I enjoyed Sombra much more on the second viewing. The writers convey more than you think at first about his personality and motivations. Each villain has its own cardinal sin, and they're all different. Nightmare Moon's was jealousy; Chrysalis' was a sort of racism, Discord's was recklessness... Sombra's is unbridled (pun!) lust for what he wants. He's very Sauron like in attitude and depiction.
Sometimes a villain is better off being implied. I like that they did this with him. It allowed more time to be spent on the Crystal Ponies and establishing the Crystal Empire, which as we have seen is going to continue to be an important part of the setting in Equestria. So many people complained that things were too rushed in the Pilot and at the same time they wanted more Sombra. Those are mutually exclusive, Personally I prefer to see more about the setting and the actual fair itself was the most interesting part of that episode.
I'm glad you mentioned Sauron actually. It is in fact possible for a non-fleshed out villain to be effective. Sauron having nothing significant about him besides the fact he wanted to be evil, will always be remembered as a fantastic villain, part of an iconic fantasy series.
You know I have to wonder if Leaving Sombra's horn intact after he exploded could be foreshadowing for season 4, if he or maybe what ever force gave him his dark powers comes along as the season 4 op villain. I like the whole idea of a baddy that can use dark magic to make the ponies worst fears come to life, I think theres future use for Sombra yet, if not in the show, at least in the comics. I do agree he was great as a Sauron type villian. But it would be nice to see him use his dark magic to spread some fear across equestria someday, but thats just my opinion.
Exactly. That horn is still out there. Will it be found by an unsuspecting pony, a la the One Ring? Twilight's experience suggests that Sombra is very, very good at getting under ponies' skins.
I love metal but Mastodon, eh, it was not my particular cup of tea, but they are still good. In my opinion this just adds more legitimacy and brings up Sombra's level of badassness to a whole new high.
