The first part of Season 8's opener "School Daze" was a very promising start and among the best episodes of an uneven season. Like other 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' two parters, it was a little rushed at times but the episode set things up beautifully and the character writing is superb. Only the first episode and the promise was huge. So anybody that liked the first part would understandably expect Part 2 to be equally good or perhaps even better.
"School Daze Part 2" doesn't disappoint in this regard. While the very few problems that the first part had are not quite addressed here, all the same great things are here except done even better. On the whole the second part is not just every bit as good but to me it is slightly superior. It is another very good episode and another one of the better Season 8 episodes, while the season did have slightly better episodes there were also worse (the worst being on the same level as the worst of Seasons 5 and 6).
Again "School Daze Part 2" felt rushed, even more so actually at times with it being more eventful, which would have been solved if there were fewer characters.
Gallus' personality again is difficult to warm to, again pessimism and apathy are not desirable traits.
The other Student Six characters despite not having as much to do as in the first part are still handled very well. Loved their distinct and interesting personalities and how individual they were from each other, Yona and Ocellus standing out. It is again great to see Twilight more proactive and interesting to see how she coped under pressure (something that was done quite relatably). Really liked Starlight's role, like the sympathetic voice of reason when Twilight was upset and doubting herself. It was interesting seeing the sponsors characters, including a more tolerable Prince Rutherford. All the Mane 6 are well done and Sandbar's laid back-ness is not overdone.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful and polished throughout, especially in the expressions and reactions. The music fits beautifully and never seemed at odds, despite loving the "School of Friendship" song in the first part "Friendship Always Wins" is even more catchy and lifts the soul even more. The writing is thoughtful and has a lot of heart and fun. The story is not perfect in pacing, but it never felt dull or bland and its exploring of true to life topics was sincerely done. A different side to Equestria can again be seen and it was interesting to see Twilight not being in as complete authority as one would think. The voice acting is great all round.
Overall, very good second part to a promising season opener. 8/10.
"School Daze Part 2" doesn't disappoint in this regard. While the very few problems that the first part had are not quite addressed here, all the same great things are here except done even better. On the whole the second part is not just every bit as good but to me it is slightly superior. It is another very good episode and another one of the better Season 8 episodes, while the season did have slightly better episodes there were also worse (the worst being on the same level as the worst of Seasons 5 and 6).
Again "School Daze Part 2" felt rushed, even more so actually at times with it being more eventful, which would have been solved if there were fewer characters.
Gallus' personality again is difficult to warm to, again pessimism and apathy are not desirable traits.
The other Student Six characters despite not having as much to do as in the first part are still handled very well. Loved their distinct and interesting personalities and how individual they were from each other, Yona and Ocellus standing out. It is again great to see Twilight more proactive and interesting to see how she coped under pressure (something that was done quite relatably). Really liked Starlight's role, like the sympathetic voice of reason when Twilight was upset and doubting herself. It was interesting seeing the sponsors characters, including a more tolerable Prince Rutherford. All the Mane 6 are well done and Sandbar's laid back-ness is not overdone.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful and polished throughout, especially in the expressions and reactions. The music fits beautifully and never seemed at odds, despite loving the "School of Friendship" song in the first part "Friendship Always Wins" is even more catchy and lifts the soul even more. The writing is thoughtful and has a lot of heart and fun. The story is not perfect in pacing, but it never felt dull or bland and its exploring of true to life topics was sincerely done. A different side to Equestria can again be seen and it was interesting to see Twilight not being in as complete authority as one would think. The voice acting is great all round.
Overall, very good second part to a promising season opener. 8/10.