Was really praying that "The Big Mac Question" would be at least decent after two disappointments in a row, due to loving 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' and knowing that it was more than capable of great and more things. The premise was the sort that could go either way in execution, but as someone who mostly likes Big Mac and who thought it was high time the show did something that really did progress him expectations were not low.
Thankfully, the execution was the complete opposite of low quality. "The Big Mac Question" is not just a huge improvement over the previous two episodes, it is also the best 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' episode since "Between Dark and Dawn" (the period between that and this was hit and miss) and easily one of the best episodes of Season 9. One of not many to be top tier level in a season that, while not as wildly uneven as Seasons 6 and 8, in general could have been a lot better.
So much is brilliant here in "The Big Mac Question". The animation is terrific. Not just typically rich in background detail, very vibrant and atmospheric in colour and with character designs that never look awkward or ugly, but it is also very inventive in the facial expressions. A lot goes on visually but it doesn't feel cluttered and is done imaginatively. The music is as dynamic and beautifully orchestrated as ever.
Writing is both hilarious and poignant, with a lot of genuinely funny moments that made me laugh out loud and a fair share of very sweet and emotional ones as well. A major highlight was the scream that was Granny Smith's telling of her dream, what a perfect callback to one of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic's' best episodes "The Perfect Pear". The story is full of energy and is never less than compelling, there is nothing bland about it and nothing too simple or complicated. It was also incredibly clever and affectionate for it to be told from everybody's point of view.
Big Mac has grown a lot as a character and is endearing. Likewise with Sugar Belle. They are incredibly cute together, without being overly so. Their families are just as appealing and the similarities in personalities between Big Mac and his father and Sugar Belle and Pear Butter is uncanny. And in a good way, being polite and caring are great qualities to have. Granny Smith is also memorable for that wonderful callback scene. The voice work all round is excellent.
All in all, wonderful episode and a high point of Season 9. 10/10.
Thankfully, the execution was the complete opposite of low quality. "The Big Mac Question" is not just a huge improvement over the previous two episodes, it is also the best 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' episode since "Between Dark and Dawn" (the period between that and this was hit and miss) and easily one of the best episodes of Season 9. One of not many to be top tier level in a season that, while not as wildly uneven as Seasons 6 and 8, in general could have been a lot better.
So much is brilliant here in "The Big Mac Question". The animation is terrific. Not just typically rich in background detail, very vibrant and atmospheric in colour and with character designs that never look awkward or ugly, but it is also very inventive in the facial expressions. A lot goes on visually but it doesn't feel cluttered and is done imaginatively. The music is as dynamic and beautifully orchestrated as ever.
Writing is both hilarious and poignant, with a lot of genuinely funny moments that made me laugh out loud and a fair share of very sweet and emotional ones as well. A major highlight was the scream that was Granny Smith's telling of her dream, what a perfect callback to one of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic's' best episodes "The Perfect Pear". The story is full of energy and is never less than compelling, there is nothing bland about it and nothing too simple or complicated. It was also incredibly clever and affectionate for it to be told from everybody's point of view.
Big Mac has grown a lot as a character and is endearing. Likewise with Sugar Belle. They are incredibly cute together, without being overly so. Their families are just as appealing and the similarities in personalities between Big Mac and his father and Sugar Belle and Pear Butter is uncanny. And in a good way, being polite and caring are great qualities to have. Granny Smith is also memorable for that wonderful callback scene. The voice work all round is excellent.
All in all, wonderful episode and a high point of Season 9. 10/10.