Dining On Another Slice Of Pony Life

It has been over a week since I briefly reviewed the cartoon based on My Little Pony we know today [56] [57]. Although I had some concerns about overall character development and pointed out some flaws of the backgrounds when the trailer came out on Hasbro’s YouTube channel [55], I remained fairly optimistic about the show’s outcome once I began to review it [56] [57]. Speaking of fairly optimistic, plenty of those beyond my blogs have approved of Pony Life’s redeeming qualities [6] [7], despite how some others are not afraid to point out what could have improved…or simply nitpick in a snarky and witty manner for fun [45] [46] [47]. While those who remember watching the first and second seasons of 12. Oz Mouse on Adult Swim in the second half of the 2000s are waiting to tune into its third season later this month [1] [2] [52], plenty of bronies and pegasisters are still settling down to witness the fast-paced slice of life elements of My Little Pony: Pony Life. As someone who partially rebuilt Ponyville and Canterlot in the mobile application based on Friendship Is Magic as a college student [8] [19], I shall take a sip of the right potion and further express my views on Pony Life.

The secondary logo of My Little Pony: Pony Life. [34]

Since it has been declared that Pinkie Pie is the prime protagonist of Pony Life, there is a theory that the show is simply Pinkie Pie’s point of view [10]. This theory would potentially make sense if the show is quick-paced with a ton of humourous moments and Pinkie has been known for her hyperactivity and wittiness ever since the first seasons of Friendship Is Magic [14]. Since she knows her friends very well, they are pretty much in character in the show. Even though there are signs of Pony Life being non-canon, such as Rarity being a magician and the emotional meaning of Applejack always wearing her hat being completely absent [16] [26], it would make sense for it to take place before the finale of Friendship Is Magic, but only in Pinkie Pie’s point of view. Whether any brony and pegasister would believe in the theory of Pony Life being set in the pink party pony’s point of view or not, there are more important things to be aware of, such as faithful portrayals of iconic characters and what valuable morals can be established for the target audience: very young girls, along with some very young boys.

[I think the inspiration for making Pinkie Pie the protagonist of Pony Life was inspired by the success of Hello Pinkie Pie, a 3D spin-off of Friendship Is Magic exclusively for Hasbro’s YouTube channel [22] [23]. [24]

Theories about Pony Life aside, I am beginning to wish that the design of Applejack’s hat would have at least been respectfully declared to be once worn by Bright Mac, her father instead of seen solely as a whole new trend by Rarity and the other ponies and then suddenly tossed away like an outdated one [16]. Nonetheless, the absence of the meaning of Applejack’s hat can be brushed off as a sign of Pony Life being non-canon. [23]

Let us look into more portrayal of some of the other main ponies. “Why is Twilight Sparkle suddenly competitive towards Rainbow Dash?” I asked myself [28]. As concerning it is to see the risk of competitiveness being taken to a potentially dangerous level [25], I can at least say Twilight’s determination after a moment she procrastinated could be another sign of none of the promotional images being misleading [34], which is far more in character than her competitiveness towards Rainbow Dash. At least Twily and Dashie seem to have learned not to get too carried away when it comes to a competition [27]. Applejack is still the fourth-wall breaker of Pony Life [28], which is at least refreshing to me, but possibly not some purists of the first three seasons of Friendship Is Magic [4] [17] [49]. As surreal, adorable and relatable it is for Fluttershy to shrink in size when she is embarrassed, the sound of a cash register that plays when dolphins appear in her eyes might be an expansion of her “dark side” [27]. Even though some new traits of iconic characters can seem confusing, I can at least see how they can at least try to keep the franchise fresh with a whole new interpretation.

I personally think Twilight’s competitive nature towards is quite out of character in this scene, similar to how Double D was rather out of character in a certain episode of Ed, Edd n Eddy [9]. Nonetheless, I suppose this leads to some depth of unexplored character development. [28]

When Fluttershy has dolphins in her eyes, let us hope she can still remain wise. [27]

Any more portrayal of Rarity and Rainbow Dash? I like how Rarity is seen wearing red lipstick in a black and white scene at some point [39]. Other than that, I can still see how vain she can be, just like her Friendship Is Magic counterpart [26]. I sincerely describe the pink lake to be “breath-taking” while she describes her reflection in it in the same way. What? I like pink water, quite like the water of a blossom bath ran by Princess Liana Rose [44] [58]. As for the speedy pegasus with a multicoloured mane, there is also a moment of her bunged up with a cold, even though she declared to be fine as another sign of her determination to remain as a confident speedster [25]. Nonetheless, it sure is cute when she falls asleep on a cloud after taking a spoonful of soup made by Pinkie Pie. There is another sign of some development in Rainbow Dash, which I will explain after I make a list of some familiar critters. Aside from their traits being spot on, I am more than happy that the main ponies are still willing to learn life lessons for the young children of today.

Darlings, Rarity looks fabulous during this moment! [38]

Another sign of Rainbow Dash being portrayed faithfully in Pony Life is when she prepares to confront "a strange being" and telling her friends to tell citizens her story if she does not succeed, despite Applejack telling her not to. [25]

It is interesting to see the ponies once again own pets in Pony Life [20], similar to how the Disney princesses began to own pets known as “Palace Pets” at some point in the mid-2010s [5] [51]. The pets that are seen competing in a kart race as a brief rehash of the song “Derby Racers” from Friendship Is Magic include [13]:

•        Angel, Fluttershy’s bunny [27]
•        Owlowisicious, Twilight Sparkle’s owl [27] [36]
•        Winona, Applejack’s doggy [27]
•        Opalescence, Rarity’s kitty [27] [35]
•        Gummy, Pinkie Pie’s alligator [27] [32]
•        Tank, Rainbow Dash’s turtle [27]

Strangely enough, Tank can communicate through a speaker attached to the bottom of his shell as he wears a fake beard next to a hologram of Pinkie Pie that partially reminds me of Twilight Sparkle’s future self from that episode of the second season of Friendship Is Magic [27] [50]. Nonetheless, I admire how he aims to teach Rainbow Dash that some problems can be solved with stillness and focus at a slow and steady pace. It sure is nice to witness a bigger variety of species in Ponyville aside from Discord, Spike and Bubbles as another sign of Pony Life potentially honouring the legacy of Friendship Is Magic, despite several notable differences between the two cartoons.

Giddy up, racing critters! Giddy up, racing critters! Giddy up, racing critters! Go, go, go [13]! [27]

Nice beard, Tank. And nice eye patch, Hologram of Pinkie Pie. [27]

I can still say that some of the supporting characters are well-portrayed in the show. Discord makes a grand return in Pony Life as one of those...potentially difficult customers who just will not answer Spike’s question [27]. I may be quite puzzled at how Princess Celestia’s tail does not flow majestically with her mane and how slightly unnerving it is to see her be more like a stern judge than a graceful ruler [24] [46], but I still would love to see her softer and more mother-like traits from Friendship Is Magic in another moment of Pony Life soon. Spike may have two different voice actresses for Pony Life [56] [57], similar to how Betina from Rayman: The Animated Series had three different voice actresses throughout that show’s short four-episode run [43], but I am aware that the little purple dragon’s traits are faithful to how he would usually be in Friendship Is Magic as he has provided two humourous moments of stubbing a toe after strutting whilst wearing sunglasses [27]. Yeah, our bronies and pegasisters know what he is like. For any unsatisfactory portrayals of supporting characters, we can always go back on how they were in Friendship Is Magic. 

Princess Celestia’s portrayal in Pony Life may be quite off-putting in Pony Life so far [24], but who knows? Perhaps Princess Luna will soon make an appearance in an episode of Pony Life and she can do the motherly honours for her older sister [37]? [24]

YEEEEAAAAAAH!! [27]

Are there any more new Pony Life exclusive characters? Well, there is a young male filly named “Smallfry” [40]. He sure is adorable and I guess it is nice to see that Rainbow Dash has another fan besides Scootaloo. Oh my Celestia! We finally get to see Potion Nova in Pony Life [28]! Her appearance and voice in the show are absolutely adorable, making her adaption from her toy in the Pony Life line worth it. It would make sense for making potions to be her game since “Potion Nova” is her name. Oh, and let us not forget about a gang of “alternative” ponies who meet Applejack with stern facial expressions and briefly remind me of the goth kids from South Park to a degree due to their dull colour schemes mane styles [30] [45] [48]. Who knows? Perhaps Cha Cha, the unicorn-horned llama might make an appearance in a possible second season before Generation 5 is established [29]. On the other hoof, it is probably best to not cram in so many new and familiar characters in one animated television series that is only meant to be based on filler between two generations of an iconic toy franchise.

[Potion Nova’s occupation must be very important in the Pony Life version of Equestria. It is no wonder Twily seemed so nervous and shattered into pieces. [27]]

As for the three “cool” ponies, do any of you think they are cool? If so, I guess that is cool. I am cool with that because tolerance is cool. [44]

I appreciate Pony Life’s signs of teaching young children of today important life lessons, along with its vibrant art style and exceptional humour. I can understand that the pace of the show might be a bit too swift for some of us [6] [7], but I am still fascinated with how it also consists of character designs that remind me of Generation 3.5 and the slice of life premise of My Little Pony Tales [15] [41]. Would any of you bronies and pegasisters describe My Little Pony: Pony Life as cute, sweet, magic, posh, fast and fun [33]? Could there be another season of Pony Life that consists of an episode featuring some aspects of the Equestria Girls franchise before the official establishment of Generation 5 [3] [18]? If not, there can be a second airing of the whole season that consists of fixed animation errors, similar to how some young characters wore bicycle helmets while riding their bikes in the edited version of the episode “Bicycles” from the first season of Peppa Pig [42]. While that might be quite unnecessary, I would still recommend Pony Life as proof of how Teen Titans GO should have been like a few years ago [53] [54]. Until then, everypony.

“Selfie!” [31]

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My Little Pony: Pony Life Is Lively And Pony-Packed

Greetings, everypony! It has been under a month since we analysed the official trailer and introduction of My Little Pony: Pony Life [53], a brand new Irish-American animated television based on a new line of My Little Pony toys [1] [12] [24] [41]. After seeing some compilations of clips from the brand new cartoon on Hasbro’s official My Little Pony YouTube channel, I am quite impressed with how it somehow manages to capture most of the charm of the iconic 2010s cartoon that it is based on, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic [21]. As fairly ironic yet well-meaning it is how Burger King has temporarily been referred to as “Burger Queer” in Mexico to show support for LGBT rights [5] [15], it is rather a delightful relief that Pony Life has received a fair amount of acclaim so far [6]. However, it has also received some criticism [14] [50]. With a catchy new theme song stuck in the heads of our bronies and pegasisters [35], let us look into plenty of moments from the new cartoon that aired on Treehouse TV in Canada after its schedule for Discovery Family in America was suddenly pulled [41]. Who does not love including at least one emoji in a video title these days?

So this is My Little Pony today. In the year that quoted Darkwing Duck before it began [17]. [41]

Please allow me to further express my views on the new art style of Pony Life [53]. I adore the mesmerising detail on the irises of the ponies’ eyes. I suppose how the appearances of their cutie remarks have been reduced to only one image in the show was to make the progress of animating the chibi-styled ponies slightly easier. Speaking of cutie marks, I can see that Pony Life also takes place in some point after the Cutie Mark Crusaders finally got their cutie marks in the fifth season of Friendship Is Magic due to how the three fillies’ cutie marks can be noticed during Rarity’s magic show [19] [38]. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle’s manes are also styled differently, but not as drastically off-putting as Rainbow Dash’s new mane [38]. Despite my slight disapproval of some surreal proportions in the backgrounds [52], my favourite background would be the astrological scene of inside Fluttershy’s mind when she wears Rarity’s potion-infested headband [30]. I think I can be quite used to the new character design of the main characters and the styles of the setting within the reimagining of Friendship Is Magic before the fifth generation is officially established.

Again, see how their cutie remarks are only one image in Pony Life? [34]

Oops! There is a notable animation error that forgets to include Twilight Sparkle’s wings when she demands cleanliness within work stations. Despite an animation error, the animation is still tolerable. [31]

Let us look into some examples of how the Mane Six are portrayed. Fluttershy growing in size when she gets mad is an interesting take on her development [27] [28], quite like how she can successfully confront foes with “the stare” in Friendship Is Magic [26]. It is quite odd to witness Applejack stretch the truth to keep Fluttershy happy since her element is honesty [29], but I suppose it is ultimately for developing a life lesson for a new and younger audience [26]. Reflecting on her fourth-wall break [36], the deed to do so would have been more expected from Pinkie Pie [52]. Nevertheless, I like how she uses her imagination when she drinks some potions to try on:

•        A firefighter helmet [27]
•        A space helmet [27]
•        A pilot’s cap [27]

In addition to the premise of Rarity being inspired to wear a hat like hers [38], I admire how Applejack states that she is independent and is not solely defined by her hate [29]. Pinkie Pie is put in charge of Sugarcube Corner as the series tends to focus on her being the protagonist [39], compared to how Friendship Is Magic’s protagonist was Twilight Sparkle [45]. Nevertheless, there are plenty of premises centring on the other main ponies.

Aye aye, Captain Applejack! [27]

Since Pinkie Pie is now the main character due to how her personality suits the new tone of Pony Life very well, will there eventually be a moment of her driving a brand new car [22]? Other than that, the show could also take place before the finale of Friendship Is Magic as she finally gets to run Sugarcube Corner independently, even though that could ultimately be another sign of the re-imagining being non-canon. [39]

What about the other three main ponies? I found it very sweet and in-character of Twilight Sparkle to offer a storytelling activity in a scenario of a power cut [27]. Rainbow Dash’s competitive nature shown in her promotional video on Hasbro’s YouTube channel was quite concerning to me as it seemed to be taken to the extreme [32], similar to how the reboot of Danger Mouse sometimes portrayed the secret agent’s egoistical attitude to the point where it can be quite obnoxious [7] [8]. Nevertheless, at least there was a sign of the blue pegasus being partially humble when she mentions her friends [32]. It was strangely refreshing to see Rarity wear a cowgirl’s hat that is very similar to Applejack’s, along with how she was hosting a magic show, which would be The Great And Powerful Trixie’s job in Friendship Is Magic [20]. Additionality, she appears to not be fond of camping and nature during the Mane Six’s stroll [27]. Despite a few changes that sacrifice some faithfulness to Friendship Is Magic, I am very pleased to see that the developments of the character have not been greatly downgraded to the very little likeability of how the Teen Titans have been portrayed in Teen Titans Go [51].

Oh. And could the newest Rainbow Dash secretly adore painting her “nails” and eventually dress in style [9] [21] [55]? [32]

Even though I previously stated that Pony Life seems to take place after Twilight Sparkle’s conversion to being an alicorn and the Cutie Mark Crusaders receiving their cutie marks [53], the way Rarity is seen as a magician like Trixie Lulamoon and Applejack is heard breaking the fourth wall like Pinkie Pie can lead to some of us believing that it is not canon [36] [38]. [39]

Are there any supporting and other main characters portrayed faithfully? Well, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are seen applauding during Rarity’s magic show. Aside from how Princess Celestia seemed to be interested in television in the trailer [36], she appears to be quite critical when it came to Pinkie Pie’s failed attempt at baking in a far less messy way [34]. I guess not witnessing extremely messy cooking could be essential for being royalty, but that should ultimately not overshadow her kind and wise traits from Friendship Is Magic [13]. Let us not forget about Spike, Twilight Sparkle’s assistant who is ironically voiced by two voice actresses and still crushing on Rarity [44]. As for Fancy Pants, it was assuming how he sounded like he did not any potion from her but then exclaimed that he would love some [38]. Apart from the reimagining’s heavier focus on comedy and slice-of-life premises [24] [41], it sure is nice to see some of the characters outside of the Mane Six from Friendship Is Magic again and I would be curious to possibly see how some more of them will be portrayed in a few more episodes of Pony Life before an animated series based on Generation 5 begins.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders in the front row of the Great and Powerful Rarity’s audience. [38]

“You’re fired. [2]” [31]

What about any brand new characters who have appeared exclusively in Pony Life? Bubbles, a new character who is an adorable but inconsiderate cat is the definition of “don’t judge a book by its cover” [28] [34], much like those darn critters from that episode of the fifth season of The Powerpuff Girls [48]. Aside from his rudeness to the Mane Six, I chuckled when I saw that Bubbles’ best friend was a clone of Fluttershy who looks like a hipster named “Buttershy” [28]. Perhaps there ought to be a Buttershy in the second wave of Pony Life figurines before the beginning of Generation 5 [1] [12]. There is also a new male pony named “Dishwater Slog” who is designed quite differently with brown fur, a cutie mark that resembles a slice of pizza and casual but unclean attire to increase the diversity in Pony Life’s interpretation of Ponyville [40]. However, he is the one partly responsible for Rainbow Dash’s competitiveness being taken a bit too far with his rather questionable attitude [37]. Brand new characters making their debut in a new show can at least be refreshing and the immoralities of some of them can be useful for establishing life lessons.

Buttershy. One of the coolest hipsters since Hipster Ariel [16]. And what a jerk Bubbles turned out to be. [28]

As for the other jerk who challenged Rainbow Dash, I think the moral of his debut would be not to manipulate anyone into being “worse than you” just to feel great about yourself, despite how Dishwater Slog takes pride in being a lazy and ignorant slob [40]. [37]

Another sign of Pony Life being a potentially non-canon reimagining of Friendship Is Magic is the use of modern touchscreen technology [27] [30] [33]. I honestly do not mind seeing the ponies use smartphones and tablets in Pony Life, despite how illogical it would be for a horse to do in real life. After all, the current interpretations of the lovable cast were firstly established in the first few seasons of Friendship Is Magic back in the early 2010s [21], the time the use of smartphones and tablets become increasingly common. Strangely enough, the moment Rainbow Dash spends too long trying to get a new high score on a mobile app that kind of reminds me of Flappy Bird reminds me of a joke reflecting on mobile game addiction from a webisode of the Bratz stop-motion series from 2015 [4] [10]. Moments like Fluttershy peeping “Selfie!” as she holds her smartphone would be more ridiculous if she and the other main six remained like they were in the previous generations that were established during the times when our current touch-screen technology was not there yet [21] [54]. To me, use of today’s touchscreen technology works much better for cartoon characters who were firstly established in the 2010s.

I understand that parodying addiction to mobile games and showing characters taking selfies or recharging their mobile devices can reduce creativity to a degree, but at least they are done by the interpretations of My Little Pony characters that caused their popularity to rapidly increase in the 2010s [3] [21]. [33]

At least the way Applejack placed her smartphone in a mixing bowl for providing light source is quite clever. [27]

Overall, I would say that Pony Life is a mixture of the slice of life genre of My Little Pony Tales [49], the character designs from the Generation 3.5 series and the humour and portrayal of iconic characters from Friendship Is Magic [11] [46] [52]. What an interesting recipe indeed. To be fair, I can say Pony Life is highly likely to not be considered “canon” to the bronies and pegasisters out there, but its heavier focus on comedy can ultimately be a sign of it aiming to also appeal to the unexpected adult male fanbase of Friendship Is Magic [3]. My Little Pony has come a long way since the My Pretty Pony toy back in the early 1980s [47]. For even more filler between Generation 4 and Generation 5, I suppose there can also be an extension of the spin-off based on the Equestria Girls series since there were human versions of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna within the Pony Life toy line [1] [21] [23]. I need to go and write a letter to the current reincarnation of Princess Celestia, informing her that I have learned to bake a delicious cake without making too much mess. Until then, everypony!

Spaghetti and lollipops anyone? [37]

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