Tyrell Badd
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It was a good episode, but I find Scootaloo's obsession with Rainbow Dash kind of weird.
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic
- Thread starter Mijzelffan
- Start date
who doesn't?Nabber said:
look all i'm saying is that if Rainbow Dash was real i'd totally stalk her although that might have more to do with the fact that she'd be a talking animated flying pony but whateverNabber said:
Lol, that was a really good episode.
Pinkie was definitely the best in the episode.
Pinkie was definitely the best in the episode.
Snowstalker
Snowstalker
This episode wasn't so great, IMO. I'll elaborate later.
SonicMario
Star Spirit
Now that the episode is released I'll give some thoughts
This was yet another great episode. The last three have been wonderful episodes. And it's really a surprise since this one in particular was written by the same writer who wrote what most consider the worst episode of the series. Rainbow Dash was just awesome in this episode. This episode defines Rainbow even more then Sonic Rainboom did. She almost gave up what was her life's dream that we've known about since the first episode of the series because she thought they were endorsing another pony who nearly could of killed her friends. Rainbow Dash showed why she is the element of Loyalty in this episode.
On to Lightning Dust however, I believe that she is the worst pony in the show. Just because she almost kills most of the Mane 6. And doesn't even feel the slightest sorry for it. At this point, Lightning Dust almost did worse then Nightmare Moon, Discord, Chrysalis, and Sombra did combined and she's not even supposed to be a villain. Just.... what the hell. Season 1 Trixie, and even Gilda wasn't even half that bad. They were jerks sure but they didn't almost kill anybody. I just can't see myself liking a character who's not really a villain, and almost kills 5 people/ponies and shrugs it off like it's no big deal.
My dislike for Lightning Dust aside however, it was another great episode. Three in a row to be exact now, let's see if Applejack and her family can make it four in a row.
On to Lightning Dust however, I believe that she is the worst pony in the show. Just because she almost kills most of the Mane 6. And doesn't even feel the slightest sorry for it. At this point, Lightning Dust almost did worse then Nightmare Moon, Discord, Chrysalis, and Sombra did combined and she's not even supposed to be a villain. Just.... what the hell. Season 1 Trixie, and even Gilda wasn't even half that bad. They were jerks sure but they didn't almost kill anybody. I just can't see myself liking a character who's not really a villain, and almost kills 5 people/ponies and shrugs it off like it's no big deal.
My dislike for Lightning Dust aside however, it was another great episode. Three in a row to be exact now, let's see if Applejack and her family can make it four in a row.
SonicMario
Star Spirit
I'm pretty excited for the next one. Applejack episodes have never disappointed me so far. As I love Applebuck Season and Last Round-Up for having some of the funniest parts of the series. And I also enjoyed Super Speedy Cider Squeezy, if only for the touching moment near the end when Applejack accepts the help of the others.
Though technially we're getting another double dose of Applejack for the next two weeks. Even if the 2nd one is also Spike related.
Though technially we're getting another double dose of Applejack for the next two weeks. Even if the 2nd one is also Spike related.
Oh man you guys this episode. Parts of it felt kind of recycled, particularly from "Griffon the Brushoff" and "Sonic Rainboom", but one of those is the best episode ever so that's forgivable. Also, it's still a million times better than those two episodes.
Just saw Wonderbolts Academy. Once again, I typed this while I watched the episode... INCOMING WALL OF TEXT!
Anyway, freaking GREAT episode, totally lived up to the hype!
Wow, amazing that the group happened to have a picnic right under Cloudsdale. Wait, that's not Cloudsdale, that's Rainbow Dash's house... I keep getting blown away at how impressive it looks!
I find it interesting that Rainbow Dash is so sure of herself here. Usually, with it comes to big moments like this, she begins to have doubts. Also, is it just me, or does Twilight sound slightly different. Like she sounds slightly older.
Another new mailpony, this one's a Pegasus. That's cool.
I love that Pinkie Pie hug! And I love the "balloon rubbing" noise that she makes while hugging Rainbow Dash. It's so cute!
Okay, so apparently, one can apply for the Wonderbolts academy, enroll for a week, and in that short amount of time, decide if a Pegasus pony is Wonderbolts material... Sounds like odd system, with really high stakes for anyone interested... Not to mention, I'm NOT too impressed with what I've seen from the Wonderbolts. Every time they show up they bomb hard. From what we, as an audience, have seen, it's hard to wonder why Rainbow Dash admires them so much.
Merriweather Williams... Alright, let's see how much you've improved since season 2...
The Wonderbolts Academy... located on this one conspicuously located clifftop with a bunch of clouds around it. I find it kind of odd, but okay...
Those training outfits the Pegusi are wearing look awesome, BTW.
Alright, some familiar Pegusi! Thunderlane seems to have gotten better... good thing, too, since I've grown quite a bit of fondness for him! Raindrops is there too, aka, the Pegauss with Derpy in Feeling Pinkie Keen. And... is that Cloudchaser or Flitter? I'm guessing it's Flitter... Plus "Roid Rage" or whatever he's called... and the Pegasus pony from the promos. Those two other Pegasi look familiar, but I can't remember their names.
Okay, what the Hell is with this Spitfire? She acts NOTHING like the Spitfire we've seen before! Does she just change into a "Drill Sergeant Nasty" whenever she's at the academy? Also, is it just me, or is Spitfire's voice more high-pitched this time around? It's really jarring seeing and hearing her like this. Not to mention, her cool, shiny eyelids are gone... I guess they wanted to make her less appealing this time around.
I guess Merriweather Williams can't escape writing jerky characters. But perhaps I'm speaking too soon.
Some logic, so if they were already an elite flyer, they'd already be a Wonderbolt? So why isn't Rainbow Dash a Wonderbolt? She's proven herself more than worthy by this point, ESPECIALLY since she saved her life before! Hell, she doesn't even seem to recognize Rainbow Dash here! ...Though I have to admit, seeing her talk down to Roid Rage is pretty funny... Especially when she notices how small his actual wings are...
I really like that new Pegasus already. I wonder who she's voiced by... I also like how she leaves a zig-zagged lightning bolt stream, like Rainbow Dash's rainbow stream, when she flies... It's similar to that drawing Lauren Faust drew of Firefly.
"Lightning Dust"... Um... okay. Eh, it'll probably grow on me. Seeing them "high-wing" each other was pretty awesome, too.
lol, Pinkie opening her mailbox repeatedly!
I'm actually intrigued about the "new spells" Twilight's learning, mostly because they're from Celestia herself. Is this the next step in her training?
Rainbow Dash in that Wonderblots training outfit is just awesome!
So, um, I just thought of something. Are the Wonderbolts, like, performers? Or are they some kind of military? At first, I was under the assumption that they were performers, but then, seeing them in Secret of My Excess, and seeing Soarin' and Spitfire here with all those badges and medals and stuff, I get the impression they're some kind of airforce team.
That first Pegasus... she kind of sounds like Spike. Maybe Cathy Weseluck voices her. She's also kind of cute, how she just hangs there in the spinny thing. Rainbow Dash, too!
I'm glad they didn't have Lightning Dust beat Rainbow Dash's time, but have it be close to her time, since after all, it was at maximum dizziness.
Uh-oh, Rainbow Dash is a wingpony! Her ego's going to suffer a serious blow! Although I'm sure the wingpony is an important role, though I'm sure that most people would assume it's not as important as the lead pony... I mean, after all, they call it a "lead pony" for a reason, after all. Not to mention, Lightning Dust seems to be the type who can be just as egotistical as Rainbow Dash, so she won't be letting her upstage her.
Hm... Spitfire's signing autographs? Maybe this is why she's so nasty here, she's just so busy. Every other time she's in a more relaxed setting... Although, in Hurricane Fluttershy, she was also on duty and she seemed pretty mellow. I seriously don't get why she acts so differently now.
Spitfire DOES raise a good point... Hell, actually I think this fits in perfectly with Rainbow Dash's character. While she IS an incredibly flyer with tons of natural talent, most of the time, she doesn't care to push herself; in fact, when she's not doing her job, she's usually seen relaxing and lazing about. Lightning Dust seems just as good, and as egotistical as Rainbow Dash, but she actively looks for ways to improve herself, take on any challenge, go for the gold. Hell, even though she didn't beat Rainbow Dash's time, she still managed to come close WITH higher intensity of dizziness! This one scene, I absolutely love it, because of it's callbacks to Rainbow Dash's character, from what we see in the actual episode, AND Spitfire is completely calm about it, and doesn't chew Rainbow Dash out! Hell, even though the "Rainbow Dash saved her" thing is still in the back of my mind, I also recall that, for all we know, she didn't see Rainbow Dash perform a Sonic Rainboom to do so... Although I have to wonder why nopony ever told her that detail, but even if she did, she's seen how Rainbow Dash acted, and while she's seen that RD is incredible, Lightning Dust is just as good as her, and in comparison, likes to take it to the next level and improve herself, so form her point of view, Lightning Dust would be the better choice as lead pony, and having the just as good Rainbow Dash by her side should make them an incredible team.
Once again, I am overjoyed by this one scene. It has depth to it, and stuff to talk about in regards of Rainbow Dash and her character. I feel like Merriweather's completely redeemed in my book!
I like the other pony teams. Hell, I think I just like the other ponies. I particularly enjoy the fact that the ones who I know are paired with each other, while the ones I don't know are also paired with each other!
Flitter or whoever and Roid Rage huddling together is cute AND funny! XD Also, am I the only one who finds it a little ironic that Thunderlane is on the same team as Rainbow Dash, the same pony who pushed him into extreme sickness? Then again, I get the feeling Rainbow Dash won't be much of a team player here...
Hrm... Interesting... I couldn't help but notice that Rainbow Dash is having a bit of a hard time keeping up with Lightning Dust... Not to mention, Lighting Dust tends to be a bit more extreme, doing more dangerous stunts that Rainbow Dash can't, or at least, has a more difficult time doing... Could it be... has Rainbow Dash met her match? ...Makes me wonder if Lightning Dust can perform a Sonic Rainboom on the fly. Then again, maybe she can't, but she's just an overall better flyer than Dash? This is actually a nice angle, because it shows that a complete unknown (to us, anyway) really CAN be better than Rainbow Dash in some ways. It's like that mantra, "there's always someone better", and it's why Goku from Dragon Ball Z is so obsessed with training, even though he's pretty much beaten the most powerful beings in the universe. Although unlike in Dragon Ball Z, here it's presented in a way that's more believable. Given Rainbow Dash's character as well as what we know about Lightning Dush, it's not hard to see how she can be a better flyer in comparison.
Looks like the hype is true, this really IS turning out to be an awesome episode!
I also think that, while Pinkie Pie can be a little extreme here, I wouldn't be surprised if Rainbow Dash DID temporarily forget about her friends. After all, she's dealing with her own problems, and is too focused on them to really contact her friends... or more importantly, letting them know about this. As A Friend in Deed has shown us, she is INSISTENT about hiding any signs of weakness, even to her closest friends. Even if she WAS thinking about her friends at this moment, there's not WAY she'd tell them about how she feels inferior compared to this other Pegasus!
Again, subtle callbacks! This episode's awesome!
Boy Pinkie Pie... and here I thought Twilight jumped to extremely illogical conclusions...
Is it just me, or does this new training area look like the Summer Flight Camp Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went to as fillies?
I think it's funny that now of all times, Rainbow Dash isn't concerned about winning... Mostly because now, she's finally met somepony faster and tougher than her, and now would rather take things slow and just look impressive then beating a non-existent race... It's actually a really unique situation that we haven't seen Rainbow Dash in before. A theoretical "what if" come to life in this episode, in which we see what would happen if Rainbow Dash actually met another pony that's better than her.
Also, I can't help but notice that Lightning Dust is acting like I expected Rainbow Dash to. I expected her to try and muscle her way into being a leader, with Lightning Dust being little more than a plot device for Rainbow Dash, but here, LD is actually far more aggressive than Rainbow Dash, to the point of shoving everypony else out of the way for them to get past and finish first... Although I can kind of see where this might be going... Spitfire chews them out about how they behaved, since after all, being a Wonderbolt also means being part of a team, and not to outshine anypony else... Maybe I'm wrong. I actually hope I'm wrong, slightly. I want to see where this episode goes!
My gosh... Here Rainbow Dash is actually showing... EMPATHY! After almost a season of seeing Rainbow Dash acting like inconsiderate jerk, we FINALLY see Rainbow Dash showing sympathy for the runners-up... Perhaps because now she finally knows what it feels like to NOT be the absolute best, and can now connect with all those who she's pushed aside int he past...
Oh my gosh, this really IS turning out to be a really awesome episode! Showing Rainbow Dash in a completely positive light for once! Not to mention, even though I slightly critiqued Spitfire acting weird, the only real jerk here is the new character, Lightning Dust, and here it fits to have her as the jerk of the Merriweather Williams episode. After all, we don't know anything about her, so she's a completely blank slate; there are some obvious parallels to Rainbow Dash, so it's easy to figure she's just like her in many ways. Gosh, there's just so much to talk about in this episode, and so much in it that's good, I could go on and on about it! But I should probably finish watching it first...
Cloud-busting, alright! Raindrops seems to be pretty good at this... And seeing Roid Rage bite one was pretty funny!
Alright, this "blow away the competition" thing... I think she's officially crossed the line into Gilda territory. As Rainbow Dash said, they're clearly not in any kind of threat of losing, yet she still feels the need to pick on them. I think this is where the Rainbow Dash parallel ends, while Rainbow Dash does go on about how awesome she is, she never felt the need to "kick 'em while they're done", like Lightning is doing. Unfortunately, remembering how Spitfire made her lead pony leads Rainbow Dash to believe if she acts like her, she'll be respected like her in the eyes of Spitfire... Boy, do I have a feeling this will end badly for her.
A tornado... THAT'LL get rid of the clouds! But what's this? Lightning Dust can't control it? I guess she finally overestimated herself... Although... what was so hard to control about that tornado? I mean, Rainbow Dash made a tornado all by herself before, and she could hold it fine, until Pinkie Pie interfered... This, along with the "can't get past them" thing before, when Lightning and Rainbow literally could have flown over them, are moments where Merriweathers less-than-stellar writing skills peek through. Although, the rest of the episode is really solid, so it's not all that problematic here.
And talk about your bad timing! Here comes Rainbow's friends, just in time to get caught up in the tornado!
Rainbow Dash saves them! By... using a cloud? Um... how come it effected the ponies other than Fluttershy? Wouldn't Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie just fall through? Again, Merrweather's less-than-stellar writing.
I like the image of Thunderlane holding Rarity... Hey, I'd ship that. :P
Also, Flitter/Cloudchaster looks disgruntled at Fluttershy for not flying herself. I find that cute... also, it looks like the package they were going to give Rainbow got crushed...
Also, now Lightning Dust is being completely inconsiderate. Apparently not realizing, or caring, that those were Rainbow's friends, and that they nearly fell to their deaths because of that crazy stun they pulled that even SHE couldn't handle! I think she's descended into the realm of MLP jerk/bully, along with Gilda, Trixie, and Diamong Tiara/Silver Spoon. It's a shame, really, I thought she'd turn out better. But, oh well, another antagonist is welcome in my book. Not to mention, she's a great dark parallel to Rainbow Dash, showing just how completely unreasonable she COULD be... if she wasn't the element of loyalty.
I guess "bro-hoof" is now officially "hoof-bump" in the MLP universe. It was already in A Friend in Deed, but, you know, just in case you needed a reminder.
Wait, Spitfire wasn't out there watching them? What could she have been doing that was more important than watching the new recruits? Again, strangely convenient that she wasn't present for Lightning Dust's douchebaggery. Merriweather, your less-than-stellar writing is showing again. Not that I really mind, like I said, this is an awesome episode, but still, I wouldn't be who I was if i didn't acknowledge little weird things here and there.
Not to mention, I'm sure if Spitfire knew about LD's actions, she'd disapprove, but of course, Rainbow goes the more gutsy move, completely giving up on her dream of being a Wonderbolt...
And of course, THAT'S what turns her around and makes her worthy! Yeah, I saw this coming, but it's IMMENSELY satisfying to see LD get owned and RD praised! ...Even though it's strangely sad to see Lightning Dust walk away like that... She looked really upset. But maybe she'll learn something out of this. Also, Rainbow Dash's "OHMYGOSH" returns! She's just so adorable when she does that!
And now... everypony is her wingpony? Also, it's clever how this episode ends, NOT with her becoming a Wonderbolt, but by her leading the class in becoming a Wonderbolt! It's like the CMC getting their cutie marks, it's unlikely she'll ever by a Wonderbolt in the series proper.
I find it interesting that Rainbow Dash is so sure of herself here. Usually, with it comes to big moments like this, she begins to have doubts. Also, is it just me, or does Twilight sound slightly different. Like she sounds slightly older.
Another new mailpony, this one's a Pegasus. That's cool.
I love that Pinkie Pie hug! And I love the "balloon rubbing" noise that she makes while hugging Rainbow Dash. It's so cute!
Okay, so apparently, one can apply for the Wonderbolts academy, enroll for a week, and in that short amount of time, decide if a Pegasus pony is Wonderbolts material... Sounds like odd system, with really high stakes for anyone interested... Not to mention, I'm NOT too impressed with what I've seen from the Wonderbolts. Every time they show up they bomb hard. From what we, as an audience, have seen, it's hard to wonder why Rainbow Dash admires them so much.
Merriweather Williams... Alright, let's see how much you've improved since season 2...
The Wonderbolts Academy... located on this one conspicuously located clifftop with a bunch of clouds around it. I find it kind of odd, but okay...
Those training outfits the Pegusi are wearing look awesome, BTW.
Alright, some familiar Pegusi! Thunderlane seems to have gotten better... good thing, too, since I've grown quite a bit of fondness for him! Raindrops is there too, aka, the Pegauss with Derpy in Feeling Pinkie Keen. And... is that Cloudchaser or Flitter? I'm guessing it's Flitter... Plus "Roid Rage" or whatever he's called... and the Pegasus pony from the promos. Those two other Pegasi look familiar, but I can't remember their names.
Okay, what the Hell is with this Spitfire? She acts NOTHING like the Spitfire we've seen before! Does she just change into a "Drill Sergeant Nasty" whenever she's at the academy? Also, is it just me, or is Spitfire's voice more high-pitched this time around? It's really jarring seeing and hearing her like this. Not to mention, her cool, shiny eyelids are gone... I guess they wanted to make her less appealing this time around.
I guess Merriweather Williams can't escape writing jerky characters. But perhaps I'm speaking too soon.
Some logic, so if they were already an elite flyer, they'd already be a Wonderbolt? So why isn't Rainbow Dash a Wonderbolt? She's proven herself more than worthy by this point, ESPECIALLY since she saved her life before! Hell, she doesn't even seem to recognize Rainbow Dash here! ...Though I have to admit, seeing her talk down to Roid Rage is pretty funny... Especially when she notices how small his actual wings are...
I really like that new Pegasus already. I wonder who she's voiced by... I also like how she leaves a zig-zagged lightning bolt stream, like Rainbow Dash's rainbow stream, when she flies... It's similar to that drawing Lauren Faust drew of Firefly.
"Lightning Dust"... Um... okay. Eh, it'll probably grow on me. Seeing them "high-wing" each other was pretty awesome, too.
lol, Pinkie opening her mailbox repeatedly!
I'm actually intrigued about the "new spells" Twilight's learning, mostly because they're from Celestia herself. Is this the next step in her training?
Rainbow Dash in that Wonderblots training outfit is just awesome!
So, um, I just thought of something. Are the Wonderbolts, like, performers? Or are they some kind of military? At first, I was under the assumption that they were performers, but then, seeing them in Secret of My Excess, and seeing Soarin' and Spitfire here with all those badges and medals and stuff, I get the impression they're some kind of airforce team.
That first Pegasus... she kind of sounds like Spike. Maybe Cathy Weseluck voices her. She's also kind of cute, how she just hangs there in the spinny thing. Rainbow Dash, too!
I'm glad they didn't have Lightning Dust beat Rainbow Dash's time, but have it be close to her time, since after all, it was at maximum dizziness.
Uh-oh, Rainbow Dash is a wingpony! Her ego's going to suffer a serious blow! Although I'm sure the wingpony is an important role, though I'm sure that most people would assume it's not as important as the lead pony... I mean, after all, they call it a "lead pony" for a reason, after all. Not to mention, Lightning Dust seems to be the type who can be just as egotistical as Rainbow Dash, so she won't be letting her upstage her.
Hm... Spitfire's signing autographs? Maybe this is why she's so nasty here, she's just so busy. Every other time she's in a more relaxed setting... Although, in Hurricane Fluttershy, she was also on duty and she seemed pretty mellow. I seriously don't get why she acts so differently now.
Spitfire DOES raise a good point... Hell, actually I think this fits in perfectly with Rainbow Dash's character. While she IS an incredibly flyer with tons of natural talent, most of the time, she doesn't care to push herself; in fact, when she's not doing her job, she's usually seen relaxing and lazing about. Lightning Dust seems just as good, and as egotistical as Rainbow Dash, but she actively looks for ways to improve herself, take on any challenge, go for the gold. Hell, even though she didn't beat Rainbow Dash's time, she still managed to come close WITH higher intensity of dizziness! This one scene, I absolutely love it, because of it's callbacks to Rainbow Dash's character, from what we see in the actual episode, AND Spitfire is completely calm about it, and doesn't chew Rainbow Dash out! Hell, even though the "Rainbow Dash saved her" thing is still in the back of my mind, I also recall that, for all we know, she didn't see Rainbow Dash perform a Sonic Rainboom to do so... Although I have to wonder why nopony ever told her that detail, but even if she did, she's seen how Rainbow Dash acted, and while she's seen that RD is incredible, Lightning Dust is just as good as her, and in comparison, likes to take it to the next level and improve herself, so form her point of view, Lightning Dust would be the better choice as lead pony, and having the just as good Rainbow Dash by her side should make them an incredible team.
Once again, I am overjoyed by this one scene. It has depth to it, and stuff to talk about in regards of Rainbow Dash and her character. I feel like Merriweather's completely redeemed in my book!
I like the other pony teams. Hell, I think I just like the other ponies. I particularly enjoy the fact that the ones who I know are paired with each other, while the ones I don't know are also paired with each other!
Flitter or whoever and Roid Rage huddling together is cute AND funny! XD Also, am I the only one who finds it a little ironic that Thunderlane is on the same team as Rainbow Dash, the same pony who pushed him into extreme sickness? Then again, I get the feeling Rainbow Dash won't be much of a team player here...
Hrm... Interesting... I couldn't help but notice that Rainbow Dash is having a bit of a hard time keeping up with Lightning Dust... Not to mention, Lighting Dust tends to be a bit more extreme, doing more dangerous stunts that Rainbow Dash can't, or at least, has a more difficult time doing... Could it be... has Rainbow Dash met her match? ...Makes me wonder if Lightning Dust can perform a Sonic Rainboom on the fly. Then again, maybe she can't, but she's just an overall better flyer than Dash? This is actually a nice angle, because it shows that a complete unknown (to us, anyway) really CAN be better than Rainbow Dash in some ways. It's like that mantra, "there's always someone better", and it's why Goku from Dragon Ball Z is so obsessed with training, even though he's pretty much beaten the most powerful beings in the universe. Although unlike in Dragon Ball Z, here it's presented in a way that's more believable. Given Rainbow Dash's character as well as what we know about Lightning Dush, it's not hard to see how she can be a better flyer in comparison.
Looks like the hype is true, this really IS turning out to be an awesome episode!
I also think that, while Pinkie Pie can be a little extreme here, I wouldn't be surprised if Rainbow Dash DID temporarily forget about her friends. After all, she's dealing with her own problems, and is too focused on them to really contact her friends... or more importantly, letting them know about this. As A Friend in Deed has shown us, she is INSISTENT about hiding any signs of weakness, even to her closest friends. Even if she WAS thinking about her friends at this moment, there's not WAY she'd tell them about how she feels inferior compared to this other Pegasus!
Again, subtle callbacks! This episode's awesome!
Boy Pinkie Pie... and here I thought Twilight jumped to extremely illogical conclusions...
Is it just me, or does this new training area look like the Summer Flight Camp Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went to as fillies?
I think it's funny that now of all times, Rainbow Dash isn't concerned about winning... Mostly because now, she's finally met somepony faster and tougher than her, and now would rather take things slow and just look impressive then beating a non-existent race... It's actually a really unique situation that we haven't seen Rainbow Dash in before. A theoretical "what if" come to life in this episode, in which we see what would happen if Rainbow Dash actually met another pony that's better than her.
Also, I can't help but notice that Lightning Dust is acting like I expected Rainbow Dash to. I expected her to try and muscle her way into being a leader, with Lightning Dust being little more than a plot device for Rainbow Dash, but here, LD is actually far more aggressive than Rainbow Dash, to the point of shoving everypony else out of the way for them to get past and finish first... Although I can kind of see where this might be going... Spitfire chews them out about how they behaved, since after all, being a Wonderbolt also means being part of a team, and not to outshine anypony else... Maybe I'm wrong. I actually hope I'm wrong, slightly. I want to see where this episode goes!
My gosh... Here Rainbow Dash is actually showing... EMPATHY! After almost a season of seeing Rainbow Dash acting like inconsiderate jerk, we FINALLY see Rainbow Dash showing sympathy for the runners-up... Perhaps because now she finally knows what it feels like to NOT be the absolute best, and can now connect with all those who she's pushed aside int he past...
Oh my gosh, this really IS turning out to be a really awesome episode! Showing Rainbow Dash in a completely positive light for once! Not to mention, even though I slightly critiqued Spitfire acting weird, the only real jerk here is the new character, Lightning Dust, and here it fits to have her as the jerk of the Merriweather Williams episode. After all, we don't know anything about her, so she's a completely blank slate; there are some obvious parallels to Rainbow Dash, so it's easy to figure she's just like her in many ways. Gosh, there's just so much to talk about in this episode, and so much in it that's good, I could go on and on about it! But I should probably finish watching it first...
Cloud-busting, alright! Raindrops seems to be pretty good at this... And seeing Roid Rage bite one was pretty funny!
Alright, this "blow away the competition" thing... I think she's officially crossed the line into Gilda territory. As Rainbow Dash said, they're clearly not in any kind of threat of losing, yet she still feels the need to pick on them. I think this is where the Rainbow Dash parallel ends, while Rainbow Dash does go on about how awesome she is, she never felt the need to "kick 'em while they're done", like Lightning is doing. Unfortunately, remembering how Spitfire made her lead pony leads Rainbow Dash to believe if she acts like her, she'll be respected like her in the eyes of Spitfire... Boy, do I have a feeling this will end badly for her.
A tornado... THAT'LL get rid of the clouds! But what's this? Lightning Dust can't control it? I guess she finally overestimated herself... Although... what was so hard to control about that tornado? I mean, Rainbow Dash made a tornado all by herself before, and she could hold it fine, until Pinkie Pie interfered... This, along with the "can't get past them" thing before, when Lightning and Rainbow literally could have flown over them, are moments where Merriweathers less-than-stellar writing skills peek through. Although, the rest of the episode is really solid, so it's not all that problematic here.
And talk about your bad timing! Here comes Rainbow's friends, just in time to get caught up in the tornado!
Rainbow Dash saves them! By... using a cloud? Um... how come it effected the ponies other than Fluttershy? Wouldn't Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie just fall through? Again, Merrweather's less-than-stellar writing.
I like the image of Thunderlane holding Rarity... Hey, I'd ship that. :P
Also, Flitter/Cloudchaster looks disgruntled at Fluttershy for not flying herself. I find that cute... also, it looks like the package they were going to give Rainbow got crushed...
Also, now Lightning Dust is being completely inconsiderate. Apparently not realizing, or caring, that those were Rainbow's friends, and that they nearly fell to their deaths because of that crazy stun they pulled that even SHE couldn't handle! I think she's descended into the realm of MLP jerk/bully, along with Gilda, Trixie, and Diamong Tiara/Silver Spoon. It's a shame, really, I thought she'd turn out better. But, oh well, another antagonist is welcome in my book. Not to mention, she's a great dark parallel to Rainbow Dash, showing just how completely unreasonable she COULD be... if she wasn't the element of loyalty.
I guess "bro-hoof" is now officially "hoof-bump" in the MLP universe. It was already in A Friend in Deed, but, you know, just in case you needed a reminder.
Wait, Spitfire wasn't out there watching them? What could she have been doing that was more important than watching the new recruits? Again, strangely convenient that she wasn't present for Lightning Dust's douchebaggery. Merriweather, your less-than-stellar writing is showing again. Not that I really mind, like I said, this is an awesome episode, but still, I wouldn't be who I was if i didn't acknowledge little weird things here and there.
Not to mention, I'm sure if Spitfire knew about LD's actions, she'd disapprove, but of course, Rainbow goes the more gutsy move, completely giving up on her dream of being a Wonderbolt...
And of course, THAT'S what turns her around and makes her worthy! Yeah, I saw this coming, but it's IMMENSELY satisfying to see LD get owned and RD praised! ...Even though it's strangely sad to see Lightning Dust walk away like that... She looked really upset. But maybe she'll learn something out of this. Also, Rainbow Dash's "OHMYGOSH" returns! She's just so adorable when she does that!
And now... everypony is her wingpony? Also, it's clever how this episode ends, NOT with her becoming a Wonderbolt, but by her leading the class in becoming a Wonderbolt! It's like the CMC getting their cutie marks, it's unlikely she'll ever by a Wonderbolt in the series proper.
Anyway, freaking GREAT episode, totally lived up to the hype!
...But will we ever see what was inside RD's care package?! 
That's how it is every episode shes inNabber said:
So I have this holiday party with my co-workers I'm going to, and we have something called a "white elephant" gift exchange. This basically means everybody gets a gift, a give that doesn't really have much use or purpose, put everyone's gift in a pile, then people randomly take one of the gifts. Nobody says who each gift is from until after it's opened, and people can trade with people who have already opened gifts. Originally, I was going to get another MLP comic book boxset, but the anime store I go to didn't have any in stock. I DID get a Twilight, Spike, and pink Celestia set, though, and I intend to give that away. I also managed to find a rare mega collection, the one with DJ PON-3, Trixie, and Nightmare Moon, and a tin to keep my trading cards in (as well as the latest issue of One Piece). While I was out, I bought another six packs of trading cards! Here's what I got:
Edit: A new writer and a new artist are apparently working on the next story arc:
I sort of expected a new writer, but I'm going to miss Andy Price's artwork... But Amy Mebberson seems to be pretty good. She made a Strawberry Shortcake parody with ponies:
Character Cards
Tank
DJ pon-3 & Octavia
Granny Smith
Mare Do Well & Daring Do (Hero Card)
Winona
The Wonderbolts x2
Peewee
Snips & Snails
Rarity
Braeburn
Fluttershy
Location Cards
Sweet Apple Acres
Sugarcube Corner
Canterlot
Crusaders Clubhouse
Appleloosa
Golden Oaks Library
Holographic Cards
Princess Cadance (Royal Wedding set)
Twilight Sparkle (Gold Series)
Standees
Twilight Sparkle
Rarity
Sweetie Belle
Apple Bloom
Other Cards
"Hush Now Quiet Now"
Slumber Party 101
Meet the Apple Family!
Elements of a Good Cheer
"My Little Spikey Wikey!"
"Come On and Smile!"
Tattoos (which I'll never use, most likely)
Pinkie Pie & Rarity
Princess Luna cutie mark
Rainbow Dash cutie mark x2
Princess Luna and "Super Star Twilight Sparkle My Little Pony" heart
Princess Celestia cutie mark
Tank
DJ pon-3 & Octavia
Granny Smith
Mare Do Well & Daring Do (Hero Card)
Winona
The Wonderbolts x2
Peewee
Snips & Snails
Rarity
Braeburn
Fluttershy
Location Cards
Sweet Apple Acres
Sugarcube Corner
Canterlot
Crusaders Clubhouse
Appleloosa
Golden Oaks Library
Holographic Cards
Princess Cadance (Royal Wedding set)
Twilight Sparkle (Gold Series)
Standees
Twilight Sparkle
Rarity
Sweetie Belle
Apple Bloom
Other Cards
"Hush Now Quiet Now"
Slumber Party 101
Meet the Apple Family!
Elements of a Good Cheer
"My Little Spikey Wikey!"
"Come On and Smile!"
Tattoos (which I'll never use, most likely)
Pinkie Pie & Rarity
Princess Luna cutie mark
Rainbow Dash cutie mark x2
Princess Luna and "Super Star Twilight Sparkle My Little Pony" heart
Princess Celestia cutie mark
Edit: A new writer and a new artist are apparently working on the next story arc:
I sort of expected a new writer, but I'm going to miss Andy Price's artwork... But Amy Mebberson seems to be pretty good. She made a Strawberry Shortcake parody with ponies:
It's about dang time!Northern Verve said:
Edit: Guess what guys, this game is getting it's first update! Now available on the App Store (for iPad owners, anyway)! The update includes the following:
- Meet New Ponies: Make friends with Pipsqueak, Teachers Pet (that fat pony formerly nicknamed "Truffle Shuffle), and Bowling Pony (the pony version of Walter Sobchak).
- New Buildings: Get Cozy in the Log Cabin, and treat yourself at the Ice Cream Shop!
- New Decorations: Add a merry touch to Ponyville with five seasonal items
- Snow everwhere: See your buildings and all of Ponyville covered in white. After all, whats winter without snow? (ha ha ha...)
- Holiday Quests: Enjoy 10 special holiday missions full of joyful adventures!
- Bug fixes and system optimizations
So yeah, nice to see Snips isn't so freakishly huge anymore, and new ponies are always welcome... But why "Teacher's Pet" for Truffle Shuffle... and "Bowling Pony"? Seriously? You called Jeff "The Dude" Letrotski and Jesús Pezuña by their respective movie-based names, why skimp out on this?! Anyway... I wonder how long this holiday theme will last until the next update...
ALSO, an interview with Ashleigh Ball!
Snowstalker
Snowstalker
RACIST BARN RACIST BARN
SonicMario
Star Spirit
Don't know if this is we've been spoiled with the last 3. But I kinda feel this one was a little... dull in comparison?
I still liked this episode though. Had it's own silly moments. But I do feel a little letdown with this episode. Still no mention of Applejack's parents in an episode where alot of the Apple family was appearing. Maybe they are deceased and the Hub just aren't allowing it to get mentioned (At least not yet) because it's too sad.
Nice to see Applejack get a song though. And nice use of continuity with Babs Seed and everything.
I still liked this episode though. Had it's own silly moments. But I do feel a little letdown with this episode. Still no mention of Applejack's parents in an episode where alot of the Apple family was appearing. Maybe they are deceased and the Hub just aren't allowing it to get mentioned (At least not yet) because it's too sad.
Nice to see Applejack get a song though. And nice use of continuity with Babs Seed and everything.
Snowstalker
Snowstalker
I think Applejack's parents were implied at the end. Did you notice the two shooting stars at the very last second (a shot outside the farmhouse at night)?
SonicMario
Star Spirit
Gummy said:
Yeah I've been told of that elsewhere. But it's still a wait and see kind of thing. If it is a reference to them. Then kudos to the staff for the subtlety. But it's not really any confirmation yet. (The shooting stars also apparently appeared about 5 minutes into the episode meaning they might have some sort of symbolism). But if it is, my thoughts on this episode will improve then. But until it's confirmed, I can't really say they are supposed to represent them.
EDIT:
Oh nvm then
Guess they are. Kudos for the really, really subtle way of approaching them. Though I feel like it's still a little too subtle. But oh well, guess this might be confirmation that they're deceased. I just kinda wish we'd get some canon stuff about that sometime during the show..
Kyoko Sakura
Celestial Guide
should this thread be my #1 source for seeing if the episode is up