MLP: FIM The Parent Map

This is the fourth episode written by Dave Rapp and probably my favorite of the ones he has written. His previous episodes were Newbie Dash, Flutter Brutter and Where the Apple Lies. This episode was storyboarded by Melissa Allen, Kaylea Chard (who has boarded for the show since Season 6) and Nicole Wang (who has boarded for the show since season 1).

With a title that references a movie I love this has to be a good episode and it is. I am in the camp of those who love Starlight and this episode perfectly shows why. She is very relatable here. Again her anxieties always feel real to me, and that is part of what endears her to me. Sunburst is also given a good role here and again is very likable and relatable. Their parents are delightful new characters. This episode also has an excellent sense of humor. A peek into Starlight's room as a teenager, the town folks enjoying watching Starlight and Sunbursts efforts, and Sunburst's mom's way of helping are all quite funny. The animation is also great here. The character's facial expressions perfectly enhance each joke, and some are even funnier. All in all a great episode.

-Michael J. Ruhland