Ah, I still remember that day back in early 2011 when I curiously watched the pilot episode on my iPod Touch. I was hooked almost immediately and told myself that I'd watch the rest of the show. For better or worse, I have succeeded.
 

Even to this day I still think this was a good show through and through. Even after its initial charm and passion had gone, there were some gems here and there, and most of the episodes I would consider at least above average.

That being said, this show really was lightning in a bottle.
It started when social media had gone into full swing, so it was easy to spread the word and love around.
The year of 2010 was sort of a start for the "cartoon renaissance", and I'd say FiM was part of that resurgence.
Also note that what came before this was G3.5, specifically the Newborn Cuties. So really, anything with a decent story, characters, and world looks amazing in comparison.

But despite all that, it still makes me happy to see FiM having impacted so many people in such a positive way, including me. I'm not sure if I would have ever joined the Arena if it weren't for this show.
And sadly, I don't know if MLP will ever hit that high ever again. I have hopes for G5 but, even if it is good, I doubt it will relive the phenomena that G4 did. Most people by now have accepted that there are many adults that are into this sort of thing. It's no longer shocking or a novelty.

I will admit that I was a little disappointed we didn't get to see more of the future in The Last Problem.
Fan content ahoy? 

As for Applejack and Rainbow Dash, their dialogue isn't really enough to confirm anything. Also, didn't Faust herself not like the idea of people seeing Rainbow Dash as the lesbian archetype because of her rainbow colors and tomboyish persona?
But, to be fair, I'll take it over Rarity/Applejack any day. 

Pretty much what everyone else said. Been watching this show for a very long time, and now it has come to an end.
Lots of good memories this show and fandom has brought. Sure, it definitely has had it's flaws, and I'm more than happy to poke fun at them, but I will always be happy to have been involved in this decade of crazy horse fun. 

  Anyway, the two-parter was fun, though admittedly questionable in certain areas.
The lengthy speeches with Twilight wanting to give up could have been done better. The whole magic resistant shards in the castle, as well as how Starlight escaped, wasn't explain nor shown very clearly. And I think we can all agree on Discord's short-sighted plan.
When we got to that scene, my jaw hit the floor. I was shouting "What? What? What? How? Who? What? Why? Huh?" I do appreciate a good twist, and it does explain some of his actions and words throughout this season. But man, that's gonna sting some G1 fans. And sure, it worked out in the end, but I'm surprised they didn't sentence him to years of toilet cleaning without magic or something. 
  That said, the action was enjoyable as expected. Seeing everyone come together one last time was exciting, including spin-off and movie characters.    And for everyone who complained that this show was redeeming too many baddies. Well, now you got your wish. Now we have a replacement villain statue for the royal garden that Discord once was.
  Definitely not my favorite finale. I'd play Canterlot Wedding, To Where and Back Again, and even Best Night Ever above this. But it's not the worst either. It's mostly in the middle in my eyes. Probably a C+ grade finale; B- if I'm feeling generous.

Then we come to The Last Problem. ...Not going to lie, I "squee'd" quite a bit. Seeing all these characters grown up and living new lives made me wanna gush with bittersweetness. The Cake twins finally aged up!  Rarity's grey streak in her mane stands out. Gallus is a royal guard? Sweet! And Pinkie is the only one of the mane 6 to be confirmed married with children. 
I think the reason why time skips like this are so effective is because up until this point we've associated these characters with their relative youth. And next thing we know, they have all matured in drastic ways. It's like seeing your child grow up so fast, only this is literally in an instant.
There are a couple nitpicks. Such as once again the lack of distinct labels causing problems, and we don't get to see Flurry Heart grown up at all (outside of a stained glass window) nor her family. I guess they really don't want us to see Cadance in more aged frail state, if that is even the case for her. Same goes for Celestia and Luna.
But anyway, the lesson about putting in the effort to maintain friendship is a very good one, and fitting for the series finale. It is very easy to drift apart, especially when you have separate and long-distance relationships. But making time regularly to spend time together helps keep that bond strengthened.
And that song. Not my favorite, but...it does hit the heart. Especially with all the characters being painted into the background. And, of course...
We all knew it had to end this way.

And, that's it. We're done. The G4 train has finally reached the station.
I'll likely look back on this show and reminisce; maybe talk about our favorite/least favorite parts.
But until then, keep a lookout for G5 and pony on!
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0uMCrahRFo

Big Mac has been through a lot of crap over the years. From love poisons to sibling neglect, he's gotten the short end of the stick numerous times. But now all that has paid off; he is finally married and can now settle peacefully with his new love. You did good, big guy. You did good.
 

Alright, enough of my sap, the episode itself was mostly silly shenanigans ensuing. It's very similar to "The Saddle Row Review", with its reality TV structure and goofy antics.

I do like how the CMC acknowledge that they really need to stop getting involved in Big Mac's personal life since it always backfires. I've been saying that for a long time.    At least they're trying to make up for it.

You gotta love Mrs. Cake. She keeps getting closer to having a heart attack.  Actually, this is probably the most involved in a plot she's ever been since... well, ever.

Spike burning up the pastries was pretty funny and, like he said, probably a good thing.

That said, what exactly was Sugar Belle's plan again? Was she wanting Big Mac to eat through all 22 apple deserts to get the message? Maybe she's into more chunky stallions, if you know I mean. 

Discord was his usual self. I do love the apple gremlin creatures he made. On that note, when the fused monster relayed the message to Sugar Belle, I have to wonder if even for a split second Sugar Belle was thinking what the honeymoon with this abomination would be like. 

And yes, we all got the Star Trek reference. Ha ha. 

This was a fun slice of life romp with a very sweet ending. And a fitting one for the being the last normal standalone episode.

And now, the time has come. Up next is our final story in Equestria.
 

If you care the slightest bit about continuity, this episode will give you a headache. 
I saw this episode early (along with the rest of the season), and I had to pause several times and facepalm with both laughter and disbelief.

Why is Daring Do being real still an issue? How is it still secret? Didn't Rainbow Dash already blow her cover when she told all those kids about her entries in the Friendship Journal back in "Fame and Misfortune"? And do ponies from down south in Sonambula just not relay any information or news to other parts of Equestria?

Okay, back in season 4 when A.K. Yearling was revealed to be Daring Do herself, I was somewhat open to the idea. But almost every subsequent D.D. episode since then has only further cemented that this probably wasn't a good idea.

So, Rainbow Dash just leaves Fluttershy behind with Caballeron to manipulate her. Okay?

When Caballeron's team are attacked by the guard cats, Fluttershy says "Have you ever tried just talking to them?" and "Everycreature likes to be listened to. You just need to take the time to understand them."
I think that's something only you can do, Fluttershy. 

While I want to praise Fluttershy for having grown so much from her timid past, I rolled my eyes when she just walked right out in front of Ahuizotl without caution, even though he could very well crush her instantly.

And as mentioned earlier, Ahuizotl's motivation is contradictory to what has been established. He has at least twice attempted to take over/burn up the world/valley. The only excuse I can possibly think of is maybe he was acting rogue when performing these evil deeds with these artifacts against the wishes of the other guardians. But the script doesn't suggest that in the slightest.

Okay, all that complaining aside, I do like the message. It's one that both kids and adults really need to take to heart, especially nowadays. That said, outside of Ahuizotl's confusing explanation, I can't see it being easy to misunderstand Daring Do and Caballeron's motives. Didn't we already address Daring Do's destructive antics in her previous episode? And we all already knew Caballeron was a thief.

I did like that we gave his henchmen a little bit of characterization, which was sorely missing from the past. Some of the new bits of mythology were kinda cool; mainly the gargoyles. Fluttershy continues to be a domineering force of nature, even if to a ridiculous level. And like I said, I did like the message this episode was trying to go for.

But in the end, this marks the conclusion to a very broken, sloppy story arc. Don't get me wrong, I want to like Daring Do and the adventures she embarks. I've read the three novels which were enjoyable. Unfortunately, making her real didn't do this show many favors in the long run. 

I like Al-1701's concept, as it is very down to earth. Only problem is, why would Rainbow Dash think this fictional book series was real in the first place?

I've always wanted the show to give Spike and Rarity's relationship some closure. While it's clear that Spike has finally put his crush behind him, I kinda wanted to see it done a bit more directly. I wonder if it ever crossed the show staff's minds that their relationship was mostly one-sided; that it could easily be misinterpreted as her just wanting him as a servant.

I liked that we got a bit of a role reversal. For years it has been Spike fawning over Rarity, but now it's her turn to obsess over him. Though as I just mentioned earlier, I'm pretty sure the writer's just wanted to focus on the "changing friendships" conflict and not so much the romantic part.

Rarity is the big ham that she often is. Tabitha St. Germain probably never gets tired of it. 

It's cool to see Gabby again, and I fully approve of her and Spike being together like this. In fact, something I only just recently realized, Spike finally has a close and long-term friendship with someone who could really be seen as his peer; someone who can really sympathize and relate with him and vice-versa.

Quote from: TJgamer on September 09, 2019, 05:27:16 PM

I can sort of see where you're coming from with Dr. Fauna (the vet). She probably could have contributed a little more, but bear in mind she can't do what Fluttershy does exactly. What would you want her to do exactly?

The vials reacted differently? Different formulas? What do you mean? 

:Well as a vet, she didn't really do anything to control the situation with the animals. As for the vials, they affected Fluttershy and Angel differently. They just switched bodies without explanation.

One of her potions also allowed Twilight to see into the past without explanation.
Best way I can explain is that if the same liquid is drunk by two separate living beings (who I guess are in close proximity with eachother), they will switch bodies.
It's magic mumbo jumbo.