Mariusioannesp Reviews: "Parental Glideance" · 3:19am May 27th, 2017
WARNING!!! The following contains SPOILERS for the latest MLP episode “Parental Glideance”.
Now, without further a-meet-the-Dashing-parents-do, here is my review of “Parental Glideance”.
Scootaloo is writing a report on an inspirational pony in her life and of course she’s writing it on Rainbow Dash. However, Scootaloo is going for the inside scoop on Rainbow so she goes to Cloudsdale to talk to Rainbow’s parents Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles. When she discovers that they’re unaware that Rainbow has become a Wonderbolt, she brings them to see Rainbow with the Wonderbolts. It turns out however that there was a reason Rainbow never bothered to tell her parents she was a Wonderbolt. She’s incredibly embarrassed by their over enthusiasm over everything she does, and I mean everything. Will Rainbow learn to appreciate her parents more?
So what’s the verdict?
This was a fun episode that I very much enjoyed.
So yeah, I liked it.
We begin with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, back again for a second episode in a row. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are helping Scootaloo launch herself with a slingshot on a scooter over a ramp to Cloudsdale. When they point out to her the multitude of much safer options for getting to Cloudsdale, Scootaloo reconsiders. Nonetheless, the slingshot then goes off, launching her anyway. She pops up through the clouds at her intended destination, the childhood home of Rainbow Dash where she meets Rainbow’s dad Bow Hothoof.
Hold on a sec. 
Last season, we saw that Fluttershy’s mom Mrs. Shy grows flowers in clouds. Here we see Bow Hothoof mowing a lawn made of clouds. I still don’t understand how Pegasi grow plants in clouds or grow clouds as plants or whatever.
Scootaloo is very excited to meet Rainbow’s dad, and that gets the attention of Rainbow’s mom Windy Whistles, making Scootaloo even more excited. Scootaloo explains that she has come to them because she has to write a report on a pony who inspires her, and no pony inspires her more than Rainbow Dash. She’s even putting together a scrapbook for it. 
All because she’s Rainbow’s biggest fan. Bow disagrees though, stating that there’s no bigger fan of Rainbow than him and Windy. 
He happens to be wearing a Rainbow Dash shirt, but only because it’s laundry day he says. I’m sure that’s right. Either way, Bow and Windy are glad to meet a pony who’s as much of a fan of Rainbow as they are. So, Scootaloo needs their help on her report because she already knows everything about Rainbow’s life in Ponyville, but nothing about her time before then. Well, Scootaloo has certainly come to the right place for that. First up, Scootaloo is served Rainbow’s favorite meal, a pasta and potato sandwich on sourdough. 
Rainbow likes to carbo-load it seems. Scootaloo considers eating Rainbow’s favorite meal as prepared by her mother while sitting in Rainbow’s childhood kitchen the best day of her life. She even saves half the sandwich and sticks it in her scrapbook. 
That seems kind of unsanitary.
Next, Scootaloo gets a tour of the house. Bow and Windy explain how exciting it was that “Our little Dashie” was an early learner and so rambunctious. Wait a minute! Our little Dashie? Did MLP itself just reference My Little Dashie, the greatest MLP fanfiction ever written? Anywho, Scootaloo then gets to see Rainbow’s childhood bedroom.
She’s quite impressed by her linen closet, carpet, and inspirational poster. 
Interestingly enough, that poster is of a turtle. That could be part of the reason why she ended up adopting Tank as her pet though she initially wanted nothing to do with the tortoise in “May the Best Pet Win”. Then it’s time to see something really cool. Bow opens a door within Rainbow’s room and reveals a room full of mementos from Rainbow’s life set to a heavenly choir.
Bow installed the heavenly choir in the door himself. Just another example about how the music on MLP is diegetic-- “diegetic” of course means “when there’s a heavenly choir, it’s really happening because it’s been installed in a door and no one finds this the least bit odd.” But you know what else apparently isn’t the least bit odd? Among the things Rainbow’s parents have saved are the diaper Rainbow said her first word in, the lantern she broke when she first learned to fly, and the apple she bit when she grew her first tooth. 
What they don’t have are headlines of Rainbow saving Equestria like Scootaloo does. They actually agree to trade some with each other, and Scootaloo ends up adding the diaper to her scrapbook. 
Eyup. This is one unsanitary scrapbook.
Scootaloo wonders though where Rainbow’s parents keep Rainbow’s Wonderbolt stuff. They’re not sure what she means. Turns out, they were not even aware Rainbow was a Wonderbolt, and Scootaloo was the one to tell them. She commemorates this occasion by taking a photo for her scrapbook and setting off the heavenly choir in the door. Since Bow and Windy were kind enough to show Scootaloo the Rainbow they know, she wants to show them the Rainbow she knows.
Meanwhile back at the Wonderbolt Academy, Rainbow Dash is training with her fellow Wonderbolts when they run into some unexpected turbulence. Turns out, the turbulence is being caused by Rainbow’s parents cheering Rainbow through megaphones. Spitfire wants to know who broke protocol about inviting guests to training sessions, and Rainbow uncomfortably admits responsibility for her parents. Rainbow doesn’t seem too happy to see her parents there. She also doesn’t appreciate her father barely containing his tears of joy and her mom trying to talk to her fellow Wonderbolts. She wants to know how they even know she was there, and they explain that it was Scootaloo who filled them in. Rainbow then takes Scootaloo aside to have a little chat. Rainbow is upset with her for just bringing her parents there without warning her or talking to Twilight first. Wait, Twilight? What does she have to do with this? Anyway, Rainbow admits that there was a reason she didn't tell her parents about becoming a Wonderbolt. Her relationship with them is rather delicate. She loves them and all of course, but they can kind of embarrass her. Rainbow doesn't appreciate the crazy that’s just been dropped on her. Scootaloo doesn't understand wny Rainbow doesn't appreciate how supportive her parents are.
Later on, Bow, Windy, and Scootaloo are at a Wonderbolts show in Canterlot. There, Scootaloo introduces them to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They’re along for the ride now. Scootaloo then uses her scrapbook to tell Bow and Windy the story of how Rainbow became a Wonderbolt, summarizing the episodes “Wonderbolts Academy”, “Rarity Investigates”, and “Newbie Dash”. 
Then the Wonderbolts show starts and Rainbow’s parents get really excited, alienating the rest of the audience. 
They even start shooting off fireworks in Rainbow’s honor.
Rainbow’s parents, your enthusiasm is much appreciated, but that’s just dangerous and quite possibly illegal.
They proceed to follow Rainbow throughout her day of Wonderbolts activities, cheering her on as she signs autographs, cuts the ribbon at an event, and gets her picture taken with fans. 
Then it’s back to the Wonderbolt Academy.
Wait a minute. 
Hey, Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail! Nice seeing you again.
You know, the Lady Writers wrote the episode “Top Bolt” that introduced Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail. They also wrote the episode “The Hooffields and McColts” that first featured Big Daddy McColt, and then he happens to show up “Fluttershy Leans In” two episodes ago. Could the Lady Writers be using their position as story editor to inordinately work characters they’ve created back into the series? If that is so, I don’t really care.
In the locker room, Rainbow’s parents praise Rainbow for hanging a towel, and that’s the final straw! 
Rainbow reams her parents out for being too supportive about every little thing she does. Then, she asks them to leave. Still though, her parents can’t help but tearfully praise her for chewing them out so effectively. 
Scootaloo is floored by Rainbow’s actions. She met Rainbow’s parents to learn more about Rainbow, and she doesn’t like what she’s learned here at all. She decides she’ll do her hero report on somepony else. Wow, that is uncharacteristically harsh for Scootaloo. Besides, who else would she do her report on anyway? So then, Rainbow finds an old picture of herself and her parents in Scootaloo’s scrapbook and instantly becomes contrite.
Rainbow finds Scootaloo as she scooters away. Rainbow explains that she never told her parents she was a Wonderbolt because she didn’t want to snap at them like she just did. She further elaborates on this by confessing to Scootaloo that she wasn’t always the best at everything.
Yes Scootaloo, it is quite shocking that Rainbow had improve over time to the point where she is today. Anyway, Rainbow remembers a time when her parents cheered her on even though she came in dead last. Though it was still impressive because she was the youngest pony in the senior competitive circuit while most ponies her age were still in the Junior Flappers Club, whatever that means. 
Hay, look! It’s Lil’ Derpy!
Anyway, it didn’t take long for Rainbow to start to win competitions, and that only made her parents’ enthusiasm so much worse. 
Derpy became a worst flyer the more derped her eyes got.
Wait, is that Lightning Dust? Do you mean to tell me that Rainbow went to Flight School with Lightning Dust, but never recognized her in “Wonderbolts Academy”?
Scootaloo notes that some ponies would love to have parents like Rainbow’s. Rainbow wonders who that would be. Scootaloo admits that she would. All her life, Scootaloo never thought she’d be the best at anything because nopony ever told her. Wow. That is incredibly sad. Rainbow heard it from her parents all the time, and that’s what helped Rainbow become the awesome, confident, amazing, awesome, and awesome pony she is today. Yes, Rainbow is that awesome. That’s a lesson I can stand behind I guess. Rainbow realizes how much she’s taken her parents for granted. She has to make it up to them, but she’s going to need Scootaloo’s help. Of course, Scootaloo forgives her and agrees to do so.
Soon afterwards, Scootaloo has brought Bow and Windy to one of the Wonderbolts’ fields where they are then surprised by Rainbow who is throwing them their own very special event. 
But yes, Rainbow convinced her fellow Wonderbolts to join her in a private show just to tell her parents that she’s their biggest fan. Awwa. 
And they found it kind of embarrassing! See how you like it when the horseshoe is on the other hoof now.
In the end, Scootaloo delivers her report to her class. 
Cheerilee congratulates her for how well-researched it was, but because it was picture heavy and contained a moldy sandwich, she can only give her a B.
Well, my blogs are picture heavy, but they don’t contain moldy sandwiches. Would I get an A? I can’t get a B. I refuse to!
Hold on though. She lowered her grade for the sandwich, but not the diaper.
Anywho, Bow, Windy, and Rainbow show up to cheer Scootaloo for her passing grade all while Cheerilee tries in vain to quiet them. 
This episode was written by Josh Hamilton, a new writer on MLP. Though he has never written for MLP before, he has impressive experience. Mr. Hamilton used to write for Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra. Those are two of my favorite shows. He’s also written for Voltron: Legendary Defender, but I’ve never seen that. I might one day though. Anyway, Mr. Hamilton was the staff writer for TLA’s Book 3. (That means yes, he held purview over the four-part series finale “Sozin’s Comet”. One of the best finales… Ever.) As for TLoK, he’s written a bunch of random episodes throughout the series. Both Avatar series were well known for pushing the envelope and delving into more adult topics. While being embarrassed by your parents is a very teenaged sentiment, having a delicate relationship with your parents like Rainbow describes is something that’s an issue for many adults. Also, it’s subtle but through Scootaloo we kind of see someone with a not so great relationship with their parents or reasonable facsimile thereof. That’s pretty adult. I think that’s Mr. Hamilton’s mark on the episode. A somewhat subtle but Avatar-esque toying with adult topics. Either way, I for one am glad MLP has a new writer with such a distinguished auteurial pedigree.
Let’s talk about the colt and mare of the (half-)hour, Rainbow Dash’s parents Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles.
Bow Hothoof is portrayed by Jason Deline, and Windy Whistles is portrayed by Sarah Edmondson. I don’t who they are, but I believe they are new to the series. I find it interesting that MLP seems to be increasing its roster of in-house talent for some of these new secondary characters. I still think Bow Hothoof is kind of dumb name. I had hoped there would be some reason given as to why he has that name, but there really isn’t. What he does for a living is unclear. He very likely could be retired like Fluttershy’s dad. His mane-style though is a bit cropped and vaguely militaristic so I imagine he could have been a Royal Guard or something. Windy Whistles is interesting because she has a very similar name to the G1 Pony Wind Whistler. I recall reading somewhere in the past that Lauren Faust, the Maker herself, initially imagined that G1’s Firefly as Rainbow’s mother. But of course at this point, anything Lauren Faust thought makes no difference. Anyway, Windy Whistles does bear a certain resemblance to Wind Whistler.
Wind Whistler ponders weak and weary upon a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore.
Wind Whistler stood out among the G1 ponies because she was the only one with a more distinct personality, though even she shared that personality with G1’s Galaxy. She was kind of the wise sage of the ponies. Windy Whistles is nothing like that. Rather she shares her personality with Bow Hothoof, which pretty much amounts to an optimistic and unbridled enthusiasm.
We kind of learned something about Scootaloo’s relationship with her parents or reasonable facsimile thereof. Scootaloo admits that she wished she had parents as supportive as Rainbow’s because hers have apparently never praised her for anything. Now, the headcanon that Scootaloo was a homeless orphan was pretty much disproved in Season 4’s “Flight of the Finish”, but the possibility remains that Scootaloo is adopted or in foster care. If that’s the case, her guardians may not be doing a good job. However, Lauren Faust said in the past that Scootaloo’s parents work demanding jobs. That could kind of explain this. But then again, anything Lauren Faust thought makes no difference at this point. It’s clear that Rainbow’s parents are the kinds of parents Scootaloo has always wanted. And it seems Bow and Windy are willing to oblige her.
Throughout the episode, they prove to be quite supportive of Scootaloo even though she’s not even their kid. That’s just the kind of parents they are I guess.
Now here’s a question. Who's this guy?
This is the pony who was accompanying Rainbow Dash in her flashback in Season 3’s “Games Ponies Play”. He is named Rainbow Blaze and referred to as Rainbow’s mentor in the MLP card game. 
It was suspected that this was Rainbow Dash’s father, but now we know that’s not the case. His coat color, rainbow mane, and Rainbow name imply he is at least some kind of relation of Rainbow Dash. Some have suggested he could be her older brother, but I highly doubt that. If this is Rainbow’s brother, than that means every one of the Mane 6 has a sibling. For some reason, I feel at least one of them should be an only child. And Rainbow is the only one left without a confirmed sibling. It’s possible one day we might find out who this guy is exactly, but only time will tell in that regard.
As for what I didn’t like the climax and delivery of the moral are a tad rushed. Rainbow is practically instantly contrite as soon as she’s done exploding at her parents. It also doesn’t help that it’s kind of unclear what the moral is. I think it’s that your parents make you the person you are. This can be forgiven though since Mr. Hamilton hasn't really written for series that required the delivery of a moral in each episode before. Also, Scootaloo immediately disavowing Rainbow like she did seemed a bit out of character for her. I mean she practically worships the ground Rainbow walks on. At least to me, Rainbow wasn’t being too unreasonable because her parents are really too much.
Overall, “Parental Glideance” was a pretty enthusiastic episode. It was great to finally meet Rainbow Dash’s parents after all this time. I was also great getting a closer look at Rainbow’s life growing up.
What did you all think of “Parental Glideance”?
God bless you. God bless America. And God bless Equestria.
I very much enjoyed this episode as well. Nice to see the MLP cast expanding their talent. And, yeah, at this point, Faust's opinions don't matter too much. I mean, it's been six freakin' seasons since she left as showrunner. And the Equestria Girls films have continued in spite of her apparent distaste for them. But I'll stop before I go on a rant. I'll just say that I am kinda tired of people treating Faust as the Word of God. I mean, yeah, she created the show and that's worthy of our respect but, in a way, the show has far surpassed her original vision.
It's an evil episode where RD's parents abuse her and Scootaloo is an awful brat. The writers must be spouse beaters if they think THIS is those two sociopaths are justified in their actions.
RD should've pressed charges against her parents and Scootaloo should've gotten grounded.