Debatable, Contestable, Possibly Detestable, Thoughts on Season 3.

So... Saddle Arabia? Really? So are we having some Camp David accords here. or just discussing the disposition of Celestial troops stationed in Middle Equestria?
Well, at least there's a reason for it being in the plot.

If you've not guessed, I'm talking about the newest episode of season three (and season three as a whole, really), which I liked but has me wondering...

1. Why is Zecora so good at magic when she's an earth--eh--Zebra?

2. Are Alicorns using age spells to maintain their youth and power? This is implied by the fact that they are de facto immortal and by Twilight's 'An age spell? But those are only for the most advanced unicorns!' What, I ask you, are the implications of this? Is aging and death in Equestria merely the product of Alicorn magic!?

Theme:

Ah, the theme which the episode did not sell; it was refreshing. It was a brains over brawn theme, no? Twilight uses her magic more intelligently than Trixie, though it be less powerful, and so she wins.

Things That I Do Not Approve Of:

1. Rarity being a whiny... I'll reserve curses for another time. Suffice it to say that I do not like Rarity's characterization lately, and she's my favorite pony so that really rustles my jingle bells.

2. The pacing (this is a complaint against the whole episode)

3. There being little actual conflict

4. Twilight Sparkle being very out of character

5. Trixie never being blamed for anything she's done; it's all the amulet's fault! (this is a complaint against the whole series, really)

6. Also, this: I do not approve of this.

Ah, and finally things that I do not have issue with:

1. An episode with Luna! (though she appears but briefly)

2. An episode about facing one's fears!

3. An episode including some mysticism!

So, have you noticed that the one thing I approve of in season 3 is this most recent epidode?

I have a little rule that I wish the writers of FiM would follow (it is season three now so it is about time they follow it): When you begin a show or story, you can, and in fact must, write one dimensional characters. Once the show gets going, however, you must add some depth and difference in your characters. The writers are failing to do this, most especially with Rarity. What all character stories are, as most of the episodes of FiM, is the adding of dimension to, and the filling in of, characters.