Anybody that really disliked the previous episode "Non-Compete Clause", like me and almost all of the fandom (considered one of the worst episodes of the show for good reason, one of the few that has had very little good said about it), may feel nervous watching "The Break Up Break Down". Deep down hoping that it would be a big improvement, but worrying at the same time that the characters featured would be interesting enough to hold what sounds on paper like a very eventful episode together.
"The Break Up Break Down" was a lot better than expected. Although not one of the very best episodes of Season 8 or a 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' high-point, it is a massive improvement over "Non-Compete Clause" and does a good job with a vast majority of the characters featured. What sounds on paper potentially too sprawling and eventful, with the episode having three interrelated subplots somewhat, is remarkably cohesive and doesn't come over as over-stuffed.
Despite loving Discord as a character on the whole, with one exception that won't be mentioned when it comes to episodes, to me he is a little too malicious here.
Similarly felt that the resolution was too predictable and silly.
However, "The Break Up Break Down" has so many great things. The animation as usual is great, very rich in colour and meticulous in background detail. The expressions and character designs are a good deal more refined and inventive than what was seen in the earlier seasons. The music fits with what goes on beautifully and has a lot of character and charm. The voice acting is very good all round with no weak links.
Furthermore, the writing manages to never feel forced, or on either the wrong side of cheesy or sappy. It was instead quite amusing and with the right amount of sweetness and emotional impact, the maturity is also back without being over-serious or too complicated. The story is always interesting and never dull, it doesn't feel rushed or like there is too much going on. When it comes to the character writing, there were only reservations with Discord. Found both Big Mac and Sugar Belle relatable and never bland characters and their chemistry sweet, and it has been amazing seeing Spike's character writing improve so much in and since Season 6 and see him better used. The voice of reason characteristic suits him and far more appealing than how he tended to be characterised in Seasons 1-5.
In conclusion, very good and a massive improvement. 8/10.
"The Break Up Break Down" was a lot better than expected. Although not one of the very best episodes of Season 8 or a 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' high-point, it is a massive improvement over "Non-Compete Clause" and does a good job with a vast majority of the characters featured. What sounds on paper potentially too sprawling and eventful, with the episode having three interrelated subplots somewhat, is remarkably cohesive and doesn't come over as over-stuffed.
Despite loving Discord as a character on the whole, with one exception that won't be mentioned when it comes to episodes, to me he is a little too malicious here.
Similarly felt that the resolution was too predictable and silly.
However, "The Break Up Break Down" has so many great things. The animation as usual is great, very rich in colour and meticulous in background detail. The expressions and character designs are a good deal more refined and inventive than what was seen in the earlier seasons. The music fits with what goes on beautifully and has a lot of character and charm. The voice acting is very good all round with no weak links.
Furthermore, the writing manages to never feel forced, or on either the wrong side of cheesy or sappy. It was instead quite amusing and with the right amount of sweetness and emotional impact, the maturity is also back without being over-serious or too complicated. The story is always interesting and never dull, it doesn't feel rushed or like there is too much going on. When it comes to the character writing, there were only reservations with Discord. Found both Big Mac and Sugar Belle relatable and never bland characters and their chemistry sweet, and it has been amazing seeing Spike's character writing improve so much in and since Season 6 and see him better used. The voice of reason characteristic suits him and far more appealing than how he tended to be characterised in Seasons 1-5.
In conclusion, very good and a massive improvement. 8/10.
