"Rarity Investigates!" is not the first time 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' had a mystery (am a fan of mysteries) for its story. It was done quite nicely if unevenly in Season 2 with "MMMystery on the Friendship Express", which had a different and more comedic tone to the more serious and more noir-ish one here. Rarity fans will be so happy to have a Rarity-centric episode so soon after being treated to "Canterlot Boutique" and be interested in the dynamic between Rarity and Rainbow Dash.
On the most, "Rarity Investigates!" was enjoyable with a lot to recommend. It was not exceptional, which it could potentially have been if the story was much stronger and if the supporting characters were a lot more likeable and not turned one off so much. It was though interesting in "Rarity Investigates!" to see Rarity and Rainbow Dash together and Rarity taking on a different role to usual and there is just about enough to keep one interested.
Am going to get the not so good things out of the way like with my review for "Canterlot Boutique". The story is very predictable with everything being far too easy to figure out too early that it is amazing that Rarity didn't get to the truth sooner. It interested enough but was not that much of a mystery. The culprit was also far too obvious, actually suspected them as soon as they were introduced and it is a shame actually because they weren't a bad character at all.
The Wonderbolt characters are a real turn off here, they come over as jerks, blame Rainbow Dash without proof far too quickly and their treatment of her is exteme considering everything she did for them in the past.
However, "Rarity Investigates!" is another one of the best-looking episodes of Season 5 with a genuinely mysterious atmosphere. The music has groove but also has a bit of suspense in it too. The script is entertaining and intriguing, with fantastic film noir-style narration that didn't over-explain or give away too much. Despite the over-obviousness, the story isn't dull at least and has atmosphere.
It is also compensated by the beautifully contrasted pairing of Rarity and Rainbow Dash, one worries that their personalities wouldn't gel but they do here. Really rooted for Rainbow Dash, consistently characterised this time, and Rarity's, she should be detective more often, investigating and willingness to help a friend in need is lots of fun and sweet. The voice acting is very good all round.
Concluding, enjoyable if unexceptional. 6/10
