Thoughts on The Maud Couple · 2:42am Apr 3rd, 2018
*sigh* The annual Maud episode. Joy. 
Here we go...
Hey, remember back in the day, when Tommy's Blog was still new, and I didn't have an official ship for Tomato because he wasn't ready yet? I remember when I allowed "open shipping season" and the first ship that popped up was with Maud (because Pinkie Pie's sister + Cheese Sandwich's brother = valid ship for that person; never mind that I don't even like Maud). I don't ever think they'd work, because they'd end up boring each other and Maud might creep Tomato out. Heck, I didn't think Maud could be shipped...
...and then this episode aired.
So, first off, and this might come as a bit of a shock, but I actually don't hate Mudbriar. In fact, I think I kind of like him! Yeah, I know, outside of being similar to Maud, he's also kind of abrasive and condescending and awkward. Still, I think I'm only person who finds him more tolerable than Maud (maybe because he doesn't have a grating monotone, is generally more expressive, and gosh darn it he has the Cheese Sandwich model, you know I get unnecessarily excited over that!). And somehow, he made Maud more tolerable to watch! Would've thunk that giving Maud a boyfriend would make her more tolerable for me?
Also, dare I say it, they make an adorable couple. I especially like that part where Boulder and Twiggy are "playing" together and Maud and Mud are just watching them like proud parents. Let the ship set sail!
...at this point, you're probably wondering if it's a belated April Fools' joke and contemplating telling me that April Fools' Day was yesterday. While I did miss my chance for a joke because my weekend was crazy busy, I'm telling you that I'm being completely serious here. If there's any April Fools' joke going on, it's the universe pulling a joke on me for giving something Maud-related that I actually like! This is insane! 
And not to mention, I think I take more delight in Pinkie's aggravation over Mudbriar than I should. I think part of why I like this is because I somehow feel validated in seeing Pinkie suffer the way I do whenever I have to put up with a Maud episode and how Pinkie ends up really irritating whenever she indulges in the overblown sister worship.
And the scene with her other sisters teaching her that because Maud sees something she likes in Mudbriar, even though Pinkie can't see it, she should tolerate him for Maud's sake? Heh, I wanted Pinkie's other sisters in the spotlight for some time after Hearthbreakers, and this was beautiful. It's nice to see Limestone taking the big sister role in teaching Pinkie, with Marble silently prodding her into it. These two were great, I want more of them.
Also, random scene with the opposite Mane Six heads. "I never learned to read!" 
But, all in all, I found it a decent episode. Not exactly mind-blowingly amazing (that searching-for-Maud scene could have been replaced with a better scene of Pinkie trying to get along with Mudbriar, despite her dislike), but it stands well enough.
Also... I now need a picture or fanfic of Cheese Sandwich meeting Mudbriar. Somebody, hop to it!
Yes, I know I have a certain fanfic where they could interact, as soon-to-be brothers-in-law. I should get back to that.
Y’know, I kinda liked him, too. I don’t quite hate Maud, like you do, but she does annoy me. Mudbriar was hilarious to me, though.
I’m actually not surprised you like him. The fact he had quirks and a bit more personality than Maud actually made him tolerable, and I could totally see you liking him for that.