The previous episode "Road to Friendship" restored hope that 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' had not completely lost it with most of the previous episodes between, and including, "The Mean Six" and that episode being underwhelming (with one exception, "The Hearth's Warming Club"). Was hoping that the improvement would continue and that we wouldn't have yet another big bump in quality. There was some hope as Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo have always had an interesting sister relationship that isn't explored enough.
While not one of the best episodes of Season 8 or of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' and a slight step down from "Road to Friendship", the quality does not decline badly with "The Washouts". Actually consider it in the high middle ranking the season's second half, while missing out on being one of the best episodes of a very rocky penultimate season for the show. Despite it being overstuffed, "The Washouts" does a lovely job with Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and their bond.
Am going to start with the good. "The Washouts", as ever for any 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' episode, looks great. Loved the vibrant colours and how rich and varied the detail in the backgrounds. The expressions and reactions are both entertaining and nuanced. The music is dynamic and has groove and atmosphere. The voice acting is excellent all round, Ashleigh Ball has always voiced Rainbow Dash beautifully regardless of the state of Rainbow Dash's material. Madeleine Peters is very heartfelt as Scootaloo, especially later on. Her frustration near the end really stings and tears at the heartstrings.
Generally the writing was fine. Have always loved writing that is mature without being too complicated for younger audiences and manages to avoid both being dumbed down and over-serious. It's thoughtful and well balanced here, with moments that entertain and moments that move. Rainbow Dash is so much better written than she was in "The End in Friend", at least she's in character here and at least she is also likeable. Scootaloo is also relatable, despite having flaws such as not being a good listener at times, and their relationship is heart-warming and touching. Lightning Dust provides some interesting and not overplayed conflict while showing little signs of disrespect. The moral is important and well delivered on the whole and the big scene is emotional. The ending is beautifully done and something that anybody with younger siblings that they're protective of can identify with.
By all means "The Washouts" is not perfect. It is a little overstuffed, with a few too many ideas that are not always done enough with. Rainbow Dash's attitude/feelings towards the Washouts could have gone into more depth, it is not quite clear as to why she feels that way about them.
Not all the humour quite works as well, some of it may go over the heads of younger viewers as there are references to things that are likely to be completely alien to them. Often do feel that with references in general that being familiar with what is being referenced is in order, and that's the case here. Personally actually found Spitfire annoying and on the odd side and what is also difficult to completely get is Short Fuse's writing.
In conclusion, well done if not great. 7/10.
While not one of the best episodes of Season 8 or of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' and a slight step down from "Road to Friendship", the quality does not decline badly with "The Washouts". Actually consider it in the high middle ranking the season's second half, while missing out on being one of the best episodes of a very rocky penultimate season for the show. Despite it being overstuffed, "The Washouts" does a lovely job with Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo and their bond.
Am going to start with the good. "The Washouts", as ever for any 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' episode, looks great. Loved the vibrant colours and how rich and varied the detail in the backgrounds. The expressions and reactions are both entertaining and nuanced. The music is dynamic and has groove and atmosphere. The voice acting is excellent all round, Ashleigh Ball has always voiced Rainbow Dash beautifully regardless of the state of Rainbow Dash's material. Madeleine Peters is very heartfelt as Scootaloo, especially later on. Her frustration near the end really stings and tears at the heartstrings.
Generally the writing was fine. Have always loved writing that is mature without being too complicated for younger audiences and manages to avoid both being dumbed down and over-serious. It's thoughtful and well balanced here, with moments that entertain and moments that move. Rainbow Dash is so much better written than she was in "The End in Friend", at least she's in character here and at least she is also likeable. Scootaloo is also relatable, despite having flaws such as not being a good listener at times, and their relationship is heart-warming and touching. Lightning Dust provides some interesting and not overplayed conflict while showing little signs of disrespect. The moral is important and well delivered on the whole and the big scene is emotional. The ending is beautifully done and something that anybody with younger siblings that they're protective of can identify with.
By all means "The Washouts" is not perfect. It is a little overstuffed, with a few too many ideas that are not always done enough with. Rainbow Dash's attitude/feelings towards the Washouts could have gone into more depth, it is not quite clear as to why she feels that way about them.
Not all the humour quite works as well, some of it may go over the heads of younger viewers as there are references to things that are likely to be completely alien to them. Often do feel that with references in general that being familiar with what is being referenced is in order, and that's the case here. Personally actually found Spitfire annoying and on the odd side and what is also difficult to completely get is Short Fuse's writing.
In conclusion, well done if not great. 7/10.
