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Kkat


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Sep
21st
2016

Afterthoughts: The Fault In Our Cutie Marks · 12:46am Sep 21st, 2016

This episode had a ton of heart. Plus, it tackled a few conceptual issues with the world of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic that really needed to be addressed, and it did so brilliantly.

However, I personally connected with and enjoyed the opening minutes more than the rest of the episode.

It was great to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders really stepping into their roles as Cutie Mark Councilors. Initially, it may seem a little surprising for adults to turn to children for help, but keep in mind that this is their Special Talent. In reality, this isn’t terribly unusual. Even though he is not a pony and has no magical representation on his thigh, my closest friend definitely has a special talent: computers. He currently works as a computer technician, but he has been helping adults get their computers working since he was twelve.

Likewise, I found the CMC’s initial case particularly interesting. (And not just because my first playful thought upon seeing Petunia was “She’s got a raider cutie mark!”) Cutie marks aren’t prophetic; Petunia clearly had an interest in archeology or paleontology before the mark appeared, but her parents were oblivious.

I am familiar with how parents, even ones who are caring and wish to be supportive, can fail to recognize or understand their child’s hobbies or interests. My mother was an English teacher, and easily understood my childhood passions. But my father had no ability to relate to a child whose favorite things to play with were words.

Similarly, my brother’s special talent is mechanics. He is exceptional at taking apart machines, fixing them and rebuilding them – a talent that served him well in the army as the commanding officer of an ARV group, and that he is currently putting to use in the civilian sector with trains. But growing up, I was blind to this, only seeing a boy who would not stop taking things apart… including many things that were not his to dismantle.

I was a little disappointed that the CMC didn’t so much help the parents understand their child’s talent as happen to be in the right place at the right time to see the parents figure it out themselves. But otherwise, I very much applauded that particular opening.

vector by chebut

But that was only the opening. The rest of the episode centered around Gabriella the griffon, and her desire for the impossible: a cutie mark of her very own.

Gabby was adorable! :heart:

Gabby was so energetic and optimistic that it was hard not to get swept up in it. She was indefatigable… which became problematic when combined with her excellent selective hearing. We knew what she wanted was impossible, but we still rooted for her. And I suspect some began to question if it was possible for a griffon to get a cutie mark, either out of desire to see Gabby’s wish fulfilled or a fear that the writers would take the easy way out. The episode gains much of its strength because they didn’t.

Where “The Times They Are a Changeling” seemed to portray Thorax as an aberration, the Gabby was clearly acting in defiance of a cultural generality. Stereotypes exist for a reason, and not just because of prejudice or lack of understanding. There is often a touch of truth to stereotypes when applied as a gross generalization. They are not accurate when applied to individuals; assuming or expecting them to is an act of prejudice. So the CMCs initial hesitation can be forgiven, especially as they both questioned their preconceptions before meeting Gabby and immediately discarded them with the first hug. And I really appreciated that Gabby openly acknowledged the accuracy of the griffon cultural stereotype while never accepting it.

Gabby even joins right in with the song, seeming perfectly at home with ponies breaking out in random musical numbers despite Griffonstone being a “no singing zone”.

I sometimes find a bit worrisome at times that the overall trend is for ponies to have positive qualities to export to other races rather than the other way around. But then I remind myself how much work and how many lessons have gone into building the virtue and character of the Mane Six and the CMC. Ponies have always been presented as flawed, and the characters of the show continuously strive to become better. By merit they have earned the higher ground they help lift others up to. So when others look up to them and see something virtuous and enviable, it is no different than how we as an audience do the same.

I really liked how the special effects of the Cutie Map signaling a job well done was used to draw Gabriella’s attention to the visiting ponies’ cutie marks and justify her leap of logic and fixation on them. What she really wanted was to find her purpose, but she had connected the two and, like many people, she had become fixated on an outward representation rather than the core quality it represented.

Racing stripes do not make a car go faster. Having a supporter give you his purple heart does not mean you have any of the virtues or positive qualities involved in earning one. Loving My Little Pony does not require that you walk around wearing pony shirts, and doing so doesn’t make you a brony. Inherently, we know these things. But how easy is it for us to find ourselves behaving as if having the style will give us the substance, even when we know it won’t. Or making similar assumptions about others?

Thus, it was wonderful to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders quickly shift to the idea of helping Gabby find her purpose in life. They know – and the episode make a point to remind us – that you don’t need a magical mark to have a special talent or a purpose in life. These things are not unique to ponies; they are universal.

Additionally, the CMC did their best to let her down gently in regards to getting an actual cutie mark. Only Gabby’s aforementioned selective hearing made this far more difficult than anticipated. I was really impressed by the maturity shown by the Cutie Mark Crusaders in this episode.

I was also impressed and deeply touched by how Scootaloo’s own struggles became the impetus for her to push striving for the impossible with Gabby. Instead of giving the CMC the idiot ball, the writers made this crucial decision a major positive note in the episode by rooting it deeply in Scootaloo’s character.

This show continues to allow the characters to grow and mature in very pleasing ways. While I feel this season has not been kind to the characterizations of Applejack and Rainbow Dash, it has been an amazing vehicle for the characterization and growth of Fluttershy, Spike and the CMC. I have been very impressed. In that regard, this is probably the strongest season the show has had.

On a related note, this episode was filled with other call-backs to previous episodes. This season has put a much greater emphasis on continuity, and it gives this episode another way to shine.

art by SilFoe

Sometimes songs can seem out of place; but in “The Fault In Our Cutie Marks”, the song was used perfectly. This was the perfect time for a montage. And the song delivered that while slowly unveiling a new crisis: Gabby was too skilled for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to discern an area of aptitude.

No matter what happens in November, I guarantee this is as close as anyone will come to getting "tired of winning”.

The episode ends with the CMC encouraging Gabby to come back, but I’m not sure this is a character that is really suitable for return visits. Likewise, considering how fun a character Gabby is, I can only imagine how many writers are going to want to make use of her. However, that might be more difficult to execute than it is with other characters in the show.

Gabby’s seemingly universal skill set presented a unique challenge to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. This was used excellently in the episode… but it would be hard to write her without her taking on characteristics of the dreaded (and far too often misused term) “Mary Sue”. How do you challenge a character – or make them feel well-rounded, flawed and relatable – if one of her pre-defined characteristics is “being good at everything”?

The song itself was charming, and I really enjoyed the march-like emphasis on percussion. But the first time I heard it, I found it forgettable. Naturally, I gave the episode several watches before formulating my Afterthoughts; and by then, the song had really grown on me, becoming the part of the episode I looked forward to most. But it isn’t a song I think that I will download and listen to outside of watching the episode.

A few final thoughts:

I cannot help but admire how much the animation quality has increased in the last couple of seasons. I point out often how the characters have become more expressive, but I want to take a moment to applaud the animators on how beautifully layered a lot of scenes are, and how they have played with perspective in exciting and fun new ways. These people put a lot of extra effort into their work, and they have created something beautiful.

We often give accolades to the writers and voice actors, but the storyboard artists and animators are every bit as much stars of this show, and deserve our thanks and appreciation.

(I’d list them all here, but there are a lot of them. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has one heck of a crew! So instead, I’ll leave a link here.)

Here are some scenes that particularly impressed me, one from Crusaders of the Lost Mark (which was full of amazing animation) and a couple from recent episodes.

Diamond Tiara POV from “Crusaders of the Lost Mark”

Multi-layered train scene from “Buckball Season”

Gabby takes flight from “The Fault In Our Cutie Marks”

It was likewise great to see more of Griffonstone. And to see the events of “The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone” not only shown through another character’s perspective but through entirely new animation.

In terms of writing, I couldn’t help but notice the plethoria of ponyisms in this episode, especially Apple Bloom’s multiple apple-based cuss-replacements, as well as “Crystal Empire Clear” and “something in this apple sauce smells fishy” (which is a wonderful apt yet cringe-inducing metaphor).

art by Imalou

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Comments ( 26 )

Someone pointed out that a lot of Gabby's 'good at everything' was being able to harness the power of opposable thumbs. :trollestia:

She was also an adult being judged for competence by children.

I loved how Gabby symbolized the Crusaders' own boundless determination and selective hearing. In a sense, they were confronting their own past selves concentrated into a single griffon, passing on the lesson that took them so long to learn and bestowing a mark once it was accepted. This episode really was a celebration of just how far the Crusaders have come.

Racing stripes do not make a car go faster.

You're right, but twin turbos do. :rainbowwild:

In that regard, this is probably the strongest season the show has had.

I agree with this one hundred percent. Sadly, this episode is the one I have wanted to watch the most, but haven't due to Youtube not having the episode up last time I checked. That along with Viva Las Pegasus. If this keeps up, I'm going to get so far behind. :twilightoops:

Sounds like I will really enjoy this episode though!

When I first hear AB say "What the Apples are we going to do?", all I could think of was BUYSOMEAPPLES! :applecry:

Absolutely loved this episode. Not only is it nice to see not all griffons are grouchy and gruff, but also that this was 5 seasons of karma dropping on top of the CMC. I bet at the end of the episode, they all were like "Were we really that bad when we were trying to get our cutie marks?"

Plus, random ScootaFEELS out of nowhere. :scootangel: That was so unexpected, and good as well.

Optimistic griffins OP. Plz nerf.

4219488 I recommend Dailymotion. You can find links to the episodes on EQD and they tend to stay good for a lot longer.

4219530 Thanks a bunch! I'll give it a try. :scootangel:

"When a Gem is made... its for a reason. They burst out of the ground, and thats what they're supposed to be... forever. But you! You're supposed to change, to grow and invent who you are. You're never the same, even moment to moment. What an incredible power..."
-Rose Quartz.

Imagine my shock at hearing this... and how sad it was to know that is how ponies viewed their marks, and how many in the shows fandom do the same. This is why I dislike the idea to an extent: the tyranny of destiny. And ponies failing to understand their philosophy: those marks aren't making them, they make their marks! Its not some prize or some gilded cage, its a declaration of what makes them them, what makes them happy. And what a sad thing that so many subscribe to such foolishness

Ecchhh... okay, again, a mary sue a character who is perfect or "Good at everything". A mary sue is a character unchallenged by the narrative. For example, Cloud Kicker as presented by Chengar Quordath would be a mary sue. As would Tohru Honda from Fruit Basket. Both these characters, however, are still entertaining despite this trope. Gabby is not a sue since she is challenged by the narrative.

And those damn fraggin cmc marks, i HATE THEM. The single biggest let down in my time enjoying any show

4219537 I you read carefully, you will notice that I never suggested that Gabby was a Mary Sue. I said that it would be easy for her to become one in the hands of fanfic authors or even in other episodes. She avoids being a Mary Sue in this episode because of the episode's specific narrative. But the writers have created a character that has extremely limited avenues of challenge. Acknowledging that isn't the same as calling a character a Mary Sue.

4219568
Oh, I know. But I've also seen all to many tout that particular label and am annoyed to no end over that matter.

I am also more then assured that it will get only worse with Common Core. God help us Kkat...

As for Gabby herself... well, she's a testament, at least to me, of a life without destiny. She's tried it all, and became a Jill of all trades. She is not one thing, and is a testament more to a life lived then she is a lack of challenge, and she's barely started in life. I for one cannot wait to see what she does in the show. I should mention that a mary sue is not always a bad read, it depends

4219568 think what keeps me from thining mary sue is that fact that she is seemingly rebelling against the negative nature of gryphonstone. she challenges negativity with positivity.
also because about half ot the things she is good are jobs that really hel when you happen to have oposable thumbs XP

Racing stripes do not make a car go faster.

This is true. Racing stripes don't increase the speed of a car.

Red paint does. Ask any Orkboy; red ones always go faster.

Ya grots.

It almost feels like the show is trying to break apart Fallout: Equestria at this point, given that Twilight said that nothing except ponies can earn cutie marks. Given the whole zebra town fiasco, it really, genuinely became a total canon breaker, literally overnight...

4219788 It's really not. We see that Zecora has something on her flanks, but it isn't a picture. Therefore, it isn't a cutie mark. Zebras get glyph marks. :raritywink:

4219814 am I gonna have to pet a silly pony?

Okay, you got me XD

A very nice write-up.

4219448 Opposable Thumbs are Magic! Also, I don't think she's an adult as much as a young adult. Probably about 17 or 18 in Human Years. But yes, having dexterous digits can be useful. Like when she was writing on the chalk board. Her writing was readable, instead of the al-pony-bet that Cheerilee tends to write that's like the alphabet but sort of smushed and squished together.

Honestly, the only time she got any remotely "Okay, that's a bit of a reach" was when she built herself a massive boat to sail. And the fact the CMC took her to the beach in general. Ponyville has rivers and lakes, but it's nowhere close to the shores of either ocean. Unless you can find seaweed in lakes and river beaches, which I sort of doubt. Then again... seaponies. Okay, maybe it's just a really big lake. I'm going to go with that. And seaponies.

But otherwise, yes, opposable thumbs are magic. And it's probably one of the reason it seems that Unicorns are the ones who do fine detail construction work for buildings and clothing, while the other pony races are a bit less refined and rugged in form and/or function. Or clouds.

4219723 I think I painted my Supra the wrong shade of red. :rainbowlaugh:

4220103 I asked an Orkboy friend of mine (Toothkrunch Bonesplinta; decent enough chap once you remind him of the concept of "personal space") about your problem.

To quote...

"Yer bozzer ain't yoosin' da roight toype o' red?!?! BOLLOCKS!!! If da car ain't goin' fasta, it jus' means he ain't yoosin' 'NUFF o' it!! Tell 'im ta foind a pinkie wot nobody gonna miss and sqwush 'im over da foosilodge a good coupla toimes. That'll git it ta go fasta!! Roight toype o' red...ALL TOYPES O' RED IS RED!!!"

So...uh...find a homeless guy and...uh...

You know what, ignore him.

I was a little disappointed that the CMC didn’t so much help the parents understand their child’s talent

True that might have been nice, though maybe a bit much for a Cold Open. Read more to me like they already knew exactly what her talent was, and simply didn't get that her parents didn't, so weren't sure what they were here to do. By the time the figured it out, so had they.

Gabby was adorable! :heart:

SO MUCH ADORABLNESS!!!!! Cutest Birdy-Cat!!!!

some began to question if it was possible for a griffon to get a cutie mark, either out of desire to see Gabby’s wish fulfilled or a fear that the writers would take the easy way out.

This... this right here is my single biggest point towards why I really do not get how 'predictable' is an issue, and why I often prefer to know what is coming. I spent the entire first viewing with that nagging "Are they really going to do it.. please no, please no massive alteration to things.." and just a bit too anxious about what might happen to REALLY enjoy things, and kept having to fight the urge to just skip to the end and see or not. It was distracting to me not knowing if that was going to happen or not. That's often how I get with a lot of the bigger eps, I'm to concerned worrying about what MIGHT happen to really relax and enjoy sometimes on the first viewing. So, still baffles me how not having that worry and uncertainty is a bad thing to people.

the Gabby was clearly acting in defiance of a cultural generality.

Exactly, something people that keep being upset over how "All gryphons are portrayed as assholes" don't keep in mind. All the truly insensitive, dickish Griffons we've seen have one thing in common beyond being griffons, they are all from Griffonstone, and that place is a *Apple*hole. Yes Griffons likely have a higher propensity to being aggressive, domineering, greedy, self centered, etc... they are part feline after all. But it's just a racial leaning, a general drift towards that. But living in Griffonstone just brings out the worst in them, and them being asses because things are so bad just makes it worse.. and it all becomes one big feedback loop. The worse the city gets the more pissed off and angry the griffons living there get, and the worse it makes things etc.... The 'issue' is not 'griffons' it's Griffonstone itself. And it's entirely possible that between Gilda, and now Gabby, they might just be able to start breaking that feedback loop and get it working in the other direction.

They are not accurate when applied to individuals; assuming or expecting them to is an act of prejudice.

True... and again.. though far more prevalent toward the whole Thorax situation then here, the whole speech about this from SF Debrs during his review of I Borg really does fit.

http://sfdebris.com/videos/startrek/t223.php

He's also got some Babylon 5 and Pony reviews that are awesome.......

she had become fixated on an outward representation rather than the core quality it represented.

"you can't always get what you wa-ant.. You can't always get what you wa-ant. But if you try sometimes. You might find. You get what you need~"

I was really impressed by the maturity shown by the Cutie Mark Crusaders in this episode.

Our little fillies are growing up.....:pinkiesad2:

I was also impressed and deeply touched by how Scootaloo’s own struggles became the impetus for her to push striving for the impossible with Gabby. Instead of giving the CMC the idiot ball, the writers made this crucial decision a major positive note in the episode by rooting it deeply in Scootaloo’s character.

This... not counting anything about Gabbi herself, this was the BEST moment in the entire ep and just.... SO damn good.... and so just... right in the feels.

hile I feel this season has not been kind to the characterizations of Applejack and Rainbow Dash

Eh seems fine to me. Maybe not as massive a showing as others but, still decent and overall makes sense.

In that regard, this is probably the strongest season the show has had.

I'd say in far far more then that, just, this whole season has been the best yet all around, with SO many great things done....

if one of her pre-defined characteristics is “being good at everything”?

Well most of that WAS done during a musical number, and those are very rarely purely literal depictions of what happens. Also, most of the stuff she was 'good' at are just common things that show she's competent. This was a list of things foals would think they could do after all. Though the Orthodontist might be a bit much.... but yeah be interesting to see how they can tell more stories with her.

, but the storyboard artists and animators are every bit as much stars of this show, and deserve our thanks and appreciation.

So, So agreed.

Bu yeah this ep was AMAZING on so many levels, and so LOVED IT!

Since this was brought up a bit in the blog: I personally think that there's nothing wrong with Mary Sues. Mary Sues are only considered problematic in the first place because they create no tension or suspense with their sheer overpoweredness. However, a Mary Sue in a Crapsack World, such as the Fallout Equestria universe, or any of the Dystopian Worlds from modern YA novels, would not only be none-problematic, but actually creates an interesting conflict and bring hope to the reader, at least in my opinion.

This guy. Love your insight 4220574 :rainbowkiss:

I can think of one example of what you're talking about, at least in part: the Superman comic Kingdom Come. In this one, we see our nations Gary Stu to the nth struggling as a perfect person in an imperfect world. He was the same, but the world had changed, severely, demanding their "Saviors" more brutal, unforgiving, and oh so fucking edgy! So the blue boy scout tried to keep his gary-ness and simply couldn't be the big boy scout he wanted to be.

4221782 Thank you. My point is, a character can be completely overpowered, and stay completely overpowered, but as long as their existence doesn't completely eliminate all sense of conflict from the story, that character is not a Mary Sue.

Edit: Or at least, not in a way that would be considered bad to the story.

I really liked this episode, and particularly enjoyed the opening, too. I was annoyed at the misuse of "archaeologist" - paleontologists study bones and fossils, while archaeologists study artifacts and other traces of past humans - partly because when I was much younger I wanted to be a paleontologist. I might have been reading too much into it, but I noticed the parents' cutie marks - crossed swords and a pile of treasure - could both be associated with pirates. That added to their odd pattern of behavior - assuming the meaning of their child's cutie mark, seemingly being reluctant to accept the assumed meaning, but also going ahead and buying pirate gear - brings me to my headcanon that the parents were themselves former pirates, who had settled down from that life and weren't totally willing to see their child enter it.

4223580

It was a pearl in an oyster for the mare, not a pile of treasure, though that has a stronger connotation with the sea.

That headcanon still seems unlikely, but it's definitely fun.

I think that Gabby was only so good at all those things because she was helping others. You'll notice that she always seemed more interested in helping the ponies than she was in personal gain even if it was her "cutie mark." When on task she wasn't self absorbed, Only after the task was finished would she state at her own backside.

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