I Dream of Twilight modblog
Month
A bit of confusion on the writer didn’t we? First we know Merriwether Williams wrote it, then the title card shows Meghan McCarthy’s name, but then Meghan herself says that was an error and Williams did write it. But it doesn’t matter in this case I think, if it was a Meghan episode I’d believe it as it matches quite well with her quality episodes. But this being Merriwether “Mare-Do-Well, at your Service” Williams this is is her best episode since Wonderbolt Academy and quite possibly the 2nd best episode of the season yet.
I have to admit the first few minutes had me worried as it seemed like all the episode was going to be from that point was Applejack and Fluttershy arguing a common real political issue where at first everypony but Fluttershy is on Applejack’s side until the very end (Especially when all the others started circling around Fluttershy during the song). But thankfully it turned into something more by the start of the 2nd half. Apparently when Magic goes awry regarding vampire creatures, even a pony can gain the vampirism of the creature.
I actually thought at first it was going to be a nod to Swarm of the Century that was going to majorly effect the plot. In that episode, Twilight also casted a spell to make creatures stop eating all the food, only it started eating things. When Twilight casted the spell on the bats. I thought they were going to possibly bite Ponies or other creatures or something, turned them into vampires themselves. Heck when I noticed it looked like Fluttershy was showing the signs of being a Vampire Pony I thought that’s what happened until the grid that Twilight showed it was actually some magic redirection. Which I must say was rather more clever then simply having it the result of a bite.
I suspect that we’ll see plenty of fanart of Vampire Fluttershy in the near future. I’m kinda wondering if showing the fang at the end of an episode is teasing something in the future. But again, just like the Pony of Shadows thing at the end of Castle-Mania and quite possibly the book disappearing at the end of Power Ponies. We won’t know for sure until it actually happens. What I liked about this episode though was good use of continuity. They use the Stare again, it’s Applebucking day which I presume Applebuck Season took place around the same type of day, Rainbow Dash still has her obsession with Cider that we saw in Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000, and while it didn’t go exactly the same. Twilight’s spell reminded me very much of Swarm of the Century as I mentioned before. (By the way until further notice, Fluttershy will at least have the fang still in Genie Twilight whether or not the show ever does have it come into play again)
I’m just overall glad the episode didn’t drag along with the whole issue about treating animals the right way throughout the whole episode. It just got a lot more interesting when we got to Vampire Fluttershy and saving her. I didn’t want the episode discussion just be political debate. I’m sure no matter what there will be some of it, but I hope at least that it’s Vampire Fluttershy that people remember about the episode more then political debate. We don’t need another “Feeling Pinkie Keen teaches people to accept religion” sort of controversy again.
Anyway next week should be an exciting time for Rarity fans. As we finally get our first Rarity episode since early Season 2. Though it also happened to be Episode 8 of the season… I don’t know about you guys but here always seems to be a bit of a curse on episode 8 in this show for each season. Look Before You Sleep may not be that bad but to me it just was really dull and I felt Twilight was a bit flanderized in it. Mysterious Mare-Do-Well I don’t even have to explain. And Apple Family Reunion brought an end to a streak of great Season 3 episodes (Magic Duel -> Sleepless in Ponyville -> Wonderbolt Academy) and was just overall dull, perhaps even more so then Look Before You Sleep. Can we have one good Episode 8 to the consensus? Please? I suppose then again there’s never been a bad Rarity focused episode. But either way something’s gotta give. I just hope Rarity’s quality episode trend is able to break the Episode 8 curse.
Plenty of stuff to enjoy and wear on occasion ^^ I hope the Winter Classic experience turns out well, in addition to having the Wings winning the game while there.
Gotta say it, Flutterhulk is best Power Pony xD
Anyway another good episode for Season 4. This was probably the best Spike episode since Secret of my Excess. It completely trumps the disaster that was Spike at your Service, and has more going it for the decent but not too amazing Just for Sidekicks. The episode kinda sorta covers the issue of Spike being essentially useless to the Mane 6. When there have been times where he’s proven useful (Ex: Lesson Zero & Crystal Empire). So for any Spike fans, this should be much appreciated.
The origin of the Mane-Iac is just like a commonly known origin of the Joker. The story of the villain falling into a vat of chemicals was exactly that in the 1989 Batman film. Which is pretty cool I’d say.
Regarding the powers given to the Mane 6 though. Let me give my thoughts on each one.
Twilight Sparkle (Masked Matterhorn) - I feel Twilight was actually NERFED more then powered up. She could already shoot lasers before (Canterlot Wedding & Princess Twilight Sparkle for examples) and had more abilities then she had in the comic book. Even though she had a freeze ray as well and possibly quite a bit of different types. She showed she could essentially time freeze ponies around her back in Castle-Mania. This is one of the few examples I’d say where a character is actually weaker then they potentially were when turned into a superhero.
Applejack (Mistress Mare-volous) - The Wonder Woman inspiration works really well here. They didn’t exactly go full Lasso of Honesty here as much as that would fit even more. But regardless the only better choice might of been the most common ability known of Superman. Giving Applejack super strength.
Rainbow Dash (Zap) - I can’t be the only one that think she probably should of got the Super speed right? She’s one of the fastest ponies shown in the show, Maybe it was a little too redundant? But then why did they give Twilight just a Magic laser then? Ah well, Storm powers are decent enough… even if once again that’s rather redundant given she’s a Pegasus. I also think her Sonic Rainboom counts as a stronger Superpower then anything she does in this episode.
Rarity (Radiance) - I found it rather interesting they chose to give Rarity the Green Lantern powers. And they had really good uses for it in the episode. Even if it’s like she was the only one (Besides maybe Pinkie) that was actually buffed by the super powers.
Fluttershy (Saddle Rager) - This was probably the most entertaining part of the episode. Fluttershy was given the Hulk. But she’s one that’s not that easy to anger (Until you threaten one of her friends and/or animals). I can say I was laughing pretty hard as soon as she was smashing up Mane-iac’s machine. Really the only time Fluttershy being angry has not been funny as all heck was in Putting Your Hoof Down. Because she basically said “Fuck You” to both Rarity and Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie Pie (Fili-Second) - She worked well with it anyway, but I still think the super speed should of gone to Rainbow. But the Cupcakes thing at the end was kinda funny.
However the superpowers weren’t really the focus as it was on Spike. And I hope I can credit for the most part Meghan for him being awesomely portrayed here. As Meghan wasn’t the only writer of this episode. (There was also Charlotte Fullerton of Suited for Success fame… and Putting Your Hoof Down infamy, and a new writer named Betsy McGowen) but she usually writes the best Spike out of any of the writers. (I gave Equestria Girls a 5 out of 10, but Spike’s performance despite being a dog is one of the reasons it wasn’t lower.)
On a side note, looks like the Mane 6 are renovating the castle. I figured they’d be doing something with it. I wonder if the Castle will have any role in the Season finale. Maybe even possibly the place eventually being Twilight’s new home? Those who are distressed about Twilight moving shouldn’t be so alarmed. The castle is in close proximity to Ponyville and it even has a larger library. You have to wonder what the Treebrary in Ponyville was before Twilight moved there. I seriously doubt that place is going to forever be Twilight’s home, especially now in her current status as a Princess.
All in all, while the whole powers thing was weird. A lot of the logical fallacies that fall within the Comic book parts, can be excused that this is based on the old comics where the villains were just crazy, had nonsensical plots and to some extent the heroes as well. Example being how Applejack was able to use her lasso on a tornado. I have a feeling if she tried that in Equestria, that wouldn’t have worked. But in a comic book world where it defies physics that even Equestria usually manages to keep in, it works. This is probably one thing that might make or break an episode. If you’re not familiar with or can’t appreciate the charm about parodying the old comics to the point they’re using those fallacies to their advantage then you probably won’t like or care for the episode. It’s just really supposed to be a fun watch just like how those old comics were just silly fun reads. And I think it succeeded in that department, for those that watch it in a more analytical way it might not be as fun. But if you’re looking for entertainment, I think it provides. Especially near the end regarding Fluttershy.
Anyway, that’s all I have now. Season 4’s remaining pretty consistently good IMO. Even if Daring Don’t seem to be the only mixed opinion one, that’s only because it has a bit of an odd concept not a lot of people expected. I think if you can suspend your disbelief on that one. That one was still a pretty decent episode. I am a bit worried about the next episode though, considering it’s Merriwether Williams here and it’s concept seems to be based on a real-life political issue and if either Applejack or Fluttershy are portrayed as if they’re in the wrong. There will be controversy. But whatever happens. I think we still got a very good start for the first 5-6 episodes of Season 4.
depends on whether or not goku’s in it
waaaay off the mark, buddy
That’s right. ^^
I didn’t mention it however because it didn’t seem that much of a big deal. As nice as it was to see Scootaloo’s home for the first time. The show does tend to hold off on some stuff that we may be curious about. Like I believe although for the longest time we’ve seen Sweetie Belle hang around Carousel Boutique, we know she has a home where she lives with her and Rarity’s parents occasionally that was shown in One Bad Apple. It’s because we don’t get alot of Scootaloo focus in general until Seasons 3 and 4 that we got anything special with Scoots.
As a result, I felt like it was safe to assume Scootaloo has a home. And heck, alive parents as well. (We just haven’t seen them yet) Since her being an orphan seems to also be a running thing just because we haven’t seen any thing of Scoots’ family. Though the show seems to not be too into showing any of the Pegasi character’s family. The only one we have so far seems to be Rainbow’s father in the flashbacks we got in Games Ponies Play. But otherwise we have nothing for Fluttershy either.
Well this episode didn’t really provide a clear answer on whether Scootaloo is not able to fly. It’s probably for the best, because people who prefer she’s disabled can say that’s how it is. And others who don’t can simply say she’s a late bloomer.
But overall the episode was good for your average CMC episode. I don’t think it’s better then Sleepless in Ponyville, but I certainly believe it’s above One Bad Apple. Though “Hearts as Strong as Horses” I felt was rather bland compared to “Babs Seed” from that episode and “Perfect Stallion” from Hearts and Hooves Day. I’d say as far as CMC episodes go it’s in the Top 6 (Other 5 good CMC related episodes I’d say are Cutie Mark Chronicles, Sleepless in Ponyville, Sisterhooves Social, Ponyville Confidential, and Family Appreciation Day
For at least a short time, I thought that there was a possibility that maybe Scootaloo was getting her cutie mark. Especially when near the end when it had Scoots look at her flank. But that was cut off a split second when Scootaloo did the “Cutie Marks in Flag Carrying” thing. Then again if she did get her Cutie Mark there’d only be a few seconds to celebrate it, and it would of been a little while before the next CMC episode to elaborate on it.
All I know though, is I’m glad this didn’t have the worst ending possible where Scootaloo suddenly knows how to fly by the end of the episode because she just happened to work so hard.
One thing I really like is the idea that Ponyville isn’t just a place for Earth Ponies, which a huge part of the economy being the Apple family may suggest. And it is indeed represented as a town where all three pony types live together in peace. Which considering Hearth’s Warming Eve, makes sense.
This episode makes me wonder when the Equestria Games are going to come into play in the Season though. We’ve had Games Ponies Play and now this episode to build up to it.
Rainbow Dash was pretty good in this episode. But her best part was at the end by far where she again shows she’s the element of Loyalty in telling the CMC to stick to their team and even going straight back to Ponyville to have them talk with Scootaloo and providing the rather vague word on whether Scootaloo can fly or not. Honorable mention as well to Rainbow Dash’s expressions not only in the first half of the episode but her reaction to Scootaloo’s remark on the Flag carrying Cutie Mark at the end.
But anyway the big thing of the episode of course was to provide more details on why Scootaloo hasn’t shown herself to be a good flier yet. Does it deliver? Well it’s actually up to everyone to think about. Which depending what you wanted from the episode either means it’s underwhelming since it doesn’t provide more clearance on whether Scoots is a disabled pegasus or not. But it’s not nearly as vague as say Applejack’s parents’ death being represented as comets in Apple Family Reunion. There is a basis that Scooaloo could be disabled, maybe eventually she will fly but she won’t be able to do it like normal Pegasi because that’s just how it is with her condition. And from this look into the episode, this episode does bring some brilliance to the entire series. If Scoots is even mildly physically disabled, everypony still treats her like any other pony around and they don’t consider Scootaloo a filly that has special needs all the time. As Scootaloo has even shown as much confidence and big dreams that rivals Rainbow Dash’s own on her good days. It even provides more brilliance to the whole Ponyville representation besides just the “three types of ponies are friends” they’re accepting of all kinds of ponies. Including ponies that may not be able to do what’s considered normal for Ponies. It’s especially heartwarming and excellent of Rainbow Dash’s character to believe Scoots is awesome whether or not Scoots will fly considering she’s one of the best fliers in Ponyville. She’s willing to let Scootaloo be like a little sister to her as shown in Sleepless in Ponyville despite the vastly different skill in flight. And is even proof that Scoots looking at Rainbow as a role model is rewarded in she finds a role model where she wishes she could fly as good as her, and she’s able to comfort Scoots herself when she’s down. And it makes sense since Scootaloo isn’t the only pony she’s done this for, as you remember Hurricane Fluttershy where she showed how supportive she is of Fluttershy in comparison to her abrasiveness in Dragonshy.
If this episode had more of the heart that was in the scene where Rainbow and the CMC go back to Ponyville to see Scoots, this episode would be hailed as one of the greatest episodes of the show. For some maybe it already is, but I think there’s more that could of been done. But I’m sure every bad episode would of liked their only problem be that the episode didn’t do enough rather then actual huge errors. So definitely consider Flight to the Finish a passing episode of the Season. Right now my least favorite episode of Season 4 is Castle-Mania, and that one isn’t that bad. So I’m liking where things are going right now. Let’s hope Season 4 continues providing quality after quality.
(If you need a little more clearance about what the Genie Twi response to this episode is about. Scootaloo could wish for Twilight to give her flight, but she heard that Rainbow Dash refused to become a wonderbolt with a wish. And Scootaloo decides to follow in those same footsteps with flying. Scoots in Genie Twi won’t accept a flight ability she didn’t learn. Much like how Rainbow won’t try to become a Wonderbolt with a wish. Though as Genie Twi says, the Wonderbolt thing wouldn’t actually work out well even if Rainbow did try)
Well Rainbow Dash sure proved herself to be quite the fangirl hasn’t she xD
Anyway this was a good episode. I might need a few more watches if it holds up more then Read It and Weep or anything. but as an Indiana Jones fan, someone who really liked Rainbow’s nerdy side that started from Read It and Weep.
One thing I’m a bit conflicted about is if I think it’s cool or not that Daring Do is an actual pony and all her adventures in the series actually happened. On one side, we have an awesome butt-kicking character that’s actually within Friendship is Magic’s universe and thus fan art and fan comics can explore more interaction between Daring Do and other actual ponies since well Daring Do is actually real in the universe. On the other hand it’s kinda a shame that the one example of what seemed to be a fiction within what’s already a fictional universe now is actually revealed to be real-life. Even if it’s the Mane 6 who are the only ones that know this now. It’s not a huge issue with me, I’m just a bit conflicted about the idea that the Daring Do series is essentially autobiographical in terms of her adventures.
Otherwise, those who liked Read It and Weep and/or Rainbow Dash being a fangirl should really like this episode. Many of the jokes in the first half was pretty much exactly like Rainbow Dash being a stand-in for some of us who are fans of our favorite thing. Such as the excitement for the next part of the series (Which could apply to the next Season for a show, the sequel to a movie or video game, etc.), complaining about a delay, and utterly going crazy when she’s meeting the author and even more so when the Author turns out to be Daring Do (Even if that part is unrealistic in terms of us fans, it’s not like when if we met Tara Strong or Roger Craig Smith they’re secretly Twilight Sparkle and Sonic the Hedgehog in real life… right?)
The episode was just a good watch. Actually in some ways, you know how I said Castle-Mania kinda felt like a good normal Season 1 episode? I kinda feel like Daring Don’t is sorta reminiscent of a good normal Season 2 episode I think. Given I think most of the episode focused on Dash more then anypony else while the previous episode focused on the pretty much everypony. Season 2 had more episodes focused on one pony then they had any of episodes of the Mane 6 altogether and even tended to up the scale in the pure entertainment value then Season 1 did. Could this mean we get a little more balance between the two 26 episode seasons? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Last thing I want to address is how before the first screenshot of “A.K. Yearling” showed up. There was the thought that the possibility that the author was Twilight’s Mom because of a hint in the comics. I’m one that would of loved that, but lowered my expectations as soon as I saw a screenshot of A.K. Yearling. I admit I’m a bit disappointed this didn’t turn out to be the case. But I’ll be awaiting to see what the comic artist says about this. But it would of absolutely made my day to have an episode where not only does Twilight’s Mom appear and speak. But have a good role for an entire episode. Oh well, looks like my dream episode of a visit from Twilight’s parents could come in the future even if it’s not this Season. But I made sure not to let it affect my initial thoughts on the episode. Goodness knows how those kind of expectations set in with Apple Family Reunion in Season 3. (Back then I was hoping on anything more then just a subtle hint of comets about AJ’s parents, especially when the writer of the episode was the same one who did Hurricane Fluttershy. But it turned out to be one of most dullest episodes of the series since Look Before Your Sleep)
My Little Pony: Triple Trouble in Paradise
Alright Castle-Mania.
The first normal episode (Non two-parter, Non Special Occasion like MMC) since Games Ponies Play.
And from first impressions. It was ultimately good, but not really too great. A few things were too predictable. From the eyes moving from the pictures, there being no real Shadow Pony only to show there might actually be one at the end (I wonder if it teasing something to a future episode though, that would be cool). Just a few too many Cartoon cliches that I can remember even from the old Scooby-Doo cartoons.
The reasons that a few of the Mane 6 were even there kinda felt like basic excuses given that it really boils down to what we knew about them back in Season 1. Rainbow Dash and Applejack like to compete with each other, so have them there to see who’s the braver pony. Rarity likes fabric, so have her go to try to get some ancient art from the castle that’s left and restore it for use (To be fair to Rarity fans that’s kinda cool that she’s trying to restore something). And Pinkie likes Parties, so let’s have her go assuming the Mane 6 went there for a party.
Honestly Twilight and Fluttershy are the only ones you can really say they were there for more then one reason. Twilight was told by Celestia to go there and she also wondered if the castle’s library had anything about the box the Tree of Harmony sprouted at the end of the previous two-parter. And ultimately at the end led to the replacement of the Friendship letters. The Mane 6 having a diary/journal instead of sending letters to Celestia. And as for Fluttershy, while not as big or important as Twilight’s. She still went both to help Rarity, and as it would turn out try to look for Angel who runs ahead.
On the plus side however, this episode does bring up a few cool things that sets up things for the rest of the season and even does something not a lot of normal episodes do. There’s more continuity overall with this establishing episode compared to Ticket Master and Lesson Zero (Though continuity is one of the few things it does better in Lesson Zero, I don’t know about anything else). The aforementioned replacement of the Friendship Letters is a good idea for such a purpose. And from preview screenshots and promos for future episodes that I’ve seen, this won’t be the last we see of the old castle being used. So we have another location for episodes to have in the future. Which is excellent, given that it is a rather iconic location, as even the episode itself refers to it’s where they got the Elements of Harmony. So it’s awesome we’re going to be seeing this place get more use. Some of the humor was really good, and the animation and some special cues with the voice acting were really top notch. The last time the Main 6 had a good role in the episode and wasn’t for a really special occasion though was Games Ponies Play, and let’s just say this performed a lot better then that one. The last episode that gave all the Main 6 a good role before in a less important episode before Games Ponies Play was all the way back to Season 2 with Hearth’s Warming Eve (Technially it’s kinda important with the history, but given nothing has come to really expand on what Hearth’s Warming Eve showed. Not yet). But the last real good episode to include all the Main 6 was all the way back in Season 1 with the finale of that season: Best Night Ever. While it’s a stretch to say this episode is as good as that one, it’s the previous episode to give each the Main 6 a good role and it being relatively a good episode. Those who miss these kind of episodes back in Season 1 may really appreciate this one as it’s very much in line with the Season 1 episodes that did give all the Main 6 something to do.
Overall, it’s not a better episode then the opener was that’s for sure. And not even the best season establisher (Lesson Zero keeps it’s seat there). But those who appreciated the charm of some of the classic Season 1 episodes that focused on not just one of the Main 6 during an episode might really like this episode. It does what it needs to do well enough: bring back an old location to become a recurring location. Brings a substantial replacement to the Friendship letters, and gives a good tone for a lot of the normal Season 4 episodes. Using continuity more then ever before, and not losing too much focus on what the task at hand (The box) that the opener gave us. As long as we get episodes like this or better for the most normal episodes of the series. Season 4 may relatively be healthy in terms of consistent quality most of the way through,
P.S. It was a bit difficult to decide what to do for the Castle-Mania response. So sorry if my update seemed a bit lacking of idea other then “Twilight tail hugs her friends just from remembering how things were more simpler at one point”