Episode Re-Review: Growing Up is Hard to Do

G4 may be continuing, to an extent, in the IDW comics. It's been confirmed that we'll be getting a comic series focused on the origins of Princess Cadence in 2025. Meanwhile, a G5 pitch bible reveals that there were plans to explore additional pony types like bat ponies, and as was speculated was going to explore Skyros, the place where Celestia and Luna would have come from. 2025 will be interesting, because for the first time since My Little Pony Tales wrapped up back in 1992, there will be no new pony content in terms of animated media. But for now, we're here to cover the last episode I skipped over during my re-review session in 2021. This one has a very interesting production. Ed Valentine is credited with writing this episode, even though he had not written an episode since "The Fault in Our Cutie Marks" all the way back in Season 6. But apparently, this episode was originally in production all the way back in Season 4, but was then inexplicably shelfed. Ed apparently wanted to permanently age up the CMC here. Obviously, that's not what ended up happening. But did this more or less "lost episode" turn out good because it had more time to be tweaked, or did it only prove it was better off remaining on the cutting room floor? Well, let's find out.

The episode begins with the CMC looking forward to attending the Appleloosa County Fair. However, because they were so busy preparing for it, they forgot to ask one of their big sisters to be a chaperone. As it turns out, all three are busy. Rarity is working on a new design for Fancy Pants (weird how this is the first indication that he has anything to do with the world of fashion aside from his cameo in "Rarity Takes Manehattan"), Rainbow Dash needs to help Spitfire corral some loose storm clouds, and Applejack has to take care of Big Macintosh who's sick. Applejack also makes it clear the CMC are not allowed to go to the fair themselves, they need a chaperone. Weird how they apparently didn't need one to go to Canterlot in "For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils", or to go to wherever it is Scootaloo's aunts were living in "The Last Crusade". I'm going to assume Ed didn't know about that episode, given that there's no mention of Scootaloo's aunts or her family, which would fit with this being a holdover from Season 4. Even Rainbow Dash saying she needs to help Spitfire doesn't automatically mean it's nodding to Rainbow Dash being a Wonderbolt, it could be similar to Spitfire overseeing the water lifting back in "Hurricane Fluttershy". Still, given some later developments, this lack of knowledge about Season 9 and "The Last Crusade" is really going to hurt this episode's narrative.

The CMC then go to Twilight's castle to ask Fluttershy, but she and Twilight are busy researching a strange, magical flower that Starswirl the Bearded gave them. That means this obviously has to be taking place after "Shadow Play", which at least means Starlight Glimmer should be considered an eligible chaperone. Heck, they don't explain why Pinkie Pie or Spike can't do it, even though we saw Spike was able to go on the train with the CMC back in "Just for Sidekicks", and Pinkie Pie not only babysits the Cake Twins but was also allowed to chaperone kids on Nightmare Night back in "Luna Eclipsed". It's just like how in "Rainbow Falls" Thunderlane and Flitter saying they can only compete in one event and are needed on the air sprinters doesn't explain why Rainbow is flying with Fluttershy and Bulk Biceps on the aerial relay. You explain away a few characters, but not all the characters who could fill the role. And if it's that easy to find a workaround, then your story needs to be rewritten.

Anyway, Twilight and Fluttershy go to try and find more information about the flower, and the CMC complain about how it's not fair that they can't do anything by themselves. They express aloud how they "wish" they could be grown-up, then a petal falls from the flower and the CMC are encased in giant petals that transform them into full grown mares. I will give them credit, the designs are actually pretty good. And interestingly, we never see Scootaloo use her wings at any point, likely nodding to what was more or less confirmed in "The Washouts".

However, we'll never see the CMC interact with anypony they know, so any potential surprise factor is gone. They just board the train, and this launches us into the song "Bein' Big is All It Takes". It's an okay song, nothing special. It basically reinforces what the episode is painfully obviously going to do: The CMC think growing up means they can do whatever they want now, and no one can tell them what to do, even if they want to do very obviously childish things. Also, there's one line that really didn't age well and should've been cut: The line "Facts don't matter". I'll assume they wrote this back when the episode was originally in production for Season 4, but by the time of Season 9 we had the rise of "Fake News" and "Alternative Facts". And five years after this episode's airing, the problem has only gotten worse because we now have A.I. that can imitate artists and voice actors, and Twitter has gone private and become a cesspit of misinformation (thanks, Elon Musk).

Well, once the song ends, the train stops and the CMC find themselves in the wrong place, and even meet the same ticket pony Fluttershy and Applejack met back in "Sounds of Silence". And apparently, the CMC didn't know they were going here, they just got on the train and assumed all trains go to where you want them to go. But this doesn't explain why the conductor accepted their tickets if the train wasn't going to Appleloosa in the first place. They decide to treck through what is called Hayseed Swamp to try to reach Appleloosa on foot. But they get lost. That is, until they encounter earth pony siblings named Biscuit and Spur, who are having an argument over whether or not to take their pet named Bloofy to the Appleloosa County Fair. The CMC intervene and propose letting Biscuit and Spur accompany them to the fair despite their concerns.

And once the CMC reach Appleloosa, they run off immediately to enjoy the fair, while a fair attendant proposes that Biscuit and Spur enter Bloofy in an animal showcase. Spur ultimately catches up to the CMC as Biscuit is entering Blooper in the showcase, and despite Spur saying she's taken care of Bloofy for longer, the CMC say she should take a break and let Biscuit do what he wants. Naturally, this backfires, because Bloofy turns into a tornado when he gets nervous and starts tearing up the fair ala Tazmanina Devil style.

As luck would have it, Twilight and Fluttershy arrive in Appleloosa at that moment, having gone off to search for the CMC. Fluttershy soon identifies the problem, Bloofy is a creature called a Whirling Mungtooth, and it will only calm down in the presence of its owner. Twilight and Fluttershy then evacuate the stadium where the creature showcase is taking place, while the CMC manage to find Spur and get her to calm Bloofy down with help from Fluttershy. Despite the destruction, Spur and Biscuit still win an award for "Most Interesting Creature". So it looks like it's all's well that ends well.

Back at the train station, however, Twilight and Fluttershy opt to expose the CMC in front of Spur and Biscuit even though they have no reason to do so other than because I guess they want to shame and publicly humiliate them.

Then, Twilight more or less forces the CMC to use up the last petal of the flower, deciding that Starswil will understand and apparently having learned what it can do (all off-screen). But they once again slip up when the CMC say "We wish we were foals again", when the better wording would've been "We wish we were fillies again". I get that foals is a term used interchangably for kids, but what was wrong with fillies? Anyway, Spur and Biscuit are apparently not shocked to see the CMC revert back to normal, and they're even okay with letting the CMC come visit them someday (wherever they live, it's not specified where), so long as they have an actual grown-up accompanying them. But it begs the question of where the heck Spur and Biscut's parents are if they needed an adult to chaperone them to the Appleloosa County Fair too.

And that's the story, so what do I think of the episode? To be honest, this episode should've remained a lost episode and stayed on the cutting room floor. I could see the CMC thinking this childish about how growing up works in Season 1 or early Season 2. But even for Season 4 when this was originally planned, the CMC were old enough to have dealt with tabloid journalism, the dangers of gossip, blackmail, the possibility of a permanent physical disability, seeing that words can hurt, and even develop talents of their own. They would be more than old enough and mature enough to understand that growing up is not all fun and games, and that trains don't just magically go where you want them to go. They obviously tried to talor the script to fit into a post Season 7 world, given that they mention Starswirl the Bearded. But they still don't explain where any of the countless other characters are who could fill the role of chaperone, or why the CMC suddenly aren't allowed to go on a train all by themselves despite being allowed to do just that in "For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils" and "The Last Crusade". Everything after that just feels like contrivence for the sake of having a story. Spur and Biscuit are completely uninteresting characters, and their pet Bloofy feels like a glorified plot device. To top it all off, it's not only not explained how Twilight and Fluttershy found out what the CMC did, but they decide to expose the CMC afterwards for no good reason. If it were one of the CMC's big sisters, particularly Applejack or Rarity, I could understand them being upset and willing to embarrass the CMC to teach them a lesson. But this isn't even like Cheerilee punishing the CMC over the love poison incident. How were the CMC supposed to know about this creature that only Fluttershy knew about? They had no way to know things would get that bad. If anything, Spur and Biscut should've both known better, and if they didn't it makes you question why they're allowed to keep something like that as a pet without being explicitely warned what not to do. It's not even like Gremlins where the shop owner vaguely warns what not to do with Gizmo.

Heck, if this is taking place in Appleloosa, why can't Braeburn or Sheriff Silverstar be a chaperone while the CMC are in town? They could easily make sure the CMC come and go without harm, and could send word if they got lost. All this episode really accomplished was giving the animators an excuse to create grown-up models of the CMC that they could re-use for "The Last Problem". But given that they had to make changes to the mane six's models post time-skip there (sans Twilight who was just a lazy recolor of Celestia's model), and even make models of grown-up Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Twist, I don't see why they needed to make the models for the grown-up CMC ahead of time. All in all, though, I'm not mad with this episode. It's not even close to being as bad as the two episodes that preceeded it. It's just a very disappointing decision for what is debatably the CMC's last episode ("The Big Mac Question" could also count depending on how you look at it, and there the CMC's mistakes felt more believable and more like the kind of mistakes they'd make as kids even after all they've been through). Again, did we really need to waste an episode slot on this, an episode with the most cliche moral about growing up that fails to acknowledge that grown ups can still have fun and still enjoy things made "for kids"? Assuming we had to have an episode related to growing up, why not make it a flashback episode, or even an age-regression episode? Ultimately, this episode gets a C-, it's filler and not even very good filler.

Well, that's it for the episodes of FiM, but I still have two more things I want to cover before everything wraps up. So next week is a look at what was ultimately the last thing Equestria Girls ever did after Hasbro abruptly pulled the plug on it: "Holiday Unwrapped". Although it isn't so much a special as it is just a collection of shorts with a Christmas theme to them.

Comments

[superfun]

The timing of the episode is weird, I'll agree
But i still find it enjoyable enough to overlook that

[A Man Undercover]

Would you consider reviewing more MLP comics by IDW in the near future? Such as the King Sombra comics by Jeremy Whitley?

[SuperPinkBrony12]

5811902 Maybe.

[BronyRanger]

First off, I just wanna say congratulations on re-reviewing all 221 episodes of Friendship is Magic, SPB12.

As for this episode, I'm of two minds with it. On the one hand, it is better than the retcon buffet that was Daring Doubt. But on the other, it certainly feels weird having this be the final CMC episode. At the very least, this and The Last Crusade should've switched places not only so the latter can be the true end of the CMC saga, but also to justify why Scootaloo's aunts couldn't chaperone the trio. Also, as far as Ed Valentine episodes go, I'd say this one is middle of the road. That is to say, it's better than Three's a Crowd and The Cart Before the Ponies, but not as good as Flight to the Finish and The Fault in Our Cutie Marks.

[A Man Undercover]

5811909
I was just curious.

The majority of the comics were pretty much the only things I can think of in which you could probably do reviews for, especially in terms of MLP-based content.

[BronyRanger]

Here is a complete list of the first and last speaking lines of every character I missed who had a speaking role in at least two episodes. Two-parters will be counted as one episode, so no Stygian.

Aloe

First: “Did somepony order massages?”

Last: “Don't vorry about it. Shall I put you down for another one tomorrow?”

Amethyst Star

First: “Oh brother…”

Last: “I used to be the best organizer in all of Ponyville. You bet I'll—“

Babs Seed

First: “Thanks, I'm happy to–“

Last: “(chuckles) Obviously.”

Big Daddy McColt

First: “Because we don't get a lot of visitors. I'm Big Daddy McColt. You caught us at a weird time. We're in the middle of a giant feud with our... Terrible neighbors!”

Last: “Well, shucks. Let's not stand around talkin' about it. Let's build us a sanctuary!”

Braeburn

First: “Hey there! Welcome ta A-A-ppleloosa!”

Last: “Earth ponies sick... Food missin'... Can't... bake... anythin’…”

Bulk Biceps

First/Last: "YEAH!"

Cherry Jubilee

First: “Applejack? Are these some of your Ponyville friends?”

Last: “Huh?! (gasps) Whoa. I was dreamin' about a ravine. Ravine!“

Cloudy Quartz

First: “Pinkamena Diane Pie! Is that you?”

Last: “Mmm.”

Daisy

First: “Would you like any help with your gardening?”

Last: “Top of the morning to ya!”

Davenport

First: “Sorry, Junior. All outta quills until Monday. Need a sofa?”

Last: “Sold!”

Derpy

First: “I just don't know what went wrong.”

Last: “You're welcome!”

Double Diamond

First: “What brings you to town?”

Last: “(laughing) Are you kidding? Of course!”

Dr. Fauna

First: “Hm, well, I'm flummoxed. Y'bring me a dog, I've got it diagnosed in seconds. Snake even faster, but... to be honest, I've never seen a real live dragon before.”

Last: “Speaking of surprises, can you please never do that again?!”

Dr. Horse

First: “Well now, what seems to be the problem?”

Last: “Please tell me you found the cure! (sneezes, sneezes)”

Dumb-Bell

First: “Well, well, well. What do we have here?”

Last: “Uh, your parents realize you didn't win, don't they?”

Filthy Rich

First: “Hello, Mrs. Smith. Did I hear right that there's a zap apple harvest coming in a few days?”

Last: “Uh, is lavender purple?”

Gabby

First: “The Cutie Mark Crusaders! I can't believe it's really, really you! (laughs)”

Last: “I sure would!”

Gilda

First: “Hey. What's up?”

Last: “But you'll come back and visit, right?”

Grogar

First: “He didn’t.”

Last: “The Bell! You had it all this time?! Why didn't you tell me?!”

Hoops

First: “It's our old friend Rainbow Crash!”

Last: “More like Rainbow Crash!”

Igneous Rock

First: “We better harvest the rocks from the south field.”

Last: “Yee-haw.”

Iron Will

First: “(kissing) Welcome, friends! My name is Iron Will, and today is the first day of your new life! I wanna hear you stomp if you're tired of being a pushover! Stomp if you're tired of being a doormat! Stomp if you wanna pay nothing for this seminar! (snort) That's no joke, friends. Iron Will is so confident that you will be one hundred percent satisfied with Iron Will's assertiveness techniques, that if you are not one hundred percent satisfied, you. Pay. Nothing. But I pity the fool who doubts Iron Will's methods! You don't doubt me, do you?"

Last: “I've heard pudding that's more convincing!”

Joe

First: “Don't you think you've had enough?”

Last: “And Pinkie's description of your éclairs really did make 'em sound scrumptious.”

King Sombra

First: “(growls) Yesss... Crystalsss…”

Last: “Noooooooooo!”

Lemon Hearts

First: “She's an embarrassment to all things fashion!”

Last: “Uh, yeah. It's true. I do the big events mostly. State dinners, that sort of thing.”

Lightning Dust

First: “Try me, ma'am.”

Last: “RIVALS FOR LIIIIIFE!”

Lily Valley

First: “It was awful!”

Last: “(w/ Daisy) Amazing!”

Limestone Pie

First: “Gaze into the eyes of Limestone Pie. Ma and Pa may own this rock farm, but I keep it running. Cross me and—

Last: “Who would say they're the best at gift-giving? That's ridiculous.”

Loose Tracks

First: “I'm sorry.”

Last: “(laughs maniacally, hacks, inhales) Sorry. I've got kind of a throat thing.”

Lotus Blossom

First: “Miss Zecora, I would love to get the recipe for this bath. It's simply luxurious!”

Last: “You must relax, my dear! We can handle anything! We once did a pony's hair during the ceremony!”

Lyra Heartstrings

First: “I love them.”

Last: “Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. Thanks, Spike!“

Marble Pie

First: “Mm-hmm.”

Last: “Uhhhh—“

Matilda

First: “Pinkie Pie! How do you remember everything about everypony?”

Last: “(tearing up) I do!”

Minuette

First: “Me too!”

Last: “You've got a lot of friends, Moon Dancer.“

Misty Fly

First: “Yeah, he's coming out of retirement to take the spot of honor in the center of our aerial flower formation tomorrow.”

Last: “(scoffs) You can't really call yourself a Wonderbolt if you haven't been on it.”

Ms. Harshwhinny

First: “Hello yourself. First hello of the day–“

Last: “Okay, it's time!”

Night Glider

First: “Welcome!”

Last: “And the unicorns have a fireworks show planned! We could really use your help!”

Night Light

First: “You would not believe the crazy weather that delayed our train. Came out of nowhere.”

Last: “Whatever you say.”

Nightmare Moon

First: “Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces.”

Last: “No! Noooooo!”

Nurse Redheart

First: “Oh thank you, Twilight. We need all the help we can get.”

Last: “Say 'ah’.”

On Stage

First: “Um, excuse me? Is this where the Midsummer Theater Revival is supposed to be, perchance?”

Last: “My goodness! I had no idea this production would have such elaborate special effects!”

Parcel Post

First: “Wow, this is the best surprise ever! How did you know it was my birthday?”

Last: “Well, I got a little lost after I escaped the flying badgers... Can you point me in the direction of the bottomless pit? I think I can make my way back from there.”

Party Favor

First: “Welcome! Pardon my forwardness, but are you an Alicorn?”

Last: “Brian, no!”

Pipsqueak

First: “Pipsqueak the pirate, at your service. It's my very first Nightmare Night.”

Last: “I don't know how to say this, Rumble, but Blank Flank Forever Camp is kinda…”

Raspberry Beret

First: “We're here for the dress rehearsal?”

Last: “A puppy! A duck-billed platypus! Antidisestablishmentarianism! Oh, I give up! What?!”

Roma

First: “(clears throat) That'll be two bits. Not one.”

Last: “Hot carrot crêpes! Get 'em here, get 'em hot!”

Rose

First: “The horror, the horror!”

Last: “Rarity, that mane is…”

Rumble

First: “He's got the feather flu. He's down at Ponyville Hospital.”

Last: “Nah. I already know I'm a good flyer. It kinda runs in the family. I guess it's time to see what other stuff I can do.”

Sapphire Shores

First: “Good afternoon, Miss Rarity!”

Last: “Well, I'll be. It's a dolphin! That's my lucky animal! They swim with me in my dreams.”

Shoeshine

First: “I have a cartload of extra carrots.”

Last: “Oh! It's not even my birthday!”

Sheriff Silverstar

First: “We have.”

Last: “Truth be told, we could understand all the trouble with the rodeos, but why'd you have to run off with these here little'uns last night?”

Steven Magnet

First: “(sobbing) What a world, what a world!”

Last: “Oh, no problem. Now you get in there and marry that donkey!”

Sweetie Drops

First: “I didn't put those in my bag!”

Last: “Thank you! That's so thoughtful.”

Terramar

First: “Excuse me! Miss Sparkle? Over here! Sorry I'm late. I'm Silverstream's brother Terramar.”

Last: “And not just ponies. They help everycreature.”

Thunderlane

First: “It wasn't me, it was Blossomforth.”

Last: “Hm-hmm.”

Twilight Velvet

First: “But it was all worth it to see this peaceful little angel! Awww, so sweet! Come to your grandmare!”

Last: “Oh, dear!”

Twinkleshine

First: “There you are, Twilight! Moon Dancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard. You wanna come?”

Last: “Of course. We wouldn't miss one of our best friends' parties.”

Zephyr Breeze

First: “Guess who's home! That's right, big sis, it's your one and only favorite little brother, moi.”

Last: “To be fair, it was never made specifically clear to me what "guarding" actually means, so this is on you.”

Zipporwhill

First: “My new puppy and I thought it was super-duper crazy good!”

Last: “Oh, Ripley!”