"Sweet and Smoky" Review

[@imcintyre01]

You can be a jerk while still having a moral compass. He considers saving his own race from dying worth the trade off of being made fun of.

[@catluvr2]

I think Garble and Maud could be friends because of poetry. That would... ...rock.

[@benberlin57]

hah nice

[@johnlebay4124]

Go to the corner. You're in a time out!

[@lainiebug2173]

catluvr2 I get it

[@lainiebug2173]

John LeBay why?

[@Rixec2]

I think it makes sense that Fluttershy would willingly enter the dragonlands. She's developed a lot in showing her assertiveness and bravery, especially for the sake of others. And given how she reacts to baby dragons, it would help push her out of her comfort zone. In addition, the political situation has changed since the start of the show. While the two nations have been somewhat at odds for years, open relationships have started up, they are learning more about one another, with Smolder at the school that allows for others to get more accustomed, and so forth. The embracing of friendship and of different cultures can allow one to get over their fears and all of these events have been over several seasons, allowing for that passage of time to make it natural for Fluttershy.

[@phantomslay5612]

Fluttershy was probably at her absolute best in the whole series in this episode. She's adorable but she's also assertive to the point where you can hardly look at her and call her the same weak and timid pony from the beginning of the series.

[@FeatherFall101]

Flutters has absolutely loved baby dragons since the very first episode and mostly overcame her fear of individual giant full grown dragons also in season 1. Flutter not wanting to see the dragon migration makes sense if you consider its not just one giant fire breathing dragon that could eat you in one bite but hundreds. Consider someone with a fear of spiders (something fluttershy finds adorable). Facing one spider in a room would make someone really uncomfortable but putting them in a room with hundreds of spiders on the wall would be enough to make anyones skin crawl fear or no (except maybe drow.) Can't say i liked fluttershy's breezie's impressions but she was super adorable this episode. I was really looking forward to her destroying garble's "friends" and maybe having them all reveal some kinda secret about themselves. like the episode with babs seed, most people who bully do so to be accepted and to hide their own insecurities or possibly a bad upbringing.

[@kwasioppo5951]

Fluttershy the pony doesn't have to be brave because there is nothing to be afraid of, as the dragons have been sworn not to attack ponies. So she can be as assertive as she wants (yell 'ENOUGH') because the dragons have no choice but to listen to her.

[@savannahatkins1488]

This is before I watched the video, but now that we know dragons are supposed to hatch with a lot of heat, maybe the reason Spike is so small and underdeveloped is that he was hatched with a burst of Twilight's magic? That lack of warmth could explain his size

[@deathxanamon7211]

That makes sense

[@nightshroud9671]

I feel like that should be a problem that should be addressed honestly.

[@thespeedyyoshi]

"Are all these yours?" "WHAT NO! None of them are!" XD

[@celesbinks5326]

lol,Ember is so cute in this episode

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

Garble should visit Dr. Wolf’s therapy visits

[@TheCommenterDragon]

That's a great idea Gerardo, that would make for an awesome therapy visit.

[@gerardorodriguez7500]

The Commenter Brony and Fleur De Lis should visit Dr. Wolf’s therapy visit as well

[@christianvalentincota5452]

Yes

[@artc-the-brony1050]

He should probably invite Smolder so she can comfort him

[@ShirotoraGodsbane]

I'd say saving hundreds of babies from death is plenty of motivation for Garble to show his beatnik side.

[@sandywolfr26]

Was just about to mention that. You see garble noticed the fire before saying that a good idea to spike.

[@CurtyTails]

From what it seems there isnt any conflict or hesitation considering he has been hiding that part of himself for years-if there was maybe a moment of hesitation and we had say a short close up of him sweating a bit putting the idea together and maybe putting the idea together that its the quickest way to solve the problem. Its the little things that help leaps in motivation from hiding his other side for years to suddenly willing to show it on a whim.

[@ShirotoraGodsbane]

@@CurtyTails That would have been nice, but they only have 22 minutes for an episode.

[@CurtyTails]

@@ShirotoraGodsbane and it would take what about 10 seconds to have a close up communicate to audience him coming to the realization that using that side of him would be the fastest way to save the eggs.

[@ShirotoraGodsbane]

@@CurtyTails Do you really think 10 seconds would be enough to make that scene work? No, it would need at least a minute, probably more.

[@RedDragonForce2]

@5:58 I think that was taking Ember's suggestion of 'accepting' Garble's 'beatnik' talent a bit too far and learning it to fit in because Ember was interested. Sort of a mob mentality thing. I mean, they ARE the 'Teenage' Dragons, so they follow fads.

[@Juria316]

If nothing else, this episode gave us one of the best jokes all season. Fluttershy: *looks up at Ember after cooing at the eggs* Are these all yours? Ember: *flustered blush* NO. Also, Happy Birthday Doc!

[@1218Draco]

I just realized ... HE is the brother mentioned from the molt episode. “One whiff of my brother and I was like ‘See ya!’”

[@iloveowls90]

yup

[@Jawmax]

Dragon hatched by laugher. Pinkie Pie approves!

[@garynaccarto8636]

If only the mane six knew that dragon fire becomes more powerful with laughter they probably would have just sent Pinkie pie instead of Fluttershy.

[@GPischke]

I think getting to know dragons like Smolder and Ember has helped Fluttershy learn more about dragon culture, thus making her less afraid of them. Plus, it was established in the very first episode that she's not afraid of baby dragons. Though it would've been nice if they'd addressed it just a little bit this episode. I think the story with the eggs not hatching was the best part. It made for a nice mystery and a good bit of world building. I seem to recall you making a video a long time ago suggesting that dragon eggs normally hatched from parents breathing fire on them and it looks like you weren't too far off. I also got a laugh when Fluttershy asked Ember if any of the eggs were hers and she got all embarrassed.

[@Bezaliel13]

I always thought of her fear as stemming from Spike showing that dragons are intelligent. She probably dreaded the dragon migration because she saw it as a *social* gathering.

[@dustykatt]

As soon as Spike figured out the eggs were cold. it put the whole episode in to question. As Fluttershy runs an entire animal sanctuary and would KNOW the eggs need to be warm.......

[@DRWolf001]

That's actually a Really good point...

[@epicfights7898]

Dustykatt Rhoades perhaps it was a “dragon” sense of cold, not the “pony” kind of cold. Dragons can handle taking lava baths like they’re swimming in an ordinary pool so it might have seemed warm to Fluttershy, but not nearly warm enough for hatching to Spike and Ember, of course, that is, only if you wanna take this too seriously. 😉

[@justinriley]

I'm noticing how Dragon centered episodes all seem to address the topic of false toughness and showing your more sensitive side. Dragons in this show seems to be a metaphor for insecure masculinity. Dragon Quest - Challenging the idea of males being less manly due to hanging out with females. Gauntlet of Fire - Challenging the idea that "tough guys" work on their own without anyone's help. What Lies Beneath - Embracing your inner femininity. Sweet and Smoky - Enjoying your passion without fear of others seeking it as uncool; Bullying others to make oneself look stronger.

[@garynaccarto8636]

As far as the dragons in the show At first I thought that dragon culture was supposed to be centered around toxic masculinity or excessive levels masculinity that is not kept in check.

[@dakotastein9499]

well,i think gauntlet of fire also displays the different values of Strength in "brains vs brawns" type deal. it also shows that Masculinity is not bad,per say...just that there needs to be a balance in a person's life. likwise in any sort of relationship,be it freindship or romantic...where one falters,the other can make up for.

[@jamesk8654]

Wow look at the soy boys.

[@Bezaliel13]

@@jamesk8654 Your comment on the topic of insecurity and false toughness was... "soy boys?" How did you not die of embarrassment from your own stupidity?

[@epicfights7898]

James K you do realize that buzzword terms like “soy boys” and “thots” are just used to insult and generalize rather than formulate a detailed argument.. If you only use terms to express your argument, than in the end you simply practice the effort to not be insightful or think critically.

[@TheCommenterDragon]

The episode is definitely intriguing and awesome, especially since it gave more development to Garble's character.

[@blueblaze7312]

The only problem with that is..... WHY THE HELL WAIT UNTIL THE LAST SEASON TO DO THAT?!? We've known Garble since season 2 and the super nasty tough guy portrayal is always what they went with. Why wait until now to show us this?

[@kitsuneayano]

@@blueblaze7312 garble has potenial , to be a better male character cuz his va play flash sentry , and I read lots of interesting fanfics with garble

[@shadowspector3611]

It's cool to see Garble and Smolder be siblings but it seems like "forced" coolness for some reason.

[@blueblaze7312]

@@shadowspector3611 It is. The dude's had this one look put in him by both the show and the fandom, and only NOW do they try to steer it in another direction. It's not that simple.

[@Secret_Moon]

The episode is terrible and it teaches a very bad lesson.

[@mariahs6]

I thought it was a good episode, especially since it gave a reason for why Garble was such a jerk. I'm happy that Dragon Lord Ember declared by the end that dragons should be able to express themselves and not be laughed at for that. I also got a kick out of Flutters squeeing over and holding the baby dragons along with being assertive. Can you say continuity? OH AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

[@Bezaliel13]

Can't say Garble was wrong for thinking everydragon would laugh at him.

[@cordyceps7531]

still can't ignore how Garble tried to smash Spike with a rock like roadkill.

[@lukelichtenthal5407]

Mariah Steele No it was so forced. Again showing how bad this show is with redeeming characters who don’t deserve it. Especially since just like most of the others, it clear Garble will not make another appearance.

[@Bezaliel13]

@@lukelichtenthal5407 I am fine with Garble not making another appearance.

[@nightshroud9671]

I feel like its kind of a problem since Ember is forcing more change on the dragons there.

[@riversliebrookes8539]

My gosh, i'm early, you review so fast! Also it was hilarious when Fluttershy asked Ember if the eggs were hers and she blushed.

[@Zodia195]

LOL yeah even I was like, "What?" lol.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

It was hilarious and not type of joke the show usually does.

[@shadowspector3611]

I don't remember that! How far into the episode was that?

[@killgriffinnow]

Yeah I noticed that for a split second. It’s the last season so I bet they were trying to see if they could sneak that one past the radar.

[@riversliebrookes8539]

@Shadow Spector It was 3 mins and about 40 secs in.

[@mrshrunkenbro8750]

Ever since Molt Down I kept saying 'Garble's her brother' I called it.

[@saphiriathebluedragonknight375]

Me too!

[@tf2disneylover1258]

Me Three!

[@jatrixvlogs8822]

Really? I thought Garble and Smolder looked nothing alike! Garble has a Red and Orange color scheme and Smolder has a Orange and Purple.

[@mrshrunkenbro8750]

@@jatrixvlogs8822 Well look at Ember and her Dad Lord Torch they don't match up very well.

[@jatrixvlogs8822]

@@mrshrunkenbro8750 I know that but still, WHO WOULD EVER GUESS THIS?

[@TheJboy88]

It actually sort of reminded me of "One Bad Apple" from way back in season three. A character acting aggressively because they were in an environment that pressured them into being that way. Always be wary of peer pressure, kids.

[@yoshifan3077]

Fluttershy Came so far ever since season one she's not that scared anymore and I really love it That's so much character development for her

[@Longma1]

Yep, the return of Flutterbold! ^_^

[@sethcarlow8363]

it was fun to watch. Happy Birthday Dr,Wolf. i liked it.

[@FoxofMaysville]

Beatnik Dragon! (beat bongo drum 4 times.) Beatnik Dragon, speak your mind (4 beats.) Poetry free - (4 slow beats.) Dragon free - breath flame poetry flame dragon flame (8 fast beats.)

[@Dracarot]

The episode does create some clues about Spike's eggs though. We now know "all" dragon eggs share the same nesting ground. Yet we had Spike's egg that left those grounds. That tells us either Torch was lax in his egg watching duties back in the day or Spike's parents were renegade dragons to some degree. If it's the former the question becomes who or what swiped Spike's egg and why, if its the latter why were Spike's parents renegades. As for laughter fire being stronger I suspect standard fire could get hotter but dragons have some sort of instinctual impulse control that prevents that fire from getting stronger, when dragons laugh they lose the focus for that instinctual barrier to remain. There's probably a way to access those flames without laughter but it takes training, or I'm just talking out my rear that's a distinct possibility to.

[@Talongirl333]

I get ‘why’ they made Garble a beatnik poet. Look at this sort of spectrum: You have the ponies who are artistic but all of their creations (as far as we’ve really seen) have been hearts & glitter - and then you have dragons who don’t have anything created that’s pink, or with hearts, or just artsy. So what’s a good medium? Something that is creative but not necessarily covered in hearts & glitter. Like carpentry is artistic but one could say it’s still very masculine b/c your 1st thoughts are like carved wild animals & such. True they could have explored other poetry forms like epic poems, or even horror poems that definitely are not all glittery, but then again this style is faster & the ‘point’ gets out faster.

[@omegawolfbrony]

I agree that Garble's change was a bit sudden, but it seemed like he was getting his attitude challenged a lot this episode, mostly by Fluttershy. He also was told that Ember ordered every dragon to help hatch the eggs. He knew that his poetry would make the other dragons laugh so in order to comply with the order he performed. It could be this interpretation or the story was couldn't fit in twenty-two minutes. I will agree that the story was a bit predictable, I started calling out that the eggs needed to be heated almost immediately. It was decent enough though.

[@awesomewolf6623]

Garble needs a thearpy session with Dr wolf

[@conadaysweet7479]

awesome wolf I would love to see that beleve it or not

[@MSonnyday]

When Fluttershy did her poetry thing I thought "Who wants to bet Zephyr dabbled in Beatnik poetry at one point in his younger days. It fits him" Speaking of Zephyr I thought Fluttershy was going to use her experiences with Zephyr to help Garble and Smolder. Kinda of like her talk with Spike in Twilights Seven. And have the lesson be: Even if your friends don't understand you your siblings will. Also personally I didnt think Garble wasn't trying to get bullied, I just think he didn't want to be thrown out of his friend group for being soft. Teenagers will do alot of things to remain in a group.

[@grekoy]

No one can resist babies, no matter the species. Love seeing Fluttershy being assertive. On the bright side, Garble looks good in his attire.

[@paleodude2768]

My rewrite for the episode’s end Ember starts giving a speech about how dragons have for too long oppressed and shunned differences and reaches out by saying “have any of you ever had something you loved doing that you felt you could never feel safe to freely express?” Then the dragons start coming out and saying things like “I like gardening!” and “when nobody’s looking I like to paint!” It then cuts to a montage of of dragons doing the activities they love unoppressed with Spike being there to help them. The episode then ends with Garble thanking fluttershy and apologizing to Spike for the way he treated him.

[@Aego384]

That would have been so much better!

[@sparxstreak02]

6:48 I got a very Big Bang Angry Bernadette moment from Fluttershy here!

[@Technus]

Happy Birthday Doc. And I would come back to watch this to see Fluttershy's cuteness. Plus I have a feeling the fandom might start making video remixes of Ember doing Fluttershy's cootchie coo method.

[@MilotheChreature]

Ok I predicted that Smolders brother was Garble the moment she said she had a brother

[@bc-ls7579]

I am pretty sure most everybody did.

[@MirrenTheDragonKnight]

Am I stupid because it came as a complete suprize to me? I feel stupid.

[@bc-ls7579]

@@MirrenTheDragonKnight No. There were a few others, like Doctor Wolf, who never figured it out.

[@lazlow8788]

I was a bit of a shock that Garbel turned out to be Smolder's brother. The whole being a bully to avoid being bullied has been done many times before. I'm glad to see that Fluttershy has or is starting to overcome her fear of Dragons. This was a pretty fun episode.

[@justinriley]

Not a great episode, but still a decent one at least. And considering that the writer also wrote the disastrous "Non-Compete Clause", that's impressive.

[@Spritzkrieg]

Oh, thank God! I thought rational people didn't exist around here! That is, anyone willing to criticize.

[@FanSeitz]

She is not a good writer and neither is Dave Rapp, who (groan) wrote the next episode.

[@justinriley]

@@FanSeitz I disagree. Sure, both had very poor first impressions, but I've liked every episode that Dave Rapp has written after the one that shall not be named.

[@Secret_Moon]

@@justinriley This episode is much worse than Non-compete Clause. In that episode the worst thing is that RD and AJ were ignorant of the danger they put the students in. In here Garble has been an intentionally insufferable bully nearly the entire episode. And he has been for 7 seasons, being very hostile, doing very bad things. And all of that was easily forgotten and forgiven just because "it's all but an act" and he was even praised as the hero. Putting aside how forced and unbelievable his character change was, it's a very bad lesson to show kids. Act or not, it's not ok for you to hurt and bully others and it shouldn't be forgiven that easily.

[@artbytesia]

Justin Riley It's like I said, one episode you don't like does not a bad writer make. It's like what Hagetta says in book 3 of The Land of Stories: "All it takes is one bad apple to disgrace a whole tree." I'm sorry, but that's not fair or logical. Also, while I actually kinda like Non-Compete Clause, I do agree that this ep is better.

[@DoraeArtDreams-Aspy]

It was a good episode Also happy birthday ^^

[@Zodia195]

This is going to be one of those episodes I love even with some of the issues of the episode. It's now my fav of the season and I am definitely willing to rewatch it.

[@artbytesia]

Zodia195 I agree, it's definitely one of the better eps this season!

[@kylestubbs8867]

For all the "ass pulls" in this episode, I still think it's worth watching for the sake of Fluttershy's growth. Fluttershy bailed on watching a dragon migration the same episode Garble was introduced. Now she can call out a dragon for hiding their true colors and bullying someone unafraid to show theirs. As for that ending... I think they were just currying favor with Garble, and by extension, Dragon Lord Ember. All of those dragons were used to hanging on a Dragon Lord's every word, and three of them _really_ needed to get on Ember's good side after endangering the eggs.

[@flowerpower138]

yea the ending actually got on my nerves a bit, just a minute before the were laughing so hard at him and now boom! coolest kid on the block =x= and happy birthday!!

[@amead78]

I’m glad they didn’t go the route of Spike start bullying Garble in retaliation for bullying him and then have Smolder be mad at Spike for doing it. Fluttershy was great with new faces and her being more assertive when standing up for others. I did laugh when Fluttershy asked Ember is the eggs were hers and she blushed.

[@epicfights7898]

Andrew M I don’t think that Spike is the “revenge” kind of guy, he just wants ppl to be nice. :P Owls though.. owls on the other hand are just creepy.

[@shadowspector3611]

They could've made it better by having Garble think "no way am I about to make a fool out of myself." But then Spike could say "but if the eggs don't get warm, they won't make it." And then there could've been a flashback to Spike protecting the Phoenix egg and Garble would finally understand that some things are more important.

[@SonicBrownie]

I agree with you for the most part but would add that I would've liked to see an attempt of an apology from Garble to Spike and I hope this wont be the last we see of Garble so we can see him stuggle with showing his sensitive side or at least see some weight put behind his change

[@jsuniversemr.random8815]

Actually...the idea of Laughing creates more hotter fire kinda works, where if the dragons have a fire breathing part in their throat where it acts like a lighter and their inside acidic part is like oil or their saliva as they laugh more, more gass like oil was release more. Like if your cooking and put the fire into high, more gass goes out, the fire becomes more hotter.

[@Kingdomall]

oh how I feel bad for those who drew garble and smolder fanart....

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Did someone really did that lol. I have never seen that.

[@shadowspector3611]

They probably regret nothing.

[@Kingdomall]

@@sarasamaletdin4574 actually I haven't seen it either but it's more than likely that it did happen. considering this fanbase lol

[@dexterthoma867]

I’ve been waiting for this episode I would definitely want to come back

[@PinkSneaselGirl]

Happy Birthday Doctor Wolf! And yeah, I got the feeling Garble was Smolder's brother back when Spike was shedding and she mentioned she had a brother.

[@BNuts]

Season 1 Fluttershy: lectures a grown dragon to tears for her friends' sake. Season 8 Fluttershy: lectures a group of teen dragons to listen to her for her friends' sake. Not that big of a difference, is it?

[@Starcat5]

Slight one. Namely that she has completed her "I am too shy to function in everyday Pony society" arc. Also, she has been around more dragons at this point, so THAT issue can be assumed to have been resolved off screen.

[@BNuts]

@@Starcat5 Oddly, not full-grown dragons like the Firedrake from 'Dragonshy.' But I guess having Discord in your back pocket could make anyone brave. Mind, I believe Ember issued a general order not to harm any ponies.

[@IrishKyokushin]

She's a Dragon Slayer,isnt she?

[@pinkprincess6136]

It makes sense she would go because she is brave and assertive now and she showed that she cared for the dragon eggs.

[@Cloud-dt6xb]

Exactly for all of the times people bring up charachter regression they sure have no trouble derailing the development that actually has stuck. It is PERFECTLY believable that the Fluttershy of season 9 would be willing to go to the dragon lands especially because it was already established she loves baby dragons and that scene is WHY I've wanted Fluttershy and Spike to have more one on one interactions.

[@pinkprincess6136]

@@Cloud-dt6xb that's good.

[@KatonNeko]

I would rewatch it if only for Fluttershy's cute expressions.

[@kukuandkookie]

Okay, just to quickly say this, I think it makes perfect sense Fluttershy wanted to go to the dragonlands. She was scared of them a long time ago, when dragons and ponies still didn’t get along and ponies knew nothing about dragons. So it makes sense for that to change now. Dragons are closer to ponies than ever before, having opened up their culture and gates. Ember is friends with Spike and is getting to know his pony friends, and she writes Twilight about dragon culture. Fluttershy has no more reason to fear them anymore. She now sees them as another creature for her to study and interact with because she has more knowledge about them now: dragons have feelings, they don’t just exist to eat or torment ponies, they have a culture, etc. And she _did_ confront that dragon in “Dragonshy,” and she does like baby dragons. So yeah; character development (for Fluttershy (and the dragons)) and plot development (dragon culture being now open to ponies) = plenty of reason Fluttershy wouldn’t mind going to the dragonlands. Now onto another thing: I don’t think this episode is _meant_ to throw you for a loop. It’s just another one of those character development episodes where we see a more flat character from MLP get their own redemption episode, and I think the enjoyment is supposed to come from seeing the character grow, not from the plot. Like Gilda, if you will. People liked that episode because it showed griffin culture, but we’ve seen the dragonlands a lot so I guess that’s why it’s less exciting. I _was_ hopeful we’d see an all-new dragon for Smoulder’s brother who’s openly sensitive, but I enjoyed that they developed Garble. The beatnik poet thing can seem weird (I sort of cringed when I first saw it), but as someone who writes poetry, the idea that Garble is a poet is pretty neat. If not a strong motivation, it does _give_ him motivation. And it was nice seeing how protective Smoulder was of Spike. I’ve seen some say the ending may have been sort of rushed, but I think Garble leaping into showing his poetry makes sense in the sense that he’s _already_ been hiding this side of him for years, and Smoulder has been pushing him to open up about it for years, so this is sort of like the final push. He knows the other dragons will laugh, so he decides to do so to get their laugh-fire (I did like that the MLP staff remembered blue flames are hotter than red ones). He figured he’d save the eggs, and he does appear to care a lot about dragon culture which is why he’d be willing to do so. The stakes are high for him, if not for us. And yeah laugh-fire is sudden but since it’s part of canon now, I’d embrace it. MLP sort of throws pieces of lore around as episodes keep going, rather than being super methodical about it. I wouldn’t be surprised if dragons can have different types of flames based on different types of emotions (I think anger or sadness would be especially fascinating). The ending may feel “schmaltzy” (this _is_ MLP after all lol) but it also makes sense. Ember obviously _does_ want to change the dragonlands, hence her sending Smoulder to the Friendship School, and Smoulder’s lessons in friendship would mean she _does_ realize bullying others for being different isn’t nice. At the end of the day these episodes are about conveying lessons, and this is always a classic one they decided to cover. And as a nice bonus, we got to develop Garble’s character, even if the rest of the episode didn’t offer anything really new. I enjoyed it though, and seeing Fluttershy coo over the baby dragons was nice. I also liked seeing Smoulder (and Spike) interact with the other dragons, including Ember.

[@nightshroud9671]

Though I feel like Ember essentially forcing change isn't really the way honestly.

[@marismcgarveyhenderson6328]

*plays bongos loudly * "Hello Smolder, do you like my bongos ?" "Its two in the moring !" "Smolder no sleep, while I play bongos !"

[@RandomDragonEXE]

Ok I have some stuff to say about this epidode: 1) When I read the synopsis, I actually did not peice 2 and 2 together that Garble was Smolder's brother.(It actually came as a surprise to me) 2) It actually makes sense that Smolder and Garbel are related: Smolder likes tea parties and dressing up at them and hides it from her friends as well. That is what they bond about; hiding their true selves. 3)About Garble's arc, IMO, it should have been hinted when we first met his character, that way it would seem more natural because it would be hinted at and built upon. 4) About Garble and Spike's relationship, IMO, all the nasty, cruel behavior that he put Spike through can't be forgiven in just one episode. I think that there should have been a scene where Garble gives Spike a genuine apology for all the stuff he did to him, and say that he only did it because he didn't want to be bullied himself by his own friends, and that Spike is indeed strong because he doesn't hide who he really is. I believe this would have created a sense of closure for the two. *Just my opinion, NO HATE PLEASE!!*

[@nightshroud9671]

I wished Spike actually stood up to him instead of relying on his friends like Fluttershy to do so there.

[@onealone-jt8oi]

Happy Birthday Doc! On going biggest problem for the series, you usually only get one show to do your idea, and it has to be 22 minutes long with three breaks for ads...

[@shampooh8r]

Happy Birthday :) Smolder did mentioned that she has a brother who was kicked out of the family because he was in a middle of a molting stage.

[@DRWolf001]

Thank you kindly :)

[@shampooh8r]

@@DRWolf001 You're welcome:)

[@edwardevans7219]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOC! Keep up the fun and I will continue watching!

[@shadowspector3611]

Fluttershy's baby talk was adorable!

[@AtarahDerek]

Garble is an elitist. He wholly believes that dragons are the superior race, and he doesn't have a lot of compassion for other creatures. However, with that elitism comes an understanding that dragon eggs are a top priority in his culture, given that the Dragon Lord is charged with overseeing their care. The fact that he was willing to make his friends laugh at him in order to help hatch the eggs shows that he is capable of kindness and selflessness, at least when it comes to his own kind. He was willing to sacrifice his reputation for those babies. And that's a huge step in character development for him (being a low tier character, he doesn't get the luxury of gradual character growth like the main characters). He may always look down on Spike at least a little bit for being raised by ponies, but at least we've seen that he does, in fact, have a soft side that's directed at the young dragons in his own community. Spike can work with that.

[@iferlyf8172]

Fluttershy has been interacting with dragons for a while now, big and small, so she's been desensitised to her fear. Realizing that she could intimidate a ginormous dragon by just yelling and staring probably helped a lot too

[@mylittlebrony2130]

Wow that's funny I just finished this episode like 2 minutes ago

[@mysticblue108]

Garble? That’s his name right? He’s voiced by Vincent tong and... I like Vincent tong... VwV he’s a good boi

[@artbytesia]

Sandbar is too, ya know. And so is Rumble.

[@Spritzkrieg]

When I read the synopsis, I was already 90% sure Smolder's brother would be Garble.

[@artbytesia]

So was I, when I heard about the episode and gave it some thought.

[@crovax1375]

I did not expect to see Garble portrayed like this, let alone a redemption arc for him

[@OmegaRay100]

I don't think it's really a redemption arc, it feels more as a "More than he seems" kind of deal. However, they did the same thing with Diamond Tiara so who am I to say.

[@crovax1375]

@@OmegaRay100 one thing that did disappoint me was that I was hoping that Spike would be assertive to Garble like how Smolder and Fluttershy was

[@ryancarson6962]

crovax 13 I felt it was forced, Garble wanted to kill baby birds by smashing the eggs and threatened to burn down Equestria is he became Dragon Lord, to have him redeemed after having him essentially plot GENOCIDE is pretty forced, it’s probably one of the worse redemption arcs in the show.

[@cofagrigusfan24]

i love any episode where any dragon is the focus

[@Bezaliel13]

I always saw Fluttershy's dracophobia as being her social anxiety.

[@RedDragonForce2]

Two things... One: That new Fluttershy face took five years off my life. There's "killing with Kindness" and then there's Fluttershy's new expression, it's THAT cute!!! I can't give it a number because Infinity is too small. (Also, a throwback to RD's face from Season 1 for those who remember that scene) Two: There is a scene I feel like could have been added, maybe a deleted post credits scene. (Fluttershy, Spike, and Smolder are getting ready to leave the Dragon Lands and return to Ponyville, waving goodbye to Ember, Garble, and the other Dragons when Garble walks forward, getting Spike's attention as Fluttershy and Smolder take off.) Garble: Spike, I... Spike: (holds up a claw) It's okay, Garble. I forgive you. Garble: (confused) Just like that? Spike: Just like that. Forgiveness is another lesson of Friendship, one that may seem small, but can also be the most important lesson to learn. I know we got off to a bad start, and we never really had any good interactions since then, but I sort of understand better now. When I saw those drums, I started to see myself in you and realized that we do have things in common. So... it's okay. Maybe next time, we'll do better? Garble: Sounds good, Spikey-Wikey. (shakes Spike's claw before Spike takes off) Spike: See ya, Gar-Gar. (Scene) Thoughts?? I mean, it's probably not necessary in the end-all, be-all sense, but something to give a small moment to Spike and Garble actually actually talking and not butting heads (metaphorically). Oh, ONE MORE THING!!! Another antagonist gets a redemption episode. That's, what, Four now!? DO I HEAR FIVE?? (TFS Vegeta reference)

[@CrystallizedCoyote]

I think that would have been a perfect ending scene.

[@NicolasDominique]

Quite ok-ish episode, but very enjoyable, because of Fluttershy. She's now way more confident than she used to be. And happy birthday, Wolf!

[@DRWolf001]

Thank you kindly :)

[@Templar127]

Bonggos and poetry...ahh yes, i remember that scene of An extremely Goofy Movie! XD

[@pinkiepoolgamerbrony2789]

Fluttershy she is truly adorable being around Dragon Eggs

[@davidweiss2407]

I think it would have been better to have had Spike be the one to get the idea to use the laugh fire to hatch the eggs and try to get the dragons to laugh. Then Garble, seeing Spike not afraid to be himself in the front of the other dragons joins in claiming that if Spike can do it, he can too and together they get the dragons to laugh enough to hatch the eggs. It would end with the two of them on better terms than before, perhaps with Garble figuring if he wants to see more of Smoulder he’ll crash at Spike’s place. All Spike can manage to say is, “I will be the bigger dragon. I will be the bigger dragon.”

[@raiokaii]

Fluttershy was great in this episode (even though she was obviously shoe-horned in)

[@Beyondthe5thPanel]

Ohhhh I’m gonna be rewatching this over and and over!!!! In a sense this resonates with me so much and the way each character interacts with each other kind of reminds me of some of my coworker friends, family and church friends, minus the bully aspect, though that could be argued for one of my church friends back in our teenage years. I think this opens up so much new potential and idea possibilities for each character down the road if there had been more than a season 9. This easily is one of my favorite episodes of all time, especially seeing how Fluttershy behaves and interacts with Garble. It really reminds me how much alike I am with Fluttershy, while also showing similar traits of me and Garble, though I’m not one who bullies because of insecurities. All in all, I laughed so hard and enjoyed this very much. Wish we could see more now of the dragon lands

[@starlightglimmer4613]

This episode is like a normal episode to me. It is like one of those MLP episodes that is decent but not great either. I love some of those jokes XD

[@Andreasuprema]

Let’s be honest that the best parts of the episode were the ones of Fluttershy and Ember together

[@StarscreamSigma]

Happy Birthday, Doc! Welp...I need to Retcon my MLP Fanfiction and create a Dragon OC for the villain role now that Garble is reformed.

[@greenstarlover1]

Garble should have been a closet stand-up comedian instead. At least then the climax would make sense.

[@ambermargheim5726]

Yah...I love poetry but I just couldn't take his. I will admit I was laughing with the dragons, as well as all the other poetry moments, I've just never heard that... I hope that doesn't make me mean or anything I just couldn't handle it with a straight face

[@michaelaburns734]

Fluttershy MVP of the episode all of this is amazing. Wow every character had a moment to shine this episode. 9/9 awesome episodes keep it up. Oh happy birthday Doctor Wolf

[@artbytesia]

Michael A Burns My favorite part was when she stood up to Garble, because that was cool for her and because it has some truths in it.

[@leidyramirez7822]

Happy birthday Dr. Wolf!!

[@Inrezairo]

Happy Belated Birthday Dr Wolf!!

[@DRWolf001]

Thank you kindly :)

[@kioku119]

I'm pretty sure they wanted to learn it specifically because their Dragon Lord thought it was cool.

[@JackTASM2]

Happy birthday, DrWolf!

[@ktm0629]

When I first saw this episode it made me think that Spike's and Garble's relationship would have been a lot different if they first met maybe during this episode.

[@Grandtheftauto1998]

Happy B-Day Doc and i'm glad you made the call sayin the Smolder's bro could be Garble and got it right.

[@DRWolf001]

Thank you kindly :)

[@Grandtheftauto1998]

No prob, I really do enjoy your reviews.

[@CilanSteele]

I liked this episode, but I think a better send-off for Garble would be him apologizing or thanking Spike for showing him he can be himself. Because I don't think we'll be seeing him again. But, having him sacrifice his reputation was still a good end to his character. No complaints

[@Cloud-dt6xb]

There's a small brief compliment before he starts playing the bongos but yeah Spike definetly deserved more than that. i really enjoy the episode but that's something we did need to see.

[@Mr-__-Sy]

theory, fluttershy never recovered from the time she was discorded, also the fact that discord is around her doesn't help it in what we could perceive is the right way and also all her other personalities became more prominent due to this and this will maybe play a major role in the finale maybe bing the key to defeat grogar, and this may actually be planed by celestia and discord

[@Arcticwlf]

Happy Birthday, Dr. Wolf.

[@yaz2531]

Happy birthday :3 this episode reminded my older brother, he used to be like that

[@DRWolf001]

Thank you kindly :)

[@VentesDemon]

First off, Happy birthday. Secondly, that Garble is Smolder's brother reveal took me by surprise, his sweet side was rather jarring after everything he did throughout the series, and I my watch this episode again simply for the Ember parts.

[@gilbertobenites4215]

If we have another smoltsy ending, I'm going say "My my my, I'm once bitten twice shy, babe"

[@shadowwriter4538]

Smolder and Garble being related was something I think people were thinking in the first place anyway.

[@venelopimlp]

now you listen, and you listen good!- garbel is a brony. this episode is about bronies! garbel is a representation of us- the bronies. we were hiding from the world, because we thought that someone was going to pick on us for liking 'girl stuff'. but when we stood together, we changed all of that and became proud of who we are.

[@artc-the-brony1050]

This is what happened with me during the last few days Before airing: If they don't make garble smolder's brother, I will send an angry mob Before watching: Get ready angry mob for the betrayal After watching: okay go home now no angry mobs today, we will wait another time...

[@supersaiyandiclonius3056]

I probably would have seen this episode the same way that you did, but I'm currently living at a trade school and I had to share the TV with others and the whole time I was watching the episode, I had to deal with THOSE people. So this wound up being a battle cry for me.

[@alexandram.2714]

All these new pieces of information came out of nowhere. The solution to the problem was forced. I agree, Garble should have had a bit of backstory as to why he's a bully, especially to Spike. P.S: And his friends sounded like they were butt kissing the dragon empress (forgot her name) when they asked for poetry lessons.

[@PeachWookiee]

Of course they're kissing Ember's hide. It'll be years before the dragons follow a leader out of love more than fear.

[@nightshroud9671]

@@PeachWookiee Its pretty much a problem that she's essentially FORCING the dragons to change there. Initially, Smolder was forced to go to the school, which left a dark mark there.

[@everythinggirly916]

Happy birthday, Doctor! Great review as always. I completely agree with you; this episode was pretty predictible and unrealistic. Also, it's strange that Ember, being the Dragon lord, couldn't somehow call on the adult dragons to help.

[@quintonjones2699]

I was hoping for a new dragon to be Smolder’s brother but I was wrong. Who would’ve thought Garble had that side to him it even blew my mind and Happy Birthday Doc.

[@fusionomni305]

Happy Birthday, Doc!

[@DRWolf001]

Thank you kindly :)

[@Bezaliel13]

Earlier; Garble: "Everyone would laugh at me!" Later; Spike: "Huh, he was right."

[@acemeister1624]

I gave that episode an 8.5/10 Super Mushrooms, although Garble can be a jerk to Spike, but his soft side as poet is an a-ok, like one says, sometimes bullies do have a soft side, oh and Happy Birthday, Dr. Wolf!

[@DarknessDragon017]

Ember: "which one are you again AppleDash"? LoL

[@zeokingsilver]

Garble being the brother we hear about while back feels like a bit forced

[@smilesforadoller]

This episode is a re watch for me because of Fluttershy. This is Fluttershy at her best. Best pony. Fight me.

[@epicfights7898]

smilesforadoller we can’t, you are literally correct XD