Spike's character writing was inconsistent in 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic', in my view of the show's regular characters he and Applejack were the least consistently characterised. When he was written well, where one saw his flaws but also his strengths, he was an interesting and fun character with compelling personalities. When he was out of character or when his stories had potential but executed underwhelmingly, it was quite frustrating. Both extremes were seen in Season 2.
To me, "Secret of My Excess" is among Season 2's better episodes and one of the best Spike-centric ones, being one of not many Spike-centric episodes to completely nail him, as well as a strong example of the former extreme. On paper, "Secret of My Excess" could have gone either way of fascinating or potentially distasteful, with emphasis on a character trait that really doesn't sound or come over as very appealing and could easily have been overdone.
Problems with "Secret of My Excess" are very few. Didn't think that the Wonderbolts cameo was necessary, but that's more a nit-pick.
Its only major problem though is that for me it was hard to buy how destruction of such big size had very little consequence.
However, Spike is a very interesting character here in as said one of the not many Spike-centric episodes to nail him. Far more so than the premise on paper made him sound, which made him sound like he would be out of character and irritating. But actually Spike is shown to have its faults, greed mainly (thankfully not too exaggerated), while also good traits especially his genuine remorse and that he learns from his mistakes. Rarity is as likeable and compelling as in "Sweet and Elite", she entertains and charms rather than being shallow or annoying. The kiss scene is not that seductive and a good example of not just showing Spike and Rarity's close bond here but also the moral. Which is such an important and relevant one, delivered both entertainingly and sincerely.
Spike and Rarity's bond is most apparent in the masterpiece of characterisation (even when little is said) that is the part when Spike tries to confess and how Rarity reacts. The other characters shine just as much, such as Fluttershy in the argument scene, Applejack when tied up and the scene with Zecora which is important to explaining the nature of the dragon. The animation is great as usual as is the music, while the script is witty and well balanced and the story is never less than engaging and often well above that.
Overall, another great episode. 9/10
To me, "Secret of My Excess" is among Season 2's better episodes and one of the best Spike-centric ones, being one of not many Spike-centric episodes to completely nail him, as well as a strong example of the former extreme. On paper, "Secret of My Excess" could have gone either way of fascinating or potentially distasteful, with emphasis on a character trait that really doesn't sound or come over as very appealing and could easily have been overdone.
Problems with "Secret of My Excess" are very few. Didn't think that the Wonderbolts cameo was necessary, but that's more a nit-pick.
Its only major problem though is that for me it was hard to buy how destruction of such big size had very little consequence.
However, Spike is a very interesting character here in as said one of the not many Spike-centric episodes to nail him. Far more so than the premise on paper made him sound, which made him sound like he would be out of character and irritating. But actually Spike is shown to have its faults, greed mainly (thankfully not too exaggerated), while also good traits especially his genuine remorse and that he learns from his mistakes. Rarity is as likeable and compelling as in "Sweet and Elite", she entertains and charms rather than being shallow or annoying. The kiss scene is not that seductive and a good example of not just showing Spike and Rarity's close bond here but also the moral. Which is such an important and relevant one, delivered both entertainingly and sincerely.
Spike and Rarity's bond is most apparent in the masterpiece of characterisation (even when little is said) that is the part when Spike tries to confess and how Rarity reacts. The other characters shine just as much, such as Fluttershy in the argument scene, Applejack when tied up and the scene with Zecora which is important to explaining the nature of the dragon. The animation is great as usual as is the music, while the script is witty and well balanced and the story is never less than engaging and often well above that.
Overall, another great episode. 9/10
