I consider this to be the reverse Hearts and Hooves Day. In that episode, I felt the dialogue was horrid, yet the plot was fine. I love the dialogue here, yet the plot is so by the books, it's lazy. I did like the duel between Rarity and Applejack, but other than that, and the Spike/Rarity joke, this episode was just average.
I'll admit the episode wasn't the best nor was it the worst, but it was something on the average side. I mean it had it's funny moments and an ok moral in my opinion but all in all it was just filler in my opinion but it was ok filler.
This was the first Rarity episode that I actually disliked. Her actions were beyond cringe worthy and everything about this story was predictable as all hell and never threw us for a loop. Trenderhoof didn't help either, I really hated when he claimed himself to be "The most important pony in all Equestria" That statement is both false and completely vain.
I completely agree. This season is really weirding me out, now that I've got down to watching it. First they made my 2nd favourite pony Pinkie Pie incredibly annoying, and made an episode which played up the one part about her I hate: random visuals that aren't funny. Then they go and make a Rarity episode that makes her downright awful. It kinda makes me sad, since Rarity was my favourite for her stiff upper lip, cool-headedness and swagger, but in this episode she threw away her integrity, class and dignity to fawn over a cute guy, and did so in an extremely offensive manner. I can't imagine what Applejack must have been thinking when her best friend puts on a racist caricature of her for something as stupid as a schoolyard crush. Rainbow Dash can have them because she's a wannabe, and Twilight can because she's socially inept. But for me Rarity's entire draw is that she is above such things, and in this episode, not only did she cross the character derailment line, she strutted across it looking and sounding bizarrely like Barbara Goode from The Goode Life. So yeah, congrats Josh Haber. You made me hate Rarity. Now I gotta go cry myself to sleep, and hope that by the end of season 4, I can still say without a shadow of a doubt that Rarity is best pony. ; (
Youngbeelzebub666 Pinkie will seem annoying in episodes that don't have her as the main focus and I can shed some light on that. People thought she was an idiot in season 4 but episodes that co-star her aren't the ones where she gets development so the writers have to pick a trait like say:her randomness and amp it up for the entire episode which may get positive or negative results from viewers. Due to her personality, they can't have Pinkie just stand around and do nothing for the entire episode and because she's seen as the comic relief of the cast, the writers will try a little too hard to make her funny instead of giving off Pinkie's natural humor that comes from her own episodes. Pinkie is my favorite character, I hope this did her justice, lol.
Am I the only one who noticed that Trenderhoof was literally stalking Applejack throughout the entire episode? It friggin creeped me out the more I saw that and I was even saying, "Omg, just f**kin' let the lady have her dang space for once, ya' god dang bland, horny hipster!"
Josh Haber may be a 'safe writer', but I will say that, for this type of story, 'safe' is probably better than 'risk-taking'. I did appreciate, though, that for all her childishness in the second act, Rarity didn't scream at Applejack at the end of the third for borrowing one of her dresses and wearing it around the farm, showing that, though Rarity can be childish and even obsessive, she can still be mature enough to know at least when something isn't someone else's fault. This has been touched on in other episodes, true, but given how this episode progressed, it was probably good to have that at the end. Also, the dress didn't come out of nowhere this time, Sleepless in Ponyville...
"Simple Ways" is, without a doubt, the worst Rarity episode so far. However, that just means it's silver floating in a sea of gold. I didn't quite like this episode when it first aired, but I actually liked it much more upon re-watch, just because I *_love_* watching Rarity and Applejack interact. They have the best dynamic in the show. In short, you make good points about this episode's shortfalls, _but they don't matter_.
1:56 wait, that guy is racist, the only thing that can be called racist in that MLP FiM 'verse is discrimination between earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi, that pony is ignoring Rarity because he's racist, so he's ignoring Rarity because she's a unicorn, so he's a clear example of the pot calling the kettle black it's like a black guy being racist against blacks, it makes no sense unless he's ashamed of his race!!!
I actually find this episode funny especially the part at 1:27 and also the part when we first see Applejack dressing up like Rarity with that duck lipped face it was just hilarious
I thought the episode was good. I laughed a lot and the third act actually did have me in tears. For me, the story was bland but whoever plays Rarity really shined in the episode. It was fun for me to watch and I have seen it three times now.
I think this episode is suffering from something that the whole season's been suffering from: getting the mane six together in situations where they needn't be. Rainbow Falls would have done fine without Rarity, Pinkie, and AJ there to make a fool of themselves; this episode has the rest of mane six present and that just brings questions as to why nopony tried to stop Rarity. They could have easily just had Rarity and AJ and left everyone else alone as their "tasks" weren't that relevant to the festival, whereas AJ needed to take care of the cider. WHY bring all the characters to have them just stand there? Also, I think some of Celestia is starting to rub off on Twilight, like in Rainbow Falls where she leaves the decision up to Rainbow and in the Pinkie episode. I am sure about how I feel about this...
I guess I can agree with you for the most part here, this was an episode that seemed a tad awkward... like, I didn't know if I was supposed to laugh at certain moments or not. In the very least, I did like a few of the gags (like Pinkie, Spike, Derpy, and some of Rarity's lines) but most of the jokes fell flat most of the time. Also, he didn't come across as Racist to me, but maybe I'm just stupid. I'm surprised you even gave it 3 stars, I would understand if you gave it a lower one. Not a terrible episode, but not a great one either... but hey, we're now half way finished with season 4!
Your line about getting better through failing reminds me of the path Merriweather Williams has taken in the show created a bad (for everybody except you and me who only give it a meh) and eventually climbing up to "Wonderbolts Academy" all good reviews and "Bats!" which has mostly good reviews
This episode by far got the most laughs out of me from the whole show. Ok, almost. The previous one guest starring Weird Al got a lot of laughs too, but come on, it's Weird Al! Seeing Rarity act so out of character, but knowing that it was killing her inside made it funnier to me. We ALL knew that it was a facade, and she had to realize it herself. Applejack trying to be like Rarity may have been "dishonest", going in defiance of her Element, but it as to be a good friend and get a point across for the greater good. Funniest line in the whole show so far: "I WEAR DROOPY DRAWERS!!" I seriously had to pause the video I was laughing too hard. I NEVER thought I'd hear Rarity say that, and it made me bust a gut. This plot is cliched and over done, but I felt they pulled it off well here, and maybe NOW Rarity will learn a thing or two about trying to impress someone, and she might actually end up with a date. I give this one 5 stars for that little spot of hamming it up alone. It's like Face/Off where we have John Travolta and Nick Cage trying to outham one another. (Insert obvious Nostalgia Critic Joke here, and we're walking, and we're walking...)
Call this episode predictable sure, I'd even say I found it mostly boring. But I'm especially confused at how Rarity acted considering her comment on loving Trenderhoof since "the beginning of time" which is hyperbolic I know, but considering her past experience trying to be princess by marrying Celestia's nephew, I find it to be strange that she'd lose focus so quickly on her assignment on something she experienced before. And her trying to imitate Applejack wasn't funny to me either. Honestly, Applejack was the best part of this episode for me. But still, I'd have no shame saying this is the first Rarity episode I'd call bad.
I agree, this episode was completely average and rather uninspiring. 'Pinkie Pride' made me want to go out into the world and sing and (try to) make people laugh. This one just wanted me to sit on a couch and go "...okay." I get the impression that Josh Haber is used to writing longer episodes, like they're an hour long. If given the full hour and the opportunity to show Rarity's struggle to let go of what makes her herself (say, showing tears as she puts away her fine garments to replace them with farm attire), this episode could have been really good.
+A1rG3ar No matter how far into their lives it becomes, friends will always argue. You can't expect Rarity and Applejack to never have an argument again just because they patched one up. Just because a character fixed something about themselves in one episode doesn't mean they completely got rid of it.
Oh my god, are you guys still talking about this?this is a year old comment and I personally lost interest in this show in that period of time. The fact you still even notice this comment is astounding.
Question: Rarity and Applejack didn't bug you in this one like in Look Before You Sleep? Or were you just referring to their "did not, did too" conversation from that one? Their antics here struck me as pretty immature.
I said all this in Dr. Wolf's review, but it remains pertinent. Curse Google Plus and no ability to link to other comments. My thoughts on simple ways: It's a lesson that sorely need to be taught to the intended audience and I thought that DHX did a really good job of delivering that lesson with humor and wit throughout. I was there for the livestream this morning and thoroughly enjoyed not only the episode, but also the reactions of my fellow bronies to the episode and Rarity and Applejack's roles and actions in it. I pointed out then, and I'll point out now, that I thought that the crush was handled very realistically on both sides. By both sides, I mean that from Rarity's angle as a long time long distance admirer of a famous pony and when reality meets fantasy, and also from Trenderhoof's point of view of haivng a crush at first sight of a pony he'd never met before but seemed (on the surface) to be an exemplar of all that he'd praised in his writing. Applejack also handled the crush realistically, from being at first bemused, then to annoyed, then to anger and avoidance. Crushes make people (and ponies apparently) do stupid things in the name of faux love. I thought there was a deeper lesson being taught also beyond the one at face value: love doesn't happen all at once. You need to know someone to love them, otherwise it's just a crush or an infatuation. Sometimes that feeling will grow into love, but that too takes time. On a side note, and the final bit of this long post: I think that Spike, while still infatuated with Rarity, truly does love our favorite marshmallow mare. He's known her long enough, has seen her at her best and at her worst and kept at it. Addition: That this was a retread of old stuff isn't a point against it to me. It's not something that Applejack's been subjected to yet and it was interesting to see her reaction to what was going on at the very least. Plus, as stated above, it was freaking hilarious to me. But, then again, I do enjoy the occasional rom-com or outright romance.
THIS WAS *NOT* A ROMANCE STORY. For someone who was complaining about the writer of this episode not knowing how to write, Mr. Enter shows a fundamental ignorance of the type of story he's critiquing. But he did say he wasn't a fan of the genre, so its may be understandable. By the definition of the genre and the general approach to such stories, a romance focuses on the romantic relationship between two, and sometimes more, people. Actual affection has to be *exchanged* and a relationship established. This relationship can be (and usually is) tenuous, very rocky and unrequited for most of the story, but it has to actually be there. This could have been a romance if Trend had returned Rarity's affection at least for a little while, or if AJ had returned Trend's, but neither happened, so this is most definitely NOT a romance or romantic story. Rather, If we actually need a definition here, the unrequited romantic feelings are used as a plot contrivance to drive a COMEDIC CHARACTER STUDY focusing on Rarity and her friendship with AJ. I enjoyed this episode much more than Mr. Enter as I realized early on that the plot was pretty much irrelevant here. This episode was all about character and character moments with Rarity, and later, between Rarity and AJ. It worked really well on that level and had me laughing during Rarity's meltdown toward the end. Its just as bad an assumption for a writer to assert that PLOT PLOT PLOT has to be the end all and be all driver of story quality. There are plenty of other approaches and focuses that can make a story worthwhile. The primacy of plot is english teacher BS from "Peggy HIll's Writing 101" just as much as anything Mr. Enter was complaining about in the episode.
Actually, I found Flight to the Finish to be the "safest" episode yet. You talk about how they bring up a heavy subject... but it's just as much by the book as this is.
Connor Cottrell Really, aside from "Arthur", "MLP:FIM" is the first cartoon that I've seen actually address it. Its controversy could be why hardly any kids' shows talk about it. Even "Hey Arnold" didn't do an episode on it.
Yeah, it's not like this topic is controversial or something? Read this very closely: making these episodes in the right way and memorable like in "Arthur" or "MLP:FiM" is not an easy thing to do. The writer needs to have style, wisdom, maturity, and a willingness to take risks to accomplish that. Without one or more of those elements, it can fall apart and be mediocre to abysmal. Ed Valentine had his style, wisdom, maturity AND ESPECIALLY THE RISK-TAKING to succeed this in "Flight to the Finish". If the writer does not have one to any of these characteristics you get something like "When Maya Met Andy from [Maya and Miguel]. In this episode, Maya the supposed protagonist tries to make a new kid in town with a disability by making him feel "welcome" using her complete stupidity. In the end, she barges in a parade during a basketball duo that makes him cry by reminding him he cannot play the trombone. Sure, she might've done it by accident, but she didn't apologize to him or try to make it up. And they both become friends. See how infuriating that seems. I recommend you watch it and see what I mean. The writer "Whoever The Heck Wrote It" did not have the wisdom or maturity to teach how to deal with physically/mentally challenged people ESPECIALLY vice versa. I honestly think who wrote it was shameful not to show his/her own name because of that. To sum up, screen-writing an episode is no easy or "safe" thing to do. If it's done right, it is admirable. On the other hand, if it's done wrong, it can tick a lot of people off. I swear Mr Enterer needs to review this episode.
All racism aside on Trenderhoof, I begin to think that he also is almost like a stalker, what and his constant following of Applejack and his advances towards her and all that.
Probably my biggest problem with this episode was AJ and Rarity's role reversal scene. It was supposed to be Applejack showing how ridiculous Rarity was being by being just as ridiculous to demonstrate, but it kind of came across like they were just making fun of each other. And not in a particularly kind way.
Well, you know, racism in the way used by Trenderhoof isn't completely unjustified. I mean, look at the Alicorns. Look at their power, how they're revered. One is considered worthy of prestige based upon that. If that isn't racism, then I don't see how Racism could even be a thing in MLP.
I hate this episode, it's boring, stupid, and really cliched, plus Trenderhoof is a extremely bland character and there was no point in creating him, to me, this is the worst episode to come out of Season 4, and it's not any better when it felt like Rarity's character was being extremely downgraded in this episode, Josh Haber you're an ok writer, but you can do better than this
I honestly think this episode has some of the worst characterization that we've seen from Rarity. She's been shown to be an extremely giving and hardworking person who, even when distracted, is still conscientious of her responsibilities (see Sweet and Elite, where despite being wrapped up in living the high life, she still occasionally went back to and felt guilt over her work on Twilight's dress). For her to be THIS wrapped up in a crush--especially since Mr. E is right about this not being the first time she has been--seems not only hard to believe, but kind of out of character. She's a great multitasker across the board, whether that's in devoting attention to tasks or priorities. Where I think she REALLY gets OOC is when she starts imitating Apple Jack. Simply put, it's like she barely knows what AJ does and appears to have no respect for her profession or culture. Rarity has shown disdain for the dirty nature of farm work, but also appreciation for exactly how taxing it is, and the clear rewards it yields. She and AJ are both craftsmen, and in other episodes she was shown to quickly defend the Apple Farm (Bats!) and jump at the call to help it (Magical Mystery Cure). I really don't like this episode, not only because it's sort of dull and predictable, but it seems to disregard key elements of Rarity's character (and her friendship with Apple Jack) in order to paint her as the obviously in-the-wrong jerk.
This episode was OK to me, but Rarity never having a bad episode streak continues at least, but I honestly can't stop laughing when Rartiy tried to act more country XD There was just something about it.
As far as I'm concerned, after the 'why would you want to act like other dragons?' comment from Applejack, she's coming across as a far bigger racist. Trenderhoof merely came across as patronizing and insensitive, Applejack actually came across as a little malicious, and then the episode had the audacity to back her up.
I thought this episode was pretty good, It felt like an improved version of "Hearts and Hooves Day", and it kinda reminded me a bit of the Spongebob episode "Big Pink Loser". Overall i think Josh Haber is an ok writer, and he's still trying to get comfortable with writing for the show.
2:00 Well yes, most bronies adore Derpy. But maybe what they did here was a big middle finger to everyone who said Derpy was offensive. Maybe not. I don't know. :P
I think you should explain more about the difference between a by the book choice and a stylistic choice. I can't really see what certain things can be added to the bullet points that doesn't come off as useless.
I did not care for this episode for similar reasons. Most importantly I thought it tried to hard to get to the setup of Rarity and AJ switching places. And by following the book it made some clumsy moves with Rarity as a character. She's been lovestruck and jealous before but those traits were always shown with maturity, especially the jealousy. So having her be so obsessed she could not speak to a stallion and having her be spiteful out of jealousy struck me as ooc since she's dealt with bith scenarios before and had neither issue.
What's funny is that I also thought this episode was average (I give it 5/10), but for totally, TOTALLY different reasons. For me, it was actually really, REALLY terrible, but the majority of it had me absolutely caking myself with laughter at just how terrible it really was, which was more than enough to elevate it. I couldn't call it "good" in all good conscience, but I did enjoy it more than the episodes I've given 3s and 4s to, so a 5/10 seemed fair. I have seriously never laughed harder while watching an episode of Friendship is Magic, and I was certainly laughing AT it, not with it. I think it was the sheer straight-facedness with which Josh Haber played these immensely lame, tired and cheesy cliches that did it, but I'm honestly not 100% sure. All I know is that for me, this episode falls squarely into the "so bad, it's good" category and is a bit of a guilty pleasure...
Guess everyone needs to realise they cut 5MINUTES of the episode, so really judging it how it is now is not worth it since it would have been totaly diferent.
ok i'm one of the few people who never really cared about who was writing an episode, because some writers write good episode and they sometime write bad episodes, but after watching this episode i'm starting to see how writers factor into an episode, now i'm a big Rarity fan and i did really like this episode, but if felt weird to me, it didn't feel like an normal Rarity episode, it didn't have that Rarity flare I get from her episode, and that when i realize it was written by new writer Josh Haber, now see why people complain about the writers sometimes.
Sometimes, it's best to be forgotten. Sonic 06, anyone? (Actually, I suppose it might be better for that specific one to be remembered to remind video-game companies why they should never rush games.)
Alright. Average episode but 3 stars was all it needed to surpass the other half way marks. barely but it won. now here's to hoping the second half manages to match or even surpass it. It will need to try hard to beat Princess Twilight Sparkle, Flight to the Finish, Rarity Takes Manehatten, Pinkie Pride and imo Daring Don't.
This episode is very similar to "Look Before You Sleep" where if you hated/loved that episode, you'll most likely have the same opinion on this one. I'm on the side that both episodes are great. Sure the plot is predictable but AJ and Rarity play so well off each other it's hard not to love. Granted unlike "Look Before You Sleep" this kind of banter between them was only around for half the episode at most. The other half mostly consisted of Rarity and Trenderhoof being ignorant to how an Apple farm is run, which worked fine as well. Also Spike was kinda interesting in this episode. He never seemed hostile or towards Trenderhoof which means he may have come to peace with the fact that Rarity may never return his feelings for her. It a nice subtle hint at maturity for his character and at the very least the writer avoided the "jealous kid" trope.
When you said that he should took more risk, rather than stay as a safe writer, i dont know why but i feel like if you want another Merry Weather Williams...
Hmm, no points taken for Pinkie's shananagans, so I guess it's safe to say she wasn't completely flanderized in this episode at least not to an annoying extent.
I did like the idea, and there were some good jokes, but characterization was lazy. The story was also predictable, but I didn't really mind for this one in particular. I would probaly put it between okay and good. Also, why does Trenderhoof like... old people so much?
performance wise, Tabitha was great, but a great performance by a great VA rarely saves an episode. Really average one. Was this half season really the best rated of all? i was pretty sure it was going to be in the middle of all,how weird XD
I Love romance but.. like, I don't like this cliche romance stuff. like "Giggle at what each other say ALL THE TIME" there's a reason why I love romance.... with comedy. this wasn't particular good.. yeah no, this is meh
I didn't like this episode much... it was just so tedious in my opinion... I found Rarity and Applejack trying to be eachother a little funny... but only a little.
I honestly don't see being "by-the-numbers" as a flaw, honestly. As long as it's not insulting or goes against the characters or established continuity, I'm fine with it. Then again, I suppose it DOES border cliché, but I had a hard time noticing, honestly, since at least all the characters were IN character, unlike trying to do an overused plot in Spike At Your Service. I also didn't like the Spike joke, for reasons I explained on your deviantART First Impressions journal entry. I definitely found Trenderhoof to be a total hipster, in an incredibly obnoxious kind of way, but the racism thing totally went over my head! I ended up not hating Trenderhoof at the end, because he just came of as naïve instead of outright mean-spirited with his patronization, but still... yikes. But also very fascinating, I almost hope they go into it more sometime... almost. Also, THANK you for pointing out how lame the first fake-out joke was, I HATED that, which made me even MORE angry when they did a SECOND fake-out joke! Because, you know, it was SO FUCKING HILARIOUS the first time! Honestly, I can't get enough of Rarity faking a country accent, like, Tabitha St. Germain is just in-fucking-credible! Also, why did you say "he IS a shallow asshole" when he extends a hoof to Granny Smith? Sure it looked like it was going to AJ at first, but it didn't, so... what?
I don't think this was a bad episode, but I didn't think it was a particularly good one either. It was just kinda there. Also, I didn't laugh terribly much here, except maybe 3 or 4 times, which is disappointing considering others call it one of the funniest episodes of the season. :|
1:47 I don't know why, but him saying, "See Josh, you can be funny!" gets me every time!
1:35
I consider this to be the reverse Hearts and Hooves Day. In that episode, I felt the dialogue was horrid, yet the plot was fine. I love the dialogue here, yet the plot is so by the books, it's lazy. I did like the duel between Rarity and Applejack, but other than that, and the Spike/Rarity joke, this episode was just average.
I'll admit the episode wasn't the best nor was it the worst, but it was something on the average side. I mean it had it's funny moments and an ok moral in my opinion but all in all it was just filler in my opinion but it was ok filler.
This was the first Rarity episode that I actually disliked. Her actions were beyond cringe worthy and everything about this story was predictable as all hell and never threw us for a loop. Trenderhoof didn't help either, I really hated when he claimed himself to be "The most important pony in all Equestria" That statement is both false and completely vain.
I completely agree. This season is really weirding me out, now that I've got down to watching it. First they made my 2nd favourite pony Pinkie Pie incredibly annoying, and made an episode which played up the one part about her I hate: random visuals that aren't funny. Then they go and make a Rarity episode that makes her downright awful. It kinda makes me sad, since Rarity was my favourite for her stiff upper lip, cool-headedness and swagger, but in this episode she threw away her integrity, class and dignity to fawn over a cute guy, and did so in an extremely offensive manner. I can't imagine what Applejack must have been thinking when her best friend puts on a racist caricature of her for something as stupid as a schoolyard crush. Rainbow Dash can have them because she's a wannabe, and Twilight can because she's socially inept. But for me Rarity's entire draw is that she is above such things, and in this episode, not only did she cross the character derailment line, she strutted across it looking and sounding bizarrely like Barbara Goode from The Goode Life. So yeah, congrats Josh Haber. You made me hate Rarity. Now I gotta go cry myself to sleep, and hope that by the end of season 4, I can still say without a shadow of a doubt that Rarity is best pony. ; (
Youngbeelzebub666 Pinkie will seem annoying in episodes that don't have her as the main focus and I can shed some light on that. People thought she was an idiot in season 4 but episodes that co-star her aren't the ones where she gets development so the writers have to pick a trait like say:her randomness and amp it up for the entire episode which may get positive or negative results from viewers. Due to her personality, they can't have Pinkie just stand around and do nothing for the entire episode and because she's seen as the comic relief of the cast, the writers will try a little too hard to make her funny instead of giving off Pinkie's natural humor that comes from her own episodes. Pinkie is my favorite character, I hope this did her justice, lol.
Alisha Dee Yeah a bad Rarity episode way for the best season so far to break a record consistant even season 2 the weakest season to me so far.
Am I the only one who noticed that Trenderhoof was literally stalking Applejack throughout the entire episode? It friggin creeped me out the more I saw that and I was even saying, "Omg, just f**kin' let the lady have her dang space for once, ya' god dang bland, horny hipster!"
Josh Haber may be a 'safe writer', but I will say that, for this type of story, 'safe' is probably better than 'risk-taking'. I did appreciate, though, that for all her childishness in the second act, Rarity didn't scream at Applejack at the end of the third for borrowing one of her dresses and wearing it around the farm, showing that, though Rarity can be childish and even obsessive, she can still be mature enough to know at least when something isn't someone else's fault. This has been touched on in other episodes, true, but given how this episode progressed, it was probably good to have that at the end. Also, the dress didn't come out of nowhere this time, Sleepless in Ponyville...
"Simple Ways" is, without a doubt, the worst Rarity episode so far. However, that just means it's silver floating in a sea of gold. I didn't quite like this episode when it first aired, but I actually liked it much more upon re-watch, just because I *_love_* watching Rarity and Applejack interact. They have the best dynamic in the show. In short, you make good points about this episode's shortfalls, _but they don't matter_.
1:56 wait, that guy is racist, the only thing that can be called racist in that MLP FiM 'verse is discrimination between earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi, that pony is ignoring Rarity because he's racist, so he's ignoring Rarity because she's a unicorn, so he's a clear example of the pot calling the kettle black
it's like a black guy being racist against blacks, it makes no sense unless he's ashamed of his race!!!
I actually find this episode funny especially the part at 1:27 and also the part when we first see Applejack dressing up like Rarity with that duck lipped face it was just hilarious
I thought the episode was good. I laughed a lot and the third act actually did have me in tears. For me, the story was bland but whoever plays Rarity really shined in the episode. It was fun for me to watch and I have seen it three times now.
I think this episode is suffering from something that the whole season's been suffering from: getting the mane six together in situations where they needn't be. Rainbow Falls would have done fine without Rarity, Pinkie, and AJ there to make a fool of themselves; this episode has the rest of mane six present and that just brings questions as to why nopony tried to stop Rarity. They could have easily just had Rarity and AJ and left everyone else alone as their "tasks" weren't that relevant to the festival, whereas AJ needed to take care of the cider. WHY bring all the characters to have them just stand there? Also, I think some of Celestia is starting to rub off on Twilight, like in Rainbow Falls where she leaves the decision up to Rainbow and in the Pinkie episode. I am sure about how I feel about this...
I guess I can agree with you for the most part here, this was an episode that seemed a tad awkward... like, I didn't know if I was supposed to laugh at certain moments or not. In the very least, I did like a few of the gags (like Pinkie, Spike, Derpy, and some of Rarity's lines) but most of the jokes fell flat most of the time. Also, he didn't come across as Racist to me, but maybe I'm just stupid. I'm surprised you even gave it 3 stars, I would understand if you gave it a lower one. Not a terrible episode, but not a great one either... but hey, we're now half way finished with season 4!
"Eh,it's just a bunch of Eh." -Lord Hater
Your line about getting better through failing reminds me of the path Merriweather Williams has taken in the show created a bad (for everybody except you and me who only give it a meh) and eventually climbing up to "Wonderbolts Academy" all good reviews and "Bats!" which has mostly good reviews
1:27 NO FETISH FUEL, WRITERS!
This episode by far got the most laughs out of me from the whole show. Ok, almost. The previous one guest starring Weird Al got a lot of laughs too, but come on, it's Weird Al!
Seeing Rarity act so out of character, but knowing that it was killing her inside made it funnier to me. We ALL knew that it was a facade, and she had to realize it herself. Applejack trying to be like Rarity may have been "dishonest", going in defiance of her Element, but it as to be a good friend and get a point across for the greater good.
Funniest line in the whole show so far: "I WEAR DROOPY DRAWERS!!" I seriously had to pause the video I was laughing too hard. I NEVER thought I'd hear Rarity say that, and it made me bust a gut.
This plot is cliched and over done, but I felt they pulled it off well here, and maybe NOW Rarity will learn a thing or two about trying to impress someone, and she might actually end up with a date. I give this one 5 stars for that little spot of hamming it up alone. It's like Face/Off where we have John Travolta and Nick Cage trying to outham one another. (Insert obvious Nostalgia Critic Joke here, and we're walking, and we're walking...)
+Bladecrossexe I agree!
Call this episode predictable sure, I'd even say I found it mostly boring. But I'm especially confused at how Rarity acted considering her comment on loving Trenderhoof since "the beginning of time" which is hyperbolic I know, but considering her past experience trying to be princess by marrying Celestia's nephew, I find it to be strange that she'd lose focus so quickly on her assignment on something she experienced before. And her trying to imitate Applejack wasn't funny to me either. Honestly, Applejack was the best part of this episode for me. But still, I'd have no shame saying this is the first Rarity episode I'd call bad.
I agree, this episode was completely average and rather uninspiring. 'Pinkie Pride' made me want to go out into the world and sing and (try to) make people laugh. This one just wanted me to sit on a couch and go "...okay." I get the impression that Josh Haber is used to writing longer episodes, like they're an hour long. If given the full hour and the opportunity to show Rarity's struggle to let go of what makes her herself (say, showing tears as she puts away her fine garments to replace them with farm attire), this episode could have been really good.
The only reason I liked this one was because of Rarijack.
***** Well, opposites attract (mostly), dude.
***** So you are saying men and women should not get married.
***** You should pay more attention to little details in the show, not just the general "rarijack episodes".
+A1rG3ar No matter how far into their lives it becomes, friends will always argue. You can't expect Rarity and Applejack to never have an argument again just because they patched one up.
Just because a character fixed something about themselves in one episode doesn't mean they completely got rid of it.
Oh my god, are you guys still talking about this?this is a year old comment and I personally lost interest in this show in that period of time. The fact you still even notice this comment is astounding.
Question: Rarity and Applejack didn't bug you in this one like in Look Before You Sleep? Or were you just referring to their "did not, did too" conversation from that one? Their antics here struck me as pretty immature.
I said all this in Dr. Wolf's review, but it remains pertinent. Curse Google Plus and no ability to link to other comments.
My thoughts on simple ways:
It's a lesson that sorely need to be taught to the intended audience and I thought that DHX did a really good job of delivering that lesson with humor and wit throughout.
I was there for the livestream this morning and thoroughly enjoyed not only the episode, but also the reactions of my fellow bronies to the episode and Rarity and Applejack's roles and actions in it. I pointed out then, and I'll point out now, that I thought that the crush was handled very realistically on both sides.
By both sides, I mean that from Rarity's angle as a long time long distance admirer of a famous pony and when reality meets fantasy, and also from Trenderhoof's point of view of haivng a crush at first sight of a pony he'd never met before but seemed (on the surface) to be an exemplar of all that he'd praised in his writing.
Applejack also handled the crush realistically, from being at first bemused, then to annoyed, then to anger and avoidance.
Crushes make people (and ponies apparently) do stupid things in the name of faux love. I thought there was a deeper lesson being taught also beyond the one at face value: love doesn't happen all at once. You need to know someone to love them, otherwise it's just a crush or an infatuation. Sometimes that feeling will grow into love, but that too takes time.
On a side note, and the final bit of this long post: I think that Spike, while still infatuated with Rarity, truly does love our favorite marshmallow mare. He's known her long enough, has seen her at her best and at her worst and kept at it.
Addition:
That this was a retread of old stuff isn't a point against it to me. It's not something that Applejack's been subjected to yet and it was interesting to see her reaction to what was going on at the very least. Plus, as stated above, it was freaking hilarious to me. But, then again, I do enjoy the occasional rom-com or outright romance.
I really don't like this episode mainly due to the fact that its made of cringe comedy.
I guess that Josh Haber redeemed himself making "Bloom and Gloom".
THIS WAS *NOT* A ROMANCE STORY.
For someone who was complaining about the writer of this episode not knowing how to write, Mr. Enter shows a fundamental ignorance of the type of story he's critiquing. But he did say he wasn't a fan of the genre, so its may be understandable.
By the definition of the genre and the general approach to such stories, a romance focuses on the romantic relationship between two, and sometimes more, people. Actual affection has to be *exchanged* and a relationship established. This relationship can be (and usually is) tenuous, very rocky and unrequited for most of the story, but it has to actually be there. This could have been a romance if Trend had returned Rarity's affection at least for a little while, or if AJ had returned Trend's, but neither happened, so this is most definitely NOT a romance or romantic story.
Rather, If we actually need a definition here, the unrequited romantic feelings are used as a plot contrivance to drive a COMEDIC CHARACTER STUDY focusing on Rarity and her friendship with AJ.
I enjoyed this episode much more than Mr. Enter as I realized early on that the plot was pretty much irrelevant here. This episode was all about character and character moments with Rarity, and later, between Rarity and AJ. It worked really well on that level and had me laughing during Rarity's meltdown toward the end.
Its just as bad an assumption for a writer to assert that PLOT PLOT PLOT has to be the end all and be all driver of story quality. There are plenty of other approaches and focuses that can make a story worthwhile. The primacy of plot is english teacher BS from "Peggy HIll's Writing 101" just as much as anything Mr. Enter was complaining about in the episode.
i'm pretty sure this review wasn't a romance history...or it was?
And we have gone to rage. Wow.
i hate love stories, but this is no exception...
"sigh" the only thing i have to say is, fuck valentine day!. and the entire month of February!.
you got a problem with black history month
'
what no!, i hate valentine day because of this lovey dovey crap!. as for black history month. i'm actually black! btw!.
i was just messing with you XD
***** My birthday is on Valentine's Day, and even I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day.
Hey February is black history month. Show some Luv to a black person month.
I love the Peggy approval joke, lol
Actually, I found Flight to the Finish to be the "safest" episode yet.
You talk about how they bring up a heavy subject... but it's just as much by the book as this is.
Connor Cottrell Really, aside from "Arthur", "MLP:FIM" is the first cartoon that I've seen actually address it. Its controversy could be why hardly any kids' shows talk about it. Even "Hey Arnold" didn't do an episode on it.
Yeah, it's not like this topic is controversial or something? Read this very closely: making these episodes in the right way and memorable like in "Arthur" or "MLP:FiM" is not an easy thing to do. The writer needs to have style, wisdom, maturity, and a willingness to take risks to accomplish that. Without one or more of those elements, it can fall apart and be mediocre to abysmal. Ed Valentine had his style, wisdom, maturity AND ESPECIALLY THE RISK-TAKING to succeed this in "Flight to the Finish". If the writer does not have one to any of these characteristics you get something like "When Maya Met Andy from [Maya and Miguel]. In this episode, Maya the supposed protagonist tries to make a new kid in town with a disability by making him feel "welcome" using her complete stupidity. In the end, she barges in a parade during a basketball duo that makes him cry by reminding him he cannot play the trombone. Sure, she might've done it by accident, but she didn't apologize to him or try to make it up. And they both become friends.
See how infuriating that seems.
I recommend you watch it and see what I mean. The writer "Whoever The Heck Wrote It" did not have the wisdom or maturity to teach how to deal with physically/mentally challenged people ESPECIALLY vice versa. I honestly think who wrote it was shameful not to show his/her own name because of that. To sum up, screen-writing an episode is no easy or "safe" thing to do. If it's done right, it is admirable. On the other hand, if it's done wrong, it can tick a lot of people off. I swear Mr Enterer needs to review this episode.
All racism aside on Trenderhoof, I begin to think that he also is almost like a stalker, what and his constant following of Applejack and his advances towards her and all that.
yaaaaay someone else noticed that! I was like, "dang dude, you horny as fuq. calmeth thy croth region."
Probably my biggest problem with this episode was AJ and Rarity's role reversal scene. It was supposed to be Applejack showing how ridiculous Rarity was being by being just as ridiculous to demonstrate, but it kind of came across like they were just making fun of each other. And not in a particularly kind way.
Well, you know, racism in the way used by Trenderhoof isn't completely unjustified. I mean, look at the Alicorns. Look at their power, how they're revered. One is considered worthy of prestige based upon that. If that isn't racism, then I don't see how Racism could even be a thing in MLP.
That description, though
I hate this episode, it's boring, stupid, and really cliched, plus Trenderhoof is a extremely bland character and there was no point in creating him, to me, this is the worst episode to come out of Season 4, and it's not any better when it felt like Rarity's character was being extremely downgraded in this episode, Josh Haber you're an ok writer, but you can do better than this
I honestly think this episode has some of the worst characterization that we've seen from Rarity. She's been shown to be an extremely giving and hardworking person who, even when distracted, is still conscientious of her responsibilities (see Sweet and Elite, where despite being wrapped up in living the high life, she still occasionally went back to and felt guilt over her work on Twilight's dress). For her to be THIS wrapped up in a crush--especially since Mr. E is right about this not being the first time she has been--seems not only hard to believe, but kind of out of character. She's a great multitasker across the board, whether that's in devoting attention to tasks or priorities. Where I think she REALLY gets OOC is when she starts imitating Apple Jack. Simply put, it's like she barely knows what AJ does and appears to have no respect for her profession or culture. Rarity has shown disdain for the dirty nature of farm work, but also appreciation for exactly how taxing it is, and the clear rewards it yields. She and AJ are both craftsmen, and in other episodes she was shown to quickly defend the Apple Farm (Bats!) and jump at the call to help it (Magical Mystery Cure). I really don't like this episode, not only because it's sort of dull and predictable, but it seems to disregard key elements of Rarity's character (and her friendship with Apple Jack) in order to paint her as the obviously in-the-wrong jerk.
Psychosteria No true words have ever been spoken
Psychosteria Rarity has shown to have a good heart
This comment is old, but I absolutely agree with your argument.
1:38 That bit had me laughing. Nice job Enter
This episode was OK to me, but Rarity never having a bad episode streak continues at least, but I honestly can't stop laughing when Rartiy tried to act more country XD There was just something about it.
+Thecraftercat That was good, it helped get this episode up in my likability.
I'm laughing too hard at when the textbook cover says "Peggy Hill approved.
I don't get the joke, though
Cody Hines watch his king of the hill reviews and you will
Having a bunch of pictures of someone isn't romantic,it's disturbing.
don't forget, she also had a bit of his hair in glass capsule
This episode made me laugh so hard, one of my favorite of the season.
As far as I'm concerned, after the 'why would you want to act like other dragons?' comment from Applejack, she's coming across as a far bigger racist.
Trenderhoof merely came across as patronizing and insensitive, Applejack actually came across as a little malicious, and then the episode had the audacity to back her up.
Yeah, this is kind of a meh episode for me. I don't care all that much for romance to be honest.
yay I freaking love your reviews and wow this was out fast
OMG someone animated a fimfic!
OMG fet
what?
the world may never no maya ok
I thought this episode was pretty good, It felt like an improved version of "Hearts and Hooves Day", and it kinda reminded me a bit of the Spongebob episode "Big Pink Loser". Overall i think Josh Haber is an ok writer, and he's still trying to get comfortable with writing for the show.
1:26
Uhhh.... Hasbro, what're you trying to tell us...?
GroundPoundable That they're getting crap past the radar.
GroundPoundable That Applejack gets sweaty while working and enjoys letting apple juice drip down her face?
Yeah, I was really hoping he'd mention that, but nope. Just gonna ignore the porn
2:00 Well yes, most bronies adore Derpy. But maybe what they did here was a big middle finger to everyone who said Derpy was offensive.
Maybe not. I don't know. :P
I love that Pinkie can break the laws of physics
I cringed so much during this episode...
I think you should explain more about the difference between a by the book choice and a stylistic choice. I can't really see what certain things can be added to the bullet points that doesn't come off as useless.
"AH WEAR DROOPY DRAWERS!"
Princess Twilight Sparkle: Gold, 10 stars
CastleMania: Sliver, 4 stars
Daring Don’t: Gold, 5 stars
Flight To The Finish: Platinum, 5 stars
Power Ponies: Bad episode, 1 star
Bats: Gold, 5 stars
Rarity Takes Manehatten: Gold, 5 stars
Pinkie Apple Pie: Gold, 4 stars
Rainbow Falls: Animated Atrocity, 0 stars
Three’s A Crowed: Sliver, 4 stars
Pinkie Pride: Gold, 5 stars
Simple Ways: Bronze, 3 stars
Half score total: 51/65
This episode was kinda mediocre.
I'm not all big on love stories.
Also at 0:28 I made the same joke.
To me this is a Rarity Psychopath episode
This episode is very cliched but I thought it was really funny.
It's felt a bit dragged out
Same
Tabitha saint germain was really good in this episode. No one could do a bad ascent while meaning it to be bad.
I did not care for this episode for similar reasons. Most importantly I thought it tried to hard to get to the setup of Rarity and AJ switching places.
And by following the book it made some clumsy moves with Rarity as a character. She's been lovestruck and jealous before but those traits were always shown with maturity, especially the jealousy.
So having her be so obsessed she could not speak to a stallion and having her be spiteful out of jealousy struck me as ooc since she's dealt with bith scenarios before and had neither issue.
I did enjoy the scene where Rarity and Applejack are imitating each other xD Eh, maybe I just found comfort in the predictability of this ep
What's funny is that I also thought this episode was average (I give it 5/10), but for totally, TOTALLY different reasons. For me, it was actually really, REALLY terrible, but the majority of it had me absolutely caking myself with laughter at just how terrible it really was, which was more than enough to elevate it. I couldn't call it "good" in all good conscience, but I did enjoy it more than the episodes I've given 3s and 4s to, so a 5/10 seemed fair.
I have seriously never laughed harder while watching an episode of Friendship is Magic, and I was certainly laughing AT it, not with it. I think it was the sheer straight-facedness with which Josh Haber played these immensely lame, tired and cheesy cliches that did it, but I'm honestly not 100% sure. All I know is that for me, this episode falls squarely into the "so bad, it's good" category and is a bit of a guilty pleasure...
I like that her horn is just forcibly jammed through the straw hat.
Guess everyone needs to realise they cut 5MINUTES of the episode, so really judging it how it is now is not worth it since it would have been totaly diferent.
besides the fact that it was a AWESOME episode that I loved
We can only judge the final product that's presented to us. Besides, for all we know that extra time would have been wasted on more cliche BS.
Seulgi Kim I Know things were explained in more detail and not rushed as much, so REALLY would love to see what the 5mins had.
There may be a collaboration on a episode but...........
1:27 no shipper-ammo joke here?
ok i'm one of the few people who never really cared about who was writing an episode, because some writers write good episode and they sometime write bad episodes, but after watching this episode i'm starting to see how writers factor into an episode, now i'm a big Rarity fan and i did really like this episode, but if felt weird to me, it didn't feel like an normal Rarity episode, it didn't have that Rarity flare I get from her episode, and that when i realize it was written by new writer Josh Haber, now see why people complain about the writers sometimes.
I don't know what happened. I didn't pay attention to any of that mumbo jumbo narration. What did this guy say again?
Sometimes, it's best to be forgotten. Sonic 06, anyone? (Actually, I suppose it might be better for that specific one to be remembered to remind video-game companies why they should never rush games.)
Alright. Average episode but 3 stars was all it needed to surpass the other half way marks. barely but it won. now here's to hoping the second half manages to match or even surpass it. It will need to try hard to beat Princess Twilight Sparkle, Flight to the Finish, Rarity Takes Manehatten, Pinkie Pride and imo Daring Don't.
What is trendor hoof's cutie mark?
Argyle knitting.
The story is like the mitten from that one spongebob episode
I actually found this episode entertaining, but that maybe because I never actually saw this story or this learned this moral as a kid.
Hope all the Pinkie flanderization doesn't lower the overall score of the new episode. There's quite a lot of that
I agree with you, I was bored throughout the episode. Mostly because it used my pet peeve, predictability, throughout.
This episode is very similar to "Look Before You Sleep" where if you hated/loved that episode, you'll most likely have the same opinion on this one. I'm on the side that both episodes are great. Sure the plot is predictable but AJ and Rarity play so well off each other it's hard not to love. Granted unlike "Look Before You Sleep" this kind of banter between them was only around for half the episode at most. The other half mostly consisted of Rarity and Trenderhoof being ignorant to how an Apple farm is run, which worked fine as well. Also Spike was kinda interesting in this episode. He never seemed hostile or towards Trenderhoof which means he may have come to peace with the fact that Rarity may never return his feelings for her. It a nice subtle hint at maturity for his character and at the very least the writer avoided the "jealous kid" trope.
When you said that he should took more risk, rather than stay as a safe writer, i dont know why but i feel like if you want another Merry Weather Williams...
Hmm, no points taken for Pinkie's shananagans, so I guess it's safe to say she wasn't completely flanderized in this episode at least not to an annoying extent.
I think the actual scores may be a 50
I did like the idea, and there were some good jokes, but characterization was lazy. The story was also predictable, but I didn't really mind for this one in particular. I would probaly put it between okay and good. Also, why does Trenderhoof like... old people so much?
This episode was a total flatline for me. It was just sort of coasting from beggining to end and I found it really boring.
Thank God, no complaints about Pinkie this time!
Nice reference in the description there.
But yeah, this episode was just okay. Definitely Rarity's weakest episode to date.
Huh, I expected him to tear the episode apart
I personally enjoyed it though, despite its faults
Also, I agree, best new half-season of MLP:FiM... so far!
It seems that rarity has a crush in every season
I'm just glad it isn't hearts and hooves day. This episode is just decent and that is it.
by 'bit' I mean it makes Helga Pataki look reasonable? I WOULDN'T SAY TO THAT EXTENT BUT OKAY.
performance wise, Tabitha was great, but a great performance by a great VA rarely saves an episode. Really average one.
Was this half season really the best rated of all? i was pretty sure it was going to be in the middle of all,how weird XD
I Love romance but.. like, I don't like this cliche romance stuff.
like "Giggle at what each other say ALL THE TIME"
there's a reason why I love romance.... with comedy.
this wasn't particular good.. yeah no, this is meh
Can someone help me understand what the fuck is up with those exclamation points
+NickSimpson You can't figure it out yourself? Did you watch the review?
I didn't like this episode much... it was just so tedious in my opinion... I found Rarity and Applejack trying to be eachother a little funny... but only a little.
Same
I honestly don't see being "by-the-numbers" as a flaw, honestly. As long as it's not insulting or goes against the characters or established continuity, I'm fine with it. Then again, I suppose it DOES border cliché, but I had a hard time noticing, honestly, since at least all the characters were IN character, unlike trying to do an overused plot in Spike At Your Service. I also didn't like the Spike joke, for reasons I explained on your deviantART First Impressions journal entry. I definitely found Trenderhoof to be a total hipster, in an incredibly obnoxious kind of way, but the racism thing totally went over my head! I ended up not hating Trenderhoof at the end, because he just came of as naïve instead of outright mean-spirited with his patronization, but still... yikes. But also very fascinating, I almost hope they go into it more sometime... almost. Also, THANK you for pointing out how lame the first fake-out joke was, I HATED that, which made me even MORE angry when they did a SECOND fake-out joke! Because, you know, it was SO FUCKING HILARIOUS the first time! Honestly, I can't get enough of Rarity faking a country accent, like, Tabitha St. Germain is just in-fucking-credible! Also, why did you say "he IS a shallow asshole" when he extends a hoof to Granny Smith? Sure it looked like it was going to AJ at first, but it didn't, so... what?
You can pretty call this episode the cliché episode every single aspect of this episode is a cliché I'm not surprised you did not put a counter.
so, this season half stretch is best yet. 50/65
I don't think this was a bad episode, but I didn't think it was a particularly good one either. It was just kinda there.
Also, I didn't laugh terribly much here, except maybe 3 or 4 times, which is disappointing considering others call it one of the funniest episodes of the season. :|
Trenderhoof looks like a ponyfied Stephen Merchant...
Atleast the score didn't go to hell, that's good I guess
I really liked this episode.
At least there's no sappy love babble.
I disagree a little with you. I would give it a 4, because the love story is all in the same through out the episode. Its just a cliche.
This episode was a My Little Pony Cringe Compilation for me..... and I loved it
My rating would be a 4/5, because at least it wasn't another shitty Rainbow Dash episode.