My Little Pony: Best Friends Forever Review

11/12/2012

My Little Pony

Best Friends Forever

Before you ultimately dismiss this review as childhood idiocy for adults who haven't got their nostalgia together or kids who just like fast-moving brightly coloured things, I have to tell you that My Little Pony (MLP) is one of the most daring, well-constructed and carefully written shows on television. I don't mean just cartoons or animated series, I mean on television, ever. MLP was originally a series from the mid to late 80's based around a series of horses which could fly and have adventures. It spawned a highly successful toy range and feature film. However, while the toys kept going, the show ended in the twilight of the 80's, only to be reborn a few years ago by writer Lauren Faust.

Faust was working on animated staples such as Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends and Powerpuff Girls when she developed her own show Galaxy Girls, which was later optioned by Hasbro to make a series of toys. The toymakers then showed Faust their upcoming work on the MLP range and were so happy with Faust and her creativity, they hired her to write a pitch bible for the show. Even Faust was cynical at the time about writing a show based around girls toys saying they were “boring and unrelatable” and sure – You - right now, even while reading this have that same scepticism.

But I need to tell you MLP: Friendship is Magic is more than a show about ponies and a dragon who take flight and have wild adventures. One could look at the show as a proper deconstruction of the duality of man and the historical fallacies they're willing to believe to get ill gains. Another way could be how heritage and tradition do not always set the tone for the future. But mainly, it's about learning both sides of a story and making a proper decision about the path to take.

The first episode on this amazing six episode DVD is ‘Over A Barrel’ a startling look into the untold history of America and the historical nationalism they often overindulge in.  The episode begins simply enough with our gang, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Spike (a baby dragon), on a train delivering an apple tree to Appleloosa, an old country town on the far outskirts of Ponyville. Sometime before arriving at the fabled town, their train is attacked by buffalo and a fawn who then commandeer the train and unfortunately Spike, who was sleeping inside the same carriage.

During the setup of the episode we find the people of Appleloosa obsess over classical traditions such as Wild West dances, horse-drawn carriages and “The Salt Block” saloon. But the world is incomplete, as we learn from the native land owners that the Appaloosians, also referred to as Settler Ponies, have overtaken their land and plant apple trees over their usual route for a stampede pilgrimage.

Within the first eleven minutes, we have a core of warring historical factions with no easy answer. I will not spoil the rest of the episode for you, but the conclusion is truly unforseen as we learn of the fate of Appleloosa and the conflict which will tear the gang apart. We learn of Applejack’s partially xenophobic personality and loyalty to her roots, but will it be worth abandoning her friends for?

The other episodes include ‘A Bird in the Hoof’, a great deconstruction of the phoenix mythology, criticisms of alternative medicine, high societal ignorance of common issues and also an interesting argument about animal euthanasia. ‘The Cutie Mark Chronicles’, an interesting look into the history of Ponyville and the importance of understanding introspective empathy. ‘Owl's Well That Ends Well’, a great look at the dangers of improper sleep and the skill of independent learning. ‘Party of  One’, a mature approach to friends who lack responsibility but have attained organisational skills and finally, ‘The Best Night Ever’, closer to the first ever season, an analysis on archaic traditions, discussions necessary to take place about hosting events and finding happiness in your own actions.

The animation style is something to behold taking it's influences from the quickly drawn Anime of the late 80's and early 90's, as well as the clean cut lines of the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, which often gives you a feeling of something bigger going on. The way each character has their own colours, personality and haircut really gives something extra to how they're drawn and ultimately how you get to know them over the course of the series. These are dynamic characters who are only willing to change if that means going against their friendship; the core theme of the entire series.

The voice-acting is top notch as we see classic voice actors such as Tara Strong, Cathy Weseluck Tabitha St. Germain and Andrea Libman, who all take the reins of each character with uplifting spirit in the best of times but can also pull off a serious tone when necessary. Newcomers such as Ashleigh Ball, Michelle Creber and Claire Corlett all do fine jobs with showing the youthful and positive spirit the show is known for, but still are able to walk a fine line with the more heartfelt moments.

Most episodes have musical moments with catchy and fun melodies that will stick in your head for hours, but possibly the best thing is MLP's commitment to being a truly post-modern animated show. With references to everything from Benny Hill to Blazing Saddles and classic animation styles like the works of early Warner Bros and the 60's Scooby Doo, the show proves time and time again how different MLP is from its 80's sister series.

While you may think six episodes is pretty small, this is only one DVD from the first season available. But you have to think that each episode is approximately twenty minutes long and the overall running time is only a hundred and thirty two minutes, so that just means more time to spend with Bronies, MLP fans, discussing stuff online and watching more episodes of My Little Pony. Also with this final release, there is a high possibility of a Season One boxset to be released.

Notable DVD Extras

• Your Imagination
• Madman Trailers

Favourite Episode of the Season: ‘The Cutie Mark Chronicles’

Score: 11/10

My Little Pony: Best Friends Forever is a must-buy if you love television, animation, ponies, or are a fan of any visual medium. Get it today!
Order your copies of My Little Pony from Madman's Website here.

Written by HE