Episode Discussion » S9E22 - Growing Up Is Hard To Do · 2:51pm Oct 12th, 2019
Synopsis
When the Cutie Mark Crusaders are magically transformed into grownups,they discover that growing up the right way means gaining experience and wisdom that simply can’t be rushed.
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Well, this is one concept the writers took too long to execute. Shame on you guys.
This plot would've worked in an earlier season; preferably before the CMC got their Cutie Marks. Here, it's just blatant backsliding. The Crusaders are mature enough to be counselors at the School of Friendship and help ponies with their problems, yet they don't know there's more to maturity than just being big? Yeah, I buy that for all of zero seconds.
It's true this episode should've came out 'before' the previous CMC episode this season and it's especially true that the episode's story feels like something that could've taken place at an 'earlier' season. But for what it is: While it's not the most complex CMC episode in the entire series, for all it's simplicity I actually did enjoy the story. Not only did I find this story something to help teach younger viewers what's truly important about growing up (As many shows had attempted to do in the past) but it also provides a relatable topic that adult audiences can relate with as far as the struggle of being grown up. That being older, taller or stronger is no replacement for wisdom and experience something that the CMC had to learn the hard way. Although, even for a brief moment when we see the potential of how they'd be as they are older and providing their actors a chance to act their age for once, I truly did enjoy their time as adult ponies even though at times they did act a 'little' immature.
To be fair, it was pretty much their own fault right from the beginning neglecting to tell the Mane Six about the fair at least a week in advance before planning all these activities. Of course they'd say no because it was a last minute request and they all had other things to do, but it's also sad knowing that these fillies (In spite of everything they've been through) are still treated as if they'd get lost or cause trouble just for being off on their own (Though to be fair, they do run into trouble). While I initially thought they'd use a potion taken from Zecora's hut or this was one of those stories where they are shifted twenty something years into the future as a bit of foreshadow, the fact the episode uses a magic flower that grants wishes at the cost of one petal... Yeah I guess that works. True the new characters brought in could've been better, the song (While catchy) may not be entirely memorable and the CMC end up eating crow when they realize everything their friends 'said' would happen becomes reality, at least it's fair to say that this episode was better than let's say, oh... '2, 4, 6, GREEEEEEAT'.
Anyways, if there is one nitpick that some fans are easily overlooking is how they asked nearly every member of the Mane Six to take them, except Pinkie Pie. When you think about it, that's kind of like the authors subtly saying, "You remember the LAST TIME you girls asked Pinkie to chaperone for you?" Eh, to be fair she's easily distracted and immature for her age but she DOES have her moments... Just not enough. I will say, that little puppy-dog was kind of cute during the festival... Until it turned into a twister. Least it wasn't caused by a pony this time... Mostly.
What is it with this season and not knowing when to leave well enough alone? The CMC's arc was just fine with "The Last Crusade" as a conclusion, we absolutely didn't need this predictable episode about growing up that the CMC should already know by now.
Okay, I will admit that I agree with a lot of the neighsayers that the CMC should be more mature than this by now. Also, they could plan out every other little detail to the letter but couldn't find ONE trustworthy chaperone to take them to the fair, really? At the same time, I really can't bring myself to hate this episode. I don't know why though. I mean, it's not good, but it's not terrible either. I do hate that song though, but that might just be the last few years of actually adulting talking.
"Growing Up is Hard to Do" Review: Growing up's hard..... and losing somepony is, too.
Omg! It's another Cutie Mark Crusader episode!
If I were in their place I'd say **** the fair. I'd rather stay home and watch tv/play video games.
Wait a minute, is this that kind of episode where they teach you that wanting to grow up fast when you're not supposed to is bad? A kid wanting to be a grown up and then regretting it?
Oh, Twilight. There's a lot of things grownups can't do. Like looking at naughty pictures of cute little fillies in lingerie, lolis and… why do I hear police sirens outside my house?
Yup. It looks like I was right all along. Oh hey, a Beauty and the Beast reference with that flower in the jar!
Damn, I guess Scootaloo might need wing surgery after all…
And wow! They look fine as hell when they're grown up.
I swear, some of these episodes are very relatable. Too relatable…
Oh hey, it's that old man again!
At least they made it to the fair okay.
Why the heck does Floofy look like a fluffy Temmie? O3O
Whoa. A hurricane Pokémon. O3O
I was expecting an angry little puppy that snuzzles their victims to death!
Pokémon intensifies!
I accidentally paused the video at 2:56 and got a face full of thicc alicorn princess plot. And I got a nosebleed. O3O
Now I want a pet Floofy! ^3^
So they went through all of this just because they want to go to a simple fair? And nobody was willing to supervise them? Damn these cliches!
Alright… I have a massive headache right now. So all I can say is I liek dis episode! O3O
A nice little "bonus" CMC episode, with the classic "being grown-ups isn't all great" story.
The CMCs' grown-up forms had some nice designs (especially Sweetie Belle's), and their song was really catchy.
While it's true they were acting less mature than usual, that could be attributed to being "grown up" going to their heads.
Spur and Biscuits were interesting new characters, and Bloofy was adorable (if destructive). And the way Twilight and Fluttershy reacted to the disaster with an air of "seen it all" was amusing.
this episode felt more like a season 1 or 2 episode
The episode is decently funny, but Agrol did it better 5 years ago.
5135885
I'd say Season 6, the last time this guy wrote for the Crusaders. Or perhaps swap it with Forever Filly?
5136017
It's a decent enough ep in isolation, but in this spot it rubs salt into the wounds of those of us who have wanted the CMC to grow up for years now. Especially the line about how they were younger than Spur and Biscuit.
No further comments? I guess this episode really is forgotten...
5136364
Replace Forever Filly? Also, Jim Miller said Spur is like 12, and the CMC are 8-10. So the ages are really messy.
5136713
»
And yes, swap with Forever Filly, since them coming in the order they do makes no sense.
5136335
5136043
Just how high are you right now?
5136842
I live on the ground floor of my apartment.
I'm just too excited. That's all.
5136722
So you're saying they were 9 and became 22?
5138437
No. Just expressing my sheer frustration at the concept of them being preteens at this point.
"My god, we've become the very thing we hate - useless adults who put it on the children to solve problems."
Still no discussion? Anyone want to write a Spur fic?
5141173
What would a Spur fic involve? How she first met Bloofy?
5143372
Maybe. There's one deconstructing her similarities to Cozy Glow (Warning: it starts with mention of Cozy being executed and delves into hallucinations/memories) and I have a one-shot on writer's block hiatus that involves her developing psychic powers (it's a rando comedy story where nonsense rules) and another one not yet created that features her and a selection of other characters (Unconfirmed characters but I'm considering the CMC and Skeedaddle) dimension-hopping.
5143543
Sounds like fun.
Yeah, because saying that totally doesn't make you a complete hypocrite or anything.