MLP:FIM Marks and Recreation

This is the second episode written by May Chan (her previous episode was Not Asking for Trouble). It was boarded by Karine Charlebois (who started boarding in season 6) and Dave Wiebe (who has been for the show since the first episode).

This is a very clever and intelligent episode. It raises a very well thought out question about this world. There has always been a bit of this setting that felt kind of like the characters have predetermined future. However this is fully addressed in this episode. You can see how this isn't exactly true, and it is very well explained. On top of this the episode has a really catchy song and some good humor, as well as the characters being written very well.

MLP:FIM A Health of Information

This was the second episode written by the team of Sammie Crowley and Whitney Wetta (their first episode being A Flurry of Emotions). It was storyboarded by Thalia Tomlinson (who has been boarding since season 5) and Cory Toomey (who has been boarding for the show since season 2).


This is an excellent episode. What really makes it work is just how strong and likable of a character Fluttershy is. What is really interesting about Fluttershy in current episodes is she did actually learn how to assert herself much more. Despite this though she easily remains the same character, because her personality was much more defined than just this one character trait. Here her new assertiveness is used to its full advantage as it is used to help her friend. This is very touching and also something we hope is in each one of us. There is more to recommend about this episode though as it also has some good humor (the bake-off) and a simple but charming story. This is definitely a must watch for fans of the show.

-Michael J. Ruhland

  

MLP:FIM It Isn't the Mane Thing About You

Today's episode was written by Josh Harber and was storyboarded by Jae Harm (who as far as I can find is new to working on the show) and Kaylea Chard (who has been boarding for the show since season 3).

This is an entertaining episode, but not one of the show's best. There are some good jokes here and definitely some laughs to be had. However there is also a great setup to a joke, but the punchline unfortunately falls flat. The story itself is very predictable, but fun. Rarity is extremely likable here as are the rest of the ponies. Josh Harber makes sure that are sympathy is with Rarity and she never comes across as vain. We relate strongly to Rarity, because (while maybe not with our hair), we have had similar moments of panic where all seemed lost that seem small and insignificant now. While you can see that moral coming from a mile away, it is one that we can all use a reminder of from time to time. The main problem with this episode though is that it is easy to predict everything that is going to happen, and with this it feels like maybe we have seen this episode before. It doesn't do anything new or different to keep away from this feeling. Oh well it is still a fun episode and fans of the show will enjoy themselves.

-Michael J. Ruhland    

MLP:FIM Daring Done?

Today's episode is the third episode written by Gillian Berrow (following The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows and Fluttershy Leans In), and while this episode does have a few faults it is her best yet. This episode was boarded by Marta Demong and Desirae Salmark. This is both of their  second episode boarding for the show as they had both only previously worked on this season's Forever Filly.

This is an excellent episode. It has a good sense of humor throughout and I love how well Pinkie was written here. It also has a smart story. The idea of a superhero like character having to deal with the destruction she has caused. This is done with the upmost maturity and respect. This episode also adds great to the series' sense of world building. It adds a new environment as well as a bit of the world's history and both are very interesting and well thought it. If the episode has a problem it is simply that there is a twist which is all too predictable for anyone who has seen the two previous Daring Doo episodes. Luckily though it does not seem to drag out this revel like so many bad movies and TV shows would have done. Simply a great episode.

-Michael J. Ruhland  

MLP:FIM To Change a Changeling

This morning's episode was the second written by Kevin Lappin, who previously wrote Honest Apple. It was boarded by Megan Willis (who started boarding for the show last season)
and Jen Davreux (who started boarding for the show in season five).

It is great to see another episode centering on Starlight Glimmer and that the show is willing to do an episode not featuring the main characters but instead focuses on the side characters. The episode itself is enjoyable, but is not one of the show's best. The jokes are funny, the characters are very well written, and the environment is well done. However the story feels like one this show has done before. Because of this it is rather predictable, and there is never a moment when you can't see what is coming. The whole episode has a bit of a feeling like we have seen it before. Despite this though the episode is quite entertaining and still a good one, but it is also one with leaves me little to say about it.

-Michael J. Ruhland