo as a fan, now she's treated like her own sister. She used to try to do everything and anything to get into the Wonderbolts, but her love for her friends and her own morals actually got her into the Wonderbolts.
Looks like she's improved to me
4001744 You just proved my point. In each and every one of those situations, she put her own ego first. If she's "developed" as much as you say, the first thing you mentioned would have been the only thing you mentioned. It happens over and over and over and over again, with no noticeable change at all. People call Fluttershy underdeveloped and say she learns the same lesson every episode. They clearly do not see that Dash has learned the same lesson every episode: "Don't be an egomaniacal bitch."
4001759 Mind explaining what you mean? Every problem comes from one major character flaw each of the mane six have.
Twilight - Self doubt
Appleack - Pride, stubborn
Fluttershy- Being...shy?
Rainbow Dash - Brashness
Pinkie - How to deal with friends
Rarity - Problem with generosity
All flaws expand upon lots of episodes, this season included. What makes me like them is how real life people continue to struggle through these flaws as well. Not meant to hate, but to conquer.
4001792 Name me one episode in Season 5 or 6 in which Rarity had a selfish moment. One.
How about an episode in which Pinkie's infantile insensitivity ruined everything? Just one.
Or when Fluttershy acted cowardly for the sake of the plot ("sans Scare Master"). One single episode from either of those two seasons.
You can't.
Meanwhile, "Tanks for the Memories" and "Newbie Dash" happened. Both instances in which Dash put her own desires and ego above everything else. Once in S5 and once in S6.
4001855 Hmmm, I'll try to think off the top of my head: Applejack's day off: Rarity wanted to stay at the spa instead of helping fix the problem first. Filly Vanilli: Scared Fluttershy and didn't realize it. No second Prances: Cowered before a Manticore even though she tamed one before.
4001891 1: Wrong. She wanted to spend the day with Applejack. Not just herself.
2: Wrong. Season 4.
3: I actually had a problem with that too. Another reason that episode sticks in my craw.
One out of three. Sorry. Not quite good enough.
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4001855
Also in no second prances, Twilight was kind of a bitch.
4001903 One more reason why that episode sucks.
4001903 True, but I like the snark!
4001902 Not gonna try to debate with you, because you seem sensitive. I will say though, this hatred is much deeper than Rainbow Dash. Something's below the surface. But I won't pry
4001915 I don't even want to debate. It brings out the worst in me. One more comment, and this would have turned ugly. I'm sorry.
4001919 Yes, this is much deeper, I see. I don't wanna trigger you. I won't be hurt if you lash out at me, but you'll only hurt yourself.
4001924 There's nothing deep about it. I just don't like to argue.