MLP Marathon Bonanza S7 E16-18 · 9:29pm Dec 11th, 2017
Campfire Tales
I really enjoy when shows do an anthology episode. It appeals to me in the same way that the minific competitions always have. You get to be really creative and focus on more on some kind of mythos or one specific set piece instead of having to worry about characterization and all that boring stuff. I had no idea this was going to be an anthology episode until they started telling stories, and then when that happened I was fairly sure that I would like one story far more than the rest. However, by the end of it all I came away really liking all the stories. It’s actually very difficult for me to pick a favorite, though I like each of them in different ways. The viking pony story, for example, is really kinda heartwarming in a way that I didn’t expect, and of course since the main character is an analogue for Applejack I like that he becomes big and strong, because I find that to be a very admirable trait (especially since I am neither of those things).
Really like the design on these ponies. It’s always nice to see some variety in the character models.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Rarity’s story. I have no idea if these stories are based on actual legends, but I would be interested to find out. I have to imagine they have at least some basis in human myth, but in any case I like that they’re each about one of the three types of ponies living in an, apparently, isolated society. That’s kind of cool and interesting in a way that we don’t usually see in the show outside of when the point of showing three different ponies separately is to show conflict, like the first Hearth’s Warming episode. In any case, I do have to say that though it’s hard to choose, I ended up liking Dash’s story the most. While I wouldn’t say she’s my favorite colorful horse, Rainbow Dash has always been one of my most liked characters. I love the confidence and bravado she has. It’s oddly inspiring, in a way. So yeah, her story about Flash Magnus is pretty awesome, and I love the fire surfing he does. I used to be really into unicorn ponies, but I think over time I’ve gravitated towards pegasus being my favorite. I just really like the freedom and speed that wings would provide. Yes, of course magic would be cool, but wings, man. Who doesn’t want wings? Anyway, very strong episode overall that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also really liked that we get to see more sis-shipping with RD and Scootaloo. Very cute and sweet
“I have tons of stories. Spoiler alert: they’re all about Trixie and how awesome she is.”
To Change a Changeling
Yay! A Trixie and Starlight episode!
Well, that was also a really good episode. There were a lot of funny and amusing Trixie moments, and I like all the new stuff we get to see with the changeling hive. It’s silly, but amusing, that they’re like a hippie commune now, but I’m totally fine with it. Thorax seems like he’d be that kinda guy. One thing that was a little odd about this episode was Pharynx. I couldn’t get it out of my head that he sounded like someone doing an impression of Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street. Well, in any case, he’s a pretty interesting character and he provided a nice bit of contrast to the rest of the changelings. I was fairly certain going into this that Pharynx was going to be the one destroying the plants and pretending to be the monster so that he could convince the hive they still needed to defend themselves, so I was fairly surprised when it turned out to be a real monster. Kudos, writers.
Trixie and Starlight are just the best duo for adventures. I just want an entire season about them traveling around doing cool stuff.
It should come as no surprise that my favorite part of this episode was Trixie. I mean, she’s basically my favorite part of anything that she’s in. However, that’s not just because of Trixie fanboyism, it’s more because she’s just a consistently amusing character. One of the things I was worried about way back before she became a recurring character was that if that ever did happen, she would get toned down or made a little less gaudy for the sake of making her more relatable, but really the only thing that’s changed is she’s not a dick. She’s still a confident yet incompetent idiot, and I can’t get enough of it. She’s got the brashness of Rainbow Dash that I love, and the snark of Applejack mixed with Spike and the drama of Rarity, which sounds like a horrible mess, and yet it works so well that I can’t help but continue to love her. Trixie is, and forever will be, best pony.
You would have to be some kind of inhuman monster to not like Trixie. Like an actual demon.
I couldn’t find a clip of it, unfortunately, but I love these lines:
Trixie: I mean, who wouldn't be happy at the chance to marvel at the overwhelming talent that is the Great and Powerful Trrrrrixie?!
Starlight Glimmer: Trixie, we're coming to offer Thorax encouragement and support. His letters make it seem like the responsibilities of being a changeling leader are a little overwhelming.
Trixie: Yeah. I know. That's basically what I said.
Comedy gold.
Daring Done?
Once again we have three strong episodes in a row. Season 7 is a tough contender for best season so far, and I’m loving it. I like that so many of the episodes have taken place away from Ponyville. It’s really nice to see other locations and get to explore a bit more of the world. I think this episode does a really good job of that with the whole southern Equestria/Egypt thing. It’s a really cool new place that I would hope inspired some Daring Do fics. Speaking of that, someday I really need to write a Daring Do adventure story. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a really long time, but I just end up trying to rewrite adventures from other stories. In any case, I like the worldbuilding a lot in this episode, and especially the legend of Sonnambula.
Absolutely love the design both on Sonnambula and the Sphinx. Really cool.
One of my favorite things about Daring Do is the globe-trotting nature of the stories, and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint. Seeing an ancient Egyptian pony is not something I ever knew I wanted, but I really liked it and I thought they had a very interesting design. When they’re telling the legend of Sonnambula, I loved the stylized version of they tell with wall paintings. It’s a clever (and probably cost-effective) way of getting the story across while still fitting with the general aesthetic of the place. I kinda doubt it will happen in this season, but I hope to see more places like this in future episodes. Daring Do I think will always be a good outlet for coming up with creative locations and fun legends.
That belongs in a museum!
Brother, you ain't seen anything yet. They save the best for last. I'll say nothing more.
4746359
So much this.
Season seven was so great.