Here We Go... · 6:29pm Apr 6th, 2019
So, opening episode of the final season.
I was kind of cringing from the plot summary that was released in advance, although it turned out much better than I'd expected. For most of the show, I felt that the plot had a rushed/perfunctory feel to it, but then somehow my perspective changed, and I saw it as stylized and formal. I enjoyed it more from that point onward.
Did I actually hear Grogar say that Gusty had rung the bell in the G1 episode? IIRC it was Northstar, Windwhistler's BFF if not actual girlfriend. Gusty was a unicorn, and couldn't have reached it. It's interesting to have confirmation that modern-day Equestria is the same place that was once Ponyland.
I love Grogar's overall design, although his horns look weird. They've saved the best for last. Each of the other G1 villains had at least some redeeming feature, even if (as in the case of Tirek) it wasn't much. Grogar was flat out evil, and immensely powerful.
I can easily imagine Rainbow Dash leading a charge with an axe, screaming like a berserker. And I love that Applejack fights the encroaching wilderness with a plough. That was an absolutely inspired touch.
I liked "Everypony is all evilly... :("
There was a lot of failure to follow established canon, most particularly in the first battle against King Sombra. When Tirek blew up the library, almost killing Owlowicious in the process, Twilight counterattacked like the Princess of Violence. I can't imagine she'd do less when literally everyone she loves is threatened. I have trouble imagining Sombra standing against that for more than a few seconds before catching fire and disintegrating. They redeemed that slightly in the second battle, but shouldn't have had to to begin with.
Lastly:
In the first episode, when Twilight hung limply in the air like a scruffed kitten, and her eyes slowly opened, and the sun shone from them, I literally shivered. I was hooked at that point. I'd been liking it better and better up to then, but that sealed it for me. It seems to diminish things for me now that she remains conscious, and can speak and even apparently see while in that state.
Yeah, they have continued to play a little fast and loose with continuity, as has been the case for a few seasons now.* I suppose it's partly losing all the original writers. Still, I enjoyed this on the whole, and it was anything but boring. Agreed about Grogar, too. If he's handled right, he could end up being the most impressive villain in the entire series.
* Though Twilight had four alicorns' magic when she fought Tirek the first time. Not so this time.