Ever further into season 9. (Episodes 14-17) · 4:00pm Nov 14th, 2019
The Last Laugh- Not too big on Cheese Sandwich (I like Weird Al but usually in small doses), but this was a solid episode, with Pinkie on good form. Glad they didn't make the factory manager a bad guy, which would've been easy to do, and while the song didn't do much for me the ponies dancing was quite cute! I'm, but shouldn't Pinkie know her life's purpose? Isn't that what a cutie Mark is for? Bah, whatever. 3 out of 5.
2, 4, 6, Greaaat- Strong contender for the worst episode ever. Complete character assassination; I struggle to believe season 1 Rainbow Dash would act like this, let alone after seasons of development! Can't give Smolder credit for taking her to task when they had to destroy her characterization to do it! Dash should know how much work cheerleading takes! Is this Dash's last spotlight episode? Awful, one of the few episodes I'd wipe from canon. Gah, not wasting another moment on this trash. 0 out of 5.
A Trivial Pursuit- Now I know how people are how hated Lesson Zero felt! Characters acting obnoxious (well that's usual for Mud Briar!), Twilight becomes a typical rules lawyer I hated in every role-playing/board game group, and worst of all don't think I even laughed once during the episode. Felt bad for Pinkie...yay? 2 out of 5.
The Summer Sun Setback- Vogel to the rescue! Really liked how all the mane six and Spike were given something to do, the villain interactions continue to be fun, and even Discord was on point rather than being a tired annoyance. 4 out of 5.
Overall weak set of episodes, hope this isn't a trend as I'd rather this show not limp to the finish line...
It was really low for RD to do that. Making Yona and Ocellus cry is the last thing I want to see. Not cool, Dashie!
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I felt it was straight up out of character. Sadly Dash probably has more weak episodes than anyone out of the mane six. (Many of AJ's bore me, but I wouldn't call most of them bad.)
The Last Laugh is one of those episodes that I think is great for what it is, but at the same time I find kind of disappointing BECAUSE of what it is.
2, 4, 6, Greaaat: I actually like this episode a fair bit. Sure it's among the weaker episodes of the season, but I'd watch it over Uprooted and Going to Seed.
As for that complaint about Dash not knowing about cheerleading, there's a difference between cheering and cheerleading.
I actually really relate to Dash in the episode in regards to not being that into doing something you don't want to do, but are forced into.
A Trivial Pursuit: I honestly REALLY love this episode for how over-the-top ridiculous Twilight's facial expressions and behavior is. I'd honestly watch it over other Lesson Zero. It's actually my favorite episode of this set.
Summer Sun Setback: A lot of fun, and my second favorite episode of this set.
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My main problem was Dash acting outright dismissive; if she was just portrayed as struggling hard to focus but losing it I'd be far more okay with her portrayal.
Oddly I relate a ton to Lesson Zero but not Trivial Pursuit; Pinkie was the only one I liked here other than maybe Granny Smith, and even then think Pinkie felt like a bit of a caricature here for the plots sake. Then again I feel half the writers are off with her, I prefer the eccentric genius interpretation!
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Eh, I tend to be more outright dismissive than struggling to focus, so that's part of why I relate to her.
As for the second one, I kind of liked everypony to some extent, though not Twilight.
I loved how over-the-top she was, but the episode itself made it clear she was in the wrong.
I liked the Last Laugh for Sans Smirk, but the excuse for the episode (Pinkie has an existential crisis, I guess?) was weak. It also had a real weak ending/moral like the other Weird Al episode. Pinkie overcomes her crisis by learning that you shouldn't be concerned about the future or strive for things or compete with others, I guess? Stay in your rut, because mediocrity rules, man.
It's really weird when the show is normally unabashedly pro-ambition (especially for Rarity, Twilight and Dash, but even Fluttershy and Applejack seeking to expand the reach of their sanctuary/farm is seen as good) but anytime Pinkie tries to reach out she just gets shut down and sent back to being a baker's apprentice who throws birthday parties for toddlers.
Summer Sun Set Back was great and it is a crime the Terrible Trio didn't get more episodes than these two and the finale.
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Yep, pretty much my thoughts on those episodes! Wasn't as big on Pinkie Pride as everyone else either.