MLP:EG Legend of Everfree

My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Legend of Everfree is the fourth and second best of the Equestia girls films (the best is Rainbow Rocks).


This movie was directed by Ishi Rudell. Rudell was an animation director for the TV show's first three seasons, as well as for the first Equestria Girls movie. With the second Equestria Girls film (Rainbow Rocks), he became co-director, and with the third movie (Friendship Games), he became the only director of the film. Also now he works strictly on the movies (as far as I know) and not on the show. This episode was written by the team of Kristine Songco and Joanna Lewis, who have written five episodes of the show (Castle Sweet Castle, Rarity Investigates, The Hooffeilds and McColts, Gauntlet of Fire and Top Bolt). This is their first time writing a feature film (My Little Pony or otherwise). This film was storyboarded by Jason Armstrong, Jeff Bittle, Jennifer Davreux, and Gloria Jenkins. None of them have worked on the TV show or the previous features.

The story is fairly simple, and even though there is a villain, this is far from the focus of the film. The movie rather revolves around the characters. This works so well because these are such great characters. One thing I love about these films is that the human characters are not just carbon copies of their pony counterparts. Instead they are similar, but fully fleshed out and different characters. This is most obvious with Twilight, but is true of all of them. Speaking of Twilight, this character couldn't be written better here. She is a fully relatable and far from two dimensional character here. She has what makes her pony counterpart such a great character, but still has much of her own personality separate from the TV series. Her problem in this movie is something I think many of us can relate too. Also although we have not seen Sunset on the show, she has proved a great part of these movies. She is a fascinating and very enjoyable character, something she remains here. The only big problem with this movie is the villain (who is kind of bland), but again this plays too small of a role to hurt the movie much.

The songs here are quite good as well. I have stated before that I think, Daniel Ingram can write great country music melodies and that is shown to fully effect in this film. Also Kristine Songco and Joanna Lewis' lyrics don't hurt at all.

This is a fantastic movie, and the second best of the series. If the quality can maintain like this I would not object to many more Equestria Girls films in the future.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM To Where and Back Again Parts 1 & 2

We have reached the season finale of season 6. It has been great writing and sharing some background information as well as my thoughts on these episodes with everypony, and I look forward to doing the same for Season 7. However right now I have 2 episodes to write about.

These episodes were written by Josh Haber (who has been writing for the show since season 4) and Michael Vogel (who started writing this season, but had been working the production department since season 2), These episodes were storyboarded by Megan Willis (Who started boarding for the show this season) , Jeffery Amey (who started boarding for the show this season), Thalia Tomlinson (Who started boarding for the show since season 5) and Karine Charlebois (Who started boarding for the show this season). The Changling hive was designed by Tanya Lehoux. The new Changling designs were by Kora Kosicka, Charmaine Verhagen and Fe Ribeiro.

This is a fantastic episode. While it is a big villain vs. heroes episode, the main focus is Starlight stress about being a leader and whether she is really reformed. This is very relatable as we all (or at least me), have stresses of weather or not people will forgive you when you have don e something wrong. This is so real and understandable, it makes this very fantasy based story more personal and real. However the big fight with the villain, and the element of fantasy are still quite exciting.

It is also great to see the show trying out new things like they do here. While the big villain episodes have been done before, this is the first time one didn't center around one of the main six. It doesn't hurt that Starlight is one of my new favorite ponies, and she is handled so well here. However Trixie, Discord and Thorax are all delightful here.

See you for season 7 everypony, and remember friendship is magic.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Top Bolt

This episode is 5th episode written by the team of Joanna Lewis and Kristine Songco. They had previously written Castle Sweet Castle, Rarity Investigates, The Hoffields and the McColts and Gauntlet of Fire. This episode was storyboarded by Mincheul Park (who started boarding for the show last season) and Cat Tang (who started boarding for the show this season).

This episode introduces two new characters, Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger. Vapor Trail was voiced by Ronda Ress, and Sky Stinger was voiced by storyboard artist Emmett Hall. These character were designed by Kora Kosicka, Fe Riberio and Charmaine Verhagen.

These new characters are quite good and fit the story perfectly. However what really makes this episode is Twilight and Rainbow Dash. They are extremely well written here. Twilight seemed to be getting less nerdy in seasons 4 & 5, but here she is the same adorable nerd she was in seasons 1 &2. Rainbow Dash is very likable here as her attachment to her friends and her dedication to the Wonderbolts are very charming.

This is a fantastic episode it is very well written, the animation is great, the story is good, and everything just works.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Where the Apple Lies

This episode is the third episode written by David Rapp, who also wrote Newbie Dash and Flutter Brutter. This episode was storyboarded by Michelle Ku (who started boarding for this show earlier this season) and Cat Dela Cruz (who also stated boarding for this show during this season).

This is a really good episode. I really like the design work, the animation is great, it is quite funny, and it has a good story. I really like the younger Big Mac, and not just because he is different from the Big Mac we know and that is funny, but because he is a very good character on his own. The facial expressions on Applejack as she lies are also very funny. The whole section is the hospital is excellent. On top of that while the moral is nothing new for this show it is told fairly well here.

By the way look for some really great stuff in the background of the hospital. Especially Derpy's origin story, and a bizarre but hilarious reference to The Shining. 

-Michael J. Ruhland 

MLP:FIM P.P.O.V (Pony Point of Veiw)

This is the third episode written by Michael P. Fox and Wil Fox. Who had previously written The Gift of Maud Pie and Applejack's Day Off. Helping come up with the story was the team of Kevin Burke and Chris "Doc" Wyatt. This episode was storyboarded by Hanna Lee (Who has been storyboarding for the show since season 2) and Ward Jenkins (Who started boarding for the show earlier this season).

This is an excellent episode. The humor is spot on. Applejack as a pirate is particularly great (and of course the picture above is a hilarious moment). The animation is also excellent.

The design work is fantastic. The seaside town was designed by Laura Bifano and colored by Krista Hout. Layout artist Greg Roth designed the waves. There was also some great costume design by Kora Kosika and Charmaine Verhagen. Charmaine Verhgen also designed the knew creature.  All of them did fantastic jobs and helped make this a great episode.

Most of all though this episode was just a lot of fun and whoever knew Rashomon with Ponies could be this much fun.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Every Little Thing She Does

This was the 6th episode written by Michael Vogal. He has become one of my favorite writers for this show. His previous episodes were A Hearth's Warming Tale, Spice Up Your Life, Stranger than Fan Fiction, and The Cart Before The Ponies.  This episode is the last episode storyboarded by Sabrina Alberghetti, who has been storyboarding for the show since the first season. Also storyboarding for this episode was Dave Wiebe, who has been storyboarding for the show since the first episode.

This is an excellent episode. Starlight is becoming one of my favorite ponies. In many ways she makes me think of Twilight of season 1 and 2, but is still her own character. In fact the similarities between her and Twilight, really make me happy to see these two characters together. She is always likeable even when she does something immoral. Because she tries so hard to be good and impress Twilight. Plus Starlight's stresses are so similar to my own, that I especially relate to the character.

On top of Starlight this episode has a great story, is very funny and is very well animated. Pinkie and Applejack are also delights to watch in this episode as are all the ponies. Applejack's stories are hilarious. Pinkie towards the end is also very funny. In fact this whole episode is just excellent.

By the way remember kids don't use mind control on your friends.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Viva Las Pegas

This is the second episode written by the team of Chris Wyatt and Kevin Burke. They had previously written the episode of The Times They Are a Changeling. While this episode might not as good as that first one, it is still a good episode. This episode was storyboarded by Megan Willis (who started storyboarding earlier this season) and Jeffery Amey.

The animation is really good. Impressively the crowds are extremely well animated (if anyone working on the show happens to read this I am very impressed by this and you should be proud of your work here). The characters are just as likable as ever. Fluttershy and the animals were adorable. Applejack's mistrust of the Flim-Flam brothers as well as both her and Fluttershy's uncomfortableness in Los Pegas are quite well handled. Gladmane was a fun villain, and use of Elvis as a basis for this character was fantastic.

Despite this episode having a lot going for it, it does feel like the show playing it too safe. The story feels like it has been done before on this show, and sometimes better. At times it feels like another map episode, and follows the guidelines of those episodes maybe a bit too closely. However watching much of the rest of this season, we know the show is not falling into this trap, and the episode is quite good in spite of this. Because even when this show plays it too safe, there is quite a bit to recommend as there is here.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM The Fault in Our Cutie Marks

This episode is the fourth was written by Ed Valentine his previous episodes have been Flight to the Finish, Threes a Crowd,  and The Cart Before the Ponies. It was based off a story by Megan McCarthy (who has been writing for the show since season 1) and Josh Harbor (who started writing for the show in season 4).  The storyboard artists for this episode were Karine Charlebois (who started storyboarding earlier this season) and Nicole Wang (who has been storyboarding for the show since season 1).

This episode introduces a great new character, a griffon named Gabby. She was voiced by Erin Mathews and designed by Kora Kosicka, Charmine Veragen and Fernanda Ribeiro. She is really a fantastic character and helps make this episode a great one. She is a funny character, and she also is extremely likable. The fact that we already care about this new character we haven't seen before is really telling why this episode is a fantastic one.

Beyond just Gabby, this episode is a great showcase for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. This is done both through the story and many great little touches. Scootaloo's looking at her wings when talking about believing in something impossible is one of the most heartfelt moments this show ever had and it made me tear up a little bit. I also love how we see little by little how much Sweetie Belle has been getting better at magic without ever calling attention to it. Even beyond this the episode has a great story and great animation.

Overall this is an excellent episode and one of the best this season (probably second best to Saddle Row and Rec).

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Buckball Season

This is the first episode to be written by Jennifer Skelly and it's a darn good start. This episode was storyboarded by Mincheul Park (who has been boarding for the show since last season) and Cat Tang.

This episode is quite a fun episode. What really makes this episode work is how well written both Pinkie and Fluttershy are. Both are as likable as ever. While this episode shows them doing something different (playing sports so well is of course something we more associate with Rainbow Dash or Applejack), they stay the same Pinkie and Flutters that we have loved since the beginning of the show. This is one of my favorite things about this show no matter what the story needs characters to do they still stay the same great characters. Also a lesser show would have made Rainbow Dash and Applejack unlikable in this episode, but they remain very likable. They just want to help Pinkie and Flutters but don't think it through very well.

This episode features some great humor as well. The facial expressions are extremely funny here, especially from Pinkie and Flutters. Also while Snails is usually far from my favorite characters, he is actually very funny here.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Dungeons and Discords

This is the fifth episode written by Nick Confalone (who started writing for the show last season. Nick Confalone is quickly becoming a writer whose episodes I look forward too especially since he wrote Saddle Row Review, my personal favorite episode of this season so far. He doesn't let me down here.

Storyboarding this episode is Kat Dela Cruz (who started storyboard for the show earlier this season) and Michelle Ku (who also started storyboarding earlier this season). Since this was a Dungeons and Dragons episode naturally the visuals were important. Adding to this are great background designs by Laura Bifano. The great character cards were designed by Charmaine Verhagen. More designs were done by Matt Herring. All these people did an excellent job as the episode looked fantastic.

Adding to this the episode has a great sense of humor. Like Pinkie Pie episodes Discord episodes have some great cartoony animation (something that isn't I enough modern cartoons). Adding to this are fantastically funny facial expressions from Fluttershy, some of the best given to this character yet. Writing wise most of Discord's dialogue is very funny, and there is also a really funny reference to The Mask.

The story itself feels like it has been done before on this show, but the rest of the episode is so well done that you can easily get over this fault.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM The Times They Are a Changeling

This episode introduces us to two new writers. Kevin Burke and Chris Wyatt. They co-wrote this episode with Michael Vogal, who also started writing for the show this season. This episode was storyboarded by Ward Jenkins (who began boarding for the show earlier this season) and Hanna Lee (who has been storyboarding for the show since season 2).

This episode was fantastic. The story wasn't that original, yet it was done so well I didn't care. I enjoyed every moment of it. This is probably my favorite episode centering around Spike and with good reason. The characters were extremely likeable (including the new character), the animation great, the writing fantastic, the song number very good, and most of all this was just a joy to watch. Really everything about this episode was excellent, and I can't wait for what these new writers will write for the show next. Also this is the first time we have seen Starlight since we came back for the mid-season break, and it is so good to see her again. I love that character.

-Michael J. Ruhland

Mlp:FIM 28 Pranks Later

This episode marked the first written by F.M. DeMarco. DeMarco wrote the episode based off a story idea of one of the shows earliest writers Megan McCarthy(whose first episode was the 7th episode of the show).  It was storyboarded by Cory Toomey (who has been storyboarded since season 2) and Dave Wiebe.

This episode was maybe a bit too predictable, and not the most original of the show, but it still manages to be quite good. I can't wait to see DeMarco write a Pinkie Pie episode, because Pinkie Pie steals the episode. She is funny, relatable, and just very fun to watch. This is everything Pinkie should be. It is obvious that this new writer gets Pinkie's character very well. Also while Rainbow is supposed to be obnoxious in this episode, she never gets on the audiences nerves, or becomes too unlikable. Besides Pinkie what really works about this episode is the climax. This climax has a great atmosphere and even a little scary. The lighting in this scene is especially great. This scene works quite good even if it is very predictable. Overall this is a predictable and unoriginal episode but is still pulled off quite well despite this and is fun to watch.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM The Cart Before the Ponies

It is good to have another Cutie Mark Crusaders episode to write about, there has been to few of them lately. This episode was written by Ed Valentine and Michael Vogal. Ed Valentine started writing for the show last season with another Cutie Mark Crusaders episode. Michael Vogal started writing for the show this season, but has work on the development and production crew since the second season.

This episode is a lot of fun. The humor is fantastic (especially a brief appearance of young Derpy), the animation is great (director Jim Miller stated on twitter that it was very hard to animate the soap box derby carts), the story is nice, the lesson is quite good (and new for this show), and the characters are just as likable as ever. The designs of the carts are excellent and a joy to look at (further proof Scootaloo =Chicken).

Even when they aren't always seeing eye to eye, the relationship between Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo is very heartwarming. I love how the other ponies accept Rainbow Dash as practically Scootaloo's older sister. I now look forward to just seeing these two together.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Stranger Than Fan Fiction

Welcome back everypony, it is good to be talking about new My Little Pony again. This episode was written by Josh Haber and Michael Vogal. This is the third episode Michael Vogal wrote for the other two being A Hearths Warming Tail and Spice Up Your Life. However he has worked in the development area since season 2. Josh Haber started writing for the show in season 4 and this season he became the shows story editor. This episode was storyboarded by Karine Charlebois and Thalia Tomlinson (who started on the show in Season 5). This episode also features the guest voice of Patton Oswalt. This special guest completely improvised the rant that takes place over the end credits.

This episode is just pure fun and a great return for the show. The new character is great (I'm hoping the show finds more ways to use this character in the future), the humor is spot on and the facial expressions on Rainbow Dash are fantastic. Like a Daring Do episode should be this one is full of adventure and excitement that work great here. It is also great to see Rainbow in full geek out fangirl mode again, and of course to see Daring again as well. Just a very fun episode.

This episode is also a clever parody of various conventions based off TV shows, movies and comic books, as well as lots of enthusiasts over these things. However it is done extremely respectfully and is never mean spirited about it.

-Michael J. Ruhland 

MLP:FIM Spice Up Your Life

This is the second episode written by Michael Vogal. His previous episode was this season's A Hearths Warming Tail. He has however been working on the development department since season 2. This episode was storyboarded by Mincheul Park and Ed Baker. This episode also features great design work by Charmaine Verhagen, Matt Herring, Kristen Lobb, Fernanda Ribeiro, Laura Bifano and Krista Huot. Director Jim Miller has stated on his twitter that he did the voice of the male tourist pony.

This is a very good episode. Pinkie and Rarity are at their most likable. The animation and humor is fantastic. The animation of Pinkie eating is extremely funny. There is a great song number (written by Danny Ingram and Michael Vogal). It has a great lesson that has never been done before on this show. As someone who writes reviews this is one I need to remember. Don't take my opinion too seriously, it is does not decide what's good and bad but rather what I thought of something. Overall this is an excellent episode. It is simple, sweet and very entertaining.

Well we have reached the mid-season break. So far this has been the best season since seaon 2 qnd that is a great compliment. The consitinsy of great quality episodes has been fantastic, and it has brought me at least one of my new favorite episodes (Saddle Row and Rec), and plently of other excellent episodes. I am excited to see where it goes after the break. It has been a joy writing this and I'll see everypony after the break.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Flutter Brutter

This is the second episode written by David Rapp. His writing for the show began earlier this season with Newbie Dash. Judging by his writing so far he likes Pegasus. This episode was storyboarded by Kat Dela Cruz and Michelle Ku (who started earlier this season with Gauntlet of Fire).

What I really like about this episode is that it shows that episodes like Putting Your Hoof Down weren't just throw away episodes. Fluttershy did not just learn a lesson at the end of the episode and then forget it in newer episodes like as happens in many TV shows. In that episode she learns how to be more assertive and here she actually is more assertive. However despite how much more assertive she is now, she is still always Fluttershy, and never loses what made her so likable in the first place. This is great writing and is very impressive.

So for the first time we get to meet Fluttershy's family. I like them. I find it interesting that Fluttershy is the most assertive of her family. Her parents are very nice, but more than a bit of pushovers, and her brother is afraid of failure to the point where he is afraid to work. This is a nice dynamic and it works well here. I really want to see her parents again, however while I like him here I am not sure how well her brother will work in more episodes. He seems to be made for this story and he works well in it, but I don't know how they can use him again. Hopefully they can find a good way to do it because again I like him here.

Overall this is a very entertaining episode that shows how well the crew understands these characters and I hope we see more development like this in the future.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM AppleJack's Day Off

Sorry about the late post, I promise the next one will be up the day the next episode airs.

This episode had three writers, Neal Dusedau, Michael P. Fox, and Wil Fox. This is the third episode for writer Neal Dusedau. He had previously written What About Discord? and Princess Spike. This is the second episode for the writing team of Michael P. Fox and Wil Fox. Their first episode of this show was earlier this season, with The Gift of Maud Pie. This episode was storyboarded by Ward Jenkins (who started boarding earlier this season with On Your Marks) and  Kat Dela Cruz.

This episode is just a fun little episode. It may not be as funny as the episode before or have as good of a story as On Your Marks, but regardless it is just fun to watch. The characters are as likable as ever, the animation is great, and it never loses the viewer's interest. This episode however really shows what I love about this show. It has almost has the feeling of visiting good friends. It may not be as elaborately great as other episodes, but it is quite good in a different way. Simply by the whole episode simply being so pleasant. You love these characters so much that this episode simply let's you spend some time with them in this great world the creators made. This episode is simply relaxing and a lot of fun to watch. It may not be one of the show's best episodes, but when it is this pleasant why care?

However this is not to say this episode doesn't have any really great moments. The animation of AppleJack's extremely elaborate way of feeding the pigs is very funny. As is Rainbow Dash's attempts to cover up why she is at the spa.

The only real complaint is I would have liked to see more of Twilight and Spike. But again when an episode is this pleasant why care?

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Saddle Row and Rec

This is the fourth episode written by Nick Confalone, and wow I really like this writer so far. His previous episodes were Party Pooped, Hearthbreakers, and No Second Prances. This is tied with Hearthbreakers as my favorite episode  of his so far, and is definitely my favorite episode of this season so far. Today's episode was storyboarded by Dave Wiebe  and  Cory Toomey (who has been boarding since the second season).

This is an episode that proves this show is not only just for kids. This episode has plenty of humor and a storytelling style that is more adult aimed. However unlike many other shows, this is not done through any hidden crude humor, but more through a different type of storytelling and clever parodies of movies that the average kid wouldn't have seen.. However I am not saying kids wouldn't enjoy this episode it is not the pony equivalent of a hard to get art film. In other words a kid would enjoy it, but I think an adult would get more out of it.

For an episode that depends so much on editing and direction, these things are done so well in this episode. I feel watching an episode like this that I don't talk about the directors of this show enough. Jim Miller, Denny Lu and Tim Stubby are great directors and really brighten up an episode like this. This whole episode is timed beautifully and features some fantastic film making.

The humor of this episode is definitely  spot on. Nearly every joke works and the very few that don't seem to lead to a great joke later on. The interviews with the characters are laugh out loud hilarious. Pinkie's comments about cloning herself, Fluttershy having the raccoons sitting with her and Applejack liking the idea of spoon clothes are definite highlights, though all of these interview scenes are fantastic. There is also a lot of great humor in the main story itself like Pinkie asking herself what Rarity would do, Rainbow giving interviews to new employees, Twilights excitement about organizing and Rarity's reactions to all the problems she is having.

The only problem I have with this episode is the lack of Starlight Glimmer. I love this character and am excited to see what they do with her in the future. However this an an extremely minor complaint to such a great episode.

Overall this episode is just fantastic and easily the best of this season so far.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM A Hearth's Warming Tale

This is the first episode written by Michael Vogal. Michael Vogal has been part of the production crew since the second season, but this is the first time he ever written an episode. This episode was storyboarded by Megan Willis (who started storyboarding earlier this season) and Sabrina Alberghetti (who has been boarding for the show since the first season).

This episode is a Christmas episode. This may be a weird time for a Christmas episode, but I never complain about getting more Christmas into my life. This episode is the obligatorily A Christmas Carol episode. Which is strange considering For Whom the Sweetie Bell Tolls was essentially A Christmas Carol episode as well. While I like that episode a bit more, I still quite enjoyed this episode.

Probably my favorite thing about this episode is the song numbers. This songs were written by Michael Vogal (lyrics) and Danny Ingram (music). These songs are excellent. Applejack's song is a country song. I mention this because whenever this show does a country song it is fantastic and this is no exception.

Also the humor in this episode is spot on. Pinkie as the Ghost of Hearths Warming Presents is very funny. The ponies setting up for the big day leads to some great visual humor, especially with Derpy.

The only real problem with this episode is that it seems quite rushed. To do A Christmas Carol with a framing story just could use more time. All the spirits seem to go as soon as they come. The reasons this is a problem are that the we have seen some many great cartoon versions of A Christmas Carol and that this episode was so entertaining we wish it could have spent more time with each little thing. However everything else is quite good so you can easily get over this fault.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hearths Warming.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Newbie Dash

Today's episode is the first episode to be written by David Rapp, and he has already proven himself to be a good writer for this show. He co-wrote this episode with Dave Polsky, who has been writing for the show since season one. This episode was storyboarded by Emmett Hall (who started storyboarding for the show in season 2) and Thalia Tomlinson (who started storyboarding for the show last season).

For such a big deal as (slight spoilers, it happens before the theme song) Rainbow Dash becoming a Wonderbolt, this episode feels like a smaller episode. After the theme song there are no big reveals, and no huge plot points. While this might disappoint some I think it is the perfect way to do this episode. They have been building up to this for so long, that would be hard for anything really elaborate, or anything that feels big, to be anything but a let down. The relatively small feel of this episode also works so well, because it is handled so great. Rainbow is at her most likable in this episode, and it is obvious that both Dave Polsky and David Rapp really understand her character.

One scene that needs an especial call out is when Rainbow imitates her friends in front of the Wonderbolts. The animation and voice work in this scene is fantastic. She not only sounds like the other ponies, but she looks and moves like them too. She adapts the way the other characters walk. Vocal wise they don't sound like Alisha Ball imitating the characters, but rather like Rainbow Dash imitating the characters. Even when she does Applejack (who is also voiced by Alisha Ball) it doesn't sound like Applejack, but rather like Rainbow Dash imitating Applejack. That is really impressive and must be hard to pull off. This scene is truly a fantastic scene in a quite good episode.  

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM No Second Prances

This was the third episode written by Nick Confalone, who has proven himself to be a really good writer already. His previous episodes were Party Pooped and Hearthbreakers. This episode was storyboarded by Ed Baker and Mincheul Park (who started boarding for the show last season).

Ok I can't fully talk about this episode without mentioning a certain spoiler (sorry I usually try to avoid that). Anyway this episode is about Starlight Glimmer becoming good friends with the great and powerful Trixie. This episode is easily my personal favorite Trixie episode (it is probably also my favorite episode of the season so far), which is saying much with how much I love Magic Duel. This two characters are just written very well here. Their friendship is very believable, and the two have great chemistry. Again I just love how well written and likable Starlight Glimmer has been so far this season. Her stress about her past is extremely relatable. I notice a lot of similarities between her and Twilight, but the writers make that work to their advantage and they are still clearly different characters. Also Twilight's feelings about this friendship are very well handled. Even though we disagree with what she does in this episode, we really like her because we can see where she is coming from. Speaking of Twilight her facial expressions are perfect in this episode.

The humor in this episode is spot on. Their is not one joke in here that doesn't work. Some of the jokes just raise a smile, while others are laugh out loud funny, but it all works perfectly.

This episode was originally going to be called Old Dog New Trixie (according to writer Nick Confalone on twitter)but the name was changed to No Second Prances to keep the revel of the character a secret. Also the scene where Derpy hits the sign was just written as "Derpy waves" in the script but was changed by supervising director Jim Miller, and the storyboard artists (this information again comes from Nick Confalone's twitter).

Anyway fantastic episode and probably my favorite of the season so far.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM Gauntlet of Fire

This episode was written by the writing team of Joanna Lewis and Kristine Songco. They started writing for the show last season. This is the fourth episode of the show these two have written (the other three being Castle Sweet Castle, Rarity Investigates, and The Hooffeilds and McColts). Both have worked together on every episode they have written. They have already proven themselves quite good writers for the show, especially with this episode and Rarity Investigates. They had already proven that they are very good at writing for Twilight and Rarity, not only do they still show that talent very well here, but they also show they are just as good at writing for Spike, in fact this might be my favorite Spike episode. This episode was storyboarded by Michelle Ku and Tim Maltby.

Also of very important to the success of this episode is the fantastic background work. Having an episode take place in the dragon world allows for some fantastic artwork that you could not see in every episode. This is heavily due to the layout and background artists, who are two many to list here, but all did an amazing job. This is probably one of the best visually looking episodes of the show.

Also in this episode we get quite a good new character Ember. She is very likable and personally I want to see her again. She is also very well voiced by Ali Milner.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM On Your Marks

Note: This picture is from the wrong episode, but it is Scootaloo. Therefore awesome

This is an episode I've been wanting to see since I started watching. That is an episode involving what happens after the CMC get there cutie marks, and it is handled quite well. It was written by Dave Polsky and Josh Harber. I personally really like the idea of a writer from the first season, Dave Polsky being a writer for such a big episode, like how Amy Keaton Rodgers wrote Crusaders of the Lost Mark.

While this may not be the funniest episode of the show as some of the jokes are quite predictable, it still has some good laughs like Applebloom learning to dance and Scootaloo teaching her friends to scooter. However what really makes this episode work is it follows through with a great idea and treats it very well and quite maturely. It doesn't hurt that I love these characters and always wanted to see them do more such things in the future. The message here is quite great and come naturally from the characters. Again it works because these are such great characters. What also helps here is just little character moments that didn't need to be there but help so much, such as the improvement of Sweetie Belle's magic and Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle being caught up in looking at their own cutie marks. This was also our first song for the season and it is quite good.

This morning's storyboard artist were Hanna Lee (who has worked for the show since Season 2) and Ward Jenkins.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM The Gift of Maud Pie

This episode introduced us to two new writers, Mike P. Fox and his brother Will Fox. Both of whom make a very impressive debut at writer for this show. I am quite excited to see what they write in the future. The co-wrote this episode with Josh Harber, who has been a writer for the show since the 4th season, and is now also the shows story editor. This episode is still directed by Jim Miller, Denny Lu, and Tim Stuby, who do just as fine of a job here. This episode was storyboarded by Cory Toomley (who has been one of the shows storyboard artists since season 2) and Elie Kilmos.

What really make this episode is Maud. I just love this character so much, and Ingrid Nilson's vocal delivery just enhances every joke that comes out of her mouth. Of course the other Pinkie Pie and Rarity are just as great as ever as well. Pinkie's overreactions and Rarity's imitations of Pinkie are just perfect.

This episode is also a very clever take on the O. Henry story that inspired the title. Speaking of that the title alone is very clever and one of my favorite episode titles.

-Michael J. Ruhland

MLP:FIM The Crystalling Parts One and Two

The season 6 premiere of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic features a few changes in the credits. First off this the first episodes that Tim Stuby was credited as a director. He has previously worked for the show as an animator, an animation director, and as a layout artist. These episodes' other directors were Jim Miller (who became a director for the show in season 4) and Denny Lu (who became a director mid-season 5). These episodes was written by Josh Harber (who became one of the show's writer in season 4). Josh Harber has also been promoted to story editor with these episodes.

While this may not be the shows best season premiere, it was a darn good one. It may have been a bit predictable, but it was fun and well made enough that it easily comes over that small fault. The characters are of course just as lovable as ever (which is the main reason this show is so loved). The animation is quite good, including little animation touches that just make the episode so much better, including the baby's attachment to Pinkie Pie, and Sunburst's glasses tipping off and him putting them back on a few times.

What really makes this episode though is the writing of Starlight. With spoilers for the season 5 finale, this series proves again it really knows how to write for reformed characters much better than most shows do. We have seen this previously with Luna, Discord and Sunset Shimmer. With Starlight this is done just as well. She is struggling with getting over her past, but also doesn't want to disappoint her new friends. This is relate able and gives the character a new depth.

Overall a good start to what will hopefully be a great season, and crogratz to Tim Stuby and Josh Harber who do great with their new positions.

-Michael J. Ruhland