
#10: Party Of One:
Not a bad spot to start off. It’s got a lot of slapstick humor, dark humor, and is considered one of the better PP-centric episodes. Even if the moral doesn’t move past ‘Don’t be paranoid’, it’s an entertaining gem anyhow.
#9: Lesson Zero:
The episode manages to point out a legitimate flaw in Twilight Sue, and unceremoniously tosses out the forced-moral-for-every-episode mechanic. All of this while being an enjoyable 22 minute Romp. At the very least, it’s another “Somepony Goes Nuts” episode.
#8: A Canterlot Wedding:
It’s a Disney Film in half the time. It comes with legit surprises, minor political intrigue, and Twilight Kills Dumbledore. A bit like Twilight’s Kingdom, the first half isn’t quite as memorable, but I’d say it pays off from the build-up.
#7: Pinkie Pride:
An episode that musically outperforms nearly any other. Looking for a crazy ride? Here it is.
#6: Bats:
I liked bats. Playing off the varying opinions of the Mane 6 is one of the better traits of the show, and it does this well with a fairly serious issue. While the logistics for part of the storyline is up in the air, it’s a very entertaining episode that’s fairly heavy in spookiness.
#5: Flight To The Finish:
It‘s a child-centric episode, yet it’s deep-seated with moral dilemmas and has some of the best characterization in the show. They managed to take a running joke from the fans, and turn it into a serious real-life issue. Bring Kleenex for the second half.
#4: Princess Twilight Sparkle:
The only real flaw I can come up with for the episode is the less-than-original name. That seems to be a running gag for Two-Parters. For those wanting to speed right into S4, it’s a picture-perfect entry that manages to avoid the expected tropes of its preceding 2-parters, provides answers to much-needed questions, and has more twists than Rarity’s Tail. Okay, that joke was awful… It’s the second-best two-parter in the entire series. Go watch it.
#3: Rarity Takes Manehattan:
Oh boy. There are 3 episodes I’ve shed a tear to, and this is one of em‘. A brand new setting, a very emotionally-charged storyline, and an appropriate ending that opens potential doors in S5 for a new character.
#2: For Whom The Belle Toils:
Much like Sisterhooves Social, It’s tied into the SB-Rarity family dynamics, but turns the tables around. There’s too much spoiler-y things to talk about here…if you like dark and emotional, this will definitely not dissapoint.
#1: The Return of Harmony:
This is the big one. Features one of the best villains, and a genuinely moving storyline. Second Half’s a bit iffy on pacing, but is otherwise a whole lot of awesome. If you’re looking for something Dark & Serious, and just started out on this crazy journey, look no further. This is it.
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Bobobobobobobobobbobobobobobobobobobobobbobserverchu-Ridley's List:
10. Three's a Crowd
I was a little disappointed by how little this episode developed Cadence as a character, but eh, it had more Discord craziness and a fight with a giant flying worm.
9. Princess Twilight Sparkle
This episode had lots of stuff going for it. Interesting historical information, that scepter thing, best of all, I liked it how they kept Discord's true agenda hidden the whole time. Kept me guessing the whole season.
8. Lesson Zero
Ruh roh, this time Twilight Sparkle is holding the idiot ball! None of you are safe!
7. Party of One
Pinkie Pie holds the idiot ball in this one. Her antics were pretty funny, but this one loses points for retroactively validating the premise of "Cupcakes."
6. Return of Harmony
Sadistic as it may seem, the way Discord tormented the ponies in this one was hilarious.
5. Inspiration Manifestation
If you suddenly had the power of God thrust into your hands, how would you handle it? Better than Rarity, hopefully. Watching her terrorize Ponyville in her quest to make the world more fabulous was by far the best moment of season 4. Also, Spike was useful for once.
4. The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000
Sure, the Flim Flam brothers are mean spirited idiots, but you can't fault them on showmanship. I find myself singing along to this show's song every time, it's no wonder they managed to turn the whole of Ponyville against one of their most loyal friends in a matter of minutes. Sure, it was stupid of them to cut and run when it turned out that ponies didn't want to drink the cider with the trees in it, they could have just sold the cider without the wood in it. But it was also stupid of the Apples to take their bet. Everyone in this episode behaved in a spectacularly stupid manner. In my head canon, they were all drunk.
3. A Dog and a Pony Show
I can't believe Rarity actually got away from the diamond dogs just by throwing fits, it was hilarious!
2. The Best Night Ever
In addition to letting us watch Fluttershy lose her **** and ruin the most important social even of the year, this episode introduced Prince Bluehood, greatest troll in Equestria! I wish he hadn't targeted the best pony his griefing, but I can't fault him on his methodology. It's a pity we haven't seen more of this guy.
1. Sweet and Elite
I could completely relate to the conflict of this episode, I too share Rarity's catastrophically bad time management skills as well. She just keeps rationalizing her outings to herself, digging herself deeper, and lying to cover it up. Then, in the end, she gets away with it all! It was glorious. On top of that, we got to hear Rarity celebrating the fact that she is best pony in song. Yay!