It was very interesting to have an episode centered entirely around Applejack and the Apple family, with none of the rest of the Mane 6 in sight. This time too in a flashback heavy origin story revolving around dishonesty. Was not sure which way this would go, seeing as Applejack for me is the most inconsistently written of the Mane 6 (it's been Rainbow Dash though this season on a side note) and episodes centered around the Apple family are also not consistent in quality.
Personally do not agree with "Where the Apple Lies" being one of the lowest rated episodes of Season 6 as of now, at all. Actually think it is one of the better episodes of the season, which has been more up and down than the previous five ones, as well as one of the most entertaining and most interesting. "Where the Apple Lies" is also to me one of the better Applejack-centric episodes and a huge improvement over "Applejack's Day Off", one of Season 6's worst.
"Where the Apple Lies" is not flawless by all means. It could have had a little more depth with Applejack's conflict, the deal making scene with Filthy Rich doesn't quite feel realistic in context of her character.
Also thought that Granny Smith's grumpiness was a little overdone at times.
On the other hand, the animation is as vibrantly and atmospherically coloured as one expects. The backgrounds are beautifully rich in detail, whether elaborate or more simple. Standing out were the character designs of the family when younger, very interesting to see what they were like when younger and how distinct and fun their personalities were then. The music is characterful and doesn't get overbearing. The voice acting can't be faulted, Peter New has an absolute ball as Big Mac and it was deliciously entertaining to hear.
The episode benefits hugely from great writing. Most of the best lines going to Big Mac, really loved how he had more to say than usual (the episode also provides a reason for why in the present he doesn't talk as much) and the episode makes the most of it without going overboard. Many of his lines had me laughing quite a lot and his chemistry with Applejack (in character and easy to like and relate to even with the conflict) was another one of "Where the Apple Lies" joys, it is very realistic and anybody that has a relationship with their siblings that is mostly close but not without arguments will really connect with their chemistry. Another high point was Filthy Rich, another funny character but his honesty made him quite likeable.
Flashbacks can leave me mixed when watching film and television. Some are very illuminating and say a lot interesting about the centered character(s) and their situation, others bog down the momentum and feel like padding. The flashback in "Where the Apple Lies" is a strong example of the former, it was fascinating seeing the Apple family's past and more importantly it was fun. As well as pointing out that it is not worth lying, that message does sound very simplistic on paper but actually it is relevant and important to reinforce with so much of it going around. Doing so too without making us hate Applejack. The conflict could have been deeper but still had some tension and entertainment value.
Overall, very good and nearly great. 8/10.
Personally do not agree with "Where the Apple Lies" being one of the lowest rated episodes of Season 6 as of now, at all. Actually think it is one of the better episodes of the season, which has been more up and down than the previous five ones, as well as one of the most entertaining and most interesting. "Where the Apple Lies" is also to me one of the better Applejack-centric episodes and a huge improvement over "Applejack's Day Off", one of Season 6's worst.
"Where the Apple Lies" is not flawless by all means. It could have had a little more depth with Applejack's conflict, the deal making scene with Filthy Rich doesn't quite feel realistic in context of her character.
Also thought that Granny Smith's grumpiness was a little overdone at times.
On the other hand, the animation is as vibrantly and atmospherically coloured as one expects. The backgrounds are beautifully rich in detail, whether elaborate or more simple. Standing out were the character designs of the family when younger, very interesting to see what they were like when younger and how distinct and fun their personalities were then. The music is characterful and doesn't get overbearing. The voice acting can't be faulted, Peter New has an absolute ball as Big Mac and it was deliciously entertaining to hear.
The episode benefits hugely from great writing. Most of the best lines going to Big Mac, really loved how he had more to say than usual (the episode also provides a reason for why in the present he doesn't talk as much) and the episode makes the most of it without going overboard. Many of his lines had me laughing quite a lot and his chemistry with Applejack (in character and easy to like and relate to even with the conflict) was another one of "Where the Apple Lies" joys, it is very realistic and anybody that has a relationship with their siblings that is mostly close but not without arguments will really connect with their chemistry. Another high point was Filthy Rich, another funny character but his honesty made him quite likeable.
Flashbacks can leave me mixed when watching film and television. Some are very illuminating and say a lot interesting about the centered character(s) and their situation, others bog down the momentum and feel like padding. The flashback in "Where the Apple Lies" is a strong example of the former, it was fascinating seeing the Apple family's past and more importantly it was fun. As well as pointing out that it is not worth lying, that message does sound very simplistic on paper but actually it is relevant and important to reinforce with so much of it going around. Doing so too without making us hate Applejack. The conflict could have been deeper but still had some tension and entertainment value.
Overall, very good and nearly great. 8/10.
