Just in case anybody ridicules my taste giving "Fall Weather Friends", or any 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' episode for that matter, a very high rating, my taste does go beyond this. Love film and television of all decades and genres, and my taste in animation also aims to be diverse. If anyone is wondering whether to me giving an episode for this show a high rating is on the same level as or better than any highly regarded film, my mind does not think that way, it's just personal taste judged on its own without comparison.
Up to this point, all the episodes of Season 1 for 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' have been never less than watchable, and think of Season 1 very highly. Was disappointed by "Boast Busters", while not in any way hating it, but the rest ranged between very good and outstanding. "Look Before You Sleep" may be divisive, being very simple and a change of pace, personally liked it very much and thought actually that what some may not like about the episode were strengths and what made it interesting. Anyway, talking solely on this episode, "Fall Weather Friends" is one of my favourites of the episodes up to this point.
There are a lot of fantastic things in "Fall Weather Friends" and can't really think of anything really to say that is wrong, although on a story level it is very simple admittedly.
In terms of the animation, for me "Fall Weather Friends" is one of Season 1's best looking episodes. It is not just the vibrancy of the colours, the elegantly and meticulously detailed backgrounds, the smooth drawing and the well differentiated character designs that really excel in setting each character apart from each other. The visuals and effects for the race itself are really striking, whether the big things or the little details. The music does stick in the head, is used and placed appropriately and any worries about intrusiveness or blandness are very quickly quashed. Have had no problem with the theme tune, but the original songs for the show make more of an impression.
"Fall Weather Friends" is a joy when it comes to the writing. Much of Pinkie Pie's dialogue is comedy gold, like her exchange with Spike. Speaking of Spike, he was generally underused at this point of the season but he is amusing and endearing here and it's great he's getting more to do. It's not just reliant on humour, it's also intelligently written and easy to relate to, Applejack and Rainbow Dash's conflict is handled very well without making one hating either or both character(s), a case of seeing both sides.
Even if the story is simple, it is fun, maturely done, never dull and doesn't ever get simplistic. Again, there is a strong and relevant message. Can really relate to the episode not teaching competition seriously, being someone who has had to deal with and study around it (and always found it unpleasant and stressful, because it's so much pressure) for ages, and have found it very hard moving away from it. Love the slapstick too, it is very nostalgic and didn't get overblown or overly silly, neither does it feel tired, all dangers with slapstick.
Loved all the characters, with Applejack and Rainbow Dash given some of their best character writing to date and Pinkie Pie is very funny and endearing. The voice acting is without issues, with practically tour-de-force work from Ashleigh Ball having to switch frequently to different voices very quickly and doing so expertly.
In conclusion, wonderful episode. 10/10
Up to this point, all the episodes of Season 1 for 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' have been never less than watchable, and think of Season 1 very highly. Was disappointed by "Boast Busters", while not in any way hating it, but the rest ranged between very good and outstanding. "Look Before You Sleep" may be divisive, being very simple and a change of pace, personally liked it very much and thought actually that what some may not like about the episode were strengths and what made it interesting. Anyway, talking solely on this episode, "Fall Weather Friends" is one of my favourites of the episodes up to this point.
There are a lot of fantastic things in "Fall Weather Friends" and can't really think of anything really to say that is wrong, although on a story level it is very simple admittedly.
In terms of the animation, for me "Fall Weather Friends" is one of Season 1's best looking episodes. It is not just the vibrancy of the colours, the elegantly and meticulously detailed backgrounds, the smooth drawing and the well differentiated character designs that really excel in setting each character apart from each other. The visuals and effects for the race itself are really striking, whether the big things or the little details. The music does stick in the head, is used and placed appropriately and any worries about intrusiveness or blandness are very quickly quashed. Have had no problem with the theme tune, but the original songs for the show make more of an impression.
"Fall Weather Friends" is a joy when it comes to the writing. Much of Pinkie Pie's dialogue is comedy gold, like her exchange with Spike. Speaking of Spike, he was generally underused at this point of the season but he is amusing and endearing here and it's great he's getting more to do. It's not just reliant on humour, it's also intelligently written and easy to relate to, Applejack and Rainbow Dash's conflict is handled very well without making one hating either or both character(s), a case of seeing both sides.
Even if the story is simple, it is fun, maturely done, never dull and doesn't ever get simplistic. Again, there is a strong and relevant message. Can really relate to the episode not teaching competition seriously, being someone who has had to deal with and study around it (and always found it unpleasant and stressful, because it's so much pressure) for ages, and have found it very hard moving away from it. Love the slapstick too, it is very nostalgic and didn't get overblown or overly silly, neither does it feel tired, all dangers with slapstick.
Loved all the characters, with Applejack and Rainbow Dash given some of their best character writing to date and Pinkie Pie is very funny and endearing. The voice acting is without issues, with practically tour-de-force work from Ashleigh Ball having to switch frequently to different voices very quickly and doing so expertly.
In conclusion, wonderful episode. 10/10
