Hello everyone! Although I have been largely inactive for the past eight billion years, I did manage to do some good. Dune Goddess, a short adventure story about a magical mentor, Princess Celestia, and her not-so-faithful student Sunset Shimmer, has been reworked and updated to match certain standards.
071 Frenemies Talk Special: The Best of Season 5 feat. Everyone!
The fandom has spoken! Or at least that part we've managed to involve in our review series throughout Season 5. In this very special edition of Frenemies Talk we're bringing the gang back together and decide which episode was the absolute best. Go check out what your favorite authors think about the season, click on their portraits to visit their profiles and learn more about their endeavors in pony fiction, feel free to agree or disagree with the results, and of course tell us what you liked (or disliked) about Season 5!
Let the games begin!
Rules: Each reviewer gets three picks. #1 pick = 3 points #2 pick = 2 points #3 pick = 1 point The episode with most points wins.
#1 - Amending Fences #2 - Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep? #3 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark
DrakeyC: I appreciate MLP is a Slice of Life-style animated sitcom, but I prefer serialized storytelling when we see past events are remembered by both the characters and the writers. This season really delivered on that. We got call backs to all four seasons, we got the close of a major story arc with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, memorable new characters, the return of old ones, our heroines developed to new places, and we all had a good laugh over it. Great season.
#1 - Amending Fences #2 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark #3 - The Mane Attraction
Gleaming: I’ve learned to appreciate and admire the writers that have helped develop these characters, that used to only reflect off their previous renditions from generations in the past. We have explored character arcs of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Mane 6, and yes even background characters that the beloved community wrote their own headcanons for. No matter how frustrated or contempt we can be with each season and episode, always look back and reminisce together as a family. Great season, looking forward to the future.
#1 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark #2 - Slice of Life #3 - Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep?
Gulheru: This season was a rollercoaster, with great episodes, mediocre stories and several borderline disasters. Why did I choose those three above? Well, Crusaders finally achieving their goal cost me tears and anyone who can crack my heart of stone gets points. Slice of Life was a homage to us as a fandom. Our acknowledgement is an achievement. And while the plot was insane, we really should not complain. And the last episode? Princess Luna. I am biased, of course. Why should I not be? We are talking Luna. She got me into the fandom and my loyalties lie with her still.
#1 - Tanks for the Memories #2 - The Cutie Map #3 - The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone
HapHazred: Yeah, well, I might be a bit biased in my choices, but #1 developed Rainbow Dash more than any other episode I can think of, not as an athlete, but as a pony who really cares for her friends. Which is adorable, too. As for the other two, #2 is to date the only two-parter that actually treats the characters as a team, and #3 combines some adventure, friendship, griffernz, and laughs. I enjoyed it as much as Amending Fences, but this one had mountains and lost treasure!
#1 - Amending Fences #2 - The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone #3 - Hearthbreakers
JaketheGinger: #1 perfectly captured the spirit of the show and is what Twilight’s character should be like these days. Thanks MA Larson! #2 was a really fun episode in general and it got to redeem Gilda who, let’s face it, wasn’t all that bad to begin with. It had everything, adventure, worldbuilding, comedy and feels. #3 was darn comfy —it was great to see the rest of the Pies and the Applejack/Pinkie family dynamic is really nice to see. Here’s to more of that in the future, eh?
#1 - The Cutie Re-Mark #2 - Slice of Life #3 - Amending Fences
Luminary: Fun. That marked my favorites this season. We were graced by episodes that were just gleeful romps. I was squeeing and giggling my way through the entire glorious finale, so it gets top slot. Slice of Life and Amending Fences had to fight to the death with Rarity Investigates! for the other spots. Slice of Life was just delicious, unabashed (Lyrabonian) fan service and Amending Fences was everything FiM should be. So I will have to betray my beloved Rarity and her brilliant noir episode.
#1 - Amending Fences #2 - The Mane Attraction #3 - The Cutie Map
Manaphy: Amending Fences truly captured what is so special about MLP in my opinion. It was the best Twilight Sparkle episode in a long time in my opinion, had plenty of touching and humorous moments, and introduced some great characters like Moondancer. The Mane Attraction is amazing for similar reasons. Applejack and Coloratura were cute and enjoyable to watch and the songs were fantastic. And The Cutie Map was the best two-parter in the series, cleverly averting some tropes of the previous two-parters and started the season off strong.
#1 - The Cutie Re-Mark #2 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark #3 - Slice of Life
Mistress Spectrum: My 1# is simply because of Starlight, epicness, reforming a villain and alternate futures. I loved the episode and the development in it was amazing. 2# is because finally my CMC got their Cutie Marks! Also Diamond being reformed! 3# is… FAN SERVICE. That’s it. I love it, af. (also the Lyrabon is too good)
#1 - Rarity Investigates! #2 - The Cutie Re-Mark #3 - The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone
Nyerguds: The Film Noir one with Rarity was just brilliant. Loved it. The season finale was a rush of adrenalin from start to end, with alternate Equestrias that were more epic than most similarly-themed fanfics I've read. In "Griffonstone", I loved how the grand magical artifact ended up less important than just being nice to each other. Even in a magical land, relying on magical deus ex machinas is a pretty poor solution. My fourth pick would be "The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows"; it was really heartwarming.
#1 - Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep? #2 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark #3 - Slice of Life
Nyronus: This was a hell of a season. I felt that the show really pushed the boundaries of it’s “genre,” giving us a lot more serious emotional depth while still keeping its spirit. A lot of episodes really hit home for me, or surprised me. Even with three choices, it was hard not to put down Tanks for the Memories, Amending Fences, or the Cutie Re-Mark or any number of other great episodes. Every season has been different, and this one has really been an experience for me. I can’t wait to see the rest.
#1 - Slice of Life #2 - The Cutie Map #3 - The Cutie Re-Mark
ocalhoun: So, I might imagine myself catching a little flak for putting good ol’ episode 100 as my top pick. It’s just pure fanservice! So why did I like it? It’s just pure fanservice! It just left me continually saying to myself, ‘I can’t believe they actually did that!’ Then again, this whole season has left me saying that quite a lot … and that’s why Season 5 is Best Season. It’s the season of jaw-dropping, did they actually do that? moments.
#1 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark #2 - Rarity Investigates! #3 - Scare Master
Prane: Since I had no expectations regarding that CMC episode, its greatness took me by surprise. A satisfying conclusion to the great search for the cutie marks, promise of pretty much more of the same in the future (the CMC helping others? I’m in!), and also a boost to Diamond Tiara’s character, and through a great song! The season overall was alright, but I regret they hadn’t used more Starlight Glimmer in it!
#1 - The Cutie Re-Mark #2 - The Cutie Map #3 - Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep?
Skeeter The Lurker: I’m a fan of two-parter episodes, I always have been. I always feel that the writers of such are allowed much more freedom and you can tell when they have fun and go completely balls out in insanity. Re-Mark takes the cake, though, because of the aftermath we’re seeing in the actual fan fic side of the fanbase. The sheer volume of alt universe fic that we can call canon is simply amazing and I have high hopes we’ll see more.
#1 - The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone #2 - Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep? #3 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark
Solobrony: Overall, Season 5 was excellent in my opinion. There are few episodes I wouldn’t consider good or great by the standards of other seasons (or shows). I didn’t vote for Slice of Life because I feel it occupies a special category (It’s sort of an omake episode), but it would rate highly for me as well. This season dealt with a lot of heavy issues, and even retread a lot of older ground (Especially in Griffonstone, Cutie Re-Mark and Amending Fences) to analyze whether previous ideas really held up. That kind of self-aware, self-questioning writing is rare, and well-appreciated.
#1 - Amending Fences #2 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark #3 - Tanks for the Memories
SweetAI Belle: My first pick was kinda obvious to me. Amending Fences was great, sorta brought us back to the core of the show, and back to the start of it, too! Picking others was hard, but I kept coming back to the Crusaders of the Lost Mark. Good music, Diamond gets redeemed, and cutie marks! Number three was a tie between several, but Rainbow reading to Tank at the end of this episode really stood out, so I’m going with that. Both the episodes I reviewed were really good, though!
#1 - Tanks for the Memories #2 - Princess Spike #3 - Slice of Life
The Sexy Assistant: Obviously my third pick falls into the pandering category, and as an artist I enjoy having plenty of new ideas and concepts in my head about characters that the show doesn’t often visit. It was hard not to choose The Cutie Re-mark, but I resisted favouring the laughs. Tanks for the Memories wasn’t as tear jerking as the end of BrotherHooves social, but the less said about that episode the better. Princess Spike was my favourite episode because it did so much for Spike and I loved the whole arc of the story. It seemed well paced and the setup was perfect for me.
#1 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark #2 - Amending Fences #3 - Slice of Life
Twinkletail: I’ve been a fan of the show since season 1 (my first episode was Feeling Pinkie Keen), and I’ve liked pretty much everything that’s been tossed at me, with the exception of a scant few episodes. That being said, I think season 5 might actually be my favorite season. I know there are people out there who say that the show isn’t what it used to be, but I honestly feel that it’s just been getting better and better, and with the sheer number of great episodes this season, it’s hard to beat for me.
#1 - Rarity Investigates! #2 - Crusaders of the Lost Mark #3 - Amending Fences
Wolfcape: This was a good season for me! I particularly enjoyed some forms of continuity thrown in here and there, and the willingness of the writers to take a few chances here and there. There were ups and downs, but when they were up, they’re pretty good & enjoyable! I’m especially happy they took a leap of faith and gave the CMC their marks. Well done! Onwards!
So many great episodes! But which one was the absolute best?
S05EP09 Slice of Life (11) S05EP13 Do Princesses Dream of Magic Sheep? (9) S05EP15 Rarity Investigates! (8) S05EP01+02 The Cutie Map (7) S05EP05 Tanks for the Memories (7) S05EP08 The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone (7) S05EP24 The Mane Attraction (3) S05EP10 Princess Spike (2) S05EP20 Hearthbreakers (1) S05EP21 Scare Master (1)
Do you agree with our list? Yes, no, maybe so? What was your favorite episode/character/place/song/moment of Season 5? What was missing and should be included in Season 6? Let us know in the comments below!
My favorite episode is lost treasure of Griffonstone because we get to see more griffons and their new design.
The only thing I see missing is Dragon Lair, dragon territory. An episode about that would fit great into the map quest and give Spike a role. He have a seat next to Twilight for a reason. We already have one episode that focus on a non-pony society with the griffons so why not with the dragons. Another thing to mention, is this could be a great opportunity to see the teenage dragons again.
3613153 The Griffonstone episode was great as well! I had it in my Top 5 along with Slice of Life and the ones I mentioned in the blog. I also agree that more episodes about other races would be a great way to keep the series fresh. Aside from dragons, I think I'd like to learn more about minotaurs and whatever we call the ponies living under the sea the most. I would also say changelings, but I think I enjoy my headcanon too much.
Hmm, that's tough. I have to say that season five so far is my favorite season. Heck, there aren't even any episodes I really dislike. Some 'meh' or just okay episodes, but nothing I would really complain about. {Maybe Appleloosa's Most Wanted, but eh.} It was just that good. As for my favorite three, well, I don't include season premiers or finales in my list since they have more time to grow and are usually supposed to be more epic.
With them: Cutie Re-Mark Cutie Map Amending Fences
Being a bit more fair: Amending Fences Slice of Life Canterlot Boutique
The first two aren't that puzzling. Amending Fences really hit home with me and it was just a good emotionally driven episode. Slice of Life was just so much fun and honestly was a breath of fresh air. I do wish they would expand on the minor characters more, since the series kind of has a 'limited' lane of sight for just our main cast most of the time. The third one might be more out there, since I see a lot of people aren't too thrilled by it. I personally found that episode really memorable and as an author, I know a bit about how she feels and also voiced some of my concerns when I actually try and get my own novels published.
3614361 Given that Amending Fences placed 2nd in our ranking (though just an inch behind the winning episode), I think I should re-watch it soon. Lots of people across the fandom seem to have enjoyed it for some reason, and I think it's great even if the presented story didn't really move me. Canterlot Boutique, however, now that was something I could relate to. I was hunting for a job back when the episode aired, and the character of Sassy Saddles inspired me greatly to not give up in my search!
3615226 I was actually surprised Amending Fences placed second, considering how I knew lots of people really liked it. It didn't click with me in quite the same way, but even I have to admit it was a pretty sweet ep.
My main problem with Cutie Re-mark was that the rest of the main characters were just cameos, really. Cool cameos, in a lot of cases, but cameos nonetheless. The only one actually involved in the adventures aside from Twilight was Spike, and he didn't exactly do much. That's why I definitely preferred Cutie Map out of the two. They were all together, and they were a proper team. Fluttershy in particular had a real good spot that episode, despite the show usually going in the 'Twilight and Pals' format.
I liked both of them. There was only one ep I outright disliked, and it looks like it didn't make this list. Overall, I'm really happy with this season.
3615259 The season opener did a great job involving the main cast AND showing the both faces of Starlight Glimmer AND making use of the four new characters from Our Town who also got a bit of development (and eventually saved the day). They even squeezed a song into it, thus doing amazing job overall. As for the episodes I didn't like I think there was... five of them? Yeah, something like that.
3615226 Yeah, the themes and the character of Moondancer did personally grab me and if it was just that, I would have still loved this episode, but perhaps not my top billing. Perhaps second. I'm going to be honest, Minuette helped win me over to making this episode my favorite. You have to admit, she was just so adorable and upbeat. I just wanted to hug her so much and I can't wait to see more of her. The same with Sassy, another great character that honestly deserves more appreciation.
My favorite episode is lost treasure of Griffonstone because we get to see more griffons and their new design.
The only thing I see missing is Dragon Lair, dragon territory. An episode about that would fit great into the map quest and give Spike a role. He have a seat next to Twilight for a reason. We already have one episode that focus on a non-pony society with the griffons so why not with the dragons. Another thing to mention, is this could be a great opportunity to see the teenage dragons again.
3613153
The Griffonstone episode was great as well! I had it in my Top 5 along with Slice of Life and the ones I mentioned in the blog. I also agree that more episodes about other races would be a great way to keep the series fresh. Aside from dragons, I think I'd like to learn more about minotaurs and whatever we call the ponies living under the sea the most. I would also say changelings, but I think I enjoy my headcanon too much.
3613283 there are multiple types of ponies living under the sea . kelpie,sirens,mermares, and hippocampus.
Hmm, that's tough. I have to say that season five so far is my favorite season. Heck, there aren't even any episodes I really dislike. Some 'meh' or just okay episodes, but nothing I would really complain about. {Maybe Appleloosa's Most Wanted, but eh.} It was just that good. As for my favorite three, well, I don't include season premiers or finales in my list since they have more time to grow and are usually supposed to be more epic.
With them:
Cutie Re-Mark
Cutie Map
Amending Fences
Being a bit more fair:
Amending Fences
Slice of Life
Canterlot Boutique
The first two aren't that puzzling. Amending Fences really hit home with me and it was just a good emotionally driven episode. Slice of Life was just so much fun and honestly was a breath of fresh air. I do wish they would expand on the minor characters more, since the series kind of has a 'limited' lane of sight for just our main cast most of the time. The third one might be more out there, since I see a lot of people aren't too thrilled by it. I personally found that episode really memorable and as an author, I know a bit about how she feels and also voiced some of my concerns when I actually try and get my own novels published.
3614361
Given that Amending Fences placed 2nd in our ranking (though just an inch behind the winning episode), I think I should re-watch it soon. Lots of people across the fandom seem to have enjoyed it for some reason, and I think it's great even if the presented story didn't really move me. Canterlot Boutique, however, now that was something I could relate to. I was hunting for a job back when the episode aired, and the character of Sassy Saddles inspired me greatly to not give up in my search!
3615226 I was actually surprised Amending Fences placed second, considering how I knew lots of people really liked it. It didn't click with me in quite the same way, but even I have to admit it was a pretty sweet ep.
My main problem with Cutie Re-mark was that the rest of the main characters were just cameos, really. Cool cameos, in a lot of cases, but cameos nonetheless. The only one actually involved in the adventures aside from Twilight was Spike, and he didn't exactly do much. That's why I definitely preferred Cutie Map out of the two. They were all together, and they were a proper team. Fluttershy in particular had a real good spot that episode, despite the show usually going in the 'Twilight and Pals' format.
I liked both of them. There was only one ep I outright disliked, and it looks like it didn't make this list. Overall, I'm really happy with this season.
3615259
The season opener did a great job involving the main cast AND showing the both faces of Starlight Glimmer AND making use of the four new characters from Our Town who also got a bit of development (and eventually saved the day). They even squeezed a song into it, thus doing amazing job overall. As for the episodes I didn't like I think there was... five of them? Yeah, something like that.
3616334 Nah, me it was just one. I'm a surprisingly easy guy to please, although I'm somewhat harder to impress.
I did like the finale, just not as much for different reasons. It was still fun.
3615226 Yeah, the themes and the character of Moondancer did personally grab me and if it was just that, I would have still loved this episode, but perhaps not my top billing. Perhaps second. I'm going to be honest, Minuette helped win me over to making this episode my favorite. You have to admit, she was just so adorable and upbeat. I just wanted to hug her so much and I can't wait to see more of her. The same with Sassy, another great character that honestly deserves more appreciation.
She sure is!
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