Leap of Faith Review

[@RubyGalaxyYT]

Apple Jack admitting that she messed up was my highlight of the episode. It showed that she had the courage and want to correct her mistake, something that we all should learn and take to heart.

[@kendalberensen7599]

I really liked this episode personally. The song was enjoyable and the story was fun. I also liked that applejack has an interesting flaw of caring too much for her family which in turn was one of her biggest strengths. I liked seeing that characteristic about her and really gives even more to her character. Also, Flim and Flam are fun with their numbers, but I don't want to see them much either. All around it was great.

[@ImaCartoon4ever]

Outstanding review there Dr. I've always wanted to see these two return and this episode did a great job in doing that. Hope this means we might see the return of a few more villains or antagonists in the future. Such as Gilda or Lightning Dust.

[@cofagrigusfan24]

there are 2 things for me in this episode -we have the fifth key (i still wonder how they fit in the keyholes) -we have a villain comeback (and that is Always a good thing)

[@jshadowhunter]

Watching this episode, I felt like I was watching a MLP spinoff of Bioshock Infinite; with Flim and Flam advertising a Plasmid. =P That aside, the way I see it, there seems to be focus on Applejack's Despair, much like for Rainbow Dash in Rainbow Falls episode. Where Rainbow Dash struggled to either stab her friends in the back or kiss her dreams goodbye, Applejack struggled weather she should sacrifice her integrity or risk somebody loosing that sudden burst of life they lacked not long ago. Now in the show there are some convenient plot points that make the right choice rather obvious, but in real life it's much more difficult and at times there are dire consequences for it. Despair is the natural enemy of Honesty and Loyalty, as they can easily break under its pressure.

[@JKrowlingrockx]

Yep AppleJack's key had to do with Granny Smith. My friend and I had already speculated on Granny playing some role in this, but the only way we could come up with involved Granny getting hurt somehow or another(possibly even close to death) and AppleJack having to lie to everyone about how bad the situation actually was and realizing that lying so the other ponies wouldn't feel sorry for her was shortsighted and stubborn and she's get her key by realizing just how important it is to keep true to her friends because they will always stay by her. We both KNEW this approach was way too dark for a kids show, but the fact that it still involved Granny is slightly reassuring. And a return of Flim and Flam with a catchy new jingle also helped their cause. All in all, I was impressed with AppleJack:)

[@saraolt]

I also like how the lie spiraling was completely out of AJ's control, when asked is the tonic worked she simply said that it worked for Ganny. I think that this episode may also have just a little bit of meta commentary about modern day pressing how we treat celebrities, at least in the USA.

[@cannedcream]

I'm glad you touched upon the placebo effect here in your video, Doc. As soon as I saw the episode, I had been looking forward to your personal take on the power of suggestion and it's effects upon a person (or, pony, in this case).

[@CrittersRule247]

Doc - just release your own album, we'll buy it.

[@DRWolf001]

I'm still way out of practice though...I'd need to be spending several weeks getting my singing voice back into proper shape.

[@CrittersRule247]

DRWolf001 Well if that's you out of practice, I can't wait to hear you in your full glory.

[@CaptLaserPuppy]

I just need to gush here for a minute, you absolutely blew my mind with the Spike or Twilight key opportunity and that could lead somewhere incredible. Your singing voice was also fantastic and first time hearing it I actually thought it was the original recording. Amazing job!

[@DRWolf001]

Glad to hear that others are enjoying my voicework.

[@ilemmail5114]

If they ever decide to use a fan character in the show, hopefully it will be yours :)

[@BlackDragon741]

So no mention of Applejack's key? The mane six are receiving these 'keys' without realizing it because they're not literal. Applejack struggled with her honesty, became saddened by it, and then overcame it. Overcoming her struggle with honesty is when the rainbow appeared in her eyes, and then she received the bit, which shined rainbow. What I've noticed, is that each of the main six are receiving their 'keys' from people they taught their lesson to. Their keys aren't just about their reward for sticking to the element in doubt after being taken advantage of, but also they get this key from a person they taught this lesson to. The plant Flim and Flam used was dishonest, he learned from Applejack and gave her a gift. The bit wasn't a key to begin with, it gained the ability to become a key because of what it represented. It's a metaphor.

[@GravityFallsUp]

I'm rooting for Spike. His role in the show has been made very apparent in this season, he got a whole episode about him being the comic relief as well as some scenes with it in other episodes. He really deserves it.

[@discordia7380]

Why does this episode remind me of Kronks new Groove. their was a story with the main vilianess Yzma making a youth potion that didn't work, but Kronk didn't want the people that she gave it too to know that it was a fake, because they felt really good about drinking the tonic. and in the end the Kronk tells them and they find out that they are as only old as they feel.

[@NumbingDisasterAnon]

And by the by, Doc, awesome singing there. By far, my favorite song within the show...can't stop listening to it. I love showtunes/musical numbers...so good.

[@BasedGhostman]

I liked this episode and the return of film&flam did not disappoint.

[@TS2dethmonkey]

Five down, one to go. Any guesses how Twilight (or Spike) is going to get the final key? As for the Brothers, I think they were good in both episodes, but I preferred the song from Super Speedy Cider Squeezy over this new song. I felt it was a little off.

[@DanteFox]

Am I the only one that wants to make flim & flam in to glue?

[@JacobMKeeneAKADrPepperKing]

Darn, I wish I didn't delete the episode off my DVR when I did, because I watched it kinda late when everyone else was asleep and I had the volume down to 10, and there were bits and pieces that I couldn't hear (such as however Flim and Flam made the Tonic [but I could at least hear most of it]), which made a little of the episode, and this review a more confusing.

[@akmalsy159]

I love both this episode & SSCS6000, but for comparisons, I like this one for the life lessons, while Super Speedy was just good fun. Admittedly at first watch, I like the Super Speedy song a lot more than this episode's, but maybe that'll change on rewatchings. Nah, Twilight will find the final key, though if it did turn out to be Spike, it'll be the biggest WTF moment in MLP history. But, the most I want to know is, who or what do you think will be the season 4 finale villain?

[@greywolfnight7051]

Who knows, maybe the conflict for the finale doesn't involve a villain but about Twilight getting her "key."

[@queenieofqueens]

I call it right now! Spike ends up being the villain because of all the shit he went through!

[@queenieofqueens]

Michael Velez I'm calling it! Spike ends up being the villain because of all the shit he's been through!

[@WyvernYT]

I think Spike finding the key could be made to work well, but would challenge the assumption that the Mane Six are the protagonists and everyone else is there to support them. But then, I had a similar thought back in the very second episode of the first season, when Twilight got a tiara rather than a necklace like her friends. Spike as a villain...only if something like The Secret of My Excess is done. MLP will want to use the character later and there's no reason to think we know all the surprises of dragon development. So yes, Spike could quite plausibly have another growth spurt and we could watch the Mane Six try to live through the resulting Godzilla movie.

[@catluvr2]

Wow. I was honestly NOT expecting that last question. I'd love it if the next episode with a certain somepony ended up being a surprise key episode.

[@angewomon143]

Has anyone else noticed most evil unicorn magic in equestria is portrayed as green and flim and flams magic when their horns light up is green? Just a thought.

[@SupergirlKnowsNothin]

What I did notice is that like in "Rarity Takes Manhattan" when Rarity learns the lesson of Generosity HER eyes shine in a rainbow form and in this episode When Applejack learns her lesson on Honesty HER eyes shine the same way Rarity's did. Im guessing that has do with the box we saw in Season 4 Episode 1 and 2.

[@bjenkins380]

I'm glad that I finally got to see what color Lyra's magic is. Don't know if anyone else figured that it would be that color.

[@BioniclesaurKing4t2]

Some guessed it would be golden yellow (as it's her eye color), but others think she would simply choose to "ignore" that eye-color-equals-magic-color rule because she's awesome and have it be light green instead.

[@Woodsstories]

Lyra was fun in this episode, but it honestly pisses me off that we haven't seen her hanging with BonBon all season. I guess some tight assed parent finally complained about the lesbian ponies and now they've broken the two up.

[@bjenkins380]

I hope not, because I like those two together.

[@Woodsstories]

applejacked I love them too, but it's highly probable.

[@bjenkins380]

Sadly true.

[@SleepingSilentBelle]

Just for that last question: Since all these keys have come from characters who learn a lesson from one of the Mane 6, I think it would be great if Twilight got her key from Spike being the one to learn a lesson from her. In my mind that would be awesome, and would give her lesson an enormity of meaning behind it. That's what I'm hoping for, even if I doubt it will actually happen.

[@grff_]

SPIKE! I just feel like the "someone" that's gonna give Twily the key is SPIKE!

[@sensoriko]

Oddly, the song reminded me of the Pete's Dragon song where the con men couldn't remember the exact name of the town, "Passamasloddy." It also made me want to create retelling of Pete's dragon where Flim and Flam try to kidnap Spike for their own purposes, similar to another Pete's Dragon song "Every Little Piece."

[@DaBoy2187]

your soo quick on making a review from something that came out today

[@cryofpaine]

I am praying that the final key is found by Celestia and Luna. Think about it. The keys have been found by the rest of the main six learning something about their element and passing that knowledge on. But Twilight has learned everything she can about magic. She's learned so much, she's evolved to an Alicorn state. What more is there? However, the tree also had Celestia's and Luna's cutie marks on there as well. The energy that formed the box originated with the rest of the main 5's elements, went through Twilight's, and then powered up Celestia's and Luna's marks before forming the box. Twilight's was at the center, and the rest were outside. I think Twilight's element will provide the power (what's inside the box), and the others will provide the keys to unlocking that power, as they always have. And the last key should be Celestia and Luna reconciling the events of the past. When Luna became Nightmare Moon, she was still an element barer. So one element barer used the elements on another. That is the very antithesis of harmony. That kind of use would have to have repercussions. I want to see them handle those repercussions together, to find the final key.

[@angewomon143]

I love when you sing, its fun! Anyway I like how the first episode flim and flam appeared in refferenced the music man and how this one refferenced petes dragon and sweeny todd. I hope we see them again but not trying to fool the town again. Maybe growth? I do enjoy watching them though

[@Ratone6]

When I saw this episode I immediately thought of Pete's Dragon, with the whole: it really works when it is just an actor. I thought the episode was good, despite predictability, and the song was fine for me.

[@LiteTsuki]

Now that you bring up the point about the last key. The clear choice in who will find it... Is Spike. I mean Twilight found the box, why would she need to find a key as well?

[@BlueMonkeyLego]

I really hope they do more with flim and flam

[@ABitSillyPony]

About the last key, spike finding it would be a possibility, because (spoiler alert!!) we will have at least one more spike episode this season. That would also be pretty cool :)

[@rioulufairy]

hold on a moment at 2:34 their is two doctors O.O but I do have to admit this episode was pretty fun for me

[@RBComics]

A perfect episode to show to my sister after being bummed out that she couldn't make a good free throw on basketball

[@missedthebandwagon976]

First off, Applejack is my favorite pony. And honesty is one of my favorite traits in a person. I hadn't thought that Flim and Flam would come back and was very happy that they did. I thought the synchronized swimming part was very well animated. SSCS6000 was probably a better episode, but if we don't compare it to that, even though that was Flim and Flam's start, if we put that aside, it's a pretty good episode in my opinion.

[@yondaime500]

So, are we gonna talk about the fact that Granny Smith's father is alive and hasn't aged a day since the founding of Ponyville, yet none of the Apples recognize him? Seriously though, I felt about this episode the same way Tommy Oliver felt about Maud Pie: it was a standard episode of the show. Good story (if predictable), solid moral, some funny moments, some character building etc. There's nothing inherently wrong with it, but there's nothing particularly remarkable about it either, at least to me. I liked this episode, but I liked the last 3 ones a lot more. Also, Silver Shill was voiced by Claire Corlett's father, Ian Corlett, who voiced Goku in one of the dubs of Dragonball Z. It's nice that he got involved in the show as well.

[@XfairyberryX]

your singing is always wonderful :3

[@fragileinfairyland]

The song was pretty level to Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000. Sure it wasnt overhyped and as catchy but it was still a fantastic song. Flim and Flam were very enjoyable in this episode. In the first ep their character is shown through trying to meddle with the Apple Family where here they just wanted to find success in their product and mind their own business, which I think brought out more of their charismatic side without this mask that they're bad ponys.

[@Goremize]

deer princess... I DIDN"T LEARN ANYTHING! haha, that episode ended so good. I love this new episode.

[@cristopherleasure1106]

Watt shard I do wan my mom is tiring to take me to farep for watching mlp? Can you help me?

[@jaketucker2559]

What about wheelchair ponies, what did you think of those, me personally I thought FINALY!

[@molagg]

I love flim and flam. super excited to see them again. Also, props on getting this video out the same day the episode aired!

[@wolfvane16]

How would Twilight's key episode work? With her being the element of magic and her talent being magic how can that bring any doubt in her skill and ability to represent that element as the show writers did with the other main five.

[@bronyuselesskanazamkniety6947]

Last key found by Spike? How cool is that!? ;)

[@petercharleskrug]

6:01 Wait a second...you enjoyed seeing Rainbow Dash suffer in "Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000"? Do you really hate her that much?

[@2508bona]

I've always felt that Twilight was fated to get her key in the season-finale extravaganza. But I suppose that she COULD get it before that and only realize how to use the keys in the finale.

[@sakuraserenity2186]

This is a reference to the Victorian Era, my favorite. Back then they sold Mercury as a cure-all, women used arsenic in their make up (although that one could be ancient) and Children´s tonic were addicting.

[@ShallieDragon]

OMG SPIKE GETS THE LAST KEY! The possibilities are endless!

[@cuteskeleton9381]

This was a good key episode, but I'm pretty sure Pinkie Pride will always be my favorite even after seeing Twilight's. Flim and Flam are a duo that I love to hate, sure they're con artists but they got charm (mostly when they sing) and seem to have a strong brotherly bond. Their song wasn't as good as Super Speedy but it was catchy enough to keep my attention, I could have done without the gross imagery though (swollen hooves, rotting teeth) Btw, nice singing at the start Dr.Wolf ^_^

[@BlythePennyBicycle21]

I thin Twilight's key episode will be great, but Pinkie's key episode is still on top, for now anyway.

[@queenieofqueens]

I actually didn't like the way she got her key... the keys show how your element can end up hurting yourself or others. She didn't use her element to hurt herself or others. She didn't use her element at all. Now if they showed that the truth can hurt then yeah that would show how her element can hurt. Sometimes you got to say the truth even if it hurts. All she did was avoid the truth...

[@Dark_Tale_2077]

I am really hoping Spike finds the final key. That would really help boost him into better character territory. Also I loved this episode. So many animation easter eggs. Also I just found the tone a lot more light hearted and fun. To me, this episode is perhaps my 3rd favorite episode of season 4.

[@Emptybee]

Much as I'd love to see Spike gain more prominence, I doubt it will happen. The reoccurring rainbow motif only has six colors. Granted Spike and Twilight are nearly the same shade of purple - but I doubt they meant it like that.

[@ErikButterworth]

I'm not sure myself, Dr. Wolf, but I am leaning more towards our Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle. I think she will find her key in episode 22, Trade Ya, as I think Hub did a little foreshadowing on it if you check the episode's article on the MLP Wiki. Bear in mind, I am just making an educated hypothesis about it, so it is any Brony's guess what happens between now and the season finale.

[@averywillis4294]

I was expecting a more fun song from flim and flam but in my opinion that was about the only down side and I also think the bit apple jack was given is one of the keys but im not sure...

[@RoninCatholic]

I make a point of not knowing anything about upcoming episodes until I watch them, so for me Flim & Flam were a pleasant surprise.

[@ShiitaKitsune64]

I'd actually love to see Spike steal the show and get the key! Poor Spike has been so neglected this season... But Twi will probably find it in the ending two parter.

[@newcollector]

I'm starting to think that these two might be the black sheep of the Apple Family. This is the second time we see them in the show and both times they were working with apples. Their cutie marks kinda give the idea too...

[@RueAvenger]

Rainbow Dash in pain is enjoyable? Lol

[@DarkLordGanondorf190]

You worry about the hat in the water? What about Apple Bloom's bow and especially Big Mac's yoke? ^^

[@jessicahall8237]

*Spoilers kinda* I'm not sure if the final key will be found by Spike as well as reading the episode list and episode 24 what will be a spike focused episode were he must light the equestria games torch it would not surprise me if they torch is the last key.

[@legallypumpkin]

You do a great flimflam impression XD

[@danielmackowski1679]

Considering what AJ says about the tonic in the scene starting at 14:20 in the episode: "It /seems/ to work for Granny." It /seems/ to me that the brothers twisted what she failed to say into what they wanted the public to hear. Though she didn't lie there, she skirted around the truth and then was caught up in the rush of events so that she couldn't correct the brothers before the situation got out of hand so far as causing her to believe she had been the one who said it worked before, not the brothers. She failed to tell a decisive truth which allowed her opposition to turn her into her own worst enemy later on, so befuddled by their talk that even she believed their deception to be reality. Sorry for the run-ons, but I just wanted to get that out there as it bugged me a little in this episode how the climax and conclusion didn't follow from this scene. One was in error and a slight change anywhere between the 14:20 scene and the "big reveal" could have cleared up this issue for me.

[@ShiroNekoDen]

would the next key be found by spike? he wasn't an element bearer so that's a no and judging by this and previous seasons spike is only there for character support, comedy and when ever they try and make a spike episode it just ends up him being the butt of a tonne of jokes. Twilight is going to be the last key while predictable as it is, it makes more sense than spike.

[@ulcar77]

Great singing Doc!

[@MichelleJune]

This gave so much to the film flam brothers!!!

[@Mermain123]

as awesome as it would be for spike to get a key, it's gonna be twilight. besides each key was based on the element of harmony each pony represented, magic is the only element left. I don't see spike getting any key for magic...

[@LoreleiStockhausen]

I actually compared this episode more to Felling Pinkie Keen than the earlier Flim Flam episode due to the skeptical versus leap of faith moral. Depending on the interpretation, those two morals contradict each other. For instance, I could interpret the two morals respectively as "choosing to believe something you intuit as false for the sake of friendship" and "calling out something you feel certain is a lie for another pony's sake."

[@Wormpole]

I thought it was a breath of fresh air to only have one the Mane Six in this episode. I would've liked it a lot more if Applebloom had overheard Applejack and the Flim Flam brothers' conversion, crushing her faith in her older sister. I feel like that would've made for a much more touching episode.

[@Darkfa1r]

There back?

[@Hawkx10]

Seeing as how we've had a villain redeemed every season (Since "Magic was suppose to be a S2 episode) I expected that this was Flim Flam's redemption story with AJ not trusting them and finding herself wrong. There's still hope for a redemption in E25&26 but I think this season broke the redemption for a villain mold

[@Doughboy123x]

Before I give you my thoughts, Doc, I'm just going to make one thing perfectly clear. I absolutely HATE Flim and Flam! In my honest opinion, they're my least favorite characters in the entire show. I'll explain why at the end of this comment. But first, the thoughts: -I wasn't too eager to see them return. I was really hoping they would be the ones that learn their lesson and ultimately provide the key for Applejack. -While this episode no doubt made me dislike the duo even further, I will admit. They were portrayed more consistently here than in The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000. -As always, I'm a big fan of Applejack. And I think she was written very well in this episode. Her conflict really does hit hard, especially since this is one of the only times she's had a story involving honesty (The Last Roundup hardly counts). -The new song wasn't as 'appealing' here. And the rather disgusting portrayals of the ailments and injuries didn't help. -I sooo hope you're right about the Spike theory. The reason I despise Flim and Flam are three things: 1) Both episodes, they get away with their crimes. 2) I don't find them funny, interesting, or even that charming. Compare them to Dr. Terminus from Pete's Dragon. Yeah, he was a dishonest conman, but he was also hilarious, especially when interacting with his partner, Hoagy. I don't get any of that from the Flim Flam brothers. 3) When Flim called Granny Smith a chicken, I wanted to sock his face so friggin' hard. If you guys love them, cool. But I just find them unbearable.

[@SacredFaerie]

My problem with the episode is that Flim and Flam are literally using the placebo effect. The writers didn't try and alter something to make it seem different, it is literally the placebo effect. Their intentions with it don't matter in this case. They do the same thing her as they did in Mysterious Mare Do Well. In MMDW, the problem was supposed to be that fame was getting to Rainbow's head. That itself isn't a problem. It didn't do anything negative to anyone that the episode portrayed. She didn't make a terrible mistake because she thought she was invincible, she didn't start ignoring her friends any more so than she did before, and her friends were the only ones that got pissed off, and for reasons that would be described as jealousy. Here, Flim and Flam create the placebo effect. No one gets hurt. The thing costs the same as a few tomatoes, and they work the exact same way as placebos. The only negative was that they were paying for it. But America, you don't have free healthcare, so I don't even count that as a problem. So nothing they did was wrong. The only problem was that Applejack didn't ever learn that telling the truth is not always a good thing, and that can be described as stupidity. And then she insults religion with the line 'But if that belief is based on a lie, eventually it's gonna lead to real trouble.' Didn't they learn anything from Feeling Pinkie Keen? Don't say something that could be interpreted against science, don't say something that can be interpreted against religion, and don't say both in the same fucking episode. And I feel like they purposely tried to make this worse than the Breezies episode. Oh shit, that episode sucks! We have to give Applejack a key with less meaning than a flower, we have to make the pony that gives her the key uglier than the ugliest Breezie, we have to make sure the new song is overshadowed by the Cider Song, and we have to make sure we insult religion _and_ science!

[@DiaStarvy]

Flim and Flam were falsely advertising their product. This is unacceptable for a very simple reason: how would you feel paying money for something that doesn't do what was claimed? Furthermore, placebos are no substitute for actual medicine. If somebody with an serious illness believes that a fake tonic will cure them and doesn't go to a doctor, their lives could be at risk, and this will be because two guys wanted to make a dishonest buck. It's ironic that you attribute religion to "based on a lie" then say the show is insulting it. That's not to mention that there are several problems with your statement. Firstly, the line is a conditional statement: she says "if that belief is based on a lie", which does not necessarily apply to religion. In fact, it naturally refers to the situation in the episode, which was nothing to do with religion. You attributed the line to religion yourself. Secondly, even if it does apply to religion, it is not an insult; it is common sense. If a religion is based on a lie, then you simply should not follow it. The major world religions cannot be right at the same time, so at least one of them must be based on a lie. It follows that countless people have died in wars, made bad decisions, been discriminated against... All because of a lie. Finally, following on from the point that the line was not an insult, religion and science are not immune to criticism. You can say things against either of them if you want. In fact, "criticism" is how science develops: flaws are pointed out in old theories and new, more accurate theories replace them. Unfortunately, on the other hand, religious teachings are usually fixed in ancient texts with no flexibility whatsoever, but it is an unfair comparison and I digress.

[@SacredFaerie]

DialaceStarvy Of course. The problems with the tonic came with that it was falsely advertised to be able to cure serious illness and disease. This would warrant a problem, however, this is only hinted at. The focus was on Granny Smith becoming less fearful of swimming. It did not mention that anyone had a serious illness. I think the episode would have had a much greater impact if Applejack saw that someone who _did_ have a life risking disease had been tricked into buying the tonic. My point being, they did not properly present the problem. They stated it, but they had a lack of evidence. I see it as similar to if someone made an anti-drug advert, and they stated drugs were bad for you, then said that the problem was that it was illegal, and that the high you feel was temporary. Sure, that may sway some people, but it's ineffective, and didn't cover the hard-hitting problems, like addiction, the life-risk, etc. From what was shown, I can only deduce without giving a critical analysis that lying is bad because it's not right, and it's not fair to people. That isn't much to go with. Also, if Flim and Flam were doctors, and they only gave the tonic to people as a painkiller or such, then it would be perfectly fine. I'm pretty sure that's the gist of how placebos work. In fact, it costed 3 bits in this episode, and in the end, for one bit. If the was Flim and Flam's intended price, then they wouldn't even be selling it for more than it's worth. 3 tomatoes costed 2 bits, remember? I don't think I expressed what I meant about the science and religion thing correctly. I know it wasn't trying to insult them. My point was that they said something that was on edge of being offensive, or something able to be interpreted as such, like they did in Feeling Pinkie Keen and Simple Ways. The line 'if that belief is based on a lie' is supposed to be the lesson, so it is supposed to be written in a way that can apply to almost all areas in life situations, and having it being easily interpreted as a swing to religion is what I meant was bad about it. I never said religions were right or wrong. I implied they were all wrong when I mentioned the lesson, but that was more of an exaggeration. And your last paragraph; I'd like to say I mean an insult as that they showed something that contradicted science (and not a theory) and they sold it as a serious lesson, and not fantasy. I meant they insulted religion as they said something that could imply that religion is wrong. It's like how Feeling Pinkie Keen became controversial because the lesson "Sometimes you can't explain something, you have to just have faith in your friends" was interpreted as an implication that science is wrong.

[@DiaStarvy]

***** All right, I understand your first point better. There was a life at risk because of the tonic: Granny Smith was going to dive into what was essentially a puddle. This action betrays not only fear, but also common sense, so I will admit that I felt it was an artificial climax to the story in terms of the moral. Like you said, it would probably be better if they showed someone with a life-threatening illness instead. I think I had a lot of misunderstanding with what you said about science and religion so I will just get to my main point. There is a key distinction between the moral of this episode and the moral of Feeling Pinkie Keen. Whereas the latter simply did not make sense (it was akin to "stop thinking when it becomes too difficult"), the former was a legitimate moral. As I said previously, the moral is just common sense: a lie can and probably will spiral out of control. There is also another interpretation that makes sense: you should take the effort to make sure what you believe in isn't a lie.

[@SacredFaerie]

DialaceStarvy I'm trying to say two things with the moral. It is a good moral in the end. The way you present it makes clear what it's trying to say. I don't think they made the point clear. The moral of Feeling Pinkie Keen was supposed to say that you should trust your friends even when you're doubtful of them. The moral of Mysterious Mare Do Well was to not let popularity and your achievements get to your head. In all these cases, I don't think the moral was clear enough.

[@Petrico94]

Placebo: May cause (but is not limited to) anything. Very interesting honesty episode. If a lie is helping someone, is it right to tell the truth? Also nice to see the Snake Oil Brothers, I mean Sylvester McBean and the Sneetches, I mean Flimflam Bros are in another episode.

[@arch8angel]

Well the last time they came, Applejack already knew the lesson, that hard work and doing it right was better than taking the quick way. I thought this was a pretty funny episode and I also saw what was coming in the end,

[@jqyhlmnp]

I just wish Film and Flam had more of a relation to each other and the Placebo Effect being exposed does not always mean you can keep that self confidence that you once had

[@issymarket]

I think that twilight will get her key third last episode since Meghan posted she thought the final in 3 parts. My hope is that the final is something better than magical mystery cure and a 2 parter like a canterlot wedding

[@yasashiiyuuyake]

I really liked this episode. I didn't find it as predictable as you did--I was surprised that Applejack went along with the 'snakeoil' and that Flim/Flam never denied that the tonic was fake. They didn't try to make Applejack their enemy, so the conflict was more subtle, even though they were selling a fake product. As for the song, I saw it more as a "Flim and Flam are at it again, this is how they role" sort of thing. I'm kind of glad they didn't try to outstage the previous song and just used the song to get the message across. I'm not a special fan of the cider song, so the two kind of sound the same to me.

[@MrOverAnalyzer]

I feel like the Flim Flam Brothers were antagonized a lot more in this episode than in Cider Squeezy, which is actually a good thing. Thinking Applejack simply just ran them out of business for no real explicable reason aside from them being competition always left a sour taste in my mouth. Having them come back as nothing but greedy con men actually had me liking them more. Also, Lyra was so kawaii

[@cannedcream]

I hope Flim and Flam never change. I love how we have these antagonists who are, in the grand scheme, pretty much harmless. They're villains, sure, but they're not interested in taking over the world or anything so cliche. They're after a more realistic goal: cold, hard cash.

[@queenieofqueens]

They didn't run them out of business for no reason??? Flim and Flam were trying to take their apple farm. Like i dont know something that's important to their family????

[@cannedcream]

Queenie of Queens Welcome to the corporate world, my friend. Besides, it's still more a dick-move than anything actually life-threatening. Ponyville and Equestria would have survived just fine.

[@MrOverAnalyzer]

cannedcream In fact, the product the Brothers made was better than the Apples. Not to mention they could make more at a faster pace. Applejack just wanted to run them out of business because of spite. Who's the good guy again?

[@queenieofqueens]

MrOverAnalyzer ok I guess you didn't read the first time.. The Flim Flam brothers (still with me here?) Were trying to run the Apples (still here?) *out of business*

[@No1ofgreatimportance]

Personally, I would have liked it if Flim and Flam had turned legit due to AppleJack's honesty, it would have made more of an impact to me, and besides, they wouldn't have to stop being performers, they'd just have to find a more honest way to utilize their talents. If this episode had gone that route, then this would have been the second "Rainbow Key" episode where an already known character learns from one of the mane 6. The first one being "Rainbow Falls", with SpitFire. Maybe in the "final" key episode, if it's Twilight Sparkle's turn that is, the pony that learns from her will be none other than Trixie, who may have had some redemption at the end of "Magic Duel", but still remains slightly boastful, and thus perhaps is in need of some direction. Just a thought...

[@darknessofcoy]

I agree and yes these is something people should learn .

[@XDRONIN]

I think this was a very good episode, an entire AppleJack episode; why couldn't the writers do this with the rest of the mane-six?... but nevermind that. Now.. seeing AppleJack make a bad decision, see the results of such, come to terms and accept responsibility for her actions... HAY!! YEAH!... THIS PONY DOESN'T NEED HELP FROM NO PONY! XD

[@nekomajinc335]

Did anyone else see Granny Smith's parents in the audience during Flim and Flam's musical number?

[@TobyandMavisforever]

Can't wait to see GoldenFox take on this one, considering his opinion on the season 2 episode.

[@LTDLimiTeD1995]

I felt as though this episode was a "fixed" version of the moral of "Feeling Pinkie Keen".

[@BolttheSuperPony]

I predicted this episode a week before it aired. I agree that it was good despite it's predictability factor, and I did like the Flim Flam Bros. first appearance better. What I really didn't like about this episode as someone mentioned earlier in the comments (and this really bothered me) was that Flim and Flam were truly bad characters (I don't want to say evil; they're not on the same level as the changling queen). The 1st time, they actually had a working product. Here, they downright lied.

[@Zistheone2]

True, but even if the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 was a working product, I think Flim and Flam were just as sleezy and underhanded in their debut episode as they were here. While they only became competitors with the Apples because they refused their deals, it almost seemed as if they knew that taking the 75/25 split would eventually run Sweet Apple Acres out of business and, just as they did when they persuaded Applejack to lie about the tonic, they acted cool, calm, and in control when the Apples challenged them to the cider making competition, as if they knew everything that was going to happen.

[@doobie_mouse2083]

I really hope that Spike would at least be the one who shows Twiley how to find it. He has been the butt of far too many jokes this season. And the last "good" Spike episode? Not since Dragon Quest and that was a long time ago.

[@0deadx21]

I was looking forward to the KEY! I knew this was the AJ Key episode, the moment I read the synopsis.

[@FoxKit]

Theory: The elements are actually seeking out new representations from ponykind. Next season will see a new Mane 6 consisting of Coco Pommel as the element of Generosity, Cheese Sandwich as the element of Laughter, Spitfire as the element of Loyalty, Seabreeze as the element of Kindness, and Silver Shill as the element of Honesty. No, I don't actually think this is true, but gosh darnit, I kind of want it to be. xD

[@amuesli5358]

My favourite bit in this episode was how Applejacks decision not to let on that the snakeoil was a fake in order to preserve Granny Smiths positive attitude suddenly became an endorsement. With the posters and Flim and Flam continuously using her and her family for promotion... How it must have cut. The most honest pony having her integrity systematically demolished. Flim and Flam are so evil.

[@BubblingBrooke]

Okie dokie, I love the Flim Flam brothers and are a joy to watch and I thought this episode was a good spin on AJ's element. I'll have to listen to the new song again before I say which one was better. Now I loved SSCS6000 and I thought this episode was good as well, but I'll need to rewatch Leap of Faith before I say which is better. Although the enjoyability of the episodes probably has to go to SSCS6000.

[@mouseonthestreets8675]

i love your singing voice :)

[@TailsFan369no2]

Leap of Faith looks to me as a brad bird pixar film is to doug walker

[@lordjazoijua94]

Spike.

[@hikari_no_yume]

I'm upset about their appearance here, because they're snake oil salespoinies. I like that they're tackling this topic, but it's unfair to suddenly rebrand them. In their previous appearance they were actually completely reasonable and normal businessponies. They didn't pull any dirty tricks, and it was through cheating by their competitors and Apple family stubbornness that they won (see Reviewing is Magic's take on the episode, I agree entirely with Antony C here). Yet now they've become evil? I hate that.

[@ToeIn2194]

They were a bit dirty in the original episode because it showed they would do anything to win.

[@hikari_no_yume]

ToeIn2194 But they only did that to compete against the "honest" ponies who were *also* doing anything to win!

[@ToeIn2194]

TazeTSchnitzel Applejack was doing it to keep her home. Film and Flam didn't give a hoot about the farm and left as soon as there wasn't anything in it for them. They didn't "need" to win like Applejack.

[@hikari_no_yume]

ToeIn2194 They were never going to lose their farm. Flim Flam wanted some, not all, of the farm.

[@ToeIn2194]

TazeTSchnitzel No remember the apples going to "pack up their things" at the end? Flim and Flam even wanted to take down the barn and everything. They only used part of it for the competition but they wanted the whole farm.

[@Metaknightmare217]

4:46 I was waiting for you to say that. :D

[@zacheryrancano2824]

WOW! You're singing voice is good. You say that is not perfected? Then your singing voice perfected must be AMAZING!

[@DRWolf001]

If I got back into training my voice for several weeks, then I could probably get it sounding the way it was several years ago. I suppose I'd just need good reason to work on my singing again.

[@Zodia195]

Nice singing voice dude. Lol, I was going to ask if you knew about placebo effect. NIce to see that you do know of it. I believe in it fyi.

[@stephenknizek2651]

I honestly miss Flim & Flam, wish they were a more constant presence than current. But I guess they'd lose their effect. Those two were actually the characters who drew me into MLP

[@AwesTube]

Sence the episode in season 2 Flim and Flam has been my favorite character so when this one came out I flipped!

[@stormchaser4249]

The episode was alright. Some scenes made me laugh and some scenes made me face palm. I was looking forward to see Flim and Flam again. I just know they would come back. Although the song was cathy, I like their first song in season 2 better.