Twenty-one sets down, one more to go. Can we end this revisiting marathon on a high note?
Viva Las Pegasus
Story by Kevin Burke, Michael Vogel and Chris "Doc" Wyatt
Written by Kevin Burke and Chris "Doc" Wyatt
Written by Kevin Burke and Chris "Doc" Wyatt
I like how the episode begins right off the bat with Applejack and Fluttershy being summoned by the map and then they find themselves in Las Pegasus, all within a timeframe that's less than a minute. As a matter of fact, the pacing is without a doubt the best thing about this episode. It moves briskly enough to keep the audience invested, and it has enough story to fill the runtime.
The story is pretty much a character-driven one, no doubt about that, but Fluttershy, again, was fantastic. Heck, she tried helping Flim and Flam reconcile and even got them in on the act of tricking Gladmane to expose his true nature despite their past actions. If that isn't admirable, I don't know what is.
Mind you, Applejack was reluctant to even associate with them, and that's something I've first-hand experience with of my own. Especially in this year alone. I got into a bit of trouble with an ex-friend of mine over my views on The Last Crusade which resulted in another innocent person being dragged into the fight. I very much wanted nothing to do with that ex-friend for what they did, so I can relate to Applejack here.
That being said, this should've been the end of Flim and Flam's character arc. They got something they didn't know they wanted, so why continue to give them appearances for the sake of fan-service? (Don't get me wrong; I liked Friendship University fine.) At least they haven't been given a forced redemption; once a con artist, always a con artist.
Even though I never discuss the animation in my revisits, I will say that Viva Las Pegasus is one of the best episodes in the visual department. But if I had to pick a nit, it doesn't really feel like a casino/hotel. Granted, they tried to make it kid friendly, but is it just me, or does it feel too much like an amusement park indoors? Maybe they got inspiration from Galaxyland in Canada?
Still, a good episode nonetheless.
The story is pretty much a character-driven one, no doubt about that, but Fluttershy, again, was fantastic. Heck, she tried helping Flim and Flam reconcile and even got them in on the act of tricking Gladmane to expose his true nature despite their past actions. If that isn't admirable, I don't know what is.
Mind you, Applejack was reluctant to even associate with them, and that's something I've first-hand experience with of my own. Especially in this year alone. I got into a bit of trouble with an ex-friend of mine over my views on The Last Crusade which resulted in another innocent person being dragged into the fight. I very much wanted nothing to do with that ex-friend for what they did, so I can relate to Applejack here.
That being said, this should've been the end of Flim and Flam's character arc. They got something they didn't know they wanted, so why continue to give them appearances for the sake of fan-service? (Don't get me wrong; I liked Friendship University fine.) At least they haven't been given a forced redemption; once a con artist, always a con artist.
Even though I never discuss the animation in my revisits, I will say that Viva Las Pegasus is one of the best episodes in the visual department. But if I had to pick a nit, it doesn't really feel like a casino/hotel. Granted, they tried to make it kid friendly, but is it just me, or does it feel too much like an amusement park indoors? Maybe they got inspiration from Galaxyland in Canada?
Still, a good episode nonetheless.
Rating: Excellent (9/10)
Every Little Thing She Does
Written by Michael Vogel
From season seven onward, Starlight Glimmer is a great character, having the sympathy and willingness to change her ways I'm sure the writers were going for. In this season? Not really. At best, she was practically ignored, making you wonder why Starlight got a redemption in the first place, and at worst, she was stuck in poorly written scripts (or, in the case of A Hearth's Warming Tail, a painfully cliched one) and fans took their frustrations out on her.
This time around, it's a poorly written episode with Starlight as main character. But of course, the fact she was the episode's lead is the least of its problems.
First off, the episode is a blatant re-hashing of Lesson Zero. Keep in mind that no matter what older episode you copy, the end product will inevitably come off as worse. I mean, Starlight practically tries to fix a solution and makes things worse like Twilight did, only it involves the rest of the Mane Six and the humor is practically non-existent. And that's it. It's a really boring episode with very little happening. I have very little to talk about with this episode.
Also, is it just me, or did it feel like this episode aired too late in the season? Perhaps if it had aired prior to No Second Prances, maybe Twilight's distrust for Starlight's behavior would've been more justified? Yeah, they mention Trixie at the start, but still.
This time around, it's a poorly written episode with Starlight as main character. But of course, the fact she was the episode's lead is the least of its problems.
First off, the episode is a blatant re-hashing of Lesson Zero. Keep in mind that no matter what older episode you copy, the end product will inevitably come off as worse. I mean, Starlight practically tries to fix a solution and makes things worse like Twilight did, only it involves the rest of the Mane Six and the humor is practically non-existent. And that's it. It's a really boring episode with very little happening. I have very little to talk about with this episode.
Also, is it just me, or did it feel like this episode aired too late in the season? Perhaps if it had aired prior to No Second Prances, maybe Twilight's distrust for Starlight's behavior would've been more justified? Yeah, they mention Trixie at the start, but still.
Rating: Terrible (-1/10)
P.P.O.V. (Pony Point of View)
Story by Kevin Burke, Michael P. Fox, Wil Fox and Chris "Doc" Wyatt
Written by Michael P. Fox and Wil Fox
Written by Michael P. Fox and Wil Fox
This episode gives me even less to talk about. Seriously, there is literally nothing happening throughout the episode except Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie being mad at each other over a failed boat trip going without a clear perspective as to who's right and who's wrong. That's it. Another episode you can skip and end up losing nothing as a result.
Rating: Terrible (0/10)
Where the Apple Lies
Story by Meghan McCarthy and Dave Rapp
Written by Dave Rapp
Written by Dave Rapp
Now we're back onto a decent episode. Although Applejack is second to Twilight being the voice of reason among the Mane Six, she wasn't perfect in her youth. One time, she ended up being caught in a lie and wound up making more just to cover up a mistake, much to Big Mac's frustration.
Interesting as to how Big Mac was way more talkative in his youth; it's nice to see some expansion to his character, even if this is just a flashback. No wonder he's usually so quiet these days, though later episodes show him being more talkative, but not as much as he was.
Applejack's attempts at lying her hilariously bad, but not without reason. She wanted to keep a promise to a younger Filthy Rich and just got into more trouble because it. Oh, and a young Spoiled Milk got involved as well; who'd name their foal Spoiled Milk? Is it any wonder to how she turned out this way?
As for why Applejack's parents didn't turn up? According to Jim Miller, they were on a couple's vacation during the events of the flashback, which explains why Apple Bloom didn't appear. Some say it's because she went with them, but I think it's more likely she was conceived during the vacation.
When re-watching the episode on Netflix (as I did with the 130 episodes previous), I noticed that "cider" was replaced with "juice" - why? I heard that it's because it's an alcoholic drink, but even think, it's just silly to replace a word for the sake of censorship. I mean, it's not like the show is promoting underage drinking!
Other than that, there's little to talk about here. The plot's fairly mundane but entertaining, and the moral about lying making things worse is a useful lesson for kids to learn.
Interesting as to how Big Mac was way more talkative in his youth; it's nice to see some expansion to his character, even if this is just a flashback. No wonder he's usually so quiet these days, though later episodes show him being more talkative, but not as much as he was.
Applejack's attempts at lying her hilariously bad, but not without reason. She wanted to keep a promise to a younger Filthy Rich and just got into more trouble because it. Oh, and a young Spoiled Milk got involved as well; who'd name their foal Spoiled Milk? Is it any wonder to how she turned out this way?
As for why Applejack's parents didn't turn up? According to Jim Miller, they were on a couple's vacation during the events of the flashback, which explains why Apple Bloom didn't appear. Some say it's because she went with them, but I think it's more likely she was conceived during the vacation.
When re-watching the episode on Netflix (as I did with the 130 episodes previous), I noticed that "cider" was replaced with "juice" - why? I heard that it's because it's an alcoholic drink, but even think, it's just silly to replace a word for the sake of censorship. I mean, it's not like the show is promoting underage drinking!
Other than that, there's little to talk about here. The plot's fairly mundane but entertaining, and the moral about lying making things worse is a useful lesson for kids to learn.
Rating: Good (8/10)
Top Bolt
Story by Joanna Lewis, Meghan McCarthy and Kristine Songco
Written by Joanna Lewis and Kristine Songco
Written by Joanna Lewis and Kristine Songco
After an abysmal performance in 28 Pranks Later, it would've taken a lot to bring Rainbow Dash back in good graces. Thankfully, this episode did her a lot of justice. And Twilight as well.
Considering how much this season had either screwed with their personalities, dumped a lot of garbage on them, or worse, both, it's so refreshing to see Twilight and Rainbow Dash showcasing their true personalities. Twilight teaching the classroom, for example, felt very in line with how you'd expect her to act, not like an over-paranoid idiot over an overdue book.
Rainbow Dash is still cocky, but it's pretty clear that she wants Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail to succeed. She even learned that Vapor Trail is a far better flier than the latter gives herself credit for and even encourages her to step out of her best friend's shadow. This portrayal makes it even easier to forget 28 Pranks Later happened.
Both Sky and Vapor are nice characters with sympathetic backstories; he craves attention but she doesn't. She's a great flier but he isn't. It is kind of reminiscent of Mike and Sulley in Monsters University when both realize they can't work without the other. Not only that, but Sky has to learn to fly on his own without constantly relying on Vapor as a crutch, and it's pretty emotional when she reveals what she's been doing and he gets upset with her over it.
That's a surprisingly mature moral for the show. Yes, it's nice to help a friend with a skill handicap, but if they rely on you too much, it becomes a shackle of over-dependency, meaning both parties will be weighed down greatly, leading to disaster. Eventually, you'll have to stand on your own without the other as a crutch.
It may not be saying much, but Top Bolt's one of the best episodes of season six. It's got great character moments, good humor, heartwarming moments, and a fantastic moral. You really can't ask for more.
Considering how much this season had either screwed with their personalities, dumped a lot of garbage on them, or worse, both, it's so refreshing to see Twilight and Rainbow Dash showcasing their true personalities. Twilight teaching the classroom, for example, felt very in line with how you'd expect her to act, not like an over-paranoid idiot over an overdue book.
Rainbow Dash is still cocky, but it's pretty clear that she wants Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail to succeed. She even learned that Vapor Trail is a far better flier than the latter gives herself credit for and even encourages her to step out of her best friend's shadow. This portrayal makes it even easier to forget 28 Pranks Later happened.
Both Sky and Vapor are nice characters with sympathetic backstories; he craves attention but she doesn't. She's a great flier but he isn't. It is kind of reminiscent of Mike and Sulley in Monsters University when both realize they can't work without the other. Not only that, but Sky has to learn to fly on his own without constantly relying on Vapor as a crutch, and it's pretty emotional when she reveals what she's been doing and he gets upset with her over it.
That's a surprisingly mature moral for the show. Yes, it's nice to help a friend with a skill handicap, but if they rely on you too much, it becomes a shackle of over-dependency, meaning both parties will be weighed down greatly, leading to disaster. Eventually, you'll have to stand on your own without the other as a crutch.
It may not be saying much, but Top Bolt's one of the best episodes of season six. It's got great character moments, good humor, heartwarming moments, and a fantastic moral. You really can't ask for more.
Rating: Excellent (10/10)
To Where and Back Again
Written by Josh Haber and Michael Vogel
It's time for the big one. An episode that I viciously tore apart when it first aired three years ago. Was my stance back then justified? No. It wasn't.
I'll get some problems out of the way; the episode was intended to conclude Starlight's arc, but the buildup towards it hasn't been all that great and instead, it felt like just another season if you took her out. Because of that, since Trixie only appeared in No Second Prances prior to this episode, we never got to see her and Starlight bond, nor did we see Trixie try to change her ways. Heck, after this episode, Trixie was the same, annoying pain in the ass we knew from season one, making you wonder why Starlight hangs around with her at all.
We also didn't see Thorax get an extra episode after The Times They Are a Changeling. Sure, it was mentioned that his physical appearance had changed, but... that's it. Come to think of it, season six as a whole seemed to be a missed opportunity to properly expand on develop Starlight following The Cutie Re-Mark.
On top of that, it's not really explained why Discord had anything to do with the three. Sure, it could be because Fluttershy's his best friend, but doesn't that make him seem biased? I know he's had issues with the others in the past, but still. Wouldn't it have been nice to see Starlight in Dungeons & Discords? I can understand if they didn't have a role for her there, but it would've been a nice little build up.
The last problem with the finale is minor, but I'll mention it anyway; the first half seems to kind of drag on, but the second half is where things really start to pick up.
It's safe to say that Starlight was kind of a downer throughout season six, but re-watching the finale with a fresh mindset, and long after the hype over season six, she felt... kind of relatable. Being a leader is a stressful thought, but as long as you're part of a team, you'll be fine. Yeah, it's a pretty cliched plotline that any series could do, but it still works for Starlight's character. Heck, I'd say this finale was a step in the right direction.
Because of this, you care when she feels overwhelmed with requests over suggestions and she ends up running away in frustration and shame. But when her friends and the rest of Equestria's royalty get kidnapped, the pressure's on Starlight. And during their time in the Changeling hive, she, Trixie, Discord and Thorax rely on their strengths without magic (minus Thorax's case, since he's a Changeling himself) to get to Chrysalis in the end.
And I know there's people who are miffed that we were never shown how the former Changeling Queen managed to foalnap the Mane Six, Spike, the Royal Sisters and the Royal Family, but honestly? I don't mind. All it does is add more tension and drama, increase the stakes, and it gives the quintet more motivation. Sometimes, what you don't see can be effective. For the most part, anyway.
I will say that the Mane Six (and Spike) replacement by Changeling was handled way better than The Mean 6 (which also had Vogel's involvement) and Chrysalis was a far greater threat than in the season eight episode. I'm glad that they didn't go down the path of giving her a redemption for no reason other than "the episode demands it" because if the recent state of Equestria Girls is anything to go by, it's gotten old really fast with a few exceptions (Stygian, Tempest Shadow). Not to mention that Chrysalis' heart is as black as coal. Why should she redeem? Sadly, this episode was the last time I could take her seriously, especially as later appearances turned her into a joke of a character.
But the best character by far was Discord. He may be a jokester, but when his friends (well, mostly Fluttershy, anyway) are in danger, he's willing to fight for them and even rely on his skills to distract the Changeling guards. I'd also say his dynamic with Trixie was the best with him constantly putting her down and having her and himself both on flying pigs. That was hilarious!
Honestly, I have no idea what I was thinking back when I first covered this episode. I tore it to shreds when it first aired, but after watching it again, I think it's... fairly good. With mostly good characters, a nice message, and a story that's... fine, it's Starlight's best appearance in season six. Granted, the bar wasn't that high to begin with, but she definitely got better in season seven and in season eight, she was pretty good. Sadly, she came to be an afterthought in season nine...
After season six ended, people have looked back on To Where and Back Again as an underwhelming finale, with some even calling it the point that the show turned south. Does it really deserve that reputation? I don't think so. There are problems, but they're mostly related to building up to the finale throughout the season. Shadow Play, which came out the year after, didn't get much build up until the second half of season seven and that received better reception for the most part. If you liked Shadow Play, then surely there was nothing wrong with liking To Where and Back Again.
Starlight aside, what was it that gave the season six finale a poor reputation after the fact? That's a question I can't answer. It just happened. Is there a special something to the finale? There is; it was one of the few finales to break the mold. But maybe that's why people liked My Little Pony to begin with. It was unique, it was funny, and even when it ends, it will hold a place in our hearts. There was even this special bonding with friends old and new over the show that made us enjoy the most-beloved episodes of the series and the not-so-greats that we love to hate.
I'll get some problems out of the way; the episode was intended to conclude Starlight's arc, but the buildup towards it hasn't been all that great and instead, it felt like just another season if you took her out. Because of that, since Trixie only appeared in No Second Prances prior to this episode, we never got to see her and Starlight bond, nor did we see Trixie try to change her ways. Heck, after this episode, Trixie was the same, annoying pain in the ass we knew from season one, making you wonder why Starlight hangs around with her at all.
We also didn't see Thorax get an extra episode after The Times They Are a Changeling. Sure, it was mentioned that his physical appearance had changed, but... that's it. Come to think of it, season six as a whole seemed to be a missed opportunity to properly expand on develop Starlight following The Cutie Re-Mark.
On top of that, it's not really explained why Discord had anything to do with the three. Sure, it could be because Fluttershy's his best friend, but doesn't that make him seem biased? I know he's had issues with the others in the past, but still. Wouldn't it have been nice to see Starlight in Dungeons & Discords? I can understand if they didn't have a role for her there, but it would've been a nice little build up.
The last problem with the finale is minor, but I'll mention it anyway; the first half seems to kind of drag on, but the second half is where things really start to pick up.
It's safe to say that Starlight was kind of a downer throughout season six, but re-watching the finale with a fresh mindset, and long after the hype over season six, she felt... kind of relatable. Being a leader is a stressful thought, but as long as you're part of a team, you'll be fine. Yeah, it's a pretty cliched plotline that any series could do, but it still works for Starlight's character. Heck, I'd say this finale was a step in the right direction.
Because of this, you care when she feels overwhelmed with requests over suggestions and she ends up running away in frustration and shame. But when her friends and the rest of Equestria's royalty get kidnapped, the pressure's on Starlight. And during their time in the Changeling hive, she, Trixie, Discord and Thorax rely on their strengths without magic (minus Thorax's case, since he's a Changeling himself) to get to Chrysalis in the end.
And I know there's people who are miffed that we were never shown how the former Changeling Queen managed to foalnap the Mane Six, Spike, the Royal Sisters and the Royal Family, but honestly? I don't mind. All it does is add more tension and drama, increase the stakes, and it gives the quintet more motivation. Sometimes, what you don't see can be effective. For the most part, anyway.
I will say that the Mane Six (and Spike) replacement by Changeling was handled way better than The Mean 6 (which also had Vogel's involvement) and Chrysalis was a far greater threat than in the season eight episode. I'm glad that they didn't go down the path of giving her a redemption for no reason other than "the episode demands it" because if the recent state of Equestria Girls is anything to go by, it's gotten old really fast with a few exceptions (Stygian, Tempest Shadow). Not to mention that Chrysalis' heart is as black as coal. Why should she redeem? Sadly, this episode was the last time I could take her seriously, especially as later appearances turned her into a joke of a character.
But the best character by far was Discord. He may be a jokester, but when his friends (well, mostly Fluttershy, anyway) are in danger, he's willing to fight for them and even rely on his skills to distract the Changeling guards. I'd also say his dynamic with Trixie was the best with him constantly putting her down and having her and himself both on flying pigs. That was hilarious!
Honestly, I have no idea what I was thinking back when I first covered this episode. I tore it to shreds when it first aired, but after watching it again, I think it's... fairly good. With mostly good characters, a nice message, and a story that's... fine, it's Starlight's best appearance in season six. Granted, the bar wasn't that high to begin with, but she definitely got better in season seven and in season eight, she was pretty good. Sadly, she came to be an afterthought in season nine...
After season six ended, people have looked back on To Where and Back Again as an underwhelming finale, with some even calling it the point that the show turned south. Does it really deserve that reputation? I don't think so. There are problems, but they're mostly related to building up to the finale throughout the season. Shadow Play, which came out the year after, didn't get much build up until the second half of season seven and that received better reception for the most part. If you liked Shadow Play, then surely there was nothing wrong with liking To Where and Back Again.
Starlight aside, what was it that gave the season six finale a poor reputation after the fact? That's a question I can't answer. It just happened. Is there a special something to the finale? There is; it was one of the few finales to break the mold. But maybe that's why people liked My Little Pony to begin with. It was unique, it was funny, and even when it ends, it will hold a place in our hearts. There was even this special bonding with friends old and new over the show that made us enjoy the most-beloved episodes of the series and the not-so-greats that we love to hate.
Rating: Good (7/10)
Final Season Ranking: Bad (3/10)
Final Season Ranking: Bad (3/10)
Nope, still can't agree with To Where And Back Again, in my eyes, there's still no reason, especially after from what we've seen of their appearances in comics and such like in this episode, why the Changelings needed to be redeemed/reformed in such a rushed, forced and undeserving manner. This made me drop MLP FiM for a bit after that even.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loNQ9Z78I70
ReplyDelete