Random Thoughts: Equestria Games · 3:57pm May 3rd, 2014

Warning: Spoilers abound. Proceed with caution.

I find myself once again unable to talk about just one thing with this episode. I've been anticipating this ever since Games Ponies Play, and it did not disappoint. So, let's go through the list:

1. Back when Magic Duel came out, I made a joke about making a drinking game out of the number of callbacks in the episode. If you tried that with this episode, you'd probably end up plastered halfway through.

2. About time the Dangerfield of Dragons got his due for saving the Crystal Empire. I feel like there were two buildup arcs to this episode: The whole Equestria Games arc, and the Please Give That Dragon A Break arc. Well, looks like he got it. Sort of.

3. Twilight wants to be with her friends rather than her mentor. Maybe it's because her friends actually look like they're having fun. I know you have to have professionalism, but seriously, Tia. Lighten up a little. It'll make Twi much more comfortable, if nothing else.

4. Apparently, Spike's surname is just "The Dragon." I don't know why, but that just cracks me up.

5. Good to see that Twi was honest with her assistant right off the bat. Seeing Spike take the bad news so harshly, not so good.

6. Anti-magic fields are now canon. Good to know, as I have a story idea on the back burner that might benefit from such enchantments...

7. "Next thing you know, you'll be asking to put on a rock concert!" No, Ms, Harshwhinny. You're thinking of Rainbow Dash; student of Canterlot High (not to be confused with Private Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolt Reserves).

8. I don't want to hear anyone saying that Spitfire has bad sportsmanship ever again. That congratulatory hoof bump she gave Dashie at the end of the relay should shut down that absurd notion completely and utterly.

9. Top three awkward moments in the show. 3: The failed fashion show in Suited for Success. 2: Twilight making Fluttershy mess up in Green Isn't Your Color. 1: Spike completely ad-libbing and subsequently bombing the Cloudsdale National Anthem.

10. Related to Number 9: I completely lost it when Pinkie yelled "Nailed it!"

11. Archery is now canon. In a world where a bow and arrow would be a very inconvenient weapon for a four-legged animal. Meh, I've seen weirder.

12. Related to Number 11: Give yourself a pat on the back if The Legend of Zelda wasn't the first thing that came to mind when you heard about Ice Archery.

13. Although self-confidence issues are familiar territory for Spike, I felt like there was enough nuance here to keep the moral from being a complete retread of previous episodes.

So, final thoughts. Next time you see Spike around and about, give him one of these: