A new episode is airing in just a few hours. As always, expectations are high, and we are all excited to see our favorite ponies being awesome. Lately though, the comments on episode posts have been less than respectful of the hardworking team that works almost year round to bring us new episodes to enjoy.
The massive amount of fan content created in this community is excellent, but it also blinds us a bit to the actual workings of the show. Last week was probably the worst case of this. I was glad to see a lack of explosions over Luna being totally different than our fan versions. As a group, we did a good job of taking in the real Moon goddess. The outcry in comments over Mare-Do-Well's identity was a bit ridiculous though (among other complaints). As cool as Derpy or Trixie jumping out of the costume would have been, that isn't really how the show has ever worked. It's about the Mane six, not our fan characters.
Please try to be respectful. The people at Studio B/Topdraw do us a huge service already. They read comments on EQD, and a few have been a bit put off my the brony community lately. Working on a show of Friendship is Magic's caliber, especially now that the pressure is on, isn't an easy task. They set the bar high, and so far have done a great job of hitting it, and even exceeding it.
We don't need to be critical of every single aspect of the cartoon. Enjoy it for what it is. FiM is making history, just enjoy the ride.
402 comments:
Thank you. Couldn't agree more Seth. Also, I'm loving the fact that a lot of you have very strong points on constructive criticism vs just being a whiner. I love you guys. I really do.
ReplyDeleteNow to sit and wait until I can enjoy a new episode of candy colored, marshmallow ponies.
Sure last week's ep was a bit hectic. But I'll be damned if I didn't sit there vibrating from poorly contained happiness the whole time anyway.
ReplyDeleteI imagine that certain eps are going to resonate with one audience and not the other, but you can't please everyone all the time.
Esp not on your first ep, blah blah blah.
tl;dr had its flaws, still generally good, still pony.
Not staying up for 3 hours to watch it this time if I can help it though. Work is tiring.
Remember bronys: You are not ->not<- N O T the target audience of this show. The -targets- are little children, with some references for the adults watching with their kids. We are just a fortunate side-effect due to a lot of amazing awesome things. There are going to be things we don't agree with because of our imaginations being different then the children. Lauren has stated that she and most of the FiM creative team lurk and see how we react. With Seth making this post, he got some feedback from Laura or otherwise about it. You are entitled to your opinion, just keep it cool, and keep your rage-faces locked away with Dischord.
ReplyDelete@Kayriel
ReplyDeleteOh you make good points and I agree with what you have written, you obviously have more experience of these sorts of fandoms than I do and I'm sorry if I came off badly it wasnt my intent
All I really want is people to be reasonable and polite with their feedback nothing less :)
I didn't really like 8. It was...ok, i guess. didn't really stand out for me. Did like the shout out for Darkwing Duck though
ReplyDeleteTo all the team people behind MLP, who are certainly reading this:
ReplyDeleteDon't take the critical comments here too personal. The fandom is THE most critical audience at all, and they all have high expectations towards the show, and most have very personal expectations too. MLP:FiM did set a very high level of quality in season 1, and even topped that with some fantastic episodes as season 2 starters, thus the expectations were close to impossible to fulfill. Of course there had to be an episode less-than-best-episode-ever some time! Now fans are criticizing, but remember: They're still watching, and they still love the show that much, that they're commenting on it a lot. And each and every one of them is already eagerly awaiting the next episode.
And about the Mare-do-well episode: Well, if I were one of the writers, I would probably have written some parts a bit different, probably mainly the rushed ending. But I am not an author, and its probably a more difficult task than I'd expect. The episode has some really great artwork, character design, music and funny in-jokes. Its a bit unfair not to acknowledge that at all, and to focus on a few critical points. Even the overall story is enjoyable and fine, but there's probably always room for some 20% improvements. ;)
And because this cant be said too often:
THANK YOU FOR A GREAT SHOW!
I wonder now how people will react to today's episode. I bet already there will be a bunch of people complaining it won't be an Applejack episode, but you'll never know.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Although this last episode wasn't one of my favorites and I don't love every episode, the FiM team is awesome and Canon always trumps Fanon. Hoping for a great episode today!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more with what Seth said in the entry, I personally am enjoying the ride, and well, what can I say I barely saw much flaws in the episodes we've seen so far, a few animation errors here and there, that can only really be appreciated if you re-watch the episodes constantly xD Odd choices in the episode uh, placement I guess, the whole CMC and not having a Scootaloo one and instead 2 RD episodes in a row was odd to me, but that's doubtfully even the animators blame, sounds simply that the higher voices decided to do it that way so, no probs.
ReplyDeleteIn general I thought the episodes were really awesome, and the proof is that I've already rewatched them like 3 times, and not simply cause "OH MAN PONY" but because I felt that "hey that episode was fun, let's watch it again" thing.
As for fan stuff... honestly... what else do we want? I mean we have already achieved something few show does, a FAN character the like of Derpy Hooves appearing in the show with her own script name, that is something unique. But going further would be abusing it, and personally I will always prefer the canon, to the fan made.
THANK YOU for posting this Seth. All the incessant whining every week with every new episode has been seriously dampening my enthusiasm for this show and fandom.
ReplyDeleteThnx for teh Real Talk, Seth!
ReplyDeleteThe amount of They Changed It, Now It Sucks going around was...unsettling.
Bringing Trixie back or giving Derpy an actual role would be terrible, and I don't think many people understand that.
ReplyDeletePersonally, the reason I like Trixie is because of the mysteriousness about her, like why she's so arrogant, why she feels the need to put others down, ect. Derpy is much the same, it's fun to make speculations and it's cool to see a derp eyed pony in chicken coops, but adding they need to stay where they are.
Personally, after reading the whole "Luna vs" stories, I was slightly disappointed with Luna at first because I had outside influence for my expectations. The episode was amazing and Luna acted exactly as she should've (if she literally just returned from 1000 years), but I expected a silly Luna, not a commanding, serious Luna. Still, the ending saved the vast majority of my love for the character, because she could very well turn out to be that silly, fun loving, prankster that I like so much.
TLDR: Outside influence will have an impact on how you view things. Try not to let it take over what the show is.
@Mason
ReplyDelete26 episodes is well more than enough to establish characters, and beyond that you missed the mark on what people were complaining about by a country mile.
Anyway this is is pretty mild stuff as far as fan arguments go. Just about every show or hobby or fandom I've gotten into seems to regularly get into vicious debates, except this one so far. I would like to see disagreements here kept to civil arguments for as long as possible.
I feel the episode was...Iono, I guess it was poorly written. It did have a new writer, though, so that may be why. Perhaps Merriwether has improved since then.
ReplyDeleteTo its credit, the episode proper managed to make me laugh now and then. I didn't HATE it; on the contrary, I enjoyed it. I just feel it wasn't as good as the others, but HEY, if they were all awesome, could we really appreciate them as much?
Have their truly been very disrespectful comments?
ReplyDeleteI know I've seen a bit moat complaining as of late but nothing ultra harsh. Then again I don't go through every single page.
I haven't really seen a unwatchable ep yet....then again I didn't consider any season 1 ep unwatchable yet some people do for some reason.
Some ppl are hard to please.....
I will continue to pull a "Rarity" on the lack of Fluttershy/Pinkie/AJ centering tho...............
ReplyDeleteThey will just have to deal with it till those eps come out XD
This really needed to be said. I was really disappointed in the community after reading how disappointed Sibsy was at the response of the episode last week. She work so hard on it and was so excited to see the response, only to get the feeling almost everyone hated it.
ReplyDeleteSomepony: I didn't like that
ReplyDeleteSeth: how dare you hate?
Everypony: ow my gawd they are so awesome and i loves dem!
Not saying they don't. YOU'RE AMAZING GUYS!
Yeah, let's keep some perspective kids. this is a show that was initially A) aimed for girls half or less the age of the average Brony, and B) made to sell toys. No matter how cool Hasbro has been about it, let's not forget they are the reason the show exists.
ReplyDeleteLauren, Jay, and the entire MLP crew have been AMAZING in that they not only acknowledge the "alternate" fanbase (and let's not forget that is ALL we are, guys), but go out of their way to throw in little niceties for us. I'll admit there's been episodes that weren't quite as awesome as some of the S1 eps, but there's been moments that were hilarious and fun too. I think we all forgot this isn't OUR show. Let's just enjoy it for what it is.
Totally agree, we just need to enjoy the show, and let animators do their work :)
ReplyDeleteBut its Internet, our fandom is so big that there must be few that critique the show.
I'm sorry b studio you guys are amazing ! And the rest of the crew ! :D
ReplyDeleteI love the show and I know that it isn't there primarily to fulfill my wet brony dreams. Everyone involved in making it, many <3 <3 <3 to you, keep it up! You rock. Or we wouldn't be here. :)
ReplyDeleteWe love FiM, that's why every single point that collides with what we had in mind unsettles us as much as it does. The initial reaction is, naturally, a little storm of indignation. That's only an involuntary display of our dedication to the team, the show and the characters, and is only rarely a sign of real disappointment.
ReplyDeleteReally, if anything, my disappointment is the 20 minute limit on every episode (which are aired weekly). It doesn't leave enough place or time for deeper depiction of the characters' feelings, just to mention one thing.
Season 1 was Season 1, it'll be forever(rrrrrr!) held dear in our hearts, but Season 2 could very well measure up to it - we just have to accept that we'll no longer see something quite exactly like that.
And yes, that's what we live as a disappointment. You probably understand that.
True !
ReplyDeleteI really broke my heart to read that some of the creators are disappointed in the disappointment of the brony-fanbase. We have a really special thing going on, a connection to the creators that no other show that I know ever had. I can totally understand the creators, they see the fans love all the episodes, then comes the episode YOU worked on with all your effort, and you get a mountain of unreasnobale and ridiculuous complains.
Luna or Trixie were never ever an option for Mare-do-well, and that episode was absolutely awesome.
It's okay to be disappointed or give out some critic, but it should be constructive and reasonable. We don't dictate how the show runs, we're just along for the ride, and we should enjoy it.
MLP forever ♥
Well spoken Seth!
ReplyDeleteI just want everyone over at Hasbro to know that I love the new episodes! Honestly, everything about them is amazing. Season two is exceeding my expectations.
ReplyDeletePlease don't pay much attention to the neighsayers. Being the internet, it is much easier to complain than to be nice and complaining can come off as much harsher than was intended by the writer. (Emotion does not travel well through the internet)
well, im just gonna sit here quietly enjoying it, with the occasional rambling anecdote like i always do.
ReplyDeletecaryy on.
(Honestly, I didn't even know people were complaining prior to this post)
ReplyDeleteI-I didn't mean it! (did I even say anything anti-pony?! No? Well, I still feel awful!)
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I hated was the 'Doggie-Doo' commercial!
haters gonna hate. Although I will say that the FiM team put more time into that episode than any of you haters have put into your comments
ReplyDeleteLet's all remember, every time we complain about an (AWESOME) episode, Hasbro releases more and more inaccurate merchandise.
ReplyDeleteThank you all, and Faust bless Equestria.
Yes, we should always be respectful of those who work very hard to bring our favorite ponies into our lives.
ReplyDeleteSpot on, Seth. And Koji is right too. There's a difference between criticism and immaturity. Bronies don't have the right to get up in arms about Hasbro giving names to characters they own, nor do we have the right to insult or belittle the creators/writers/animators. Fandom can't become the measuring tool for success; it'll tear apart the brony community.
ReplyDeleteIt is depressing that this here even has to be said out loud. But we are spoiled by the sheer awesome of the show's overall quality so every little dip in it to us seem great, and we all fear the loss of this awesome and some people are prone to overreact.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I enjoyed all the episodes enourmously, even the less great episode(s?).
I have it on good authority that Trixie and Gilda have sent minions to subvert the fandom, making us appear like blathering idiots. On a side note it would be nice to have a rating system for posts so that poorly rated ones could just not even appear by default. I think Sethisto did try to do this before, but had some issues. Don't give up Seth you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI hope the makers of this fantastic show realize that it is loved. Mare-do-well may have been a slight low point but lets face it, its only a low point because each and every other episode was just that good. It brought me physical pain to watch RD acting in the manner she was towards the end, but I can see this being a natural extension of the character. She craves recognition and when it stopped coming she became desperate, this was her breakdown episode, each pony has had one. I love the show no less for this dip, and the episode is growing on me over time. If this is being read by anyone associated with the show, thank you. You have added alot of happiness to my life.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little ashamed the fan community could be so stoic.
ReplyDeleteYou tell it to us Seth! Yay that others noticed the trend, especially the man himself
ReplyDeleteAs I see it, there's an inherent arrogance in offering criticism when it hasn't been asked for... And when you're not the target demographic of the show, they aren't exactly looking for you to give them a bunch of notes.
ReplyDeleteI've worked on both sides of the artistic feedback desk in my professional life... I've been the freelancer and I've been the art director, so I understand the value of criticism. Yet, my general rule for interacting in fan communities is to remain positive. Nobody is being paid to entertain me with pony related things, either here or even on the Hub (again, I'm not the audience they are looking for), and it's certainly not costing me anything to enjoy what people come up with.
In all honesty, offering praise or merely indifference often works far better as feedback in such situations than actual critical notes. Once you've gotten a taste of a truly enthusiastic response, the lack thereof rings quite loudly in your ears and drives you to reclaim that prior audience appreciation. Unsolicited negativity, however, tends to either kill your enthusiasm or drive you from looking at reactions you weren't seeking out originally anyway.
Personally, I've quite enjoyed the new season. There have been things that haven't worked for me, and things I would have enjoyed more had they gone a different way, and I've been free to talk about them here... But yet I've managed to do it without using terms like "weak" or "poor" or any number of more negative reactions. I'm not saying that it's necessary for all fans to approach it this way... Just pointing out that it's entirely possible.
Definitely agree that last week was probably the worst that the brony community has acted in a sense of entitlement, expecting that certain things should have been done in a specific manner ("MDW should have been Derpy!") to meet the fan's needs, and forgetting this, at the end of the day, is a cartoon to sell toys to little girls, period. There is a fine line between between a fair critic of a show, and being a rabid fan of the show with certain demand.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, the response relative to other fanbases is both mild and easily course corrected. A good reminder of the MST3K mantra ("it's just a show, I should really just relax") is a good thing before spouting what expectations you had for an episode.
Valid criticism should always be welcome, though. It's just that this is all just whining over what MLPFiM isn't.
ReplyDeleteBesides, if I say anything, I'm just saying how I felt when I watched the episode. Some people don't like this show. An episode might not be someone's taste and that should be fine. This show isn't perfect.
@Cipher We should not be led to believe we have the final say over what characters ultimately appear. If a character we like to see does appear, its a bonus for us. I think Derpy unexpectedly appearing out of the chicken coop in S2Ep7 is a big deal which shows the animators have gone the extra effort to acknowledge the fans. Remember it takes over a week to complete from sketch to animation every second of an episode.
ReplyDeleteFrankly expecting Trixie, nevermind Derpy, to jump out of the Mare-do-well suit shows those critics lack the logic needed to create an episode.
They probably never asked themselves whether Trixie would be an appropriate character to teach about the need to be humble when she herself was 'boast busted' by Twilight in S1Ep6. I can see why the animators are fed up with the comments.
@anonycus
ReplyDeleteDon't think you understood my point.
Thanks for writhing this, when I see all those negative comments on a particular episode it really gets me down. Because after listening to hundreds of hours of audio commentaries and watching countless interviews with show creatures I understand how much work and time goes in to making an episode of my favorite cartoons and when people cast them aside and say they suck after all that hard work is VERY disrespectful. And seeing all this negativity in this fandom is really disappointing to me and I hope it's corrected.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with this. I think that the show would be less entertaining if every minute catered to us bronies. The references to memes, past shows, and fan characters are enough. If you asked me, I say they are doing it too much.
ReplyDeleteHaters gonna hate, derpers gonna derp!
ReplyDeleteNow seriously, I'll repost what I said last week:
"I did not like this (last) week's episode. It's OK, I'm entitled to my opinion, and not everyone's supposed to like everything.
But... saying that S2 is a 'failure'? 'I miss the old MLP:Fim'? Come on! 8 out of 26 episodes, one fell flat (that happens) and people are already being quick to judge."
On top of that, let me just say that any season that has "May the Best Pet Win" as a song is automatically redeemed! :)
Well said, Sethisto. You're a good man.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Seth here partially actually. Although I agree we should be respectful to the shows creators, I do not believe that we should hold our tongues on criticism and ideas that we feel should have happened. The show is being made for the viewers to make a profit. As a result it is perfectly natural and acceptable to tell the FiM team what we want to see, seeing as how we make up a bulk of their fans.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying they need to listen to every suggestion we make or cater to us, but if they're put off by a little negativity and suggestions towards other desired possibilities, or hell even a "this was a terrible episode", they're in the wrong business.
In the entertainment business everything is about criticism, and catering to an audience, get used to it Hasbro.
Thaaaaaaank yooooou....
ReplyDeleteTRUE bronies never hate, only love and tolerate. Who want's to bet this has been said already?
ReplyDeleteI knew it was going to be the mane six when I saw that she had wings and a horn. The mare wasn't shaped like either alicorn princess, so it had to be a group. Especially after I saw that her magic was red-purple.
ReplyDeleteShame on the neighsayers!
ReplyDeleteTHANK you, Seth! I actually really liked the Mare-do-Well episode. (ESPECIALLY that music! Oh my gosh~!) It was kind of a downer to see people in the comments cheat themselves out of the experience. 8(
ReplyDeleteI am someone who counts the minutes to the next episode, unplugs the telephone so I won't get disturbed while it airs, and spends half of Saturday reading the discussion, participating in the discussion, and spilling my thoughts on the episopde in two blog communities. I REALLY appreciate MLP:FIM and all the hard work that goes into it.
ReplyDeleteNow, last episode: LOL, what belly aching about Mare Do Well not being Derpy or Trixie or even Princess Luna? You got to be pulling my leg. TMMDW was not my favorite episode because it went too far into Roadrunner tropes in terms of changing the topography of Ponyville and multiplying the accidents and because it went against the grain by having Rainbow Dash's friends resort to making her look like a fool in order to try and teach her humility. It was so bad we didn't even hear Rainbow Dash dictate her letter to the Princess.
Look, not every episode is going to hit the ball out of the ballpark, and we rat about the ones that aren't up to snuff BECAUSE WE CARE.
Do you know what is worse than feedback on your art? Feedback where everything is flowers and butterflies because they don't want to upset your feelings. THAT kind of feedback really sucks.
So please accept our criticisms. We REALLY LIKE THE SHOW!
OMG! 34 minutes to go!
Jeez people, where did your bronyness go? O-o
ReplyDeleteRemember that the plot of the Mare-do-Well episode wasn't about getting something extremely unexpected in the ending. It was about irony, since the fun for us was figuring out who the Mare-do-Well was, while Rainbow Dash remained clueless the whole time, and we know something that she doesn't. Predicticaliby isn't the only kind of plot device out there, and I personally think that ANY studio working on a show is amazing when they flex themselves into using more than one plot device throughout the show.
I say love the episodes for what they are, and not hate for what they aren't. Love and tolerate! c: We love you FiM crew.
I'm happy to have read these comments, they give me hope that another overreaction to such minor flaws wont happen so majorly. Also Bronies, try your best to also help remind your fellow fan that they're thinking to much into it's flaws.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be honest.
ReplyDeleteI was unaware people were complaining about that last episode.
And I for one thought there was nothing to complain about. I loved it.
Even with my favorite pony (Rainbow Dash) being depicted as a jerk, I still loved it.
For a bunch of us to get mad because our fan creations aren't becoming canon is just immaturity.
Studio B, if you are reading this, I am absolutely impressed with how Season 2 is turning out. Your hard work is obvious just with what I see in the show.
Sincerely,
KShrike
Realizing that it's so far down that no one cares what I think, but THANK YOU for this message.
ReplyDeleteI've been getting so pissed off with people whining about how season 2 is "ruined" and it's all "going downhill".
If you can't enjoy it, then honestly, why are you here? Season 2 is just as good (I think better, actually) than season 1 so far.
The reasons I love FiM so much is becuase:
ReplyDelete1. It is so well made in terms of amination, detail and originality.
2. The sheer artistic and literary creativity that it had inspired in people of all ages and the fact we can do that without fear of Hasbro/ The Hub stopping us. In fact the whole point of play is to learn about the world and be inventive, and we all do it becuase of these ponies. No other cartoons really do that.
3. The fact it isn't really 'dumbed' down like most cartoons. There are themes in there that the kids watching now will have to face in various guises as they grow up.
4. The fact that the creaters have the intelligence to know that girls aren't all stupid and soppy. Being a tom boy, even more so that Dashy, meant when I had MLP toys in the 80s I was REALLY put off by the lack of anything they could offer a girl like me. Now for all the little but strong independent competitive gals out there can feel included. Hey, considering the Brony community is mainly guys that proves it. It's intelligent.
DON'T EVER STOP
PS Excuse spelling, it's not that I can't spell, it's that I type too quickly!
ReplyDeleteThe last episode wasn't my favourite, but then again I've NEVER been into superhero stuff, so I don't excpect I would have liked it anyway. Despite that, it did have quite a twist at the end, especially for younger viewers.
ReplyDeleteAnd it IS for younger kids. The last episodes have been aimed at older people, so I expect they just wanted to even things out a bit. And you have to admit, it was funny.
Also, yes, RD was more selfish than usual, but I do remember one of the creators saying 'Season 2 might change your opinion of ponies.'
Correction: Rainbow Dash's friends didn't so much make her look like a fool (Rainbow Dash was doing that to herself) as out-do her as a superhero... they still humiliated her and that goes against the grain of the show so far.
ReplyDelete25 minutes to go!
So basically, LEAVE STUDIO B ALLLOONNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYears ago, like a large amount of bronies, I disliked the My Little Pony franchise that we have all come to know and love. I have been a brony since a week after Season 2 Episode 2 was released, so I had time between episodes 2 to 3. I have learned so much from watching each episode, partially from what the brony that showed FiM to me taught me. As Waffle911 stated, "Love the effort and hard work that gets put into making the show. Tolerate the show's shortcomings and imperfections." The irony is that my friend showed me how friendship is truly magic, through season 1. However, season 2 has caused me to see him in a less "ponified" state, where he has lost interest in the episodes. That is a difficult problem that I will have to love and tolerate. I love Season 2, and I hope everyone feels the same, because nothing has actually changed(other than the fact that derpy has been appearing more often and Queen Faust has left the show). The Mane 6 are still the same, even after all their mental breakdowns. And it's their's and our show.
ReplyDeletemy thoughts can be summed up in this video
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/MaH4wFL7P8c
people are entitled to their opinion, and nopony should just blindly like something or blindly dislike something because of what the show is. I am a fan and i loved this episode, but i can understand some of the criticisms of the last episode, but where i was nopony really cared about the "she wasn't trixie" things, as much as they were concerned about the actions of rainbow dash and the mane 6.
however, i understand the idea behind your post, and i think that one can disagree with a shows choice, be able to critique it, and whatnot, that's what people do and it's how people realize mistakes and fix them. But civility and kindness should always be present in this, there is nothing anywhere that says you have to be critiquing and mean at the same time. Critiquing is cool, but being mean or assholish is just terrible, i remember how upset Sibsy on deviant art was when she heared that people were reacting so negatively towards the episode.
TLDR: It's okay to not like things, but don't be a dick about it. Love and tolerate should not mean blindly liking or disliking anything, but rather it means to be kind and respectful, even if you don't like or agree with something.
In all seriousness, this post was entirely unnecessary. FiM is a great show, but Studio B doesn't give a rat's ass about the comments on EQD. You can stop sucking up to them now.
ReplyDelete@Mason
ReplyDeleteI don't think you understood why a lot of people didn't like the new episode. The tone of the series not being "set in stone" has nothing to do with this. The world's fundamentals are certainly established (as they damn well should be by 33 episodes in) but that wasn't the main complaint, nor was a deviation from the "tone". The main complaint people had about the episode by a landslide was the way the rest of the Mane 6 acted towards Rainbow Dash. It was a gigantic dick move not to even try to talk to her first and completely undermined any moral to the story (which is actually a failure even towards its target demographic btw). There were other complaints besides that (both of the articulate kind and just stupid rage kind), but if you didn't understand the main complaint people had then it's pointless to argue about it.
I'm more than willing to give the show a pass on a single underwhelming episode, since this is maybe the second out of 34 that didn't work for me. I'm also trying to hold back here in arguments since this is a community based on tolerance.
I actually enjoyed all of the episodes. But I've seen the comments criticizing them, some saying it wasn't good but better than Lesson Zero, or comparing to other episodes. Aside from the fact that I think Lesson Zero is one of the most hilarious things on earth I've ever witnessed (I still watch it and laugh out loud every time), I disagree with most of what they say: they say it was predictable, but that's not the point, I knew how most of the episodes would probably end, and I still laughed and enjoyed them. What matters to me it's what happens in the middle of the episode, not how it starts or how it ends, because that's not what's important. What's important it's the "journey", and the moral.
ReplyDeleteI don't think people have to be too critical about the episodes. After all, you can not enjoy them, but remember this is a kid's show.
As for me, I loved every episode so far, each of them has something memorable, that still makes me smile.
@Jane Eyre
ReplyDeleteit's not pandering to Studio B, it's trying to remind people to not react so hatefully and negatively towards a new episode, and to each other.
it's okay to have concern and not like an episode, but you don't have to be excessively negative or hateful about it.
>a few have been a bit put off by the brony community lately.
ReplyDeleteive been put off by the brony community for half a year now, big deal. you need to learn to ignore the bad parts of the whole.
anyways, im not sure what people have been saying, im not following the pony all that much, but TMMDW was a subpar episode. thats a fact.
also, welcome to internet.
I like what the new director has done with the show.
ReplyDeleteHe's taken the pony madness to a whole new level and I LOVE IT!
Luna being a badass!
Rainbowdash having a pet at last!
Derpy continuing appearing here!
Twilight pulling a "Ren&Stimpy" breakdown!
PinkiePie substituting scootaloo as a chicken!
HELL YEAH!
Lauren Faust did an amazing job with the series, but I think the new director did a good job of taking My Little Pony to yet another level up.
Hell, I like how they even used color correction to make the colors brighter and more lively than they already are.
BRILLIANT WORK EVERYONE!
I'm an animator for my own independent animated series, and MLP:FIM has provided me the inspiration for nearly a year to continue forward in my animated series.
Thank you all Studio B crew.
You kick ass, and I hope you can read this comment.
Did you really have to make a white knight post like this? Just because we know Sibsy worked on episode 2.8, right? This isn't gonna score extra points ya know.
ReplyDeleteGeez, the haters made actual FIM staff ppl sad?
ReplyDeleteWay to fucking go, haters.
Go bother George Lucas about CGI Original Trilogy changes or something.
@aldariz
ReplyDeletepeople that have concern with others well being as well as their own will not simply "ignore" when their fellow bronies start acting like the rest of the internet, while the rest of the internet may act out lashingly without too much concern, the simple matter of fact is that the brony community is not the rest of the internet, and part of the draw and pull of the community is the nice people and civil discussions.
that being said, i agree that for the most part one should ignore the things that piss them off, like i don't like r34, but i'm not going to go all gestapo on people who do like it. But if the people around you in your community start flaming and reacting in a way that just brings negativity to all, then one should step in and calm them. we shouldn't assimilate to the rest of the internet just because this stuff happens "everywhere else" on the internet
I avoided the last episode for ages because people didn't like it.
ReplyDeleteIt was fine! I actually quite liked it. Maybe I had low expectations, still I was expecting something really bad from the way some people were carrying on.
There's criticism then there's griping and finally bitching. Criticism has it's place but to properly critique a piece comes with a bit of detachment. Detachment is not delusion or denial it's about keeping emotions in check while acknowledging the subject. It means keeping personal preferences or in this case of the second season demands out of the picture.
ReplyDeleteGriping is what military personnel do while they are performing the more mundane if not BS work in the military service. Like digging ditches, filling sandbags, and cleaning toilets. I once dug a fighting hole in the middle of a Arizona wash with only an E-tool. I might have well been digging in cement as I only made it down 18 inches in 6 hours of digging. Griping is an art form. It's a stress reliever and keeps their minds occupied. No one here is digging ditches unless that's a day job and it doesn't involve ponies.
Then there's bitching. It's not cute like Rarity's whining or complaining or crying. Bitching can ruin a good thing. Bitching creates animosity. Yes, people have the right to bitch yet they are strangely surprised or even offended when people don't agree with them at the drop of the hat. This when people need to step back and ask, "Am I critiquing or bitching?"
I'm loving season two, I like that the creators of the show have maintained focus on the Mane 6. Too many characters with their own show and the show loses focus which can end up a loss of continuity. We should take a high hopes low expectations approach to the show. Then the surprises will be all the more enjoyable.
Couldn't have put it better myself Seth.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm so glad that someone finally said this! I was really shocked at all of the bitter harping on the last episode which, if anything else, made the episode lose its luster more than any part of the actual story did, so I'm glad that you reminded us all so nicely that while constructive criticism is fine, first and foremost we should enjoy the ponies!
ReplyDeletewow 80 mil...
ReplyDeletei will admit that i wish sometimes that they did something else that they did but at the end of the day, every episode is awesome and offers something new to the communitee
@Amonisis
ReplyDeleteas i said, im not following the pony all that much so i cannot judge the situation objectively.
flamers gonna flame, whiteknights gonna whiteknight. honestly, i dont really care *pinkieshrug*
@James Corck
ReplyDeleteWell said. I had made a rather lengthy reply to someone's S2 rants which unfortunately got eaten by Disquis, but you sum it up nicely.
Speculation and speculative fiction are all well and good, but it should all be taken with the attitude that it isn't canon.
The truth is that there are tons of things about Equestria and the characters that we don't know. All of this is free reign for future episodes to cover.
While it can be fun and interesting to try to fill in the gaps, one shouldn't become upset when the writers end up fill the same gaps in differently.
The only thing I really disliked about it was how much Ponyville was changed. I mean, come on, since when was there cliffs and giant construction projects everywhere? Other than that it was good, especially loved the whole Darkwing Duck theme of the costume.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with being disappointed in an episode and discussing it.
ReplyDeleteHot Damn new episode was awesome.
ReplyDeleteRarity was amazing in it, but Twilight has cemented herself has the best friend ever.
I still do not understand the full details over the Mare-Do-Well debate, but the arguments that it should be something else is the most stupid. I'd rather have the canon bash the entire fanon. I won't mind the show killing off Derpy or Vinyl or even my dear Octavia. Bronies who just want things to go their way are just assholes and aren't actually bronies, just attention-seeking trolls.
ReplyDeleteAnother great episode, I'm loving every episode that's come out thus far. Keep up the great work!!
ReplyDeleteFeels bad man.
ReplyDelete@dorko4u Indeed, however, only constructive criticism should be allowed.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. We should appreciate all the hard work they do and so far its made one absolutely great show. If you guys at the studio are seeing this, I love the show as you guys have made it and keep doing what your doing.
ReplyDeleteSeth, I think you are somehow missing the biggest point here. We are bronies because we love the show, if they change the show for the worse, than who says we have to still like it? While it is true that I found the last two episodes less than satisfactory, I did not complain here or to Studio B. If they want us to like the show, then they have to work harder than that.
ReplyDeleteCheers mates, and long live MLP:FiM!
No worries from now on, I belive. Many negative comments due to the "Mare do Well" episode being so predictable, but thats all I saw negative. The main reason was the episode was made by a new writer. Not seen in season 1, and we were used to having a very depths on characters and story.
ReplyDeleteThere were some ppl whining because they wanted trixie but men you'll get this kind of people anywhere so we gotta love and tolerate their shit.
And this won't be seen in the future(not until Spike's episode probably) because the new episode was writen by Megan McCarthy, the writer of Lesson Zero and Party of One, She never dissapoints and the new episode had a song, so no one will dare to whine. But its true, we must be thankfull at all times no matter how the episode was.
I totally agree. People need to stop taking their fanfics so seriously.
ReplyDeleteAlso, there are some people who rail against the slower paced episodes as boring, while there are others attack the faster paced ones for somehow "destroying the essence of the show". Personally, I like both, and every episode so far this season has fallen in the great to outstanding category for me. To all those involved with working on the show; keep up your amazing work.
No worries from now on, I belive. Many negative comments due to the "Mare do Well" episode being so predictable, but thats all I saw negative. The main reason was the episode was made by a new writer. Not seen in season 1, and we were used to having a very depths on characters and story.
ReplyDeleteThere were some ppl whining because they wanted trixie but men you'll get this kind of people anywhere so we gotta love and tolerate their shit.
And this won't be seen in the future(not until Spike's episode probably) because the new episode was writen by Megan McCarthy, the writer of Lesson Zero and Party of One, She never dissapoints and the new episode had a song, so no one will dare to whine. But its true, we must be thankfull at all times no matter how the episode was.
Alright, this episode was one of the best episodes I've seen. I overall loved the plot. I could relate to rarity in the case that people drag me away from working on my big project. I loved the song. I loved the twist at the end. I loved the party cannon. And then, CHAOS! It was beautiful. Fun episode! =D
ReplyDeleteI agree we do have to respect them, but I do believe the people who make this glorious show have to be able to handle a little constructive criticism. People will always complain about something, and, although you can't please everyone, you have to be able to put it into account.
ReplyDelete(I don't really know how bad last week was though. I usually don't read the comments.)
Huh. I've been hearing a lot more rambling from Season 2, Episode 8 than any other episode so far. I'm more of a lurker than a commenter; as I must agree with Seth. We shouldn't shoot down Studio B and Top Draw over simply a bad episode with mindless rambling, rather express constructive criticism instead. I had to watch the episode twice like all the other episodes to fully get what's going on. I can understand that a new writer has been on board and hope he or she gets better as the time passes on.
ReplyDeleteStudio B and Top Draw, keep doing on what you do; the very reason that you guys are staying on top of the game is the fact that put a lot of hard work crafting the very materials for the show: fluid animation, a streamlined yet good-looking art direction that is pleasing to the eye, the background music and lyric music...all those little things that make it work somehow.
Keep on ponying!
Giant fandoms are ugly
ReplyDeleteI respect the voice actors and the animators, and I can see with how fast the community has grown that there will be people who don't take the shows message to heart.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it would make them feel a little better if some of the fans wrote in about their appreciation of the show and the hard work Jayson Thiessen, Shaun Scotellaro, and Studio B in general has produced. Not only that but perhaps show them good examples of some of the things we are capable of (Charity etc...).
@Shaun Hegney
ReplyDeleteSorry, your argument is invalid. You are now a parasprite. Leave or rot.
I'm sorry, no mercy. Now scram.
I know Seth's heart is in the right place, but reminding us that the staff are reading the comments only serves to inhibit thoughtful criticism while encouraging the more mean spirited (and thankfully rare) variety.
ReplyDeleteAnd somehow I don't think that's going to be much of a problem this week. :)
Whilst I agree asking for fanon characters and fan favorites to show up is a bit silly, the show is not immune to criticism.
ReplyDeleteI personally have been moderately disappointed with season 2 so far, but I will NOT tell people who think it's great or better than season 1 that they're wrong. Subjective opinions are subjective. I expect the same respect in return.
*Clap clap*.. Or should it be clop? Nah, I'll stick with clap. Well said Seth. You are now best pony.
ReplyDeleteI agree that people have been way too harsh toward the people who work so hard to make this show. It's easy to criticize their hard work when the "critic" has probably never attempted to create animation of their own. It's arrogant for anyone to claim they could do better themselves. Attempting to do animation is a lesson in humility. Try walking a mile in the creators' shoes.
ReplyDeleteAh, decline and fall of the brony empire. Small core group becomes large, factionalizes further with each new artistic choice from the creators....
ReplyDeleteI'll be over here, with the popcorn.
Criticism is great if its well thought and delivered in good manner. Painting demons on the walls is bs.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Seth. I'm yet to hate anything these guys have done, and I don't think I'll ever have to worry about coming across that particular feeling.
ReplyDelete@anonycus
ReplyDeleteI wasnt strictly referring to the negative reaction to just that episode....was more referring to the people that have acted negatively about season 2 as a whole.
I agree, this fndom is fragile, and one of the few things we have going for us is the expectation of [b]decency.[b/]
ReplyDeleteEven last week, I called out a video post because it was all about ponies, and cussing at you. None of you guys sided with me, which scares me.
This is a show menat for little girls, and when men invade people are afraid that we will do... exactly what the lesser of us are doing.
Guys, remember that this fandom cannot continue without the level of decency that exists. Don't ruin it, if you love ponies.
@Skylark Torch
ReplyDeleteI'll just remind you that "decency" requires not putting down others and calling them the "lesser" of the fandom.
I'm so sorry! This comment will probably be buried under a billion others but I'm going to say it anyway. If anypony reading this works on the show:
ReplyDeleteI love you! You have made and continue to make the best show I have ever seen in my life. Every week I have something wonderful to look forward to. I know you work so very hard on it. I'm sorry for us being Meanie McMeaniepants. I just hope that you can be a Forgivie Forgiversonpants.
Wow, I left a good comment and I just noticed this? Score one for karma man
ReplyDeletevery true. we should act better as a community. because in the end you are only as strong as your weakest leak.
ReplyDeleteYou know what allot of the above boils down to?
ReplyDelete"Opinions are like assholes.
Everypony's got one and they all stink."
Basically, love, tolerate, and CHIIIILLLL. It's a show for little girls that happens to be watchable by sane people.
Getting crazy about it won't change a thing!
I enjoy it no matter what. I think the team is doing a great job, so keep on rocking guys at studio B!
ReplyDeleteI really liked the last episode, the superhero rivaly was really entertaining to watch, with pop culture references aplenty.
ReplyDeleteAlongside Rainbow Dash being quintessentially Rainbow Dash.
No worries peeps, new episode was undeniably AWESOME. Rarity is probably my least favorite pony but this is probably one of my favorite episodes of the entire series.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to sound sappy, but I don't care, because you know what? We are SO lucky to have someone like you running the blog Sethisto. :) You really GET it, more than most. The crew works so hard to make these episodes, but some people really can't help but take them for granted. I really did not get the negativity towards the episode last week, as I thought it was an excellent episode. Anyone who really seriously thought it would be Derpy or Trixie behind the mask, was just fooling themselves, and really doesn't...get it I suppose.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, keep bein' awesome Sethisto, Cereal, and Phoe! And obviously, the entire crew of MLP:FiM - I don't care what anyone says, you guys are awesome! :D
Remember everypony, we do not run the show, it is the people of Studio B, and it is thanks to them that the show was successful enough to have a huge fandom like ours, I highly trust their decision on what to do with the show
ReplyDeleteI disagree Seth. MLP isn't perfect and it has flaws like everything else. Last weeks episode was horrendous and a perfect example of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm tired of people praising the show as "perfect" and "flawless" I have no problems with constructive criticism with the show and I see no problems with stating it. You said that the team does read EqD and all the fan comments, which is why I encourage and support it.
You learn from your mistakes. If we all accepted the show as perfection without any inherent flaws then the quality will dip down over time. Of course this usually happens with every show and MLP isn't exempt from it. All I can hope is that the producers read the constructive criticism and valid complaints about last weeks episode. Not the mindless bashing towards it.
There hasn't been a single episode that I've disliked. Sure, I like some more than others, but they are all amazing. A little change keeps the show interesting because it isn't just the same thing over and over. So what if it's a little predictable, it's the getting there that's fun. (besides, it IS a kid's show)
ReplyDeleteAlso I absolutely love the songs.
To all who work on Studio B that may be viewing this. I would like to apologize for the first article featured in Issue 14 of the Equestria Inquirer. It could be that the first article in this issue would be misinterpreted as being antagonistic or critical of the episode. I wanted to apologize if anyone viewed it in that fashion. I took some artistic license with the setting and plot and perhaps abused the unique aspects of that episode more than I should have.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I am deeply sorry for any offense that may have been taken. My desire to see something funny come about from this show derives solely from an absolute love of this show. You guys do a terrific, amazing, magical job and I hope that in the future you never get anything but a good chuckle from my work.
Joe Stevens
@Joe Stevens
ReplyDeleteCriticism is not a bad thing; no need to be apologetic even if it's unintended.
This goes to everyone: Please have more respect for the creators than to assume they're the arrogant type of artists that can't accept criticism. They're big boys and girls. They don't have make changes based on criticism; unlike Rarity in suited for success, they're under no obligation to follow our advice. But really, I don't think they have their heads shoved up their own asses.
Just wanted to say that I can't agree with this enough. The amount of talent and hard work that Studio B puts into every episode is deserving of all our respect and admiration. It's one thing to prefer one episode over another. But lately it seems like the fanbase is becoming a bit full of itself and a bit demanding in terms of what we want to see in the show.
ReplyDeleteSo far, the people who make MLP have been unbelievably gracious and kind in reaching out to us. I don't want to see that relationship sour with folks acting like jerks and generally making selfish assumptions about who really "owns" the show and its characters.
When it comes down to it, we're tremendously fortunate to be part of this fandom at this time. It's a golden age for creativity and feedback and positivity. Let's strive to keep it that way and continue to represent the best aspects and lessons of the show we love.
Congrats on 80 million page views!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd about this blog post... AMEN! This needed to be said, so bad. I had a hard time feeling united in brnydom to a comunity so critical over the series it's supposed to follow, especially on Mysterious Mare-Do-Well and May the Best Pet Win
I thought both episodes were amazing, and even if I hadn't it's still MLP:FiM, the REAL one, not some Octavia-Vinyl clopfic.
Remember to love the source
The people who offer incessant criticism of the series are often viewing the shows with unreasonably high expectations.
ReplyDeleteHow often must we remind ourselves this isn't an adult cartoon? It isn't even a teenagers cartoon. it's a Saturday morning kids cartoon with comedy perhaps it's core genera.
Basically, don't take allot of it to seriously and enjoy the show for what it is. The reasons most of us became fans are still apparent in ever episode to my eyes, and that's all we as fans can ask for.
people seriously began to believe that Trixie or Derpy were Mare do Well?
ReplyDeleteareyouretarded.jpg
@pixelkitties
ReplyDeleteThis is something I can agree with. We are in a position to give feedback; say what we like and what we don't. We are not in a position to demand.
@Jimperator
Were I working on this show, I'd be insulted to hear someone say "it's just for kids." The aim from the beginning is something that everyone can watch. We can write off some things as "because it's a kids show" like the morals at the end, but not things inherent to all forms of storytelling.
As for "unreasonably high expectations," that depends on the opinion of the viewer on earlier episodes.
If one found it absolutely incredible, and future episodes only good, are they expected to react with apathy? Perspective is nice; the episodes are still good in this hypothetical person's view and they should recognize that, but disappointment is not an unreasonable reaction.
People are misreading Seth's post everywhere. Never did he discourage criticism once. He discouraged the outright ridiculous criticism behind some of the S2 episodes for failing to pander to fanon and the like. No one is saying that MLP: FiM is perfect. No one is saying that you can't talk about its' flaws or anything. The key word is respect. The thing about an animation team that is so amazingly connected to the fanbase is that they're here reading these posts, and while they may be big boys and girls, they're still people and when their work is needlessly and ridiculously trashed, it's just not cool. Sibsy admitted on DeviantArt that she wasn't up for visiting EqD lately purely because of the huge amount of negativity that was rolling around here.
ReplyDeleteAs a side note, to any of you guys at Studio B are reading this, I just wanna say that you shouldn't let a few bad comments get you down. Remember that in an internet community, it's the vocal minority who always sounds the alarms the loudest. And there's a ton of us who really appreciate the show, flaws and all.
I think it's about time something like this was posted. That being said, the fanon is getting out of hoof rather quickly.
ReplyDeleteJust because Derpy makes a few "where's waldo" appearances every now and then, and bronies get a shout out from an official video clip, doesn't mean y'all own the show. I agree with, "FiM is making history, just enjoy the ride."
So just shut up and watch.
@aldariz
ReplyDelete"thats a fact."
lolno
I found it silly that people were expecting Mare Do Well to be Trixie or Derpy, LOL. That doesn't sound like an MLP twist - where would the lesson be if that were the case? xP
ReplyDeleteI think it's fine to give good critique of some episodes, but when people go ROYAL CANTERLOT VOICE about their frustrations, then... well. :I It ruins the fun for everyone. I agree that those people forget the nature of the show.
last week episode is the testament that the "love and tolerate" is a bunch of bullshit and that it has always been just a way to troll people that happen to not like the show (even when they are in their right to do so)
ReplyDeletebronies are as disrespectful and even more egotistical than any other fandom can show which is sad (as shown by that poem mentioning the "failure" of s2 and praising on the fact that they are "bronies")
as one of the creators said the fanbase isn't what it used to be because it now its about itself and not about the show, bronies feel self entitled and more important than they really are for some weird reason
its kind of sad that it had to become this way while I don't like last week episode that much it had many great things and most importantly it still is good and amazing for the intended audience something that bronies forget a lot of the time, that and the fact that they think everything is fanservice when the ONLY thing that could be fanservice is Derpy, and that is just a cute little touch the creators put in for US to spot, a little something, that reading last week comments, shows that bronies didn't deserved the treatment, maybe before but as of now, no
with that said a song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbJVLft8-i8
@Koji
ReplyDeleteprecisely
one of the creators (I will not say the name for the sake of anonymity)
said that the problem doesn't involve in not liking an episode or finding it bad or even on criticsism, the person even said that as a kid some shows had good or bad episodes too cause duh its normal to not like stuff
the problem lies on people saying "this shit is the worst episode ever" or "they are ruining the show!" without any kind of basis or even an argument again I will mention the incredibly STUPID complains that the show is now having fanservice, seriously HOW? how can someone be so dumb? the most fanservice this show has is freaking derpy on the background and THAT is an adorable callout to the fans but then again some fans were asking for Derpy to be MDW so what do I know? I guess I will have to go with my idea that fans are extremist and dumb no matter the fanbase
its the problem with the internet the kind of extreme negative attitude is normal on it and not even this so "respectful and full of joy" fanbase can get away from it
as stated before "love and tolerate" my flank
It's not anything fan-side that made me dislike last week's episode. It's that it felt like a lower quality show last week. The writing seemed worse than it had ever been before, like whoever wrote that episode had just gotten done watching some crappy cartoons and decided MLP should be more like that, when it's never been like that, and the fans liked it for NOT being like that.
ReplyDeletePlus, it made all of the main cast look like total assholes. And it made Rainbow Dash look really really stupid.
If I see something I don't like about the show, I'm going to voice my opinion about it. I have no use for "fanon" characters, mindsets, or any of that other nonsense, I'm a fan of the product the people who actually worked on the show put out.
ReplyDeleteOf course people need to be respectful and use common sense when voicing criticism of the show, but in no way should people stop doing it. Even if not everyone agrees with it, everyone is entitled to their own opinions.
I think the mindset here is that 'if we criticize the show, they'll stop making it/catering to the fanbase'. That's absurd. You think the fans are the only people they get criticism from? If nothing else, it can only make them better. And I think a fair majority of those that work on the show are savvy enough to disregard the criticism from those who are displeased about the lack of fan service in new episodes, among other nonsense.
Please, everyone, be respectful and use your head, but by no means stop voicing your opinions!
people are saying WHAT NOW?? omg.. that's so wrong
ReplyDeleteAny FiM episode that doesn't match my fan fiction (which I haven't written yet, but it rocks) is garbage. I don't know what Thiessen and company are doing, but it's not MY Little Pony.
ReplyDeleteMY Little Pony would be a hell of a lot better. First off, there would be a much higher body count. And all the ponies would wear Gundam suits. And only speak Japanese. And when they go to fight stuff, which would happen every week, they would shout "Pony Sentai, ASSEMBLE!" and it would be awesome.
Does THEIR Little Pony do that? I didn't think so. FAIL.
Let me know when they spin off Everybody Loves Derpy. And make sure Hasbro calls me before they do, because MY fan fiction for that, when I finish it, is going to blow the doors off regular Pony.
So I don't get what Seth is going on about. Us fans would make a MUCH better show than these people, and all our ponies would be BEST ponies. Especially Razor Cut. Oops! I wasn't supposed to talk about her yet. It's a secret new pony for after the Twilight Dies episode, but you didn't hear that from me.
NOPONY knows better than the FANS! >:-(
Oh yeah, and the combination to Captain Kirk's safe is 5231.
/ironic_sarcastic_straw_man
(Personally, I love the new episodes AND love and tolerance. So there!) :-D
Yeah, Too many people have been hating on last week's episode. I didn't care for it myself, but bronies have been going WAY too far with it. It's TEARING US APART!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you have enough time to bitch about new episodes you don't like, do everyone else a favor and spend that time watching old episodes you do like instead.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this Seth.
ReplyDeleteWe needed it.
Mare-Do-Well wasn't my favorite episode, not because it wasn't good but because of personal demons from the past that it reminded me of.
But that's not Studio B's fault, that's mine. And the fact that the episode was able to elicit that response speaks well to the quality of the episode -- not many little kids shows can make me have such an emotional response like that.
They may not cater to the fans like the fans think they should, and in my opinion this is a very good thing, but also, for everything they may take away from various fanons with each episode, they leave behind a wealth of material for the fans to work with as far as art, writing, and everything else they do is concerned.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion that's a more than fair trade-off.
Besides: canon > fanon
With more fans, comes more vocal and critical voices. There are many different kinds of episodes, with different styles, and different writers, and just because one episode may not be one you personally like doesn't mean that everyone hates it. And no episode, regardless of quality, deserves any screaming rage/derogatory criticism treatment.
ReplyDeleteNo show is flawless, that's just an impossible goal to reach. But just take each episode one at a time, without any inflated expectations or personal bias, and you'll be pleasantly entertained every week.
I have to agree.
ReplyDeleteI think this fandom is starting to develop a bit of a reputation for it's fans, (who aren't even it's target demographic) throwing tantrums about the creative direction the actual show takes because it messes with their fanfics.
This fanbase is pretty cool, aside from some of the over-dramatic fanficcers and head-canon people who are starting to come off as acting like they're better than the writers of the children's show they're supposed to be sitting back and admiring.
Please bronies... Start reversing this trend, and just enjoy the show and what is done with the show.
I have to agree.
ReplyDeleteI was reading comments that specifically insulted the writer.
I figure that, as long as I have something to say, I might as well say it.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to see Avenged Sevenfold tonight. I'm wearing a solid black shirt, jeans with chains, aviator shades, combat boots, and have my head shaved to 1/8 of an inch. At the moment, I'm watching My Little Pony. Needless to say, not what the developers expected. Although there are quite a few of us, we aren't what they're aiming for. Although its cool to see references to material the little girls this show is meant for don't get (I'm still convinced Luna Eclipsed was meant to satisfy our thirst for Luna) if they tailor to our desires to much, the show will lose its appeal. We take one-shot characters and turn them into the most damn awesome things since deep-fried twinkies in our fics. The developers don't work that way. They have their own set of requirements and mindsets. They can't recycle characters 30+ times over, so even if they do use our overrated characters, they can only do it so often. So deal with it. Trixie will probably only appear once more, if ever, and Derpy will never have more than a background role. If you have a problem like an episode style or personality change, your opinion is 100% valid. But you don't have a say on the direction the series takes.
In case the writers are reading.
ReplyDeleteWe <3 you. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic > Rest of Television.
I'm pretty sure the response to this weeks episode, Sweet and Elite, is evidence of just how unnecessary this lecture was.
ReplyDeleteThis show's quality will speak for itself, it doesn't need people stifling the critiques of others to create the illusion of quality.
I can't believe that people were actually being so critical over something like that. I honestly don't put up posts on the youtube link, I talk about how awesome the episode was with my friends on facebook. People should be grateful on how much hard work the people over at studio b and everyone else puts into the show. They do an amazing job making the show and coming out with such high caliber stuff every week. I'm so sorry to those people who work for this show that were put off of the brony community because people couldn't be more appreciative. Just to let those people know, I always look forward to new episodes every week and tell my non-brony friends that as well.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDeleteI want to pitch in my 2 cents with SovietBrony. Most objections to MMDW were not about lack of fan service. There really was a fundamental disconnect between why some bronies watch the show, and what happened on screen.
ReplyDeleteFor show developers to see discussions of that disconnect, is arguably a good thing. What they want to do with the show is their choice, of course. Certainly we're not the primary audience. But I don't see how promoting ignorance helps them or us.
The "enjoy the ride" philosophy presumes that we can enjoy it. I can't say that for MMDW. That's certainly not justification for playing Chicken Little: "The season is falling!" But bronies talking to other bronies about their disappointment, and bucking each other up, is a validation of a fan site rather than a disgrace.
@Mister Jack
ReplyDelete"Even though this show can be enjoyed by many ages, it is made first and foremost for children. If you can't accept that this means the storylines will sometimes be predictable, you might as well hand in your brony badge because you are in the wrong fandom."
THIS, a million times.
oh dear. i'm surprised at that. i don't normally follow live streams or show comments (not since the third episode of season 2, you've never heard such whining) but to hear the community up in arms because it wasn't this silly background character or that one ... really? the show isn't for us, guys. it's not. it really, really, really, really, really, really isn't. it's nice they give us a nod or two but the show is really for children.
ReplyDeleteand as much as i like making the ponies cannibalistic nymphomaniacs, i realize the show is designed for children. the twist at the end was a bit, uhm, obvious about halfway through the episode and all but it was a good thought. not my favorite episode of season 2 but i can't fathom that it would get such vitriol and hatred.
what is wrong with all of you?
People actually got upset about Mare Do Well not being Derpy or Trixie?
ReplyDeleteSrsly?
I lol'd, cool story bro, I wasn't aware we weren't watching the same show.
Agreed, Seth. Some of the reactions last week were....odd. I've never seen such rudeness in this community before (even if it was a small minority), and it made me sad.
ReplyDeleteWhat sets us apart from the rest of the Internet is our kindness and maturity. That doesn't mean you can't criticize an episode, it just means you need to be mature about it.
I hate it when people complain that their favorite pony is acting "out of character" in this episode or that scene or even that one screengrab that one time.
ReplyDeleteIf a character acts some way in the show, they are automatically in character? You know why? Because that's canon. We don't decide what is and isn't canon in the FiM universe; the creators do. Seriously, learn to differentiate between fanon and canon.
Besides, Rainbow Dash has already been established as arrogant. Remember Sonic Rainboom, when she refused to admit that she made a mistake in training and blamed Fluttershy instead? Or what about in the Ticket Master when she demanded the ticket even after it had been made obvious that it was eating Twilight up inside? I'm not saying this because I don't like Rainbow Dash; I'm saying it because this show would be terrible if the main characters didn't have flaws. What would Twilight be without her obsessive organization, or Fluttershy without her social anxiety?
Er... sorry. I kind of went on a rant there. Anywho, carry on, but just don't be bitchy about it.
I completely agree. While I think it's important for the creators to listen to the fan base, I am blatantly shocked and embarrassed when I read some of the hateful and downright rude comments that came from the fan community in response to last weeks episode. And if anyone is THAT critical then maybe they should just quit and stop watching. After all, why watch it if you don't enjoy it? I for one am loving the new season and have been pleased with each episode. So to the creators who work so hard to bring us these episodes, thank you. And keep up the good work. <3
ReplyDeleteAll I took from this is that there were whiners in last week's episode thread. Considering that I never visit the episode threads, that's not a problem for me.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I always felt that the "Love and Tolerate" mantra mainly applied to reacting to haters and trolls. God knows that some bronies are some of the least tolerable people I've met. And some of the other general brony characteristics seem to be out of date nowadays.
Rant over, not I can watch today's episode.
@ Fluffy
ReplyDeleteIt's a fair point, and I'd definitely agree that being a canon absolutist isn't the way to enjoy MLP. But there's a difference between deviations that are enjoyable and painful.
Let's take an out-of-character moment from this week's show. (spoiler alert) From past history, Apple Jack knows and cares enough about fancy parties to realize gardening isn't appropriate. But it's funny, and there's no conflict with what makes Applejack enjoyable to watch. The moment works for me.
Compare that to MMDW. Rainbow Dash's friends, including amusingly gentle Fluttershy, deliberately make her miserable. The whole scenario is foreign to the show's emotional good cheer. Whether good Rainbow Dash moments and clever superhero references can redeem this, depends on what draws you to the show.
People seriously expected Trixie and/or Derpy, and started bitching to the creators when it didn't happen?!
ReplyDeleteFandom. I am disappoint.
If there is ANY thing that I dislike about this show, it would HAVE to be some of the FANS. That's right, as good as the brony community is, it is STILL the only thing to dislike about this show. People need to stop getting so ahead of themselves and coming up with how THEY think up-and-coming episodes should be like. The problem is that most fans have caught up with the series now and are continuously waiting for the next episode to come out instead of getting to watch new awesomeness back-to-back-to-back (which is what hooked a lot of us to begin with). I REALLY wish that they would stop sending out episode synopses weeks before the episodes air. We would not be having this sort of problem if no one had known the episode lay-out of "The Mysterious Mare Do Well" (and others) a month before they aired. The quality of the series has gone UP; stop your whining/complaining or we lose something golden.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is now that the fandom is getting older (not much older, but older,) we're getting connoisseurs, or at least ponies who think of themselves as such.
ReplyDeleteThis has happen in every fandom I've been in, regardless of what its for, be it a band, show, comic, or whathaveyou.
There are always those who feel that things should be the way that they want them to be and think that they know better than the actual creative talent that produces such things, which is honestly absurd.
Fanon NEVER trumps canon (I'm sorry, it doesn't), and you have no right to bitch if things don't go the way you want because you're not in charge. You're a fan of the show, right? You're here because you LIKE what's happening with the show. Because you enjoy it? Or are you just filling time and finding something to do before you move on to the next thing that you can whimper and whine about.
We love all of you. All the community, but that's what fanworks are for, to express those silly ideas that don't fit. You shouldn't expect the staff to make your silly ideas come to life, that is not reasonable expectation.
We as a whole are very grateful for everything Jayson and the rest of the crew have done for us and we HOPE that this will continue for a LONG time to come.
Also, we LOVE and TOLERATE the whimpers and whiners, because we can hope that they will GROW UP one day and learn that they might not be the center of the universe! That is all.
Mare-Do-Well was a wonderful episode, in my honest opinion, and if it wasn't your cup of tea that's fine. Also imagine this even your least favorite episode (which I can't seem to personally find one) is most likely better than any other girls tv show's best episode or a collaboration of their best episodes.
ReplyDeleteOh also in other news I have had no where to put this and I guess I'm gonna put it in this and hope someone can get to investigating but the pinkie smile PMV that had a crapload of views was recently taken down by a company called millineum entertainment inc. and apparently they are a movie production company but it got my wonderful imagination juices flowing...
@Sali Exactly. What Sali said.
ReplyDeleteSo whose writing the apology/plead-for-forgiveness letter?
ReplyDeleteAHMEN AND PRAISE OUR BEAUTIFUL GODDESSES OF THE SUN AND MOON!
ReplyDeleteLONG LIVE THE PRINCESSES!
Thank you so so so much for this Seth. I knew that arguing in the comments wouldn't help, but now that you dedicated an entire post to this issue, people will actually listen and contemplate this.
I want our fandom to remain the loving, tolerant, fun, creative, welcoming, and kind group I first met and fell in love with when I first joined. Things change in life, but I want this to remain how it is until the end- Only changes for the better will be accepted :)
Thank you so much again, Seth!
May Celestia guide you during her day
May Luna watch over you during her night
<3
I'd been having the weird feeling lately that something from the show was missing, something that was in Season 1 but isn't in Season 2. This mainly started after Luna's episode and continued on until pretty much until I read this. It decreased slowly after The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well, but reading this, maybe I did just set my expectations too high. I didn't even have a good reason for that feeling, I just had it. I liked each episode that came out because they were still good. I do want to apologize to Studio B for being so critical of your show when it's as awesome as it is already. I do appreciate what it's done for me and everyone else. It's changed lives, as far as I know all of them for the better. The fans can get crazy, and we do have our moments of selfishness, but no matter what keep making this show for as long as you possibly can. We'll be with you every step of the way..... Ready to take over for you XD
ReplyDeleteRight.
ReplyDeleteI understand where they're going with this. I do. They put an extradinary amount of the effort into making sure this show is a success and I respect them for that.
Unfortunately, such feed back scares me because we can't control such behaviour. Only discourage it. If the people who don't like the new episodes continue to complain there's nothing that we're able to do about it without turning Equestria Daily into an orwellian-sque website.
I don't think I saw very many negative comments except from the few that were just there to troll. In fact since I can't really attest to the negativity you speak of I think I just won't post in this topic.
ReplyDeleteOh horseapples...
(Tried to post this once, but FireFuckup crashed randomly AGAIN and now I have to re-write the goddamned thing)
ReplyDeleteI support this post with the supports of a thousand supporting supports.
It's about time for an article such as this. In the little Last.fm/IRC pony fan community I'm a part of, many members have gotten so frustrated with the comments left by a certain section of the fandom that they have stopped using EqD entirely. It's sad that inane comments can cause people to leave an entire site, but this is apparently the case. Seth and the EqD crew do a great job, it's about 10% of the user base here that seems to be causing the problem. I don't blame Sibsy for not wanting to check out EqD much these days when it seems as though the only comments here are "Baaawwww the show is shit without Faust" and "OMG FANSERVICE".
Personally? I don't give a flying fuck that Faust decided to move on. She must be credited for getting FiM started, and for overseeing the first and second seasons, though; without her astonishingly wondrous touch, we wouldn't even have a FiM, and she is, rightfully, a legend in the animation industry. HOWEVER! She has moved on to other projects (on which I wish her the best of luck), leaving the show in capable hands. People need to stop pretending that Lauren Faust = FiM. Lauren Faust does not = FiM. The whole slew of people we see in the credits of every episode = FiM. This show is a team effort, and every single person deserves credit for what they do. And it's frustrating and disappointing to hear people disregard all the tireless, stressful, and skilled work that goes into making FiM episodes a finished product in order to bitch about some shallow minor issue. The collective fandom ought to be ashamed.
That's not to say that criticism isn't welcome where it is due, however. We all know there have been animation errors, OOC moments, mediocre episode plots, and poorly-worded friendship reports (Feeling Pinkie Keen, anyone?) but to disregard the incredible amount of work that goes into the show in order to complain about such issues makes the fandom look increasingly nit-picky and ungrateful. I'm ashamed to be associated with some of you. We all have every right to dislike whatever episodes we wish, certainly, but the reasons why some of you people do - and the methods of expressing such dislike - have become increasingly shallow. Even if an episode turns out to be downright bad (I personally have found a lot to love about every episode in FiM so far) that gives us no right to bitch to the crew that animated and strung together the episodes - the blame, if any, should be directed to the writers, and even then, it should be expressed in such a way that the criticism is helpful and not whiny. No one loves a whiner.
(continued)
Speaking of the criticism of episode plots and the like, here's something else we need to keep in mind. MLP:FiM is a CHILDREN'S SHOW. Always has been, always will be. The writers and animators know this. We're just along for the ride. The plots and scripts are SUPPOSED to be simple and not particularly challenging. We are not the target audience, and we should be overjoyed that the show is as appealing as it is without expecting anything more. Let's also touch on the fandom's fascination with characters such as Luna, which obviously were never intended to serve a really significant role. It's a little irritating to me to see the comment section be full of "OMG DO WE GET LUNA THIS WEEK?!?!!!?!!?11?four!!!" She's a cool character, no doubt, but we ought to be happy with what we already have. Any reappearance of such characters should be seen as a special treat rather than "FINALLY, GAWD." Let them make the show how they want to make it, and never expect minor characters - and Luna is indeed a minor character, save for her role as NMM - to be a significant part of the show. It would have been nice to see her in episodes such as The Best Night Ever and today's episode, but I'm totally fine without her being shown, too. Fanfictions and Luna Eclipsed are enough for me. Any future appearances will be welcomed, but never begged for or expected.
ReplyDeleteThis brings me to another point: The so-called 'fan service' issue. Why do so many bronies pretend that references to pop culture and the like haven't always been around in every cartoon ever? It's always been done, and FiM is nothing new. Perhaps most prominently, I feel that people often claim fan-service because, due to the mind-blowing amount of content that this community generates, we're bound to have made up SOMETHING that ties into an episode already written but not aired. For example, the (god-awful) Cupcakes fic vs. Party of One: Completely coincidental, without any connection whatsoever. Same thing with Dash+shades. Sure, there are a few true references, such as the three ponies in Cutie Pox and the whole ending of the Discord arc, but to be honest, I wasn't even vaugely aware that either was a reference to anything until it was pointed out. And if -I- had no idea, despite my lack of cultural awareness, I'm sure children (the target audience, again) are going to neither know nor care. The only reason we even claim 'fan-service' with FiM is that we are more aware of such things because we pay much more attention to the show than other cartoons. FiM has far fewer fan/pop culture refs than many, many other cartoons. Derpy is really the only fan service I'm aware of so far, and even there she's just an amusing easter egg to watch for.
(continued)
Another thing, involving Mare-Do-Well in particular. Did people actually expect MDW to be Derpy, or any other fan-characterized pony? Seriously? If anything, THAT would be a shout-out worth complaining about. The show is about the MANE SIX. While that was not a top-tier ep, with some slight OOC and being a little too hard on Dash, it worked exactly as it should have, and I truly enjoyed it. Would have been neat if it was Trixie, but the lesson would not have been learned properly. And thank heavens it wasn't Luna (cool character, but most vastly overrated character in the entire fucking series, seriously). Fan-characterized ponies, such as Octavia, Derpy, DJ-P0N3, Lyra, Spitfire, et cetera, are little more than background ponies with a fan following, UNLESS - and ONLY unless - the FiM crew decides to utilize them more than in the roles they were designed for - to be background ponies at best. It's pathetic to assume the crew would work around fan wishes and use such minor characters in a bigger role, and to wish for them to do such would be wishing for them to pander to fan wishes. Unless, of course, they already wanted such characters to have a larger presence in the series. I'm not saying that it wouldn't be awesome to have some of these characters take on a bigger part in the series, but the mane six (and the CMCs, Celestia, and such) should ALWAYS be in focus, no matter what. Period. Special-appearance characters such as Trixie/Gilda and Hasbro-appointed and past characters such as Cheerilee are also welcomed. But this show, as it stands today, is about the Mane Six. Fan-characterized characters are just that.
ReplyDeleteAgain, just to clarify my point. Constructive criticism and expression of dislike are fine. But sometimes the fandom asks way too much from a show that's already great enough as it is. Do NOT blame the crew for failing to live up to expectations - which are already much higher than they need to be - and do NOT complain over minor issues having no bearing on the overall quality of the show. I personally see each new episode as being a blessing, 22 new minutes pony that we didn't even know we would GET until S2 was confirmed. I suggest you all begin to look on the show that way instead of coming up with utterly stupid reasons to complain about this or that. Over-analysing a CHILDREN'S CARTOON, as awesome a show as it may be, it completely pointless, and, while I am guilty of it too, is no way to enjoy it. I could go on for hours on this tangent, but I need to wrap up this post.
Just sit back, watch the poni, and be glad we have such a wonderful show in the first place. The crew owes us nothing, and we should be grateful for their exceptionally hard work regardless of our feelings towards an episode.
~ES
While I was not concerned about last week's episode, I was afraid of being thrown back behind my courage, like I had lost faith in everyone. As such, I fled the scene to a quieter spot and found a whole new family. Things may be different than from what I expect, but these guys are unique and stand apart from other friends. Last week was almost a breakdown, thanks to people being ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteThis will unfortunately remain a scar in the back of my mind for a while to come. My spirit still protects me and forever guides me in my actions, whether or not I can feel her near me. I thank those who still have the common sense to be true to themselves and live on. After all, real life does come first.
Well, I will admit that I was amongst those who were insulting the episode a week ago, but it wasn't exactly because I was yearning for a background character to jump out; it was actually quite the contrary. I respect their efforts to keep fanon separate from canon. If Derpy were to suddenly jump from Mare-Do-Well's costume and SUDDENLY GET AN ENTIRE PERSONALITY, not only would the fans be disappointed with their ruined fanon, the creators would be disappointed with themselves for leaning down to that level. They absolutely took the right path by doing what they did.
ReplyDeleteIt just... wasn't as COOL as I was expecting. I don't know, it just didn't possess the qualities that many other of this show's episodes exhibited. It just came across as a bit of a disappointment coming from "May the Best Pet Win", and, quite frankly, was out of place in the parade of wonders that is season two so far. My last wish is to tell the writers of this amazing show that they're doing it wrong; I need to work on my writing myself.
I don't know. It wasn't exactly bad, it was... average. It wasn't jarringly good like so many other episodes, but it wasn't jarringly bad at the same time.
"Sweet and Elite" was fantastic, though. I can't argue with the quality of that episode at all. In my eyes, "Mare Do Well" was an isolated experience, not something to put off the producers as a whole. It's still a fantastic show, and I respect the production team for it. It wasn't bad, it's just that our expectations have been raised by the numerous episodes that we've loved.
So anyway, keep up the good work! You guys did the episode well. Don't be bothered by what we say, we know how good the entire season is.
It really was a wonderful episode, rather richer in fandom references than the usual one. I made a comment or two about how it seemed odd when you thought about it from a realistic point of view -- but part of the fun of this kind of show is that it isn't realistic, and you can tell a really unusual story about superheroes and secret identities.
ReplyDeleteI compared it to a particular Smurfs episode that I saw as a kid, the Astrosmurf, that stuck out in my mind as a strange object. But it remains that The Smurfs had very strong writing for the time, partly due to its Eurocomics roots. I don't think it would have stayed with me for so long if it weren't such an effective story, and I think that matters more than anything. (The other Smurfs episodes I remember are similarly strange: one where there was a purple disease that turned the smurfs all into "gnarfs" that was really quite horrifying, one where Handy became huge and went to take down Gargamel, and of course the pilot which showed the origin of Smurfette. It really was a cool show!)
I hope, if my earlier comment had been taken badly by someone at Studio B, that this clarifies my feelings on the matter. I think this goes for all of us: if any of us seem critical at times, it's only because we love the show greatly, and the worst carping you'll get from us would be much worse for any other show. MLP:FiM is such an embarrassment of riches that it's possible to take it for granted, and we really should endeavor not to do that.
Also, someone upthread said:
ReplyDelete"Mare-Do-Well, I think, did not have any problems with predictability, because clues were intentionally given throughout the episode to make young viewers feel clever for suspecting the outcome."
Actually, the clues were added because it's just good writing to add them. Think: it's trivial to make up an last-act secret that comes out of left field and is unguessable. It is hard to come up with a truly worthy secret that is substantiated by the foregoing events.
It is more important that the secret follow naturally from what came before than it be truly impossible to guess! And many of us are highly media-savvy viewers who have almost made it a game among ourselves to guess what direction the story is going in and call it out ahead of time.
There are thousands of us commenting here -- of course a few of us are going to figure it out ahead of time, the fact that we could only means the story was written fairly and cleverly. And the fact that so many of us did try guessing means it was written engagingly.
Being angry that an episode or character didn't go the way you planned or acted the way they did in a fan fiction or how the fandom portrays them is just plain dumb. It's one thing for the studio to keep things like Derpy, but another to have Luna act like the fan-fictions put her as. It is their choice as to how the characters are and the plot, not ours. It's much easier simply to enjoy the show rather then argue over how the characters or plot should be.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAlso for reference, today's episode was absolutely fantastic. Just throwin' that out there.
ReplyDeleteI thought Octavia's cameo was a direct shout-out to us. They haven't forgotten. :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteobviously we all no the show bucks flanks hard, but sometimes hurtful comments are the ones that help u pave over imperfections the most. Thus i say "Dear people of studio B/Topdraw, although flamers may flame too hard sometimes it is always good to read the comments and put some consideration to the point of the message. it may help you improve on stuff that ur currently having problems with, since they are viewers of this show. just think it as another pair of eyes helpin you out =)."
ReplyDeleteyour loyal fan LunaNMM
btw twilightbestpony =D
@Dennis
ReplyDeleteits ok, bro chill
haters gona hate just let it go, dont lissen to the useless crap they spew out of their mouths.
dont need to to go raging after their raging =)
We hate because we love. :-P
ReplyDeleteAs a relatively new fan of the show, I watched all the episodes in a few days thanks to all the Youtube uploaders, and yes there were some episodes that I didn't like as much as others. BUT, I still was supportive and happy to watch, never putting a negative comment anywhere near them. The new season hasn't had a "low" point for me yet.
ReplyDeleteEveryone should be respectful of others by offering critique, not telling that the whole episode was just awful. Critique, meaning of course, things you personally didn't like and maybe things you would've done differently.
Thanks for posting this! I don't work on MLP but I graduated with a degree in animation so I definitely get the amount of blood, sweat, and tears that these guys pour into these episodes. I think it's totally cool to crit episodes, I'm sure that the staff have no beef with positive or negative feedback. But to criticize them because they didn't do what you wanted them to or didn't do things to fit your head canon is a little out there.
ReplyDeleteI had to stop reading the comments on the last episode because I found them getting increasingly silly. But I'm also a viewer that is very uninvolved in all the fanon stuff, I mostly just watch the episodes and read a post here or there on the site. I go into each episode with zero expectations of what the episode will be like or what it's about because I like to be surprised.
I don't look down on anyone for having any head canon as all the fanon stuff is part of what makes the community so unique and involved. But it makes you look like a spoiled child if you complain that the episode sucks because it wrecked the fanon and is therefore the end of the world. The studio shouldn't have to pander to the bronies in order to make them like an episode. The less the studio thinks of us as they make the episodes the better. (why mess with perfection?)
No one has to like all the episodes and I don't think this post was asking you guys to or to not have opinions. But please don't let the fanon cloud your judgement of what the episode should or shouldn't be. I really enjoyed last week's episode, it wasn't my favorite but I still really enjoyed it. And this week's episode was spectacular.
First off, let me say season two looks like it'll be just as good as the last one.
ReplyDeleteLast weeks episode was pretty good, with the dam being the only thing really bothered me. Those wanting unpredictable twist and turns should have had more realistic expectations.
This weeks episode though was excellent. Tied for best of this season.
I maybe critical of some episodes, and praise others, but I try to never be a jerk about it.
@Ryonne
ReplyDeleteI do not know what you are saying about Derpys personality. I for one live for the day she gets the spotlight.
I agree with the main post 100%. I thought the Mare-do-well episode was perfectly written and was done with more than enough pop references to keep the nerdiest of the nerdcore happy. I say, Job well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you Seth. I am glad you said what needed to be said. I'm not sure how many people were really that frustrated by the lack of Derpy or Trixie as Mare Do Well, but really, the obsession this fanbase has for those two goes way too far sometimes. The show is about the Mane Six and their friendship. It wasn't that big of a shocker that her friends would be the one to call out on RD's behavior.
ReplyDeleteAs for critiquing the episodes themselves for their actual quality; that is fine, but once again some people take it way too far. The show has set a very high standard yes, but even the best shows will have an occasional episode that you may not like as much. We need to be respectful of the crew that works so hard to bring us this high caliber TV show. Let us never forget who the target demographic is. They have given the fans plenty of leeway. We've been given an inch, but some of us want to take a yard. They can't very well do everything the fanbase asks for. Let the people behind the show run the show. We're all fans right? Then let's enjoy it for what it is and not try to change things or cry when things don't meet our expectations.
@Sugar Cube I agree with you. The show is the show and if we as fans want certain things that we all know can't be in the show we have the ability to write fan fics and make fan animations.
ReplyDelete@Mason
ReplyDeleteYou are so right.
'Lesson Zero' is still, IMO, the best ep of this entire season so far and it got alot of hate.....it really pissed me off tbh.
Bunch of humorless ingrates in this community ;p
Whoa, wasn't even aware people were upset with Mare Do Well. I thought it was pretty decent and, if you guys haven't noticed by now, FiM relies heavily on cartoon story telling expectations (where most of your normal expectations are met, very few surprises). The good folks who provide this show (inadvertently) make it entertaining for us and then we run with it and as already stated do not cater to us first and foremost.
ReplyDelete@Mason
ReplyDeleteFair enough I guess. I guess I may have gone overboard on the last reply then. As a whole I've liked Season 2 so far. 4 really great episodes, 3 pretty good episodes, 1 I didn't like, and the latest I haven't seen yet (watching that shortly).
I'm not trying to be rude or anything (uncouth!), I just thought this needed to be said.
ReplyDeleteWe have a right to criticize the show, studio, or any specific aspect of the production we don't like. That goes for better or worse; constructive or not. If anyone who works on the show comes to read comments, they are professionals, god I hope they can handle any criticisms along with their well-earned praises.
However, it's still important to remember (as some have pointed out) that this cartoon is not targeted towards us, and definitely is not tailored for the brony community. If you are going to outwardly criticize, it is important to do so gracefully and with this in mind as to not make us all look like jackasses (we aren't).
People should communicate their thoughts about the show (if they're inclined to do so) with honesty, and without the limitation of having to be positive all the time and keep the show's staff in a bubble of pure praise.
Again, I'm not trying to be a jerk here, I just think this post is borderline over-protective.
Well, I feel better going back to see my old friends. Miracles are always imminent, no matter what brings me down.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED THAT DAMN EPISODE AND WHEN I SEEN PINKIES FACE IN THE COUSTUME I WAS LIKE YAHOO! YOU DO DAT STUFF GIRL HOW CAN YOU NOT LIKE IT.... and you didnt like it step into the fled of justice with me so i can chop you down for 40 mins...
ReplyDeleteLearning about how immature some fans are about this show really boils my butt. Yeah, it's cool that there's so much fan art for it, but the fans don't own the show and characters, and when they act like they do it makes me mad. I remember a lot of people got pissed off that "Dinky" might not be Derpy Hooves' daughter, or got jealous on behalf of Lyra when Bon Bon was in the Rainbow Dash fanclub.
ReplyDeleteSome fans are losing their grip on what's actually part of the show's canon and what is fan made, and a lot of them have actually started to prefer their own creations over what is actually in the show. I became a Brony because I love the show and its characters, not because of all the fan-created OCs masquerading in official character designs. It makes me mad when I find out that some bronies are forgetting why they ever liked the show in the first place, because the show is as good now as it's ever been, if not better.
Wait, people were bitching about mare-do-well? We may have the best fan made content, but there's no denying that we've become that stereotypical whiny fandom. It was good while it lasted.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hate listening to people whine about minor details that I really could give a fuck about.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, this season has been the shit so far (especially considering my high expectations), and there have only been one or two episodes I thought were less than spectacular, although I definitely still enjoyed them.
I think sometimes the sense of entitlement that fans get does get quite out of hand. I thought MMDW was a decent ep, not a classic, but it was fine. Sure some of the characterizations are a little over-the-top, but... we are still talking about a children's cartoon here, guys, we're not analyzing Marcel Proust.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that anyone was SERIOUSLY expecting Derpy or Trixie to be under the mask... this show is about the principal six ponies, after all. Fandom love does not elevate a minor character to main-event status. I personally love Big MacIntosh, but do I ever expect to see an episode all about him? It's about as likely as seeing an ep with Dashie coming out of the closet, or having season three just be an adaptation of Fallout: Equestria.
Anyway, I have to applaud Seth for this post... yes, I know the internet as a whole, and net fandom in particular can be a haven of whiny spoiled jackasses, and I'm sure some (hopefully most) of the people that work on this show have been around long enough to get that. But that being so... shouldn't we as a group of fans aspire to better than the norm? What's wrong with that? Constructive criticism is fine, great even, but belching out comments about the show being "shit now" or "dead" isn't criticism, it's just being a douchebag, and there's enough of that in real life. And if you're seriously disliking the show THAT much now... no one's forcing you to watch. Personally, I've liked S2 very much so far.
And to all you guys and gals that work on the show that might read this: thank you for all that you do, and don't let the bastards grind you down!