An Analysis of Made in Manehattan · 3:24pm Oct 3rd, 2015

Hello, Everybrony!

This episode was so intriguing that I could help but review it! I know you all are probably thinking, “Why is posting a blog post about last week’s episode now? It’s old news.” Well, this episode required a lot of time to analyze properly, and I’ve been busy throughout the week. ~~Besides, I might even be able to do two analyses today!~~

I also decided not to bother with a YouTube video post because it’s always taken down and not worth the time.

Anyway, commence the review!

Part 1: Plot
The episode starts out with Twilight being bored. In a library. This is episode is the worst episode in MLP history for destroying my headcannon!

Just kidding. While this came as a surprise to me, it was a pleasant one. Twilight’s love for books can backfire even in a library!

Now that I have that out of my system…

Next we find that AJ and Rarity are heading off to Manehattan, while Twilight is stuck at home. I remember Silver Quill commenting about this in his review of The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone. He said it was too early for Twilight to be out of the action, and I (silently) disagreed. Now we’re seeing a build up of Twilight’s disappointment in being left out of the adventures. The only two of the main 6 left to be sent on a duo quest is Twilight and Fluttershy. If Fluttershy goes with Spike and Twilight gets left behind I will be so happy!

That’s probably not going to happen, so let’s focus on the actual possibilities. Maybe Twilight will question the map’s logic? Maybe she’ll get (only mildly) depressed and recover during the season finale? I’m loving this suspense! I don’t know where the writers will take us!

Also, they mention they’ll have to miss the Sisterhooves Social. Not only does this tie back to the Sisterhooves Social episode, but it also foreshadows the next episode: Brootherhooves Social. Looks like we get another pair of episodes that overlap in the timeline!

But that’s just speculation. Let’s stick with the facts.

COCO POMMEL APPEARS!

I have been waiting since Canterlot Boutique for a return of Coco. Finally she’s here! You know why I’ve been excited for Coco’s return? Well, it’s because—oh wait; I’d better save that for the character analysis.

Anyway, AJ and Rarity decide to help Coco set up for the Midsummer Theater Revival. AJ consistently question the map’s judgment in sending her, when Twilight could do the work for her in a fraction of the time and effort. However, she still does her best to prepare the stage and park while Rarity helps Coco with the costumes.

Even with Rarity, AJ, and Coco’s best efforts, they still cannot finish renovating the park and stage in time for the performance. They have to settle with a small sage on the side of the street, but that was enough for the ponies of the neighborhood to come ‘round and watch the performance. Rarity gives the moral of the episode, and we end with more overdramatic Rarity comedy.

Part 2: Characters
There were so many background characters in the episode, but I’ll only focus on two of them.
Mother Mare with an Accent: I love her accent.
Work Pony: So… is his company international? I’ve seen him in the Crystal Empire before in the episode Princess Spike.

Now onto the main characters:

Rarity: I will admit, I’m not a fan of Rarity. She’s a three-dimensional character with a unique blend of traits, but I find her painful to watch sometimes.

In this episode, however, I was thoroughly enjoyed Rarity’s presence. She’s at home in Manhattan, and her skills were actually needed in the episode. I have no complaints about her in this episode. She provided a nice dose of humor, and also gave the moral.

Applejack: I know AJ isn’t a fan favorite, but with an episode like this can anyone see why I would place her as my third favorite of the mane 6? Her use of logic and abundance of common sense bounced off of Rarity’s hyperactive drama. The best kind of dramatic humor (Rarity’s forte) requires a straight ~~man~~ mare (Applejack).

I found Applejack’s nervousness in the episode to be a strange but welcome addition to her character. Even though she never showed this apprehension in previous episodes, it makes sense that a country pony such as herself would feel out of place in such a large city.

I also liked that Applejack continuously questioned the map’s logic in sending her. Not only was it rational, but it also makes her the first of the Mane 6 to say, “Hey, why are we taking crazy orders from a crystal map that grew from a magic tree castle anyway?” I wonder if this will be revisited in a later episode?

Coco Pommel: I was so happy to see Coco Pommel in the episode! I mean, this was our third Rarity episode in a row and Coco wasn’t even mentioned in any of the other episodes! Thank you, Noelle Benvenuti!

I find Coco to be mixture of Fluttershy and Rarity. Strange, those two are my favorite and least favorite of the main 6, respectfully. Hmm… interesting coinkidink.

In this episode Coco receives a bit more character and a childhood backstory! It was refreshing to see how she was as a filly, and now we can compare her personality then to her personality with Suri, and then to present day. It’s just beautiful. Coco has soared in my rankings.

Umm… let’s get back to the actual review now.

Part 3: Overall
I loved this episode. It brought back a nice character from a previous season, and the story was pretty good too. Granted, it wasn’t spectacularly outlandish, but at least it wasn’t predictable! Unlike a certain episode…

The moral was a very strong and relatable one. Sometimes, when we know someone who is capable of doing everything we can do and more, we think our contributions are insignificant. After all, OPicorns are the master race, so what can a poor earth pony do in comparison?

Bring an inspiration to a non-OPicorn community, that’s what!

Rarity and the rich couple delivered the moral well, and AJ was the right pony to receive it. Earth ponies are commonly viewed as underprivileged in both the fandom and the canon. This word of encouragement was spectacular!

To add more praise to this episode, I think this was a very good set up with the character cast. Rarity and AJ bounced off each other perfectly, and Coco was an essential part of the story and didn't feel forced despite this only being her second episode with a speaking role.

Despite all my love for this episode, there were a few forced plot conveniences. A flier flies into Rarity’s face? The entire stage collapses because a hoof touched it? How was AJ supposed to reinforce that? Oh well, there will always be something to nitpick on.

Let’s not forget this episode’s writer, Noelle Benvenuti! She also wrote Maud Pie, another one of my favorite episodes! I believe she’s relatively new to the writing team, but if she keeps this up she’ll quickly rise to the level of M. A. Larson!

Well, maybe not that high, but you can’t deny that’s she’s an awesome writer!

Now for the Pros and Cons before I give the final verdict.

Pros:
Coco Pommel
AJ and Rarity interaction
Excellent Moral
Interesting Background Ponies

Cons:
Random plot conveniences

Episode Rating: A- (rating subject to change)

I almost feel like I should give this episode a solid A, but although there wasn’t much that was wrong with it, I don’t think it was eye-catchingly, outrageously, stupendously awesome. I still loved it though!

Plus, the set up for the next episode and (possibly) the season finale makes this episode 20% cooler.

Well, next time it’s the Brotherooves Social. Will Big Mac and Spike be our Rarity and AJ subs? Let’s find out.

‘Till next time!
-RainEStar

EDIT: Brotherhooves Social was too cringe-worthy to review. I'm not touching it with a ten foot pole. Let's slap a D on it and call it a day. Shame on you Dave Polsky! SHAME ON YOU!