On August 12 2011 11:33 obesechicken13 wrote: I love MLP, but every episode since 18 (so fare 18-21) have gotten a bit less... polished. It seems to happen to every show.
I still love the comments on youtube. Yesterday: "Today my dad walked in on me, so I quickly closed the tab and switched to porn. No one must ever know!"
My favourite scene comes from the 21st episode! The whole "Fluttershy is not a tree" thing is just so dope.
I thougth episode 1 and 2 were amazing. It had everything a good story needs.
#a big threat which will cover everything in darkness
#the reluctant hero wich at first is isolated and lost in the world
#she eventually answers the calling and goes out on a journey to save the world
#On the journey she finds her own strengts and place in the world
#she finds many friends that will help her out
#She overcoms serveal hurdles and obsticles which strengthes her character and place in the world
# She eventually faces the great evil that is going to destroy the world and she overcomes it
# in the process she gains great power
# she then returns to her "normal" world having found her place in the world, now more congruent to herself and her surronding than before.
On August 12 2011 11:46 snotboogie wrote: I love the fact that this exists and grown ass men watch this show. This fact gives me some weird sort of satisfaction with the state of the world.
¨ One of my friends is a 39 year old MC biker, he watches it like it's his religion lol.
As far as I can see, the show has no outstanding characteristics that would warrant it getting such a cult following. People have said they've liked it in the thread, but it seems to me that they themselves don't even know why they like it so much. Most people just say "watch it yourself, then judge." Well, I did just that (at least, episode 7) and didn't see anything more than a typical kid's show. Granted, the production quality was above average, but not so much that it made up for the fact that the music, the dialogue, and even the art was all targeted towards little girls.
I guess there are things in the universe that are and always will be beyond my understanding.
If you value your soul, DO NOT LOOK INTO THE EYE OF A HORSE. If you look into the eye of a horse, the void will suck your soul. YOUR SOUL WILL BE LOST FOREVER IN THE VOID OF THE HORSE
On August 12 2011 11:52 Zephos wrote: I am just... so confused by this.
As far as I can see, the show has no outstanding characteristics that would warrant it getting such a cult following. People have said they've liked it in the thread, but it seems to me that they themselves don't even know why they like it so much. Most people just say "watch it yourself, then judge." Well, I did just that (at least, episode 7) and didn't see anything more than a typical kid's show. Granted, the production quality was above average, but not so much that it made up for the fact that the music, the dialogue, and even the art was all targeted towards little girls.
I guess there are things in the universe that are and always will be beyond my understanding.
Meh, I dont really feel like its too confusing. Theres a show that some people like and you don't. I find such things happen pretty often. ^^
On August 12 2011 11:52 Zephos wrote: I am just... so confused by this.
As far as I can see, the show has no outstanding characteristics that would warrant it getting such a cult following. People have said they've liked it in the thread, but it seems to me that they themselves don't even know why they like it so much. Most people just say "watch it yourself, then judge." Well, I did just that (at least, episode 7) and didn't see anything more than a typical kid's show. Granted, the production quality was above average, but not so much that it made up for the fact that the music, the dialogue, and even the art was all targeted towards little girls.
I guess there are things in the universe that are and always will be beyond my understanding.
Meh, I dont really feel like its too confusing. Theres a show that some people like and you don't. I find such things happen pretty often. ^^
The difference is, usually I can at least partly see where people are coming from. For instance, I would never watch "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" on my own time. However, having watched segments of it in passing, I was able to identify appealing elements within the melodrama. Yet with "My Little Pony," I literally can't pin down barely any redeeming qualities.
I'm not bashing people for liking this, but I do wholeheartedly disagree with your opinion of its contribution to society, individual value as an example of media, and also question the legitimacy of the cultural fascination with this program.
I feel as though too many of the internet generation pursue this show for entertainment over other, much more intricate, well-writtten, and better produced forms of media for the sole reason that some other internet idiot has idolized the show. Because 4-chan and mmo-champion have vaunted a girls cartoon series to new heights does not mean that the show passes the rigors of actual critical examination.
I can understand that if this is the show for you, then you're not going to agree with me on this next point, but for those who are reading the reviews and opinions and wondering if this is the show for you, I feel obligated to share my assessment. A viewer has to dig to see any kind of benefit in the story telling of the show. The OP used the adjective "heart-warming". I don't think that fits. Numerous times in every episode I observed, including the recommended episode 7, the ponies sarcastically taunt and 1-up each other with what would be considered bad-manners in an elementary school classroom. They flaunt successes and are 'sore winners' when they achieve an inter-pony victory. They also ridicule and verbally torment companions who are frustrating. Hardly the societal behavior I want exhibited to the burgeoning young people of America.
Furthermore, the vocabulary, sentence structure and writing styles aren't my biggest gripe, its character development and dramatic need. If you were to outline the dramatic narrative of any given episode, there isn't even a consistent protagonist. The show has the story-telling structure of an add rabbit trying to play DDR with his feet and whack-a-mole with his hands at the same time.
It is impossible to achieve true character development with such simplistic and under-developed story archs, and as such, cannot possibly emotionally involve the consumer of the media in the way that more intellectual pursuits (books, feature films, better TV series) can and do.
TL;DR: Its a childrens' show, intentionally dumbed down and spread thin with very little intellectual or emotional stimuli. If you are able to watch this show and think it anything other than a waste of time then you should re-evaluate your view of self as a critical consumer of media, unless of course, you are a 9 yr old girl.
On August 12 2011 11:52 Zephos wrote: I am just... so confused by this.
As far as I can see, the show has no outstanding characteristics that would warrant it getting such a cult following. People have said they've liked it in the thread, but it seems to me that they themselves don't even know why they like it so much. Most people just say "watch it yourself, then judge." Well, I did just that (at least, episode 7) and didn't see anything more than a typical kid's show. Granted, the production quality was above average, but not so much that it made up for the fact that the music, the dialogue, and even the art was all targeted towards little girls.
I guess there are things in the universe that are and always will be beyond my understanding.
Meh, I dont really feel like its too confusing. Theres a show that some people like and you don't. I find such things happen pretty often. ^^
The difference is, usually I can at least partly see where people are coming from. For instance, I would never watch "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" on my own time. However, having watched segments of it in passing, I was able to identify appealing elements within the melodrama. Yet with "My Little Pony," I literally can't pin down barely any redeeming qualities.
I still don't really see the difference. You dont see anything good about MLP at all. I, for example, couldnt fathom any way anyone could enjoy Paranormal Activity but I know people do.
Wow up until I saw this thread (and one of the videos) I thought ho ridiculous it would be for guys to watch this show..
Don't get me wrong, I'm still not gonna watch this sissy show either, but I did see some nice story flow and funny parts so I'd understand some people wanna watch this.
Some of the hate on this thread seems to me like pure denial. What makes me watch this show is the sheer singularity of being able to watch it; how could I possibly enjoy a show for little girls about ponies? Why am I watching a show with a main character named "Twilight Sparkle?" The shocks of disbelief I get from watching the show is part of why I like it. I don't love it - it's not the best show out there. But I do love the ability to watch it. Somehow, this show has allowed me to do what I never would've believed possible. I have shed aside the prejudices, denial, and self-loathing that many posters on this thread proliferate. Make no mistake, I am not being overly sensational. This victory is a small one. Yet by cutting though my own self-delusions which have been perpetuated by a legion's worth of peer pressure, I have come to realize not only that something "girly" can be enjoyed by anyone, but also a great deal more about life.
The ignorant and stubborn rejection of this show is a manifestation of your own fear. If you ignore the opportunity this show gives you to better yourself, you are doing yourself a disservice. What you may see as an unsophisticated children's show could very well bring you closer to maturity than wallowing in your own jadedness.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a coherent criticism, my counterarguments/main points of disagreement are in bold inside the quote ^_^
On August 12 2011 12:06 Crushgroove wrote: I'm not bashing people for liking this, but I do wholeheartedly disagree with your opinion of its contribution to society, individual value as an example of media, and also question the legitimacy of the cultural fascination with this program.
I feel as though too many of the internet generation pursue this show for entertainment over other, much more intricate, well-writtten, and better produced forms of media for the sole reason that some other internet idiot has idolized the show. Because 4-chan and mmo-champion have vaunted a girls cartoon series to new heights does not mean that the show passes the rigors of actual critical examination.
It is a fair point that had this not been popularized by the Internet, most of us would not have heard of MLP, *however* it had to have something that caught the attention of the original group of people. There are many fads that have begun and died out in the early stages, yet MLP has survived and spread, to me this indicates it must have some kind of redeeming quality
I can understand that if this is the show for you, then you're not going to agree with me on this next point, but for those who are reading the reviews and opinions and wondering if this is the show for you, I feel obligated to share my assessment. A viewer has to dig to see any kind of benefit in the story telling of the show. The OP used the adjective "heart-warming". I don't think that fits. Numerous times in every episode I observed, including the recommended episode 7, the ponies sarcastically taunt and 1-up each other with what would be considered bad-manners in an elementary school classroom. They flaunt successes and are 'sore winners' when they achieve an inter-pony victory. They also ridicule and verbally torment companions who are frustrating. Hardly the societal behavior I want exhibited to the burgeoning young people of America.
What you see as "rudeness" and "bad manners" I consider the jokes and criticisms that are common in friendships. Often friends make fun of other friends faults, its a common thing, and part of healthy friendships. I assume you are referring to the fluttershy "not everyone can be as brave as I am" phrase, you may see it as jostling in the social hierarchy, I see it a semi-ironic comment between friends, as far as I can see its a reflection of a fairly healthy friendship
Furthermore, the vocabulary, sentence structure and writing styles aren't my biggest gripe, its character development and dramatic need. If you were to outline the dramatic narrative of any given episode, there isn't even a consistent protagonist. The show has the story-telling structure of an add rabbit trying to play DDR with his feet and whack-a-mole with his hands at the same time.
It is impossible to achieve true character development with such simplistic and under-developed story archs, and as such, cannot possibly emotionally involve the consumer of the media in the way that more intellectual pursuits (books, feature films, better TV series) can and do.
I fail to see the lack of focus, the episode has a very clear moral and objective through the 22 minutes, fluttershy needs to overcome her fear to defeat the dragon, all the other challenges highlight how much of an issue this is going to be. Sure there isn't a consistent protagonist from episode to episode, however practically every episode focuses on 1-2 ponies specifically (with a few exceptions). The show shows legitimate character development too, the best example is perhaps rarity, who starts out seemingly vain and fairly useless, still after "art of the dress" and "look before you sleep" its pretty obvious that the character is more complex than that, she is obviously finky and detail oriented, but when the getting gets hard she proves she can get her hands dirty and that she can use her wits as a weapon, her generous streak is also shown to overpower her vanity. You wouldn't get that from watching a single episode, yet the tangible whole is there, while the focus may seem slightly disjointed at times, I don't see that as a drawback
TL;DR: Its a childrens' show, intentionally dumbed down and spread thin with very little intellectual or emotional stimuli. If you are able to watch this show and think it anything other than a waste of time then you should re-evaluate your view of self as a critical consumer of media, unless of course, you are a 9 yr old girl.
I think you are being shallow and jumping to conclusions here, just because you cannot appreciate something doesn't mean its not "intellectually stimulating", which I will grant ponies are not. However I don't watch ponies to explore the limits of my intellect, I watch them to unwind
On August 12 2011 12:06 Crushgroove wrote: I'm not bashing people for liking this, but I do wholeheartedly disagree with your opinion of its contribution to society, individual value as an example of media, and also question the legitimacy of the cultural fascination with this program.
I feel as though too many of the internet generation pursue this show for entertainment over other, much more intricate, well-writtten, and better produced forms of media for the sole reason that some other internet idiot has idolized the show. Because 4-chan and mmo-champion have vaunted a girls cartoon series to new heights does not mean that the show passes the rigors of actual critical examination.
I can understand that if this is the show for you, then you're not going to agree with me on this next point, but for those who are reading the reviews and opinions and wondering if this is the show for you, I feel obligated to share my assessment. A viewer has to dig to see any kind of benefit in the story telling of the show. The OP used the adjective "heart-warming". I don't think that fits. Numerous times in every episode I observed, including the recommended episode 7, the ponies sarcastically taunt and 1-up each other with what would be considered bad-manners in an elementary school classroom. They flaunt successes and are 'sore winners' when they achieve an inter-pony victory. They also ridicule and verbally torment companions who are frustrating. Hardly the societal behavior I want exhibited to the burgeoning young people of America.
Furthermore, the vocabulary, sentence structure and writing styles aren't my biggest gripe, its character development and dramatic need. If you were to outline the dramatic narrative of any given episode, there isn't even a consistent protagonist. The show has the story-telling structure of an add rabbit trying to play DDR with his feet and whack-a-mole with his hands at the same time.
It is impossible to achieve true character development with such simplistic and under-developed story archs, and as such, cannot possibly emotionally involve the consumer of the media in the way that more intellectual pursuits (books, feature films, better TV series) can and do.
TL;DR: Its a childrens' show, intentionally dumbed down and spread thin with very little intellectual or emotional stimuli. If you are able to watch this show and think it anything other than a waste of time then you should re-evaluate your view of self as a critical consumer of media, unless of course, you are a 9 yr old girl.
I think the assumption that "intellectual stimuli" is a necessity for watching show is going to be my main point of disagreement. I could name several shows right now that are intended for older audiences and are completely devoid of any intellectual component of any kind (first that springs to mind is something like the sketch comedy show "Kids in the Hall"). Further, I would outright oppose the notion that there's no "emotional stimuli." I know that for myself, a large part of why I like the show is because its fucking cute as hell. It makes me happy. Sometimes I laugh.
On another note, you had qualms with the show being a bad influence on youth? Even ignoring the fact that I disagree with that being true, I still see it as a bit of a moot point. If you're going to oppose any children's show that exhibit aspects of rivalry, you're going to damning a hell of a lot of shows.
On August 12 2011 11:33 obesechicken13 wrote: I love MLP, but every episode since 18 (so fare 18-21) have gotten a bit less... polished. It seems to happen to every show.
I still love the comments on youtube. Yesterday: "Today my dad walked in on me, so I quickly closed the tab and switched to porn. No one must ever know!"
My favourite scene comes from the 21st episode! The whole "Fluttershy is not a tree" thing is just so dope.
Though its obviously all opinion.
Well I didn't say she was a tree... now did I? It was nice... I also liked Pinkie's song, but again... the polish wasn't there.
Yeah, this whole thing reminds me of The Emperor's New Clothes, but hey to each his own. I'm gonna go watch game of thrones like a powerful manly man now.
EPT
