Friendship is Card Games: Better Together, Season 2, Part 3 · 11:41am Jul 7th, 2019
With nothing new in the hopper (in the US, anyway,) it’s time to start tackling the EqG short backlog. Let’s see what four months has produced:
Hmm. How did I put it back when I looked at the first half of this one?
All told, a cute little scene of Fluttershy working her way into her comfort zone and out of her shell… though I worry that next Friday’s short might end up being a continuation of this one. I suppose we’ll find out soon enough. There will certainly be time for at least one more shorts blog before Season 9 premieres at some point next month.
Yeah, hindsight’s a female dog. (Indeed, it’s one of my favorite choices for naming a female dog, right up there with Karma and Gravity.)
Nice touch with the camera being out of focus at first.
Applejack, the competitors don’t have opposable thumbs. I don’t think there can be too many juggling acts.
I sincerely hope Fluttershy was mugging for the camera when discussing Gummy.
I know I’ve discussed it before, but JVJ-24601 is still a brilliant stealth Les Mis reference. Also, way to bring the robot to the depths of despair, AJ.
I have several questions regarding the tortoise-dog romance.
Apparently Apple Bloom and Winona don’t even get a participation ribbon.
Huh. Ironically enough, stealing bread actually solved JVJ-24601’s problems.
It is a shame that a two-parter ended up this stretched out, but it was wonderful seeing Fluttershy open up as much as she does by the end of it.
Hmm. A new school year. Well, that’s a concrete point in a very fluid timeline.
Also, Principal Celestia got a very classy tech upgrade over the summer break.
Bulk Biceps works disturbingly well as a Greco-Roman god. Microchips seems more interested in working out the design for his toasterbot, which leads me to believe the pet show happens after this.
Twilight Sparkle in a non-AP class? This is clearly the highest form of madness. (Also, no on-screen teachers mean that Mr. Discord is still potentially canon.)
Yeah, the thing about having a bunch of friendship magic users in your school is that they’re going to make a lot of very specific schedule demands.
Of course, the smart thing would be for the girls to compare schedules while they were still in the principal’s office, but then this would be even shorter.
Seeing Snails assault nails with a wrench is painful, but it’s still more technically adept than I’ve ever been.
I’m pretty sure if they just let Pinkie think Advanced Physics was PE, she’d figure out the nature of dark energy.
Huh. Celestia’s watching Applejack’s DIY videos. Maybe she was the one skipping ahead in that short.
Also, I do wonder how awkward it is for Sunset to see the principal. She’s probably disassociated the Celestias on an intellectual level, but on an emotional one?
Ooh, science party. It’s like the different aspects of my personality trying to work with one another.
I do love the background sprinkle explosion during that opening conversation.
Huh. Looks like Twilight based her Crystal Prep-era hairstyle off of Rosette Nebula. I guess that’s a thing bookhorses do with those they admire. (cf. Moondancer.)
I can empathize with Twilight’s anxiety far too well. This is why I try not to bother community guests at conventions.
I appreciate how Bulk is here in his glorious pink tuxedo shorts. As is Best Human.
Bless Pinkie, she’s trying. (
“Who could possibly be nervous with a balloon hat?”)
Say what you will, Timber is a good friend.
I do appreciate Pinkie providing the statue of Star Swirl with a suitably sized party hat.
I’m not sure what makes the cake atomic chocolate, and I’m frankly afraid to ask. Especially since the actual cake is yellow, which makes me think that the atoms in question are uranium.
Timber is a very good friend. I like to think he pulled Pinkie aside after the party cannon so they could coordinate an approach that would actually work for Twilight.
I can’t help but wonder if Twilight considered demonstrating her telekinesis in front of Rosette. It’d certainly be a fascinating topic of conversation.
And on the topic of stars and Pinkie not being able to read the room…
Screech validates my Bland Name Product approach to IPs in the human world. This pleases FanOfMostEverything.
Well. That’s not the voice I expected for Fleur. Also, it bothers me that both girls ordered the same thing, yet their sandwiches look completely different and have different sides. It’s kind of fascinating how the animators managed to put in more effort than they should have; that very rarely comes up.
Pretty sure this woman is our first canon griffon analogue.
Pinkie, I’m pretty sure Sunset’s still using that journal. And would very much like to know how you got it.
Twilight, meanwhile, has learned to just go with the flow. This isn’t even the first time Pinkie’s used her as a gift to a diner customer in canon, having used her to help Flash with math in “Pinkie Pie: Snack Psychic.)
Other gifts include a Camp Everfree kayak, a plush llama, a jar of fireflies, the parakeet that drove Twilight and Sunset to distraction in “Rollercoaster of Friendship,” and a freaking treasure chest.
Screech can’t be a very good review service if no one can actually provide context for their star ratings. A simple “The waitress wouldn’t leave me alone” would’ve prevented so much aggravation.
Yeah, definitely a griffon.
At first I thought Dash said, “I have… plant.” Which is honestly so much funnier. You know you’re bad at coming up with excuses when you can’t even think of a complete sentence.
Huh. Well, that’s Dash confirmed for having a motorcycle. No word on Sunset.
Oh dear. Leaving Rarity out of the proceedings. Do you want Nightmare Rarities? Because this is how you get Nightmare Rarities.
I love how absolutely no one else reacts to Rarity’s histrionics. Diamond Tiara’s on her phone, The Crusaders are used to it, and Sandalwood and Microchips are apparently to consumed by their bromance.
I also like the taxi driver’s reaction to Rarity’s commands. “Eh, sure, you’re the one paying the fare.”
Rarity apparently donned a shawl and sunglasses during the ride. I see no issues with this.
Hmm. Wrought-iron fence in front of Rarity’s house. Very nice.
There is a lot one could read into that unicorn profile above what I’m assuming is Rarity’s walk-in closet/engagement present from Applejack.
I do appreciate Pinkie popping up behind Rarity and then just casually stepping out of hyperspace.
They all know Rarity’s full of crap. She knows they know. But no one’s going to say anything, because friendship.
Mind you, she’s probably going to be teased mercilessly for the next few weeks. Again, because friendship. 
No.
Alright, I suppose I can go into a bit more detail: I am glad this exists, because every number system needs a zero. I can look at this and think to myself, “No matter what other G4 media does, I can know it can’t possibly be as bad as ‘I’m on a Yacht.’”
Moving on.
We got a brief glimpse inside Dash’s locker in “FOMO,” but here we can get a much better look. Largely what I expect, including a Daring Do poster… but the sandwich concerns me. Especially since this appears to be the end of the school day. How long has that thing been in there?
It’s fascinating to see how Dash perceives the world while using her magic. This does appear to be a change, but it feels like one brought on through refining her abilities rather than a simple retcon. She’s developed her abilities from physical speed to altering her perception of time, and it’s awesome. I’m just glad her magic also seems to preserve other objects from what is incredible acceleration from most people’s reference frames.
She’s apparently also refined her magic to the point where she can sprout wings at will. This is getting awfully close to the Oversaturated World, at least for Miss Pegasus Aspect here.
Again, a very good thing no one experiences the G-forces they should when Dash channels Wally West.
Okay, not sure how I should treat the literal double rainboom. I suppose it’s fine as long as Dash doesn’t find herself in the city of Townsville.
In all, these are what they’ve always been, interesting bits of narrative popcorn from the human world. Other than “I’m on a Yacht,” which is dreck of the highest order, but again, even dreck has its place. Hopefully not the same place as this week’s cards:
Magus of the Tower W
Creature — Human Wizard
At the beginning of your upkeep, you gain X life, where X is the number of cards in your hand minus 4.
Wizards seek towers to distance themselves from worldly concerns, allowing them to pursue knowledge unhindered.
1/1
Reschedule 1W
Instant
Target player skips their next combat phase this turn.
4RR, Exile Reschedule from your graveyard: Untap all creatures that attacked this turn. After this main phase, there is an additional combat phase followed by an additional main phase. Activate this ability only any time you could cast a sorcery.
Apotheosis 3W
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature you control
Enchanted creature gets +3/+3, has indestructible, and is a God enchantment in addition to its other types.
As long as your devotion to enchanted creature’s colors is less than six, enchanted creature can’t attack or block. (Each mana symbol of those colors in the mana costs of permanents you control counts towards your devotion to them.)
Advanced Placement 1U
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature can’t be blocked if you have more cards in hand than defending player.
Whenever enchanted creature deals combat damage to a player, draw a card.
Crystal Prep left Twilight more knowledgeable than most of her new teachers.
Acrobatic Juggling 1U
Enchantment
Whenever a creature enters the battlefield under your control, you may return another creature you control to its owner’s hand.
“If I have to look at one more bowling pin, I’m going to be sick.”
—Applejack
Polished Chassis 1U
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant artifact or creature you control
Enchanted permanent has hexproof.
As long as enchanted permanent is a creature, it gets +1/+1.
If you can see yourself, you can’t see the mirror.
Celestial Society 2UU
Creature — Human Scientist
If a spell or ability would cause you to draw cards, you draw that many cards plus one instead.
Planes with little magic find other ways to understand the world around them.
2/3
Misplaced Generosity 1B
Instant
Destroy target creature. That creature’s controller creates two Treasure tokens. (They’re artifacts with “T, Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color.”)
“Sorry, I couldn’t see it behind the cake.”
Critical Loner 2B
Creature — Human Rogue
B, T: Draw a card. You lose 1 life for each other creature you control.
“You want a tip? Don’t eat lead.”
2/2
Soul Not Found 2B
Instant
Target creature gets -3/-3 until end of turn. If it’s an artifact creature, it gets -5/-5 until end of turn instead.
”Have you ever seen a robot cry itself to sleep? It’s not pretty.”
—Twilight Sparkle
Rainbow Rider 1R
Creature — Human Knight
Whenever Rainbow Rider attacks, it gets +1/+0 until end of turn for each color among permanents you control.
Her steed may drink gasoline, but it’s no less distinguished in battle.
0/3
Surly Hound 1R
Creature — Hound
Whenever Surly Hound is dealt damage, it deals that much damage to you.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if the attitude problem began with the pet or the owner.
3/2
Hired Cab 2R
Creature — Human Mercenary
Haste
3: Untap and gain control of Hired Cab. Any player may activate this ability but only any time they could cast a sorcery.
“Fare’s fare.”
3/3
“Run to Break Free” 2R
Enchantment — Song
At the beginning of your upkeep, put a verse counter on “Run to Break Free”.
2R, Sacrifice “Run to Break Free”: Put up to X creature cards from your hand onto the battlefield, where X is the number of verse counters on “Run to Break Free”. They gain haste. Sacrifice them at the beginning of the next end step.
Wood Shop Wastrel 2R
Creature — Human Rigger
When Wood Shop Wastrel enters the battlefield, you may sacrifice a land. If you do, Wood Shop Wastrel assembles a Contraption. (Put the top card of your Contraption deck face up onto one of your sprockets.)
“There’s plenty more where that came from.”
3/1
Histrionic Outburst 2RR
Instant
Until end of turn, each creature you control gains “Whenever this creature is dealt damage, it deals that much damage to target opponent or planeswalker.”
After she sent the entire geology club to the nurse’s office, Rarity admitted she could be a bit shrill.
Ignite Passion 4R
Sorcery
Gain control of target creature until end of turn. Untap that creature. It gets +X/-X and gains haste until end of turn, where X is its toughness minus 1.
Rainbow Dash can motivate just about anyone.
Gossiping Tortoise 1GG
Creature — Turtle
When Gossiping Tortoise enters the battlefield, draw a card.
“It’s all so interesting. This must be how Rarity feels all the time.”
—Fluttershy
1/4
Sudden Salvation 2G
Instant
Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can’t cast spells or activate abilities that aren’t mana abilities.)
Creatures you control gain hexproof and indestructible until end of turn.
Rainbow Dash’s heroics defy physics, much less belief.
Inscrutable Plushie 4
Artifact Creature — Construct
Hexproof
In its knotted eyes lurk thoughts deeper than any toy should ever contemplate.
2/2
Awe-Inspiring Intellect 2WU
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature
When Awe-Inspiring Intellect enters the battlefield, draw a card.
Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 for each card in its controller’s hand.
“She’s everything I want to be.”
—Twilight Sparkle
Party Cannonade 4(rg)
Instant
Put a +1/+1 counter on each creature you control if G was spent to cast Party Cannonade. It deals 2 damage to each creature with no counters on it if R was spent to cast it. (Do both if RG was spent.)
And you thought glitter got everywhere.
I'm convinced the only reason "I'm on a Yacht" exists is because someone at DHX really wanted this and so they just left it up to the fandom to do the "dirty work."
(Strong language warning!)
Makes it 1000% better!
Ah yes, the old "my horse is a motorcycle" trope. Well, at least as old as motorcycles, anyway.
Don't you worry, JVJ “hugs bot” Don't forget that you got 3rd Place out of no place at all. That proves you count
Ever heard of star-crossed lovers? Enjoy the unbearable cuteness :3
Great minds think alike
I'm not a betting person, but if I were, I'd say that she keeps that shawl in her backpack for situations just like this ;)
Also, I'm gonna assume that there was a Fainting Couch waiting for her the second she walked in through the front door.
This whole song and Dash's general antics shown both here and elsewhere make me think that she's more of a Time Player than Breath or Blood
Twilight Under the Stars was PERFECT :)
I might not ship Twilight and Timber, but I do agree: he IS a good friend
Also. Is no one gonna talk about Sunset, Flash, and Timber talking together?
I assume this is meant as "lose a life for each other dude you have, then draw a card?" It's hard to tell if it's that or if it's supposed to draw you as many cards as you have guys which would be busted as hell for that cost. Maybe make them two separate phrases or put the life loss first?
"B, T: You lose 1 life for each other creature you control, then draw a card" or "B, T: Draw a card. You lose 1 life for each other creature you control."
I'm on a Yacht is one of those things that gets better the more you watch it. It's just so wonderfully silly and I think the people hating on it are just showing their age (and this is coming from someone in their late 20's who hated it the first time they watched it).
5085393
I'm On A Yacht is, by pretty much any objective measure you care to apply, terrible. It's very annoying, the rapping is embarrassing (and in Rarity's case actively cringeworthy), the bit with Spike feels like the absolute nadir of G4.
But it's also absurdly catchy. It's constantly stuck in my head, to the point where I frequently find myself humming it. It's fun. And because of that I no longer hate it.
Also the bit where Fluttershy wiggles her toes at the camera is a thing that happenedI don't think I've heard you be negative before. And you found something nice to say about being the worst.
Also, did Twilight do the Batushi?
How does Apotheosis interact with artifact creatures?
Separately, no niche cases of goddifying a zombified off-color fatty to be the most roundabout pacifism ever?
5085385
Well, she did have a lot of outfits when searching for a costume for Twilight.
5085377
The name's a bit of a tipoff when it comes to the "set 'em up and let the fans knock 'em down" hypothesis. And that is far more than ten times better.
5085382
I don't get to make many Knights given the whole "they're already horses" issue, so I'm open to any example of a character riding something.
5085385
Well, there was, but the others shoved it into the Rarijack closet so there was room for everyone.
"Gentlemen, I propose a contest for the lovely lady's hand."
"I'm not interested in that Twilight."
"I'm not comfortable with objectifying her as a prize to be won."
"Look, I need some background drama to spice up my game streaming, and Twilight thought a love quadrangle would help."
5085390
Good catch on the ambiguity. I went with the latter.
5085393
I respect your opinion and am pleased to hear you enjoy the video. But I do not have the capacity to enjoy anything that turns Spike into the rapping Scottish terrier from that one animated Titanic movie.
5085420
I have excoriated a few of the more heinous comics, but this is definitely the most negativity I've put into a review. Or, in this case, the deliberate lack of one.
Also, the Watusi was definitely involved. It's only the Batusi when Adam West does it.
5085422
Divine colorless creatures can never attack or block, since there's no way to show devotion to them. (Devotion to colorless is theoretically possible by looking for Cs, just like devotion to snow or to Phyrexia, but this specifically looks for the creature's colors.)
Also, the card is wordy enough as it is. Accounting for the niche case (i.e. the extra verbiage to make sure it's looking at the creature's controller's devotion) seemed like a bit much.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't like "I'm On a Yacht." And I apparently missed FOMO when it happened, so thanks for the link.
Yeeeaah, unless that is the pun she was going for 'yellowcake'.
Speed Force, just chalk it all up to the Speed Force. It's pretty much magic anyway.
5085429
I'd actually managed to expunge that bit from my memory and you brought it right back again.
I had kinda assumed everyone but me would like I'm On A Yacht, so I'm rather gratified to discover everyone agrees it's horrible. It... I mean, it has a couple of fun background moments. And it is annoyingly catchy. But those don't stop it being horrible.
The "engagement present" fanon characterisation of the boudoir is highly appealing to me (obviously), but I'm startled at how widespread it's become. Where did it start, do you know?
As for the cards:
Reschedule really wants to be an aftermath splitback card, doesn't it? Is it just that you didn't want to give it two names? The flavour is very nice, anyway.
Acrobatic Juggling seems a lot cheaper than Equilibrium. Also than Cloudstone Curio but that one's generic and works on Auras too. (And, whoa, also on Planeswalkers...)
Nice work on the very recent modern wording for creating Treasure tokens.
Also nice work with the pun in Hired Cab. Ow.
Wow, Ignite Passion is fascinating and rather potent. Lovely design.
And I love the flavour elements of so many of these as usual, particularly including Fluttershy's insight into Rarity's psyche on Gossiping Tortoise. And Soul Not Found is beautifully poignant.
5085429
You've been putting these on derpibooru? Well now I have to go looking! And I like Rainbow Knight. My own headcanon is that Sunset rides a nice scooter rather than a motorcycle, though she might get a car later.
I almost wonder if Rosette Nebula is in any way linked to the Pretty Rhythm third series, Pretty Rhythm Rainbow Live. One of Belle's jumps is the Rosette Nebula.
It amuses me that everyone hates "I'm on a Yacht" as much as they do. It's just such a ridiculous thing in general. I mean, I agree that it's terrible by most objective measures, but it's just so absolutely hilarious that I can't stay mad at it.
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Come on, look at it. That is the single greatest frame of any EG-related media in this entire franchise. It perfectly encapsulates everything stupid and wonderful about this series, and just looking at it makes me giggle. This is peak Equestria Girls. Nothing will ever top this.
5100726
I hate the fact that I can't disagree with you.