My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic ‘Flight to the Finish’ Review


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We are now five episodes into Season 4. The previous one was a deviation from the ‘find out about the mysterious box!’ story. But it was a game-changer nonetheless. It brought back Daring Do and made her part of the main cast. Some are still sketchy on that decision and wishes for her to be simply a book character. My response is that she’s one of the very best characters, so now that she’s actually real the possibilities for amazing plots are endless. Daring Do vs. Discord anyone? The dialogue between the two would be priceless. Anyways, this episode is the first one to star the Cutie Mark Crusaders, everyone’s favorite fillies. Usually their episodes are pretty solid, how about this one? What we have is not only the best episode of Season 4 thus far, but also the best Cutie Mark Crusaders episode of them all.

Here’s the official episode description from The Hub:

The Cutie Mark Crusaders enter a competition where they must put on an act that shows how great Ponyville is, with the winner getting to hold the Ponyville flag during the Equestria games. They decide to put on a routine that talks about how all three pony species, earth ponies, Pegasi and unicorns, live in Ponyville in harmony. But Scootaloo starts to feel self-conscious about herself when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon taunt her about how she is a Pegasus that can’t fly and she starts to believe that flying is the only way to make their routine the best.

What I like about the beginning is that it brings back Ms. Harshwhinny from ‘Games Ponies Play.’ I doubt anyone thought we’d be seeing her again. It’s definitely good, since we didn’t get to see much of her character in that episode. Some might find it hard to believe that Rainbow Dash is the only Mane 6 pony to appear after having her own episode last time. Thankfully, she’s a lot less annoying here and actually has some fantastic lines. She was a great character in this one, one of her best portrayals. But, this is a Cutie Mark Crusaders episode first and foremost. It’s a nice change of pace to have them trying to do something else than doing random antics in hopes of getting their Cutie Marks.

Perhaps the most notable thing about this episode is the song, ‘Hearts Strong as Horses.’ It’s the first song of Season 4. (Finally!) How does it stack up? It’s definitely fantastic and the new Cutie Mark Crusaders official theme song. The animation accompanying it is also nice. You won’t be forgetting the line, “Hearts strong as horses” anytime soon. Now, Rainbow Dash was ‘awesome’ throughout. The scene near the end at Scootaloo’s house I think is one of her finest scenes yet. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon continue to be the stock bullies. Seriously, somepony needs to put them in their place like Babs did back in ‘One Bad Apple.’

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Scootaloo is the primary member of the Crusaders focused upon. Her issue of not being able to fly is addressed and is pretty interesting. In fact, this is the first time that’s addressed, so that’s another monumental thing about this episode. So there’s some good emotion here. Rainbow Dash’s line, “Maybe you’ll fly someday, or maybe you won’t. You’re all kinds of awesome anyway. Who’s the toughest little pony in town?” was incredible. I have to give a huge hats off to new writer Ed Valentine. In just one episode he wrote one of the best Rainbow Dash portrayals and just overall a very well-written story. I hope he writes another one in the future, I’m curious what he can do with the main six ponies.

Overall, a really great episode. I don’t know about you guys, but I personally think it’s the best episode of Season 4 thus far. The writing is great, and for the first time in awhile I find myself liking Rainbow Dash a lot. The Cutie Mark Crusaders are fun to watch, especially when they’re not trying to get their Cutie Marks and focusing on other things. The new song should go down a classic since it’s pretty much the theme song for the Filly team. ‘Flight to the Finish’ is fantastic.

5/5

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Daniel is a huge fan of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. His favorite is Fluttershy and you can follow him on Twitter: @Destroyer_199