Not everyday we get a blatant nod, eh? What about the "Equestria Girls" promo that parodies a song not meant for little girls and directly mentions bronies? Or "Hearth's Warming Eve", in which the Hub network specifically mentioned to keep an eye out for Derpy and told a whole bunch of Equestrian history that probably means nothing to kindergarteners? Granted, it still isn't constant pandering, but it isn't like bronies are ignored either.
Anyway, I did genuinely enjoy this episode, Derpy notwithstanding. Your comparison to "Lesson Zero" interests me, though; in that episode, Twilight tries to get her friends to help with what they see as a trivial concern. In this episode, Applejack is trying to reject her friends' help by trivializing her problem, yet her friends are persistent in their attempts. I wonder if Amy Keating Rogers took the moral of "Lesson Zero" into consideration while writing this episode. I don't think Applejack broke down quite the same way that Twilight did though, because Twilight was trying to solve a problem to prevent a predicted consequence while Applejack's problem was more or less the result of a consequence, and she was trying to make up for that result.
I would love to see a Pinkie/Rarity episode as well, though I can't imagine what plausible scenario could cause a potential conflict between the two. Pinkie Pie hardly ever has reason to go to Carousel Boutique, and Rarity enjoys Pinkie's parties just like anypony else does. I think the interaction between the two works more as a side gag and not the main focus of an episode, but then again this show constantly defies my expectations.
I wouldn't confuse The Hub's input with Studio B's input. Considering that the Cable Network struck gold with this show and their mantra is/was apparently "It all comes together" (I don't live in the U.S so I don't get this channel). Them promoting the hell out of their "Killer App" should come as no big surprise. The actual show's nod is far more surprising since this is the show itself and not an advertisement for it.
As for Twilight and Applejack's reaction to failure, keep in mind that while they both hate it, each them reacts to it quite differently. Twilight essentially made a mountain out of a molehill with her perceived problem. Applejack also acted a bit irrationally but it seemed to be more subdued. It also took place off screen so we have no idea what happened at the rodeo itself. It's in Applejack's nature to think "more practical-like" when under pressure. Her solution was to apparently take up another job in a different orchard since she was too ashamed to go back empty-hooved.
I have no concern for whether the studio or network recognizes bronies. *shrug* Both are responsible for the show, albeit in different aspects. Yes, actually writing Derpy into an episode is much more meaningful than mentioning her in the promo for an episode, but the fact still remains that the demographic does not go unrecognized. For what it's worth the Derpy reference in this episode seems to be the biggest nod yet; some might even call it pandering, though that doesn't automatically make it bad.
Technically we're not even sure if Applejack broke down at all. She does seem utterly disappointed in herself when she confesses to her friends, but since her failure occurs off screen we don't know if she felt a lot of pressure from expectations or guilt from making empty promises. Basically I can't compare the breakdowns between Applejack and Twilight, but I CAN compare the opposing behaviors of the friends around each pony.
Ugh... I specifically wrote this review to review the episode while avoiding to talk about Derpy's influence on it.
And that is important, considering she only takes a minute and a half out of twenty-two and has no impact on the plot. I merely wanted to point out that this is not the first or last time that bronies have been catered to.
Who really cares at this point?
I'm sure you'll find a majority of bronies who love that we're being recognized, so I'm going to say we care. If you don't care about Derpy or other such fandom nods you shouldn't have mentioned her in your review at all... my apologies for being so blunt.
Again we see Applejack breakdown again after the Applebuck Season episode.
Leave a Comment:
A solid episode, with or without Derpy.
I'm disappointed that people are too distracted by Derpy's scene and are ignoring an otherwise great episode. Granted, it's not everyday that any production gives that blatant a nod to a periphery demographic, but her scene is like whipped cream on an apple (or if you like, cherry) pie: It's a great addition, but you still have a lovely dessert without it.
The episode is excellent because it really expands on Applejack's character. This is a pony who wears many (figurative) hats: savvy business pony, hard worker, top athlete, loving family member and a cornerstone in Ponyville. However, her main flaw is that while she is plenty of things to plenty of ponies, she cannot be perfect, no one is. She has a very strong drive to prove herself to others, but this leaves her blind to her own shortcomings. Perhaps the main reason why she didn't win any blue ribbons was that she tried to compete in every event rather then specializing in a few. This led to her being out-competed by ponies trained for a specific few events. Which then led to her becoming too ashamed to even come back to Ponyville. Unthinkable for a Pony who earned her cutie mark by realizing that her place is at her home in Sweet Apple Acres. It's actually not unlike Twilight's distress and breakdown in Lesson Zero.
The other characters in this episode were awesome as well, Pinkie Pie especially since we got to see her go through all sorts of situations, from desperately needing to go to the bathroom, imitating Lucille Ball's chocolate factory scene, talking Applejack's ears off about cherrychongas, to blowing her stack at someone breaking a Pinkie promise. Even her interactions with the other ponies was great, such as giving a slice of cake to the mail pony after Twilight unceremoniously slammed the door in his face, and talking Rarity's ears off in the stinger. An entire episode with her an Rarity would be amazing and I personally would love to see it happen.
All in all, sweet cherry-flavored episode, even if everyone's favorite cross-eyed pegasus didn't show up.