Episode Spoilers {The Break Up Break Down}

Nick Confalone you have actually done it. You have actually made a misunderstanding induced break up episode enjoyable. I'll be honest, when I heard this synopsis I thought this episode was going to suck. Conflicts created out of misunderstandings might be enjoyable but 9 times out of 10 they are unbearable to watch. It's either because it's really awkward, mean spirited, or the conflicts would be fixed if the characters just TALKED to each other. So I sort of put off watching this episode until Monday. I'm really glad I finally got to watch it because this episode is surprisingly good.

Now let's do a run down, shall we?

The episode basically is about Big Macintosh trying to woo Sugar Belle and take her to a little get together in his barn. I see he doesn't want to waste anytime~ So while he's doing that, the CMC are going about and fixing up the barn for him. Lo and behold, the pie he makes accidentally goes to her. I have to really talk about this first before I get into the rest of the episode.

First of all, it's nice to see Discord hanging out with Spike and Big Mac. Seeing the three interact was fun to see and honestly does help to build Discord up from his 'go alone' sort of mantra he had. I noticed that this episode actually teased Fluttercord. No seriously, Spike teases it when he tries to get Discord to admit that he's not just going to Fluttershy's house for tea. To which Discord remarks that he really does like tea. You can take this either way. I'm not much of a Fluttercord shipper myself, still lean more towards Applecord or Dislestia but still. I'm sure those shippers loved it.

Secondly, the postal system of Equestria is... wonky. Apparently they use cutie marks as a means of identification and address when delivering boxes. Given the fact that a number of ponies have similar or nearly identical cutie marks, this system is doomed to failure every which way you slice it. It doesn't help that Ditzy Doo and her colleagues messed up the visage due to smearing the ink. This is why we use pencils, people. You can't smear it around.

So anyways, long story short, the episode mostly focuses on Big Mac's feelings, Sweetie Belle trying to find out who her secret admirer is, and Spike trying to teach Discord about love. Now with three storylines, you would think this episode would flop. There is no way you could give all three the story time that they need to develop them. I mean, the misunderstanding doesn't happen till the second act and only about twelve minutes into the episode does the break up happen or so. Yet they all work.

Sweetie Belle's story works because it honestly didn't need a lot of time to it. She gets Big Mac's present by mistake, spends some time looking for a crush, and then ends up realizing it was all a misunderstanding. In all honesty, her storyline would not have worked if it was given all the time in the world. There isn't much you can do with this type of storyline so having it so short really works and sells the whole thing. It's cute.

Spike and Discord are a funny duo. There isn't a lot to their subplot but that's a good thing. It's mostly there for comedy and that's fine with me.

Big Mac and Sugar Belle's problem, well... it just works. There's just enough time dedicated to it. Big Mac crying over the misunderstanding wasn't dragged on for too long so it was still funny and sympathetic to watch. Then we have the episode have Big Mac, after blowing up at Sweetie Belle (who took it surprisingly well. She's really become mature), and then deciding to actually explain his reasoning. Which... was refreshing to be honest. Having the two talk about what was wrong and coming to an understanding really helped sell their relationship. Which I have to say, is really adorable. Honestly I hope we get an episode where they actually get to have a lot of screen time together because this and the other didn't always give them a lot of time to do that.

Also, nice way of Discord helping BIg Mac by dismantling Sugar's wheel. It's another point to show that he's come a long way from his old habits even if he sort of didn't help the problem earlier.

The only minor complaint I have with this episode is that the morals of Sweetie and Big Mac's problems were said out loud. A bit too on the nose, but eh. They didn't last long, only a few seconds, so its only a minor complaint. Everything else in this episode was golden. It had good comedy, heartwarming moments, and just really sold me on the couple Big Mac and Sugar Belle which I was still trying to decide whether I like or not. I like it now.

I hope you all enjoyed it as well and until next time, take care.

Comments

[The dragon hunter]

The fact that Spike's absurd theory turned out to be true was simply hilarious, while the scenes with Discord were pure gold, as usual (from now on, I'll start leeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaning against things just like him )

And let's not forget about the new waifu star of the show: Skellinore!
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[Tarbtano]

Just saw this last night with Faithy, so happy to hear you enjoyed it too bud! It's comforting to see that over half a decade later and numerous changes in staff, writers, and animation teams, the show can still deliver in all the right ways.