#3- TIE- Princess Twilight Sparkle (Season 4) and The Return Of Harmony (Season 2)
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This was a really hard one to pick. I suppose if I had to choose one, it would go to Princess Twilight, but with the addition of one newer episode onto the list I had to move it down. Either way, I love both of these episodes as good examples of old masterpieces and new ones.
First, the Return of Harmony. This is the season 2 opener and is a perfect setup to the best full season of MLP. In it, a villain named Discord (John De Lancie, who they somehow managed to get into My Little Pony) is released from his stone prison and proceeds to steal the elements of harmony, turning the world into a chaotic mess. It's up to the Mane 6 to stop him, and in the process they become twisted into the opposite of their element (Rarity becomes greed, Applejack starts to lie, etc.). Now I'm pretty sure I talked about how much I love Discord already (and if I didn't, I love Discord) and how his chaotic personality works as a great foil to the perfectionist Twilight. The imagery in the episode is unique, even scary for younger viewers (After watching Stephen King's mini-series, those balloons creep the hell out of me), and as always in MLP, the jokes are priceless. There really isn't much else to say about this that hasn't been said before, but let me just say I love every minute of it.
Princess Twilight Sparkle, on the other hand, is a newer episode that works well. In this one, the newly crowned Alicorn Twilight is faced with the perils of royal life and forced to make a decision around the fate of her friends and the elements of harmony when the Everfree Forest comes to life and begins to attack Ponyville. Twilight consults Zecora the mystic for advice on how to handle the situation, and she is forced to travel back into the past in order to not only discoer the reason for the attack, but also to understand the history of Equestria when the newly reformed Discord offers his help to solve the problem. This episode is also great at explaining not only the history, but also developing the characters and story in general. Both of these episodes are great, so instead of picking one over the other, they both earn the number 3 spot.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The Critical Frog`s Favorite MLP Episodes- #4
#4- Dragonshy (Season 1)
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This is the last single-episode mention on the list, but it definitely deserves the title. This is probably one of my favorite episodes because it develops the characters, entertains, amuses and overall creates a great episode.
In this episode, a dragon is breathing smoke all over the skies of Ponyville, and the ponies are assigned to stop it. Of course Fluttershy (best pony), with her mastery of animals, is assigned by Twilight Sparkle (Nerd!) to calm the dragon, but Fluttershy has a secret- she`s afraid of dragons.
Yes, the same pony who soothed a Manticore, snapped a bear`s neck, got an Orthos to keel over and eventually tamed Cerberus himself is extremely scared of giant, fire-spewing dragons. Only full-grown dragons in particular, though, as she explains,and kudos to a series for explaining a plot hole before I could, as to why she is not afraid of Spike.
But the other ponies drag her along to solve the problem, and they begin their journey up the mountain where the dragon lives to reach his cave. They face many perils on the mountain, such as cliffs collapsing, gaps to jump, rockslides, and the like, while working and talking as a team and attempting to keep Fluttershy on the mountain.
Eventually they do reach the dragon, and every character does their best to convince the dragon to quit it with the smoke in their trademark ways- Twilight tries to give a logical explanation, Rarity tempts the dragon to go out and show off (while she watches the treasure, of course- just because she`s the Element of Generosity aparrently doesn`t mean she can`t be greedy), Pinkie Pie doing whatever it is Pinkie Pie does, and Rainbow Dash straight up kicking the dragon in the face. Of course, none of this works, and so when the dragon rages, it`s up to Fluttershy to stop it.
This episode really does work to describe the personalities of the characters and how they work to solve the problems. Twilight lays out a plan, Pinkie sings and makes jokes, Dash is headstrong as always, and such. Fluttershy`s traits, in particular, are explained- how she`s timid mainly, doesn`t like to fly, but can kick some serious ass when her friends are in danger. Overall, it`s a funny exploration of Fluttershy and a great episode, with some priceless visual gags.
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This is the last single-episode mention on the list, but it definitely deserves the title. This is probably one of my favorite episodes because it develops the characters, entertains, amuses and overall creates a great episode.
In this episode, a dragon is breathing smoke all over the skies of Ponyville, and the ponies are assigned to stop it. Of course Fluttershy (best pony), with her mastery of animals, is assigned by Twilight Sparkle (Nerd!) to calm the dragon, but Fluttershy has a secret- she`s afraid of dragons.
Yes, the same pony who soothed a Manticore, snapped a bear`s neck, got an Orthos to keel over and eventually tamed Cerberus himself is extremely scared of giant, fire-spewing dragons. Only full-grown dragons in particular, though, as she explains,and kudos to a series for explaining a plot hole before I could, as to why she is not afraid of Spike.
But the other ponies drag her along to solve the problem, and they begin their journey up the mountain where the dragon lives to reach his cave. They face many perils on the mountain, such as cliffs collapsing, gaps to jump, rockslides, and the like, while working and talking as a team and attempting to keep Fluttershy on the mountain.
Eventually they do reach the dragon, and every character does their best to convince the dragon to quit it with the smoke in their trademark ways- Twilight tries to give a logical explanation, Rarity tempts the dragon to go out and show off (while she watches the treasure, of course- just because she`s the Element of Generosity aparrently doesn`t mean she can`t be greedy), Pinkie Pie doing whatever it is Pinkie Pie does, and Rainbow Dash straight up kicking the dragon in the face. Of course, none of this works, and so when the dragon rages, it`s up to Fluttershy to stop it.
This episode really does work to describe the personalities of the characters and how they work to solve the problems. Twilight lays out a plan, Pinkie sings and makes jokes, Dash is headstrong as always, and such. Fluttershy`s traits, in particular, are explained- how she`s timid mainly, doesn`t like to fly, but can kick some serious ass when her friends are in danger. Overall, it`s a funny exploration of Fluttershy and a great episode, with some priceless visual gags.
The Critical Frog: Frog`s Favorite MLP Episodes- #5
#5: Lesson Zero (Season 1)
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If there`s any episode that really makes me laugh and fear for the denizens of Ponyville, it`s Lesson Zero. This is probably one of the best episodes expanding on a character`s psyche, aside from being insanely entertaining and funny.
In this episode, Twilight realizes she forgot to send a letter to Princess Celestia explaining what she learned about friendship this week by fixing problems (of which there were none this week). Naturally a bright student (see, "Nerd") who has never been tardy for anything and doesn't ever intend to, she tries everything in her power to find a problem and fix it, even if it means making one herself.
This is a really funny episode because it plays with the idea of Twilight`s vision on being a good student. The way she sees it here, if there`s no problem to solve she needs to devise one. Twilight is worried in the episode that if she fixes everything she won`t be able to stay in Ponyville, and as such needs to come up with some sort of problem.
And come up with imaginary problems she does, in humorous interactions with the other characters- she pulls Rainbow Dash into an impromptu psychiatric session on a bench over the destruction of Applejack`s barn (when in reality she was helping AJ level it to rebuild), understanding a random fit thrown by Rarity, and witnessing a fight between Fluttershy and a bear (in one of the funniest MLP moments in history). Eventually she decides to make her own problem with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and, of course, disaster follows.
Another good feature of the episode is all the minor character interaction- almost every pony Twilight interacts has a funny scene or trait for the episode that proceeds into the show, like Rarity overreacting about simple issues (throwing a temper tantrum because she forgot to bring plates for a picnic), Twilight`s insane dedication to her studies, and Fluttershy`s hidden ability to kick ass. Not to mention the scariest face ever made by Twilight Sparkle......
Overall, this episode is freaking hilarious: the character interaction is great, the story is great, the problem and resolution is great- I love every minute of it.
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If there`s any episode that really makes me laugh and fear for the denizens of Ponyville, it`s Lesson Zero. This is probably one of the best episodes expanding on a character`s psyche, aside from being insanely entertaining and funny.
In this episode, Twilight realizes she forgot to send a letter to Princess Celestia explaining what she learned about friendship this week by fixing problems (of which there were none this week). Naturally a bright student (see, "Nerd") who has never been tardy for anything and doesn't ever intend to, she tries everything in her power to find a problem and fix it, even if it means making one herself.
This is a really funny episode because it plays with the idea of Twilight`s vision on being a good student. The way she sees it here, if there`s no problem to solve she needs to devise one. Twilight is worried in the episode that if she fixes everything she won`t be able to stay in Ponyville, and as such needs to come up with some sort of problem.
And come up with imaginary problems she does, in humorous interactions with the other characters- she pulls Rainbow Dash into an impromptu psychiatric session on a bench over the destruction of Applejack`s barn (when in reality she was helping AJ level it to rebuild), understanding a random fit thrown by Rarity, and witnessing a fight between Fluttershy and a bear (in one of the funniest MLP moments in history). Eventually she decides to make her own problem with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and, of course, disaster follows.
Another good feature of the episode is all the minor character interaction- almost every pony Twilight interacts has a funny scene or trait for the episode that proceeds into the show, like Rarity overreacting about simple issues (throwing a temper tantrum because she forgot to bring plates for a picnic), Twilight`s insane dedication to her studies, and Fluttershy`s hidden ability to kick ass. Not to mention the scariest face ever made by Twilight Sparkle......
Overall, this episode is freaking hilarious: the character interaction is great, the story is great, the problem and resolution is great- I love every minute of it.
Monday, June 16, 2014
The Critical Frog: Frog`s Favorite MLP Episodes- #6
#6: MMMystery On The Friendship Express (Season 2)
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To get one thing out of the way, yes, there is going to be quite a bit of Season 2 on this list. I can`t help it- it`s probably the best season and the episodes are as such some of the best. Like this one, for example.
In this episode, all the ponies board a train to an area where a dessert competition will take place. Pinkie Pie is in charge of guarding the ultimate masterpiece from Ponyville, the excellently named MMM, from disaster and the jealous other competitors, among them a french Griffon (I hate griffons, as does anybody who watched Season 1), an old woman and Pony Joe, who runs the doughnut shop in town, each eager to take home the trophy. Sometime late in the night, Pinkie nods off and awakens to find an enormous bite taken out of the cake. She seeks Twilight Sparkle (Nerd!)`s help to solve the mystery, and they go around colelcting clues in hopes of solving the mystery of the bite.
This is a fun episode because of how much it plays on the mystery formula. It`s filled with in-jokes regarding mystery stories, spies, and ninjas- there`s references to James Bond, Pinkie Pie (and later Twilight) wears a Sherlock Holmes hat and smokes a bubble pipe, and Twilight (later Pinkie when the tables turn) dons Watson`s bowler hat. I love how the mystery unfolds, slowly building up to when the biter is revealed. It`s great to see Twilight Sparkle do her 'smart pony' thing and work to solve the mystery, and even Pinkie gets some legitimate detective work done here and there.
The interesting thing here is that for a children`s show, this episode plays out very well like a legitimate mystery. You have your suspects, your clues and all the other staples of mysteries- and if you can piece the information together, there`s even a strong chance you can figure out the mystery before the ponies if you`re a fan of the show or at least know some of the ponies' traits.
Overall, this is a really fun episode for anyone who likes mysteries. When an episode works not only to entertain but to occasionally show funny little aspects of the characters (Rarity wears false eyelashes and Pinkie Pie looks funny in a bowler hat), you can tell it`s a good one.
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To get one thing out of the way, yes, there is going to be quite a bit of Season 2 on this list. I can`t help it- it`s probably the best season and the episodes are as such some of the best. Like this one, for example.
In this episode, all the ponies board a train to an area where a dessert competition will take place. Pinkie Pie is in charge of guarding the ultimate masterpiece from Ponyville, the excellently named MMM, from disaster and the jealous other competitors, among them a french Griffon (I hate griffons, as does anybody who watched Season 1), an old woman and Pony Joe, who runs the doughnut shop in town, each eager to take home the trophy. Sometime late in the night, Pinkie nods off and awakens to find an enormous bite taken out of the cake. She seeks Twilight Sparkle (Nerd!)`s help to solve the mystery, and they go around colelcting clues in hopes of solving the mystery of the bite.
This is a fun episode because of how much it plays on the mystery formula. It`s filled with in-jokes regarding mystery stories, spies, and ninjas- there`s references to James Bond, Pinkie Pie (and later Twilight) wears a Sherlock Holmes hat and smokes a bubble pipe, and Twilight (later Pinkie when the tables turn) dons Watson`s bowler hat. I love how the mystery unfolds, slowly building up to when the biter is revealed. It`s great to see Twilight Sparkle do her 'smart pony' thing and work to solve the mystery, and even Pinkie gets some legitimate detective work done here and there.
The interesting thing here is that for a children`s show, this episode plays out very well like a legitimate mystery. You have your suspects, your clues and all the other staples of mysteries- and if you can piece the information together, there`s even a strong chance you can figure out the mystery before the ponies if you`re a fan of the show or at least know some of the ponies' traits.
Overall, this is a really fun episode for anyone who likes mysteries. When an episode works not only to entertain but to occasionally show funny little aspects of the characters (Rarity wears false eyelashes and Pinkie Pie looks funny in a bowler hat), you can tell it`s a good one.
The Critical Frog: Frog`s Favorite MLP Episodes- #7
#7: Luna Eclipsed (Season 2)
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Really, is there any episode that can`t be improved by the addition of Princess Luna? Probably not. At least, I hope not. This episode is from season 2, and just works to show how well the series does it`s side characters.
The episode takes place around Halloween, where for once a year Princess Luna is allowed to enter Ponyville after being banished and demand candy offerings from the citizens. Everybody fears her coming, of course, but Twilight Sparkle (Nerd!) sees this as an opportunity to reform Luna and educate her on modern culture and discussion. Naturally, hilarity ensues.
What I really like about this episode is just how Luna`s ancient ways clash with the modern activity of Ponyville`s Halloween celebration. Her attitude and approach to many of the activities is actually really entertaining to watch, and just the fact that Princess Luna is finally in an episode for a bit makes it work.
But my favorite part of the entire episode has to be the ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE. This is the voice that the princesses used in ancient times to exert their power and importance, and as such whenever she speaks in it it sounds like somebody speaking all in caps. Watching the voice interact with the overall atmosphere of reformation and Halloween ("Huzzah! How many points do I receive?) is definitely the highlight of the episode. As specials go, the characters work well together, Luna is as always a pleasure to see and it leads to a very funny episode.
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Really, is there any episode that can`t be improved by the addition of Princess Luna? Probably not. At least, I hope not. This episode is from season 2, and just works to show how well the series does it`s side characters.
The episode takes place around Halloween, where for once a year Princess Luna is allowed to enter Ponyville after being banished and demand candy offerings from the citizens. Everybody fears her coming, of course, but Twilight Sparkle (Nerd!) sees this as an opportunity to reform Luna and educate her on modern culture and discussion. Naturally, hilarity ensues.
What I really like about this episode is just how Luna`s ancient ways clash with the modern activity of Ponyville`s Halloween celebration. Her attitude and approach to many of the activities is actually really entertaining to watch, and just the fact that Princess Luna is finally in an episode for a bit makes it work.
But my favorite part of the entire episode has to be the ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE. This is the voice that the princesses used in ancient times to exert their power and importance, and as such whenever she speaks in it it sounds like somebody speaking all in caps. Watching the voice interact with the overall atmosphere of reformation and Halloween ("Huzzah! How many points do I receive?) is definitely the highlight of the episode. As specials go, the characters work well together, Luna is as always a pleasure to see and it leads to a very funny episode.
Monday, June 2, 2014
The Critical Frog: Frog`s Favorite MLP Episodes- #8
Welcome, Bronies, Pegasisters, and haters alike to The Critical Frog`s Pony Month! Just for fun, I decided to do a month of reviews, editorials and lists dedicated to the bane/delight of the internet, depending on who you talk to- My Little Pony.
And I`ve decided to kick it off by listing off my 8 favorite episodes of the series throughout the month, so people can understand my thoughts on the series- what it does right, what it does wrong, and how the good bits stack up with the bad spots from a critical point of view. So grab some cupcakes (hopefully 100% Rainbow Dash free) and swallow your pride- Pony Month starts now.
Speaking of pride....
#8: Pinkie Pride (Season 4)
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Starting the list with a newer entry, Pinkie Pride has earned mixed reactions among the fans as either an extremely entertaining or somewhat lacking episode. Me? I think it`s actually pretty good.
This episode features a new pony named Cheese Sandwich (dumb name, even for MLP), who arrives in Ponyville for one reason: to plan Rainbow Dash the most epic birthday party ever. Pinkie Pie, already the resident party planner, takes offense and challenges Cheese to an ultimate battle for party supremacy. What follows is an insane showdown for the acceptance of Rainbow Dash and the title of Best Party Planner.
Firstly, the character of Cheese Sandwich is actually very amusing to watch. Voiced by Weird Al Yankovic (!), he has a very serious personality that instantly shifts into a hyper and easily excitable one when the topic of parties comes into conversation, which help to make him a great foil to the already hyper Pinkie.
But one of the very interesting aspects of the episode is that we can see how seriously Pinkie Pie takes her parties and plans. When Cheese offers to plan her friend's party and give Pinkie a break, she takes it very seriously as a direct offense to her party skills and dedication to Rainbow, flat out culminating in the previously mentioned fight (in song of course). The fight, called a Goof-Off, is extremely fast-paced and amusing to watch as the two use every trick in their party power to wow Rainbow. And when the story of Cheese Sandwich and his ascent to party legend status is shown, it makes clear why he accepted the challenge.
To be fair, the songs in the episode are sub-par (but Weird Al gets them a pass), but it`s still a good episode. I do like the relationship between Pinkie and Cheese (do I smell a fan fiction?) as each of them see it, and the Goof-Off displays the lunacy of them both and how seriously they both take their party planning (And I do love the Party Cannon, which makes a long-awaited reappearance only to be upstaged by a Party Tank). Mixed feelings? Maybe. But as a fan of both Pinkie Pie and Weird Al, it`s a pretty awesome episode.
And I`ve decided to kick it off by listing off my 8 favorite episodes of the series throughout the month, so people can understand my thoughts on the series- what it does right, what it does wrong, and how the good bits stack up with the bad spots from a critical point of view. So grab some cupcakes (hopefully 100% Rainbow Dash free) and swallow your pride- Pony Month starts now.
Speaking of pride....
#8: Pinkie Pride (Season 4)
---------------------------------------------
Starting the list with a newer entry, Pinkie Pride has earned mixed reactions among the fans as either an extremely entertaining or somewhat lacking episode. Me? I think it`s actually pretty good.
This episode features a new pony named Cheese Sandwich (dumb name, even for MLP), who arrives in Ponyville for one reason: to plan Rainbow Dash the most epic birthday party ever. Pinkie Pie, already the resident party planner, takes offense and challenges Cheese to an ultimate battle for party supremacy. What follows is an insane showdown for the acceptance of Rainbow Dash and the title of Best Party Planner.
Firstly, the character of Cheese Sandwich is actually very amusing to watch. Voiced by Weird Al Yankovic (!), he has a very serious personality that instantly shifts into a hyper and easily excitable one when the topic of parties comes into conversation, which help to make him a great foil to the already hyper Pinkie.
But one of the very interesting aspects of the episode is that we can see how seriously Pinkie Pie takes her parties and plans. When Cheese offers to plan her friend's party and give Pinkie a break, she takes it very seriously as a direct offense to her party skills and dedication to Rainbow, flat out culminating in the previously mentioned fight (in song of course). The fight, called a Goof-Off, is extremely fast-paced and amusing to watch as the two use every trick in their party power to wow Rainbow. And when the story of Cheese Sandwich and his ascent to party legend status is shown, it makes clear why he accepted the challenge.
To be fair, the songs in the episode are sub-par (but Weird Al gets them a pass), but it`s still a good episode. I do like the relationship between Pinkie and Cheese (do I smell a fan fiction?) as each of them see it, and the Goof-Off displays the lunacy of them both and how seriously they both take their party planning (And I do love the Party Cannon, which makes a long-awaited reappearance only to be upstaged by a Party Tank). Mixed feelings? Maybe. But as a fan of both Pinkie Pie and Weird Al, it`s a pretty awesome episode.
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