First impressions: I enjoyed it. Rarity central plot and character development for her relationship with her younger sister makes me happy.
But did you find her
likable? Because I didn't. I've been one of the strongest supporters and fans of Rarity on this board for about the past 100 pages of pony threads. But I didn't
like the Rarity presented in this episode.
From a fan perspective I was saddened by the Derpy/Dinky relationship weakening
...I think I missed this. What?
By far the best part was the strength of
Applejack's representation in this episode.
Agreed. The fact that we both agree that Applejack was the best part of an episode about Rarity, kind of shows that Rarity was not portrayed very well here.
An excellent episode for the shows intended target audience in the younger age bracket, it was informative and educational on one of the biggest issues that face that demographic, sibling disharmony.
And this, unfortunately, I also agree with. And was thinking similar while watching it. Like (kaijuu?) said a page or two back, the whole thing comes across as a forced aesop. It's predictable, and not very well written, and just simply not very much fun to watch.
I
don't want to watch a show that's informative and educational for 8 year olds. I want to watch a show with interesting, well thought out characters who engage in fun, funny and enteraining adventures.
The show used to be like that. Recently...not so much.