My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Review
Season 5, Episode 9: “Slice of Life”
100th Episode Special
Every once in a while there comes an episode of TV so unparalleled in its
brilliance, so revolutionary in its construction and so perfect in its execution
that it defies all logical explanation. Many episodes of My Little Pony:
Friendship is Magic have tried, and failed, to serve up an experience of such
quality that all will tremble in its wake – that is, until now.
“Slice of Life”, the 100th episode of Friendship is Magic, is special, primarily
because it wouldn't exist without bronies. It is a testament to how ridiculously
important bronies are to the show, and how My Little Pony would be nothing if
not for the legions of older fans. Bronies have made this show something truly
remarkable - “Slice of Life” is proof of this, focusing on characters popularised
by its older audience such as Octavia Melody, DJ Pon-3 (Vinyl Scratch to some)
and Derpy Hooves.
And wow, what deep and interesting characters these are! In “Slice of Life”
these 'background ponies' are thrust into the foreground for the first time,
replacing the main cast as the focus of the episode to impeccable results. A
wedding is going down between two lucky donkeys and the population of
Ponyville, including the aforementioned fan-favourites, need to get there on
time. Only problem is, a vicious monster is attacking the city and causing all
kinds of havoc! The monster throws everything into disarray, including
Octavia's practice for an upcoming musical performance.
Meanwhile, distracted by the beast, the ever-adorable Derpy Hooves misplaces
the wedding invitations, which is a disaster she must avert by plucking up newfound courage. At the same time, Octavia reluctantly teams up with Pon-3 to
compose the music for the wedding – and the true difference between classical
composition and electronic knob-twisting is revealed.
An awesome song, possibly the best in the history of television, ensues, with
the two ponies trying to out-do one another. All of a sudden their conflicting
sounds fuse to create a genre that has never before been heard by the ears of
men. It is incredible and it will blow your mind.
The musical duo save the day, and the wedding, of course, goes ahead –
Cranky, the groom, is seen smiling for the first time in a long while and
Matilda, the bride, faints out of excitement. Twilight Sparkle, Applejack,
Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie return for the final encore,
making this one of the most musical episodes of the show so far. If ever there
was to be a brony musical – get on Kickstarter, relevant people! - it would
surely be based upon the foundations set in this episode.
What more can be said about “Slice of Life”? The Cutie Mark Crusaders show
up to prove that they can do plenty outside of trying to earn their cutie marks;
Ponyville is seen through a completely different viewpoint; and the villainous
monster, though its screen-time is minimal, has more personality than other
animated monsters, such as Sully from Monsters Inc.
More importantly, however, is how “Slice of Life” proves
that Friendship is Magic is evolving in exciting new
ways. Many have observed a decline in the variety of
themes touched upon in recent episodes, simply
because there are limitations to the kinds of scenarios
the same six characters can get themselves into.
“Slice of Life” proves that other characters can appear in the show and
contribute well to its themes. Octavia and Pon-3 are just as interesting as the
main cast, perhaps suggesting that in the future more episodes may take
similar risks and be about other characters. Perhaps an episode that follows
the Wonderbolts is in order? Or maybe another that follows the trials and
tribulations of the married life of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence,
complete with obligatory cuckoldry scene?
“Slice of Life” validates the significance and majesty of bronies like no other. It
is the funniest, most glorious episode of TV ever made - and it is all because of
bronies. Give yourselves a pat on the back.
A+