"Over a Barrel" could have been improved. · 1:54am Jun 25th, 2017
Some of these have probably already been pointed out, but I'm rewatching the series from episode 1 and I just found these.
Also, I really like Braeburn.
Problem 1: Two seemingly major characters are introduced early into the episode - Braeburn and Little Strongheart - but are pushed aside halfway through for two characters who had no characterization up to that point - Sheriff Silverstar and Chief Thunderhooves. Thunderhooves fares better than Silverstar, but the first part still has the primary focus on Little Strongheart.
Solution: Introducing Sheriff Silverstar earlier, perhaps discussing Appleoosa's plight would make his focus in the later half less sudden. Simultaneously, some of the main 6 tend to overshadow Braeburn's appearance, which is strong but otherwise a blip come the later half.
Problem 2: The episode sets up it's own solution, then doesn't use it. Braeburn and Little Strongheart try talking, but are interrupted by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. This plot thread is nixed in favor of Pinkie aggravating Chief Thunderhooves a second time, causing the buffalo to charge until Thunderhooves takes a rogue pie to the face and likes the flavor.
Solution: Why didn't they stick with this thread and have Braeburn and Little Strongheart disappear amidst the chaos and meet with each other, like during the part where Appleoosa's preparing? Pinkie's initial song is fine (though I also find it irritating) but they could have nixed Pinkie's second song for two extra scenes where Braeburn and Little Strongheart meet with each other, then another where they step in to stop the fighting. This would also solve the issue in Problem 1, taking the plot thread they set up and using it to make the two central figures central again.
Problem 3: Pinkie Pie's initial song does have the right message, but the ponies and the buffalo both agree that they don't like it, and it even sets off the initial declaration of battle at high noon. Despite this very very very obvious indication it didn't work, Pinkie nonetheless tries it again at high noon the next day. Along with her monologue in "Filli Vanilli", this is one of two times where Pinkie is not as perceptive as she's normally portrayed; she usually gets it's not working if it's stated in such blunt terms.
Solution: The solution to Problem 2 also applies here for a different reason. Nixing Pinkie's second attempt at the song would maintain Pinkie's characterization of being perceptive and the scene loses nothing if the buffalo just charged.
They shoved Braeburn aside during the Troubleshoes episode, too. Good ideas for solutions.