Absolutely loved the premise for "The Mean 6", and anybody who knows me or is familiar with my writing will know about me having a thing for great premises. The much touted return of Queen Chrysalis, which got so much hype when the season aired, promised so much. And of all the premises for Season 8, that for "The Mean 6" had the most potential. With it being one of the most ambitious (was hoping that it wouldn't be too ambitious) and potentially imaginative ones, not just of the season but in some time for the show.
Unfortunately, "The Mean 6" was a disappointment and didn't deliver, for a mid season finale this should have been much better. While it is not the worst episode of Season 8, that dubious dishonour will always be "Non-Compete Clause" with "Yakkity-Sax" close behind, it was the one that disappointed me the most. Due to it having the most potential out of all the episodes of the season (it was one of the most hyped ones at the time), yet not doing anywhere near enough with the potential. Wastes of potential is a pet peeve of mine, and to me is nearly as bad as something being bad quality.
Will start with the good things first. The animation is wonderful, despite being disappointing "The Mean 6" is to me one of the best looking episodes of Season 8. Hugely atmospheric, rich in colour and has some truly inventive moments. The music adds to the action and even enhances it, also sounding very appealing on its own terms. The voice acting also can't be faulted, with Kathleen Barr giving her all as Chrysalis despite being deserving of better material.
Did think that "The Mean 6" did start off quite well, and with entertainment value and suspense. Chrysalis did show a sinister vibe when she first appeared and it was a shame that it went quickly downhill from there. Although the whole Mean 6 concept is very derivative, it did have its moments. Such as Evil Fluttershy's viciousness, Evil Pinkie Pie's indifference, Evil Applejack's wildly far-fetched lies and Evil Rarity's greed. The most interesting of the Mean 6 is Evil Twilight, who is also the most interesting character in the episode and the only real fleshed out one.
Chrysalis however was a missed opportunity, she had some initial menace but for most of the episode she is far too bumbling and anaemic, there ended up not being very much to her plan and she is also criminally underused. Which was really annoying considering the build up. Starlight agreed is completely pointless, serving absolutely no purpose whatsoever in the episode. Also really didn't buy, which is one of the biggest criticisms from fellow fans, the Mane 6's truly implausible obliviousness to what was going on, realistically considering how long they've been friends they would absolutely have known that something was awry when it was so blatant (especially with Evil Applejack). Absolutely no excuse in Twilight's case as the character who's got experience with this situation. The Mean 6 had their moments, but most are not done enough with and only Evil Twilight is fleshed out enough.
Furthermore, the story is pretty messy. There is very little suspense, nowhere near enough is done with the concept and too many parts go nowhere or don't serve much point. Other parts have an over-stuffed feel. The comedy of errors aspect of the writing was quite fun but too overshadowed by the far too bland and underdeveloped drama with even some over-conveniences thrown in. So the writing was very much a mixed bag. Do agree to some extent that this didn't feel like a mid-season finale and felt like it was in the wrong place in the season, it would have fared better as a two part finale with more developments and risks taken with the concepts, a tighter pace and meatier characterisation.
Great potential here but let down by the too simplified and underdeveloped character writing and messy and poorly paced story. 5/10.
