On Your Marks, various thoughts · 4:29pm Apr 9th, 2016

A nice episode. Not terribly interesting, (trio CMC episodes are nothing new at this point. This developing into a single-character episode mid-point was interesting, but the plot's kind of in different directions and if the story focused on either helping Bulk or helping Tender it would be a bit more orderly I feel)) but enjoyable nonetheless. The type that's precious and entertaining. Well, here be my thoughts;

—I'm hoping that lampshading is a hint for the writer's intentions. That our little fillies will be venturing out on the map's behest or just at all to find problems to solve.
—I see the fillies are growing up and trying new things, that's definitively something to take into account.
—They really channeled Season 2 with this one, I feel. Lesson Zero in particular.
—Oh wow, Zecora's home. What an animation bump!
—The CMC could definitively become more organised. Having nothing concrete to work on doesn't mean you can't have projects. They could become a counselling service whenever they're not actively helping out.
—That scene with the three and the Cake babies was too adorable and so valid~
—Tender Tap is precious, but sadly likely won't be seen again. Still, no husbando material. Which would be weird anyway. VAT why have you got those handcuffs officer
—Ohai, Tree Hugger. I guess she does odd jobs, or maybe just enjoys volunteering for the art class?
—I don't think that dance school has ever been seen in Ponyville before. What else is there in that town? How large even is it?
—What happened to Bulk the masseur?
—Wow, Scootaloo is good with the scooter. Impressive. Conversely, Applebloom, when will you enroll at Celestia's school. Average fillies don't know potion-making.
—Scootaloo, you still need someone with you when going bungee-jumping. Either you're made of steel, or you're silly. This being Equestria, I'm not letting out the former.
—An Applebloom solo, huh. I see what they did there with the harmony, what with feeling left behind and all. What a beautiful performance for a first song this season. On that note, I know how depression works, but you could have gone talk to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon and join them during that cooking class. I REALLY want them to spend some time with the CMC and get lines now that's they're their friends.
—This is the type of situation I've seen many times throughout the series, that I kind of wish they did differently; taking initiative when dealing with someone who has anxiety. There are ways to calm people down and allow them to function. Asking for them to take initiative to calm themselves down won't work. Applebloom, you could have helped Tap a tad when he's barely able to walk on-stage. Talking to him, reminding him it's going to be fine, giving him something else to focus on, being his anchor, those are things you could have done. That's not necessarily a piece of criticism against the episode as a whole, though.
—Sweetie's going to be the best Apple with that crocheting.