'My Little Pony: Pony Life' "What Comes Updo"/"Communication Shutdown" (2021)
Opening thoughts: My expectations were mixed for both halves. Liked the idea for the latter and Season 2 on the whole was an improvement over Season 1, with two episodes that were actually decent. The previous episodes were a disappointment, on the same level as the best that Season 1 got (lacklustre), and it was like the improvement had not happened. There was potential with the concept for the latter, but the former did sound like it would overdo Rarity's diva-ish personality, which the show has done more than once before and badly.
Neither worked that well, especially the former which does nothing new or appealing with a premise that didn't endear that much to begin with. The latter had potential and moments, but not enough, semi-watchable but nothing special. Again it felt like the improvement had not happened. The double bill is not completely terrible and it has moments with the latter segment, but the numerous things that fail are as badly done as Season 1 at its worst.
Good things: There are good things. The voice work is energetic and nuanced.
Did think that the latter did a few mildly amusing moments and also moments of creative visuals.
Bad things: However, both are extremely flawed and equally so. The storytelling throughout is unbelievably bland, executed too conventionally and is very thin (especially the latter, practically nothing happens), with some very rushed pacing and too simple and rehashed morals. Also does nothing new with old hat premises, has no creativity and doesn't really go anywhere. The plotting is barely there and the pace drags a lot. The former had a potentially relatable scenario but nothing is done with it and is hurt by Rarity's character writing. Charm and heart are completely absent, the too little humour being too juvenile and there is nothing endearing or relatable about Rarity, who is too much of a melodramatic diva (very like how she has been characterised in most of the episodes centering around her).
Both segments have real problems individually. Nothing is imaginative or vibrant about the animation, which is rushed and careless looking throughout. Indicative of rushed deadlines and low budget. The music is like cheesy high school quality and never fits with what goes on. The theme tune is grating. Both segments are low on laughs and what there are is mostly forced and juvenile.
The character writing is one dimensional with none of the characters having much to them. After 'Friendship is Magic' did so well breaking away from the "only for primary school period girls" stereotypes wrongly associated with the franchise for so long, the characters come over as dumbed down stereotypes with that target audience stereotype being reinforced.
Closing thoughts: Very weak double bill overall.
3/10.