MLP SEASON 6 REVIEW #8: 28 Pranks Later

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 13/8/16 - Written by F.M. De Marco

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

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With a title like '28 Pranks Later', its easy to see where this past weeks' episode got its inspiration, and helps gather together an idea as to what we are going to get. With the nod to Danny Boyle's acclaimed post apocalyptic film trilogy firmly in place, we finally get to see MLP do something that unlike quite a lot of the episodes this season have artistic licence to take things in a 'darker' direction.

While that is the case, knowing this show, there have been few times they've gone OUT AND OUT into a non-kid friendly direction with the series (see Twilight's Kingdom), so to trust the writers and animators to deliver on this promising development is something that myself, as a viewer and critic can't do. However, I will give them benefit of the doubt for attempting to make an apparent 'zombie' concept a try, and see how they can 'ponify' a scenario like it. Will it be fun, will it be dark, or sensationally, could it be both? Well, that's what the analysis will find out.

Oh, and it's another episode surrounding Rainbow Dash being the 'centre of attention'. This could go one of two ways, lets hope it's not the negative side.

STORY AND NARRATIVE

The last episode, "The Cart Before The Ponies" had a simple story premise, and took it in a direction where it felt lifeless, predictable and honestly made the episode worse for its stark lack of efforts. Many fans will look at the prospect of seeing Rainbow Dash humbled as a re-hashing of Season 2's "Mysterious Mare Do-Well" and nothing more. I can safely say that this episode took that stigma and proved it to be a more competent entity than its predecessor all because of righting what Mare Do-Well did wrong.

The story surrounding Rainbow Dash going to hell and high water to prove herself wasn't treated as humbling negative like it was four seasons ago, instead having the rainbow-maned pegasus looking strong throughout its run-time. The response of her friends was also different, having them decide to tackle the problem head on at the episodes' start rather than tease and insultingly steer their friend towards the final conclusion, it felt like a much more progressive, positive and fresher story than its predecessor was, which made for much more enjoyable viewing, which allowed for the sheer genius of the Zombie Pony prank to give this season a major highlight. While the title gave away what this premise was, it didn't make it any less enjoyable to watch, especially as it narratively allowed for Rainbow Dash to be brought down to earth in a creative way that still had her looking commendable by the end.

This was helped by the pace of the episode that was kept remarkably consistent, staying steady and keeping you at ease, allowing enough time to build-up to the large-scale prank and have take full effect, instead of having the set-up take up most of the episode. This was helped by the two time progression montages, which changed tempo and lasted just enough time to be seen as lazy on a writing front. The steady pace allowed for the structure of the episode to come through just as consistently, earmarking certain tone changes and story progression as each act ended. With its balance of equilibriums and disequilibriums being beautifully managed, Todorov and his theory was adhered to without feeling out of place, while it had to keep Rainbow Dash's and the townspeople' motives on watch.

I found the story to be simple, but creatively executed through balancing comedy, tension and its frightening conclusion, which when accompanied by enough time, space and structure to make it all come together made it all look like a great episode on the outset. However, it is taken away from top marks by marks by having its ending marred by three pieces of foreshadowing that meant the reveal isn't as epic as it should've been. Firstly by Rarity with the 'Cookie Coma' remark, secondly Applejack's "Prank has backfired" remark, and finally through Hasbro's official synopsis which made this grand joke become expected and make the message feel shoehorned into the flow of the story. While up until that point it was superbly executed, the anticipation for the reveal became a waiting game despite the enjoyment I had watching it unfold. As a result, this episode could've had a sublime start to its review process, but considering all it did, I'm happy that it did enough to warrant this rating, compared to the last episode, THIS is how you do it right.

RATING: 4 out of 5.

WRITING AND VOICE ACTING

Like I said in the above category, this episode could've been "Mysterious Mare Do-Well" unintentional sequel. Seeing as many episodes this season have taken narrative and writing inspiration from its older brethren, I was happy to see that F.M. De Marco noted of this and used different development, progression and different directions in tone to give this episode some breathing room away from an episode which it will be compared to by Bronies for all time.

I already alluded to the notion that Rainbow was written in a much stronger, more dominant position than similar episodes to this such as "Sonic Rainboom", the aforementioned "Mysterious Mare Do-Well" and this seasons "Newbie Dash" in that while she is still driven through her desire to be 'the best', she didn't crumble under that weight as noted in those episodes. She showed this by using her intellect and knowledge of her friends to make her pranks against Rarity and Applejack seem inspired and done by a person who is at one with what she is capable of. It was a reminder that even though Rainbow has matured over the years, this rebellious streak within her exists, which is a much more positive angle to take on this than many in the fandom are, who just see it as a flashback to her desperate attention seeking heroism of its Season 2 counterpart. While I am irritated that this is the THIRD time this season that Rainbow's well-built reputation has been deconstructed and taken apart, I happy that it was done in a more positive way that doesn't take away too much from the mature character that Hasbro and DHX built for themselves over the last five years.

While Rainbow Dash's character being written decently was one thing, seeing Pinkie Pie show herself to be mature and serious even surrounding a pastime she enjoys was something I didn't see coming and was surprising to no end. Given her ADHD, flip-flopping attitude and bubbly demeanour, it was incredible to see the sugar filled pony understand that there is a time and place for jokes and pranks. Hell, it's part of her job to do it, so to see this come through when it rarely gets time is great. While her hyperactive and fun tendencies still came through on occasion, I'm happy that this character, who is often shown to be air-headed with no thought process, got shown in such positive light like this and makes her much stronger going forward. Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack's placement as victims in advancing Rainbow's prank train was nicely implemented, however I do have to question why Rainbow went after other people in the town when it was JUST her friends who she was trying to prove her effort to? I also have to question that casts' usage, as outside of Rainbow & Pinkie, the rest of the characters roles were fleeting and didn't impact too much on the episode as a whole, making them not have the weight they might've wanted to have. I also have to question why the town was so negative towards pranks when in the past, specifically Season 1's "Griffon The Brush-Off" took such glee in watching Gilda get irritated at pranks SHE didn't find fun. It makes the message and motives behind the cast look shoehorned in and suspicious, as it seemed that this episode made everyone out to be hypocrites.

On a voice acting front, Rainbow, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gave themselves a huge range of emotions shown to show to variety needed to symbolise and emphasis the different feelings and moods the episode needed to show, and the zombie masses saying "COOOOOKIIIIIEEESS" was done nicely, made even better with different vocal styling and inflections to make it unique to individual characters, made it ever more great. However it was Rarity who pulled off the vocal equivalent of the symbolism holy grail. In the sequence of telling Pinkie to talk with Rainbow Dash, her "Quit It!" line could have been executed with the hyperbolic nature we'd expect from this self-professed drama queen, but it was done with such brilliant restraint by Tabitha St. Germain that it amplified the severity of the townspeople' ire, while also showing off her compassion, that she CARES for her friends. That, is deep, and all from one quick utterance is sublime and when coupled with Pinkie not bending the laws of physics to talk Rainbow from BELOW her house compounded the tone beautifully.

All in all, the writing was great but hit and miss in places, the voice acting is what gets this category the above average mark I've allocated. Seems fair, right?

RATING: 3 out of 5.

ANIMATION

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY WEREN'T FAT FREE?

Sorry, I had to make that joke given the screenshot.

Anyway, considering what the story was taking influence from, the animation department needed little to do to put me on the forefront with the 'apocalyptic' theme. While I will say it took a long time for those influences to come to fruition within the episode, this one did a lot to keep my eyes fixated, more-so than I anticipated given the weight of the fun story.

Obviously, the Zombie Pony sequence had most of the animation points tied up, with the cluttered and claustrophobic shots of cookie strewn houses as well as the discolouration, rainbow coloured mouths and extraordinary facial expressions of the 'infected', with Pinkie Pie taking the gold medal on this count. The Filly Guide Uniform was simple and not over the top as expected, being quite respectable and still allowing the CMC's to be themselves, rather than be dwarfed by the uniform in context (which has been done before on this show with other characters). There were some nice coloured backgrounds which the characters used their facial expressions to heighten emotions, the fog and use of light and shadows during the pre-intro Fluttershy scare scene and Rainbow Dash's 'Changelling' costume were nicely executed, as was the detail of the Sewing Machine cake, both inside and out. When you add the cross dissolves in the second montage to the mix, it all comes through as a nice bundle of animation pieces to make this episode feel like it was given something, but not too much as to where it overwhelms.

While this category does lose points in its placement of most of these elements in the last ten minutes if the episode, leaving the rest feeling a little barren and a lack of stark set pieces, it still gave me enough to where I am pleasantly satisfied, although I was expecting more, even when we got a subtle not to The Godfather with the 'pig in bed' notion, which was a great thing to see.

RATING: 2 out of 5.

MESSAGE

I've already alluded to the poor quality of this message in the narrative and writing sections of this review already, now its time to dig into arguably the worst message this season has produced thus far.

If there is ever an example of what shoehorning a message into a story to fit a moral purpose can do to effect an episodes' quality and final rating, the largest example is here. Considering that in past seasons, the residents of Ponyville have been totally fine in pranks and jokes being pulled (see the aforementioned Griffon The Brush Off) and revel in Gilda's irritation, to see them turn a negative eye on it is baffling and confusing. To see RAINBOW DASH state she didn't find the prank funny (for the message to take effect) only for her to later claim how great it was turned my head even more, knowing how hypocritical it is, coinciding with the rest of the town if we needed any more reaffirming. The way this message was instigated in revealing the Zombie Ponies to be in on the joke was ruined by Applejack through subtle foreshadowing right before its climax, meaning this message lost its impact and sense the longer it went on and didn't feel like it was entirely necessary. It ruined the episode in its poor execution, even if its moral permeated the episode from scene one, it hung over it like a bad habit, making it more of a burdensome inclusion than a helping hand to any aspect on and off screen.

The final nail in this messages' coffin is quite simply, the real world implications of it. After watching NUMEROUS pranks and joke videos on the internet (as well as being the butt of a few myself), it is very rare for one to be take one in good faith. Seriously. The message surrounding that pranks are 'a good time' as Pinkie puts it is quite infantile and infuriating. Is this message directed at the youngest among us to not unfairly target anyone? Is this a message to older fans that what they make for the internet will do more harm than good? In its application in this episode, I see no use in a real world context, which lessens what little impact it could've had down to zero. This message made no sense, and watered down an episode that had what it took to be great. As a result, as we'll see at the final conclusion, it will feel the repercussions of it in its final score, which is quite depressing to see. 

RATING: 0 out of 5.

MUSIC

Considering the combination of 'zombie horror' and pranking fun on display throughout, the music had one simple job: to balance and showcase both thematic sides of this episode. I can say, that even though this episode struggles at times to make the music matter, when it went right, it hit like a wrecking ball in its impact.

This was done by using the music turn the concentration and flow of the episode from a 'lighthearted-fun' one, into a serious one through its musical application over the course of the episode, making its tonal shift not feel as jarring if done suddenly. While the episode starting with some tense, moody and dark orchestral arrangements was done to foreshadow how dark the episode would become, it was a tease I didn't see the full effect of until analysing, because it meant the fun accordion and tubas to amplify Rainbow's attitude but it also comes across as infuriating to those being pranked, made for great symbolism, but showed how this episode wasn't being portrayed as all fun and games. Even Pinkie Pies' whimsical high octave orchestral pieces got a jarring record scratch to proceed them down to low octave minor pieces that made this seriousness come through more. While the higher tempo and key of the second montage piece gave us a sense of security that this 'prank' would work, the corresponding scenes tense, mood and dark orchestral score bookended the episode to feel like it was in a cocoon, reminding you of how this episode wants you to feel, angry at Rainbow Dash for being a selfish, inconsiderate dick. As a result, the music was executed nicely.

What the music accomplished here deserves a nice round of applause, as it did this without a musical number to get it to this rating to inflate what it had (unlike last weeks episode). It's a showcase of William Anderson's score working to its best. While it, like the animation didn't have this permeating more of the episode than what was stated, I'm happy with what I've gotten here.

RATING: 3 out of 5.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This episode, on premise alone, got a lot of people, including myself interested in how it would pan out. To watch, this wad a fun romp that got me laugh as well as being legit scare (on first viewing) by the Zombie Pony prank. All seemed to be going well for this episode as I thought it would reach high marks, however, sadly, like many episodes this season, its fallen short of where it could've been despite its promise.

Thanks primarily to the message falling flatter than a flatfish at a Flat Earth Society meeting, this episode ran out of steam after it had built itself up so well with a well-structured, well-paced and well-executed story, writing that was unexpected took a different spin on a prior episodes' hoof prints and gave enough animation and music elements to make it look like a nice package. However, that package was decorated with a sub-par ribbon, that tarnished all its good will, and as a result leaves this episode floundering in mediocrity. While I am happy it was better than last weeks episode, it is only marginally better.

I did enjoy watching this one, however upon critical analysis it didn't quite hit the mark, and joins the ever-growing pile of mediocre episodes that keep on coming regardless of my hopes. Next week is the highly anticipated "The Times They Are A Changeling" episode, one which many hope can bring this season back into line. Lets hope it does, because while this episode tried, it wasn't the finished article it promised to be.

FINAL RATING: 12 out of 25.

LETTER GRADE: C-

In relation to other Season 6 episodes, it lines up as follows:

A HEARTH'S WARMING TAIL - 24/25, A
ON YOUR MARKS - 22/25, A-
GAUNTLET OF FIRE - 19/25, B+
STRANGER THAN FAN FICTION - 18/25, B
THE SADDLE ROW REVIEW - 13/25, C
FLUTTER BRUTTER - 13/25, C
28 PRANKS LATER - 12/25, C-
THE CRYSTALLING - 12/25, C-
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE - 11/25, C-
THE CART BEFORE THE PONIES - 10/25, D+
THE GIFT OF MAUD PIE - 7/25, D-
NEWBIE DASH - 6/25, D-
NO SECOND PRANCES - 5/25, E+
APPLEJACK'S "DAY" OFF - 4/25, E+

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I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading. This has been an MLP Episode Review for The CC Network Blog. I'll see you all next week for the next review. Cheers!

MLP SEASON 6 REVIEW #7: The Cart Before The Ponies

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 6/8/16 - Written by Ed Valentine

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

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With last weeks surprisingly consistent barnstormer of an episode setting a high standard not seen for many months, you can be assured that my expectations along with many Bronies were lifted for this past weeks offering as we exchange meta trope deconstruction for race carts and rivalries.

The premise of this episode seems simple enough, with the CMC's taking on the mantle of racing in the "Applewood Derby" (a tradition that only sprung up now, because reasons). With competitive spirits aplenty, it could serve us an episode full of sportsmanship and complexity that has covered other sporting episodes such as "Fall Weather Friends", "The Last Roundup" and "Flight To The Finish" among others. Will this episode give us what we want or prove to be something much less? Knowing that Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash, three staunchly competitive ponies in their own right are in the mix too, what could possibly go wrong? It all sounds like we could be in for something simple and fun, which only further analysis will be able to decide is truth or a lie.

STORY AND NARRATIVE

It says a lot about an episode when I see it and it has a 'seen it before' vibe, yet am uncertain as to which series I should be waving the white flag too. Unfortunately the unmistakable presence of 'Simpsons Already Did It' syndrome reared its head with the whole cart race premise and its execution of the adults taking control from the get-go. While I will credit to Mr. Valentine for making it unique to the MLP universe with the use of the awards to split the three characters plot points and try to create a full story, at the end of the day I saw a story that failed in almost every immeasurable way to provide something entertaining, and more importantly unpredictable.

With the focus of the episode being mostly on the PREPARATION and RIVALRY rather than the race itself, it reminded me of "Flutter Brutter" in its execution, spending too much time setting up a feud between six characters, making for a foreshadowable conclusion become more and more inevitable. This was done with gusto, leaving a musical number and an interlude to gloss over the race with little to no fanfare, and making the story feel like it was picking for scraps to justify itself. The pace of the episode up until 'Derby Racers' was painfully slow, with the upped pace for the race being adequate but coming way too late. Once the CMC's set out their plans for what they wanted, it became painfully obvious based on their respective adult counterparts where this episode was going to go and it took a lot of enjoyment out of proceedings, especially as the strict three act structure didn't allow for any movement from archetypal 'interjecting adults' to spring a surprise or two, which when combined with its pace meant this was a tired story that even with an impactful conclusion didn't carry its weight all the way through.

This episode, if focused on the race, with the competitiveness of the colts and fillies on show would have lead to an exciting episode that could have produced new characters and a true fighting spirit of a moral to come through. The message (which I will get to later) anchored this episode into a predictable place where it took itself too literally and seriously bogged it down more than many could see. This episode's narrative and story was a car wreck, with the symbolic crash that capped off its cheery musical number providing an adequate metaphor. This was not enjoyable in the slightest, seen it before, done better and honestly it was a missed opportunity for something fun, rather than 'morally educational' to take hold.

RATING: 0 out of 5.

WRITING AND VOICE ACTING

It's rare that I am ever going to say this statement again, but the CMC's actually got upstaged by someone else during one of their episodes. While you could claim that Diamond Tiara did that in "Crusaders Of The Lost Mark" with her sublime character portrayal, it's been a finite commodity to see the Crusaders lose their air time to other characters, especially ones who in many eyes didn't need more. This, primarily is the reason why the episodes' story failed, and gave us an antagonist role that in this case wasn't needed.

To have Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash put themselves forward as the 'the interfering dance/soccer moms' who believe THEY know what's best for their 'children/siblings' by intervening contradicted a lot of their personality traits and regressed them to minimal fodder, which was a horrible decision. It made them become so detestable that you ponder why you supported them for so many years in their positive growth, for it all to be thrown away here? While I can understand Rainbow's constant quest for the limelight being her drive, to see Rarity's stylistic side come at the expense of someone elses again (ala "Spice Up Your Life" but much worse), and Applejack lie and suppress a progressive thinker in her sister was depressing to watch. This is especially apparent when both of them in the process forgot important lessons learnt from episodes such as "Sisterhooves Social" and "The Last Roundup" respectively about doing things someone else wants to ensure their happiness and being proud to not come first in competition respectively. Apple Blooms nightmare about her family forcing the tradition upon her in "Bloom And Gloom" came to manifest itself in reality much to my ire, and for the second time this season, Rainbow ignored Scootaloo in the spirit of competition, which was wholly unnecessary.

While the 'Mane Three' in this case proved to be a burden on the episode, it allowed for the Cutie Mark Crusaders and surprisingly Cheerilee a chance to show themselves in an extremely positive light, especially with the CMC's portraying themselves as forward thinkers who want to forgo the formalities and try something different simply for the sake of it as their new roles in "On Your Marks" dictated, showing good continued progression for them to show that children can be more 'intelligent' that many think. Cheerilee may have been a little aloof and overoptimistic in what her students could do, but her proud, happy and content attitude to proceedings made her for the first time in quite awhile to show her character in a positive light that created good middle ground between the two competing parties. Her symbolic cheerleading attire didn't put her in a position of authority, but as a person who sat alongside the audience feeling immensely proud of what shed gotten her students to do, which was lovely to see. That is something in many episodes, we've rarely seen and it was lovely to see unfold in her fleeting appearances across the episodes run-time. Snips and Snails also got fleeting speaking time early on, and while they didn't do the minimal representation of the male gender in the episode any favours, it was nice to hear them again regardless despite my hatred for them.

The voice acting saw great, varied performances from Rarity, Applejack and Apple Bloom, with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo support their Crusader sistren's frustration with a subdued, empty performance that was further accented by the end of episode outburst. Cheerilee's vocal performance was standard fare for her, and amplified her partitioner role well.

Overall this was an episode that balanced itself out in the writing department, giving a lot of characters in different alignments to provide ample conflict while proving to be unwatchable at times. The inclusion of a 'boy' racer pony wanting to win at all costs like Lightning Dust from "Wonderbolt Academy" would have been great to add some dynamism to proceedings, instead of clogging itself with characterisation that irritated more than it succeeded. The lack of comedy to ensure the dramatic tension didn't overwhelm was extremely minor, which plays into this episodes negatives, and without it, means this episode can't progress further than the mark I've supplied below, which is fine, but it could've been better.

RATING: 2 out of 5.

ANIMATION

We now arrive at the metaphorical tortoise of this episode, starting off slow but inevitably coming through in a blaze of glory to pretty much become the focus of the episode, much like the fable of yore. The animation may have gotten off on the tiniest of feet, but by the episodes' conclusion, it showed itself to have lived up to its potential.

'Derby Racers' had a plethora of set pieces, transitions and effects to make it a vibrant showcase to end the episode on. The use of a chequered flag motif spreading itself across the screen with the carts movements was stylised and fun, while the split screen effects whole blocky and obtrusive gave great symbolism to amplify the disillusionment the CMC's were feeling, the mud and crash/bang transition helped as well in providing extra speed to the songs flow, as well as giving identifiable colour schemes to split the Mane Three's vocal sections and make them feel distinct. The nuanced Wacky Races reference was also a joy to see, and made me smile. Outside of 'Derby Racers' there was a lot to marvel at, with the changing gradient transition in the morning sky, the design of the tents, carts and Rarity's sublime helmet came forward greatly along with the reflection of the second place ribbon in Rarity's eyes (as noted in the above screenshot). The best thing of all? Cheerilee living up her name via her lovely cheerleading costume, something the fan artists have already had a blast drawing.

While I can credit this episode in filling this episode with colour in its latter stages, half of the episode felt rather empty and lacklustre in comparison. This does bring the rating down, but not by much as the quality of what was showcased helps it into a position it might not have made otherwise. On that note, the animators and editors should be proud of themselves here.

RATING: 3 out of 5.

MESSAGE

With a predictable story and poor characterisation powering this cart, it seemed inevitable that a simple message would provide driving force for the dire run this episode had in places. While it did remain consistent in showcasing itself across the episode, for which it wins its lone notion of merit, I can't say the same when it lost everywhere else in points winning positions.

The message of 'adults not knowing best and learning to speak up to them' while fine for the story we got, felt flat, especially when the Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom have spoken up to their sisters in past seasons. When combined with established characters forgetting what prior messages had told them to ensure this message had some gravity felt sloppy and was deconstruction for deconstruction's sake, with almost no purpose needed for it all other than to supply this episode with a reason to exist in the first place. This is a case of poor writing, especially when it throws everything else that formatted this episode together under the wheels in a quest for meaning and value, all of which it came out empty handed. Those three smart girls, who had to force their intelligence out through the episode were infantilised, forgotten and marginalised in order to give the older characters a purpose, and make an episode feel tired as a result. It was a message that failed on everything it could've done, but succeeded in the lone area it got right, in leading the narrative down a path it wanted.

They got the ribbon for that, but I will have to disqualify it for everything else. I would usually give a zero to this much negativity, but based on the little it got right, I have to be fair. If it hadn't shown itself to be utterly correct in its portrayal of its adults, we'd be looking at a message that would've crashed an burnt for sure.

RATING: 1 out of 5.

MUSIC

Finally, here's something I wasn't expecting, the music category got a massive kick in the rear in comparison to the last episode, which helps the episode more than many would think.

With the surprise musical number of 'Derby Racers', it added some fun and symbolic importance to the race at hand while showcasing on a pedestal the contrasts in emotion within a cheery musical background. While it does have one of the cheesiest choruses I've heard on this show, its verses with alternating lines for each set of characters gave it a big and bold feel that contrasts well the symbolic instrumental simplicity. The same instrumental piece for 'Derby Racers' also got utilised in a pre-song montage of the carts being prepped, and while I will usually criticise the use of a piece of background music multiple times in an episode, the difference in use and the positive effect it had on the already mentioned lacklustre pace of the episode means I can let it slide. The intense orchestral score that accompanied Rarity's past derby loss and the following dramatic scene was sublimely inserted and gave a comedic vibe that was missing from the episode as well as tagging on its meaning nicely. The tone change between Cheerilee and her class at the beginning was also a nice showing of contrasting attitudes that sums up the 'life' quite nicely.

While I can praise the musical elements for bringing life into the episode, it loses a final mark for having jarring gaps from the announcement of the race, to the prelude itself. While I could commend the composers and editors for possibly doing this intentionally to emphasise the emptiness the frustrated CMC's were feeling, the idea that this was done on purpose doesn't seem at all plausible. As a result it has to be just shy of the top marks, which is a shame but understandable given the circumstances.

RATING: 4 out of 5.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Yes, that is a male cheerleader on the right of this screenshot, well done Ponies, you've done it again with an occasional positive gender representation.

Anyway, "The Cart Before The Ponies" wanted to take its title in literal context by focusing more on the racing than the characters, and to portray itself as a fun episode where character progression didn't necessarily feel important. While that was the obvious goal, thanks to some quite noticeable faults, this episode didn't come close to its podium position as it might have hoped.

To put it bluntly, style over substance won on this day, with the visual and audio elements helping prop up a bone dry story and subpar characterisation that dragged it further into the mud. All of this wasn't helped by poor pacing and predictability that made a viewing audience lose all anticipation and fervour for what was to come. While some characters came out of this episode looking great, it was done at others expense, something I can't be very cheery about. This episode shouldn't be getting the mark its getting, as on the standard 'important' merits alone, it failed. However, it's why I'm pleased with my system as from anywhere a back-runner can surprise, which I'm thankful this one did. Regardless though, it felt like a Season 1 or 2 episode, in how it tried to educate its audience through use of conflict and basic themes, which while a nice contrast with the meta-analytical episode for the Bronies' that preceded it last week, didn't produce much that would be considered great television by my standards, despite the animation and music positives that came through.

While this episode was fine to watch and did enough to keep my interest, it isn't at the level I was expecting at this point in the season. Therefore, as a result, "The Cart Before The Ponies" did something that further gives me reason for concern, as it buoys up an ever growing pack of mediocre episodes this season has produced, which is something that never seems to go away, much to my irritation. So not matter what positives this episode brought forward, disappointment comes not far behind in its wake.

FINAL RATING: 10 out of 25.

LETTER GRADE: D+

In relation to other Season 6 episodes, it lines up as follows:

A HEARTH'S WARMING TAIL - 24/25, A
ON YOUR MARKS - 22/25, A-
GAUNTLET OF FIRE - 19/25, B+
STRANGER THAN FAN FICTION - 18/25, B
THE SADDLE ROW REVIEW - 13/25, C
FLUTTER BRUTTER - 13/25, C
THE CRYSTALLING - 12/25, C-
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE - 11/25, C-
THE CART BEFORE THE PONIES - 10/25, D+
THE GIFT OF MAUD PIE - 7/25, D-
NEWBIE DASH - 6/25, D-
NO SECOND PRANCES - 5/25, E+
APPLEJACK'S "DAY" OFF - 4/25, E+

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I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading. This has been an MLP Episode Review for The CC Network Blog. I'll see you all next week for the next review. Cheers!

MLP SEASON 6 REVIEW #6: Stranger Than Fan Fiction

ORIGINAL AIR DATE: 30/7/16 - Written by Josh Habar & Mike Vogel

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

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Well here we are, after an unusually short hiatus, Friendship Is Magic returns to our screens. While I find it irritating that our little magical talking horse show is having to share its morning time slot with the Rio 2016 Olympics, at least we'll know where our loyalties lie, right? Lets hope the ratings don't suffer more than they have this season.

Anyway, we return to the action with not only an interesting premise, but a guest star of quite decent name recognition coming in to help spice things up. Patton Oswald, who is most well known as Rémy in Pixar's award winning 2007 feature Ratatouille, will hopefully add some lively comedic chops and sharp wit to proceedings. As for the premise, seeing the ponies go to a Fan Convention, it will be a great test to see how the show manages to showcase the many facets of convention-life that it can show-off tastefully.

Nonetheless what am I expecting? An episode that is as introspective and analytical as it entertaining. After all, we are looking at critique within a fandom as the core of the story, so I expect there to be a lot to look at, quibble with and see some familiar reflections that we can all take home and learn from. Whether that happens or not is another story altogether, lets stop procrastinating with the minor analogies and get on with the detail, as I'm sure the writer in me will look forward to.

STORY AND NARRATIVE

So far this season we've had stories that fluctuate in tone, pace and structure to the point where some of them bear no semblance of a well-constructed narrative. To compound this, only FOUR episodes have ranked above a three in this category in the three months this season has been on air: "A Hearth's Warming Tail", "On Your Marks", "Gauntlet Of Fire" & "The Saddle Row Review". If you aren't aware, they are the four best reviewed episodes this season from best to... um, least best in ascending order. "Newbie Dash" tried its best but couldn't buoy up an infuriating episode with a story that surprised in its pace and depth. You have no idea how happy I am, that for only the sixth time in this twelve episode season, I have a narrative and story on show that did more than enough to grab my attention and thankfully keep it for its entire run-time. I would dare say, "Stranger Than Fan Fiction" got it done nigh on perfectly, at least in my opinion.

It was a slow burner, feeling inconsequential, having to occasionally cut and transition through time to ensure they can tell the story smoothly, which it benefits from later as it progresses from a slice of life convention episode trope into a tense yet archetypal adventure tale that is bluntly accented but some biting commentary on how cliched said adventure is along the way. This critical slating at the hands of Quibble Pants created subtle comedy that was fantastically placed alongside the heated character arguments and tense situations to create a great balance of tone across the whole episode's time. With this tone fluctuating but never steering away from a core measured presence it allowed both Rainbow & Quibble Pants to showcase themselves at their highly opinionated selves, while allowing room for them to be humbled and proven wrong so by the end, they learn to co-exist and allow the episode to resolve itself with feeling complete and doing it with a measure of class too.

Overall, this episode is shining example of how to create a story that over its three act structure, if given enough breathing room but allocated a clear path to steer on, it can work wonders. It combined the slice of life and adventure genres to satisfy both sets of fans, and with well placed ad breaks and short sequences it allowed the transition between comedy and drama and not appear jarring. This episode got pretty much everything right in terms of story... well, except for forgetting that Twilight needed her book to be signed, but honestly with all the positives here, I can forgive a small plot point that was forgotten early on.

RATING: 5 out of 5.

WRITING AND VOICE ACTING

As this is a cartoon about magical multi-coloured talking ponies, I have to note that this show is one that doesn't take itself too seriously a lot of the time. When they do, my god does it hit harder than a ton of bricks, but knowing the writers and what the audience expects, we want to be surprised and more importantly laugh as a result of those surprises. While some episodes fail on this ephemeral mantra, this one pulled off something I never thought this show would do: self-criticise a genre within an episode that lives by it as well as the fans who watch/read it. As a person who has analysed this show from episode one, I can understand the desire that the writers will have had to want to disregard the tropes of certain genre styles and character archetypes, thanks to this episode they were given the platform to exploit it and create a character to execute their frustration an exultation to near perfection.

In Quibble Pants we have a character who fits the stereotype of the 'over analytical fan' who will pick apart any and everything to do with the product, and form in their mind a 'superior opinion', providing perfect foil to the hyperbolised 'fan-girling' of Rainbow Dash who will stand by their idols come what(ever) may. It created sublime chemistry that exuded from the moment they started sharing the screen and allow both to shift between strong and weak to fit the flow of the story and not lose traction. It acted out like an internet comment section and it was quite fun to see those core differences come out audibly in their dialogue and visually in their expressions. However, they were only the start in this game of 'Online Nerd Cliche Bingo' that the episode seemingly played post-title sequence. The argument of 'original versus new trilogy' echoed the Star Wars film quality battle that still continues today, the shaming of cosplay likeness and quality of character portrayal were subtly nodded in Caballeron's best sequences, photo booths, figure collecting, 'fan experiences' and finally, most importantly, admitting that the hug pillows made most famous by the anime community are canon within the show. These nods to nerd culture were wonderfully executed and a nice thing to see, but overall overshadowed by what the writing did to undermine its own progression through exploitation of its own cliches. In the 'adventure half' of this narrative, seeing Quibble Pants nail down every cliche in the book from villains movements and plans to creaky, easily breakable bridges and the 'inevitable escape' from a temple were sublime and had me laughing at how blunt it was. It turned what should've been a piece of tense action into comedy, which was supplemented by more intense action sequences as it progressed, keeping me on my toes as it kept me buzzing.

In terms of voice acting, both Quibble Pants, Rainbow Dash, Daring Do & Caballeron showcased varied performances that matched up greatly with their exuberant facial expressions, with Patton Oswald's sublime performance taking the win on this day. He added vigour, a sharp wit and superb eloquence to a character who could've easily been showcased as a winning brat if given to another writer, he handled it with care and made this character one that even if taken down a peg could still compose ones self. I will give extra nod to Caballeron too, whose limited range and exaggerated dialogue came through well, even though I still can't define what his accent is meant to represent. If someone could help, that would be appreciated.

This episode overall had me buzzing thanks to some smart writing, great character building and some vocal performances that kept attention without being overwhelming. I can't say much more, and will leave it at that.

RATING: 5 out of 5.

ANIMATION

I've noted that the story and writing have all showcased a balance of bluntness and subtlety in their execution of key points and elements that bring their respective categories up to the highest mark. In following the same, the animation brought quite a lot to the table, while also showing its apparent weaknesses as well.

The designs of Quibble Pants, Caballeron and his minions were quite simple, not overcomplicating and overshadowing from all around them. Quibble Pants fit the knowledgable cosplayer motif, with a greying mane symbolising the toll the stress of maintaining his opinion puts on him, adding more depth to a character I already enjoy. As for Caballeron, the discoloured eyes and flamboyant shirt/cravat combo set himself apart from his bland heavies to represent what could be seen visually as an archetypal villain, which worked well in context of the 'real life fiction' world of Daring Do take it was participating in. The convention hall was as you'd expect, be shown in camera angles to be expansive yet cramped, filled with sloppily made and sleek pieces to showcase both sides of artistic creation within fandoms and businesses. The bridge scene showcased intricate detailing for something as mundanely simple as a utility, and the temple shone thanks to use of colour, shading and light projection to give it an eerie yet awe-inspiring feel for the limited time it was on screen, especially in the wall murals and doors respectively. I finally have to comment positively on the extremely varied facial expressions on show by all of the main characters sans Daring Do. It showed just how maddening keeping everything together is from a social to a physical aspect and provided artistic dexterity that gave way to many laughs too.

While I am praising a lot here, there are some things that bring it down from a high perch. The jungle felt incredibly flat considering how vibrant they can be made, with an abundance of green colour obscuring any depth that could've been brought out of its scenes, the same could be echoed with A.K. Yearling's hotel room and Rainbow's room as well, primarily that it added nothing to the table. It meant that for large portions of the episode, I was left wanting a lot more than was offered. While I will give some final credit to the KEY to the treasure looking more opulent than the desired artefact itself (another nod to Adventure Genre tropes), the sight of the final treasure was bitterly disappointing considering the hype. Nonetheless, this episode did its best on the visual front but needed more effort in key areas to be able to bring it higher.

RATING: 3 out of 5.

MESSAGE

With the synopsis of this episode highlighting its 'conflict' before airing, it was incredibly important that with that being open knowledge, that it would be able to carry and resolve itself without becoming contrived and falling flat. Having both characters come to a solid resolution of their differences may seem predictable and honestly boring, but the progression to get there and how it steadily built the message up helps carry it above many other messages this season in execution.

Both Rainbow and Quibble Pants were given ample chance to showcase the positives and negatives of their sides of their respective arguments, allowing them to seek a balance of unity by its conclusion. While the viewer may believe their own preferences will decide which one they think is wrong or right, there is no denying that slowly building up a position of trust between two outlandish characters stabilised what could've been a potentially volatile plot to create a heartwarming and essential message that many fans of this and many other programmes can learn from. It shows what the power of consensus can do to help, while also noting how toxic the opposite can be, showcasing both aspects to give this message a further well-rounded appeal to ensure it hits home right and makes it feel fleshed out unlike others this season.

If not for time constraints in the last few minutes making it feel shoehorned, this message for me would come across a brilliant. It may have taken quite an elongated adventure to make these two opposites of a fandom learn to respect and even like each other, but it got there in one piece and I couldn't be happier despite the bumps and bruises both of these two sizeable ego's gained in the process.

RATING: 4 out of 5.

MUSIC

With all I've outlined here today in this review, there had to be something that had to fall short of the standard and spoil the good tone of this article. Step forward the music to collect its unwarranted prize.

Considering it had to compete with "Flutter Brutter" & "Spice Up Your Life" as well as an abundance of well written dialogue and exaggerated facial expressions, it would be hard for the music to spring forward to my attention. In fact, the only time it got real opportunity was during the passage of time sequence in the convention with whimsical high octave wind and brass to compliment the fun both Quibble & Rainbow were having. Every other time it was obscured by overly loud sound effects and character speech, making it incomprehensible to the ear. While the latter action sequences were accented with its typical orchestral fare, along with some low tempo pieces for the tense jungle capture, it felt like a very barren soundscape and failed to capture a lot of what was on show.While the animation tried at times to secure my eyes in perfect view, I am saddened my ears weren't treated to the same intermittent excitement.

I will give it credit for trying to fill the convention hall with a fun atmosphere for the seven to nine minutes it was showcased, however not being able to fill an abundant jungle with character is bitterly irritating. I'll rank it above a zero, only because I'm kind, on another day I might not be this giving though, so this episode escaped with its musical skin barely hanging on.

RATING: 1 out of 5.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you read my "Mid-Season Progress Report" that was posted last month (which can be viewed here), you will have been made fully aware that my feeling towards Season 6 hadn't been left on the best terms by what I've received from Hasbro & DHX Media thus far. However, after a month-long rest and a chance to reboot, they came out swinging and gave surprisingly, the best overall episode since "A Hearth's Warming Tail" was broadcast back in May.

I was nervous going in, worried if the rivalry between Rainbow & Quibble Pants would make this episode sink. I am very thankful that clever and fun writing as well as a well-constructed story proved me wrong, providing a very entertaining product in the process. The fun, analytical atmosphere this episode created through is subversion of tropes and cliches (something this show has failed to execute properly for years) allowed breathing room for an action plot to not feel crowded and give both new and established characters the chance to shine with subtle complexity and shifting tonal positions which made their dialogue funny as it was introspective. When you combine some solid animation and a message that built itself within the wonderfully weaved narrative, and you have an episode that made the best of its premise and showcased the best of both comedic and action sides of the show in one go. The writers had fun with this one, playing with the formula and directly creating an episode that the adult demographic who would analyse to pick out all they could lay out, while also paying acknowledgement to that same unexpected crowd who has helped gain this show the status it has today. While the music and some aspects of animation and message ultimately let it down from reaching the zenith of my ratings, it didn't stop me from enjoying what was put on offer here, making me want more.

It may not have done enough to warrant a place on my Wall Of Fame, but "Stranger Than Fan Fiction" will happily sit alongside this seasons' best, and it fills me with great joy that the first post-hiatus episode has eased my fears for now, lets just hope it can continue this momentum forward.

FINAL RATING: 18 out of 25.

LETTER GRADE: B

In relation to other Season 6 episodes, it lines up as follows:

A HEARTH'S WARMING TAIL - 24/25, A
ON YOUR MARKS - 22/25, A-
GAUNTLET OF FIRE - 19/25, B+
STRANGER THAN FAN FICTION - 18/25, B
THE SADDLE ROW REVIEW - 13/25, C
FLUTTER BRUTTER - 13/25, C
THE CRYSTALLING - 12/25, C-
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE - 11/25, C-
THE GIFT OF MAUD PIE - 7/25, D-
NEWBIE DASH - 6/25, D-
NO SECOND PRANCES - 5/25, E+
APPLEJACK'S "DAY" OFF - 4/25, E+

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I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading. This has been an MLP Episode Review for The CC Network Blog. I'll see you all next week for the next review. Cheers!