Actually found the first half of Season 2 to be a big improvement over the whole of Season 1, as all the episodes from "Cute Impact"/"The Crystal Capturing Contraption" to "Time After Time Capsule"/"The Great Cowgirl Hat Robbery" were average to decent, which for 'My Little Pony: Pony Life' is an achievement. The latter's title is on the corny side (only a little), but both segments had story ideas that sounded much more appealing and eventful than any episode from Season 1 so expectations were higher than normal.
To my very pleasant surprise, "Time After Time Capsule"/"The Great Cowgirl Hat Robbery" is one of two decent 'My Little Pony: Pony Life' episodes. The other being "Close Encounters of the Balloon Kind"/"Tiara of Truth". Neither are mind blowing and fall short of greatness, but both are so much more watchable than any episode from Season 1 where even the best episode from that season was merely average. While not fully lived up to, neither of the story ideas are squandered.
Both segments have many good things. The best aspect is the voice acting which is very good all round, full of energy and nuanced. The character writing is some of the best of the show up to this date and overall, with all the main characters not having flaws exaggerated and having good intentions. They are in character and the chemistry does feel like a friendship and well connected.
Especially in "Time After Time Capsule", where a lot of the character writing and chemistry were heartfelt and heart-warming and there is advancement rather than regression. The moralising is less predictable than usual and is more sincere and more subtle. Furthermore, both are more involving story wise compared to most episodes. Especially "The Great Cowgirl Hat Robbery", which had a nostalgic vibe, suspense and wasn't too predictable in the mystery element. There is more humour than usual, and it is mildly amusing and generally not childish or misplaced. Again, particularly in "The Great Cowgirl Hat Robbery".
Neither are perfect however. The animation is unimaginative and is rushed looking. The music still has the high school quality with the theme tune still grating on the ears.
Also thought that the pacing could have been a good deal tighter in "Time After Time Capsule" and occasionally the humour is a little too forced and over simple.
Overall, so much better than anticipated considering how low the general standard of the show is. 6/10.
