Zero Blogs: Slice of Life

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Rose: Let the record show that he had to watch the episode three times before he could even being to formulate an opinion.

She's right. In all honesty, this episode is pretty much fanservice incarnate. And I expect the reviewers to be very decisive on that subject. As for me, wellllll.

I admit, I was a little worried going into it. I mean Double Rainboom already showed us what happens if you focus more on making references and less on making your story coherent: you end up with an utterly worthless pile of poop. And while I know that Meghan McCarthy would never sink that low, it didn't stop me from wondering.

Thankfully, it's averted here. Each of the characters we're following all synchronize with either the wedding or the bugbear attack properly. Doctor Hooves was trying to get his suit ready, Muffins was trying to get flowers, Octavia and Vinyl were prepping the music, and Lyra and Bon-Bon were helping with the preparations.

Anyone who wasn't familiar with the episode probably wouldn't get the references, but they'd still enjoy it just as much. And much like Pinkie Pride, that's the important part.

Now, as to what I thought about each revelation:

Doctor Whooves: While obviously lacking the TARDIS, it does seem to imply he's advanced in age and thoroughly knowledgeable about time travel. And just like the Doctor, he's incredibly clever but lacks social skills and street smarts. I can see him in a mentorship role just like Zecora. Plus they managed to make him friends with Muffins without making it seem forced. Also, yay the favored one returns just like in Breezies. They even put his catchphrase in.

Muffins: That's the name in the credits, so that's what I'm going with. While she does seem to work in the post office, she's not exactly a mailmare. Also her voice has changed from the last roundup. From simpleton ditz to more of a caring friend determined to fix her mistakes. I like the new one more and I think Tabitha does too. Plus this way, people won't think she's a retard. Another thing to note is that neither Sparkler nor Dinky appear near her throughout the episode. Does this de-confirm the daughter theory.

Vinyl and Octavia: I've always been a fan of the Odd Couple concept. Where two people from different paths of life have to live together. The slob and the snob, the nerd and the jock, the party king with the upperclassman. As such, I really liked the idea that these two are roommates (And just that thank goodness). Not only that, but they sync together so well in their music. I couldn't help but be reminded of the tasting scene from Ratatouille: two different flavors combined into one.

Lyra and Bon-Bon/Sweetie Drops: In a surprising twist, all this time it was Lyra who was the sane one and Sweetie Drops the conspiracy theorist. That also explains all her different voices. The idea that an organization like S.H.I.E.L.D or the F.B.I exists in Equestria is rather thought provoking. After all, someone needs to cover the rear when the Mane 6 aren't available. Other than that, not much to say though I'm glad they're not lesbians. "We're as close as two friends could possibly be without going over any boundaries that would be indicative of our being more than friends."

Celestia: She's gotten more characterization in two episodes than she has in the entire four seasons before then. The little argument she and Luna had makes them feel so much more...human. And less like walking Exposition. And we still have our princess episode to look forward to.

Gummy's monologue had me burst out laughing it was so funny.

But all in all, this was a love letter to the fans. It may not be the most emotional episode ever, but I appreciate that the staff took their time to thank all of their watchers for getting them to 100 episodes.

Which leads me to my last point.

When I became Infernity Zero, I wasn't exactly sure how to cope with having fans. Part of this was due to having such low self-esteem that I couldn't imagine that anyone could possibly be a fan of my work. And boy did you guys prove me wrong, providing me with a great deal of encouragement and constructive criticism to keep writing Shine. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. People like you-know-who illustrate the dark side of fandoms: people who feel the need to be overly negative and tear others down. Those kind of people you don't want to be around. And whether it's Shine, Spark, or anything else, there have been times I've felt discouraged. Either because I don't think I can make it good enough for you guys or because I worry that it won't be good enough anyway.

So the questions are: What do I want from my fans? And how do I treat them?

Just like this episode, I want you guys to be fans I can be proud of. People I can respect, care for, and even admire. I want you to be kind and patient, not afraid to make your opinions know; but at the same time, speaking them with care. That makes our symbiotic relationship work.

Anyway, thanks for sticking with the show for 100 episodes, and thanks for sticking with me too.

Zero