"Common Ground" conceptually was quite a unique one, having never been done before on 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'. Namely because it is a very sensitive yet very true to life subject and had the potential problem of being too heavy. Had no doubt that the show would handle it well though, as it has dealt with difficult subjects before and tactfully each time. It was also interesting for seeing the return of the character of Quibble Pants.
Who was seen to memorable effect in the excellent "Stranger Than Fan Fiction". He was not a likeable character in that episode and anybody that was annoyed by him can't be blamed, but he is a perfect representation of what that episode was poking fun at and venting frustrations at, the toxic behaviour of competitive fans. It was very interesting and refreshing to see a softer and relatable side to him this time, and although it is rated lower than the previous episode "The Point of Return" to me this was the much better episode. Not an extraordinary outing, but a very good one.
It is quite light in the humour department and what there is is quite predictable and never my definition of hilarious.
However, there are so many great things about "Common Ground" that help make an episode that could easily have been too ordinary and safe something well worth watching and worth relating to. Quibble Pants is pretty much the complete opposite of how he was in "Stranger Than Fan Fiction", here he is a lot more sympathetic and down to earth and actually easy to identify with with a clear genuine love for his family. His family are lovely characters as well and well defined, not being too over sweet or anything, and the bond between them is genuine. Really liked Rainbow Dash here as well, here at her most sympathetic in a while and she proves to be very resourceful and helpful. The character writing and interaction in fact is spot on.
As is the voice acting. Ashleigh Ball brings edge and nuance to Rainbow Dash and Patton Oswalt's voice work is enthusiastic yet understated. Having members of his own family voicing Quibble Pants' family was an inspired and sweet touch. While "Common Ground" may be very light when it comes to the laughs, it is very high when it comes to the charm and emotional heart. The story is slight but extremely charming and tenderly told. The moral is very relatable and handled with honesty.
Moreover, the animation is beauifully detailed and vibrant. The music is dynamic and has infectious character and atmosphere. The dialogue is never simplistic or confused, and manages to be sweet without being saccharine and warm-hearted without being cheesy or too sentimental.
Overall, very pleasing episode. Not one of the season's very best but lightyears away from being one of the worst. Actually put it in the better half. 8/10.
Who was seen to memorable effect in the excellent "Stranger Than Fan Fiction". He was not a likeable character in that episode and anybody that was annoyed by him can't be blamed, but he is a perfect representation of what that episode was poking fun at and venting frustrations at, the toxic behaviour of competitive fans. It was very interesting and refreshing to see a softer and relatable side to him this time, and although it is rated lower than the previous episode "The Point of Return" to me this was the much better episode. Not an extraordinary outing, but a very good one.
It is quite light in the humour department and what there is is quite predictable and never my definition of hilarious.
However, there are so many great things about "Common Ground" that help make an episode that could easily have been too ordinary and safe something well worth watching and worth relating to. Quibble Pants is pretty much the complete opposite of how he was in "Stranger Than Fan Fiction", here he is a lot more sympathetic and down to earth and actually easy to identify with with a clear genuine love for his family. His family are lovely characters as well and well defined, not being too over sweet or anything, and the bond between them is genuine. Really liked Rainbow Dash here as well, here at her most sympathetic in a while and she proves to be very resourceful and helpful. The character writing and interaction in fact is spot on.
As is the voice acting. Ashleigh Ball brings edge and nuance to Rainbow Dash and Patton Oswalt's voice work is enthusiastic yet understated. Having members of his own family voicing Quibble Pants' family was an inspired and sweet touch. While "Common Ground" may be very light when it comes to the laughs, it is very high when it comes to the charm and emotional heart. The story is slight but extremely charming and tenderly told. The moral is very relatable and handled with honesty.
Moreover, the animation is beauifully detailed and vibrant. The music is dynamic and has infectious character and atmosphere. The dialogue is never simplistic or confused, and manages to be sweet without being saccharine and warm-hearted without being cheesy or too sentimental.
Overall, very pleasing episode. Not one of the season's very best but lightyears away from being one of the worst. Actually put it in the better half. 8/10.