My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

[Reply #560 on:]

She just goes from episode to episode acting like a douche. Sometimes she has a peak of niceness and I get that she doesn't have to be over-friendly but if she isn't at least kind on some level than why should I bother even liking her?

Because she rainbow dash rainbow sonic rainboom dash rainbow!

Er, oh, dang, can't have this hiding.

Rarity is a bit vain, and sometimes she is rather shallow, but that's part of her charm, as well as a good source of her humour.  

So, I'm not alone in thinking RD acted like a complete douche in this episode?  This episode really really made me loathe her.  She really didn't deserve Tank or the falcon for pets.  I have to admit, it really bothers me that Rarity gets bashed so much for her perceived lack of generosity, when RD's personality contrasts with her element so much more. I can't believe Fluttershy (she may be shy, but mistreating animals is one of the few ways to genuinely piss her off) or anyone else didn't call Rainbow Dash for her nasty treatment of the animals.  i would day RD was much more of a snob in this episode then Rarity has ever been.  She treated all those animals like dirt. It bothers me how much Rarity gets bashed in the fandom for traits that are ignored or celebrated in RD.

I will have to watch more RD episodes though, but I'll have toa gree with you spacedial, RD is one of the ponies who never seems to learn her lessons, unlike the others.

[Reply #561 on:]

Pinkie Pie always makes me happy.  I need to get a Fluttershy figurine, and then I'll have my 3 favourites  out of the main cast.

Though while we're on the subject, I think Rarity's element should have been the element of Creation, or the Element of Imagination or something.  Apparently, Inspiration was originally her element but Hasbro thought kids were too dumb to get that.  I mean she is a very generous pony, but that trait is already pretty much covered by Fluttershy, and I would say Rarity's ability as an artist/creator is her most unique positive trait, more so then her generosity.  What made Rarity my favourite pony are her attempts to make a name for herself as a fashion designer, and as an artist.  Art of the Dress is something any creative person who is trying to make a career out of their talents can identify with.  Element of Ambition is another suitable element, but I would say that would lead to more people arguing about her selfishness.

Green isn't your Colour is another episode I identify with.  I've had a few semi-famous people express interest in my artwork/writing/designs and offer their support (usually in a pretty modest way too, nothing as big as promising to plug my designs on their tv show/column), only for the promises to never materialise.

[Reply #562 on:]

Have you seen Puting You Hoof Down yet? I'de be interested to know your thoughts on the Fluttershy-Rarity-Pinky Pie dynamic in that episode.
 —
Personally, I have no problem with the degree of mismatch between each character's personality and the element they're meant to represent. It somehow makes the feel less fictional.
 —
I read somewhere that out of all the main six Rarity is the one who seems most aware of her own flaws and is the most likely to try overcoming them without prompting from others.

[Reply #563 on:]

That's only because she has to look her best, darling. Flaws? So 2009!

[Reply #564 on:]

I noticed that as well.  Rarity seems like the most likely to be aware when she's done something wrong, and she seems like the most likely to force herself to overcome selfish or unkind thoughts (Green Isn't your Colour is the best example of this.)  I would also say she's the most conflicted as well, since dressmaking isn't a hobby, but something she's trying to make a career out of, and she seems to understand the importance of connections for her business.

I really enjoyed Putting your Hoof Down, mainly because it was a storyline about my three favourite ponies.  I really liked how Pinkie Pie and Rarity were outraged at how crappy people were treating Fluttershy, and not only stood up for her, but tried to get her to stand up for herself.  It was nice to see Fluttershy as no angel, but I have to admit I was shocked at how vindictive she can be when she wants to be (she made Rarity AND Pinky Pie cry after all).

I agree with what you are saying though, if every character was a perfect representation of her element and never deviated from them, the mane six and the show itself would be a lot less interesting.   I'm glad they each get a charataristic that doesn't completely define them, like a lot of other shows with similar concepts make the mistake of doing.

[Reply #565 on:]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99J6MgYvZZA

[Reply #566 on:]

Is it bad that I thought of Navi from Ocarina of TIme when I saw the Parasprites?  They basically look like Zelda fairies with facial features and legs.

Oh and I just watched the last of the entire series as of now.   One thing I would say is... I liked the episode with the Flim Flam brothers (god dammit they were awesome villains and their song is so catchy), but the episode wasn't as good as it should have been: the episode was full of plot holes, and the bits that weren't operated on someone being a complete and utter moron.  It really diluted what would have otherwise been one of my favorite episodes (and considering it stars my second least-favourite pony, that is saying something.)

Oh and I can think of a good way to redeem RD, at least in my eyes.  They really should do an episode where Rarity and RD clash, but eventually realize their ambitions are not too dissimilar: RD wants to be a star athlete, and Rarity wants to be a famous fashion designer, and could show that the work both of them will have to do, and all the hoops they will have to jump through aren't that different, such as RD possibly trying to find a sponsor so she can compete in a big race, and Rarity having to schmooze at fashion parties to get connections.   For a kid's show, Rarity already offers a fairly realistic view at how the fashion world works from a young student/designer's point of view, maybe they could do something similar with RD wanting to be a famous athlete?   Because right now, it is mostly treated as her hobby, rather then her ambition in life (except for her idolization of the wonderbolts), unlike Rarity and her attempts to break into the fashion industry.  At the moment, RD is the only pony that really has a level of ambition on par with Rarity's, but lacks her drive and commitment to it.

[Reply #567 on:]

Apparently, Inspiration was originally her element but Hasbro thought kids were too dumb to get that.

I am going to rant at you, SpaceGoldfish. I want you to take this as personally as possible, be extremely offended, and perhaps even glare at your screen with a grumpy expression for a couple seconds. This is what I do when I'm angry at someone at the Internet, so I assume that it is a common method of expressing rage. If you do this, I'll know I've achieved the reaction I was aiming for.

Think about this idea that Hasbro rejected. Then think about what makes "Inspiration" wholly different in nature to every Element save for Magic. When you've finally realized what a horrible idea of "Inspiration" being an Element is, then you'll have made a step closer to comprehending what the point of presenting the Elements as desirable personal characteristics was in the first place.

Show spoiler

Namely, this point is that each of the Elements (save Magic, which is unique in that it manifests when the other elements are brought together ("Friendship is Magic", geddit?)) are characteristics someone can choose to possess or act upon.

You can make the choice to be honest.

You can make the choice to be loyal.

You can make the choice to be generous.

You can make the choice to be kind.

You can make the choice to laugh or make others laugh.

But being inspired is not a matter of choice. It doesn't fit. It's a stupid idea, and Hasbro was right for rejecting it. It can't be an Element. It doesn't work. If it had gone ahead in that manner, Nightmare Moon would have conquered Equestria and Celestia never would have gotten her sister back and most everypony probably would have died during the eternal night. Because friendship does not work that way!

Did I do it? Do you feel mildly annoyed at me now?

[Reply #568 on:]

Aw Xanfor, you're always so reasonable and well articulated, that I can never be annoyed with you.  

Not really, because true laughter is involuntary, (forced laughter implies phoniness) as is the ability to make people laugh.  Being funny is a talent.  Also, I don't really think Inspiration was the right word.  I think Element of Imagination or Element of Creativity/Creation works better then Inspiration.  And you can't choose to be magical, and it has no applications in the real world.   It's something you are born with.  You could argue that it relates to Friendship being Magic, but Hasbro argues kids are too stupid to know what inspiration is.  You can choose to express your imagination in a way that helps others or makes the world a more interesting place.   Or you can choose to create things that are useful or lovely.  Well Rarity is extremely generous, but it's not her defining trait, and generosity is just a specific form of kindness, which is already an element. 

[Reply #569 on:]

What if the elements change subtly depending on who wields them? I always thought they were a bit arbitrary; where's strength, or love, or peace? Why not have an element of patience? If they're just five sparkly jewels that happen to attach to set of complimentary traits of the people wielding them then it makes a lot more sense than these five concepts being the only "elements of harmony".

So I guess that's my little bit of headcanon now...

As for RD, her lack of ambition is kind of what makes her more interesting to me. She's already been shown to have, er, performance anxiety. She has ambitions but she's scared of trying for them because the fear of failing in her dreams outweighs her desire to succeed, so it makes sense that she'd be stuck in a dead-end job, dreaming of being a wonderbolt, but never actually chase it.

In addition, as a wonderbolt she'd have to perform at the top of her game all the time and she'd no longer be special, she'd just be part of the team. These may not be positive traits, but they add more depth to her character that a lot of people miss. IMO.

[Reply #570 on:]

Actually, scratch everything I just said.  I am loving the idea of Rainbow Dash being a future loser in a crummy job, thinking about her failed dreams and how she peaked as a teenager.  It's like Death of a Salesman, but with bicurious ponies.

[Reply #571 on:]

Aw Xanfor, you're always so reasonable and well articulated, that I can never be annoyed with you.   

Aww.

Not really, because true laughter is involuntary, (forced laughter implies phoniness) as is the ability to make people laugh.  Being funny is a talent.

Not in this context, it isn't. You're making excuses so that it won't work. Why do you not want Luna to have been redeemed? You big dumb meanie!

"Laughter" is not "being funny". The Element of Laughter is, at its most basic, trying to encourage laughter in others, and quite possibly being willing to laugh yourself. It is, after all, "Laughter" -- the concept of laughter, not the practical application of it (which would probably be the Element of Comedy, if it existed).

And you can't choose to be magical, and it has no applications in the real world.   It's something you are born with.

I've already pointed out that Magic is an exception. It's the make-believe thing that takes admirable bits and pieces of your personality and turns them into a Care Bear Stare the Rainbow of Light.

Well Rarity is extremely generous, but it's not her defining trait, and generosity is just a specific form of kindness, which is already an element. 

The Elements are not their specific bearers' defining traits. The Elements are the traits that are valued most highly by their specific bearers. For Fluttershy, being kind is what she considers most important to her, even though she has to constantly fight against her own shyness to act upon it. Applejack, although she rarely directly lies, occasionally engages in deliberate deceit. And Rarity, oh, Rarity! She's petty and vain and envious and self-absorbed all the time -- but she fights it. She knows what she believes is important and strives to improve herself by exercising generosity.

And that's what makes her worthy of bearing it.

“Do you think Applejack never lied? That Rarity was never greedy? Or that Pinkie Pie was never sad? Even Fluttershy had her Gardens of Canterlot.” I gave her a tender and hopefully uplifting smile. “What matters is that you don’t let your failures stop you.” ~ Fallout: Equestria

[Reply #572 on:]

I suppose that is true.  Rarity is the pony who seems to be the most aware of her flaws, and out of all the ponies is always the one who seems makes the most effort to overcome them.  

But creativity is as much an element of harmony as the others.  Just like Pinkie Pie tries to make other people laugh and be happy, Rarity constantly uses her creativity to create beautiful things for her friends, and to beautify the world around her, and to give a little artistic touch to everything (such as her artistic topiary).   I just think some elements fit so much better (Fluttershy and Pinkie's in particular are no brainers).  I personally think of Applejack and RD's elements being swapped around, but I would say that, considering I think RD is a bit of a douchette.  Mind you RD's honesty is rarely a positive trait the way it is with Apple's, and is often blunt to the point of rudeness/meanness.   I just find Rarity's element too similar to Fluttershy's (they are synonyms after all.)

[Reply #573 on:]

Today I demand more Luna.

[Reply #574 on:]

I personally think of Applejack and RD's elements being swapped around [...]

You've been watching Friendship is Witchcraft, haven't you?

Today I demand more Luna.

[Reply #575 on:]

I don't find Friendship is Witchcraft to be that funny. But I like this Luna takeover.

I like her mane like this though:

[Reply #576 on:]

[Reply #577 on:]

There's something I want to share with you:

http://youtu.be/sDdL4z5qfr4

.. and I think you all are very much going to like it.

[Reply #578 on:]

I'm not a fan of FiW, but I just love Sweetie Bot.   So I watch all the episodes with her in it.

Hooray for Pony Wintour.

[Reply #579 on:]

There's something I want to share with you:

http://youtu.be/sDdL4z5qfr4

.. and I think you all are very much going to like it.

One does not simply make a Mandopony song even more epic!

[Reply #580 on:]

WE GO!

[Reply #581 on:]

Oh no no no no no...

[Reply #582 on:]

Apropos of nothing in particular

Show spoiler

I found this picture to be strangely captivating.

[Reply #583 on:]

Pinkiewise, the Dancing Pony.

Also


OH GOD YES

[Reply #584 on:]

I already stated my reasons for liking this show elsewhere on the Internet like the MLP Forums for example.

Just thought I'd share this fan art that was made for me by request by Dr-Waveband: http://dr-waveband.deviantart.com/

Rainbow Dash VS Bender

[Reply #585 on:]

That's strangely...sexu....you know what I'm not even gonna go there.

[Reply #586 on:]

Good.

I hope they use more of Braeburn and Shining Armor in the next season.  It would be nice to have a few more male recurring characters.

[Reply #587 on:]

John DiMaggio will be attending Canterlot Gardens.

[Reply #588 on:]

Neat! :

Don't know whether everyone else has seen this yet, but this seems quite interesting; thought I'd draw your attentions to it:
A Couple of Neat Tidbits of Information from Lauren Faust

This is reputedly genuine information about Lauren Faust's original ideas for the show - though it's not clear whether they will be carried through now of course. Some of its just good for trivia but actually the information about Scootaloo is actually quite, well, as Fry would put it, deep - especially for a kid's show but then again it may never be fully adopted.

[Reply #589 on:]

I'm going to show off, but it is somewhat pony related.

I spent the last day and a bit working on this. It's inspired by a fic I read that is probably the most brilliant take on this whole thing I've seen in months. The link is in the description.

And here's a teaser:



(and yes, the misspelling is deliberate)

[Reply #590 on:]

A lack of recent audio dramas has driven me to watching fan animations.

Like Epic Wub Time.

How did I not see this earlier?

[Reply #591 on:]

Epic Wub Time is epic... how did you not see that earlier?

Though the best one is Picture Perfect Pony

[Reply #592 on:]

That one I've seen -- it has a Mandopony song in it!

[Reply #593 on:]

[Reply #594 on:]

The expressions...

[Reply #595 on:]

You beat me to posting it >< Damn you're fast.

[Reply #596 on:]

Not a fan of either of the new songs I heard, but there have been plenty of hit or miss songs from the first two seasons.

My favourite songs are still At the Gala, Perfect Stallion, Flim Flam Brothers, BBBF, Love in Bloom and of course Art of the Dress.

[Reply #597 on:]

Ah ain't one for covers...

[Reply #598 on:]

Guess who now has a poster map of Equestria hanging on his wall?

Not a fan of either of the new songs I heard, but there have been plenty of hit or miss songs from the first two seasons.

Personally, I wasn't prepared for either of them.

[Reply #599 on:]

Maybe I'll enjoy them more if I see the episodes around them.   Though some of the painful rhymes in Crystal Ponies are too painful, even for me.