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I finally got around to watching the episodes. I'm too lazy and un-brony-ish suddenly to read all your stuff. Deal with it.

Spike was awesome, Shining Armor was awesome, Twilight made me rage, Rarity was awesome, Celestia was neat, I liked the crystal ponies, the ewes were cute, I thought Sombra was a good villain in the sense that he wasn't the focus of the episodes, all that.

Also… Why didn't they just get Rainbow Dash to fly up and grab the heart? Seriously, that was the first thing I thought when I saw the first set of stairs.

I'm probably really off the current topic, but IDGAF.

@Windigo

I have nothing else to add that would be relevant.

@Solaire the Element of Jolly Cooperation
Twilight went to get the heart (mostly) by herself because she was pretty much told by Celestia that "in the end it has to be you and you alone". Of course, if Spike wasn't so stubborn about making sure Twilight had him along, she would have failed.

@Jacob:

Yeah, I know. That's why I said Twilight made me rage. You think she would have learned her lesson in Lesson Zero. The name kind of implies that… A bit…

Really, black furred ponies are usually not that nice to look at (except for the example given) and in a world where all the ponies are supposed to be bright and colorful the animators know that black is not that… well, bright and colorful. Also, there are black (well, dark grey) ponies that serve as castle guards in the opening. Castle guards = good guys.

@dead parrot: Somehow… I'm not surprised a game was made that quickly.

MOVING ON:

Anyways…

Nah, I got nothing. Let's move onto a new topic, shall we?

I'm gonna make a short review on the Cadence Toss game Dead Parrot linked to (it made front page on dA, unsurprisingly): I thought the game was really fun, and I still laugh at Shining Armor's face. The controls are way too sensitive for me though, and the placement of a lot of the crystal hearts being mostly covered by black crystals is pretty dickish. Also the flight magic meter goes down very fast which ads challenge and I'm not sure whether I like that or not. Overall, as far as flash games of dA go I give it a 7/10

Relevant

Irrelevant.

@General Grievous

Did Twilight's head just freaking implode?

@General Grievous: I really dislike the ponies that are made in Garry's Mod. They don't look right in 3D.

It looks like the real deal to me.

G-Mod Ponies being 3-D (for me anyways) isn't the issue, its more of that G-Mod ponies don't have great graphics, and the movements in animations with them are usually extremely choppy, both which lends to quite a bit of uncanny valley. SFM animations (from the few I have seen), as well as some other 3-D versions of them generally don't seem to have this as a huge problem.

Yeah, it's good, but the placement of the hearts is trolling. Can't really get a good distance with Cadance to be honest, but eh, it's still fun.

Hey guys, I was wondering how the series would end. I was thinking that there should be an epic final battle between the Mane 6 and the main villain of the series. Also, there should be an upgrade to the Elements of Harmony like using magical weapons.

Twilight – magical staff
Rainbow Dash – sword
Applejack – dual six shooters
Rarity – whip
Fluttershy – throwing blades
Pinkie Pie – ax

Look at it this way: It could be worse.
FAR worse.

Personally, I like the G-Mod ponies.
They are pretty much exactly how I imagine the ponies translating to 3D and they can look really good when used correctly.
Then again, G-Mod can be scary in the wrong hands, too.

NEW TOPIC BECAUSE I'M DISTURBING MYSELF!

I would like to propose a crazy new conspiracy theory about Sombra just for the hell of it.
<div class=spoiler title="Spoilered to save space">

My original idea was mostly sparked by that book at the end of the premiere:

(The text in the picture is not mine so you can ignore that)
There is clearly meant to be some unspoken significance to it, and the 'star' and 'swirl' on it could imply some relation to the semi-frequently mentioned Starswirl The Bearded.
Luna clearly recognized Twilight's costume so it is likely that she knew Starswirl personally, thus he was probably alive somewhere around 1000 years ago.
He is also renowned for being an extremely powerful unicorn and the creator of numerous spells.
His implied power and general placement in the timeline led me to what I think could be an entertaining (if unlikely) twist: What if King Sombra is Starswirl The Bearded?
Sombra is clearly very powerful, created some pretty unique magical traps and spells (Nightmare door anyone?), and he even made an entire city disappear.
I thought it could be interesting to have Twilight's intellectual hero turn out to also be one of her greatest enemies in a 'corrupted by dark magic' kind of way.
Think Luke and Vader in Star Wars.
Nice tragic backstory, interesting link to the main character, potential for redemption, cautionary tale for those seeking power (Twilight's heedless use of dark magic was a little unsettling), etc.
Then someone posted this little observation.

That could quite possibly be a bit of motivation.
Considering the power that emotions have in Equestria, having Starswirl overwhelmed by greed (for crystals and power) could be a good way to address his fall from grace.
And his more obvious but unclear motivations for taking over the Crystal Empire.

So yeah, just a fun little theory that I've been kicking around for a few days.
As I said, this is all pretty unlikely to show up in canon in any way so this is purely for kicks.
Any thoughts anyone?

Have some cute as a reward for reading through my crap, too:

Unlikely, but cool.

Surprisingly, or not quite so, I actually more or less gave the versions of the mane 6 in my comic more or less similar weapons in theme to what you listed… in a sense.

Rainbow Dash- Greatsword (To be replaced with Katanas later)
Applejack- Gunblade
Pinkie Pie- A freaking Guitar. (Used like an Axe, is also a holy symbol for clerics of Luna).
Fluttershy- Scythe

The other two haven't been decided yet.

@G-mod ponies

I can appreciate the project for the work that must have gone into them because I spend alot of time working with sprites and models are a whole different ballgame, but yeah, I agree that they don't look quite right. I think the shading of the first models was way too heavy in some areas – almost giving them that creepy "flashlight held under your face" look and the structures of their heads seem off, even taking the leap to 3D into account. Honestly I prefer desktop ponies – remaining on a 2D plane in sprite form lets them retain almost all of their show level cuteness.

@Cadence toss

mfw I realized hitting the crystals takes away about twice as much flight magic than the hearts give you

still pretty great though, but damn.

That reminds me, are the creators of the desktop ponies done? I don't think they've updated in a while unfortunately.

Okay, earlier tonight, I was in a bit of a bind, that I was afraid my drawing style wasn't too consistent. Among other concerns…

So rather that work on my comic and risk it getting worse rather than better, I Designed…Um… a… thingy…

You know what, it's too early in the morning after a long night I haven't slept for there to be any explaining, see it yourself

Or see it here, whatever works.

Not gonna lie, G-Mod ponies creep me out a little… I do love the desktop ones though! It would be a shame if they were finished. I can't find their page anymore…..

@DeadParrot222's theory
It looks plausible enough to me, and it would certainly make for an interesting plot twist. I highly doubt that King Sombra is gone for good as well… I think it's pretty likely he'll come back at some point.
I always did find that crystal cavern beneath Canterlot to be a little suspicious. Who were those "greedy unicorns?" What happened to them? And it would make sense that they are somehow connected to the Crystal Empire. Ah, pony theories are fun.

Official Movember AJ from the Gameloft pony game website.

While I hate their prices for gems, I still like the game, I got quite a few ponies in my town. Shame it cost a buttload of gems to be able to complete the main story.

Trollloft.

Ok, while I'm thinking about it, I was considering making the now irregular Synchtube parties we have more regular (weekly, every two weeks, etc.) With Season 3 now up and going (along with the pace of KYM Pony General,) I think that the interest might now be there.

A quick explanation of Synchtube parties:

We've used Synchtube to view FiM episodes together. We used to do it every weekend for a while with regular posters of Pony General (and others who wanted to join), and we'd watch a few episodes of Pony and pony-related material. Sometimes, it would just be a two or three episodes and sometimes, it would be ten or so. People came and went as they pleased, but it was a lot of fun for me, at least. I think other enjoyed it too.
 
So what I could do is make a quick Google Form to run a quick survey and see what days and times work best for everyone here. Once that's set up, people can suggest what episodes they want to watch (or what episodes they don't want to watch) for each week. No surprises, a consensus as to what we watch, and more importantly…

…ponus with your favorite broneis. broneis that you may not hate at all times.

So first off, is that something you guys would want?

Second, if we agree to having a schedule Synchtube party, then we can figure out what time would work. It wouldn't have to be a hard time, and we can adjust it if a certain week doesn't really work out for everyone or for most people.

Finally, the first episode must be Feeling Pinkie Keen.

No exceptions.

@Verbose
A Synctube party schedule? I think I can safely say on the behalf of all users of this thread, this statement:

In addition, I vote for Saturday at 7 pm EST, I think that is a reasonable time slot for the beginning of the stream, but I will be glad to hear other various opinions on this matter so we can have a fair and reasonable schedule. After we get a time slot sorted out, you then can run a survey in advance of the stream and gather data on which episodes the thread would like to watch.

@Verbose: I am 100% behind this idea. As for times, I think weekends either in the late morning or early evening (like 5-8 PM EST) would be best for me.
As for episodes, I vote for watching Sonic Rainboom or The Cutie Mark Chronicles.

Due to things like work and other similar commitments, I probably won't be able to definitely be around for any Synctube events, but I am behind the idea of a more organized Synctube set up.

Meh, I decided not to do a survey. There are too many variables to consider to make a quick but suitable questionnaire out of it. Just post your preferences here.
 
But for the time being, it looks like people think it would be a good idea to set a specific time (and I think it's implied that it would be weekly.)
 
For me, I've taken on a new project that goes from 6pm-8pm Eastern this Saturday, so I could get the Synchtube started, give you guys the link with episodes already in there when it's time to begin, and then join later if it's still going. I'll leave the playlist "Open" so you can adjust the episodes as you see fit. I don't expect every Saturday to be like that, however.

Anything after 7pm EST will likely work for me on any other day.

Since I won't likely be there to begin with, I won't suggest an episode.

well last week I opened a synchtube channel and I had browser problems but I think I worked out most of the bugs. The only thing is I am on the west coast and the last one to wake up. but I will link it when I get up and on.

[](/noooo)

@Synchtube
We're gonna watch ponies together?!

YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES

… ahem
This sounds like a superb idea that I would greatly enjoy seeing take hold.
Basically anything that isn't during the day, Monday – Friday would work for me.
CUTIE MARK CRUSADER KYM PONY STREAMERS!!!
YAY!!!

Hello, just got back from sleeping for 12 hours from our Australian sunrise to sunset.

Did I miss anything?

…Discussion about SynchTube from the looks of of it.

-Never have I felt more affinity with Luna than today.

Edit: I think some synchtube time would be nice; And like most of us would agree, anytime on the weekend other than when the show is Live-streaming is fine.

Which reminds me, we need our own Livestream channel; the other ones have viewers and commentators reaching OVER 9000! So I can never get a word in.

Synchtube sounds like an awesome idea! For me anything during the week works better than saturday unfortunately and due to the time difference your evenings won't really work for me. Whereas "morning" episodes could work. (Eqd's "nightly" roundup should rather be called mid-morning roundup^^)
So I guess I will have to pass and miss the fun…

Just one question: Why do you want to start with Feeling Pinkie Keen? That is undeniable, unquestionable the worst episode ever. Why no exceptions and which wicked creature enjoys that episode?

Attention: Onions on the internetz

Well, theoretically; if you start with a not so great episode, and work up it will feel like the night is getting better rather than worse. Leading to a more excited viewership.

Conversely, starting with a great episode and working downwards is a great way to mellow out the "After-party". Which would probably lead to more thoughtful crowd.

I'll let you guys choose for yourselves which is which in the case of "Feeling Pinkie Keen". Seeing as I don't have a strong enough opinion of it yet.

Oh you could be right. I didn't think of that, every following episode will feel much better, because you have seen the gaping abyss.

Or the episode becomes bearable, as you can hold hoofs hands in the chat. You know to comfort after a disaster and sharing grief that lightens the burden.

@Whitishcollar

It was a running gag from previous Synchtubes. Actually, Feeling Pinkie Keen is one of my favorite episodes (even now, it's probably in the top 3 or 5). The "questionable" moral didn't really bother me, the dialogue and script was really entertaining to me, it focused on my two favorite mane characters, it had a ton of slapstick humor…I thought it was good ol' clean fun in a bottle.
 
For some quick examples:

Gummy's introduction was so random ("That means there's an alligator in the tub!" And then there was an alligator in the tub. And gummy returned in other episodes. That was his introduction to the show.)

And Twilight's idea to charge the hydra after considering what Rainbow Dash would do.

Or Pinkie's honk after Twilight's moral.

Or the introduction of clumsy Derpy Hooves (first time in the show, and they pulled it off without being an obvious fan nod.)

I'm actually pretty bummed that Dave Polsky hasn't written any other episodes. I really enjoyed the randomness of Over a Barrel too. (The conversation after "lights out" about Fluttershy being a tree on the train to Appleloosa was classic.) I thought everyone was hilarious, not annoying, and that everyone was in character and would totally respond as they did.
 
Anyway, whenever the discussion comes up as to what episode we should watch, I generally suggest FEELING PINKIE KEEN (usually in all caps, because super srs,) even if we just watched it. Not because I want to watch it again but to be silly.

Apparently, the weekend time wouldn't work for a couple people as they live on the other side of the globe (or the weekend has as good of a shot of being busy as they weekdays.) Maybe I should make a chart or something.

I happen to love that episode, even its so-called questionable moral didn't bother me a bit. I'd love to talk about it more, but I must go to work now I'm afraid.

@ Pinkie Keen's Moral

I'm pretty sure I know the exact moment where the moral became question-able for me.

"…It just means you have to choose to believe in them."

Before that, all it's saying is "We don't know why it happens, we just know it does."

So here's my replacement for that line:

"…It just means you've discovered something that shows that we might not know as much as we thought. Perhaps someday, the mystery will be unraveled, and the world will be richer for it. But for now, it is enough to be able to share these wonders with your friends; and maybe, the trust between you may bloom."

Its a bit hard to be direct about asking one to apply scientific method "letter to Celestia" style without seeming heavy handed. So that's about as good as I can do for the moment.

I think Feeling Pinkie Keen gets a lot of undeserved hate… It isn't my favourite episode of all time, but it certainly isn't my least favourite either. I never really thought much of the message at the end until I read how much some other people hated it. I always interpreted it as meaning "trust your friends" or "everyone's different" or something along those lines. Apparently, other people saw it very differently.

Still, lots of other stuff goes on in that episode which makes it a lot of fun!

Honestly, did you ever think you'd see a show in which ponies have anvils dropped on them? That's some good old fashioned Bugs Bunny style humour that is missing from a lot of cartoons these days!

So synchtube party, huh? pretty much any time during the weekend works for me, except that until football season ends, that will take priority on Saturdays (we're number one!), and those times can vary from 11 CDT to 7 CDT. Sunday mornings are also out for church.

Feeling Pinkie Keen isn't the best episode (that still goes to Party of One), but I wouldn't call it the worst episode either. It's a strong episode that can stand near the front of the middle of the pack for me.

Alright, so I finally left California and am now living in North Carolina. It was fun hanging out with Deadparrot. On a completely unrelated note, I happen to have come across some exremely high quality mlp plushies and will be selling them at some very fair prices. Send me a message if you're interested.

@racism in the show

Ya, I know this has already been discussed to death at this point, but let me just make a quick contribution.

This is racist

This isn't

And geeze, already time for another pony episode?

@Fifths

It was you!
The fact that you think you have gotten away with it is almost laughable, though.
My agent has never lost sight of you.

Balance will be restored.

@Pinkie Keen
I do love that episode as a great example of cartoon comedy.
It is just fun and silly while staying perfectly in-character throughout.
I'll admit that the 'lesson' did bug me a bit at first (sounded too much like 'If you don't understand something, give up and accept it') but I put that down more to the first season forcing every episode to have an explicitly stated moral.
With Lesson Zero's ending removing that requirement, I almost feel that Pinkie Keen would have worked better as a lesson-less Season 2 episode, but whatever.
It still gets far more hate than it deserves since, even if the moral is iffy, everything up to that point is gold.
Not my favorite episode but it is definitely a good one.

Also,

Oh wow, another episode already??? Yep, it's Friday. Well, looks like I have plans for tomorrow after all! And to top it all off, I have successfully avoided all spoilers for it, so it will all be a surprise! It's nice to have new episodes again, I missed this excitement!

I honestly didn't even know Feeling Pinkie Keen got any hate. I guess I'm just not one to get easily offended by an iffy moral?

I think both Feeling Pinkie Keen and Over a Barrel got hate.

Over a Barrel? Whut? I would think that was one of the loved episodes because of Braeburn and Fluttershy saying she wanted to be a tree. I actually had a lot of people tell me that was one of their favorite episodes. What are people's problem with this one, they didn't like the message about putting differences aside and cooperating? Oh no, don't tell me people think the buffalo in this episode are racist.

Yep, I think that's exactly the reason why a lot of people hated it, due to how the buffalo were portrayed.

Tsk, something tells me that pretty much sums it up…

Now that I think about it, I can't say that I "hate" any of the episodes. There aren't any I can think of that didn't have any sort of redeeming quality to them. Of course, some are better than others, but I can't think of any that are legitimately "bad." Hm.

My personal not liking for Pinkie Keen really didn't have much to do with the moral.

The first thing that bothered me (though its not such an issue with S2 episodes actually bringing it up) was that Pinkie seems to get her Pinkie Sense power out of no where, it becomes important every five minutes within the episode, then (until Mare-Do-Well and Its About Time) is never mentioned again. If this episode occurred earlier in the series, and the Pinkie Sense showed up in more episodes this wouldn't have been such an issue for me. Although there are split opinions on the Mare-Do-Well episode, the fact that the Pinkie Sense actually shows up again and is relevant to the story is my second favorite thing about that episode (The first being the Batman TAS references.)

The second issue I had is that the Hydra (from a design standpoint) just looks rather boring in my opinion. Compared with all the other villains, antagonists, and wildlife who are colorful or have different color designs, the Hydra is rather boring being. Some sort of pattering, in coloration of skin texture would make me really like this guy significantly more than the flat single shade of brown skin he has.

These of course is just my personal opinions. I do think I agree with DeadParrot222 in that it may have been a better episode if it was done with the Season 2 style, not requiring it to end on a moral, though this arguably makes the issue of the Pinkie Sense appearing out of no where worse. Despite this, I like it well enough and is still fun to watch.

I agree with Jacob that the Pinkie Sense coming out of nowhere thing bugged me, and I also liked seeing it come up again in later episodes.

I'm with Commodore that there aren't any episodes that I hate. A worst they just fall into "meh" territory.

One thing I fear about season 3 is that some episodes in this season won't be the best episode ever, and so the bronies will get way more nit-picky than usual and think it's the ed of the world.

Are you guys doing a synchtube? I'd love to get in on that. Though if y'all are starting this weekend, I'll probably be to busy to join in. Bummer.

@Feeling Pinkie Keen

I think it's a good episode. I can understand if some people hate an episode, but there is no episode from season 1 or 2 that I hate.