Gauntlet of Fire - Discussion

I enjoyed it. Like you said, had the world-building aspect of expanding on dragon culture and lands-and also introduced some new dragon characters. Ember is a nice addition to dragonkind in Equestria, adding at least one more dragon who isn't a total jerk (bringing the total to two? We didn't see much of the other dragons, but it was stated that they "don't do friends," from which you could probably infer that they "don't do not being jerks.")

Nice change of pace from the last couple of episodes, giving us some action and adventure. Ember is pretty neat, too; she was tough and playing at being cold, but was actually nice, and her reaction to Spike's hug was pretty cute, too. (You could kind of tell where this was going the moment she's introduced, though, heh...) Hope we see more of her! I also liked her dad (Torch? I forget his name); his demands of "AGREE WITH ME!" and "BE SAD!" were pretty awesome.

Probably the best episode of the season, so far. Which consists of five episodes right now, so yeah.

Cynicism is easy.

Great episode. I watched it twice :)

RIP
Jeff Hanneman
1964-2013

I think it is the best story so far this season. Spike was well handled, the Ponies were literally pushed into the background to give Spike center stage and we got good world building with a solid in for future stories set there. That was one of the big problems with The Lost Treasure of Griffonstone, they came and did hardly anything to ingratiate themselves into the locale as to revisit without having an awkward reintroduction for our characters to the locals. Here, with the Dragonlord on their side, they can quickly have any of the mane cast show up without preamble as to "what are you doing here?"

I thought it was fun and the moral of together we accomplish more was well presented. Spike was actually given a bit of respect here which was surprising given how his last episode had him do the best that could be asked of him only to have Princess CAntDoEnythiNgtoContributE just chastise him for making what for the most part were the best calls that could be made and taking some perks on the side.

I also found it interesting that his lack of wings was addressed. I'll need to pay special attention to what was all said when I rewatch it. A fun, action filled episode with world building in nice easy strides, and a well demonstrated moral. Great job returning writers Joanna Lewis Kristine Songco. You get a cookie.

Strongest episode of the season. Spike is finally given a situation where he really shines in character as the lead, the world is expanded upon, and let's face it, Spike may finally have a more appropriate future love-interest than Rarity.

Big thumbs up on this one.