Friendship is Card Games: Pony Life, Season 2, Week 6 · 11:43am Aug 8th, 2021
This week, we look at the penultimate batch of Pony Life. I’ll save my appraisal of the series as a whole until I’ve seen the whole thing. For now, let’s see how we approach the end.
Playwright or Wrong
Ah. I’m honestly surprised it’s taken Pinkie this long to tend bar… though I do have to wonder whatever happened to the assorted potions. We haven’t heard from Potion Nova in quite some time…
Also, given how those shakes seem to be neutrally buoyant for sprinkles, I can only imagine how thick they are.
My father, an amazing cook, has been known to order everyone to wait if he’s forgotten a garnish or topping on a meal. I definitely know how everypony feels here.
(I actually told him the broad strokes. His reaction: “They want you to enjoy their full vision, and you’re damned lucky to have them.”)
Between the whipped cream and the cupcake toppers, I’m amazed Pinkie served most of the shakes without realizing that something was amiss.
A holiday that was made specifically because it’s the day with the greatest chronological distance from all other holidays. Yeah, this world was definitely made by Pinkie Pie.
I have several questions about the Trixie-hosted Ponyville Playday, not least why Rainbow Dash found it so incredible. Also, this continues to raise questions about whether the rest of the Mane Six work at Sugarcube Corner in any kind of official capacity.
Wait, the Wild Siders are still here? We just went through a whole plot arc where they were nowhere to be seen. I suppose this may be “here” in the sense of “we can easily access their dimension through the portal in the broom closet.”
I get the feeling this is far from the first time Pinkie has created life in her test kitchen.
Ah yes, Rarity the dramaturge. It does work as an alternate career path for her. I just wish we were directly told about it earlier in the series given how heavily it leans on Friendship is Magic for knowledge about the characters and setting (ignoring the times when it casually contradicts that knowledge.)
I do appreciate Twilight physically shoving the transition along. Literally butting in on Pinkie’s suggestion. Her own idea doesn’t seem to have much merit. You can’t quantify audience reactions like that, no matter how much media companies might wish otherwise.
Ah, they’re all shoving to get a word in edgewise. Still fun.
Oh boy. Rarity volunteering to perform seven roles in the same production. I’m sure that will go well. (Hmm. Who’s directing this mess, anyway?)
I see Wicked is a multiversal constant.
Never been a fan of using “the Mane Six” as a diegetic term for Twilight and company. Trying to import fandom terms into canon almost never ends well.
Oof. Yeah, the Bearer of Honesty isn’t someone you’d expect to have a lot of natural acting talent.
Ain’t no rule that says a dog can’t play piano.
Ah. The Wild Siders may not have the most discerning taste. And that’s me saying that.
Dash’s performance raises a lot of questions, from “how is she pulling off the living zoetrope” to “how do we keep her from ever making that face again?”
Oh dear. The fourth wall will not protect them from Rarity.
Double oh dear. They never really settled on how to present the various ideas to their audience.
Twilight, there’s only one star in our solar system. It won’t be that long of a presentation.
I’d ask Fluttershy to explain why she felt a mime act was the best option, but I doubt I’d get a satisfactory answer.
Ponyville bicentennial? … You know, I don’t think we’ve ever seen Granny Smith in Pony Life.
Ah. The montage approach won them over. Mind you, “them” means beings from another ,far more chaotic universe, so it’s unclear if the local audience will feel the same, but I always appreciate a good “all of the above” solution.
The Shows Must Go On
I appreciate the use of the long s in the title card
Those blank-eyed standees make me more than slightly uncomfortable.
Okay, seriously, why is Twilight of all ponies doing so much physical shoving in this batch?
Ah, marshmelodrama. Always fun to see Tabitha St. Germain ham it up.
Surprise Rarity enough and you could collapse a small economy. Which might cause her to spawn even more gems.
“You’re going to be the best Tree #2 there is, Clarity.”
Okay, I admit, Curtain Call amuses me. Though he does raise the familiar question of just how well-known these mares should be.
So we’re just going to gloss over how there was a theater right across the street this whole time. Yeah, sure.
Ah, looks like the angel/devil pair Pinkie borrowed in “The Saddle Row Review” got back to their usual client.
… oh. Or it’s good intentions and naked ambition. That works too. And it sounds like the FiM episode to mention was actually “Sweet and Elite,” what with Rarity trying to be in two places at once.
Turns out that “play seven roles” idea was foreshadowing for this mess. And it does work as a counterpoint to the previous episode: Sometimes you can’t have it both ways.
Okay, either Curtain Call has completely failed to register that his Tree #2 has been racing in and out of the theater this whole time, or he’s deliberately sabotaging the small-town production for some reason. Or Rarity really is that good, but under these circumstances, who could be?
The presence of only one set of visible (and familiar) eyes in the audience rather spoiled the joke in Rarity’s bitter farewell. Though I did appreciate the diegetic explanation for the dramatic lighting.
Unforeseen magical events, eh? Curtain Call may not be the only saboteur at work. Theaters don’t just get remodeled into aquariums for no reason.
Assuming that Rarity was still going to play seven characters, splitting the role just seems like common sense.
Hey, you two were going on about exposure and friends coming and going. You don’t get a high-hoof.
The De-Stress Ball
I see Applejack never learned the fine art of dislocating her hips.
Ah. I admit, they got me with the fake-out. I wouldn’t put it past this show to not show the actual performance.
rurty
wat r u doin
rurty
stahp
Now comes the question: Did Rarity induce Applejack’s stage fright, or did she merely help her recognize it? Hard to say. (Also, curious choice for AJ to be the one concerned about the stage, but we have seen that this Fluttershy is considerably more confident than her less superdeformed counterpart.)
I was not prepared for “get our Zen on” and “collywobbles” in quick succession like that.
“Chamomilia” is a legitimately great pony name. And possibly related to Tree Hugger and/or Sandbar. Earth ponies do make for great New Age gurus.
So, did the butterflies just show up to gather around Chamomilia, or did she bring them?
Bad time for the munchies to strike, Cammy.
“See how disappointed they would be if you forgot your lines.”
I really hope Rarity isn’t paying for this consultation.
… Okay, the more this mare speaks, the more I suspect we’re looking at Pony Life Chrysalis.
Yeah, I would send an invoice right back for the therapy I’d need after this therapy. What the crap, Chamomilia.
That “You speak the truth” has strong “There is… logic in what he says” energy.
“Hey, I’m relaxed again.”
“Hmm, I am too.”
“Explains the smell.”
Beg pardon?
Mad Props
Oh boy. Rarity, if you’re talking to yourself about your pitchiness, I don’t think the de-stress ball worked quite as intended.
I see Applejack’s going with the updo from the carnival, though she’s having trouble recapturing Cadence’s technique.
Ah, the squishy cubes. Nice callback to one of the best episodes of the spinoff.
Oh, right, I’d forgotten about the Equestrian standard of acting. Though I suppose they do need to project to the back rows.
Ooh, ominous mist. This bodes interestingly.
Smooth bit of improv. Though they really need a stage crew that isn’t part of the cast.
AJ working her shapeshifting mane into her soliloquy is, if anything, even more impressive.
Twilight is the most natural actor of the bunch. Interesting.
“It’s like all the things we hold onto are just… going away.”
With G5 and its “ponies living apart” plot looming on the horizon, this hits a little close to home.
Oof. Enforced minimalism. Theater of the mind works better when you ask it of the audience from Act 1.
Ah, it’s much larger than the mares… and also breathes fire. That was not immediately apparent.
“We need to fight materialism!”
Says the living toy commercial. 
Characters like Fluttershy and Twilight physically assaulting something just feels wrong.
“What in Celestia’s green Equestria just happened!?”
Well, that answers a few questions about Pony Life that have lingered since the Royal Jelly Juggernaut. Maybe.
Ahhh. Discord trying to get in on the drama. And being the closest thing Pony Life has had to menacing. Which doesn’t work well when we’ve already seen him moping because Fluttershy didn’t want to hang out with him. Still, it’ll be interesting see how that pans out.
Fun stuff all around, though the inconsistent presence of the WIld Siders reminds me of Season 5 and Starlight’s uncertain position in time and space. Sugar Snap was notably absent from the actual performance, and frankly, Echo has yet to get a chance to justify his existence. In any case, I do look forward to seeing how they close this out. For now, time for the afterparty:
Polymorphous Makeover 1W
Instant
Return any number of target Auras and/or attached Equipment you control to their owners’ hands. For each permanent returned this way, you may put an Aura or Equipment card from your hand onto the battlefield attached to a permanent it can enchant or equip.
Calming Guru 2W
Creature — Pony Monk
1W, T: Untap another target creature you control. That creature gains indestructible until end of turn.
“Don’t fear the world’s troubles. Acknowledge them as they pass you by.”
2/3
Crowned Glorifier 2W
Creature — Unicorn Angel
Flying
When Crowned Glorifier enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on each Angel you control.
Eternalize 5WW (5WW, Exile this card from your graveyard: Create a token that’s a copy of it, except it’s a 4/4 black Zombie Unicorn Angel with no mana cost. Eternalize only as a sorcery.)
1/1
Voice of Generosity 3W
Creature — Unicorn Angel
Flying
You and Voice of Generosity have protection from everything you own but don’t control.
“Those who give freely need never fear the greed of others.”
—Song of All, canto 1008
2/2
Aquarium Conversion 1U
Enchantment — Aura
Enchant land
When Aquarium Conversion enters the battlefield, create a 1/1 blue Squid creature token with islandwalk. (It can’t be blocked as long as defending player controls an Island.)
Enchanted land is an Island.
Drag Off Stage 1U
Instant
Return target nonland permanent to its owner’s hand. If that permanent has mana value 5 or greater, its owner puts it on the top or bottom of their library instead.
The bigger they are, the harder you pull.
Pervasive Cold 1U
Snow Enchantment — Aura
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature doesn’t untap during its controller’s untap step.
2S: Attach Pervasive Cold to target creature. (S can be paid with one mana from a snow source.)
Hearths and coats only do so much.
Unexpected Activity 2U
Sorcery
Target noncreature artifact becomes a 0/0 artifact creature. Put four +1/+1 counters on it.
Chaotic U (You may cast this spell for its chaotic cost. If you do, choose its target at random.)
Some props just can’t wait for their cues.
Dread Hypothetical 1B
Creature — Horror
Menace
Dread Hypothetical enters the battlefield with a number of +1/+1 counters on it for equal to the total number of cards players discarded this turn.
It is every what-if and might-be that haunts a sleepless night.
0/1
Mood Killer 2B
Instant
Each opponent who gained life this turn loses 4 life. Each opponent who had a creature enter the battlefield under their control this turn sacrifices a creature. If you lost life this turn, you gain 4 life. If a creature died under your control this turn, create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token.
Vengeful Lethemancer 2B
Creature — Pony Warlock
Whenever you discard a card, each opponent discards a card. This ability only triggers once each turn.
“The party slipped your mind, huh? Yeah, I bet that happens a lot.”
2/2
Insatiable Void 2BB
Creature — Horror
Flying, menace
1B, Sacrifice another creature or an enchantment: Put a +1/+1 counter on Insatiable Void.
“There were many more stars before my banishment.”
—Princess Luna
2/2
Torch and Pitchfork 2R
Artifact — Equipment
When Torch and Pitchfork enters the battlefield, attach it to target creature you control.
Equipped creature gets +3/+1, has trample, and attacks each combat if able.
Equip 3
A must for any angry mob.
Hypersonic Reenactor 2RR
Creature — Pegasus Warrior
Flying
You may exert Hypersonic Reenactor as it attacks. When you do, you may cast target instant or sorcery card from your graveyard without paying its mana cost. If that spell would be put into your graveyard this turn, exile it instead. (An exerted creature won't untap during your next untap step.)
3/2
Casting Director 3R
Creature — Pony Advisor
Battalion — Whenever Casting Director and at least two other creatures attack, tap target creature defending player controls. Gain control of that creature until end of turn. It is attacking that player.
“You there! Want to be a star?”
3/2
Dolorosynthesis 3R
Enchantment
Whenever a creature you control is dealt damage, create a Treasure token. (It’s an artifact with “T, Sacrifice this artifact: Add one mana of any color.”)
“Even my bad days are good days.”
—Rarity, Bearer of Generosity
Wave of Panic 3R
Sorcery
This spell costs 1 less to cast for each creature you control with menace.
Creatures can’t block this turn.
Pushing minds past the brink is easier when they’re already near the edge.
Big Break 3RR
Sorcery
You may put a creature card from your hand onto the battlefield. Double that creature’s power. It gains haste and trample. Exile it at the beginning of the next step.
“Fifteen whole minutes of fame? In this economy?”
—Curtain Call, casting director
Mists of Uncertainty 3RR
Enchantment
Whenever a player casts a non-Discord spell from their hand, that player puts that spell on the bottom of its owner’s library, then reveals cards from the top of their library until they reveal a card that shares a card type with that spell. They may play that card without paying its mana cost. Then they shuffle.
Silent Expressionist 1G
Creature — Pegasus Citizen
Reach
When you cast a spell during an opponent’s turn, sacrifice Silent Expressionist.
Hers is a delicate art, one even a single misplaced wingbeat could disrupt.
3/3
Ainok Pianist 3G
Creature — Dog Bard
Finale — Whenever you sacrifice a Song, bolster 2. (Choose a creature with the least toughness among creatures you control and put two +1/+1 counters on it.)
Sarkhan could have introduced far stranger possibilities to Tarkir.
2/3
Monster Milkshake 1
Artifact — Food
4: Monstrosity 4. (If this permanent isn’t monstrous, put four +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes monstrous.)
As long as Monster Milkshake is monstrous, it’s a 0/0 artifact creature and has modular. (When it dies, you may put its +1/+1 counters on target artifact creature.)
2, T, Sacrifice Monster Milkshake: You gain 3 life.
Hostile Hodgepodge 4
Artifact Creature — Chimera
Hostile Hodgepodge’s power and toughness are each equal to the number of artifacts you control.
Whenever you sacrifice another artifact, put a +1/+1 counter on Hostile Hodgepodge.
“Guess I should clean out the shed.”
—Applejack, Bearer of Honesty
*/*
Double Feature 1UR
Instant
Choose target spell an opponent controls. Reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a nonland card with mana value equal to that spell’s mana value. You may cast that card without paying its mana cost. Put all revealed cards not cast this way on the bottom of your library in a random order.
Overdraft Absolver 2WB
Creature — Unicorn Cleric
When Overdraft Absolver enters the battlefield, create a Treasure token.
Treasures you control have extort. (Whenever you cast a spell, you may pay (wb) for each instance of extort among permanents you control. Each time you do, each opponent loses 1 life and you gain that much life.)
1/3
Grandiose Procession 2GW
Sorcery
All creatures able to block target creature you control this turn do so. Other creatures you control gain exalted until end of turn. (Whenever a creature you control attacks alone, it gets +1/+1 until end of turn for each instance of exalted among permanents you control.)
Chamomillia, huh? A pony named after a calming flower? No relation to Passiflora I take it? None at all?
Stupid Complicated Game Alert: Casting Director and the two other creatures can be attacking three different players and Battalion should still trigger. Bolding is because I'm not sure who's considered the "defending player" in that situation and players probably wouldn't be either. I'd guess only the guy the Director himself is attacking if forced to, but would really prefer a judge's opinion... (EDIT: De-bolded because there is in fact an existing rule in place. It still absolutely warrants "stupid complicated game" though.)
5565813
Well, they're both ponies focused on helping others achieve wellness, but Passiflora is competent.
5565821
As per CR 802.2a, a creature's "defending player" abilities only look at the player (or the controller of the planeswalker) that that creature is attacking, regardless of who else the rest of the cast is headed towards in this particular fight scene.
Or knowing and not caring, because she's an agent of Chaos.
Considering Applejack's the fourth-wall-aware pony in Pony Life, I suddenly got the image of a fourth-wall-aware character who has stage fright whenever they're onscreen (onpage, whatever) and have to perform. To the other characters, she's normally calm and ordinary, but every now and then, she has sudden panic attacks, stares off in random directions (at the audience) in terror, and runs for cover for no reason. The viewers don't get to see what she's really like because whenever we're watching her, she notices us and freaks out.
When Chamomillia first entered, she was aware that someone had stage fright just by sniffing. I guess Rainbow can smell calmness now.
"There is... logic, in what he says" is from Attack of the Cybermen.
It's not their best showing.
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Not sure if serious. Although I do agree in general. And I also agree regarding the use of "Mane Six" in show dialogue.
(I didn't include everybody's favorite gray pegasus because even though the incorporation of the character ultimately went very well, the incorporation of the name decidedly did not.)
Always nice to see fanfic incorporated into professional work.
T1: Seat of the Synod, chaotic Unexpected Activity.
Not insanely broken, especially in anything with the Seat, but notable.
5566400
Oh crap, Issuing a...
Play Design Alert: There are enough cheap or even 0-cost artifacts to make me worried about Unexpected Activity, because 4/4 for 3 is already above-rate and getting it for 1 if the opponent didn't draw any is a hell of an upside.