MLP Marathon Bonanza S7 E22-24 · 11:01pm Dec 14th, 2017
With only this post and one more until season 7 is complete, I thought I’d go ahead and mention that I’ve decided to make a sort of ‘bonus’ blog at the end about my Top 5 Favorite Episodes from the past three seasons. Originally I was thinking about just tacking it on at the end of the season 7 finale blog, but as I’ve started to draft some of entries I realized it’ll be a bit too long for that, so look forward to that coming. I’ll be curious to see what other people say are their Top 5 episodes. Anyway, on to the last few of this season.
Once Upon a Zeppelin
So this was a bit of an interesting episode. It’s, to my knowledge, one of the first times where Twilight (and Cadence’s too, I suppose) fame is front and center in the episode. It’s weird in a way to see Twilight having fans, and while the episode is definitely not about the fandom, at least not directly, you can kinda see some parallels to how Twilight is treated and how some of the people from the show are treated by fans. It’s genuinely uncomfortable when Star Tracker wins the prize of spending the day with Twilight’s family as an honorary member. Part of me says that would be really cool, but the other part says it’s horribly awkward and uncomfortable for everyone involved, and they kinda play with that in the episode.
“It’s a rigid airship, Twilight. Not a blimp.
One of the things I really liked about this episode, besides Iron Will being back and still being great, is that the episode goes out of its way to show that Twilight’s family, specifically her parents, are having fun despite the awkwardness of it all. I think it’s an important aspect of the episode and Cadence really drives the point home when she talks to Twilight and explains that you sometimes need to draw a line between yourself and your fans. Twilight wasn’t wrong for interacting with her fans and helping them have a good time, but she let it consume her time at the expense of herself, and that was the problem. Even though this episode is broadly about famous people, I think you can still draw some good lessons from it about not sacrificing your happiness for others’. So, even though being the target of a rabid fanbase isn’t really relatable for most people, the lesson still is. Overall, very good episode with some nice emotional moments and Star Tracker ends up being a pretty interesting and likeable character, if a bit awkward. Oh, and I like that Twilight’s mom is a closet thrillseeker. That’s kinda great.
Secrets and Pies
I think the best way for me to describe this episode is “surprisingly enjoyable.” I’m not the biggest fan of Pinkie Pie, and definitely not the biggest fan of her episodes generally, but this one consistently brought a smile to my face. I watched it with a sort of constant grin because of how silly and yet cute it was. I mean, sure, it’s not a good thing that Rainbow Dash has been lying to Pinkie Pie about her pies for all these years, but it makes for a really amusing premise and I love the convoluted measures she goes to get rid of the pies. It’s really dumb, but also kinda sweet at the same time, as they talk about at the end of the episode.
I have a feeling Nega-Dash got memed pretty good. I love it too, so that’s fine.
I think why this episode was appealing to me was that it does what all good episodes of MLP do and deals directly with some aspect of friendship. In this case it’s about Rainbow Dash lying to Pinkie just to make her feel good, and I think most people can probably understand where she’s coming from. I can’t really think of one off the top of my head, but I’m sure I’m guilty of at least one white lie told to keep or make a friend happy. Obviously it’s not just one lie in this episode. They amp it up to 11 for the sake of humor, and that’s fine. The over-the-top nature of the episode is actually what made me enjoy it more than I might have as well. Pinkie’s Holmes routine and going a little crazy were all consistently amusing and also pretty believable for her character. Overall I think this is actually a really strong episode in a sort of surprising twist. I came into it fully expecting it to be fine, but not amazing, and I left really enjoying it. So good work, writers.
An Uncommon Bond
I wish I had more to say about this episode, but I think this review is going to be a little short. Don’t worry though, it’s not because I didn’t like the episode. I actually thought it was really great. Sunburst’s interaction with all of Starlight’s friends is really fun and enjoyable, especially Trixie. I like that they find her because she fell asleep under a tree. Again, Trixie is best as an adorable idiot. But most importantly, this episode is really really relatable.
I love that Trixie enjoys even poorly-done magic.
I’m sure most people can relate to Starlight in this episode, but I personally felt a really strong attachment to her. It’s a bit extreme to call it “traumatic” but there’s a specific experience in my childhood that I remember where I was basically Starlight and a friend of mine hit off really well with another friend to the point that I got left out. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out as nicely as in the episode, and so for a long time I had a really strong aversion to hanging out with multiple friends for fear that I would become the third wheel. So, this episode really speaks to me in a deep and significant way. I find it really relatable and felt bad for Starlight, but was also really happy to see her come around at the end. The lesson she learns is one I wish I’d learned a long time ago.
Sunburst just stormed in and stole three waifus in one episode. He really is a master magician.
Really though, the reason why I don’t have much to say about this episode is because of that ending cliffhanger. I keep hearing how amazing the finale is, and the fact that they teased Sunburst will be involved has got me all the more invested. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
I have somehow managed to keep myself spoiler free on this last finale and I hope it pays off when I finally see what happens. Expect another blog today because I don’t think I can wait until tomorrow to watch this.
Will you be reviewing the three Equestria Girls specials? And the movie, when you get a chance to see it?
Spoiler: The finale... HAS PONIES!
Uncommon Bond had a lot of adorable moments, and like you mentioned, I found myself relating to Starlight's dilemma. It was the perfect kind of episode after a stressful few days, especially since the aforementioned stress came about because of something similar to what Starlight goes through in the episode. While not my favorite in the season, it's definitely one I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.
As for Once Upon a Zeppelin, it was definitely entertaining, and you make an excellent point when it comes to the episode's premise. There are definitely some similarities to how some of the show's staff are treated by fans, at least from stories I've heard over the years. Star Tracker was also adorkable in my opinion.
When it comes to Secrets and Pies, I wasn't too keen on the episode for a variety of reasons, both in regards to some of the episode's decisions and a few external factors that were hard to ignore when the episode suddenly dropped. It's not a bad episode, and I can easily see why some liked it, but it wasn't my cup of tea.
I can't wait for you to see the finale.
As you wished, the teacup meme was acknowledged again.
Uncommon Bond was great, but yeah Trixie's part of it was particularly fun.
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I was thinking about doing the EQG specials. I watched Dance Magic and enjoyed it, so yeah. I suppose I might. Why not? That might not come for a little while though. With Christmas and New Year's coming up I'm going to be fairly busy until January, so don't expect anything until then. As for The Movie, I will definitely be doing that soon. I'm planning on doing the blog for it tomorrow, but it depends on some things. Most likely you'll see it tomorrow though.
My top 5: Trixie and Starlight
That's it.