I think Father Knows Best would have been much better if he was actually Spike’s dad. I think that opens up a lot of opportunities for some really hard but important lessons. Stuff like sometimes your family is found rather than inherented, recognizing when people want to reconcile for their own selfish reasons, examining if you really want that reconciliation, etc.
I agree. I love how Adventure Time handled this concept with Finn's dad. All Finn wanted from Martin was to have his dad in his life, but Martin just kept using Finn to get what he wanted then left. I think that's the general idea that MLP was going for in this episode, but it fell a bit short because of the fact that he wasn't Spike's real dad.
@@__idfk__ I also think there could be a lot potential with spike’s dad if this didn’t happen so late into the show’s run. He could initially be not a good influence or even very selfish, but later show an desire and an effort to be better. I think it would be a great moment for Spike to either reject it or very cautiously except. I also think it would be a good plot line for twilight since she’s the closest thing spike has to a parent. I’m sure she wouldn’t be thrilled about spike’s dad trying to renter his life, but recognizing she needs to trust him to make that decision and be there to support him. Or it could just be that the guy was lying the whole time and have the lesson be that spike is fine not being that connected to his roots, which unless I’m wrong was also the main theme of a much earlier episode
@@itsallwayspouringo I think either one of those options would have been great. But as it is, it's just a really pointless and boring episode in my opinion. Pretty much nothing from that episode ever really comes back or gets further explored. I mean there is a lesson in the story, but it doesn't really affect the show over all. I see what they were going for, but the idea was not executed well.
Those dudes are never explained. Are they actually a different race like Pegasi or are they Pegasi who just are into extreme goth body mods and keeping a nocturnal schedule?!
@@jonnylou09 That's incredible lol. I choose to believe they are just super into goth and heavy metal, got body mods to look like bats, and lived in the cave as part of The Aesthetic.
Cupcakes came out before Party of One. It’s pretty crazy actually. I think that’s why there’s a crackpot theory that Cupcakes was written by MA Larson. Also, Party of One is super relatable as someone with BPD and surprisingly sensitive.
@@AlejandroGonzalez-ej4lp wait really what is it with this show messing up the writer credits because Season 4’s Bats was actually written by Merriweather Williams but they put Meghan McCarthy’s name on it
I was shocked to see Crusaders of the lost mark so high but I so agree! Diamond Tiara is (in my opinion) the closest the show ever gets to talking about abuse and its effects. The fact that she was the bully and the CMCs realized that she was forced to be mean and never really understood how to be what her parents wanted and what she wanted. I can relate, coming from parents who can be a little harsh in their words, trying to be what they want and not understanding you have a choice. The fact they addressed this in MLP just makes me cry. Plus, some of my favorite songs are in this episode (The Pony I want to be & Light of your cutie mark). They turned a character who everyone hated into a character we were all rooting for in one song and I feel like that says something about how amazing the writers are.
This is why it really peeves me that they stopped using her afterward. We could've seen her develop in her friendship with the CMC as well as explore Silver Spoon's side of the story, especially since I think the CMC episodes following "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" were rather weak as the CMC had already reached their peak as characters. Having the CMC include Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in their mission to help others find their talent would've made for good premise that would spice things and lend more opportunity for character growth.
Flutter brutter is one of my favorite episodes, personally. As someone with a sibling scarily similar to zephyr, i was shocked at how accurate their depiction of manipulation, guilt tripping, and complex family dynamics were. It felt like watching my own family, in a way i have never seen in media. Theres no perfect answer because everyone in the situation is flawed and things are so interconnected that it feels like a losing fight no matter what. It really felt like someone on the team has been in that dynamic themselves.
I'm just happy a video like this could exist. I was there for the "anti-brony" nonsense of the internet. I have grown up. Seeing this format is really refreshing.
I started tearing up hearing you talk about the top two episodes. I grew up with mlp fim(I watched the show and was actively a fan from the first season which aired when I was four and ended when I was 13.) I’m almost 18 now and the fact these episodes still make me cry shows how important the show was and still is to so many people
The song Twilight sings in Magical Mystery Cure makes me cry every time I hear it. It’s not that long of a song being maybe only like a minute or so long but the emotions it manages to deliver with the lyrics, the instrumentals and even the animation makes it memorable. That song alone sements the episode/s as my favorite.
Beginning of the End absolutely needed to be further up, by a lot. Also, I will add that for Spice Up Your Life, Rarity absolutely was necessary because while Pinkie was right about "stay true to yourself", Canterlot needed someone to disrupt Zesty Gourmand's whole thing by telling ponies to go visit this restaurant, and Rarity had the social connections necessary.
Exactly. Without Rarity, no customers would have gone to the restaurant. They showed that pretty explicitly in the episode itself. And Rarity was the only one who could have talked back to Zesty that would have made Zesty back down. She would've just dismissed everyone else.
1:57:36 Rainbow Dash's favorite flavor being limelight made me laugh way harder than I would've expected. It is too true and absolutely hilarious. My favorite episode personally is "Frenemies," which is funny even to me since I'm crazy about Pinkie Pie episodes and she doesn't even appear in this one.
I just wanted to shoutout Discordant Harmony, for having Discord, a character in whose nature explicitly it is to act in ways that the ponies don't see as "normal", trying to conform, and it being directly harmful to him. And then Fluttershy blatantly showing she likes Discord for his oddities, not in spite of them? It makes my heart ache in a good way.
I was obsessed with this show when I was in middle/early high school but fell off watching it due to embarrassment and some rude remarks from peers. I started to rewatch it this past year (and to finally get to the second half of the series that I never saw) and it struck me how many of the friendship lessons I had learned for myself over the past 10+ years when I wasn’t thinking about these ponies. Old nostalgic episodes and new ones that I had never seen made me tear up and sometimes sob. This show is so special to so many people for a reason. Thank you for making this video! Your love of the show shines through even when critiquing its worst moments. It made me happy to see so many of my favorites high on the list. Great work :,) PS in my opinion over a barrel should have been even lower
I feel like you should look into Fame and Misfortune more. The reason why the crowd still remain as assholes is because you literally can't please everyone. There WILL be fans of the show that will nitpick and complain on the show, and they will keep on hating and probably miss an entire point of an episode for silly reasons. In the end they show two fillies being friends again BECAUSE of the lessons. Which is the whole point of the show in the first place. Teaching the KIDS these lessons and how it would matter to them.
As someone who grew with this show, it was amazing to see you put it all together like this. The way you talked showed the respect and love you have for these silly pastel ponies. it was heartwarming to watch. Yes, you did make me cry multiple times in the span of two hours. The number one spot in this list was beautifully chosen, as a kid i remember just about crying when the three got their marks. At the time i didn't really believe that it would ever happen, i always thought that it was something that would forever be left to interproton. That episode really felt like it could've been the end, and if it was i know i would've been content with that. Thank you to everyone who made MLP what it is today, even you Hasbro. I want to say more, but i think i said everything that needs to be said. Remember ya'll friendship is magic!
@@microwaveheadfartvampireYou're in the comment section of an adult reviewing mlp. We don't age shame people for liking content in a completely innocent way
now that I finished the video, I want to say nice essay! Crusaders of the Lost Mark isn’t one of my favorite episodes but i can see why it’d resonate with a lot of people. the only thing I don’t like is how Diamond Tiara didn’t speak at all for the rest of the season after that episode, she didn’t have to become a main character or anything but it would’ve been nice to see her be friendly to the CMC after
Within the first minute of this video the resources, contributors, and subscribers were all given an importance and credit - Immediate follow. Excited to watch this video : )) Two whole years of work and a kindness that lots of creators don't show! Amazing
Hey, I didn't know your channel before. UA-cam suggested me this video, and I thought "yeah it's interesting, I'll do some watch-skip and be done in 15-20 minutes". But here I am, almost 3 hours later. You did a great job with the script part and video one. I wonder how seasons ranking will look like, based on this episode list. If you will be able to share the final ranking in the list form, I would be happy to do some chart-work, and you could put the link in the video description for others to see. I don't think I watched the whole series more than two-three times, but I listened all MLP songs more times than I could count. It's interesting how it changes my point of view. There were a few times, when I caught myself with a "Hey, why it is so low? It has a great song". I had a great time! Thank you!
You got me curious, so I opened my spreadsheet cranked out the average placement of every season on this list: S5: 91.71 (To be expected) S4: 93.54 (Also very good) S7: 95.76 S2: 96.13 S6: 100.58 S3: 100.67 (Maybe smaller sample size?) S8: 103.62 (Somehow better than S9, wow) S9: 119.25 ( Half the season outside top #150) S1: 136.44 (Did worst of all, wow.) There's enough weird stat stuff going on to do a follow episode. With these stats you'd think S1 shot my dog or something lol.
@@gatorgoatjohnnyInteresting. Tbh, it doesn't suprise me that S1 did worst. It was a great start for us all, but most of the episodes were very... basic. I personally really like seasons after Starlight redeption. Always felt like a fresh start. Simillary the whole idea of the Frienship School. But I probably forget about all the filler episodes. About S3. Small sample size means that a single bad episode had higher impact on overall score, but it is a double-edge sword - great episode had higher impact as well. Thanks for the info
2 YEARS? good GOD. i know this will likely get lost within the comments, but as a (rather amature) content creator myself, seeing a video like this so RIPE with passion infinetely boosts my enjoyment from beginning to end. good luck with any future content, and i sincerely hope this video picks up with time :)
While maybe not my favourite episode, the episode that I have the biggest soft spot for is Magical Mystery Cure. All of the songs are all so special to me. I grew up without very many friends but that through running theme of friendship has helped me at times in my life, when I was 8 but also now that I'm a bit older. Everytime I rewatch that episode I tear up at the songs and the pure nostalgia I have for them as I rewatched that episode a LOT when I was little. My netflix only had seasons 1 through 5 and when I'd watch the show I'd just obessively rewatch my handful of favourites (which are STILL my favourites to this day, especially Luna Eclipsed) and now hearing those songs 8 years later I feel like I'm back to that little girl sitting in front of the tv watching that episode in a time where I was really alone. It's a bit corny but the anthem of 'A true, true friend helps a friend in need' is something that's stuck by me (maybe because it's so goddamn catchy though) I will always love this show and everything that it stands for because sometimes when you're having a bad day what you need is to sit back, relax, and watch a silly show about colorful horses and friendship to show you that in times in need you should always be able to look to your friends.
I’m kind of shocked nobody picked Canterlot Wedding as their favorite episode. It’s definitely at least in contention for that title for me with Amending Fences, Crusaders of the Lost Mark, The Last Problem, Hurricane Fluttershy and Pinkie Pride.
this was a great video! it helped offer different interpretations to some episodes that made me see them in a another light, episodes i appreciate a lot more now.
#1 and #2 are my top 2 FAVORITE episodes so i'm VERY glad to see them placed where they are. i don't think crusaders of the lost mark is a basic pick for best episode at all, from what i've seen not many people care about the cmc's as much as i do, yes that episode may be a top 10 or even a top 5 for a lot of people but i don't think i've ever seen anyone put it as #1, and it honestly means a lot to me and makes me very happy to see it placed there :)
I think it has a few small issues that make it understandable for me why some people were disappointed by it, but ultimately Crusaders of the Lost Mark is still probably my favorite episode in the whole series. It’s just such a great payoff. Amending Fences is probably actually my pick for the “best” episode in the series though and it’s got a very strong argument for being my actual favorite as well.
while there is a lot of episodes here i agree and i love your opinion about it, there is few ones, specially around the top 20, which i really just don't get it why would you enjoy these episodes so much, not just my opinion, but like the entire fandom thinks the same, but well, it's still interesting to see someone enjoying so much some episodes that are hated by the fandom, great video, keep up the work^^
7:27 im pretty sure that Discords flight trail being plaid is a refrence to Space Balls where the light trail to going 'Ludicrous speed' being a 2-up to 'Light Speed' is literally plaid which is even mentioned by the Han Solo parady Character saying "They've gone to Plaid". I also loved the Back to the Future Reference since I've seen all three movies when i was like 5 or 6 (im 16 as of typing this comment and was able to watch all three movies because my pop has all of them on dvd) So that Reference does hold a speacial place in my heart
I loved this video! definitely reminded me of how certain episodes have stuck with me and how others I almost forgot about. I agreed with the ranking for the most part and the ending made me feel so emotional:((
Interestingly, your list looks a lot like mine would have a couple of years ago when I was a new fan. My opinions have shifted since then (away from the flashier, big-emotions dramas and more towards the tightly-written, small-scale character pieces), but it’s interesting to see a list that so closely agrees with what I used to think.
Wow, I do not agree with some of these takes at all, especially about "Frenemies", which is actually one of my favorite episodes of the entire show because I just adore that song and the amazing chemistry between Cozy, Tirek and Chrysalis. Also, "Applebuck Season" and "Dragonshy" are among my favorite S1 episodes! On the flipside, I'm surprised you ranked "Rainbow Falls" this high when it's among my top 3 least favorite episodes of the show. Still, I respect your opinions and it's always interesting to see someone with wildly different views on an episode than me.
I’m very happy I watched this video. I’ve been in a bit of a rebirth of my love for this show and universe. And that number one ranking, I completely agree.
I love videos like these: Spongebob, FailyOddPArents, Gumball, etc. I will always like the video before the first 5 seconds because it takes a lot of time.
In my opinion, this is an amazing video that really highlights that this show has at least one character someone can relate to and/or get really attached to
I never did rewatch Brotherhooves social since I was a kid. I know for sure I did watch it but I completely forgot the plot and didn't revisit it once seeing the synopsis. Knowing what I do now that it was about Big Mac's insecurities, I cried right there. It's really relatable. Thanks for this vid!
2:26:07 It is interesting how this episode kind of reflects the real life and possible struggles of the voice actors of the three main characters (Quibble Pants, Clear Sky, and Wind Sprint), albeit shifted slightly. Of course Quibble is voiced by Patton Oswalt, but the other two are actually voiced by his family members. Clear Sky is voiced by Margaret Salenger, Patton Oswalt’s second wife, and Wind Sprint is voiced by Alice Oswalt, his daughter (who would be about 9 or 10 when the episode was being made). In 2016, Patton Oswalt’s first wife and the mother of Alice, Michelle McNamara, passed away in her sleep at only the age of 46. The voice cast and the real-life circumstances surrounding their lives could suggest that this was a very personal episode for the three of them, so the fact the MLP made sure that the story was emotionally mature is very sweet.
My Little Pony is my favorite childhood show I grew up watching. My favorite episode is Putting Your Hoof Down because I was a pushover like Fluttershy, but I learned to stand up for myself and gain confidence. The Bugs Bunny trick that Pinkie Pie did on the salespony and Iron Will was hilarious. Everyone was surprised that Fluttershy said no to Iron Will 💪💪💪🐰🐰🐰🤣🤣🤣
i'd like to note that i am ALSO discord's biggest hater, mostly because he feels like a wasted character. like. have pinkie pie and discord interact to teach a lesson about having fun with everyone vs having fun at people's expense, discord already has a track record for being the worst, it'd be a valuable lesson for both him and the audience to learn.
'do princesses dream of magic sheep?' is absolutely one of my favourite episodes...i think i've rewatched it a good ten times just because of the resolution
I enjoyed listening to this. Took me a few days. For most of it I listened to it while at work (with ear buds) and I had to stand here trying not to laugh, and cry at the end lol.
11:24 "...a one-time only cameo from Sapphire Shores...." She's a supporting character in _For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils;_ you even used a clip of her at 27:05! And that's also ignoring the times she's appeared as a background character - according to the Wiki, she's in _Sweet and Elite_ (during the shot of "Becoming Popular where it shows a checkerboard of different ponies), in _Rarity Takes Manehattan_ (sitting in the Fashion Week crowd alomgside Hoity Toity), and in _Equestria Games_ (in the stadium crowd and, once again, sitting next to Hoity).
Good catch! The worst part is, I noticed that was wrong, like, 4 months before this episode dropped, but it was too late to go back and redo that line. I saw her in the Sweetie Belle episode and went "Well that's wrong now, damn..."
Can I just say, Testing Testing 1, 2, 3, also single handedly has the best most subtle foreshadowing of the solution in the entire show. One that happens in *the first 35 seconds*… remind yourself what the solution to Rainbows learning ended up being and then rewatch the cold opening with that in mind, it took me several rewatches to pick up on it
34:53i’m so confused. The story was originally written by akutagawa ryonusuke, but it was called in the hidden groove. He did write another story called ranshoman, but that has an entirely different plot.
Oh gosh, that's probably a research failure on my part! I'm sorry. I guess from here in the west we're more familiar with it as a trope, and the 1950 "Rashomon" is just our most well-known comparison. I'll have to check out his short story work. Great catch!
It really shows that you have put a lot of effort to create this. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for creating this list. I am just sad that you put "Rarity investigates below top 100. It is one of my fav episodes. It deserves to be in top 80 or top 60, if not at least in top 100. And "Common Ground" is really a good episode but I don't think it deserves to be in top 10. But the video is your opinion and these are my personal opinions.
My favourite episodes are the Ones where Rainbow dash is in the Wonderbolt academy, or the ones with Raiity managing her boutiques or opening them. BY FAR
Whilst I would've loved to have seen more Zebras in Friendship Is Magic, I also understand their decision to discontinue exploring them as a species. Bridle Gossip hasn't aged well as an episode to me and I get what their intentions were behind it. I know that they were trying to write an episode with a "Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover" message but I think it was handled better in later seasons with characters like Trouble Shoes and Thorax. Zecora's debut teetered a little too close to racism in order to drive its narrative. Now, I love her as a character and I'm glad that she continued to appear afterwards, since we're able to learn more about the Everfree Forest. Plus, I love how her hut and overall design represent her cultural inspiration with her unique markings and sun-like cutie mark. I always found her voice cute too, it fits the witch doctor aesthetic. But I also understand Hasbro's reasonings behind keeping her as a supporting role than at the forefront. I can easily see someone else finding her accent and mannerisms (the rhyming and the way she dresses) to be insulting and offensive in execution overtime (at the time) and might've tried to boycott the show for perpetuating stereotypes of Africans. Let's not pretend that it wouldn't have happened either. The show has sparked controversy from the trans and anti-ableist communities for similar reasons. I'm glad that the comics didn't shy away from exploring her background though. However, the comics are considered non-canon by the showrunners. With all that being said, I always used to think that she and Lupe would've worked as friends. Not only due to the fact that the two are tribal-coded characters but also due to the fact that they're both caring individuals who stand with their friends regardless of the repercussions. (Though, in the latter's case, she was a native-american wolf.)
6:37 this episode definitely was made to show fluttershys growth from season one. Because she *_SNAPS_* at them. She is definitely way more sassy and assertive.
i could never be able to articulate such a direct list, its all too close for me, but Filli Vanilli, perfect pear, best gift ever and of course the final episode
Correction: that gore fic cupcakes was a quick and cheap experimental gag that released before Party of One even aired and then people retroactively applied the straight hair to Pinkie doing gorey stuff. Mostly it was the stars aligning and the show seeming to drop hints that Pinkie is dangerous when she loses it that made cupcakes start to blow up more to the surprise of all writers involved with the gore fic and the show.
Yeah, my mistake. That was one of my first sections written, and I didn't go back to check each item for errors. I found out about that around the time of that Taco Johns story though.
My favorite episode is suited for success, and, upon my first watch through, it crystallized Rarity into my favorite character. Which is incredibly ironic, because out of our main cast I find the least in common with her.
Completely agree. And specially with the number one, it catch me of guard, but it was just like the first moment than I saw it without even know that that was about to happen. Best MLP episode ever. 🩷
The Perfect Pear is my all time favorite episode of the show, and I can't even type all the reasons down, so all I can say is that I'm happy it wasn't low, not just in the top 100, 50, 20, 10, or 5, but SECOND place!
Regarding Babs Seed being a bully after being bullied herself. There's a saying... "Hurt people hurt people." and I think it really applies well to Babs. She was hurt, so in turn, she hurt others to avoid being hurt again herself. It's a cycle of abuse... and it happens IRL, so addressing things like that with a younger audience is a good thing. It teaches those kids about the cycle, and most importantly, how to break the cycle.
ngl watching A Canterlot Wedding during the fandom's heyday was definitely an experience. I caught it when Season 3 was picking up, so it's got a special place in my heart. To Where and Back Again is basically one of my faves because of Chrysalis being an absolute menace (/pos) like she had me in a grip. For a non-finale/premiere episode, I find the Trixie episodes very entertaining, specifically Magic Duel. Like, she's even more of a menace and then gets one-upped by the Mane Six using her own talents as a stage magician against her. Also worth mentioning that there is room for stage magic even in a world of magic. I think the appeal/gimmick is that one can do a magic trick with everyday things instead of having to study to do those on a larger scale. Like, yeah, you can levitate yourself as a unicorn, but why do that when you can make a gizmo to levitate yourself via stagehands with a lot less magical effort?
Really enjoyed the list! My Top 10: 1. Magical Mystery Cure 2. Crusaders of the Lost Mark 3. Hurricane Fluttershy 4. Too Many Pinkie Pies 5. Amending Fences 6. Twilight's Kingdom 7. Bats! 8. Lesson Zero 9. Party of One 10. Tanks for the Memories
Fun fact: The math done on the chalkboards during Acadeca in Friendship Games is actually well-done and mostly correct, with Sci-Twi getting the right answer and Sunset being slightly off. I only bring it up because you took to criticizing background math in the main show.
That Jimmy Neutron fanfic you mentioned at 1:02:46 sounds like a better version of an actual episode of Jimmy Neutron. I wouldn't be able to say it's a good thing, because Mudbraier is my most hated character in Friendship is Magic. But I can't say it's a bad thing because, well, at least it's not Carl Wheezer: Boy Genius.
I remember absolutely LOSING MY SHIT when I first saw the crusaders get their cutie marks. Like as soon as they started levitating I was like OMG OMG IT’S HAPPENING??? IT’S HAPPENING *SCREAMS*. Such a satisfying and emotional payoff after a long wait! They worked so damn hard and I was so proud of them! That was the moment I realized I really have an emotional connection with these fictional-ass characters like they’re real people, and I’m okay with that. Also I’m glad to see “To Where and Back Again” get some love. I quite liked that one but hadn’t heard anyone else say much about it. I especially like the first part. It had a chilling and scary vibe to it that was engaging. I think having it centered around secondary characters who didn’t have much authority in the world (and pretty much the only creatures aware of the threat who could do something about it) was a cool decision, partly because they were more relatable. They’re not used to facing down such a serious threat like the main six are, so their reactions are closer to how we would react. I could really put myself in their shoes, and I felt their fear with them. Trixie hyperventilating after finding out the Changelings returned would’ve been me fr. I think seeing Starlight and Trixie being relatably terrified and unsure of what to do (especially since the main ponies who would usually handle everything were taken out already) helped me feel the gravity of the situation and made me feel more engaged, wondering how the heck these characters will take down such a serious threat.
31:10 to be fair, "Think Mark, THINK!" from the Invincible Season 1 finale also became a meme, but that episode/moment is still considered to be one of the best finales in recent Western animation
I love mlp It helped me out as a bright spot in a rather dark time in my life, I have so many fond memories of watching the show with my sister, but I'm also sad and confused. Like what do I do now? Mlp the show has ended and I know that there's the sequel generation but it didn't feel right idk. I'm not sure where to go next.
I think Father Knows Best would have been much better if he was actually Spike’s dad. I think that opens up a lot of opportunities for some really hard but important lessons. Stuff like sometimes your family is found rather than inherented, recognizing when people want to reconcile for their own selfish reasons, examining if you really want that reconciliation, etc.
I agree. I love how Adventure Time handled this concept with Finn's dad. All Finn wanted from Martin was to have his dad in his life, but Martin just kept using Finn to get what he wanted then left. I think that's the general idea that MLP was going for in this episode, but it fell a bit short because of the fact that he wasn't Spike's real dad.
Absolutely agreed. I'm tired of bad father figures being either forgiven or quickly brushed under the rug and forgotten.
@@__idfk__ I also think there could be a lot potential with spike’s dad if this didn’t happen so late into the show’s run. He could initially be not a good influence or even very selfish, but later show an desire and an effort to be better. I think it would be a great moment for Spike to either reject it or very cautiously except.
I also think it would be a good plot line for twilight since she’s the closest thing spike has to a parent. I’m sure she wouldn’t be thrilled about spike’s dad trying to renter his life, but recognizing she needs to trust him to make that decision and be there to support him.
Or it could just be that the guy was lying the whole time and have the lesson be that spike is fine not being that connected to his roots, which unless I’m wrong was also the main theme of a much earlier episode
@@itsallwayspouringo I think either one of those options would have been great. But as it is, it's just a really pointless and boring episode in my opinion. Pretty much nothing from that episode ever really comes back or gets further explored. I mean there is a lesson in the story, but it doesn't really affect the show over all. I see what they were going for, but the idea was not executed well.
Fr, especially because it's teaching kids that your real dad could never possibly just want to leech off your success
The biggest crime in the series was to create a 4th race of ponies (thestrals/batponies) and then never bring them up again
yess, i was hoping so much to see the episode that showcases where they live, their traditions etc as the episodes about griffons and kirins did
Umbrums also. I wish we were given more lore and appearances in the series instead of the comics
@@skkkkkyyyyy The show treats the comics like they don't exist lol. As far as the show goes umbrums aren’t canon and Sombra is just a powerful unicorn
I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed this
I think they bring them up in the Berrow novels?
The bat pony obsession actually started with the ponies pulling Luna's chariot in Luna Eclipsed
Those dudes are never explained. Are they actually a different race like Pegasi or are they Pegasi who just are into extreme goth body mods and keeping a nocturnal schedule?!
@@psychotophatcat in the Journal of the Two Sisters, Luna found them in a cave if I remember.
@@jonnylou09 That's incredible lol. I choose to believe they are just super into goth and heavy metal, got body mods to look like bats, and lived in the cave as part of The Aesthetic.
Yeah. It's kind of a funny mistake to make because I remember watching Bats and sighing because I knew another influx of bat pony OCs was coming.
Character development is not always for the good
Cupcakes came out before Party of One. It’s pretty crazy actually. I think that’s why there’s a crackpot theory that Cupcakes was written by MA Larson. Also, Party of One is super relatable as someone with BPD and surprisingly sensitive.
Wait, seriously that explains so much
MA Larson is such a character 💀
But that episode was written by Megan Mccarthy, and she is more likely to be the author of Cupcakes.
@@AlejandroGonzalez-ej4lp wait really what is it with this show messing up the writer credits because Season 4’s Bats was actually written by Merriweather Williams but they put Meghan McCarthy’s name on it
@@Mirthful_Panda emm..... nope
ua-cam.com/video/4tEQBlev4yo/v-deo.htmlsi=Xe7YG8VYEr8r3RDN&t=105
ua-cam.com/video/YR6coPo5APE/v-deo.htmlsi=35Nrp78BIqqpaZgO&t=121
I was shocked to see Crusaders of the lost mark so high but I so agree! Diamond Tiara is (in my opinion) the closest the show ever gets to talking about abuse and its effects. The fact that she was the bully and the CMCs realized that she was forced to be mean and never really understood how to be what her parents wanted and what she wanted. I can relate, coming from parents who can be a little harsh in their words, trying to be what they want and not understanding you have a choice. The fact they addressed this in MLP just makes me cry. Plus, some of my favorite songs are in this episode (The Pony I want to be & Light of your cutie mark). They turned a character who everyone hated into a character we were all rooting for in one song and I feel like that says something about how amazing the writers are.
This is why it really peeves me that they stopped using her afterward. We could've seen her develop in her friendship with the CMC as well as explore Silver Spoon's side of the story, especially since I think the CMC episodes following "Crusaders of the Lost Mark" were rather weak as the CMC had already reached their peak as characters. Having the CMC include Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in their mission to help others find their talent would've made for good premise that would spice things and lend more opportunity for character growth.
Flutter brutter is one of my favorite episodes, personally. As someone with a sibling scarily similar to zephyr, i was shocked at how accurate their depiction of manipulation, guilt tripping, and complex family dynamics were. It felt like watching my own family, in a way i have never seen in media. Theres no perfect answer because everyone in the situation is flawed and things are so interconnected that it feels like a losing fight no matter what. It really felt like someone on the team has been in that dynamic themselves.
the cutie mark crusaders finally getting their cutie marks will never not make me sob like a baby I swear
Rainbow Dash: "I'm so proud of you, little buddy..."
Me: *Ugly crying on the couch*
I'm just happy a video like this could exist.
I was there for the "anti-brony" nonsense of the internet. I have grown up. Seeing this format is really refreshing.
There’s the brony (guy who openly enjoys mlp)
And the *brony* (thing from the darkest pit of hell)
There’s a very clear difference lmao
@@Cheese-Slime-Sheriffthere’s a brony and then a “brony” like Mandopony who watches the cmc episodes for the wrong reasons 😭
I started tearing up hearing you talk about the top two episodes. I grew up with mlp fim(I watched the show and was actively a fan from the first season which aired when I was four and ended when I was 13.) I’m almost 18 now and the fact these episodes still make me cry shows how important the show was and still is to so many people
The song Twilight sings in Magical Mystery Cure makes me cry every time I hear it. It’s not that long of a song being maybe only like a minute or so long but the emotions it manages to deliver with the lyrics, the instrumentals and even the animation makes it memorable. That song alone sements the episode/s as my favorite.
Beginning of the End absolutely needed to be further up, by a lot.
Also, I will add that for Spice Up Your Life, Rarity absolutely was necessary because while Pinkie was right about "stay true to yourself", Canterlot needed someone to disrupt Zesty Gourmand's whole thing by telling ponies to go visit this restaurant, and Rarity had the social connections necessary.
Exactly. Without Rarity, no customers would have gone to the restaurant. They showed that pretty explicitly in the episode itself. And Rarity was the only one who could have talked back to Zesty that would have made Zesty back down. She would've just dismissed everyone else.
beginning of the end seems right. most of it was sombra sounding whiny and bratty
1:57:36 Rainbow Dash's favorite flavor being limelight made me laugh way harder than I would've expected. It is too true and absolutely hilarious.
My favorite episode personally is "Frenemies," which is funny even to me since I'm crazy about Pinkie Pie episodes and she doesn't even appear in this one.
The fact that Yakity Sax is higher than the beginning of the end AND Uprooted is an absolute crime, but other than that, this is a pretty good list
I literally screamed when you called trouble shoes bojack horseman 😅😅
I just wanted to shoutout Discordant Harmony, for having Discord, a character in whose nature explicitly it is to act in ways that the ponies don't see as "normal", trying to conform, and it being directly harmful to him. And then Fluttershy blatantly showing she likes Discord for his oddities, not in spite of them? It makes my heart ache in a good way.
A fan with good taste, I see.
I was obsessed with this show when I was in middle/early high school but fell off watching it due to embarrassment and some rude remarks from peers. I started to rewatch it this past year (and to finally get to the second half of the series that I never saw) and it struck me how many of the friendship lessons I had learned for myself over the past 10+ years when I wasn’t thinking about these ponies. Old nostalgic episodes and new ones that I had never seen made me tear up and sometimes sob. This show is so special to so many people for a reason. Thank you for making this video! Your love of the show shines through even when critiquing its worst moments. It made me happy to see so many of my favorites high on the list. Great work :,)
PS in my opinion over a barrel should have been even lower
Welcome back!
While there are many episodes I'd rank much higher or lower than you, I'm ecstatic that you named my personal favorite episode as your number one!
First The Harem Reviewer,
Then Shunks,
and now you.
Has 2023 been the year of Ranking Every episode of MLP.
I gotta get on this bandwagon
Not even all of em too lol
i just finished watching Pigpiggamer’s ranking haha
I feel like you should look into Fame and Misfortune more. The reason why the crowd still remain as assholes is because you literally can't please everyone. There WILL be fans of the show that will nitpick and complain on the show, and they will keep on hating and probably miss an entire point of an episode for silly reasons.
In the end they show two fillies being friends again BECAUSE of the lessons. Which is the whole point of the show in the first place. Teaching the KIDS these lessons and how it would matter to them.
2:37:13 This is amazing! I LOVE HOW YOU WORDED EVERYTHING IN THIS SECTION! I nearly teared up all over again man!
I'm so glad you like that.
The end of this absolutely gutted me, crusaders of the lost mark as so so good and it makes me cry every time.
As someone who grew with this show, it was amazing to see you put it all together like this. The way you talked showed the respect and love you have for these silly pastel ponies. it was heartwarming to watch. Yes, you did make me cry multiple times in the span of two hours.
The number one spot in this list was beautifully chosen, as a kid i remember just about crying when the three got their marks. At the time i didn't really believe that it would ever happen, i always thought that it was something that would forever be left to interproton. That episode really felt like it could've been the end, and if it was i know i would've been content with that.
Thank you to everyone who made MLP what it is today, even you Hasbro. I want to say more, but i think i said everything that needs to be said.
Remember ya'll friendship is magic!
Take a shot for every episode Rainbow Dash learns to not be an asshole
"Take a shot..." if you're taking shots, aren't you a little too old to be watching MLP?
@@microwaveheadfartvampire If you don't realise that you're never too old to enjoy what you love then maybe you missed the point of the show
@@microwaveheadfartvampireI think the majority of people here down the comments are around 20/25, so no
@@microwaveheadfartvampireYou're in the comment section of an adult reviewing mlp. We don't age shame people for liking content in a completely innocent way
now that I finished the video, I want to say nice essay! Crusaders of the Lost Mark isn’t one of my favorite episodes but i can see why it’d resonate with a lot of people. the only thing I don’t like is how Diamond Tiara didn’t speak at all for the rest of the season after that episode, she didn’t have to become a main character or anything but it would’ve been nice to see her be friendly to the CMC after
Within the first minute of this video the resources, contributors, and subscribers were all given an importance and credit - Immediate follow. Excited to watch this video : )) Two whole years of work and a kindness that lots of creators don't show! Amazing
i literally watched this all the way through without pausing- (but to be fair i was working on things while listening). awesome take!
The whole idea pinkie pie making her friends into cupcakes came out before the episode where she goes a lil koo-koo-cachoo
Hey, I didn't know your channel before. UA-cam suggested me this video, and I thought "yeah it's interesting, I'll do some watch-skip and be done in 15-20 minutes". But here I am, almost 3 hours later. You did a great job with the script part and video one. I wonder how seasons ranking will look like, based on this episode list. If you will be able to share the final ranking in the list form, I would be happy to do some chart-work, and you could put the link in the video description for others to see.
I don't think I watched the whole series more than two-three times, but I listened all MLP songs more times than I could count. It's interesting how it changes my point of view. There were a few times, when I caught myself with a "Hey, why it is so low? It has a great song".
I had a great time! Thank you!
You got me curious, so I opened my spreadsheet cranked out the average placement of every season on this list:
S5: 91.71 (To be expected)
S4: 93.54 (Also very good)
S7: 95.76
S2: 96.13
S6: 100.58
S3: 100.67 (Maybe smaller sample size?)
S8: 103.62 (Somehow better than S9, wow)
S9: 119.25 ( Half the season outside top #150)
S1: 136.44 (Did worst of all, wow.)
There's enough weird stat stuff going on to do a follow episode. With these stats you'd think S1 shot my dog or something lol.
@@gatorgoatjohnnyInteresting. Tbh, it doesn't suprise me that S1 did worst. It was a great start for us all, but most of the episodes were very... basic. I personally really like seasons after Starlight redeption. Always felt like a fresh start. Simillary the whole idea of the Frienship School. But I probably forget about all the filler episodes.
About S3. Small sample size means that a single bad episode had higher impact on overall score, but it is a double-edge sword - great episode had higher impact as well.
Thanks for the info
This is an amazingly well-crafted video. You've quickly become one of my favorite creators on UA-cam!
1:06:38 Definitely did not expect to hear Vylet in this video but am absolutely pleasantly surprised lol
2 YEARS? good GOD. i know this will likely get lost within the comments, but as a (rather amature) content creator myself, seeing a video like this so RIPE with passion infinetely boosts my enjoyment from beginning to end. good luck with any future content, and i sincerely hope this video picks up with time :)
I'm glad I could motivate you! I'm so proud of this episode, but it was a beast to finish.
Unironically been waiting for this for MONTHS
Can’t wait to watch all of this in one sitting 🍿
Aw hell yeah
Anyone who’s willing to do this is definitely worthy of a sub
While maybe not my favourite episode, the episode that I have the biggest soft spot for is Magical Mystery Cure. All of the songs are all so special to me. I grew up without very many friends but that through running theme of friendship has helped me at times in my life, when I was 8 but also now that I'm a bit older. Everytime I rewatch that episode I tear up at the songs and the pure nostalgia I have for them as I rewatched that episode a LOT when I was little. My netflix only had seasons 1 through 5 and when I'd watch the show I'd just obessively rewatch my handful of favourites (which are STILL my favourites to this day, especially Luna Eclipsed) and now hearing those songs 8 years later I feel like I'm back to that little girl sitting in front of the tv watching that episode in a time where I was really alone. It's a bit corny but the anthem of 'A true, true friend helps a friend in need' is something that's stuck by me (maybe because it's so goddamn catchy though)
I will always love this show and everything that it stands for because sometimes when you're having a bad day what you need is to sit back, relax, and watch a silly show about colorful horses and friendship to show you that in times in need you should always be able to look to your friends.
I’m kind of shocked nobody picked Canterlot Wedding as their favorite episode. It’s definitely at least in contention for that title for me with Amending Fences, Crusaders of the Lost Mark, The Last Problem, Hurricane Fluttershy and Pinkie Pride.
this was a great video! it helped offer different interpretations to some episodes that made me see them in a another light, episodes i appreciate a lot more now.
#1 and #2 are my top 2 FAVORITE episodes so i'm VERY glad to see them placed where they are. i don't think crusaders of the lost mark is a basic pick for best episode at all, from what i've seen not many people care about the cmc's as much as i do, yes that episode may be a top 10 or even a top 5 for a lot of people but i don't think i've ever seen anyone put it as #1, and it honestly means a lot to me and makes me very happy to see it placed there :)
I think it has a few small issues that make it understandable for me why some people were disappointed by it, but ultimately Crusaders of the Lost Mark is still probably my favorite episode in the whole series. It’s just such a great payoff. Amending Fences is probably actually my pick for the “best” episode in the series though and it’s got a very strong argument for being my actual favorite as well.
while there is a lot of episodes here i agree and i love your opinion about it, there is few ones, specially around the top 20, which i really just don't get it why would you enjoy these episodes so much, not just my opinion, but like the entire fandom thinks the same, but well, it's still interesting to see someone enjoying so much some episodes that are hated by the fandom, great video, keep up the work^^
also some really low-rated episodes that felt out of place. Horse play and frenemies were great episodes dammit :(
Crying just watching this 😫 Perfect Pear will always get my pick, but your number 1 comes a close second 😭🫶 great video!
i LOVE all the ones where rarity takes care of(manages)/opens up her shops like OMG
7:27 im pretty sure that Discords flight trail being plaid is a refrence to Space Balls where the light trail to going 'Ludicrous speed' being a 2-up to 'Light Speed' is literally plaid which is even mentioned by the Han Solo parady Character saying "They've gone to Plaid". I also loved the Back to the Future Reference since I've seen all three movies when i was like 5 or 6
(im 16 as of typing this comment and was able to watch all three movies because my pop has all of them on dvd)
So that Reference does hold a speacial place in my heart
I actually DID find this out a little while after doing that video. I've never seen "Spaceballs", so I didn't clock that reference.
I loved this video! definitely reminded me of how certain episodes have stuck with me and how others I almost forgot about. I agreed with the ranking for the most part and the ending made me feel so emotional:((
Wonderful video and a very interesting new take on the ranking of the episodes of this beautiful show!
Did not expect to watch this whole thing in one sitting. Really enjoyed it and was trying really hard not to tear up by the end ❤️
yesss i was so excited for this!!!
edit: best two and a half hours ever
Interestingly, your list looks a lot like mine would have a couple of years ago when I was a new fan. My opinions have shifted since then (away from the flashier, big-emotions dramas and more towards the tightly-written, small-scale character pieces), but it’s interesting to see a list that so closely agrees with what I used to think.
incredible video, thank you so much for making this!!!
Wow, I do not agree with some of these takes at all, especially about "Frenemies", which is actually one of my favorite episodes of the entire show because I just adore that song and the amazing chemistry between Cozy, Tirek and Chrysalis. Also, "Applebuck Season" and "Dragonshy" are among my favorite S1 episodes! On the flipside, I'm surprised you ranked "Rainbow Falls" this high when it's among my top 3 least favorite episodes of the show. Still, I respect your opinions and it's always interesting to see someone with wildly different views on an episode than me.
I’m very happy I watched this video. I’ve been in a bit of a rebirth of my love for this show and universe. And that number one ranking, I completely agree.
I love videos like these: Spongebob, FailyOddPArents, Gumball, etc. I will always like the video before the first 5 seconds because it takes a lot of time.
I'd honestly put Tanks for the Memories in my Top 10 Favourite Episodes of All Time
In my opinion, this is an amazing video that really highlights that this show has at least one character someone can relate to and/or get really attached to
Crusaders of the Lost Mark always brings happy tears. Good choice for #1
Oh that’s epic! You spent 2 whole years ranking them? Darn I’m a determined Brony but you’re on a whole ‘nother level!!
Thanks for the effort put into this video. Our lists differ massively, but it's always cool to see other people's opinions.
I never did rewatch Brotherhooves social since I was a kid. I know for sure I did watch it but I completely forgot the plot and didn't revisit it once seeing the synopsis. Knowing what I do now that it was about Big Mac's insecurities, I cried right there. It's really relatable. Thanks for this vid!
2:26:07 It is interesting how this episode kind of reflects the real life and possible struggles of the voice actors of the three main characters (Quibble Pants, Clear Sky, and Wind Sprint), albeit shifted slightly. Of course Quibble is voiced by Patton Oswalt, but the other two are actually voiced by his family members. Clear Sky is voiced by Margaret Salenger, Patton Oswalt’s second wife, and Wind Sprint is voiced by Alice Oswalt, his daughter (who would be about 9 or 10 when the episode was being made). In 2016, Patton Oswalt’s first wife and the mother of Alice, Michelle McNamara, passed away in her sleep at only the age of 46. The voice cast and the real-life circumstances surrounding their lives could suggest that this was a very personal episode for the three of them, so the fact the MLP made sure that the story was emotionally mature is very sweet.
My Little Pony is my favorite childhood show I grew up watching. My favorite episode is Putting Your Hoof Down because I was a pushover like Fluttershy, but I learned to stand up for myself and gain confidence. The Bugs Bunny trick that Pinkie Pie did on the salespony and Iron Will was hilarious. Everyone was surprised that Fluttershy said no to Iron Will
💪💪💪🐰🐰🐰🤣🤣🤣
i'd like to note that i am ALSO discord's biggest hater, mostly because he feels like a wasted character. like. have pinkie pie and discord interact to teach a lesson about having fun with everyone vs having fun at people's expense, discord already has a track record for being the worst, it'd be a valuable lesson for both him and the audience to learn.
defos worth the wait... love your vids
'do princesses dream of magic sheep?' is absolutely one of my favourite episodes...i think i've rewatched it a good ten times just because of the resolution
I enjoyed listening to this. Took me a few days. For most of it I listened to it while at work (with ear buds) and I had to stand here trying not to laugh, and cry at the end lol.
11:24 "...a one-time only cameo from Sapphire Shores...."
She's a supporting character in _For Whom the Sweetie Belle Toils;_ you even used a clip of her at 27:05!
And that's also ignoring the times she's appeared as a background character - according to the Wiki, she's in _Sweet and Elite_ (during the shot of "Becoming Popular where it shows a checkerboard of different ponies), in _Rarity Takes Manehattan_ (sitting in the Fashion Week crowd alomgside Hoity Toity), and in _Equestria Games_ (in the stadium crowd and, once again, sitting next to Hoity).
Good catch! The worst part is, I noticed that was wrong, like, 4 months before this episode dropped, but it was too late to go back and redo that line. I saw her in the Sweetie Belle episode and went "Well that's wrong now, damn..."
@@gatorgoatjohnny Yeah, I feel that lol 😂
Can I just say, Testing Testing 1, 2, 3, also single handedly has the best most subtle foreshadowing of the solution in the entire show. One that happens in *the first 35 seconds*… remind yourself what the solution to Rainbows learning ended up being and then rewatch the cold opening with that in mind, it took me several rewatches to pick up on it
It's pretty awesome, and it rewards a second watch 100%.
34:53i’m so confused. The story was originally written by akutagawa ryonusuke, but it was called in the hidden groove. He did write another story called ranshoman, but that has an entirely different plot.
Oh gosh, that's probably a research failure on my part! I'm sorry. I guess from here in the west we're more familiar with it as a trope, and the 1950 "Rashomon" is just our most well-known comparison. I'll have to check out his short story work. Great catch!
It really shows that you have put a lot of effort to create this. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for creating this list. I am just sad that you put "Rarity investigates below top 100. It is one of my fav episodes. It deserves to be in top 80 or top 60, if not at least in top 100. And "Common Ground" is really a good episode but I don't think it deserves to be in top 10. But the video is your opinion and these are my personal opinions.
My favourite episodes are the Ones where Rainbow dash is in the Wonderbolt academy, or the ones with Raiity managing her boutiques or opening them. BY FAR
1:08:20 It looks like that's a reused asset from the halloween episode where Fluttershy draws anime
I did not think I wanted this but I needed this 😅
Whilst I would've loved to have seen more Zebras in Friendship Is Magic, I also understand their decision to discontinue exploring them as a species. Bridle Gossip hasn't aged well as an episode to me and I get what their intentions were behind it. I know that they were trying to write an episode with a "Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover" message but I think it was handled better in later seasons with characters like Trouble Shoes and Thorax. Zecora's debut teetered a little too close to racism in order to drive its narrative. Now, I love her as a character and I'm glad that she continued to appear afterwards, since we're able to learn more about the Everfree Forest. Plus, I love how her hut and overall design represent her cultural inspiration with her unique markings and sun-like cutie mark. I always found her voice cute too, it fits the witch doctor aesthetic. But I also understand Hasbro's reasonings behind keeping her as a supporting role than at the forefront. I can easily see someone else finding her accent and mannerisms (the rhyming and the way she dresses) to be insulting and offensive in execution overtime (at the time) and might've tried to boycott the show for perpetuating stereotypes of Africans.
Let's not pretend that it wouldn't have happened either. The show has sparked controversy from the trans and anti-ableist communities for similar reasons.
I'm glad that the comics didn't shy away from exploring her background though. However, the comics are considered non-canon by the showrunners.
With all that being said, I always used to think that she and Lupe would've worked as friends. Not only due to the fact that the two are tribal-coded characters but also due to the fact that they're both caring individuals who stand with their friends regardless of the repercussions. (Though, in the latter's case, she was a native-american wolf.)
I love to see others views on the series, as someone who grew up watching this show it really hold a special place in my heart. Thanks for making this
i've been waiting for this one
6:37 this episode definitely was made to show fluttershys growth from season one. Because she *_SNAPS_* at them. She is definitely way more sassy and assertive.
2:31:46 I don't know if anyone had brought this up but I think part of it is the fact that each of them are redeemed antagonists.
i could never be able to articulate such a direct list, its all too close for me, but Filli Vanilli, perfect pear, best gift ever and of course the final episode
Correction: that gore fic cupcakes was a quick and cheap experimental gag that released before Party of One even aired and then people retroactively applied the straight hair to Pinkie doing gorey stuff. Mostly it was the stars aligning and the show seeming to drop hints that Pinkie is dangerous when she loses it that made cupcakes start to blow up more to the surprise of all writers involved with the gore fic and the show.
Yeah, my mistake. That was one of my first sections written, and I didn't go back to check each item for errors. I found out about that around the time of that Taco Johns story though.
3:04 I’m assuming his magic is making them actually sneeze to make it seem like they caught his “sickness.”
My favorite episode is suited for success, and, upon my first watch through, it crystallized Rarity into my favorite character. Which is incredibly ironic, because out of our main cast I find the least in common with her.
Love the artwork at 1:09:53 ! 🖖🏻
Selenophile is my dedicated guy for all things Star Trek! When I heard Granny Smith, I knew he had to do something awesome.
10:26 according to the dtagonolgy book yes the dragon code is real
Completely agree. And specially with the number one, it catch me of guard, but it was just like the first moment than I saw it without even know that that was about to happen. Best MLP episode ever. 🩷
The Perfect Pear is my all time favorite episode of the show, and I can't even type all the reasons down, so all I can say is that I'm happy it wasn't low, not just in the top 100, 50, 20, 10, or 5, but SECOND place!
"Crusaders of the lost mark" has been my favourite for ages, I've watched it dozens of times
God place one still gives me tears...
Even after all this years...
Same! It just gets me crying every time!
56:00 it's one of my favorite episodes, because it makes me think that Starlight is autistic, like Maud is
Ooh, that's an interesting read! They both come across as autistic coded, don't they?
Regarding Babs Seed being a bully after being bullied herself. There's a saying... "Hurt people hurt people." and I think it really applies well to Babs. She was hurt, so in turn, she hurt others to avoid being hurt again herself. It's a cycle of abuse... and it happens IRL, so addressing things like that with a younger audience is a good thing. It teaches those kids about the cycle, and most importantly, how to break the cycle.
Great analysis! FiM is aging very well.
ngl watching A Canterlot Wedding during the fandom's heyday was definitely an experience. I caught it when Season 3 was picking up, so it's got a special place in my heart. To Where and Back Again is basically one of my faves because of Chrysalis being an absolute menace (/pos) like she had me in a grip. For a non-finale/premiere episode, I find the Trixie episodes very entertaining, specifically Magic Duel. Like, she's even more of a menace and then gets one-upped by the Mane Six using her own talents as a stage magician against her.
Also worth mentioning that there is room for stage magic even in a world of magic. I think the appeal/gimmick is that one can do a magic trick with everyday things instead of having to study to do those on a larger scale. Like, yeah, you can levitate yourself as a unicorn, but why do that when you can make a gizmo to levitate yourself via stagehands with a lot less magical effort?
IM SO EXCITED TO WATCH THIS!!!! 🤩
Amazing video, Amazing list.
Haven’t watched yet but anyone who tackles this deserves a like
Really enjoyed the list!
My Top 10:
1. Magical Mystery Cure
2. Crusaders of the Lost Mark
3. Hurricane Fluttershy
4. Too Many Pinkie Pies
5. Amending Fences
6. Twilight's Kingdom
7. Bats!
8. Lesson Zero
9. Party of One
10. Tanks for the Memories
FELLOW MAGICAL MYSTERY CURE FAN! That's a really unique list! Glad to see someone giving love to Bats!
Amending Fences is exactly where it should be, it's such a great episode and has been a favorite for me for a long time!
Fun fact: The math done on the chalkboards during Acadeca in Friendship Games is actually well-done and mostly correct, with Sci-Twi getting the right answer and Sunset being slightly off. I only bring it up because you took to criticizing background math in the main show.
That Jimmy Neutron fanfic you mentioned at 1:02:46 sounds like a better version of an actual episode of Jimmy Neutron. I wouldn't be able to say it's a good thing, because Mudbraier is my most hated character in Friendship is Magic. But I can't say it's a bad thing because, well, at least it's not Carl Wheezer: Boy Genius.
I remember absolutely LOSING MY SHIT when I first saw the crusaders get their cutie marks. Like as soon as they started levitating I was like OMG OMG IT’S HAPPENING??? IT’S HAPPENING *SCREAMS*. Such a satisfying and emotional payoff after a long wait! They worked so damn hard and I was so proud of them! That was the moment I realized I really have an emotional connection with these fictional-ass characters like they’re real people, and I’m okay with that.
Also I’m glad to see “To Where and Back Again” get some love. I quite liked that one but hadn’t heard anyone else say much about it. I especially like the first part. It had a chilling and scary vibe to it that was engaging. I think having it centered around secondary characters who didn’t have much authority in the world (and pretty much the only creatures aware of the threat who could do something about it) was a cool decision, partly because they were more relatable. They’re not used to facing down such a serious threat like the main six are, so their reactions are closer to how we would react. I could really put myself in their shoes, and I felt their fear with them. Trixie hyperventilating after finding out the Changelings returned would’ve been me fr. I think seeing Starlight and Trixie being relatably terrified and unsure of what to do (especially since the main ponies who would usually handle everything were taken out already) helped me feel the gravity of the situation and made me feel more engaged, wondering how the heck these characters will take down such a serious threat.
wake up babe, new GatorGoatJohnny video.
31:10 to be fair, "Think Mark, THINK!" from the Invincible Season 1 finale also became a meme, but that episode/moment is still considered to be one of the best finales in recent Western animation
this is SO HYPE
I love mlp It helped me out as a bright spot in a rather dark time in my life, I have so many fond memories of watching the show with my sister, but I'm also sad and confused. Like what do I do now? Mlp the show has ended and I know that there's the sequel generation but it didn't feel right idk. I'm not sure where to go next.