The concept does sound interesting and relatable and it was great to see more of the families of Pinkie Pie and Applejack in the same episode, see what their traditions were and how the other family felt about them. One does understandably worry though as to whether "Hearthbreakers" approach to an interesting but not easy to tackle subject would be too one-dimensional or heavy-handed, very easy to fall into those traps when tackling this theme.
"Hearthbreakers" actually to me mostly tackled it very well. It is a more serious episode than the wackier and more jokey previous one "The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows", which some will like and others not, but to me flaws and all this was superior to that episode. The characterisation is more of a mixed bag, mostly hit though, but the story is a good deal better and how the theme is tackled in "Hearthbreakers" has always impressed me on the whole.
Not everything is executed perfectly. Did find the Pie family at times unrealistically hostile, bratty Limestone faring the worst. In terms of atmosphere, it could have been warmer and had more of a holiday feel as the whole traditions conflict makes the episode a bit too serious at times.
Especially in the portrayal of the Pie family's traditions, initially the episode made their traditions seem quite dull. It could have been a little quicker in getting going.
Rest of the character writing and interaction however was great. Pinkie Pie and Applejack are true to personality and are likeable, their chemistry is easy to endear to as well and is heart-warming. Granny Smith has come on a long way and loved her interaction with the Pie family, without resorting to openly disagreeing with their traditions like it would have been so easy to do. Maud is very amusing and of the character interaction, as well as Pinkie Pie and Applejack of course my favourite was between Big Mac and Marble. That was adorable. Much of the writing was fine, the most telling moment actually coming from Applebloom which perfectly sums up everything and something that will resonate with many in a similar situation.
It was really interesting seeing what the traditions of the families were and the reactions to them. Although it did not seem so at first, "Hearthbreakers" did not handle this in a one-sided way. That moment from Applebloom especially saw how tactful the episode was in its portrayal of family holiday traditions. There was also the danger of heavy-handedness, it is so easy to be preachy with this subject but this was handled sensitively too with none of the too in your face "I'm right you're wrong" attitude. The moral is on paper one of the best and most true to life of the season, and it was one of the most honestly executed ones of the season.
Animation is bright and colourful with beautifully detailed backgrounds. The music is dynamic and full of character and variety and not constant or too loud. The voice acting is very good, awesome in the case of Ingrid Nilson.
On the whole, not a great episode but a good one and a step in the right direction after three consecutive disappointments. 7/10
"Hearthbreakers" actually to me mostly tackled it very well. It is a more serious episode than the wackier and more jokey previous one "The One Where Pinkie Pie Knows", which some will like and others not, but to me flaws and all this was superior to that episode. The characterisation is more of a mixed bag, mostly hit though, but the story is a good deal better and how the theme is tackled in "Hearthbreakers" has always impressed me on the whole.
Not everything is executed perfectly. Did find the Pie family at times unrealistically hostile, bratty Limestone faring the worst. In terms of atmosphere, it could have been warmer and had more of a holiday feel as the whole traditions conflict makes the episode a bit too serious at times.
Especially in the portrayal of the Pie family's traditions, initially the episode made their traditions seem quite dull. It could have been a little quicker in getting going.
Rest of the character writing and interaction however was great. Pinkie Pie and Applejack are true to personality and are likeable, their chemistry is easy to endear to as well and is heart-warming. Granny Smith has come on a long way and loved her interaction with the Pie family, without resorting to openly disagreeing with their traditions like it would have been so easy to do. Maud is very amusing and of the character interaction, as well as Pinkie Pie and Applejack of course my favourite was between Big Mac and Marble. That was adorable. Much of the writing was fine, the most telling moment actually coming from Applebloom which perfectly sums up everything and something that will resonate with many in a similar situation.
It was really interesting seeing what the traditions of the families were and the reactions to them. Although it did not seem so at first, "Hearthbreakers" did not handle this in a one-sided way. That moment from Applebloom especially saw how tactful the episode was in its portrayal of family holiday traditions. There was also the danger of heavy-handedness, it is so easy to be preachy with this subject but this was handled sensitively too with none of the too in your face "I'm right you're wrong" attitude. The moral is on paper one of the best and most true to life of the season, and it was one of the most honestly executed ones of the season.
Animation is bright and colourful with beautifully detailed backgrounds. The music is dynamic and full of character and variety and not constant or too loud. The voice acting is very good, awesome in the case of Ingrid Nilson.
On the whole, not a great episode but a good one and a step in the right direction after three consecutive disappointments. 7/10
