We're now onto the home stretch; just a few more episodes, and season eight will come to a close. But first, we're now stuck between A Rockhoof and a Hard Place.
This review contains spoilers; viewer discretion is advised.
A Rockhoof and a Hard Place
Written by Kaita Mpambara
Between Shadow Play and Friendship University, I found it disappointing and confusing that the Pillars weren't given any major focus. The former implied we'd explore how they'd adapt to modern Equestria, and yet School Daze focused on something completely unrelated (mind you, I still consider it a brilliant episode). Fortunately, we got to see more of Star Swirl in Friendship University, and now here, we explore what the Pillars have been up to lately.
Well, sort of. Whilst Rockhoof is the main focus, Flash Magnus, Mistmane, Somnambula, and Mage Meadowbrook do get a brief look in to show the audience what they've been up to since being freed from limbo (and Stygian gets a mention as well). It would've been nice to see how they ended up in their current positions, but I suppose it might not have been interesting to the target audience. That being said, it does tie up to the episode's message brilliantly.
As well as that, it makes you feel more for Rockhoof struggling to find his place in modern Equestria. But every time he tries to do something, he messes up and feels more and more frustrated. Eventually, it's to the point he wants to become a statue, which feels like a very subtle allegory for suicide. Though I'm not sure if that was the intent or simply my interpretation of it.
The great thing about the episode isn't just Rockhoof himself as a character (before this episode, he was fine, but just seemed kinda there), but Yona as well. Seriously, with every appearance she makes since the premiere, I love her more. Even though Rockhoof doesn't know his own strength, it doesn't bother Yona any. In fact, she even writes an essay about him to try and convince him not to become a statue.
It was also unexpected to see General Seaspray make a return after the season premiere. And even though this has nothing to do with the actual episode, it's nice to see them expanding the hippogriffs' culture, as well as a funny lampshading of them needing to use ships.
The thing we can take from this is that everyone has a purpose in life. Sure, any show could do this, but Rockhoof was one of the few characters... No, he's the one character who could've worked for this theme, and suddenly, he's become more likable and charismatic than Sunburst has ever been. If this was anypony else, however, then the story wouldn't have been as good.
Well, sort of. Whilst Rockhoof is the main focus, Flash Magnus, Mistmane, Somnambula, and Mage Meadowbrook do get a brief look in to show the audience what they've been up to since being freed from limbo (and Stygian gets a mention as well). It would've been nice to see how they ended up in their current positions, but I suppose it might not have been interesting to the target audience. That being said, it does tie up to the episode's message brilliantly.
As well as that, it makes you feel more for Rockhoof struggling to find his place in modern Equestria. But every time he tries to do something, he messes up and feels more and more frustrated. Eventually, it's to the point he wants to become a statue, which feels like a very subtle allegory for suicide. Though I'm not sure if that was the intent or simply my interpretation of it.
The great thing about the episode isn't just Rockhoof himself as a character (before this episode, he was fine, but just seemed kinda there), but Yona as well. Seriously, with every appearance she makes since the premiere, I love her more. Even though Rockhoof doesn't know his own strength, it doesn't bother Yona any. In fact, she even writes an essay about him to try and convince him not to become a statue.
It was also unexpected to see General Seaspray make a return after the season premiere. And even though this has nothing to do with the actual episode, it's nice to see them expanding the hippogriffs' culture, as well as a funny lampshading of them needing to use ships.
Final Thoughts
This is yet another fantastic episode in season eight. It was great to expand more on Rockhoof's character, as well as Yona's, and the theme and story are brilliant. There's honestly very little to complain about here.The thing we can take from this is that everyone has a purpose in life. Sure, any show could do this, but Rockhoof was one of the few characters... No, he's the one character who could've worked for this theme, and suddenly, he's become more likable and charismatic than Sunburst has ever been. If this was anypony else, however, then the story wouldn't have been as good.
Rating: Excellent
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