Was not expecting to get much out of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' before giving it a chance. Since doing that when the show first began, in my mind 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' is a primary example of "don't judge a book by its cover". It still does sadly have that reaction, but to me it is one of the best and most addictive animated shows in recent years, speaking as a fan of animation but a non-biased one, that deserves its popularity.
Up to this point of this early stage of Season 1, a vast majority of the episodes were good to fantastic. The only disappointment being "Boast Busters", which left me mixed. The season's twelfth episode "Call of the Cutie" is a slight disappointment after such a great streak of episodes between "Boast Busters" and this, "Dragonshy" and "Winter Wrap Up" being my favourites. Also consider it one of the weaker episodes of Season 1, but that is not disparaging it in any way because it is still a good, solid episode. Being another case of even the lesser episodes of a season/show being much better than a lot of shows at their worst, best even in some cases.
While it didn't matter to me that the Mane Six had a relative back seat, though still serving important roles in the story, part of me did feel Apple Bloom was a little over-prominent. If she was a more interesting character, that would have been more ignorable. She though was a relatively under-exposed character at this point of the season and show, with her not having the strongest of personalities yet it did feel a little too soon to give her more focus let alone have her as the dominant character. Do give the episode though some credit for trying to do something different and trying to make a secondary character more interesting, as much as this criticism sounded.
It was ever so slightly too cute in spots, but that is just me nit-picking.
However, "Call of the Cutie's" good, no great, things far overshadow my criticisms for the episode. Of course, from personal opinion, am aware that it is not necessary to keep saying that and its variants a lot but it's my way of trying to show that my opinions are subjective and not making out that they are the only opinion to have on something, there is too much of that way of thinking around here. Lets get that irrelevance out of the way. Although, as said, the Mane Six take a back-seat here, they still serve an important role in some way or other, have not lost their personalities, are true to character and their chemistry with Apple Bloom is really lovely. My favourite was Pinkie Pie, who is very funny and endearing and her running gag regarding cup-cakes doesn't grate. Cheerilee is my favourite of the non-Mane Six characters.
As always the character chemistry really sparkles, and, as well as the distinct and far from shallow personalities (Diamond Tiara too just about avoiding being too much of a stereotypical bully), plays a big part in what is appealing about 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'. The animation is vibrantly coloured and it's not hard to see that much care went into putting detail and finesse to the backgrounds and drawing. The music avoids repetition, isn't too loud and the placement isn't random. Not everybody will like the theme song, have never had any problem with it myself.
"Call of the Cutie's" writing is amusing and sincere, and with enough for both children and adults. It's easy to understand and mature without trying to do too much, while at the same time it's not too simple or dumbed down. Actually think older children and young adults are more likely to get more out of the messaging, writing, chemistry and characterisation. The show always did so well in having important and relevant messages without showing them down our throats, "Call of the Cutie" is no exception with the self-discovery. Oh and the outcome of Apple Bloom's humiliation is immensely satisfying.
On the whole, a lot to recommend here. 8/10
Up to this point of this early stage of Season 1, a vast majority of the episodes were good to fantastic. The only disappointment being "Boast Busters", which left me mixed. The season's twelfth episode "Call of the Cutie" is a slight disappointment after such a great streak of episodes between "Boast Busters" and this, "Dragonshy" and "Winter Wrap Up" being my favourites. Also consider it one of the weaker episodes of Season 1, but that is not disparaging it in any way because it is still a good, solid episode. Being another case of even the lesser episodes of a season/show being much better than a lot of shows at their worst, best even in some cases.
While it didn't matter to me that the Mane Six had a relative back seat, though still serving important roles in the story, part of me did feel Apple Bloom was a little over-prominent. If she was a more interesting character, that would have been more ignorable. She though was a relatively under-exposed character at this point of the season and show, with her not having the strongest of personalities yet it did feel a little too soon to give her more focus let alone have her as the dominant character. Do give the episode though some credit for trying to do something different and trying to make a secondary character more interesting, as much as this criticism sounded.
It was ever so slightly too cute in spots, but that is just me nit-picking.
However, "Call of the Cutie's" good, no great, things far overshadow my criticisms for the episode. Of course, from personal opinion, am aware that it is not necessary to keep saying that and its variants a lot but it's my way of trying to show that my opinions are subjective and not making out that they are the only opinion to have on something, there is too much of that way of thinking around here. Lets get that irrelevance out of the way. Although, as said, the Mane Six take a back-seat here, they still serve an important role in some way or other, have not lost their personalities, are true to character and their chemistry with Apple Bloom is really lovely. My favourite was Pinkie Pie, who is very funny and endearing and her running gag regarding cup-cakes doesn't grate. Cheerilee is my favourite of the non-Mane Six characters.
As always the character chemistry really sparkles, and, as well as the distinct and far from shallow personalities (Diamond Tiara too just about avoiding being too much of a stereotypical bully), plays a big part in what is appealing about 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'. The animation is vibrantly coloured and it's not hard to see that much care went into putting detail and finesse to the backgrounds and drawing. The music avoids repetition, isn't too loud and the placement isn't random. Not everybody will like the theme song, have never had any problem with it myself.
"Call of the Cutie's" writing is amusing and sincere, and with enough for both children and adults. It's easy to understand and mature without trying to do too much, while at the same time it's not too simple or dumbed down. Actually think older children and young adults are more likely to get more out of the messaging, writing, chemistry and characterisation. The show always did so well in having important and relevant messages without showing them down our throats, "Call of the Cutie" is no exception with the self-discovery. Oh and the outcome of Apple Bloom's humiliation is immensely satisfying.
On the whole, a lot to recommend here. 8/10
