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