This is going to be interesting! (Side note: I'm reviewing these episodes based off of production order.)
Just for Sidekicks
Written by Corey Powell
So now we come to the first episode of the infamous Equestria Games Arc. And... there's honestly very little to talk about. In fact, it barely clings onto mediocrity.
Spike very much brings the problem of needing gems upon himself since he (rather stupidly) snacks on them whilst baking a gem cake. And then he's back to square one at the end with no gems. I'd let the slow pacing off the hook for the humor, but it's hit or miss at best. That being said, at least Owlowiscious and the other pets seem to agree with the fanbase about Angel being awful.
Spike very much brings the problem of needing gems upon himself since he (rather stupidly) snacks on them whilst baking a gem cake. And then he's back to square one at the end with no gems. I'd let the slow pacing off the hook for the humor, but it's hit or miss at best. That being said, at least Owlowiscious and the other pets seem to agree with the fanbase about Angel being awful.
Rating: Okay (4/10)
Apple Family Reunion
Written by Cindy Morrow
I've got one word to describe this episode; nice. It's great to learn about the traditions of the Apple family, especially when hearing about them from Granny Smith. And it's also got its funny moments like Big Mac sneaking a fritter for himself and adorable moments like the flashback with baby Applejack.
And then there are the sad moments; there's the hinting about Applejack's parents no longer being around through two shooting stars, and whilst this one has nothing to do with the episode itself, it's the last major role Babs Seed had. She got a mention in Bloom and Gloom, but after that, nothing. She deserved more than what she got.
And then there are the sad moments; there's the hinting about Applejack's parents no longer being around through two shooting stars, and whilst this one has nothing to do with the episode itself, it's the last major role Babs Seed had. She got a mention in Bloom and Gloom, but after that, nothing. She deserved more than what she got.
Rating: Good (8/10)
Spike at Your Service
Story by Dave Polsky
Written by Merriwether Williams
Written by Merriwether Williams
I read that Rarity was going to be in Applejack's place in this episode, which may explain the former's lack of lead roles in season three. Honestly, it was probably for the best that Applejack got the part instead. Had it been Rarity instead, I think this episode would've gotten a worse reception than it already does.
The episode's conflict is built up very well with Spike accidentally causing the hot air balloon to become a runaway and when he runs into the Timberwolves, Applejack saves him from getting hurt, and he thinks he owes her big time.
It does make sense (sort of) that he'd want to return the favor to Applejack, but it ends up feeling borderline obsessive, even for him. Also, when did he have a noble dragon code? It's never been mentioned in past episodes. If this was during season one, it'd be reasonable, but three seasons in? It's absolutely baffling, to say the least.
As a matter of fact, everyone else in this episode is in character for the most part, which can't really be said for the likes of Secrets and Pies. That being said, Applejack's half-baked command to Spike about delivering a pie is funny.
The climax was just plain ridiculous, even by MLP's standards. It just goes from being a fake rescue to a real rescue when the Timberwolves come in, all because of their breath, which the fake didn't have. It almost makes the episode more predictable than it really is.
Nitpicking aside, I thought it was okay for the most part. The plot isn't really that interesting, but the portrayal of the characters (minus Spike) and theme in general salvage things for the most part. It's kind of weak overall.
The episode's conflict is built up very well with Spike accidentally causing the hot air balloon to become a runaway and when he runs into the Timberwolves, Applejack saves him from getting hurt, and he thinks he owes her big time.
It does make sense (sort of) that he'd want to return the favor to Applejack, but it ends up feeling borderline obsessive, even for him. Also, when did he have a noble dragon code? It's never been mentioned in past episodes. If this was during season one, it'd be reasonable, but three seasons in? It's absolutely baffling, to say the least.
As a matter of fact, everyone else in this episode is in character for the most part, which can't really be said for the likes of Secrets and Pies. That being said, Applejack's half-baked command to Spike about delivering a pie is funny.
The climax was just plain ridiculous, even by MLP's standards. It just goes from being a fake rescue to a real rescue when the Timberwolves come in, all because of their breath, which the fake didn't have. It almost makes the episode more predictable than it really is.
Nitpicking aside, I thought it was okay for the most part. The plot isn't really that interesting, but the portrayal of the characters (minus Spike) and theme in general salvage things for the most part. It's kind of weak overall.
Rating: Okay (6/10)
Keep Calm and Flutter On
Story by Teddy Antonio
Written by Dave Polsky
Written by Dave Polsky
On the other end of the scale...!
It's one of the show's cornerstone episodes for sure, but also one of the best, as well as one of the funniest. It all comes down to the dynamic between Fluttershy and Discord, one of the best of the series; he's a bit less of a troublemaker, and she's a lot more assertive, but that doesn't mean there's something else going on...!
I don't even know where to start with the humor; the dinner scene, Applejack's argument with the beaver, Discord tormenting Angel (especially since the latter's a complete brat), it rarely ever stumbles.
There's still the heartwarming moments such as Discord being surprised that Fluttershy considered him a friend, and just as he's about to have his way, he realizes that he doesn't want to lose it over his selfishness. Yeah, he did go to the side of good in the end, but Discord can still be a troublemaker if he wants to be. That's one part of him that'll never change, and let's hope it stays that way.
Although her character shone throughout seasons six through eight, this episode was where Fluttershy's development really kicked off. Granted, she still has shades of being a doormat here, but even then, she knows where a line needs to be drawn when is comes to Discord's mannerisms and help him become a better draconequus.
Overall, a great episode from start to finish.
It's one of the show's cornerstone episodes for sure, but also one of the best, as well as one of the funniest. It all comes down to the dynamic between Fluttershy and Discord, one of the best of the series; he's a bit less of a troublemaker, and she's a lot more assertive, but that doesn't mean there's something else going on...!
I don't even know where to start with the humor; the dinner scene, Applejack's argument with the beaver, Discord tormenting Angel (especially since the latter's a complete brat), it rarely ever stumbles.
There's still the heartwarming moments such as Discord being surprised that Fluttershy considered him a friend, and just as he's about to have his way, he realizes that he doesn't want to lose it over his selfishness. Yeah, he did go to the side of good in the end, but Discord can still be a troublemaker if he wants to be. That's one part of him that'll never change, and let's hope it stays that way.
Although her character shone throughout seasons six through eight, this episode was where Fluttershy's development really kicked off. Granted, she still has shades of being a doormat here, but even then, she knows where a line needs to be drawn when is comes to Discord's mannerisms and help him become a better draconequus.
Overall, a great episode from start to finish.
Rating: Excellent (10/10)
Games Ponies Play
Written by Dave Polsky
And back to average territory we go. Much as it's nice to have an episode take place the same time as another, this one... didn't have much going on. It's a typical mistaken identity episode, to say the least. Other than a bit of character growth for Twilight about keeping calm as opposed to freaking out, there's very little about this episode that's memorable. It's just... there.
Rating: Okay (5/10)
Magical Mystery Cure
Written by M. A. Larson
I'm saying this outright; this is season three's absolute best, no hyperbole. It's genuinely difficult for me to decide the best part about it.
Originally, this was going to be a two-parter finale like A Canterlot Wedding, but re-watching it, I can't really see it working for this episode. Everything about the story flowed very well; not a single second felt wasted, nor did it make the viewer feel like they were stupid. It left you guessing what happened next.
How the Mane Six ended up with the wrong cutie marks added to tension Twilight was feeling; she accidentally caused them to switch destinies and had to help them get back to normal. Plus, the situations the Mane Six landed themselves in were funny.
Of course, I can't really talk about this episode without mentioning the songs, can I? All of them are good, but "A True, True Friend" is the absolute best of the bunch; I even sang along to it when re-watching it. "Celestia's Ballad" came a close second, however; I was even close to crying when listening to it. That's how beautiful it is.
But it's the ending that really gets me; if that really had been the finale to the show as planned, I'd have been okay with that. We followed Twilight's journey to learning about friendship from day one, and it feels as if her journey is coming to a close and a new one is just beginning. It's almost like high school graduation.
Magical Mystery Cure was the point were the show really began to improve for the better. It was growing up and began to take its own path; some choices were questionable at best, but they gave us future gems like Pinkie Pride, Twilight's Kingdom, Amending Fences, A Royal Problem, The Perfect Pear, and The Hearth's Warming Club (the latter three of which I've covered, the former three I will soon).
All of these and more owe their mere existence to this episode, but the sad thing is how overlooked it's become in recent years. It deserves every bit of love it can get. That's why I love this episode.
Originally, this was going to be a two-parter finale like A Canterlot Wedding, but re-watching it, I can't really see it working for this episode. Everything about the story flowed very well; not a single second felt wasted, nor did it make the viewer feel like they were stupid. It left you guessing what happened next.
How the Mane Six ended up with the wrong cutie marks added to tension Twilight was feeling; she accidentally caused them to switch destinies and had to help them get back to normal. Plus, the situations the Mane Six landed themselves in were funny.
Of course, I can't really talk about this episode without mentioning the songs, can I? All of them are good, but "A True, True Friend" is the absolute best of the bunch; I even sang along to it when re-watching it. "Celestia's Ballad" came a close second, however; I was even close to crying when listening to it. That's how beautiful it is.
But it's the ending that really gets me; if that really had been the finale to the show as planned, I'd have been okay with that. We followed Twilight's journey to learning about friendship from day one, and it feels as if her journey is coming to a close and a new one is just beginning. It's almost like high school graduation.
Magical Mystery Cure was the point were the show really began to improve for the better. It was growing up and began to take its own path; some choices were questionable at best, but they gave us future gems like Pinkie Pride, Twilight's Kingdom, Amending Fences, A Royal Problem, The Perfect Pear, and The Hearth's Warming Club (the latter three of which I've covered, the former three I will soon).
All of these and more owe their mere existence to this episode, but the sad thing is how overlooked it's become in recent years. It deserves every bit of love it can get. That's why I love this episode.
Rating: Excellent (10/10)
Final Season Ranking: Good (8/10)
Final Season Ranking: Good (8/10)
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