Purely from a Spike episode perspective, I liked it. It was nice to see him getting some recognition, as well as having his moment as the hero of the Crystal Empire, twice. The whole thing played out well, including the hilariously cringe inducing version of the Cloudsdale anthem. In general I've been happy to see Spike getting a bit more of the spotlight and develop a bit more. Also, reading the other comments, apparently there were a lot of guest appearances that I totally missed, gona have to watch it again and play spot the pony. However, after all the build up over the past season, it's disappointing that the Equestria games ended up taking a backseat. I understand that they want to keep focus on the main cast. Since Rainbow and Fluttershy only competed in one event, it makes sense that only the relay race would really be shown. But still, I kinda wish they did something similar to what Just for Sidekicks and Games Ponies Play did. Having one episode that centered around Spikes side of the story, and another that followed the ponies, essentially making another Rainbow, Fluttershy, Bulk Biceps episode. It still makes sense to really have only the relay shown, but there could have been more to it. All the setup, Fluttershy having to deal with her inevitable pre jitters, Rainbow and Spitfire engaging in a little good sport trash talk, and just more time to drag the race on, making it all super dramatic. Throw in some Cutie Mark Crusaders, crazy cheering Pinkie, unhappy Twilight stuck with her royal duties, and some Spike as the stories cross over, and it would have made for a much more satisfying ending to the Equestria games story arc I think. Overall a good episode, but bittersweet knowing what could have been done with it ... and also knowing that now there is only one episode left
Totally agree. It makes sense that they could of put the Equestria games into 2 Episodes after all the hype. The games really needed more context instead of being Spike-centered. I'm not even sure how long the games go on for. I presume 3 days but the episode made it look like It lasted a day.
At first, I thought this was just a cringeworthy episode for Spike (particularly the anthem part) but looking back on it, it all makes sense. Stage fright is something I have had to deal with.. In fact, truth be told, I have not overcome it. I am much better at playing chamber parts in ensembles (meaning I'm the only one playing my part, and my instrument is the only one playing that part) than I used to be, but being up in front of a crowd completely by myself scares me to death. What a terrible type I am to be a musician, I know.. But something drives me back to it. The stage fright is something I have to overcome, because I love playing music and my instruments. Anyway, sorry for that tangent, my point is that it made Spike very relatable to me. However, when the anthem part came up, I was like "What? Spike? Nooo... That's just..." However, even that makes sense. It's not something I can relate with, but I can imagine that, having been overcome with failure, he just had to try to redeem himself, and he had to take any opportunity he could seize. That was not a good choice, at all, but... We all make stupid mistakes. So, in the end, I feel like I actually liked the characterization of Spike in this episode. In fact, that's the most I've seen Spike really be a character in quite some time. Sure, the last episode was Spike-centric. However, it was the standard "I love Rarity, so I'll do anything for her" kind of characterization (that we've already seen), which while being amusing, doesn't really do much for him being a likable, relatable character. Sure, it's strange that this event was really led up to be a big deal for Rainbow Dash and the others, but then turned out being a Spike episode. However, Spike needed an episode like this, so I'll take it.
Cheerilee seems to have a twin sister though. And why the frig is Cherry Jubilee sitting in the royalty box?
I really enjoyed this episode. The only thing I have to complain about is I wish it would've focused more on the Cutie Mark Crusaders than Spike. 9/10.
