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POINTLESS STATISTICS YAY
Feb. 1st, 2013 05:18 amFirst with two episodes left in the season let's see my episode rankings thus far. I'll post another after the potentially controversial finale airs.
At this point we can add up the seasons thus far...via fractions or percentages what with season 3 at half length.
Even though there's still 2 episodes remaining for season three, even if the next episodes aren't Meh tier, the lowest that category's percentage could go is 31%. So no matter what happens that stat is going to stay which will sting, however if the next two episodes reaches Celestia category, the good would outweigh season one's totals...which would make season three be the most polarizing season. I highly doubt there'd be TWO Celestia tier episodes next, but finales usually rank well (HOPING!) and I like the synopsis for the next two episodes, so. I think realistically they'd both be awesome/high tier or something, or if Celestia tier is hit, it'd just be one...still, that Meh total can't be ignored.
It's easily explainable though, what with a few favourite writers no longer doing the writing anymore. In fact the single episode in Celestia tier this season is by a NEW writer so those guys can reach up there too!
In terms of all episodes, the next two are critical in balancing this scale. If they are either Celestia-tier or Awesome tier it'd be a pretty decent balance, but only if they are. At the moment it is somewhat tilting over to moreso okay/mediocre episodes...which I blame season three for, but again, a perfectly sensible reason why. At the moment my MOST favourite episodes of each season is quite a toughy, but I'm pretty much going for, at this point: Party of One, Hurricane Fluttershy, and Sleepless in Ponyville.
Oh look, my favourite characters Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, and favourite CMC! WOoooOOoooo, how predictable. (The Last Roundup lost to Hurricane Fluttershy because I thought of it in an Applejack episode sense, the controversy, and Pinkie's character though hilarious, was a tad obnoxious at times. That's why Friend In Deed isn't here even though I looooooove it)
Despite those stats heavily leaning on Season two as best season, there is one little complaint I've voiced a few times that I feel is something I love that's woefully missing from the later two seasons. Conflict episodes among the mane six to be frank. Whether they're Rarity and Fluttershy struggling with secrets and jealousy or Rainbow Dash and Applejack being overly competitive or AJ and Rarity being forced to interact, these are the types episodes I had hoped there would be more of...but instead they're pretty much gone. By these types of episodes, I mean the entire episode's focus is on the conflict itself as opposed to one sole character and the other being a lancer or something. These episodes with equal focus on both characters are the ones I truly miss and felt had most potential from season one, but well as you can tell never really increased in number at all. Also main character + new character or side character or whatever doesn't count in my opinion. The ones among the Mane Six are the ones I miss.
The reason is because the best AJ and Rainbow Dash episodes by far, are those ones. I've always had problems with AJ and RD episodes... and I've ranted a bit on RD's character before too. Sonic Rainboom is agreed by all to be THE Rainbow Dash episode, but I'd argue it's both her and Rarity's because while it's not as "shared" as say, Fall Weather Friends or Look Before You Sleep, it was more like Rarity FORCED her way into the episode's spotlight (just like the plot!) and because it ended with Rarity learning the lesson, is ultimately about them both. I think the reason it is mostly viewed as just THE Rainbow Dash episode is because RD was clearly the protagonist and Rarity was slightly adjusted to fit into the antagonist role. I realize it was for comedic purposes, but it still didn't feel very in-character of Rarity to look like a ridiculous drag queen. Also Sonic Rainboom. Season two then realized RD's sole episode wasn't even one where she learned a lesson, so they pounded our head with three RD episodes where she is VERY CLEARLY in the wrong, two she gets physically hurt in, one where she's caught committing crimes, and the other where all her other friends decide to shove the moral into her face.
To me that felt like "RD was way too awesome in Sonic Rainboom so we better pound her into the ground!"
Then Wonderbolt Academy happened and RD was crazy amazing again. Apparently those crazy aggressive lessons in season two worked! For me I found RD's episodes to be far too much like an elastic band slapping back and forth. If Fluttershy's episodes are often argued to be stagnant and stuck on the same flaccid rubber band, RD is the complete opposite.
...actually, now that I think of it...Fluttershy's episodes aren't all the same! I agree she doesn't have very consistent characterization (especially in the later episodes) but to say her episodes are all the same concept and lesson is entirely untrue. Dragonshy wasn't a lesson Fluttershy learned, rather one where Twilight realized that friends will never let you down, even if it seems like they will. Fluttershy did overcome a fear in that episode, yes, but only at especially dire times and when her friends are in danger. This aspect of her personality IS consistent. All the other times she's a scaredy-cat is because none of her friends are in horrible danger then. She never took a leap of courage for mundane things. The episode's purpose was to showcase that Fluttershy would ultimately come through in the end.
In A Bird in the Hoof, Fluttershy learnsnot to steal things without asking not jump to conclusions and communicate with the ponies in question instead. In Stare Master she learned not to bite off more than she could chew. And in Green Isn't Your Colour, she learned that expressing your true feelings is far better than keeping a secret because she doesn't want to hurt someone's feelings or let them down. A true friend would understand. In Season two, Putting Your Hoof Down was the actual assertive-Fluttershy episode and Hurricane Fluttershy was more of a confidence and social anxiety issue. THESE ARE ALL DIFFERENT! ALL DIFFERENT!! Keep Calm and Flutter On was not an episode where Fluttershy learns the lesson, more like she made every other pony learn a lesson about Fluttershy.
There is also development. Keep Calm and Flutter On seems like an episode that WOULD be after the previous episodes occurred. I suppose her appearances in episodes when she isn't the main character might be the parts people find inconsistent, For example, while Fluttershy was more confident/assertive in the Discord episode, she and the episode after that, Just for Sidekicks, seems to know the art of manipulation.
Did she take notes from Rarity/Pinkie in Putting Your Hoof Down!? I thought all she picked up from that episode was learning how to say no, but manipulation!? Seems as Fluttershy slowly picks away her shell, a not-so perfectly innocent angel shows up. After all her words for Rarity and Pinkie in Putting Your Hoof Down were downright brutal and did feel like that might've been some words she was bottling up for some time. But yes, this aspect of her character seems to have unravelled from nowhere, thus the inconsistency. But honestly that is the only inconsistency I can find. There are for some reason a lot of Fluttershy critics but the more I actually think of it and go through all the episodes in my head her character makes perfect sense. She may act more assertive sometimes, but to say that's OUT-OF-CHARACTER is wrong because oftentimes that is when she is with her animals. It makes sense that she's so comfortable and in her place with the animals! How is that some weird inconsistency!? HER SHYNESS IS WITH OTHER PONIES! Lovable coward Fluttershy pops up at situations that actually instil fear!
Geez, I knew there was a reason I loved Fluttershy besides identifying with her and finding her unbearably cute. She's not a bad character...nor flat. I read these people's rants and listened to their explanations and initially agreed because their points made sense, but now when I think about each episode and how she's like...it bloody makes sense to me! I love her because quite honestly Fluttershy is a well-written character. I do admit she's probably a challenge to write.
You know speaking of which...besides the fact that this was meant to be an AJ/RD post, that whenever a majority of the fandom sprouts up a common opinion, someone out there always has a counterpoint. Again, everyone can have their own opinions, but whenever I read these uncommon ones for some reason, maybe it's just me, they always sound like they're implying the masses are blind sheep and they are the intelligent, higher-on-the-pedestal people with their far more educated and superior opinions. Especially the phrase "Am I the only one...?" Now again, most of the time that phrase is probably innocent and even I have used it once, but that's just how it sounds like to others. I dunno...it just feels like this attitude makes it as if all the complaints that are happening should not, and we should always be happy with the show, never to criticize.
Fact is, if you can tell by this blog I love to criticize. I strongly believe that criticism is what leads to success. Society these days sugarcoat everything for children and if someone says something negative, everyone else must drown it out with the positive so the negative disappears forever. I love reading comments, even comments on places that are likely to be the dumbest comments I have ever read. Half the reason I absolutely despise social media and Tumblr is because of "Likes" which contribute NOTHING TO ANYTHING!!! Congratulations you clicked the like button! THAT TOOK LESS THAN A SECOND! And took zero thought process! I much prefer seeing people comment on things and if I like something on Tumblr I will often reblog it as oppose to like it. Again, I don't really care if YOU like something...it's pretty ingrained to internet culture anyway and just second nature...in fact I often use the Like future on Youtube but that's because it's practically just a stat and an extra playlist for you to use really. I never bother to visit my "likes" on Tumblr because reblogs show up on my own bloody Tumblr and I am able to add something to a global bulletin board to ALL MY FOLLOWERS TO SEE. Because really, if I actually like something I would want to share it.
Oh man this rant is so off-topic it's not funny. It was originally supposed to be a Rainbow Dash and Applejack rant. OOPS. But to finish off my point, comments allow criticism and often a flood of happy good natured comments to bring up your confidence as well. Likes are a number...a potential number of lazy people who, if likes did not exist probably never would have commented to actually help you in your artwork or fanfic or whatever anyway. Sure the higher the number the better I guess, but what if something had TONS of likes but very few comments? It means the work is merely mediocre...not good enough for someone to give time for feedback, but enough to click a button. That definitely feels great doesn't it? The only time I use likes is like...a lesser form of favourites so I can go back to things I saved, but if I actually like something I am never going to "like" it. That's why I have very few likes on Tumblr. With reblogs they will disappear in your posts forever and with likes you can click likes and look at it again without searching. In Tumblr, if you RARELY use likes, for more as a storage "favourites" kind of thing as opposed to mindlessly liking something, then I think it works. And if you want to share it with people you reblog, but Facebook likes are probably the most pointless. I was appalled when I found out some companies determine the size of their audience by how many likes they have. I doubt half the people that click that button would actually spend money on your product! Maybe they clicked it to finish a survey or clicked it because your logo was pretty.
Okay...back to RD and AJ hurr durr.
So for Applejack...I feel early Applejack is more interesting than present Applejack...because her episodes in season one were conflict ones. First in Applebuck Season she was a stubborn prideful mule. Then she had a hard time tolerating Rarity, Zecora, and succumbed to cheating when Rainbow Dash did it in the Running of the Leaves. Early AJ wasn't boring and perfect! She was my favourite character when I began watching! But then, somehow, season two came along... The lack of conflict episodes impacted AJ the most. Her episodes became ones where her intentions were TOO pure and good, which caused the problem. "I didn't win! So instead of going home empty-handed and shaming them all I'll secretly work for the money!" or Apple Family Reunion, "I tried to make the reunion as perfect as possible and it was ruined. oh noes" or "I LEARNED NOTHING BECAUSE I AM PERFECT" Super Speedy Cider Squeezy...like these lessons would be FINE if she wasn't the MODEL pony in like every other episode. She is the model sister in Sisterhood Social. She was the only one who didn't judge Luna in Luna Eclipsed (well besides Twilight, but she had a plot-related reason...AJ had a..."I am in this episode so I'll just look fine" reason...when the rest of the Mane Six were being inconsiderate. If she's not there for a plot-related reason, why be in the episode at all? Rarity wasn't necessary and her fashion-related part was cut, so she wasn't there!)
In fact, AJ actually has the MOST screen-time out of all the ponies (well by some point in Season Two, dunno about now), but most of the time as a non-main pony (because until Apple Family Reunion her episodes were constantly overshadowed, thus the AJ IS BEST BACKGROUND PONY joke) I don't even think she needs to BE there. Apple Bloom makes tons of mistakes, so she needs AJ there to be the understanding kind sister so she doesn't implode. Rainbow Dash is in the hospital, so she is there to visit. There are bunch of pets, so she needs to contribute Winona (who despite being a dog is one boring dog, if that Industrial Sized Hair Dryer sight gag didn't happen, or that whole episode for that matter, she'd be one horribly boring pet) but otherwise she doesn't necessarily NEED to be there. Pinkie might be there to be comic relief...or Fluttershy to also provide comic relief by being a scaredy-cat (but by and large Fluttershy ISN'T there because she doesn't need to be), or Twilight because main-character syndrome, or Rarity to be overdramatic. AJ just seems to be THERE. And some people might say, well in a group of crazies there's always the sane mare, but the Mane Six aren't CRAZY (except perhaps Pinkie Pie), they're quirky. Having a normal person in a crazy group is interesting. Having a normal person in a quirky group is not. We already know how a nice, good, honest pony is supposed to be...it's what everyone in real life strives to be...we don't need a fictional account to remind us of such.
I only realized these things after rewatching Season One, particularly Fall Weather Friends when RD called Twilight an egghead. AJ was actually stifling a laugh at Twilight too...something I don't think current AJ would EVER do. HOWEVER, AJ was still AJ because despite laughing she still encouraged Twilight, so we know she's still a pretty decent pony. This level of depth is nowhere in the more recent episodes. Party of One AJ when she was dealing with Pinkie...that's how you do non-AJ-as-main-character AJ...her interactions with Pinkie are hilarious...the element of honesty attempting to lie!? Spectacular! AJ's flaws in season one were subtle but still noticeable...not something I see today. AJ has always had a solid third place on my favourite pony list, but well...her episodes have disappointed me, so now Rarity is in my top three. Because damn, if AJ regressed...Rarity EVOLVED.
I'd continue on about Rarity but this rant is long enough and many other people have expressed far better than I have the brilliance of Rarity, so... time to end this rant and go to bed because I need to be up in five hours. ._.
This has been Spotto! G'day.
| Celestia Tier | Awesome Tier | High Tier | Mid Tier | Meh Tier |
| The Cutie Mark Chronicles Party of One Luna Eclipsed The Last Roundup A Friend In Deed Hurricane Fluttershy A Canterlot Wedding P.2 Sleepless in Ponyville | Dragonshy Bridle Gossip Swarm of the Century Suited for Success Feeling Pinkie Keen Sonic Rainboom Green Isn't Your Colour May the Best Pet Win Baby Cakes Sweet and Elite Secret of my Excess A Canterlot Wedding P.1 Magic Duel Just For Sidekicks | Applebuck Season Griffon the Brush Off Winter Wrap Up A Dog and Pony Show Over a Barrel The Best Night Ever The Return of Harmony P.1 The Return of Harmony P.2 Lesson Zero Sisterhooves Social The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 It's About Time Ponyville Confidential MMMMystery on the Friendship Express Wonderbolt Academy Keep Calm and Flutter On | Friendship is Magic P.1 Friendship is Magic P.2 The Ticket Master Look Before You Sleep Fall Weather Friends Stare Master A Bird in the Hoof The Cutie Pox Hearth's Warming Eve Family Appreciation Day Read it and Weep Hearts and Hooves Day Putting Your Hoof Down Dragon Quest Too Many Pinkie Pies One Bad Apple | Boast Busters Call of the Cutie The Show Stoppers Owl's Well That Ends Well The Mysterious Mare-Do-Well The Crystal Empire P.1 The Crystal Empire P.2 Apple Family Reunion Spike at Your Service |
At this point we can add up the seasons thus far...via fractions or percentages what with season 3 at half length.
| Tier | Season 1 | 2 | 3 | All |
| Celestia Awesome High Mid Meh | 8% 27% 23% 27% 15% | 19% 19% 31% 27% 4% | 9% 18% 18% 18% 36% | 13% 22% 25% 25% 14% |
Even though there's still 2 episodes remaining for season three, even if the next episodes aren't Meh tier, the lowest that category's percentage could go is 31%. So no matter what happens that stat is going to stay which will sting, however if the next two episodes reaches Celestia category, the good would outweigh season one's totals...which would make season three be the most polarizing season. I highly doubt there'd be TWO Celestia tier episodes next, but finales usually rank well (HOPING!) and I like the synopsis for the next two episodes, so. I think realistically they'd both be awesome/high tier or something, or if Celestia tier is hit, it'd just be one...still, that Meh total can't be ignored.
It's easily explainable though, what with a few favourite writers no longer doing the writing anymore. In fact the single episode in Celestia tier this season is by a NEW writer so those guys can reach up there too!
In terms of all episodes, the next two are critical in balancing this scale. If they are either Celestia-tier or Awesome tier it'd be a pretty decent balance, but only if they are. At the moment it is somewhat tilting over to moreso okay/mediocre episodes...which I blame season three for, but again, a perfectly sensible reason why. At the moment my MOST favourite episodes of each season is quite a toughy, but I'm pretty much going for, at this point: Party of One, Hurricane Fluttershy, and Sleepless in Ponyville.
Oh look, my favourite characters Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, and favourite CMC! WOoooOOoooo, how predictable. (The Last Roundup lost to Hurricane Fluttershy because I thought of it in an Applejack episode sense, the controversy, and Pinkie's character though hilarious, was a tad obnoxious at times. That's why Friend In Deed isn't here even though I looooooove it)
Despite those stats heavily leaning on Season two as best season, there is one little complaint I've voiced a few times that I feel is something I love that's woefully missing from the later two seasons. Conflict episodes among the mane six to be frank. Whether they're Rarity and Fluttershy struggling with secrets and jealousy or Rainbow Dash and Applejack being overly competitive or AJ and Rarity being forced to interact, these are the types episodes I had hoped there would be more of...but instead they're pretty much gone. By these types of episodes, I mean the entire episode's focus is on the conflict itself as opposed to one sole character and the other being a lancer or something. These episodes with equal focus on both characters are the ones I truly miss and felt had most potential from season one, but well as you can tell never really increased in number at all. Also main character + new character or side character or whatever doesn't count in my opinion. The ones among the Mane Six are the ones I miss.
The reason is because the best AJ and Rainbow Dash episodes by far, are those ones. I've always had problems with AJ and RD episodes... and I've ranted a bit on RD's character before too. Sonic Rainboom is agreed by all to be THE Rainbow Dash episode, but I'd argue it's both her and Rarity's because while it's not as "shared" as say, Fall Weather Friends or Look Before You Sleep, it was more like Rarity FORCED her way into the episode's spotlight (just like the plot!) and because it ended with Rarity learning the lesson, is ultimately about them both. I think the reason it is mostly viewed as just THE Rainbow Dash episode is because RD was clearly the protagonist and Rarity was slightly adjusted to fit into the antagonist role. I realize it was for comedic purposes, but it still didn't feel very in-character of Rarity to look like a ridiculous drag queen. Also Sonic Rainboom. Season two then realized RD's sole episode wasn't even one where she learned a lesson, so they pounded our head with three RD episodes where she is VERY CLEARLY in the wrong, two she gets physically hurt in, one where she's caught committing crimes, and the other where all her other friends decide to shove the moral into her face.
To me that felt like "RD was way too awesome in Sonic Rainboom so we better pound her into the ground!"
Then Wonderbolt Academy happened and RD was crazy amazing again. Apparently those crazy aggressive lessons in season two worked! For me I found RD's episodes to be far too much like an elastic band slapping back and forth. If Fluttershy's episodes are often argued to be stagnant and stuck on the same flaccid rubber band, RD is the complete opposite.
...actually, now that I think of it...Fluttershy's episodes aren't all the same! I agree she doesn't have very consistent characterization (especially in the later episodes) but to say her episodes are all the same concept and lesson is entirely untrue. Dragonshy wasn't a lesson Fluttershy learned, rather one where Twilight realized that friends will never let you down, even if it seems like they will. Fluttershy did overcome a fear in that episode, yes, but only at especially dire times and when her friends are in danger. This aspect of her personality IS consistent. All the other times she's a scaredy-cat is because none of her friends are in horrible danger then. She never took a leap of courage for mundane things. The episode's purpose was to showcase that Fluttershy would ultimately come through in the end.
In A Bird in the Hoof, Fluttershy learns
There is also development. Keep Calm and Flutter On seems like an episode that WOULD be after the previous episodes occurred. I suppose her appearances in episodes when she isn't the main character might be the parts people find inconsistent, For example, while Fluttershy was more confident/assertive in the Discord episode, she and the episode after that, Just for Sidekicks, seems to know the art of manipulation.
Did she take notes from Rarity/Pinkie in Putting Your Hoof Down!? I thought all she picked up from that episode was learning how to say no, but manipulation!? Seems as Fluttershy slowly picks away her shell, a not-so perfectly innocent angel shows up. After all her words for Rarity and Pinkie in Putting Your Hoof Down were downright brutal and did feel like that might've been some words she was bottling up for some time. But yes, this aspect of her character seems to have unravelled from nowhere, thus the inconsistency. But honestly that is the only inconsistency I can find. There are for some reason a lot of Fluttershy critics but the more I actually think of it and go through all the episodes in my head her character makes perfect sense. She may act more assertive sometimes, but to say that's OUT-OF-CHARACTER is wrong because oftentimes that is when she is with her animals. It makes sense that she's so comfortable and in her place with the animals! How is that some weird inconsistency!? HER SHYNESS IS WITH OTHER PONIES! Lovable coward Fluttershy pops up at situations that actually instil fear!
Geez, I knew there was a reason I loved Fluttershy besides identifying with her and finding her unbearably cute. She's not a bad character...nor flat. I read these people's rants and listened to their explanations and initially agreed because their points made sense, but now when I think about each episode and how she's like...it bloody makes sense to me! I love her because quite honestly Fluttershy is a well-written character. I do admit she's probably a challenge to write.
You know speaking of which...besides the fact that this was meant to be an AJ/RD post, that whenever a majority of the fandom sprouts up a common opinion, someone out there always has a counterpoint. Again, everyone can have their own opinions, but whenever I read these uncommon ones for some reason, maybe it's just me, they always sound like they're implying the masses are blind sheep and they are the intelligent, higher-on-the-pedestal people with their far more educated and superior opinions. Especially the phrase "Am I the only one...?" Now again, most of the time that phrase is probably innocent and even I have used it once, but that's just how it sounds like to others. I dunno...it just feels like this attitude makes it as if all the complaints that are happening should not, and we should always be happy with the show, never to criticize.
Fact is, if you can tell by this blog I love to criticize. I strongly believe that criticism is what leads to success. Society these days sugarcoat everything for children and if someone says something negative, everyone else must drown it out with the positive so the negative disappears forever. I love reading comments, even comments on places that are likely to be the dumbest comments I have ever read. Half the reason I absolutely despise social media and Tumblr is because of "Likes" which contribute NOTHING TO ANYTHING!!! Congratulations you clicked the like button! THAT TOOK LESS THAN A SECOND! And took zero thought process! I much prefer seeing people comment on things and if I like something on Tumblr I will often reblog it as oppose to like it. Again, I don't really care if YOU like something...it's pretty ingrained to internet culture anyway and just second nature...in fact I often use the Like future on Youtube but that's because it's practically just a stat and an extra playlist for you to use really. I never bother to visit my "likes" on Tumblr because reblogs show up on my own bloody Tumblr and I am able to add something to a global bulletin board to ALL MY FOLLOWERS TO SEE. Because really, if I actually like something I would want to share it.
Oh man this rant is so off-topic it's not funny. It was originally supposed to be a Rainbow Dash and Applejack rant. OOPS. But to finish off my point, comments allow criticism and often a flood of happy good natured comments to bring up your confidence as well. Likes are a number...a potential number of lazy people who, if likes did not exist probably never would have commented to actually help you in your artwork or fanfic or whatever anyway. Sure the higher the number the better I guess, but what if something had TONS of likes but very few comments? It means the work is merely mediocre...not good enough for someone to give time for feedback, but enough to click a button. That definitely feels great doesn't it? The only time I use likes is like...a lesser form of favourites so I can go back to things I saved, but if I actually like something I am never going to "like" it. That's why I have very few likes on Tumblr. With reblogs they will disappear in your posts forever and with likes you can click likes and look at it again without searching. In Tumblr, if you RARELY use likes, for more as a storage "favourites" kind of thing as opposed to mindlessly liking something, then I think it works. And if you want to share it with people you reblog, but Facebook likes are probably the most pointless. I was appalled when I found out some companies determine the size of their audience by how many likes they have. I doubt half the people that click that button would actually spend money on your product! Maybe they clicked it to finish a survey or clicked it because your logo was pretty.
Okay...back to RD and AJ hurr durr.
So for Applejack...I feel early Applejack is more interesting than present Applejack...because her episodes in season one were conflict ones. First in Applebuck Season she was a stubborn prideful mule. Then she had a hard time tolerating Rarity, Zecora, and succumbed to cheating when Rainbow Dash did it in the Running of the Leaves. Early AJ wasn't boring and perfect! She was my favourite character when I began watching! But then, somehow, season two came along... The lack of conflict episodes impacted AJ the most. Her episodes became ones where her intentions were TOO pure and good, which caused the problem. "I didn't win! So instead of going home empty-handed and shaming them all I'll secretly work for the money!" or Apple Family Reunion, "I tried to make the reunion as perfect as possible and it was ruined. oh noes" or "I LEARNED NOTHING BECAUSE I AM PERFECT" Super Speedy Cider Squeezy...like these lessons would be FINE if she wasn't the MODEL pony in like every other episode. She is the model sister in Sisterhood Social. She was the only one who didn't judge Luna in Luna Eclipsed (well besides Twilight, but she had a plot-related reason...AJ had a..."I am in this episode so I'll just look fine" reason...when the rest of the Mane Six were being inconsiderate. If she's not there for a plot-related reason, why be in the episode at all? Rarity wasn't necessary and her fashion-related part was cut, so she wasn't there!)
In fact, AJ actually has the MOST screen-time out of all the ponies (well by some point in Season Two, dunno about now), but most of the time as a non-main pony (because until Apple Family Reunion her episodes were constantly overshadowed, thus the AJ IS BEST BACKGROUND PONY joke) I don't even think she needs to BE there. Apple Bloom makes tons of mistakes, so she needs AJ there to be the understanding kind sister so she doesn't implode. Rainbow Dash is in the hospital, so she is there to visit. There are bunch of pets, so she needs to contribute Winona (who despite being a dog is one boring dog, if that Industrial Sized Hair Dryer sight gag didn't happen, or that whole episode for that matter, she'd be one horribly boring pet) but otherwise she doesn't necessarily NEED to be there. Pinkie might be there to be comic relief...or Fluttershy to also provide comic relief by being a scaredy-cat (but by and large Fluttershy ISN'T there because she doesn't need to be), or Twilight because main-character syndrome, or Rarity to be overdramatic. AJ just seems to be THERE. And some people might say, well in a group of crazies there's always the sane mare, but the Mane Six aren't CRAZY (except perhaps Pinkie Pie), they're quirky. Having a normal person in a crazy group is interesting. Having a normal person in a quirky group is not. We already know how a nice, good, honest pony is supposed to be...it's what everyone in real life strives to be...we don't need a fictional account to remind us of such.
I only realized these things after rewatching Season One, particularly Fall Weather Friends when RD called Twilight an egghead. AJ was actually stifling a laugh at Twilight too...something I don't think current AJ would EVER do. HOWEVER, AJ was still AJ because despite laughing she still encouraged Twilight, so we know she's still a pretty decent pony. This level of depth is nowhere in the more recent episodes. Party of One AJ when she was dealing with Pinkie...that's how you do non-AJ-as-main-character AJ...her interactions with Pinkie are hilarious...the element of honesty attempting to lie!? Spectacular! AJ's flaws in season one were subtle but still noticeable...not something I see today. AJ has always had a solid third place on my favourite pony list, but well...her episodes have disappointed me, so now Rarity is in my top three. Because damn, if AJ regressed...Rarity EVOLVED.
I'd continue on about Rarity but this rant is long enough and many other people have expressed far better than I have the brilliance of Rarity, so... time to end this rant and go to bed because I need to be up in five hours. ._.
This has been Spotto! G'day.
