Expectations were not high for either "Meet Potion Nova" or "Pony Surfin Safari". None of the previous 'My Little Pony: Pony Life' episodes have been good, the least bad being Episode 12 and even that was still very average. None of the episodes after this double bill were much better in quality either. Really have tried to give 'My Little Pony: Pony Life' a chance, after being so wowed by 'Friendship is Magic', but it continually disappointed for similar reasons to each other.
All the usual flaws of the previous episodes are here in both "Meet Potion Nova" and "Pony Surfin Safari". Most of them did them worse than this double bill, but almost everything except one aspect is handled really badly. "Meet Potion Nova" had some potential actually as it was more imaginative conceptually than most of the show's episodes but did nothing with it. Expectations were a lot lower for "Pony Surfin Safari" and it was pretty much what was expected (not in a good way).
There is one aspect that is done right, which is the voice acting. All voicing with enthusiasm and nuance, remarkable seeing as there isn't any of those in the writing or storytelling.
Everything else ranges from mediocre to close to awful. As said, "Meet Potion Nova" had potential, but there is nothing imaginative in it and it is extremely bland and derivative. "Pony Surfin Safari" is even blander and more derivative as well as practically uneventful, with no thrills or charm and going way too far on the simplicity. None of the characters are particularly interesting, they continue to be stripped of their complexity and their personalities are too one dimensional. Applejack is more annoying than relatable and she doesn't come over as remorseful as she should have done in this situation.
Have no better news to say about the writing, which is again over simple and has no fun or soul. The attempts at humour are too few and what there is is childish and predictable, the worst of it also out of place.
There is nothing imaginative or vibrant about the animation, which is rushed and careless looking throughout. Indicative of rushed deadlines and low budget. The music is like cheesy high school quality and never fits with what goes on. The theme tune is grating, as is "No Promises".
Overall, another very poor effort. 2/10.