I'd like to point out that in the book 'Moon Curve (I think...?) 7 Theories of Bending time', Twilight flips through at 5:43 ish into the episode, there's an illustration of a melting clock, which were painted by Salvador Dali in the famous painting 'The Persistance of Memory.' One of Salvador Dali's most well known quotes was about perfection. "Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it." Though the quote itself wasn't said outright, the message was the same. I just thought that was a nice visual touch there.
And given that you proclaimed “That’s it! I can die happily!” When you first saw a Salvador Dali pony, I can only imagine you fainted from pure fangasming joy at the reference
This is actually not the first time that painting was referenced in this show. In the episode Sweet and Elite, Rarity looks upon the painting itself, except instead of melting clocks, it's melting ponies. This is during the Becoming Popular song.
That was the third book in the "pile of stuff to read from the Library" (the first was the story of the two royal sisters in the coldstart of S1E01). -> Twilight never had an oportunity to read it (since it got accidentally "hidden" under that furniture), only to be found by Celestia (~5 years later) for a "return quest".
@@adolfodef well yeah I saw the set up during the episode. But there is still an amount of irony in our beloved book horse getting into trouble for not reading a book.
I wasn’t sure about this episode until the lesson came, and it hit me *hard*. I’ve been trying to find my own style of drawing for a long time, and trying to get to a point where I can make cool stuff. Just recently, I just went with this sort of “blank slate” style- kind of like JaidenAnimations and TheOdd1sOut. I keep trying to find the perfect style to fit me that I end up losing out on how fun it is to draw. That’s what really makes the episode for me, going into the lesson of perfection and how it can keep you from trying new things despite failing.
Yeah I can relate, I've been trying to find my own specific art style, yet it always ended up being altered almost every time I drew something. Soon I realized I should really go with the flow and experiment new things, now I try to step out of my comfort zone when I draw. I try different sketching techniques, poses, facial expressions, and sometimes even perspective. My style still isn't entirely what I'd like it to be, but experiencing new ways to draw helped me see the potential for future projects, and I'm sure soon my own style will be fleshed out with more practice. I'm sure yours will too :)
I did too and I actually find a style I like, it takes me a year and a lots of try. But I'm satisfied with what I got. It might not be perfect or resemble someone else art but I don't care.
Perfection is an impossible pursuit, but growth is a constant companion in our journey. We are eager to maintain a comfort zone, a status quo a situation that will keep us safe grounding us, limiting our point of view. Most people believe that we have to be at our best every day, but it has more meaning to understand that every day that’s our best version at the moment. I always have thought that we can win even if we lose, why? Because even if we lose, if we fail, we will gain experience and knowledge. Regarding the MLP universe, this will help to develop Twilight as a leader eager to take opportunities, and, so she can understand that even a ruler has doubts and can fail, this is a closure to her eagerness to make everything As perfect as it could be, do what we can, and let things be.
The episode is nice. Does bring out a good lesson about perfection. The episode mostly reminds me of my current situation with my current job. I may be a delivery driver but that doesn’t mean higher rank employees expect more from us. My best example is when we used to deliver 4 to 6 deliveries and one trip because of how close some of these deliveries are we will get it done in at least 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and if the customer is willing to meet us. But now The corporation is making us take at least three deliveries in one trip instead. Because they think it would cut down the waiting time for delivery. In a way it does work, but the cost of so many deliveries being left behind that could have been added in our delivery. And don’t get me started with how they made it mandatory for us to answer the phone no matter how many orders we have that are ready to go and how busy we are. I get it we are trying to make money in our job but what about the current customers that need their order we can’t just leave them hanging waiting for us to complete our deliveries. I like the episode because it’s making me see that the corporation of the drama by man is trying to make perfection out of me and everyone else and it’s driving me insane. I’m sure once I get a new job it’ll be worth it. But MLP isn’t the only show I was trying to bring out a lesson about perfection. Take Steven universe for example The change your mind special is a one hour episode of Steven trying to convince the diamonds that perfection is not working for their home world. It’s a very touching story. I’m not gonna bring much details about it if you haven’t seen any of their episodes(especially some possible theories that turned out to be true). Steven and his dad have a saying: “ if every Pork-chop were perfect we wouldn’t have hotdogs”. It took me a while to understand what it meant until I sought there change your mind special. If everything was perfect we will not be having stuff would make us happy. I might’ve said the whole meaning wrong but you had to see the special to know what I mean.
One tidbit that I like is when they showed past Twilight, her horn magic is white instead of purple, a callback to how it looked in Season 1. I always thought that change was just a stylistic choice but perhaps it's in reference to how strong a unicorn's magic is.
I know for this lesson it definitely hit home. I always had a dream of one day being a great writer and I even write fanfictions that a lot of people love. But I’ve had times where I’ve uploaded chapters and have gotten harsh criticisms even when I’ve tried to make sure the chapter was perfect. It wasn’t until one particular comment I realized that I’m writing these stories not just for others but for myself as well. Now, I still do my best to make sure my writing is good and with as little errors as possible, but I know I can make everyone happy, and that my chapters can’t be perfect. So when I saw this episode, it home to the fact that I should still strive to do my best, even when my best isn’t perfect in someone else’s eyes. Thanks for the review Dr. Wolf; keep up the great work! 🤗👍🏻
when I saw that nose, I could only think: "Spoiled Rich, eat your heart out!" And I actually haven't seen the episode yet, just your review, but I'm already willing to bet that this guy is way nicer and a way better pony than Spoiled Rich.
I feel the same as you do. The episode was very boring to me but the lesson at the end really hit me hard I always try to do my best in school to make my family proud of me. And when I get a mark back on a test and look at what I got wrong I always beat myself up for it this lesson taught me that it’s okay not to be perfect because nothing in life is perfect.
Exactly. I paused the video to try and make out what each mark meant which letter. Didn't make sense, but I know some writers on Fimfiction have worked on it in different ways.
@@thecrimsoncommando3875 Their writing certainly isn't based on any traditional alphabet or writing concept that we have. That's for sure. It might be based on.. horse noises for all we know.
One thing that just came to me right as I was watching this was that Dusty Pages said "A lot of people are wanting to read this book!" Knowing the title now really makes me think that was another subtle nod towards the overall message.
One other thing about this episode, it is the first "Slice of Life" episode of the season. We had 3 episodes of introduction, the 200 special, and now, finally, season 9 is well and truly under way. We have had the beginning of the end, and now we have truly passed the point of no return...
3:59 Actually, not many people saw that ending coming. I've heard quite a few people who were thinking that the old librarian was dead. Also, is there really such a thing as getting too much of Twilight going Twily-nanas?
Yeah it was an ok episode. The lesson is so relatable. I'm like twilight with my cosplays. I got to learn how to not stress to much. Btw your videos always give me something to think about.
I didn't think of it til watching you're review but....I draw alot and when I was younger even used to write stories a bit but both things have gotten less and less enjoyable to me because I've been so focused on getting them done perfect. This lesson really hits home and maybe it'll help me to get back to really enjoying these things again.
As with most of G.M. Berrow's episodes, this was a perfectly entertaining entry carried mostly by its humor, visual gags, and the cameos. It probably won't end up on my top 10, but it is a nice episode for Berrow to go out on.
Kid Danger: ok, really? i was the only one saying that the ony who work at the library was RETIRED FROM THE LIBRARY?! Really, my grandfather Larry RETIRED from Disney! for the love of Luna! *slaps my face with my hoof* Luna, help me...... she RETIRED from her work! older ponys do RETIRE from they work.
Drop the books and tear the page. Smear the writing and show its age. Warp the spine and return them late. That's what Twilight Sparkle Hates!!!!!!!!! Dump the books in a crappy mess. So much for being the best. It will go down to date. THATS WHAT TWILIGHT SPARKLE HATES!!!!!
I had no idea what to expect at first; thought it was trying a sort of 'Sienfield and the Library Cop' type idea w/the overdue book part. Cheered for the cameos of Derpy and Moondancer and was hoping they'd get a bit more time. I can relate to that 'need for perfection' in several areas of my life and that made this story more relevant to me. Hope it did for other too.
"Trying to include all of the fan favorite characters." I hope that means that we finally have Vinyl Scratch speak. If that happens, I won't be upset if they settle on a voice different from Nowacking's version.
I honestly think she's mute. the only time we ever see her lips move is in a christmas story so it isn't really her. I think her lips move in the song too but she could just be lip syncing to look like part of the fun.
I've been to plenty of libraries, including the ones from schools, and I've always return the books I borrowed, unlike a certain alicorn princess who completely forgot to return that book from all the way to the very first episode of the very first season!
You dont always need a huge grand epic story. Sometimes, these small things are better. Just a small cute fluffy story. Its something different that makes the world of MLP feel more... i dont know how to put it. Real? Um, more whole, you know?
The message does get to me because I want to be like those amazing MLP artists and be perfect but then I realize that my uniqueness of my art makes my art perfect to me
Oh my gosh, I forgot today was Saturday! 😂 I'm gonna watch the episode, and I'll be back. Nothing like a surprise episode! After: I love that episode. The writing between Twilight and Spike was fun, and all the callbacks were great too! This feels like Amending Fences part 2, and I enjoyed it just as much. 👌 (And definitely my favorite GM episode)
Perfection : the impossible pursuit This episode pleasantly surprised me in many ways. It's a lesson I can relate to. I think it's wonderful to see a lesson like that in a show.
this episode was ok i got a few laughs in the beginning and like you i was wondering what they were going to do with even though you could see things coming except for the end lesson; but in my experience i have realized that i am not perfect and i say it to myself all the time and in one place i worked they wanted me to be perfect at it when i was 1st starting at the job and i hated it which was part of why i left it a few years later, hopefully the lesson will let people know like i have know for years that you can't be perfect you can be close but not exactly
Now that I think about it, don't these lyrics sound like "perfection isn't always everything"?: "A child arrived just the other day He came to the world in the usual way But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay He learned to walk while I was away And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it and as he grew He said, I'm gonna be like you, Dad You know I'm gonna be like you And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man on the moon When you comin' home Dad? I don't know when but we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then My son turned ten just the other day, He said "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play Can you teach me to throw?", I said "Not today, I got a lot to do", he said, "That's okay" And he walked away but his smile never dimmed He said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah You know I'm gonna be like him" And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man on the moon When you comin' home, Dad? I don't know when but we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then He came from college just the other day So much like a man, I just had to say "Son I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?" He shook his head, and said with a smile "What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys See ya later, can I have them please?" And the cat's in the cradle, and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man on the moon When you comin' home Son? I don't know when but we'll get together then, Dad You know we'll have a good time then Now I've retired, my son's moved away I called him up just the other day I said, "I'd like to see you, if you don't mind" He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time My new job's a hassle and the kids got the flu But it's nice talkin' to you Dad, it's sure nice talkin' to you" As I hung up the phone it occurred to me He'd grown up just like me My boy was just like me And the cat's in the cradle, and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man on the moon When you comin' home, Son? I don't know when but we'll get together then Dad You gonna have a good time then" The point of no return in this case is: The dad never spent time with his son and now his son has grown up and doesn't have any time to be with his dad. In a way, "I'm gonna be just like him" is somewhat of a metaphor for perfection. So what do you think?
I will be honest, for this episode doen't top the previous episodes from this season for me. But I will give this one credit for the part near the end. Gillian M. Berrow has written some good stories over the past few seasons. Also, Yay ^^ Derpy and Moondancer! 😁 I think at one point I even spotted Fancy Pants during this episode, nice!
Your observation that the lesson is capable of reaching kids and adults touches on what I feel has set this series apart from most other animated series: it's relevant to both levels of viewer, and it's rare for any television show to do that. I submit that that's the "secret weapon" of FIM, and I think that this series will be studied (and cribbed from) for a long time to come.
Well the first episode didn't obviously change the focus to a book sliding under a bookshelf, but yes, she did use her muzzle to shove books off of a stack in the left and right fashion exactly as seen in this episode, I remember it very well because the horselike, or at the very least animal-like, tendencies (Which unfortunately were very quickly abandoned) of the characters was something I found charming when first getting into the show.
2:54 I was drunk when I took my driver's license photo so that when the police pulled me over they wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Family Guy references.
For me, this episode was a reminder of times when I demanded nothing but perfection from me. But also how far I have come in my life since I put perfection on the second place.
I like this episode too, with the lesson with a title I made up: Flaws of the Perfectionist! I'm so sure that's in Twilight's issue of perfection is it gotten worse or stayed in that mentality then she could have wound up as a villain by King Sombra or Worst, a genocidal perfectionist like Clu, Ares, and Error Sans!
i use to be just a regular brony who enjoy watching MLP:FIM and didn't have any high expectations, but after watching Brony Reviews/Analysts and reading the YMMV page on TVTropes that point out the series flaws and continuity errors , started to see show in a different light and expected big things from each season and started to wonder should continue to watch MLP even if it's storyline and characterization went downhill around Season 3-9 , but after watching this episode I realize even with the series faults and poor execution of lessons, i will continue watch MLP:FIM to the very end and enjoy all the times our equestrian friends have brought to the world
Does the lesson apply to my life? Doc, you have no idea. Between my high-functioning autism and mild anxiety, it's so easy for me to ask way too much of myself, especially when it comes to my research. One of the biggest lessons I'm still trying to learn as a scientist is when to call it good enough. Suffice to say, this lesson hit me really hard, and I deeply appreciate it.
mlp teaching that good is perfect enough when your taking your best effort to accomplish something and accepting making mistakes . A good lesson indeed.
You glossed over some of the best aspects of the episode Doc; that's not like you. *wags finger and goes tsk-tsk* You didn't even mention the dynamic between Twilight and Spike here. How often is it that we get an episode that essentially features just the two of them? And look at how well they balanced each other out! And Spike was really shining through as both a loyal assistant and the voice of reason. But the really impressive thing is that, in several instances, Twilight actually listens to him! Yes, she still reacts over-the-top in some scenes, but she also acknowledges that Spike's advice is right and follows through! Compare their interaction here with the flashback to the first episode of the series, and how Twilight treated Spike then. See the difference?! Their interaction was the highlight of the episode for me. Plus, you also failed to note just how different Twilight's motives were in this episode compared to similar "perfection obsession" episodes, like want-it need-it spell ones. Here, she emphasized that the important thing was getting her friend's job back, and how all the books and late-fee-fines in Equestria weren't as important as seeing that the right thing was done by her friend/librarian mentor. Now /that's/ the Princess of Friendship we know and love! She went to all this trouble, not to fix her perfect record (at least, not entirely), but to right a wrong she thought had been committed to a friend. That's an important lesson in-and-of itself.
It is indeed pretty rare to have an episode exclusively following Twilight and Spike, although we do have some that heavily focus on them. The closest I can think of is A Flurry of Emotions. I am rather mixed about the dynamic between Twilight and Spike in this episode, however. The concern and support was great coming from Spike but not so much from Twilight's side. On one hand, Twilight did listen to Spike, occasionally. On the other hand, she was still very dismissive of Spike, and only listened to him when it seemed like there was no other course of action she could take. Also, she was really ignorance of Spike discomfort, suffering and sacrifice getting dragged all around by her while starving and tired. It makes it feel like she doesn't care as much about him as he about her. I also noticed the change in Twilight's motive half way through the episode, but that actually further lessens my opinion on this episode. Indeed she was concerned about righting what she did wrong to Dusty Page at some point, but (1) the solution provided (returning the book and the librarian can get her job back) was way too simple and easy. I had expected the episode to tackle something that is more hardened and bitter, as in facing the wrong you inflicted on others that you can't really fix. And (2) when the lesson about perfection showed up at the end, it kind of dismissed the other one about facing your wrongdoing. That made it feel like the episode is bent to be entirely about not being a perfectionist, while the other moral point about facing your wrong, which is a much more engaging moral lesson, is alleviated and striped away.
One may say that if it focused on the second lesson, it would feel like Amending Fences 2.0. I agree but also want to point out that the lesson about not obsessing with perfection has also been somewhat tackled before (Lesson Zero, Applebuck Season, What about Discord). The thing is, in this episode, they could have entangled both lessons together in an engaging way. In stead of having Dusty Pages easily forgiving Twilight because "it all turned out well", make it more ambiguous, for example Dusty Pages indeed had some hard time accepting her perfect record broken and still a little resents against Twilight, but then she realizes it was that incident that gave her a better life, so she forgives Twilight in the end and learns to let go of the perfection, and on Twi's side, she has to accept that a perfect princess of friendship and embodiment of harmony such as herself had failed somepony and almost ruined their life, and has to leave it in her record to learn from it. It would have made both lessons intertwined and much more engaging.
I agree with you, Dr. Wolf! The lesson in this one hit me hard and reminded me why Twilight is my favorite. I struggle with trying to be perfect, and being anxious if things aren't. Seeing Twilight doing her 'Twilighting' freakouts, especially in Lesson Zero (and now this episode), reminds me that it's silly to get so worked up over things that don't matter too much in the long run. While you should strive to do your best, you also need to accept that things won't be perfect. Twilight helped me with this through high school and now into college. It's nice to see that even in it's last season, MLP still has very important lessons to share with kids and adults alike 😊
Perfection? Oh boy...I once lived with a fella who sought that all the time. He was a stress Monster, Everything needed to be perfect because we are commanded to be perfect. We but heads a lot but usually got along. I always made it a point to try an learn from him but at the same time I usually presented the fact that we are imperfect in mortality. And also that his idea of perfection wasn’t always what he thought it was. Like Chancellor Neigh-say.
This episode was wonderful. Not top-tier, but wonderful. Still, I feel like there was too much "search montage" filler here. The time could have been better spent with more Twilight freaking out...
two things I didn't like about this episode, stemmed from something things they mentioned in the Library, which I latched onto and thought were important: 1. The book about Time Travel, 2. The fact that they Mare at the desk didn't know who Dusty Books was. At first I thought that Dusty had been erased somehow, then I kept thinking "why doesn't Twilight just go back in time, return the library book", especially when she found out that Dusty had left after losing her perfect record. Because of these two things, the message at the end felt "tacked-on". It was as if they wanted to write an episode about the impossible aspirations of perfection, then they fun the episode out from that "end" message. Also, am I the only fan who is wondering why, given this is the Final Season, and the writers hyped-up Grogar and his Alliance at the start, we've now gone through 3 stories that have exactly NOTHING to do Grogar, OR his Alliance? Aside from the Student Six episode, the other two stories have felt like they could have appeared "anywhere" in the show, NOT in the Final Season.
after seeing that book about time bending and when twilight ran the worng way after hearing she "ruined" the librarian's life I thought she was going to head to the Starswerl the bearded wing to try and change time and finally be taught a lesson from Starswerl himself.
It was a little weak, really felt like we should have had it years ago. But the lesson is a solid one. I can just about hear Lightning Bliss yelling at the show staff for calling her out again.
Who has not had a crazy late fees for a overdue book? Well I try to get my rents in on time or early for credit. But for the record the fees are not so outrageous. Idk if a book would be received after being out for so long? Probably just order new books for replacing them especially new editions. For the most part I have gotten my rents in on time.
Good point munchkin and DRWolf too It is look like a paint ball without gun It's a beautiful day outside Birds are singing SIGN HANNAH Flowers are blooming One days like these good man like you.... You should be good job on your speech and review
I really enjoy small stakes episodes. Don't get me wrong I love large stakes episodes too but I was really pleased that in the last season we got one more really good small stakes Twilight episode. And yes, she did toss a book in the first episode. I remember it because it made me cringe because it's just so disrespectful to the book. I love books and would never do that >_< I also like that the thing she did wrong is so small stakes and relatable that almost everyone will have probably done it. I myself lost a library book once. And it ate at me, and I never went back to the library because I was too ashamed to admit that I lost it. So as you can imagine this episode REALLY hit home for me. I think it's gonna be a favourite.
Wasn’t particularly my cup of tea, but I admit they made a decent work. Not great, they could have built up the lesson a little better. Just decent. BTW, I felt like they’re were writing Dusty Pages less than a random librarian and more like a Twilight relative, maybe like her grandma, but they remembered “oh but if she was her grandma she would know that she got fired” and they just made her a random librarian. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me.
I liked the vibe between them, it is clear Twilight spent tons of her free time there so it is natural she would be close with a staff member that almost lives there. Kind of like how you get to know your coworkers and regulars.
I'd like to point out that in the book 'Moon Curve (I think...?) 7 Theories of Bending time', Twilight flips through at 5:43 ish into the episode, there's an illustration of a melting clock, which were painted by Salvador Dali in the famous painting 'The Persistance of Memory.' One of Salvador Dali's most well known quotes was about perfection. "Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it." Though the quote itself wasn't said outright, the message was the same. I just thought that was a nice visual touch there.
Fascinating :)
@@DRWolf001 I enjoy seeing the more subtle nods to art and literature that often hidden in plain sight in these episodes.
And given that you proclaimed “That’s it! I can die happily!” When you first saw a Salvador Dali pony, I can only imagine you fainted from pure fangasming joy at the reference
This is actually not the first time that painting was referenced in this show. In the episode Sweet and Elite, Rarity looks upon the painting itself, except instead of melting clocks, it's melting ponies. This is during the Becoming Popular song.
@@SacredFaerie I never saif it was the first time the painting was referenced in the show.
I like the irony in that Twilight never even read the book
The 1 book she have never read. and its title is "Perfection: the impossible goal"
That was the third book in the "pile of stuff to read from the Library" (the first was the story of the two royal sisters in the coldstart of S1E01).
-> Twilight never had an oportunity to read it (since it got accidentally "hidden" under that furniture), only to be found by Celestia (~5 years later) for a "return quest".
@@adolfodef well yeah I saw the set up during the episode. But there is still an amount of irony in our beloved book horse getting into trouble for not reading a book.
It's a good thing see didnt or we would've never gotten Lesson Zero, the best episode of twilighting ever.
You know this episode lesson remind of other lesson....
" If every pork chop are perfect, we wont have hot dog!"
wow ! amazing
Syabila Azri dude! Yes!
Mlp's version of that quote is "If the animation in every frame was perfect, we wouldn't have Derpy"
Rewatched the first episode,she did throw that book lol
The moment I saw Moondancer, I was like "Yep! This is definitely Amending Fences Part 2!"
How? She was barely in it.
ZimonZieClown It's another nostalgic episode that is centered around events prior to the first episode.
@@privateinvestigatorrick7406 Oh, I see what you mean now.
ZimonZieClown And with the fact that they're "amending fences" with another character.
"There is no such thing as perfect. You're beautiful as you are, Courage. With all of your imperfections, you can do anything."
Try to make your life perfect, and all you'll get is a life of stress. A lesson hard-learned by many of us I'm sure :)
That theme was in Change Your Mind from Steven Universe as well.
Perfection and the idea of it is all a lie
This was an overdue lesson for twilight.
I see what you did there.😀
I agree - the lesson was the best thing about this episode (though Derpy talking and seeing Moondancer again were nice too).
Finally! A 'Dante's Inferno' reference.
I wasn’t sure about this episode until the lesson came, and it hit me *hard*. I’ve been trying to find my own style of drawing for a long time, and trying to get to a point where I can make cool stuff. Just recently, I just went with this sort of “blank slate” style- kind of like JaidenAnimations and TheOdd1sOut.
I keep trying to find the perfect style to fit me that I end up losing out on how fun it is to draw. That’s what really makes the episode for me, going into the lesson of perfection and how it can keep you from trying new things despite failing.
Yeah I can relate, I've been trying to find my own specific art style, yet it always ended up being altered almost every time I drew something. Soon I realized I should really go with the flow and experiment new things, now I try to step out of my comfort zone when I draw. I try different sketching techniques, poses, facial expressions, and sometimes even perspective. My style still isn't entirely what I'd like it to be, but experiencing new ways to draw helped me see the potential for future projects, and I'm sure soon my own style will be fleshed out with more practice. I'm sure yours will too :)
I did too and I actually find a style I like, it takes me a year and a lots of try. But I'm satisfied with what I got. It might not be perfect or resemble someone else art but I don't care.
This episode taught me that, even for a book, Twilight exaggerates. 😸😸😸😸 But I liked her adventure.
Perfection is an impossible pursuit, but growth is a constant companion in our journey.
We are eager to maintain a comfort zone, a status quo a situation that will keep us safe grounding us, limiting our point of view. Most people believe that we have to be at our best every day, but it has more meaning to understand that every day that’s our best version at the moment.
I always have thought that we can win even if we lose, why? Because even if we lose, if we fail, we will gain experience and knowledge.
Regarding the MLP universe, this will help to develop Twilight as a leader eager to take opportunities, and, so she can understand that even a ruler has doubts and can fail, this is a closure to her eagerness to make everything As perfect as it could be, do what we can, and let things be.
The episode is nice. Does bring out a good lesson about perfection. The episode mostly reminds me of my current situation with my current job. I may be a delivery driver but that doesn’t mean higher rank employees expect more from us. My best example is when we used to deliver 4 to 6 deliveries and one trip because of how close some of these deliveries are we will get it done in at least 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and if the customer is willing to meet us. But now The corporation is making us take at least three deliveries in one trip instead. Because they think it would cut down the waiting time for delivery. In a way it does work, but the cost of so many deliveries being left behind that could have been added in our delivery. And don’t get me started with how they made it mandatory for us to answer the phone no matter how many orders we have that are ready to go and how busy we are. I get it we are trying to make money in our job but what about the current customers that need their order we can’t just leave them hanging waiting for us to complete our deliveries.
I like the episode because it’s making me see that the corporation of the drama by man is trying to make perfection out of me and everyone else and it’s driving me insane.
I’m sure once I get a new job it’ll be worth it.
But MLP isn’t the only show I was trying to bring out a lesson about perfection. Take Steven universe for example The change your mind special is a one hour episode of Steven trying to convince the diamonds that perfection is not working for their home world. It’s a very touching story. I’m not gonna bring much details about it if you haven’t seen any of their episodes(especially some possible theories that turned out to be true). Steven and his dad have a saying: “ if every Pork-chop were perfect we wouldn’t have hotdogs”. It took me a while to understand what it meant until I sought there change your mind special. If everything was perfect we will not be having stuff would make us happy. I might’ve said the whole meaning wrong but you had to see the special to know what I mean.
One tidbit that I like is when they showed past Twilight, her horn magic is white instead of purple, a callback to how it looked in Season 1. I always thought that change was just a stylistic choice but perhaps it's in reference to how strong a unicorn's magic is.
I know for this lesson it definitely hit home. I always had a dream of one day being a great writer and I even write fanfictions that a lot of people love. But I’ve had times where I’ve uploaded chapters and have gotten harsh criticisms even when I’ve tried to make sure the chapter was perfect. It wasn’t until one particular comment I realized that I’m writing these stories not just for others but for myself as well. Now, I still do my best to make sure my writing is good and with as little errors as possible, but I know I can make everyone happy, and that my chapters can’t be perfect. So when I saw this episode, it home to the fact that I should still strive to do my best, even when my best isn’t perfect in someone else’s eyes. Thanks for the review Dr. Wolf; keep up the great work! 🤗👍🏻
Twilighting is "overdone"?
NO SUCH THING!!!!
Somepony needs to lend that book to Prince Rutherford.
Yes! Definitely! And make sure he reads it, too!
Please, he'll be like 'Book says Yaks not perfect! Yaks smash!', and then Twilight will faint when they smash the book.
Sometimes I think that when yak says perfect it does not quite match what ponies mean by perfect.
As always, another awesome and terrific review DRWolf.
when I saw that nose, I could only think: "Spoiled Rich, eat your heart out!" And I actually haven't seen the episode yet, just your review, but I'm already willing to bet that this guy is way nicer and a way better pony than Spoiled Rich.
I feel the same as you do. The episode was very boring to me but the lesson at the end really hit me hard I always try to do my best in school to make my family proud of me. And when I get a mark back on a test and look at what I got wrong I always beat myself up for it this lesson taught me that it’s okay not to be perfect because nothing in life is perfect.
Looking at that library card makes me more and more want some kind of "Rosetta Stone" to translate Equestrian writing.
Exactly. I paused the video to try and make out what each mark meant which letter. Didn't make sense, but I know some writers on Fimfiction have worked on it in different ways.
@@thecrimsoncommando3875 Their writing certainly isn't based on any traditional alphabet or writing concept that we have. That's for sure. It might be based on.. horse noises for all we know.
One thing that just came to me right as I was watching this was that Dusty Pages said "A lot of people are wanting to read this book!" Knowing the title now really makes me think that was another subtle nod towards the overall message.
One other thing about this episode, it is the first "Slice of Life" episode of the season. We had 3 episodes of introduction, the 200 special, and now, finally, season 9 is well and truly under way. We have had the beginning of the end, and now we have truly passed the point of no return...
It's like Amending Fences and Lesson Zero combined into a good episode. Not great like the ones used to make it but good.
Twilight's library card is adorable
3:59 Actually, not many people saw that ending coming. I've heard quite a few people who were thinking that the old librarian was dead. Also, is there really such a thing as getting too much of Twilight going Twily-nanas?
I did not see her reason for leaving coming, I figured she just retired.
8:45 I think they were doing a call back to Cyrano de Bergerac
Marianel 42-42-564 Glad I’m not the only one who caught that!
@@AndrewHager02 I read the play right in my class and I immediately thought of Cryano de Bergerac
Yeah it was an ok episode. The lesson is so relatable. I'm like twilight with my cosplays. I got to learn how to not stress to much. Btw your videos always give me something to think about.
I watched the episode and the lesson.... It made me cry. I just relate so much on a deeper level. I loved it
I relate too; I often strive to be perfect too. The lesson made my jaw drop.
I didn't think of it til watching you're review but....I draw alot and when I was younger even used to write stories a bit but both things have gotten less and less enjoyable to me because I've been so focused on getting them done perfect. This lesson really hits home and maybe it'll help me to get back to really enjoying these things again.
As with most of G.M. Berrow's episodes, this was a perfectly entertaining entry carried mostly by its humor, visual gags, and the cameos.
It probably won't end up on my top 10, but it is a nice episode for Berrow to go out on.
Yeah, that's what I like about her. She's good at inserting humor, and a lot of times the stories are very well-written.
Kid Danger: ok, really? i was the only one saying that the ony who work at the library was RETIRED FROM THE LIBRARY?! Really, my grandfather Larry RETIRED from Disney! for the love of Luna! *slaps my face with my hoof* Luna, help me...... she RETIRED from her work! older ponys do RETIRE from they work.
In the flashback of the library, twilight even got her old horn magic color from the first episode. The continuity of this episode man!
Drop the books and tear the page.
Smear the writing and show its age.
Warp the spine and return them late.
That's what Twilight Sparkle Hates!!!!!!!!!
Dump the books in a crappy mess.
So much for being the best.
It will go down to date.
THATS WHAT TWILIGHT SPARKLE HATES!!!!!
I had no idea what to expect at first; thought it was trying a sort of 'Sienfield and the Library Cop' type idea w/the overdue book part. Cheered for the cameos of Derpy and Moondancer and was hoping they'd get a bit more time. I can relate to that 'need for perfection' in several areas of my life and that made this story more relevant to me. Hope it did for other too.
"Trying to include all of the fan favorite characters." I hope that means that we finally have Vinyl Scratch speak. If that happens, I won't be upset if they settle on a voice different from Nowacking's version.
I honestly think she's mute. the only time we ever see her lips move is in a christmas story so it isn't really her. I think her lips move in the song too but she could just be lip syncing to look like part of the fun.
I've been to plenty of libraries, including the ones from schools, and I've always return the books I borrowed, unlike a certain alicorn princess who completely forgot to return that book from all the way to the very first episode of the very first season!
You dont always need a huge grand epic story. Sometimes, these small things are better. Just a small cute fluffy story. Its something different that makes the world of MLP feel more... i dont know how to put it. Real? Um, more whole, you know?
The message does get to me because I want to be like those amazing MLP artists and be perfect but then I realize that my uniqueness of my art makes my art perfect to me
All you can do is make your style as aesthetically appealing as possible.
No ones perfect Steven universe fan
I really enjoyed this episode. Derpy! Yay!
Oh my gosh, I forgot today was Saturday! 😂 I'm gonna watch the episode, and I'll be back. Nothing like a surprise episode!
After: I love that episode. The writing between Twilight and Spike was fun, and all the callbacks were great too! This feels like Amending Fences part 2, and I enjoyed it just as much. 👌 (And definitely my favorite GM episode)
I really liked this episode, especially the ending!
I absolutely loved this episode and the lesson was really something I needed to here 😊
Anybody else think Zephyr Breeze really could have benefited greatly from this lesson? Like he should have been there hearing the lesson?
Unfortunately I work in Database so I have to be perfect professionally; personally I could not care less as long as I have no stress.
Moondancer's eyebrows are still T H I C C
Perfection : the impossible pursuit
This episode pleasantly surprised me in many ways. It's a lesson I can relate to. I think it's wonderful to see a lesson like that in a show.
When watching this episode I took....”no backward glances”
I suppose they didn't think it would hurt to bring back derpy briefly since this season is preaty much the last hurrah.
this episode was ok i got a few laughs in the beginning and like you i was wondering what they were going to do with even though you could see things coming except for the end lesson; but in my experience i have realized that i am not perfect and i say it to myself all the time and in one place i worked they wanted me to be perfect at it when i was 1st starting at the job and i hated it which was part of why i left it a few years later, hopefully the lesson will let people know like i have know for years that you can't be perfect you can be close but not exactly
I screamed "YES!" as soon as I heard Moondancer.
Now that I think about it, don't these lyrics sound like "perfection isn't always everything"?:
"A child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it and as he grew
He said, I'm gonna be like you, Dad
You know I'm gonna be like you
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home Dad?
I don't know when but we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then
My son turned ten just the other day,
He said "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw?", I said
"Not today, I got a lot to do", he said, "That's okay"
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
He said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him"
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home, Dad?
I don't know when but we'll get together then
You know we'll have a good time then
He came from college just the other day
So much like a man, I just had to say
"Son I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head, and said with a smile
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See ya later, can I have them please?"
And the cat's in the cradle, and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home Son?
I don't know when but we'll get together then, Dad
You know we'll have a good time then
Now I've retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, "I'd like to see you, if you don't mind"
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I could find the time
My new job's a hassle and the kids got the flu
But it's nice talkin' to you Dad, it's sure nice talkin' to you"
As I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me
And the cat's in the cradle, and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home, Son?
I don't know when but we'll get together then Dad
You gonna have a good time then"
The point of no return in this case is: The dad never spent time with his son and now his son has grown up and doesn't have any time to be with his dad. In a way, "I'm gonna be just like him" is somewhat of a metaphor for perfection. So what do you think?
But Doc, if things not perfect, YAK DESTROY!
You got it wrong. Yaks don't smash because things are not perfect. They smash because things don't last forever.
I will be honest, for this episode doen't top the previous episodes from this season for me. But I will give this one credit for the part near the end. Gillian M. Berrow has written some good stories over the past few seasons. Also, Yay ^^ Derpy and Moondancer! 😁 I think at one point I even spotted Fancy Pants during this episode, nice!
Your observation that the lesson is capable of reaching kids and adults touches on what I feel has set this series apart from most other animated series: it's relevant to both levels of viewer, and it's rare for any television show to do that. I submit that that's the "secret weapon" of FIM, and I think that this series will be studied (and cribbed from) for a long time to come.
Well the first episode didn't obviously change the focus to a book sliding under a bookshelf, but yes, she did use her muzzle to shove books off of a stack in the left and right fashion exactly as seen in this episode, I remember it very well because the horselike, or at the very least animal-like, tendencies (Which unfortunately were very quickly abandoned) of the characters was something I found charming when first getting into the show.
This episode was meh, but the lesson was excellent.
I literally came about a minute late to the stream I watched the episode on so I missed Derpy...WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN TO ME?
2:54 I was drunk when I took my driver's license photo so that when the police pulled me over they wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
Family Guy references.
Great review! Doc!
Sincerely Littlepip from Stable 2
Wow, this review is soon
I was happy to see Moondancer again! Although I was hoping to see Saffron since it’s her restaurant
For me, this episode was a reminder of times when I demanded nothing but perfection from me. But also how far I have come in my life since I put perfection on the second place.
I like this episode too, with the lesson with a title I made up: Flaws of the Perfectionist!
I'm so sure that's in Twilight's issue of perfection is it gotten worse or stayed in that mentality then she could have wound up as a villain by King Sombra or Worst, a genocidal perfectionist like Clu, Ares, and Error Sans!
I have to say that this lesson hit really close to home.
Silver quill. Going love it
CONTINUITY
Do anyone else notice that ALL the elderly ponies were earth ponies?
Yes.
I actually think of the song by Kansas - HOW LONG!...organ noodling...HOW LONG!
I loved your review on mlp so thank you so much 😊😊😊😊
Did anyone else catch the very first bars of "Alexander Hamilton" right before Twilight knocks on that door?
i use to be just a regular brony who enjoy watching MLP:FIM and didn't have any high expectations, but after watching Brony Reviews/Analysts and reading the YMMV page on TVTropes that point out the series flaws and continuity errors , started to see show in a different light and expected big things from each season and started to wonder should continue to watch MLP even if it's storyline and characterization went downhill around Season 3-9 , but after watching this episode I realize even with the series faults and poor execution of lessons, i will continue watch MLP:FIM to the very end and enjoy all the times our equestrian friends have brought to the world
Who here called it in that MoonDancer would speak again in this episode? X3
You & me both! That song is by no means subtle!
Did anyone notice how Spike’s voice was higher in the flashback?
Does the lesson apply to my life? Doc, you have no idea. Between my high-functioning autism and mild anxiety, it's so easy for me to ask way too much of myself, especially when it comes to my research. One of the biggest lessons I'm still trying to learn as a scientist is when to call it good enough.
Suffice to say, this lesson hit me really hard, and I deeply appreciate it.
I was seriously expecting Spike to have to write up a story for r/I don't work here lady
mlp teaching that good is perfect enough when your taking your best effort to accomplish something and accepting making mistakes . A good lesson indeed.
You glossed over some of the best aspects of the episode Doc; that's not like you. *wags finger and goes tsk-tsk* You didn't even mention the dynamic between Twilight and Spike here. How often is it that we get an episode that essentially features just the two of them? And look at how well they balanced each other out! And Spike was really shining through as both a loyal assistant and the voice of reason. But the really impressive thing is that, in several instances, Twilight actually listens to him! Yes, she still reacts over-the-top in some scenes, but she also acknowledges that Spike's advice is right and follows through! Compare their interaction here with the flashback to the first episode of the series, and how Twilight treated Spike then. See the difference?! Their interaction was the highlight of the episode for me.
Plus, you also failed to note just how different Twilight's motives were in this episode compared to similar "perfection obsession" episodes, like want-it need-it spell ones. Here, she emphasized that the important thing was getting her friend's job back, and how all the books and late-fee-fines in Equestria weren't as important as seeing that the right thing was done by her friend/librarian mentor. Now /that's/ the Princess of Friendship we know and love! She went to all this trouble, not to fix her perfect record (at least, not entirely), but to right a wrong she thought had been committed to a friend. That's an important lesson in-and-of itself.
It is indeed pretty rare to have an episode exclusively following Twilight and Spike, although we do have some that heavily focus on them. The closest I can think of is A Flurry of Emotions.
I am rather mixed about the dynamic between Twilight and Spike in this episode, however. The concern and support was great coming from Spike but not so much from Twilight's side. On one hand, Twilight did listen to Spike, occasionally. On the other hand, she was still very dismissive of Spike, and only listened to him when it seemed like there was no other course of action she could take. Also, she was really ignorance of Spike discomfort, suffering and sacrifice getting dragged all around by her while starving and tired. It makes it feel like she doesn't care as much about him as he about her.
I also noticed the change in Twilight's motive half way through the episode, but that actually further lessens my opinion on this episode. Indeed she was concerned about righting what she did wrong to Dusty Page at some point, but (1) the solution provided (returning the book and the librarian can get her job back) was way too simple and easy. I had expected the episode to tackle something that is more hardened and bitter, as in facing the wrong you inflicted on others that you can't really fix. And (2) when the lesson about perfection showed up at the end, it kind of dismissed the other one about facing your wrongdoing. That made it feel like the episode is bent to be entirely about not being a perfectionist, while the other moral point about facing your wrong, which is a much more engaging moral lesson, is alleviated and striped away.
One may say that if it focused on the second lesson, it would feel like Amending Fences 2.0. I agree but also want to point out that the lesson about not obsessing with perfection has also been somewhat tackled before (Lesson Zero, Applebuck Season, What about Discord). The thing is, in this episode, they could have entangled both lessons together in an engaging way. In stead of having Dusty Pages easily forgiving Twilight because "it all turned out well", make it more ambiguous, for example Dusty Pages indeed had some hard time accepting her perfect record broken and still a little resents against Twilight, but then she realizes it was that incident that gave her a better life, so she forgives Twilight in the end and learns to let go of the perfection, and on Twi's side, she has to accept that a perfect princess of friendship and embodiment of harmony such as herself had failed somepony and almost ruined their life, and has to leave it in her record to learn from it. It would have made both lessons intertwined and much more engaging.
I agree with you, Dr. Wolf! The lesson in this one hit me hard and reminded me why Twilight is my favorite. I struggle with trying to be perfect, and being anxious if things aren't. Seeing Twilight doing her 'Twilighting' freakouts, especially in Lesson Zero (and now this episode), reminds me that it's silly to get so worked up over things that don't matter too much in the long run. While you should strive to do your best, you also need to accept that things won't be perfect. Twilight helped me with this through high school and now into college. It's nice to see that even in it's last season, MLP still has very important lessons to share with kids and adults alike 😊
Perfection? Oh boy...I once lived with a fella who sought that all the time. He was a stress Monster, Everything needed to be perfect because we are commanded to be perfect. We but heads a lot but usually got along. I always made it a point to try an learn from him but at the same time I usually presented the fact that we are imperfect in mortality. And also that his idea of perfection wasn’t always what he thought it was. Like Chancellor Neigh-say.
This episode speaks to me because I have this drive to make things perfect but welcome mistakes when they happen.
This episode was wonderful. Not top-tier, but wonderful. Still, I feel like there was too much "search montage" filler here. The time could have been better spent with more Twilight freaking out...
I loved seeing and hearing Derpy again!
Hay doctor wolf I am wondering when season 5 starts are u covering it as well
Ya
two things I didn't like about this episode, stemmed from something things they mentioned in the Library, which I latched onto and thought were important: 1. The book about Time Travel, 2. The fact that they Mare at the desk didn't know who Dusty Books was. At first I thought that Dusty had been erased somehow, then I kept thinking "why doesn't Twilight just go back in time, return the library book", especially when she found out that Dusty had left after losing her perfect record. Because of these two things, the message at the end felt "tacked-on". It was as if they wanted to write an episode about the impossible aspirations of perfection, then they fun the episode out from that "end" message. Also, am I the only fan who is wondering why, given this is the Final Season, and the writers hyped-up Grogar and his Alliance at the start, we've now gone through 3 stories that have exactly NOTHING to do Grogar, OR his Alliance? Aside from the Student Six episode, the other two stories have felt like they could have appeared "anywhere" in the show, NOT in the Final Season.
Because the last time they Time Traveled, it nearly destroyed the world. I'm pretty sure they've learned better then to do that.
I can think of a lot of reasons to go back to this. Primarily for all those adorable Twilight moments
I still need to watch lesson 0...
This episode reminds me of Change Your Mind from Steven Universe. That episode dealt with how futile achieving perfection is as well.
"If every pork chop were perfect, we wont have hot dog!"
Where at THE POINT ROF NO RETURN
after seeing that book about time bending and when twilight ran the worng way after hearing she "ruined" the librarian's life I thought she was going to head to the Starswerl the bearded wing to try and change time and finally be taught a lesson from Starswerl himself.
It was a little weak, really felt like we should have had it years ago. But the lesson is a solid one.
I can just about hear Lightning Bliss yelling at the show staff for calling her out again.
Oh ho ho true 😉
Who has not had a crazy late fees for a overdue book? Well I try to get my rents in on time or early for credit. But for the record the fees are not so outrageous. Idk if a book would be received after being out for so long? Probably just order new books for replacing them especially new editions. For the most part I have gotten my rents in on time.
Good point munchkin and DRWolf too It is look like a paint ball without gun
It's a beautiful day outside
Birds are singing SIGN HANNAH
Flowers are blooming
One days like these good man like you....
You should be good job on your speech and review
I guess I should learn from this...not a fan of failure like in WoW. But like you said, after a while winning so much I get bored.
Uh...didn't we get this episode and lesson before? It feels like we've already seen it, even the lesson.
This episode is similar to amending fences structure wise but has the same massage as fame and misfourten :/
yes but in the case of fame and misfortune it was a question of perfection as a personality, here we speak of perfection as a way of acting
@@DottorLory not much of a difference there but I see what you're getting at :v
@@halejordan ?
@@DottorLory !
I really enjoy small stakes episodes. Don't get me wrong I love large stakes episodes too but I was really pleased that in the last season we got one more really good small stakes Twilight episode. And yes, she did toss a book in the first episode. I remember it because it made me cringe because it's just so disrespectful to the book. I love books and would never do that >_< I also like that the thing she did wrong is so small stakes and relatable that almost everyone will have probably done it. I myself lost a library book once. And it ate at me, and I never went back to the library because I was too ashamed to admit that I lost it. So as you can imagine this episode REALLY hit home for me. I think it's gonna be a favourite.
Wasn’t particularly my cup of tea, but I admit they made a decent work. Not great, they could have built up the lesson a little better. Just decent.
BTW, I felt like they’re were writing Dusty Pages less than a random librarian and more like a Twilight relative, maybe like her grandma, but they remembered “oh but if she was her grandma she would know that she got fired” and they just made her a random librarian. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me.
I liked the vibe between them, it is clear Twilight spent tons of her free time there so it is natural she would be close with a staff member that almost lives there. Kind of like how you get to know your coworkers and regulars.
I gave this episode an 8/10 Super Mushrooms and yes, Moondancer my waifu is there! only shortly
By the way; "nodding" is when the head is going 'up and down'.