Rating:
A Dog And Pony Show is probably the least of the “adventure” episodes of the first season, although the genre is strong enough that it certainly still rates in the top half. Amy Keating Rogers is again plagued by a few too many cutesy touches of the kind that sank Fall Weather Friends, but this time she finds enough good moments to compensate. The plot is the darkest of any episode yet aired in the series, and it’s hard not to take the subject seriously even though it’s only played for laughs. Rarity is kidnapped by three Gollums Diamond Dogs (not of the Bowie variety), who plan to use her to find the ridiculous multitude of gems just lying around Equestria. Of course, Rarity doesn't know how to be scared in situations she should be, and won’t compromise her “principles” no matter what peril she may be in. It’s extremely doubtful that any kidnapping situation turns out like the one here, as the Dogs’ disgust with Rarity would probably lead to her death rather than them willingly let her go. That means the point doesn't exactly come off, since acting like Rarity does in a similar situation almost certainly isn't the right thing to do. Kidnappings aren't generally sources of comedy, so the episode feels somewhat disconcerting overall. With a large amount of fantasy elements present, it’s better not to take A Dog And Pony Show too seriously, and the various fun parts that Rogers somehow finds do elevate the episode. Mostly this is thanks to Rarity, who shines even though she has a bit of the stereotypical “fabulous” bug that certain writers often plague her with.
Another fashion icon one-off (Sapphire Shores) makes an absurd request of Rarity, so she takes Spike to search for enough gems for the order. Apparently gems don’t have the same value they would here, because there certainly would have been a gold rush on all the ones lying around by now. With how many there are, the value is clearly diluted, which would explain how Rarity can just go get what she needs whenever. The main problem seems to be keeping Spike from eating all the gems, although he willingly refuses to devour the one he finally gets as a gift from Rarity because it’s from “her” (which nicely anticipates Spike returning the gesture in Secret Of My Excess). Three strange creatures are watching this hunting expedition though, and they originally think that Spike is the one responsible for finding the gems because he’s pulling the cart with all of them after digging them up. They quickly realize Rarity’s spell is the thing actually finding the gems, so after some struggle, they swoop her up and bring her down one of their holes. Spike can only turn to the sky and do his best Darth Vader impression: “Noooooooooooo!”
The rest of the mane six are quickly on Rarity’s trail, but they have a hard time following since the Diamond Dogs plug up all of their holes. This gives the characters time to speculate on how Rarity must be doing (any splotch of dirt is extremely traumatic of course), and Spike fantasizes about saving Rarity (naturally as a much buffer knight in shining armor). These sequences go over much better than the “real” ones, where the Diamond Dogs inexplicably return to toy with the mane six. Much “hilarity” ensues with a bunch of cartoon slapstick that was probably only meant to stretch out the episode. Fortunately, Spike comes up with the idea to use his gem from Rarity as a fishing lure, which finally allows the adventure to continue when everyone is dragged down into the caves.
Meanwhile, instead of languishing in a dirty cell, Rarity is called on by the Diamond Dogs to find some gems. She quickly finds a pocket, but things start to go downhill once the Dogs want Rarity to dig them up as well. This is a bit of a strange request since it would be more efficient for themselves or their “hounds” to dig them up while Rarity finds more, but they probably ask her to anyways in the spirit of slave labor. Rarity makes a few weak gestures at the ground, and uses a recent hooficure as an excuse (she refers to it as a “pony pedi” here, but the later standardization makes more sense). This is no doubt a natural reaction at having to get dirty or do some physical labor, but Rarity quickly seizes on the fact that the Diamond Dogs need her to find the jewels, and they find her attitude extremely annoying. It isn't long before she shows them exactly what whining is, which is one of Rarity's best and most memorable sequences. The whining is so ridiculous that the Diamond Dogs start doing everything by themselves, but they quickly decide to just stomach it and make Rarity work anyway. The leader then foolishly calls Rarity a mule, which of course brings her to tears. At this point, it’s not worth whatever the gems will bring for the Diamond Dogs to put up with Rarity’s childish display, and they’re willing to let her go even if it means giving up all of the gems she just found. While slightly preposterous, this section is the best in the episode, as it is chock full of fun moments.
Having finally reached the caverns, the rest of the mane six have little idea which way to go to find Rarity. Fortunately, “Rarity showed Twilight the gem-finding spell that one time”, so Twilight casts it and follows the gems to where Rarity should be. Surely there was a better excuse than this, which sounds completely made up while not making sense either. For what reason would Rarity show Twilight the gem-finding spell? Twilight has no use for it, while Rarity doesn't seem like someone who would want to give away her competitive edge even to a friend not in the field. Having Twilight study the spell somehow or try to figure it out on her own would have at least made better sense. As it stands, this line is an extreme contrivance that doesn't even try to hide that fact. If there’s any consolation, it’s that we soon find out the mane six’s rescue effort wasn't exactly needed, since Rarity apparently has everything under control.
Finally getting close to their destination, the hounds ambush our heroes and mount and harness them. This could be the end of the rescue, but then Applejack remembers they’re horses. She starts an impromptu rodeo, and the hounds have no hope of holding on to these bucking broncos. Spike is still aboard Twilight though, and he announces that he’s coming to save his lady (“Hi ho Twilight, away!”). She responds by wanting to know exactly what the hell he’s doing, but Spike just asks for this one moment. Twilight acquiesces, and the two charge off after Rarity. Like the whining scenes before it, this is another delightful sequence that shows the right amount of intelligence in the writing. Of course, it’s all for naught as Rarity is in the middle of leaving. The Diamond Dogs happily give her and the gems back to the ponies, so Rarity will be able to finish her dresses after all.
Like every season opener so far, A Dog And Pony show is light on a lesson while heavy on the adventure, but the episode still works pretty well even if it’s not trying to teach something. Not underestimating Rarity because of her haughty attitude is a nice thought, and probably doubles for all girls in some capacity. Of course, what she did only worked because the Diamond Dogs never realized it was (partially) an act, and because they were toothless enough not to threaten her life or do some other bodily harm to her. To be fair, they did need Rarity to find the gems, which put them in a bad position. But getting out of a kidnapping isn't that easy either, since there’s no way you wouldn't get hurt somehow after acting like Rarity does here. These scenes are still fun though, but it’s a pity the rest of the episode doesn't match the strength of the final act. There are too many moments that seem like filler, and treating My Little Pony like an old cartoon show has never worked (Pinkie Pie logic excepted). A Dog And Pony Show isn’t consistent enough to warrant a high rating, but the moments where it does work rank among the best in the series.
Another fashion icon one-off (Sapphire Shores) makes an absurd request of Rarity, so she takes Spike to search for enough gems for the order. Apparently gems don’t have the same value they would here, because there certainly would have been a gold rush on all the ones lying around by now. With how many there are, the value is clearly diluted, which would explain how Rarity can just go get what she needs whenever. The main problem seems to be keeping Spike from eating all the gems, although he willingly refuses to devour the one he finally gets as a gift from Rarity because it’s from “her” (which nicely anticipates Spike returning the gesture in Secret Of My Excess). Three strange creatures are watching this hunting expedition though, and they originally think that Spike is the one responsible for finding the gems because he’s pulling the cart with all of them after digging them up. They quickly realize Rarity’s spell is the thing actually finding the gems, so after some struggle, they swoop her up and bring her down one of their holes. Spike can only turn to the sky and do his best Darth Vader impression: “Noooooooooooo!”
The rest of the mane six are quickly on Rarity’s trail, but they have a hard time following since the Diamond Dogs plug up all of their holes. This gives the characters time to speculate on how Rarity must be doing (any splotch of dirt is extremely traumatic of course), and Spike fantasizes about saving Rarity (naturally as a much buffer knight in shining armor). These sequences go over much better than the “real” ones, where the Diamond Dogs inexplicably return to toy with the mane six. Much “hilarity” ensues with a bunch of cartoon slapstick that was probably only meant to stretch out the episode. Fortunately, Spike comes up with the idea to use his gem from Rarity as a fishing lure, which finally allows the adventure to continue when everyone is dragged down into the caves.
Meanwhile, instead of languishing in a dirty cell, Rarity is called on by the Diamond Dogs to find some gems. She quickly finds a pocket, but things start to go downhill once the Dogs want Rarity to dig them up as well. This is a bit of a strange request since it would be more efficient for themselves or their “hounds” to dig them up while Rarity finds more, but they probably ask her to anyways in the spirit of slave labor. Rarity makes a few weak gestures at the ground, and uses a recent hooficure as an excuse (she refers to it as a “pony pedi” here, but the later standardization makes more sense). This is no doubt a natural reaction at having to get dirty or do some physical labor, but Rarity quickly seizes on the fact that the Diamond Dogs need her to find the jewels, and they find her attitude extremely annoying. It isn't long before she shows them exactly what whining is, which is one of Rarity's best and most memorable sequences. The whining is so ridiculous that the Diamond Dogs start doing everything by themselves, but they quickly decide to just stomach it and make Rarity work anyway. The leader then foolishly calls Rarity a mule, which of course brings her to tears. At this point, it’s not worth whatever the gems will bring for the Diamond Dogs to put up with Rarity’s childish display, and they’re willing to let her go even if it means giving up all of the gems she just found. While slightly preposterous, this section is the best in the episode, as it is chock full of fun moments.
Having finally reached the caverns, the rest of the mane six have little idea which way to go to find Rarity. Fortunately, “Rarity showed Twilight the gem-finding spell that one time”, so Twilight casts it and follows the gems to where Rarity should be. Surely there was a better excuse than this, which sounds completely made up while not making sense either. For what reason would Rarity show Twilight the gem-finding spell? Twilight has no use for it, while Rarity doesn't seem like someone who would want to give away her competitive edge even to a friend not in the field. Having Twilight study the spell somehow or try to figure it out on her own would have at least made better sense. As it stands, this line is an extreme contrivance that doesn't even try to hide that fact. If there’s any consolation, it’s that we soon find out the mane six’s rescue effort wasn't exactly needed, since Rarity apparently has everything under control.
Finally getting close to their destination, the hounds ambush our heroes and mount and harness them. This could be the end of the rescue, but then Applejack remembers they’re horses. She starts an impromptu rodeo, and the hounds have no hope of holding on to these bucking broncos. Spike is still aboard Twilight though, and he announces that he’s coming to save his lady (“Hi ho Twilight, away!”). She responds by wanting to know exactly what the hell he’s doing, but Spike just asks for this one moment. Twilight acquiesces, and the two charge off after Rarity. Like the whining scenes before it, this is another delightful sequence that shows the right amount of intelligence in the writing. Of course, it’s all for naught as Rarity is in the middle of leaving. The Diamond Dogs happily give her and the gems back to the ponies, so Rarity will be able to finish her dresses after all.
Like every season opener so far, A Dog And Pony show is light on a lesson while heavy on the adventure, but the episode still works pretty well even if it’s not trying to teach something. Not underestimating Rarity because of her haughty attitude is a nice thought, and probably doubles for all girls in some capacity. Of course, what she did only worked because the Diamond Dogs never realized it was (partially) an act, and because they were toothless enough not to threaten her life or do some other bodily harm to her. To be fair, they did need Rarity to find the gems, which put them in a bad position. But getting out of a kidnapping isn't that easy either, since there’s no way you wouldn't get hurt somehow after acting like Rarity does here. These scenes are still fun though, but it’s a pity the rest of the episode doesn't match the strength of the final act. There are too many moments that seem like filler, and treating My Little Pony like an old cartoon show has never worked (Pinkie Pie logic excepted). A Dog And Pony Show isn’t consistent enough to warrant a high rating, but the moments where it does work rank among the best in the series.
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