I completely agree with you as far saying that the episode was focused on Twilight's test and was not a "Big Bad" story.
However, I don't think you've given proper justification for why that's actually a particularly bad thing. I get that you wanted to see a "Big Bad" story and didn't get one, but that doesn't make this a terrible episode.
Oh I'm not saying its a terrible episode. Just saying when I put my right brain to the task I see things that could have been expanded upon or improved, and that makes me a little frustrated is all.
As far as episodes go, ++ would watch again. I'm just saying is all.
I think I agree completely with Nissl's points. I think as a premiere, it was lackluster but it still worked as a good episode. But it did make me feel like the writers just wanted to focus on Twilight's OCD and her fear of disappointing others with her test. And King Sombra is a pretty crap villain because they wrote NOTHING for him aside from being an evil shadow. I actually think it's strange how Twilight's fear felt so...petty, even though they show it. Spike's actually had a lot more emotion because we didn't see it, but it brought him to tears.
But I loved a lot of the other things they did with this. Rarity was really funny, as was Pinkie, they showed the developed stages of the Mane 6's friendship (Especially with Rainbow and Applejack), and they really had a lot of fun animating the various scenes. I was really loved their use of color with all the crystallized ponies and the various changes in the hair. I noticed they played a lot with the cheeks of the characters too.
The songs were meh, but I thought the reprise was really good. And I did think it was clever how they brought it full circle with Cadence. And this episode gave really good development with Armor, Cadence and Spike who really needed it.
So I can say good episode, but not necessarily one I would return to watching. I'd totally watch a trimmed episode where it was just about everything not related to Twilight and Sombra.
Worst episode in the entire series
I think "Dragon's Quest" still retains that title. On the subject of villains, the bullies were focused on for most of the episode and they are one-dimensional, bland, and despicable with no interesting or redeeming factors. There was potential there that we could learn more about the history of dragons, but come on, the only lasting thing from that episode was Crackle.
Oh, the only reason I said that it was the worst episode in the beginning was because going to extremes draws in viewers. Note, in the end, I did say it was "among the worst". And yes, "Dragon Quest" is up there in terms of bad episodes.
Oh, the only reason I said that it was the worst episode in the beginning was because going to extremes draws in viewers. Note, in the end, I did say it was "among the worst". And yes, "Dragon Quest" is up there in terms of bad episodes.
I wasn't sure if you were focused with "Worst of" or completely "is the worst." But I do completely agree with your points.
I did like the character consistency with a lot of the interactions, so it feels like the writers could come back to explain some things. I can easily see any villain being brought back and the writers giving a good explanation and have them chew up the scenery.
Also, here's a thought: If this really was a test, then presumably it's something that Twilight could conceivably have failed. If so, what was going to happen if Twilight failed? Did Celestia have a backup plan, or is she just happy to play games with all of Equestria?
The cool thing about this being a test is that whatever is coming up in the future has to be rather epic indeed.
Figured out why Celestia didn't send Luna. She knew the evil magic would have to be used, and didn't want Luna to use it and relapse. That would be like sending an alcoholic on a quest to deliver the rum.
Comments
As far as episodes go, ++ would watch again. I'm just saying is all.
But I loved a lot of the other things they did with this. Rarity was really funny, as was Pinkie, they showed the developed stages of the Mane 6's friendship (Especially with Rainbow and Applejack), and they really had a lot of fun animating the various scenes. I was really loved their use of color with all the crystallized ponies and the various changes in the hair. I noticed they played a lot with the cheeks of the characters too.
The songs were meh, but I thought the reprise was really good. And I did think it was clever how they brought it full circle with Cadence. And this episode gave really good development with Armor, Cadence and Spike who really needed it.
So I can say good episode, but not necessarily one I would return to watching. I'd totally watch a trimmed episode where it was just about everything not related to Twilight and Sombra. I think "Dragon's Quest" still retains that title. On the subject of villains, the bullies were focused on for most of the episode and they are one-dimensional, bland, and despicable with no interesting or redeeming factors. There was potential there that we could learn more about the history of dragons, but come on, the only lasting thing from that episode was Crackle.
And yes, "Dragon Quest" is up there in terms of bad episodes.
I did like the character consistency with a lot of the interactions, so it feels like the writers could come back to explain some things. I can easily see any villain being brought back and the writers giving a good explanation and have them chew up the scenery.
Also, here's a thought:
If this really was a test, then presumably it's something that Twilight could conceivably have failed. If so, what was going to happen if Twilight failed? Did Celestia have a backup plan, or is she just happy to play games with all of Equestria?
The cool thing about this being a test is that whatever is coming up in the future has to be rather epic indeed.
Fanon to the rescue!
And the very first words in the very first episode - "News from Northern Equestria"
Political borders in pony land, they are fucked the fuck up.
Yep, that sorta sums it up.