Doctor Perseus Reviews: "Gauntlet of Fire" *SPOILERS* · 9:42pm Apr 16th, 2016
In this week's episode of MLP, Spike, along with every other dragon, is summoned to the Dragon Lands by the Dragon Lord to compete for the honor of becoming the next Dragon Lord. While hesitant at first, Spike decides to compete in order to prevent any bloodthirsty dragons from becoming the next Dragon Lord...
This was an episode that I was fairly uneasy about given the last Spike-centered episode wasn't all that great. This only makes it all the more ironic that the episode I was nervous about the most has become my favorite episode of Season 6 thus far. So, yeah, I really liked this episode.
Spike definitely got a lot of time to shine in this episode. This episode could have very easily been another "Spike is unsure of himself" story. Instead, it's about Spike bravely putting himself in danger so that he can ensure the safety of his friends back in Equestria all the while teaching some friendship lessons to someone else. And speaking of that someone else, Princess Ember was an incredibly likable new character. I liked the friendship she formed with Spike and, while predictable, it was nice to see her become the new Dragon Lord in the end. This is a character that I really hope we see again in at least one more episode before MLP ends (whenever that time comes). And, in case you're curious, I am totally shipping Spike and Ember from now on. 
Twilight and Rarity also had some enjoyable moments throughout the episode as Spike's support. I'm sure it may annoy some with how easily Twilight and Rarity were able to follow Spike and Ember throughout the gauntlet, but I think that in itself is supposed to be a joke. Besides, it doesn't take rocket science for one to form their own theories about unicorn teleportation, flight, or some other answer.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Garble again. But is it just me or did his voice sound different here compared to how he sounded back in Season 2? Whatever. Following in the footsteps of Flim and Flam, Garble doesn't join the growing list of reformed MLP villains. However, unlike Flim and Flam, he does receive some pretty satisfying comeuppance at the end. And, while brief, I enjoyed the quick conversation between Twilight, Celestia, and Luna before the main plot kicked in. Though, it would be nice if we got to see more of the side of the Royal Sisters we saw back in Slice of Life. This is why I think we need an episode focused solely on Celestia and Luna at some point. These are two characters, Celestia especially, who could use some much-needed character development.
This was definitely a great sequel episode that far surpassed its predecessor (and this is coming from someone who liked Dragon Quest). It was very interesting learning more about the culture of dragons. Again, I hope we get to see more of the dragons and Dragon Lord Ember in the future. Also, I really liked the reference to The Gift of the Maud Pie with Rarity being inspired to call her new line of camouflage clothing "Camomaud".
Overall, Gauntlet of Fire was an incredibly pleasant surprise and a pretty solid Spike episode overall.
Next week will sadly be devoid of ponies. Two weeks from now, MLP will return with No Second Prances!
What did the rest of you think of Gauntlet of Fire?
Have yet to see it, but sounds great from what I've been hearing. Hey, I hate to ask this cause I think it makes me sound desperate but can you come and take a quick look at my Doctor Who story "Once A Time Lord Now a Pony" and see what you think of it? You don't have to, but I would like your opinion on it.
Yeah, me too.
I mean, Sparity had it's charm because I know what's like to be in an unrequited relationship. 
Eyup. 
I've totally been there. 
Nope. He was voiced both times by Vincent Tong. Same guy who does our good ole' friend Flash Sentry.
I too very much enjoyed this episode. I go all into detail as to why in my own review.
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I'll give it a look when I get a chance.
Sure!
3877044 Thanks!
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Huh. I could have sworn that he sounded different. Granted, it has been a while since I last watched Dragon Quest. It just feels like his voice was a bit deeper this time around.
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I suppose you could make the argument that Vincent Tong was simply out of practice doing Garble since it has been 4 years/seasons since he first voiced the character. BTW, aside from Garble and Flash Sentry, he also provides the voices of Prince Blueblood, Doughnut Joe and Sandalwood. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
But speaking of Garble, I'm guessing him not getting reformed by the end of the episode was a breath of fresh air for you since, like you mentioned in your review of The Mane Attraction, the show has lately been following a trend of reforming its villains, and it was just so relieving to have a past antagonist still be a bad guy. Am I right?