Favorite Episode Countdown #6 - Gauntlet of Fire · 10:14pm Mar 18th, 2018
Gauntlet of Fire
What? What?! WHAT?!
That was my reaction upon seeing this episode (and the head to toe, Ember-filled feature box immediately afterward). We got an episode exploring dragon culture and introducing entirely new dragon characters. Those two things hadn't been done in just about 5 years.
Holy crap.
So, let's get down to why this episode was awesome, shall we?
First things first, this was the first look we've had in a long time about dragons. Sure, we get Spike quite a bit, but a straight-up dragon themed episode... yeah, that never happens. But in this episode, we learn about their hierarchy, their nature, and their culture as a whole. It added more fanfiction fuel than I could ever find time to burn. It was a thing of beauty.
Now, let's go to a big one... Ember.
She. Is. Awesome! She's a princess, she's a complex character, she's pretty cute and she's a dragon! And she shares the overall negative view towards ponies, too. Not in a violent way, just in a prideful way, as she firmly believes dragons are superior, as most of them do. Beyond that, though, she opens the door up for so many possibilities in creative media. Fanfiction, artwork, music, the whole shebang. I loved her.
Now, probably my favorite thing was Spike's character progression in this episode. Let me explain.
Spike, although not heroic from beginning to end, didn't run away from his problems. Instead, he took the challenge head-on. It was part of his nature as a dragon to compete in this tournament and he not only did it, but he won! HE WON! Although Ember took over eventually, Spike was the actual victor. Sometimes people forget that.
But that's where his maturity really comes into play. He gave up the scepter to someone else, despite the immense power it would've given him. He knew that he wasn't ready for that position and turned it over. It was awesome to see the writer's take his character in that direction after all the episodes we get that downgrade him.
Anyhow, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode, guys. What did you like about it? What did you hate about it?
I'll see you tomorrow guys with the next episode on the favorites list. What could be number five be?
Peace!
I have a super specific criticism of this episode!
There was too much Twilight and Rarity.
Them following Spike into the Flamecano both took time away from characterizing Ember better, and the climax where Spike was being attacked by Garble was spent them doing nothing, instead of trying to help their friend.
But it definitely added fanfiction fuel, and who can criticize that?
I mean, somebody could.
But I won't.
I did like the episode, though.
FROM THE SILENT HILLS
WE SCREAM LOUD YOUR NAME!
MIGHTY POWER OF THE DRAGONFLAME!
FROM THE MOUNTAINS PROUD AND STRONG,
WE CALL OUR DRAAAAAAAAGOOOOOONLOOOOOORRRRRD!!
I am still the only one making that reference. And it still cheeses me off.
But yeah. Great episode.
That episode was so out of left field, in a good way. Ember was definitely the best new character in a while at the time imo. Great episode.