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[JennyTablina]

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.

Dash has developed past "only winning matters!" this was more about her deciding if she was going to fight for Ponyville or Cloudsdale. Technically she has a right to be on both teams, and had she spoken to her friends. Fluttershy at least maybe would of been happy enough to let her go, but that technically doesn't make the decision right.

Lest we forget, Discorded Dash basically left for Cloudsdale the moment she was aware there was a problem. In a way she's always been proud of her hometown, though Ponyville is her actual home. Her loyalties are a little divided in that regard

The moral here was more about being loyal to those who matter to you most, Dash had every right to fly with Cloudsdale, but Ponyville needed her more. There was also the potential for her to participate, whereas she was only coaching Flutters and Bulk (it's interesting to note that Dashie has been taking on a lot of coaching jobs over season 2, 3 and 4). It was more for her to see what being on a team of "professionals" is like vs participating with your friends.

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.

To be fair the EQG cameo is very short in the actual film (she's litterally on shot in a crowded song scene for like 2 seconds) and got a bonus cameo on the DVD/cinematic credits. In the season 3 finale she was pretty hidden.

People are excited because this is more back to Season 2 where the show was actively acknowledging her as a background character rather than occasional window dressing for scenes. Hasbro had apparently told DHX and show staff to have no Derpy at all in season 3, and I think they complied because the issue had become such a hot potato that it was better to give the character a break, then try to re-introduce later.

I think there was also a certain acknowledgement that while Hasbro's been all FORBIDDEN-PONI about Derpy, it sure didn't stop them making merch, that still sold like hotcakes despite apparently being such an "offensive" character. So bit silly to keep her out of the show. But at least "Rainbow Falls" finally clears up the matter for once and for all.

 

[Tenumi]

It's also interesting to note the production time, and I'd bet season 3's production ended up right in the middle of the entire Derpy mess.

As for the episode... Well, I liked it. I'm not one to get into character details, so I'll stay out of that discussion.

 

[SpacePirate Ridley]

Just watched the episode, found it pretty fun (more than I thought after reading some opinions). I think the wose parts of the episode where how they portayed Spitfire, I thought it would have been better if all the arrogance would have felt on the third pony (BTW hated her voice) and left Spitfire in a more doubtful position.
I also thought it was a little out place for Rarity creating those abortions. Ok we know that she likes fancy girly things, but we also know she usually has taste when designing (yeah I know, sometimes is quite bad) and without doubt she would have created good looking sportswear. Because that certainly is not spotwears and I dont think Rarity is that stupid.

The rest was pretty fun and I dont usually like RD centered episodes (as she is my least favourite of the six). Loved fluttershy and bulk biceps scenes. And I abosuletly love how they brought Derpy back, not a simple cameo but a secondary character.
Also the Mickey from Rocky tribute as the coach of the wonderbolts and of course the training montage music sounding like Gonna Fly Now (huge fan of the rocky movies) was fantastic.

 

[UberTag]

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.

That's a fair argument. She been characterized a lot differently than what she was originally protrayed as - which, in all fairness, was framed entirely by Dash's hero worship and not based on anything of substance.

I enjoy flawed characters. Certainly they're a lot more interesting than rote, undeveloped ones.

The dilemma with Spitfire is that she's lacked this development. She's been publically called out by RD on two separate occasions and has promptly taken the PR-friendly route of coming clean and doing a complete 180 - almost to the point of excess - by virtue of her banishing Lightning Dust in Wonderbolts Academy and brown-nosing Dash and giving her a Wonderbolts pin in Rainbow Falls.

To draw a parallel with another MLP character, Rarity is another career-driven pony who's made questionable decisions at the expense of her friends but we always know what she's thinking and where her head is at. We "get" what motivates her character - melodrama and all. We don't have that connection with Spitfire. Part of me is hoping that we'll have an episode down the road that sheds some light on this motivation - whether it's another Dash-oriented episode or one where she has to work as a team with the other 5 ponies who present the Mane 6 with their rainbow keys.

 

[PaulloDEC]

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

*Snipped*

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?

You're certainly right about Dash's character growth re: the Wonderbolts, and I hope we finally get some closure on the issue in S5. A big part of what disappointed me in Wonderbolts Academy was how close Dash got to finally cutting herself loose from them, and Spitfire's actions in the closing minutes only made it more frustrating when she didn't.

Re: Soarin, I didn't like that much either. I think it could've worked better if Spitfire hadn't been so cavalier about it all, welcoming Soarin back as if she'd not done anything wrong. If she'd shown some embarrassment or genuine regret it probably would've felt less forced.

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.

Fans love hyperbole. Rainbow Falls to me is one of those episodes where the fun of the character interactions takes up some of the slack for the plot/story/structure. I wouldn't put it anywhere near the bottom rung, myself.

I also thought it was a little out place for Rarity creating those abortions. Ok we know that she likes fancy girly things, but we also know she usually has taste when designing (yeah I know, sometimes is quite bad) and without doubt she would have created good looking sportswear. Because that certainly is not spotwears and I dont think Rarity is that stupid.

That actually bugged me too. It seemed like the only reason for the flowery outfits was so they could have a gag with Bulk, but they could've easily done that without compromising Rarity. Why not have them in awesome Wonderbolt-esque bodysuits, only for Bulk to tear his with an overenthusiastic "YEAH!" or something? You get a little gag, and Rarity doesn't look like a fool.

The dilemma with Spitfire is that she's lacked this development. She's been publically called out by RD on two separate occasions and has promptly taken the PR-friendly route of coming clean and doing a complete 180 - almost to the point of excess - by virtue of her banishing Lightning Dust in Wonderbolts Academy and brown-nosing Dash and giving her a Wonderbolts pin in Rainbow Falls.

To draw a parallel with another MLP character, Rarity is another career-driven pony who's made questionable decisions at the expense of her friends but we always know what she's thinking and where her head is at. We "get" what motivates her character - melodrama and all. We don't have that connection with Spitfire. Part of me is hoping that we'll have an episode down the road that sheds some light on this motivation - whether it's another Dash-oriented episode or one where she has to work as a team with the other 5 ponies who present the Mane 6 with their rainbow keys.

You've nailed the issue for me. Spitfire is currently teetering on the edge of being an interesting character, but every time she looks like she's about to fall the writers tip her back again.

 

[SpacePirate Ridley]

Fans love hyperbole. Rainbow Falls to me is one of those episodes where the fun of the character interactions takes up some of the slack for the plot/story/structure. I wouldn't put it anywhere near the bottom rung, myself.

Yep, I also think this.

That actually bugged me too. It seemed like the only reason for the flowery outfits was so they could have a gag with Bulk, but they could've easily done that without compromising Rarity. Why not have them in awesome Wonderbolt-esque bodysuits, only for Bulk to tear his with an overenthusiastic "YEAH!" or something? You get a little gag, and Rarity doesn't look like a fool.
.

That would have actually been a really good solution! I dont think even the fowers bul biceps joke worked that well to be honest.

 

[wildthing2022000]

That actually bugged me too. It seemed like the only reason for the flowery outfits was so they could have a gag with Bulk, but they could've easily done that without compromising Rarity. Why not have them in awesome Wonderbolt-esque bodysuits, only for Bulk to tear his with an overenthusiastic "YEAH!" or something? You get a little gag, and Rarity doesn't look like a fool.

I'd like to think it's because Rarity isn't an athlete so she doesn't know how an athlete should look. It's certainly not her first fashion faux pas when you remeber the Giant Hat that she made Dash wear and the spy outfit with bunny ears but no holes for the wings that Fluttershy wore. Shows that even Rarity isn't perfect when it comes to fashion.

 

[DrForester]

Have we seen Rarity ever design clothing that isn't "girly" though? Gender neutral probably doesn't register with her.

 

[DrForester]

New Synopsis.

Episode 13: "Simple Ways" - February 8
Rarity has a crush on travel writer, Trenderhoof, and plans to wow him with her ideas for the upcoming Ponyville Days Festival. But Trenderhoof soon has a crush of his own, and Rarity finds herself competing with Applejack for his attention.

Episode 14: "Filli Vanilli" - February 15
When a member of the singing group, the Ponytones, has to drop out of an important performance, Fluttershy takes drastic measures to ensure that the show goes on.

Episode 15: "Twilight Time" - February 22
The Cutie Mark Crusaders are thrilled when Twilight offers to help them with their studies. However, problems arise when the girls realize they can use their relationship with Twilight to increase their popularity.

 

[Rhomega Beta]

Episode 15: "Twilight Time" - February 22
The Cutie Mark Crusaders are thrilled when Twilight offers to help them with their studies. However, problems arise when the girls realize they can use their relationship with Twilight to increase their popularity.

Are they finally going to make "Twilight is a princess now" as a plot point?

 

[PaulloDEC]

New Synopsis.

Episode 13: "Simple Ways" - February 8
Rarity has a crush on travel writer, Trenderhoof, and plans to wow him with her ideas for the upcoming Ponyville Days Festival. But Trenderhoof soon has a crush of his own, and Rarity finds herself competing with Applejack for his attention.

Episode 14: "Filli Vanilli" - February 15
When a member of the singing group, the Ponytones, has to drop out of an important performance, Fluttershy takes drastic measures to ensure that the show goes on.

Episode 15: "Twilight Time" - February 22
The Cutie Mark Crusaders are thrilled when Twilight offers to help them with their studies. However, problems arise when the girls realize they can use their relationship with Twilight to increase their popularity.

These all sound pretty fantastic to me. I'm especially interested in seeing how AJ responds to somepony having a crush on her in Simple Ways; that's gotta be hilarious.

 

[UberTag]

These all sound pretty fantastic to me. I'm especially interested in seeing how AJ responds to somepony having a crush on her in Simple Ways; that's gotta be hilarious.

The entire premise of that episode has all-time classic potential.
AJ reacting awkwardly to being crushed on - by the pony Rarity is crushing on - who reacts by doing her best Applejack impression and failing spectacularly.

So long as Trenderhoof has a personality and isn't a lost cause this should turn into something spectacular.

The only way this premise gets even better is if Spike is freaking out over Rarity at the same time - by trying to emulate Trenderhoof - and ALSO courting Applejack because that's clearly what Rarity goes for. Also, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom need to be observing these shenanigans from afar and offering commentary.

 

[Village]

New Synopsis.

Episode 13: "Simple Ways" - February 8
Rarity has a crush on travel writer, Trenderhoof, and plans to wow him with her ideas for the upcoming Ponyville Days Festival. But Trenderhoof soon has a crush of his own, and Rarity finds herself competing with Applejack for his attention.

Interesting.
Hopefully this isn't generic and terrible and it ends up he actually likes derps or something and its all a miss understanding and then they agree to never let a man get between them. And then group hugs and rainbows.
That is exactly whats going to happen isn't..

Episode 14: "Filli Vanilli" - February 15
When a member of the singing group, the Ponytones, has to drop out of an important performance, Fluttershy takes drastic measures to ensure that the show goes on.

Heh ponytones, seem interesting enough.

Episode 15: "Twilight Time" - February 22
The Cutie Mark Crusaders are thrilled when Twilight offers to help them with their studies. However, problems arise when the girls realize they can use their relationship with Twilight to increase their popularity.

The episode i wanted! twilight is purple jesus, use them connections!

The only way this premise gets even better is if Spike is freaking out over Rarity at the same time - by trying to emulate Trenderhoof - and ALSO courting Applejack because that's clearly what Rarity goes for. Also, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom need to be observing these shenanigans from afar and offering commentary.

Nah son, it would be better if spike doesn't even care. spike all like

" these chicks is nuts "

 

[PaulloDEC]

Further to the news Dr posted earlier, we've got some names attached to some more episodes now:

Simple Ways - Josh Haber
Filli Vanilli - Amy Keating Rogers
Pinkie Pride - Amy Keating Rogers
Twilight Time - Dave Polsky

Great to see Amy Keating Rogers back at full-power again! I really dug Castlemania too, so it's nice to see Josh Haber back so soon.

 

[kunonabi]

Are they finally going to make "Twilight is a princess now" as a plot point?

it would certainly be nice.

 

[McNum]

Hmm, a thought just hit me. The two rainbow items Rarity and Rainbow dash got, were from not just having a crisis of faith, but rather from inspiring their element in another pony. Rarity showed Coco about generosity, and Dash gave Spitfire a lesson in loyalty.

Which brings up Twilight. The Magic of Friendship is her element. A very specific element compared to say laughter, kindness, or honesty. So who can she inspire? My guess, she'll get her rainbow item from the Cutie Mark Crusaders. If they're trying to buff their social status by name-dropping Princess Twilight Sparkle, they're not exactly making true friends, are they? That's ripe for a Magic of Friendship lesson.

A crazy wildcard says that there might even be a chance of them getting their Cutie Marks through the Magic of Friendship, but I'd think that if/when that happens, there'll be an event episode about it at this point... And a toyline.

 

[PaulloDEC]

More good news; seems like Natasha Levinger (writer of Pinkie Apple Pie) also wrote the upcoming "It ain't easy being Breezies". Encouraging!

 

[DrForester]

Even the background Princess is getting an episode while Celestia has yet to get one.

http://tv.yahoo.com/blogs/tv-news/m...agic-first-look-threes-a-crowd-202433160.html

That ain't right.

 

[Village]

Even the background Princess is getting an episode while Celestia has yet to get one.

http://tv.yahoo.com/blogs/tv-news/m...agic-first-look-threes-a-crowd-202433160.html

That ain't right.

Hmm interesting.

I am still waiting on my two dream episodes.

1) Celestia and Luna are just hanging out the entire day while shenanigan side stories happen. Twilight can be there if you want.

2)a collection of small stories staring not the main characters.

 

[ZealousD]

Even the background Princess is getting an episode while Celestia has yet to get one.

http://tv.yahoo.com/blogs/tv-news/m...agic-first-look-threes-a-crowd-202433160.html

That ain't right.

Wait!

We can't stop here.

This is flutterbat country.

 

[HassanJamal]

Even the background Princess is getting an episode while Celestia has yet to get one.

http://tv.yahoo.com/blogs/tv-news/m...agic-first-look-threes-a-crowd-202433160.html

That ain't right.

I honestly thought this was bout Luna. She was for the entirety of S1 a background princess.

 

[Orcastar]

I honestly thought this was bout Luna. She was for the entirety of S1 a background princess.

More like a one-off princess. She only appeared as Luna (as opposed to Nightmare Moon) in one episode.

 

[SpacePirate Ridley]

Even the background Princess is getting an episode while Celestia has yet to get one.

http://tv.yahoo.com/blogs/tv-news/m...agic-first-look-threes-a-crowd-202433160.html

That ain't right.

Oh shit, i didn't know that the third was going to be him.
Going to be fantastic.

 

[DrForester]

Fluttershy conveniently written out so Discord can cause chaos.

edit: This episode was great.

 

[Frantic Fanatic]

The memes just keep coming, folks.

And the tentacles. :/

 

[Orcastar]

Best episode of the season so far.

 

[wookieofdoom]

Great, great episode. Very funny. Much better Discord episode than Keep Calm and Flutter On. This makes up for that quite a bit.

 

[McNum]

You know, Cadance and Twilight need to not get together too much. It summons trouble. Still that worm-monster picked the wrong ponies to fight. Jumping two alicorns at the same time seems like a bad plan. And yeah, Discord was on point today. Still restrained, but definitely still the master of chaos. Had a few genuine laugh-out loud moments with this one. Also, Discord sang. Because of course he did.

I do like that Cadance has a good health shield spell. That seems like one of those spells that comes in handy more often that not. You are now thinking of why the Princess of Love has an anti-disease spell.

In any case, good episode. Classic Q/Picard setup with Discord and Twilight, too. And of course it's Discord who points out that, yeah, some ponies will look at Twilight differently now, whether she wants them to or not.

 

[Zelias]

Nice episode, definitely up there with the better ones this season. Discord steals the show, as usual, his S4 characterisation has really put to bed any fears I had about him post-reform. His whole 'maybe teaching valuable lesson, maybe just messing around' thing is great, and long may it continue.

 

[kunonabi]

Nice episode, definitely up there with the better ones this season. Discord steals the show, as usual, his S4 characterisation has really put to bed any fears I had about him post-reform. His whole 'maybe teaching valuable lesson, maybe just messing around' thing is great, and long may it continue.

yeah, they have done a great job with him. Hopefully, they put in that kind of work on Twilight in the near future.

 

[LuffyZoro]

.

 

[brian577]

So how did people feel about the Flash Sentries cameo? As a guy who considered Equestria Girls non-canon until shown otherwise on the show. I found it disconcerting.

 

[Rhomega Beta]

Listening to Discord's song, I couldn't help but think of The Magic House from Final Fantasy VI

Also, just where does Discord live now? Twilight doesn't even know, it's not Fluttershy's house, and it's most likely not Canterlot.

 

[DrForester]

So how did people feel about the Flash Sentries cameo? As a guy who considered Equestria Girls non-canon until shown otherwise on the show. I found it disconcerting.

The guy who showed up for 10 seconds, did nothing then left?


I was more concerned that Cadance apparently had an armored death train made.

 

[McNum]

The guy who showed up for 10 seconds, did nothing then left?


I was more concerned that Cadance apparently had an armored death train made.

Her kingdom was an evil empire ruled by a powerful evil wizard-unicorn and has been locked away for a millennium. She probably took Sombra's personal train and had it recolored. I mean, why not use the evil despot's train when it's there?

That or she just has a really strange sense of humor. The Armored Death Train of Love.

 

[Rhomega Beta]

The guy who showed up for 10 seconds, did nothing then left?

The point is that he was there at all.

Her kingdom was an evil empire ruled by a powerful evil wizard-unicorn and has been locked away for a millennium. She probably took Sombra's personal train and had it recolored. I mean, why not use the evil despot's train when it's there?

That or she just has a really strange sense of humor. The Armored Death Train of Love.

I can't say much about pony history, but I'm pretty sure they didn't have trains 1,000 years ago.

 

[Tenumi]

So how did people feel about the Flash Sentries cameo? As a guy who considered Equestria Girls non-canon until shown otherwise on the show. I found it disconcerting.

I find it ridiculous that there's even a controversy over it. A freaking non-speaking cameo of a character, who just stood there. I didn't even notice or care until I saw people up in arms about it. Some people are just impossible to please.

The guy who showed up for 10 seconds, did nothing then left?


I was more concerned that Cadance apparently had an armored death train made.

An awesome armored death train, mind you. But yeah, can't see that being any sort of benefit except for instilling fear. Which, given the leader of the Crystal Empire is a Pink Pony, might be necessary. Or not, who knows.

 

[McNum]

Cadance is rather disaster prone...

Got married, Canterlot got swarmed by changelings. Gets her own empire, nearly loses it to an evil villain. It's surprising that the games inspector thing didn't go worse than it did. And now she has a "quiet" day with her siste-in-law and ends up nearly getting eaten by a giant worm.

I could see Shining Armor insist on armoring up her train. At least make danger work for it if it comes gunning for her while traveling.

Not that Twilight is much less disaster prone... which really makes the point that maybe her guards shouldn't have left so fast. But she probably told them to.

 

[Myke Greywolf]

The guy who showed up for 10 seconds, did nothing then left?

He did give somepony a sideways glance before entering the train.

 

[PaulloDEC]

That was pretty great, and probably had the highest jokes-per-minute ratio of any Season 4 episode thus far. DHX clearly had a ball making this one; so many visual gags! Loved Applejack's very slowly-raised eyebrow, not to mention Discord's various sneeze-related side-effects.

Also this:

So how did people feel about the Flash Sentries cameo? As a guy who considered Equestria Girls non-canon until shown otherwise on the show. I found it disconcerting.

I didn't actually realise that was him. Can't say I'm really bothered about it.

 

[DrForester]

He did give somepony a sideways glance before entering the train.

Which given he knows nothing about what happened pretty much is nothing. Now if Twilight had glanced at him, that might be something.

 

[SpeedySwaf]

My impression of the train was that it was supposed to be a bullet train, and maybe imply the Crystal Empire is relatively advanced compared to most places.

 

[HassanJamal]

That was a really good episode and probably the best Discord related episode yet. Things to note, Flash Sentry's cameo, Starswirl's official colors, AJ's doubt face, Discord doing his whole neutral thing.

 

[HUELEN10]

That was a really good episode and probably the best Discord related episode yet. Things to note, Flash Sentry's cameo, Starswirl's official colors, AJ's doubt face, Discord doing his whole neutral thing.

Brad was in it? Totally missed it!

So, you think like those 2 episodes in season 3 that took place at the same time, this will take place in the same time as the Breezie episode, but from Fluttershy's POV?

 

[Tenumi]

One of the comics I seen today got me thinking...

...There really was only one set of train tracks, wasn't there? Poor Fluttershy...

 

[LuffyZoro]

Brad was in it? Totally missed it!

So, you think like those 2 episodes in season 3 that took place at the same time, this will take place in the same time as the Breezie episode, but from Fluttershy's POV?

Oh, for sure. I hope it's better than that set.

 

[wookieofdoom]

So how did people feel about the Flash Sentries cameo? As a guy who considered Equestria Girls non-canon until shown otherwise on the show. I found it disconcerting.

I could give a flying feather.

Oh, for sure. I hope it's better than that set.

Awwww....I thought Just For Sidekicks was the best Spike episode. Or, maybe I should say the only good Spike episode.

 

[LuffyZoro]

Awwww....I thought Just For Sidekicks was the best Spike episode. Or, maybe I should say the only good Spike episode.

Just For Sidekicks was the better of the pair, but I wouldn't put either one very high.

 

[HUELEN10]

So how did people feel about the Flash Sentries cameo? As a guy who considered Equestria Girls non-canon until shown otherwise on the show. I found it disconcerting.

Why would you consider it non-canon?

 

[PaulloDEC]

So, you think like those 2 episodes in season 3 that took place at the same time, this will take place in the same time as the Breezie episode, but from Fluttershy's POV?

Oh, I hadn't thought of that. I bet you're right, that sounds totally plausible.

I could give a flying feather.

Awwww....I thought Just For Sidekicks was the best Spike episode. Or, maybe I should say the only good Spike episode.

I thought Just for Sidekicks was great too, especially when compared with the episodes on either side (Keep Calm and Flutter On? Ick. Games Ponies Play? Meh.)