The complete opposite actually. Have said more than once that Spike is an inconsistently written character, of all the regular characters he is the most problematic (with the tendency to overdo negative character traits such as jealousy and greed) and had the highest number of misfires for a while. Season 6 however saw a massive improvement in his character writing, the only improvement that season had compared to the previous seasons, where he became more likeable, sympathetic and more interesting.
Luckily this improvement in character writing is evident in "Molt Down". On first watch when it first aired, expectations were not so high. As it is one of the "Spike trying to solve a problem that he started" sort of episode, a sort of episode that 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' has a generally mediocre track record in. Due to them making Spike difficult to root for while also having other characters treating him badly. There are a few exceptions though and "Molt Down" is one of them, one of the best Spike-centric episodes along with "Gauntlet of Fire".
Namely due to that Spike is not a bland character here and was easy to root for. While his actions were far from perfect, the good intentions to solving the dilemma were there and no character flaws were exaggerated. Actually related to him as well, being a person with fears that are both understandable and irritational. It was also a situation that was this time beyond his control and his feelings were within reason. There is the advantage that he is not poorly treated, quite the opposite. It was interesting and brave for the show to tackle an everyday and mature issue, with its own spin on it, and tell it from a male character point of view (in a show that is female character-centric) with tact without being over-serious.
"Molt Down" is very successful when it comes to the rest of the characters, including Zecora finally being in a substantial role, Twilight shining in a type of situation where she most excels in and Rarity being a comic joy. A great job too is done with Smolder, and it was a very good way of exploring dragon cycles and traditions while solving the potential problem of Spike messing it all up. Personally thought that it was great that the episode finally addressed the question(s) fans had regarding Spike's wings for so long and showcased that in a way that didn't feel shoe-horned.
So much works here, with an exciting and suspenseful climax with the roc being suitably antagonistic, a fun intro, some very smart and genuinely funny humour, a sincerely delivered moral and intriguing exploring of dragon cycles and traditions. The animation is typically colourful and full of atmosphere and the music fits beautifully. The voice acting is uniformly excellent.
There is next to nothing to fault here, though the characters' cluelessness about the presence of the roc circling overhead when it is something that really cannot be missed was rather silly.
Concluding, surprisingly great episode and one of the better ones of a type of episode for the show not usually done well. 9/10.
Luckily this improvement in character writing is evident in "Molt Down". On first watch when it first aired, expectations were not so high. As it is one of the "Spike trying to solve a problem that he started" sort of episode, a sort of episode that 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' has a generally mediocre track record in. Due to them making Spike difficult to root for while also having other characters treating him badly. There are a few exceptions though and "Molt Down" is one of them, one of the best Spike-centric episodes along with "Gauntlet of Fire".
Namely due to that Spike is not a bland character here and was easy to root for. While his actions were far from perfect, the good intentions to solving the dilemma were there and no character flaws were exaggerated. Actually related to him as well, being a person with fears that are both understandable and irritational. It was also a situation that was this time beyond his control and his feelings were within reason. There is the advantage that he is not poorly treated, quite the opposite. It was interesting and brave for the show to tackle an everyday and mature issue, with its own spin on it, and tell it from a male character point of view (in a show that is female character-centric) with tact without being over-serious.
"Molt Down" is very successful when it comes to the rest of the characters, including Zecora finally being in a substantial role, Twilight shining in a type of situation where she most excels in and Rarity being a comic joy. A great job too is done with Smolder, and it was a very good way of exploring dragon cycles and traditions while solving the potential problem of Spike messing it all up. Personally thought that it was great that the episode finally addressed the question(s) fans had regarding Spike's wings for so long and showcased that in a way that didn't feel shoe-horned.
So much works here, with an exciting and suspenseful climax with the roc being suitably antagonistic, a fun intro, some very smart and genuinely funny humour, a sincerely delivered moral and intriguing exploring of dragon cycles and traditions. The animation is typically colourful and full of atmosphere and the music fits beautifully. The voice acting is uniformly excellent.
There is next to nothing to fault here, though the characters' cluelessness about the presence of the roc circling overhead when it is something that really cannot be missed was rather silly.
Concluding, surprisingly great episode and one of the better ones of a type of episode for the show not usually done well. 9/10.
