Ponies begin to argue over who wrote the best lesson after Twilight publishes her friendship journal.Ponies begin to argue over who wrote the best lesson after Twilight publishes her friendship journal.Ponies begin to argue over who wrote the best lesson after Twilight publishes her friendship journal.
Photos
- Twilight Sparkle
- (voice)
- Starlight Glimmer
- (voice)
- …
- Rainbow Dash
- (voice)
- …
- Pinkie Pie
- (voice)
- …
- Rarity
- (voice)
- …
- Toola Roola
- (voice)
- Reporter Pony
- (voice)
- …
- Coconut Cream
- (voice)
- (as Aine Sunderland)
- Townspony 1
- (voice)
- …
- Apple Bloom
- (voice)
- See all cast & crew
- Directors
- Writers
- Lauren Faust
- M.A. Larson
- Bonnie Zacherle(uncredited)
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWriter M. A. Larson stated in an interview that the song featured in the episode 'Flawless' was originally only sang by Twilight Sparkle, however got extended to all the Mane Six as to try and get the message across.
- Quotes
Twilight Sparkle: [singing] I never claimed to be perfect/My mistakes are all written in ink/None of us claimed to be perfect/And it's sad if that's what you all think/Our flaws helped to make us special/They bond us and keep us strong/Our flaws are what brought us together So stop actin' like something's wrong
Mane Six: We're not flawless/We're a work in progress/We've got dents and we've got quirks/But it's our flaws that make us work/Yeah, we're not flawless/We're a work in progress/So tell me what flaws you got, too/'Cause I still like what's flawed about you
Rainbow Dash: They say I'm a big shot/That my ego's the size of a whale/My confidence comes off as cocky/But it gives me the courage to fail
Rarity: Sure, I can be a drama queen/A bit stuck-up, it's true
Applejack: And I can be too eager to please/There's such thing as bein' too honest, too, 'cause
Mane Six: We're not flawless/We're a work in progress/We've got dents and we've got quirks/But it's our flaws that make us work/Yeah, we're not flawless/We're a work in progress/So tell me what flaws you got, too/'Cause I still like what's flawed about you
Pinkie Pie: Ponies think I'm all bubbles and laughter/That I don't seem sincere/I might joke around a little too much/But I'm just so happy you're here
Fluttershy: It took me a while to be confident/To really come out of my shell
Twilight Sparkle: But nopony has to be perfect/By now, don't you know us so well? Because, yeah
Mane Six: We're not flawless/We're a work in progress/We've got dents and we've got quirks/But it's our flaws that make us work/Yeah, we're not flawless/We're a work in progress/So tell me what flaws you got, too /'Cause I still like what's flawed about you
- SoundtracksFlawless
Lyrics by Daniel Ingram and M.A. Larson
Music by Daniel Ingram
Performed by Rebecca Shoichet, Ashleigh Ball, Andrea Libman, Shannon Chan-Kent and Kazumi Evans
While actually understanding both sides in this case, count me in as somebody who is in the category of those that liked "Fame and Misfortune" very much on rewatches of it. Which was not expected after seeing and hearing the hate it got and considering on first watch its tone was a shock to me. To me it is a very cleverly written and fascinating episode that has a concept that has been misunderstood by many people that misunderstood what the episode was trying to do. It is a step down from the sublime "The Perfect Pear", one of my favourites of the later seasons and overall, but while understanding why it polarises in no way is it one of the worst of Season 7 or the show. It also did make me think about how to convey my own criticisms of individual episodes in the future, having occasionally been guilty in the past of picking up on criticisms poked fun at here.
Maybe the reasoning for the publishing of the books may be seen as questionable. While completely understanding what the episode trying to do (venting frustration at the behaviour of the fandom and that they are representing what the critics of this aspect are sometimes like, Season 6's "Stranger Than Fan Fiction" also did this extremely well), personally do think that the jerkish-ness of the crowd was a bit over the top even for the concept, with not every fan of the show being guilty of this (though that is addressed in the moral).
However, the many good things outweigh those and those good things are great. Personally really liked the writing in "Fame and Misfortune". Yes it is very on the nose, but to me it wasn't a bad thing that people felt uncomfortable watching because that was the approach that "Fame and Misfortune" was going for. The dialogue has sharp wit, very amusing and very clever in the never gratuitous shock value in its surprising frankness and honesty, without being heavy handed or condescending. What is misunderstood about the episode is that it was actually poking fun and venting frustrations at the nit-picks and common criticisms that are raised constantly by fans and how toxic the fandom can sometimes be.
While coming across many articulate, passionate and well-reasoned fans, the manic aggression and sometimes irresponsibly toxic nature of the way some others express their opinions on criticisms of episodes and characters as well as detractors of the show are reasons as to why bronies don't always have a good reputation (mostly an undeserved overall reputation but it depends on the person in question and shouldn't apply to the whole fandom). That all of that was addressed in the writing in such a frank way, in a way that was in need of addressing, clearly made people feel uneasy.
Personally also really liked the storytelling, which was a lot of fun, energetically paced and well meaning. Didn't think it mean spirited at all. The continuity error regarding the cutie mark summer camp didn't bother me all that much. Also liked the moral, which was to the point but also sincere in delivery. It's a more complex one than usual without being muddled (other episodes before and since have far more muddled and preachy morals) and for the show up to this point it's quite unique. It is also very relatable to all of those that are not controlling and have real appreciation for many aspects of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic's' strengths and flaws.
Others did not like the portrayal of the characters, finding them out of character or their flaws exaggerated. All without realising that this was purposeful in representing the criticisms that regularly pop up regarding particularly toxic behaviour and regular criticisms. The animation is beautifully crafted and shows the big advance in quality from the already great visual style to the even greater one it increasingly became, ethereal and vibrant with some lovely atmosphere and attention to detail in the backgrounds. The music has quirkiness but also beauty and atmosphere, while never jarring with the action. The voice acting is excellent.
All in all, very clever and misunderstood episode in my view. 8/10.
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 1, 2021
Details
- Runtime22 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1080i (HDTV)
- 480i (SDTV)