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[Choppasmith]

Episode 12, so not this week or next week, but the week after.

And I'd say that's a good attitude you've got. I just noticed that Amy Keating Rogers is writing it too, so we should get some quality lyrics to go with our songs.

Spoiler

Ignore the James Woods stuff, that was just an example.

Oh, I was going to say, I thought there you were referring to an actual AT episode. Kinda funny you mention it though since Weird Al guest started on AT as well. Yeah, I think the fact that he'll singing at least one, If not more musical numbers is a good reason to make a separate thread about it before it airs. There might besome Weird Al fans who don't watch the show who might want to check it out as opposed to one of his random voice cameos like AT and some of the DC Nation Shorts.

 

[Sciz]

Wonder if Al had any input on the music and lyrics or if that's all Ingram/Rogers.

 

[DrForester]

We got a clip. who's going to make the thread about the episode?

 

[PaulloDEC]

We got a clip. who's going to make the thread about the episode?

I'll pass.

Incidentally, did anyone else catch the thread about terrible CVs over in the gaming section? Someone busted out that MLP-themed resume image. Cue several pages of brony-bashing chaos.

 

[Choppasmith]

I can do it if no one else wants to. I mean, it's not like we need a fancy OP or anything.

I'll pass.

Incidentally, did anyone else catch the thread about terrible CVs over in the gaming section? Someone busted out that MLP-themed resume image. Cue several pages of brony-bashing chaos.

Link? Edit: Never mind found it. Yep, figured it was THAT resume.

 

[Jawmuncher]

Still waiting for my Nicolas cage MLP episode.

 

[Choppasmith]

Missed this post earlier

Wonder if Al had any input on the music and lyrics or if that's all Ingram/Rogers.

Well...

Last year I got the news from Hasbro that none other than Weird Al Yankovic, one of my childhood musical idols, would be guest starring on My Little Pony, and.....*drum roll*... It would be a MUSICAL! After the initial panic attack ("I'm not worthy!!") I got to work on what turned out to be some of the funnest, craziest, and sweetest songs of the series so far. Next came the trip to L.A. to record with the man himself and it did not disappoint. I won't say much more at this point, except to hang onto your hats and watch the historic episode in 2.5 weeks time! Are you ready?!

So yeah, sounds like he worked with Ingram on the songs.

 

[McNum]

I say we wait with the Weird Al thread until at least it's the week leading up to the actual episode. OTs are made a week before, after all.

I'm looking forward to that one, it's either going to be totally awesome, or the biggest letdown in the history of Friendship is Magic. But.. it's putting Weird Al and Pinkie Pie in the same room together? It has to be a crazy one.

As for this week's episode, I'm kind of... not really that excited. I'm just not a fan of conflicting loyalty stories, but I suppose Rainbow Dash has to have one of those this season. I'm guessing she ends up with something that shimmers in rainbow colors in this one. Test of Loyalty and all that.

 

[SpacePirate Ridley]

Missed this post earlier



Well...



So yeah, sounds like he worked with Ingram on the songs.

From ingram's description it seems it could be really awesome. I think if animators and musicians are having lots of fun making the episode, it doenst need to be groundbreaking, it will work. Well maybe not if you dont like weird al or Pinkie Pie too much of course lol

 

[UberTag]

As for this week's episode, I'm kind of... not really that excited. I'm just not a fan of conflicting loyalty stories, but I suppose Rainbow Dash has to have one of those this season. I'm guessing she ends up with something that shimmers in rainbow colors in this one. Test of Loyalty and all that.

The trick to watching this week's episode is to turn it into a drinking game.
Take a shot whenever RD brags about herself and then down the entire bottle as soon as she starts seeing shimmering rainbows.

 

[wookieofdoom]

As for this week's episode, I'm kind of... not really that excited. I'm just not a fan of conflicting loyalty stories, but I suppose Rainbow Dash has to have one of those this season. I'm guessing she ends up with something that shimmers in rainbow colors in this one. Test of Loyalty and all that.

Well, I wasn't at first but Corey Powell is writing the episode, so that has me at least hopeful. Poor RD needs some good episodes, she's an awesome character but a fair share of her stories are pretty meh (obviously Sonic Rainboom and Read It and Weep are outstanding episodes). Here's hoping she gets another good one.

 

[PaulloDEC]

Full synopses released for Pinkie Pride and Simple Ways:

"Pinkie Pride" - An elated Pinkie Pie is planning the biggest and best "birth-iversary" party ever for Rainbow Dash, but when another party planning pony named Cheese Sandwich rides into town, plans change. Soon, everypony is so excited about Cheese Sandwich's party that they forget about Pinkie Pie, but her pride won't let her go down without an official "goof off," on "My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic," Saturday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. ET/ 7:30 a.m. PT on the Hub Network.

"Simple Ways" - Rarity is known around Ponyville for her confidence and class, both of which are lost when Trenderhoof, the world famous travel writer and apple of Rarity's eye, comes to town. So, when Trenderhoof's attention is drawn to Applejack, Rarity does the unexpected and begins to dress and act more like Applejack than herself, which ends up in a muddy mess, on "My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic," Saturday, February 8 at 10:30 a.m. ET/ 7:30 a.m. PT on the Hub Network.

We already knew what we were getting with Pinkie Pride, but Simple Ways is not what I was expecting at all. Looking forward to it!

Well, I wasn't at first but Corey Powell is writing the episode, so that has me at least hopeful. Poor RD needs some good episodes, she's an awesome character but a fair share of her stories are pretty meh (obviously Sonic Rainboom and Read It and Weep are outstanding episodes). Here's hoping she gets another good one.

Oh, nice! Hadn't noticed Corey Powell was writing, loved his last two episodes.

 

[DrForester]

Simple Ways sounds very amusing.

As for the Weird Al episode, I hope he beats Pinkie Pie. Then Spike will get an invite to the party.

 

[UberTag]

The premise for Simple Ways is rife with potential for hilarity.
Please tell me there's a good writer on board for this episode.

 

[Tenumi]

As much as I like Rarity, it feels like to me she's been getting a bunch of episodes this season.

Yeah, yeah, she didn't get any last season, but still. I'd like to see some more Twilight or Spike. Barely seen them beyond the first 3 episodes.

 

[UberTag]

As much as I like Rarity, it feels like to me she's been getting a bunch of episodes this season.

Yeah, yeah, she didn't get any last season, but still. I'd like to see some more Twilight or Spike. Barely seen them beyond the first 3 episodes.

Seems to me they don't know how to write for Twilight now that she's elevated herself to princess-tier... although Twilight Time should fill that void.

You should really be lobbying for Sweetie Belle episodes given your avatar. Keeping my fingers crossed that Filli Vanilli delivers there.

 

[UberTag]

Bulk Biceps + Fluttershy as Team Ponyville? No wonder RD considers bolting.
Also not digging the forced Pinkie Pie jokes in the opening.

EDIT: Man, it's like the entire gang is forced this episode. It's like obnoxious Pinkie Pie times 4.
Way to not bother to volunteer for the team Twilight. Good thing you're still around to lecture.

EDIT 2: Ep was somewhat saved by a strong 3rd act. Even though they had to make most of the Mane 6 completely oblivious to do it.
Was worth it for the Derpy cameo and both Pinkie & Twilight with rainbow manes.
And, of course we had the obligatory rainbow eye shimmer plus gifted doodad at the end.

Gift givers are now Coco Pommel and Spitfire. 4 more to go.

Make Spitfire an asshole for no real reason?

Yeah, Spitfire's effectively had her character assassinated over her past couple appearances.
She was effectively brown-nosing her way back into RD's good graces at the end after being a complete bitch for 15 minutes.
At least they made Soarin' into a lovable loser but the mystique of the Wonder Bolts has effectively been shattered at this point.

Only saving grace for Spitfire this week is that everypony else was portrayed badly as well.

 

[DrForester]

Didn't really care for this episode.

Retcon Bulk Biceps into a terrible flyer when he made it into the Wonderbolts Academy?

Make Spitfire an asshole for no real reason?

Have Dash face a choice she's made before. Rainbow Dash has long since developed past winning is everything. There was no conflict to be had.

 

[SparksterMeta0]

It was an interesting twist having Dash trying to avoid making a choice since she likes to win, with the Wonderbolts no less, just as much as she likes competing with her friends in Ponyville.
Other than that, this episode didn't grab me. Maybe it was because of Bulk Biceps.

It was nice to see our favorite googly eyed pegasus again.

 

[HUELEN10]

So why is everyone apparently going gaga over

Spoiler

Derpy

? She was in the season 3 finale and Equestria Girls for Pete's sake; she wasn't going anywhere.

 

[DrForester]

Dawns on me that they hurt the entire premise of this episode right at the start. They say flat out that Rainbow Dash chose to compete with Ponyville's weaker relay team rather than some event on her own that she could easily get gold in.

Also, Pinkie Pie seemed to be the Ponyville Booster club leader. Explains why Spike wasn't there.

 

[McNum]

Two rainbow items/keys down, four to go.

I'm not a fan of conflicting loyalty episodes, but this one was okay, in part because Bulk Biceps was awesome. (Even if I prefer the fan name Snowflake.) Still it went pretty much by the numbers. Not bad, not great. Just plain standard good.

Also Derpy is back, and right there front and center, too. Even if she was kind of a joke character this time. "We found a replacement." Cue Derpy. I wonder if Twilight is barred from competing due to being an Alicorn? Or maybe she'll have special duties at the Games due to the whole princes thing.

And something just hit me.. If the rainbow items are to be given as gifts... and Pinkie Pie is going to have a party-duel with Weird Al soon... Does that mean he'll get to move the background story forward? If so, Pinkie will definitely get a rainbow accordion.

 

[Myke Greywolf]

Worst episode of the season so far, in my opinion, but still a pretty enjoyable one. The first half just had too many consistency, pacing and exposition problems, even though the second half almost made up for it with Derpy's appearance and the revelation of Spitfire and Fleetfoot's scheme, leaving Soarin' as a victim and Rainbow Dash in a complicated position.

Worst part was definitely Bulk Biceps apparently forgetting that he is a perfectly competent flier who was admitted into the Wonderbolts Academy.

So, yeah, two keys (?) down, four to go.

 

[PaulloDEC]

Enjoyed that one for the most part, even if it wasn't anything particularly new. I kinda miss Bulk's "YEAH!" gimmick, but I guess I can live without it.

My biggest issue by far was that it kinda repeated the same problem I had with Wonderbolts Academy, i.e. Spitfire is a total asshole, does nothing to redeem herself, suddenly everyone seems ok with it. Like Rainbow Dash, the production team needs to get off the fence on this one - reform Spitfire, or stop trying to convince me she's not a massive jerk.

EDIT: Man, it's like the entire gang is forced this episode. It's like obnoxious Pinkie Pie times 4.

Way to not bother to volunteer for the team Twilight. Good thing you're still around to lecture.

I thought Pinkie was fairly on-message this episode. She seemed at least to be focussing her energy on the task at hand, rather than just being goofy about nothing.

As for Twilight, I have to assume that in addition to having her own duties at the Equestria Games, there's rules against having Alicorns and/or royalty on your flying team.

 

[DrForester]

I actually thought all the ponies being there made sense. Of course the other 4 would go to cheer on Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash and the other Ponyville competitors.

 

[PaulloDEC]

I actually thought all the ponies being there made sense. Of course the other 4 would go to cheer on Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash and the other Ponyville competitors.

Yup, as much as I don't want to see the entire cast in every episode, it would've been stranger if they hadn't been there for this one.

In other news, EQD is reporting that episode 15, "Twilight Time" is a CMC (and Twilight, naturally) episode, whereas episode 14, "Filli Vanilli" isn't. Guess that'll turn a few predictions on their head!

 

[$200]

"Twilight Time" is a CMC (and Twilight, naturally) episode

It's Twilight time!

 

[PaulloDEC]

It's Twilight time!

Oh god, I'd forgotten how amazing that episode was. Must rewatch sometime soon.

 

[Rhomega Beta]

I don't get it. After Hurricane Fluttershy, where dozens of pegasi helped bring water to Cloudsdale, the best Ponyville has to offer for a relay race is a Wonderbolt candidate, a roided-up pegasus with tiny wings too big to fly through the rings, and a pegasus who not only prefers to stay on the ground, but is also the worst flyer in Ponyville, and they're competing against the Wonderbolts, the most elite flyers in all of Equestria. On top of that, the team just barely qualified because only one pony is capable of a good performance, and you know once the actual competition starts, they're going to come in last.

 

[alfredofroylan]

I don't get it. After Hurricane Fluttershy, where dozens of pegasi helped bring water to Cloudsdale, the best Ponyville has to offer for a relay race is a Wonderbolt candidate, a roided-up pegasus with tiny wings too big to fly through the rings, and a pegasus who not only prefers to stay on the ground, but is also the worst flyer in Ponyville, and they're competing against the Wonderbolts, the most elite flyers in all of Equestria. On top of that, the team just barely qualified because only one pony is capable of a good performance, and you know once the actual competition starts, they're going to come in last.

At the beginning they said that they can only compete in 1 event, so I guess the rest of the pegasis were in other events.

 

[DrForester]

In the end, the relay is won by Canterlot and the Celestia, Luna and Blossonforth team.

 

[Rhomega Beta]

At the beginning they said that they can only compete in 1 event, so I guess the rest of the pegasis were in other events.

Yeah, I imagine the other Ponyville teams will fare better in other events, but it still seems heavily unbalanced that these guys are going against the Wonderbolts. Did anypony know that the Wonderbolts were competing in this one event so they could send the best of the best against them?

 

[ZealousD]

Its weird al all right...
AND I LOVE IT!

His cutie mark is an accordian.

Because of course it is.

 

[DrForester]

I bet Pinkie Pie is going to get her key gift from Weird Al.

 

[Choppasmith]

Didn't really care for this episode.

Retcon Bulk Biceps into a terrible flyer when he made it into the Wonderbolts Academy?

Make Spitfire an asshole for no real reason?

Have Dash face a choice she's made before. Rainbow Dash has long since developed past winning is everything. There was no conflict to be had.

Agreed with this. Definitely the weakest episode so far which is surprising considering Corey Powell wrote one of the best episodes from last season. Man and I thought Spitfire in Wonderbolt Academy was bad and she's even worse here.

But hey Derpy appearance, derped eyes and all.

Edit: Read the staff comments on how she's here to stay. Excellent news!

 

[wookieofdoom]

Huh, so after reading all the negative comments on this episode I went into thinking I would be very disappointed and found myself pleasantly surprised. Sure, this wasn't as good as Sleepless In Ponyville, but that episode is something rather special and would be a tough act to top. There were some things I didn't like about this episode that dragged it down from the potential it could have had with inconsistencies that really make no sense. Now, I am willing to overlook a lot of dumb stuff in this show that drives other fans nuts because, to me, the sheer fact that this show is anything remotely good makes me turn a blind eye to a lot it's little continuity errors. I love celebrating the fact that a show based on such an insipid and pandering i.p. has been turned into something truly special as a labor of love by it's creators. That said, making Bulk Biceps an incapable flyer after having him in the freaking Wonderbolts Academy makes no sense. Man, just drop a line how he was drummed out the first week or something. I found him funny, sure, but they should have honestly just had Derpy from the beginning. The other thing that irked me was how quickly Spitfire turned around. RD basically admits to her superior officer she lied to her, then turns around and accuses Spitfire of lying and then throws her under a bus. Spitfire's response: "you're cool Rainbow Dash. Have a medal."Weird pacing problem (something that happens a lot in this show) that results in them trying to wrap up too much at the end.

That said, I did like the lesson learned here. Sure, it's cliche and predictable, but a nice one none-the-less. I felt Rainbow was written pretty well, I loved her fake injury acting and her "Dashyness" was kept pretty well in check.

I do want to address an issue that has been brought up since Wonderbolts Academy: Spitfire being an asshole. A lot of people complain that Spitfire's character has been assassinated since season three and I am curious why people feel this way. Spitfire had just a handful of lines in season one, where she talks about being impressed by Rainbow Dash's skill as flyer. To me, these early representations of Spitfire are her public persona. It's a face she wears when meeting fans and looking for potential new recruits for the Wonderbolts. She seems all smile and sunshine, but let's face it: Spitfire is a military career officer of an elite band of flyers. She is going to be driven. She is going to be cocky. She is going to want to be the best and expect the best. Walk into a military recruitment office and talk the recruiter. He/she will be all sunshine and rainbows to make a good impression of the military. Take that same officer and put them in a drill sergeant role and watch them change into someone else entirely. That's how I see Spitfire. I don't see her as being assassinated, but as fleshed out.

 

[Snytbaggen]

I do want to address an issue that has been brought up since Wonderbolts Academy: Spitfire being an asshole. A lot of people complain that Spitfire's character has been assassinated since season three and I am curious why people feel this way. Spitfire had just a handful of lines in season one, where she talks about being impressed by Rainbow Dash's skill as flyer. To me, these early representations of Spitfire are her public persona. It's a face she wears when meeting fans and looking for potential new recruits for the Wonderbolts. She seems all smile and sunshine, but let's face it: Spitfire is a military career officer of an elite band of flyers. She is going to be driven. She is going to be cocky. She is going to want to be the best and expect the best. Walk into a military recruitment office and talk the recruiter. He/she will be all sunshine and rainbows to make a good impression of the military. Take that same officer and put them in a drill sergeant role and watch them change into someone else entirely. That's how I see Spitfire. I don't see her as being assassinated, but as fleshed out.

Yeah, I agree. In Wonderbolt Academy she had the role of a drill sergeant, that kinda requires her to be an asshole. In yesterday's episode I think we saw more of the "real" Spitfire, but she had gotten caught up in the "I wanna win no matter what" mindset. Rainbow Dash had gotten caught up in that as well, and probably wouldn't have snapped out of it if it wasn't for Twilight. I don't think she was actively trying to be an ass to Soarin, but justified it as doing the best for the team and Rainbow Dash made her realize that at the end. Anyway, just my thoughts.

 

[$200]

Spitfire being an asshole.

We've been slowly seeing how she really is first in Hurricane Fluttershy, and then Wonderbolts Academy, and then now. Time and time again there are still people denying it though like CappyFish on irc

We've also known the Wonderbolts are not as good as they're said to be ever since way back in season 1 when a bunch of them got knocked out by Rarity.

 

[PaulloDEC]

Man and I thought Spitfire in Wonderbolt Academy was bad and she's even worse here.

The other thing that irked me was how quickly Spitfire turned around. RD basically admits to her superior officer she lied to her, then turns around and accuses Spitfire of lying and then throws her under a bus. Spitfire's response: "you're cool Rainbow Dash. Have a medal."Weird pacing problem (something that happens a lot in this show) that results in them trying to wrap up too much at the end.

I do want to address an issue that has been brought up since Wonderbolts Academy: Spitfire being an asshole. A lot of people complain that Spitfire's character has been assassinated since season three and I am curious why people feel this way. Spitfire had just a handful of lines in season one, where she talks about being impressed by Rainbow Dash's skill as flyer. To me, these early representations of Spitfire are her public persona. It's a face she wears when meeting fans and looking for potential new recruits for the Wonderbolts. She seems all smile and sunshine, but let's face it: Spitfire is a military career officer of an elite band of flyers. She is going to be driven. She is going to be cocky. She is going to want to be the best and expect the best. Walk into a military recruitment office and talk the recruiter. He/she will be all sunshine and rainbows to make a good impression of the military. Take that same officer and put them in a drill sergeant role and watch them change into someone else entirely. That's how I see Spitfire. I don't see her as being assassinated, but as fleshed out.

Yeah, I agree. In Wonderbolt Academy she had the role of a drill sergeant, that kinda requires her to be an asshole. In yesterday's episode I think we saw more of the "real" Spitfire, but she had gotten caught up in the "I wanna win no matter what" mindset. Rainbow Dash had gotten caught up in that as well, and probably wouldn't have snapped out of it if it wasn't for Twilight. I don't think she was actively trying to be an ass to Soarin, but justified it as doing the best for the team and Rainbow Dash made her realize that at the end. Anyway, just my thoughts.

We've been slowly seeing how she really is first in Hurricane Fluttershy, and then Wonderbolts Academy, and then now. Time and time again there are still people denying it though like CappyFish on irc

I'm agreed with all y'all. The thing for me is, I'm totally cool with Spitfire being an asshole. In fact, I actually prefer it that way.

The big problem is that the show keeps flip-flopping about it. Wonderbolts Academy was all lined up to be a monumental turning point for Rainbow Dash, where she learns that her heroes aren't what she thought they were and the cost of being a Wonderbolt involved leaving your sense of right and wrong at the door. I was practically getting up to give a standing ovation when she handed in her wing-pony pin.

Then everything goes to hell. Spitfire makes a half-hearted apology, Rainbow Dash gets a promotion and her rival, who Spitfire spent the entire episode cheering on, gets marched off in disgrace. Suddenly the Wonderbolts are wonderful again, and Dash is pleased as punch to be there. It undid all of the hard work from the first three quarters of the episode.

And blow me down if they haven't gone and done it again with Rainbow Falls.

Rainbow Dash: "Spitfire, I'm calling you on your shitty behaviour."
Spitfire: "You got me. I think we've all learned a valuable lesson here today. Now let's all pretend nothing happened while I fly off scott-free. Soarin, I'm very, very sorry that I got caught. C'mon back."

Spitfire as an asshole is great. She's a career-driven character who got where she is by being motivated and ruthless. It might not make her nice, but it does make her interesting. The continued attempts to soft-redeem her every time just erodes that feeling away.

 

[Captain Fish]

We've been slowly seeing how she really is first in Hurricane Fluttershy, and then Wonderbolts Academy, and then now. Time and time again there are still people denying it though like CappyFish on irc

We've also known the Wonderbolts are not as good as they're said to be ever since way back in season 1 when a bunch of them got knocked out by Rarity.

I rewatched Wonderbolts Academy and I don't really think she was being as terrible as she was in this one. Even if you do think she was being a jerk (beyond the brusqueness required of the drill instructor role) how she acted in this episode is the exact opposite of the way she framed the lesson at the end of Wonderbolts.

Being the best should never come at the expense of our fellow ponies. It's not just about pushing ourselves. It's about pushing ourselves in the right direction.

I'd say that opposes both leaving a colleague behind when they can still perform and dashing the hopes of a team and town that needs its star athelete. So it still feels like mischaracterization. Although relearning lessons is totally a thing with this show, it's not really a good thing.

 

[PaulloDEC]

I rewatched Wonderbolts Academy and I don't really think she was being as terrible as she was in this one. Even if you do think she was being a jerk (beyond the brusqueness required of the drill instructor role) how she acted in this episode is the exact opposite of the way she framed the lesson at the end of Wonderbolts.

The thing that locked Spitfire down as an asshole for me was the way she treated Lightning Dust in Wonderbolts Academy. I'll quote myself from my write-up at the time:

As good as all of this seems for much of the episode, the ending sadly lets it down. Dash makes a bold and selfless gesture by marching to Spitfire's office and promptly handing in her resignation. She asserts that if recklessness for the sake of success is what defines a Wonderbolt, she wants no part of it. It's a beautiful scene for Dash that demonstrates how much her experiences in Ponyville have allowed her to grow and mature. Unfortunately the next scene takes an unexpected turn. Spitfire follows Dash to essentially tell her how right she is about everything, after which she appoints her as Lead Pony and strips a stunned Lighting Dust of her badge (actually ripping it off her suit). Dust is then marched away in disgrace, while Dash zooms off on a victory lap.

Now, let's rewind a second here. The fact of the matter is that Dash was absolutely right to bail on the Wonderbolts. Spitfire makes the claim at the eleventh hour that Lightning Dust was in the wrong, but only after having rewarded and indeed encouraged her reckless behavior during each and every exercise throughout the previous days. Dust might be a careless jerk, but the Wonderbolts were watching the whole deal and didn't lift a hoof. Spitfire's change-of-heart doesn't really make any sense, and Dust's punishment should've been either shared with Dash (who took part in every single reckless deed) or not given at all.

Three ponies were at fault in that episode. One got rewarded, one got expelled and one went on with her life as if nothing had happened.

 

[Jawmuncher]

I have to say that I enjoyed this episode a lot.
Especially since it featured more background ponies in leading roles than usual. Which is something I want to see more often. Not to mention the derpy appearance was a nice touch.

 

[DrForester]

In Wonderbolts Academy Spitfire wasn't the asshole drill sergeant though. She was the incompetent leader asshole who had no clue about the dangerous stuff her recruits were doing, and was downright giddy to hear about one of them cleaning the skies in a dangerous way, and wasn't even that concerned about other ponies being put in harms way until Dash told her off.

 

[wildthing2022000]

Yeah, I imagine the other Ponyville teams will fare better in other events, but it still seems heavily unbalanced that these guys are going against the Wonderbolts. Did anypony know that the Wonderbolts were competing in this one event so they could send the best of the best against them?

They probably wanted to avoid them to have a better chance overall. RD most likely just went ahead anyway in order to compete against them directly.

As for Bulge's ability, the Wonderbolts Academy wasn't exactly filled with the best of the best as some of them couldn't handle basic training that well that or he added some mass since then and struggles with lift his now heavier frame.

 

[wookieofdoom]

Well, it's been ten episodes so far, so I might as well as rank them.

1. Rarity Takes Manehatten.
2. Pinkie Apple Pie
3. Castle Mane-ia
4. Princess Twilight Sparkle pt. 1
5. Princess Twilight Sparkle pt. 2
6. Daring Don't
7. Rainbow Falls
8. Flight To the Finish
9. Power Ponies
10. Bats!

I liked Flight to the Finish a lot more the second time I watched it. It was my least favorite until giving it a second chance. Bats! is just weird and too disjointed to be ranked any higher. So far I have really liked this season, but I am also easy to please (which makes life more enjoyable quite frankly). I am very excited about Pinkie Pride and Simple Ways. I like that AJ has been given a lot of the spotlight too, since she deserves it as best pony.

 

[Morgadeth]

Derpy should have been a stand in for Bulk Biceps - at least her wings can carry her.

 

[HassanJamal]

Couldnt help but feel the latest ep was just a rethread of RD's past episodes. Things to note, having 2 background ponies pop up with the main characters could mean that Octavia and Rarity episode is still coming. Oh and those griffins...I have a suspicious feeling that Gilda will pop up in the Equestrian Games.

 

[BDGAME]

I do want to address an issue that has been brought up since Wonderbolts Academy: Spitfire being an asshole. A lot of people complain that Spitfire's character has been assassinated since season three and I am curious why people feel this way. Spitfire had just a handful of lines in season one, where she talks about being impressed by Rainbow Dash's skill as flyer. To me, these early representations of Spitfire are her public persona. It's a face she wears when meeting fans and looking for potential new recruits for the Wonderbolts. She seems all smile and sunshine, but let's face it: Spitfire is a military career officer of an elite band of flyers. She is going to be driven. She is going to be cocky. She is going to want to be the best and expect the best. Walk into a military recruitment office and talk the recruiter. He/she will be all sunshine and rainbows to make a good impression of the military. Take that same officer and put them in a drill sergeant role and watch them change into someone else entirely. That's how I see Spitfire. I don't see her as being assassinated, but as fleshed out.

Agree. She is what she needs to be. A kind of asshole? Ok, but not necessary a bad pony.

And I like this episode too. It can't be the best of the season, but its very enjoyably and have some good things to see, like back of Buck and Derpy. The griffon team and more one key showed.

This season is one of the best right now.

 

[JennyTablina]

I'm agreed with all y'all. The thing for me is, I'm totally cool with Spitfire being an asshole. In fact, I actually prefer it that way.

The big problem is that the show keeps flip-flopping about it. Wonderbolts Academy was all lined up to be a monumental turning point for Rainbow Dash, where she learns that her heroes aren't what she thought they were and the cost of being a Wonderbolt involved leaving your sense of right and wrong at the door. I was practically getting up to give a standing ovation when she handed in her wing-pony pin.

Then everything goes to hell. Spitfire makes a half-hearted apology, Rainbow Dash gets a promotion and her rival, who Spitfire spent the entire episode cheering on, gets marched off in disgrace. Suddenly the Wonderbolts are wonderful again, and Dash is pleased as punch to be there. It undid all of the hard work from the first three quarters of the episode.

I think your missing the subtle adjustment to Rainbow Dash's attitude after that episode.

Rewatch any episode from season 1 where Dash talks about the Wonderbolts. In season 1 she's like "The Wonderbolts are amazing! I can only dream of being one myself one day, but I'll totally show them how awesome I am!" even at season finale, all she wants to do is hang out with the Wonderbolts and show off in order to earn her place somehow.

"Sonic Rainboom" makes her realize that actually, the dream isn't all that far off and her confidence in her flying isn't entirely bravado. In season 2 she's considerably less about Wonderbolts, and more trying to do her own thing in ponyville instead. The Wonderbolts are still her heroes, but she's stopped obsessing about them. Though she'll still get kind of excitable if you tell her a Wonderbolt will be in the general area.

By the time season 3 rolls around, shes trying to be serious about her ambitions and considers going to the academy as a major next step. For anyone who's a major admiring fan of someone or something, it's not easy to admit that your hero is maybe not perfect, or certainly not living up to the personal pedestal you've put them on! I think it's fairly accurate that Dash might struggle to get angry directly with Spitfire and co.

But Rainbow Dash struggles to excuse Lightning Dusts actions, or the fact Spitfire would even encourage it. It took putting her best friends in major danger to snap her out of trying to accept it. Even if Dash didn't completely disown the Wonderbolts, she's now quite aware that Spitfire at least, is not perfect, and stopped with the hero worship.

Notably while she is excited to train with the Cloudsdale team, she's not completely fangirling about it like she would of done in season 1. Yeah she still accepts the offer, but it's in a MUCH more casual way. While before she might of taken it without too much reservation, it really eats at her to know deep down, she's kind of leaving her friends in the lurch. Now she also knows, as a Wonderbolt she would not get the love and care she gets from her own friends. Even if Spitfire took Soarin back that easy, Dash still knows they were more than happy to ditch and run on him.

I imagine if it doesn't happen this season, in season 5 Dash may have to deal face on with what she really wants and if the wonderbolts do figure into that at all. Would be interesting to see if she ever has to face off with Spitfire for leadership.

That said I do kind of dislike that ending, it feels so abrupt. Soarin doesn't get angry or upset, he's just happy to be back on the team. I guess because the show is episodic in nature, it would be awkward to have him angry when there's no time to resolve that. But it feels a lot more jarring than Lightning Dust's dismissal. But maybe both are intentional?

 

[wookieofdoom]

Agree. She is what she needs to be. A kind of asshole? Ok, but not necessary a bad pony.

And I like this episode too. It can't be the best of the season, but its very enjoyably and have some good things to see, like back of Buck and Derpy. The griffon team and more one key showed.

This season is one of the best right now.

Exactly. I used the term "asshole" because it's the one most fans apply to her, but really I would use the term "driven." Getting results is the most important thing for Spitfire. She praised Lightning Dust for her recklessness and was willing to throw a fellow Wonderbolt under a bus to make sure she got the stronger flyer. In both cases, she realizes her mistakes even if it took Rainbow Dash to call her out on it. I like to think she is so hell bent on being the best she tends to not even think about petty things like morality. But she isn't a bad pony, the fact that she does come around (however abruptly) still shows she has the capacity to learn and to grow. I have met people that are so focused on their career or their athletics they end up hurting those around them without even realizing it. They are not bad people, they just need to be reminded of their actions from time-to-time.

All that said, there have been points made that I do agree with. Spitfire expelling Lightning Dust was pretty hypocritical. What other conclusion was Lightning Dust supposed to come to when Spitfire praised every reckless thing she did? I am assuming Spitfire is the highest ranking officer so she can be as incompetent as she wants, but she really should have just reprimanded Lightning Dust and made her wing pony instead. I also don't like how quickly Spitfire 180s in this last episode. I was fine with her change of heart in Wonderbolts Academy since there is an implied time gap between Rainbows quitting scene and the ending of the episode, allowing Spitfire a moment to reflect on what had been said. This episode was Rainbow calling her a liar and Spitfire being instantly okay with that. Oh, well. It's a 22 minute cartoon and they stuffed a lot into it, it's really no wonder there were pacing issues.

I do think this episode is being unfairly judged. I have read several posts (not here) saying it's the worst episode of all time. Not even close. The staff would literally have to go out of their way and try to make an episode worse than Dragon Quest. There were a lot of really endearing moments in episode: Rainbows and Soarin's scene in the hospital, Derpy's return, Bulk Biceps and Fluttershy's interactions were cute, Fluttershy actually showing development from Hurricane Fluttershy, cheerleader Pinkie and Twilight. Overall it was a nice episode with some little things and one big thing dragging it down. But it's hardly the worst.