S01 EP04: "Applebuck Season"

S01 EP04: "Applebuck Season"

Okay, first thing's first: sorry about the lateness of this review. Between the mental and physical stress of my job and actively looking for a new one during the last couple weeks, I was wiped out. So of course, by the time my "weekend" rolled around I wanted to spend a great deal of it unconscious and decompressing-- sprinkle in a little procrastination and here we are. It seems that life gets in the way on occasion, but in spite of that I want to get these out to you guys at least regularly, hence this review. 

Now that that's outta the way: OH SNAP MAH GURL APPLEJACK GOTS HER OWN EPISODE

But...did I think it was any good? Continue below the fold to find out!

Episode Recap

From the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Wikia Entry:

Applebuck Season is the fourth episode of My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, season one. In this episode, with her big brother Big McIntosh hurt, Applejack volunteers to harvest the apple trees in Ponyville all by herself. 

What I Liked

Male ponies! And they got actual lines to speak! I know that Big McIntosh was seen in the pilot, but it's good to see more in the show. Not that the Pegavorions were bad, but seriously, I was starting to wonder if Equestrians reproduced asexually or something.

Winona. Screenshot speaks for itself, but in case that's not enough, she's basically an awesome dog.

The show is acknowledging that Pinkie Pie is annoying more frequently, and as long as that fact is lampshaded more frequently, I can easily tolerate her. 

Twilight Sparkle's long-winded speech getting constantly interrupted was funny, but the trollface conclusion from the Mayor of Ponyville was the perfect end to that gag.

"Look at this motherfucker right here, he ain't even paying attention."

DERPY. First time I spotted this ticking time-bomb of drama, I need to look for her more.

I love this bitch who's just so worried about her doormat being stepped on in the middle of a bunny stampede. 

Is this a Lion King reference? I'm assuming it is, so fuck the haters.

What I Hated

I hated nothing! This episode was pretty damn solid, although the "Applejack's tired-ass fucks everything up" gag was wearing thin near the end. As a result of that, Rarity got the shaft regarding screentime AGAIN. 

What The Fuck

*Wait, so the cows talk in this universe? Is there Bovine magic? I bet this never gets expanded on at all, but it totally should. The pony species needs some competition for dominance. Also, now that I think about it, is Equestria the name of the kingdom or the planet?

*Okay, seriously Twilight Sparkle, Applejack is literally only a few feet away. Was the teleport spamming really necessary? 'Cause the last time I saw someone abuse magic for the simplest shit, it didn't go so well. 

*I should start a counter for how many times these ponies would have been put down and sold to make glue based on some of the shit they survive. 

*A mule? That raises a couple questions. Is there a race of sentient donkeys somewhere in Equestria? Do they breed with the ponies or are the Mules their own species? Do they have powers? Cutie Marks? This is more than a couple questions, and based off of a mere sight gag. I don't care-- I DEMAND ANSWERS.

What I Think Of The Characters

Twilight Sparkle: Still decent, and goes out of her way to see to it that Applejack gets the help she needs. 

Applejack: Well whaddya know, AJ's got some character flaws! I liked that she had a sense of pride that got out of control and it taught her to ask for help when she was faced with an insurmountable task. It's a good lesson not just for kids, but for anyone, and Applejack was the perfect character to convey it because it was in line with her previously established characterization. She's still my favorite. 

Rainbow Dash: Tolerable, but I still don't like her. 

Rarity: Second verse, same as the first. And I'm told she doesn't get a spotlight episode for a long time...not cool.  

Fluttershy: She really needs to have a freak out or something, because she just seems to have it together too well, or something. 

Pinkie Pie: She was alright in this one! And actually kinda funny too, so that helps. 

Closing Thoughts

This was a really, really good episode. I wasn't expecting the show to take such an upswing in quality, and it continues to improve steadily, although it could tend to do so faster in the character development area in some cases. There were quite a few excellent facial expressions on display here, mostly on Applejack when she was exhausted and delirious. The overall lesson was an appropriate one for viewers of all ages, and it wasn't even remotely condescending about it...all in all, it was everything you'd hope for out of a kids show that wouldn't want to make you gouge your eyes out with stakes made of frozen hot dogs.

If I'm lucky, the trend will continue with the next episode, but we won't find that out until the next review is posted, which will hopefully be sooner than later. Thanks for reading, and see you soon!

- Apathy Pony