Parental Glideance

Friendship is Magic first impressions review: Parental Glideance (s07e07)
by Obake

(SPOILERS!)

I'm torn on this one. There are a lot of admirable things about the episode, and I had fun watching it. But some portions were overplayed and the last third felt bungled, save for the very end.

But first things first, this is another landmark episode in terms of Mane 6 characterization: Rainbow's parents have roles! They are also far different than I was expecting. I envisioned they would be rough-and-tumble; not unloving, but very competitive. Instead, Bow Hothoof (Rainbow's father) and Windy Whistle (her mother) are extremely supportive of everything their daughter does, to a sometimes creepy degree. Rainbow is embarrassed by their enthusiasm, to the point she does not even tell them she's a Wonderbolt. Its a dynamic that works really well, and does not clash with the series prior.

Trouble blooms when Scootaloo interviews Dash's parents for a report, and in turn spills the beans on Dash's position as a Wonderbolt. They show up to the Wonderbolts practice and make a spectacle, cheering so loud they cause turbulence. Dash is mortified, her teammates taking the situation with good humor, and Scootaloo oblivious. Scoot's feelings come into play later.

Bow and Windy continue causing havoc at every turn, cheering Dash on during a hoof signing, sending fireworks into the air at a flying event, and even telling her how well she hangs her towel on a locker (one understands why Dash would refrain from telling them stuff.) Its this last event that pushes Dash over the brink into a fit of rage. She publicly berates them for being too supportive, causing them to run off in tears (but not before complimenting her on how well she did at being hurtful.)

Scootaloo is also mortified, not understanding why Rainbow behaved the way she did. Its here that Dash and Scootaloo have a heart-to-heart, and we learn (in flashback) more about Rainbow's past. Turns out, she was not always a winner, yet her parents cheered her on at everything (even when she only got a participation award.) Even as Dash grew better in competition, her parents never changed. She grew up not appreciating their support. This is in contrast to Scootaloo, who we learn has grown up wishing she had people who supported her. Its a moment that is both heartfelt and yet fails to convey an important aspect of the scene prior: Dash was justified in confronting her parents, just not in how she did it.

But I feel the episode's ending fixes that, with Dash inviting her mom and dad to a private Wonderbolt's show as an apology. The performance is even dedicated to them, causing them to feel a little embarrassed. They realize they can tone down their cheering and still be supportive. Overall, while not perfect, this is still a nice episode, and a breath of levity after last week's outing.

Extras:
-My Filly Forever review mentions how the Crusader's rock sledding was the most dangerous thing they have ever done. This episode tops that, with Scootaloo slingshotting herself from Ponyville into Cloudsdale. Yes, its a cartoon, but if Scootaloo had missed, she would have presumably fallen thousands of feet to her death. Kind of a scary thought.
-One of the things the episode does wrong is having a lot of yelling. Scootaloo is so enamored to meet Dash's parents that she loudly squees for what must be over a minute straight. The episode makes a joke of it with Bow and Windy covering their ears, and the noise shattering commemorative plates. But in an episode with a lot of yelling and shouting in the second half, it could have used less noise in the first.
-The tour of Dash's old room is indicative of her parents devotion. They have baby pictures, and all of the trophies she's won through the years, which is very sweet. There is also a motivational poster with a tortoise, a subtle hint to Dash's affections for Tank. Then there's the diaper she wore when she spoke her first word. I mean, ew. I do love the singing door gag, though, and the episode uses it twice to great effect.
-Dash's favorite childhood food was pasta and potato sandwiches on sour dough bread. Which now I almost feel like trying. Plus the episode makes a good callback to the sandwich at the end.
-One of the best scenes is Scootaloo leading Bow and Windy to the private Wonderbolt show. Scoot's can't help but smile at the compliments they give on her blindfolding skills.
-I also like the ending at the school. Cherilee mentions how she appreciates the effort Scoot's has gone through with her report, yet is so not happy of the cheering from Dash and her parents, who have invaded the classroom. Its a scene that feels justified in being loud and rambunctious.