It was very interesting seeing Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy together, in roles that one would think conceptually would have made more sense going to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Other than my love for 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' (although in some seasons some episodes have been better than others, true for most shows), my main reason for seeing Season 6's eighteenth episode "Buckball Season" was to see those two characters interact together in a way not seen before. As it really did intrigue me.
"Buckball Season" was a surprisingly very well done episode. Was somehow not expecting the chemistry between Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to work (despite actually liking both as characters) and sports-related episodes for anything are not always my thing. "Buckball Season" however showed that Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy gel very well together, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are thankfully true to together and the spirit of the sport is well captured.
One of the very few issues had with "Buckball Season" is first and foremost the character of Snails. Not an interesting or necessary character and personality-wise at times annoying.
There is not much that is monumental or original about the story and some of it does feel predictable, including the slightly too neat resolution.
However, "Buckball Season" has so many great things. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy are great leads, their personalities contrasting beautifully. Had no doubt that Pinkie Pie would be a compelling lead character, she had her fair share of episodes where she has been very funny but also complex and a great job is done here too. Likewise with Fluttershy, who comes over as true to character still but more assertive (which doesn't come too suddenly) and whose frustration when she snaps is completely understandable. Their chemistry is playful and gels remarkably well for characters with personalities so different. It was great too to see Applejack and Rainbow Dash in character here and not have any of their flaws over-dominant (a big mistake with the latter's character writing this season).
Moreover, the animation is great and full of colour. Absolutely loved the facial expressions, whether big and wacky or small. The music is as ever catchy and dynamic. The writing is smart and witty yet also emotionally varied. The storytelling is absorbing and full of energy, the spirit of the sport both thrilling and dangerous as well as enormous fun to watch. What the characters go through in the lead up and preparation also intrigues and entertains. The moral is executed in good taste while making its point, it's not a predictably done or preachy one either. The voice acting is excellent, Andrea Libman does so well bringing out Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy's very different personalities and makes them individual and not the same.
Concluding, not extraordinary but very well done. 8/10.
"Buckball Season" was a surprisingly very well done episode. Was somehow not expecting the chemistry between Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to work (despite actually liking both as characters) and sports-related episodes for anything are not always my thing. "Buckball Season" however showed that Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy gel very well together, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are thankfully true to together and the spirit of the sport is well captured.
One of the very few issues had with "Buckball Season" is first and foremost the character of Snails. Not an interesting or necessary character and personality-wise at times annoying.
There is not much that is monumental or original about the story and some of it does feel predictable, including the slightly too neat resolution.
However, "Buckball Season" has so many great things. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy are great leads, their personalities contrasting beautifully. Had no doubt that Pinkie Pie would be a compelling lead character, she had her fair share of episodes where she has been very funny but also complex and a great job is done here too. Likewise with Fluttershy, who comes over as true to character still but more assertive (which doesn't come too suddenly) and whose frustration when she snaps is completely understandable. Their chemistry is playful and gels remarkably well for characters with personalities so different. It was great too to see Applejack and Rainbow Dash in character here and not have any of their flaws over-dominant (a big mistake with the latter's character writing this season).
Moreover, the animation is great and full of colour. Absolutely loved the facial expressions, whether big and wacky or small. The music is as ever catchy and dynamic. The writing is smart and witty yet also emotionally varied. The storytelling is absorbing and full of energy, the spirit of the sport both thrilling and dangerous as well as enormous fun to watch. What the characters go through in the lead up and preparation also intrigues and entertains. The moral is executed in good taste while making its point, it's not a predictably done or preachy one either. The voice acting is excellent, Andrea Libman does so well bringing out Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy's very different personalities and makes them individual and not the same.
Concluding, not extraordinary but very well done. 8/10.
