Season four so far has had an amazing record; nine Excellent episodes, two Good ones, and only Rainbow Falls was ranked Okay. We've yet to run into an episode that really sucks, but let's see if that can change during this next batch of revisits.
Filli Vanilli
Written by Amy Keating Rogers
Ever since this episode aired, it's been practically shredded by many with how Pinkie Pie has been portrayed. It probably didn't help that it aired after Pinkie Pride, her best starring role to date, but I find it ironic that Filli Vanilli has been ripped a new one for its bad portrayal of Pinkie, and yet A Friend in Deed gets let off the hook because... memorable song? Nice as it is, it doesn't save the season two episode from being atrocious.
But I digress. I'm not going into depth about the pink problem because I'd rather review this episode on its own merit... though it doesn't really give me much to talk about. It's a fairly typical "face your fears" episode with an okay end result. A smaller message within is working around the problem you're in, especially when it came to Big Mac losing his voice doing a turkey call, and when he regains it, Applejack interrogates him. That was the funniest moment of the episode just for how rapid-fire it was.
Some would consider it character degradation for Fluttershy, but I don't think it is; Hurricane Fluttershy was about her wingpower performance, and Rainbow Falls focused more on her athletic performance. This was about her singing performance. All three are completely different to each other.
However, I do feel that placing this after both Rainbow Falls and Pinkie Pride hurt this episode's merit among the fandom. If it had been placed earlier in the season, I think things could've turned out much different and no one would've attacked Amy Rogers over it. (Seriously, screw those people who thought it was a good idea to attack a writer simply because of one character's portrayal.)
Couple that with implying that performance anxiety isn't something that can be instantly gotten over - which is a fair point the episode raises - you get an episode that's just fine. Not really Top 10 material, but it's fine.
But I digress. I'm not going into depth about the pink problem because I'd rather review this episode on its own merit... though it doesn't really give me much to talk about. It's a fairly typical "face your fears" episode with an okay end result. A smaller message within is working around the problem you're in, especially when it came to Big Mac losing his voice doing a turkey call, and when he regains it, Applejack interrogates him. That was the funniest moment of the episode just for how rapid-fire it was.
Some would consider it character degradation for Fluttershy, but I don't think it is; Hurricane Fluttershy was about her wingpower performance, and Rainbow Falls focused more on her athletic performance. This was about her singing performance. All three are completely different to each other.
However, I do feel that placing this after both Rainbow Falls and Pinkie Pride hurt this episode's merit among the fandom. If it had been placed earlier in the season, I think things could've turned out much different and no one would've attacked Amy Rogers over it. (Seriously, screw those people who thought it was a good idea to attack a writer simply because of one character's portrayal.)
Couple that with implying that performance anxiety isn't something that can be instantly gotten over - which is a fair point the episode raises - you get an episode that's just fine. Not really Top 10 material, but it's fine.
Rating: Good (7/10)
Twilight Time
Written by Dave Polsky
Up to that point, Twilight's princesshood hasn't really been brought up or taken much notice. Everyone seemed to treat her for the most part like she was just another pony on the street. Then this episode comes around to change that.
It's really nice seeing the Crusaders have a sort of bond with Twilight at the start. It adds a layer of depth to the three fillies' relationship with Mane Six members outside of their older sisters (or in Scoots' case, older sister figure). They want to learn new skills from Twilight and she's willing to help them out. Also, it's funny how Twilight seems to have bad manners when it comes to fast food; what is it with princesses and bad manners at the table?
Of course, Diamond Tiara is all too willing to exploit it just to make the Crusaders special to everypony else and acts all nicey-nice just so they didn't feel bad. That being said, it was funny as to how Sweetie Belle was fantasizing about moving Diamond about with her magic; I can imagine doing that to someone giving me a hard time...!
The message at the end was pretty good as well; never use your association with a celebrity to gain friends. Well, that's on the Crusaders' end at least. Yes, it's nice to invite a few friends to meet the celebrity you're friends with, but don't treat it like it's a big deal. However, am I the only one to notice how ironic it was that Twilight called out Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon for being hypocritical when she later acted hypocritical two seasons later?
Oh, and even though I don't mention voice acting that much, Pipsqueak got a new voice in this episode; Graham Verchere. The re-casting was because William Lawrenson went through puberty, though Graham seems the definitive voice for Pipsqueak as of this episode.
It's really nice seeing the Crusaders have a sort of bond with Twilight at the start. It adds a layer of depth to the three fillies' relationship with Mane Six members outside of their older sisters (or in Scoots' case, older sister figure). They want to learn new skills from Twilight and she's willing to help them out. Also, it's funny how Twilight seems to have bad manners when it comes to fast food; what is it with princesses and bad manners at the table?
Of course, Diamond Tiara is all too willing to exploit it just to make the Crusaders special to everypony else and acts all nicey-nice just so they didn't feel bad. That being said, it was funny as to how Sweetie Belle was fantasizing about moving Diamond about with her magic; I can imagine doing that to someone giving me a hard time...!
The message at the end was pretty good as well; never use your association with a celebrity to gain friends. Well, that's on the Crusaders' end at least. Yes, it's nice to invite a few friends to meet the celebrity you're friends with, but don't treat it like it's a big deal. However, am I the only one to notice how ironic it was that Twilight called out Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon for being hypocritical when she later acted hypocritical two seasons later?
Oh, and even though I don't mention voice acting that much, Pipsqueak got a new voice in this episode; Graham Verchere. The re-casting was because William Lawrenson went through puberty, though Graham seems the definitive voice for Pipsqueak as of this episode.
Rating: Excellent (9/10)
It Ain't Easy Being Breezies
Written by Natasha Levinger
When I initially reviewed the episode, I thought it was good, but not really a noteworthy episode. Re-watching it, however, I thought it deserved more.
To start with, this is Putting Your Hoof Down done right, mostly because it's not over-the-top cruel. Granted, there is some cruelty, but it's done in a kind way.
When Seabreeze and a small part of his group get separated from the rest, it's pretty obvious how much Fluttershy cares for them and wants to please them in any way she can. But the Breezies would never survive for a very long time outside of their comfort zone, and Seabreeze is just desperate to get home. He's frustrated, yes, but he's also sympathetic. He cares for his kind, but goes about it the wrong way.
(And yes, Seabreeze is a male; don't let the eyelashes fool you.)
In return, Fluttershy displays kindness towards the wayward Breezies but ignores Seabreeze's concerns that they may never return home for a long time and eventually perish. It's only after Seabreeze's encounter with the bees that Fluttershy realizes she'll have to throw them out, whether she wants to or not. It's a perfect way of showing that sometimes, you have to be cruel to be kind.
Overall, it's a very understated episode in this season, and it does everything a great episode should do.
To start with, this is Putting Your Hoof Down done right, mostly because it's not over-the-top cruel. Granted, there is some cruelty, but it's done in a kind way.
When Seabreeze and a small part of his group get separated from the rest, it's pretty obvious how much Fluttershy cares for them and wants to please them in any way she can. But the Breezies would never survive for a very long time outside of their comfort zone, and Seabreeze is just desperate to get home. He's frustrated, yes, but he's also sympathetic. He cares for his kind, but goes about it the wrong way.
(And yes, Seabreeze is a male; don't let the eyelashes fool you.)
In return, Fluttershy displays kindness towards the wayward Breezies but ignores Seabreeze's concerns that they may never return home for a long time and eventually perish. It's only after Seabreeze's encounter with the bees that Fluttershy realizes she'll have to throw them out, whether she wants to or not. It's a perfect way of showing that sometimes, you have to be cruel to be kind.
Overall, it's a very understated episode in this season, and it does everything a great episode should do.
Rating: Excellent (10/10)
Somepony to Watch Over Me
Written by Scott Sonneborn
Up to this point, the quality of season four has been great. But it's inevitable that every season will get a dud episode along the way. And this episode is probably the worst of season four.
Let's start with the fact that Applejack is worrying about Apple Bloom staying home alone. Why is she making this a big deal? We've seen in episodes before and after this one that Apple Bloom was out in public without adult supervision, and she turned out okay. Hell, we saw her, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle heading to Twilight's as a group, and never did they need an adult looking after them!
Not only that, it gets worse that Applejack startled Apple Bloom when the former gets home, causing the latter to have an accident and making Applejack think Apple Bloom is too reckless to be alone. It gets to the point it becomes obsessive.
Honestly, instead of sympathizing with Applejack, you'd rather punch her in the face for being so illogical and unreasonable! It says a lot that Apple Bloom, someone who's a filly, has more maturity and common sense than this. And frankly, when Applejack fretted over never seeing Apple Bloom again when the latter escaped with the pie cart, I felt it served the former right for not thinking about Apple Bloom's actual needs.
In addition, why would a farm have to be baby-proofed? Yes, I know rakes and falling apples may pose a bit of a threat, but a farm is meant to be a dangerous place; that's kind of the point.
Overall, the comedy (especially in the second act) is repetitive and annoying to the point it's almost painful. It's as if Scott Sonneborn believes My Little Pony is an over-the-top comedy. Yes, the comedy is part of what made the show good, but the storytelling was the most important factor. And here, the story is practically pointless because of how simple the solution is.
Yes, Applejack realizes that Apple Bloom doesn't need constant supervision, but twenty minutes into this episode, it's far too late. And again, it's pointless because Apple Bloom is seen without adult supervision in future episodes!
I'd make suggestions on how you could fix this episode, but instead, I'll direct you to an episode that was produced three years after this one; Forever Filly. This has a similar plot structure with Rarity trying to understand Sweetie Belle and not realizing her little sister has grown up in the past several years and her interests have shifted. The difference between them is that the season seven episode was done better. And was a lot more charming.
Let's start with the fact that Applejack is worrying about Apple Bloom staying home alone. Why is she making this a big deal? We've seen in episodes before and after this one that Apple Bloom was out in public without adult supervision, and she turned out okay. Hell, we saw her, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle heading to Twilight's as a group, and never did they need an adult looking after them!
Not only that, it gets worse that Applejack startled Apple Bloom when the former gets home, causing the latter to have an accident and making Applejack think Apple Bloom is too reckless to be alone. It gets to the point it becomes obsessive.
Honestly, instead of sympathizing with Applejack, you'd rather punch her in the face for being so illogical and unreasonable! It says a lot that Apple Bloom, someone who's a filly, has more maturity and common sense than this. And frankly, when Applejack fretted over never seeing Apple Bloom again when the latter escaped with the pie cart, I felt it served the former right for not thinking about Apple Bloom's actual needs.
In addition, why would a farm have to be baby-proofed? Yes, I know rakes and falling apples may pose a bit of a threat, but a farm is meant to be a dangerous place; that's kind of the point.
Overall, the comedy (especially in the second act) is repetitive and annoying to the point it's almost painful. It's as if Scott Sonneborn believes My Little Pony is an over-the-top comedy. Yes, the comedy is part of what made the show good, but the storytelling was the most important factor. And here, the story is practically pointless because of how simple the solution is.
Yes, Applejack realizes that Apple Bloom doesn't need constant supervision, but twenty minutes into this episode, it's far too late. And again, it's pointless because Apple Bloom is seen without adult supervision in future episodes!
I'd make suggestions on how you could fix this episode, but instead, I'll direct you to an episode that was produced three years after this one; Forever Filly. This has a similar plot structure with Rarity trying to understand Sweetie Belle and not realizing her little sister has grown up in the past several years and her interests have shifted. The difference between them is that the season seven episode was done better. And was a lot more charming.
Rating: Terrible (0/10)
Maud Pie
Written by Noelle Benvenuti
Looking back on this episode, it was pretty much the trendsetter for what we would come to expect in future Maud Pie-centric episodes; Pinkie being an obsessive idiot over her sister (though, to be fair, it's not that bad here), Maud's deadpan mannerisms being the source for comedy that's hit-or-miss at best (though here, there's one or two jokes that fell flat), and then there's somepony out of the Mane Six - or someone associated with them - not seeing what Pinkie sees in Maud.
That being said, the episode does hold up with its message about bonding with others and the Mane Six's attempt at trying to befriend Maud for Pinkie's sake, and her rescuing her little sister was a cool moment for her. Although, in retrospect, the ending with the Mane Six saying goodbye to Maud is kind of meaningless since she'd made further appearances since.
Rating: Good (8/10)
For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils
Written by Dave Polsky
Speaking of sisterly relationships...!
It's another take on Sweetie Belle and Rarity's sisterly relationship, and we're now seeing how it's developed since Sisterhooves Social. By now, the younger sister is willing to help her older sister with her duties, even if it means having to put up with ridiculous requests and smaller issues like whether or not a red ribbon is actually a red ribbon. "It's all the same!" as Sweetie Belle puts it.
I'm not that bothered too much about not seeing what Sweetie Belle's play was like; from what I understand, it's sort of like Tommy Wiseau's The Room from a decade previous, so maybe it was for the best we never saw how it went.
That being said, it does lead to Sweetie Belle lashing at Rarity for the costumes overshadowing the play itself, and even takes petty revenge to try and humiliate her in front of Sapphire Shores... except it wasn't a good idea and could've lead to Rarity becoming a laughingstock. Mind you, with Fame and Misfortune having recently come out, the nightmare sequence is pretty uncomfortable to watch nowadays.
In fact, the plot as a whole - well, the second act, at least - is reminiscent to A Christmas Carol, minus the holiday setting, the theme of death, there's a single spirit(...ish; Luna), and the motivations for the protagonist are different (Scrooge just wanted nothing to do with helping others and keep all the money for himself). Honestly, I feel it handled the Carol plot better than A Hearth's Warming Tail, which was just a beat-for-beat retelling with nothing new in it.
On whole, it's yet another of season four's best (how many times have I said that thus far?), and the moral about showing gratitude to those helping you was fantastic. Oh, and little Sweetie Belle is adorable; I wanted to go through the screen just to hug her...!
It's another take on Sweetie Belle and Rarity's sisterly relationship, and we're now seeing how it's developed since Sisterhooves Social. By now, the younger sister is willing to help her older sister with her duties, even if it means having to put up with ridiculous requests and smaller issues like whether or not a red ribbon is actually a red ribbon. "It's all the same!" as Sweetie Belle puts it.
I'm not that bothered too much about not seeing what Sweetie Belle's play was like; from what I understand, it's sort of like Tommy Wiseau's The Room from a decade previous, so maybe it was for the best we never saw how it went.
That being said, it does lead to Sweetie Belle lashing at Rarity for the costumes overshadowing the play itself, and even takes petty revenge to try and humiliate her in front of Sapphire Shores... except it wasn't a good idea and could've lead to Rarity becoming a laughingstock. Mind you, with Fame and Misfortune having recently come out, the nightmare sequence is pretty uncomfortable to watch nowadays.
In fact, the plot as a whole - well, the second act, at least - is reminiscent to A Christmas Carol, minus the holiday setting, the theme of death, there's a single spirit(...ish; Luna), and the motivations for the protagonist are different (Scrooge just wanted nothing to do with helping others and keep all the money for himself). Honestly, I feel it handled the Carol plot better than A Hearth's Warming Tail, which was just a beat-for-beat retelling with nothing new in it.
On whole, it's yet another of season four's best (how many times have I said that thus far?), and the moral about showing gratitude to those helping you was fantastic. Oh, and little Sweetie Belle is adorable; I wanted to go through the screen just to hug her...!
Rating: Excellent (10/10)
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