[Season 3] Episodes 1 & 2: The Crystal Empire... doth return

HELLOOO EVERYBODY and welcome to Cultures Compendium of Reviews! As always, I am Culture Shock. Your guide to all things cultural in Equestria and beyond. In todays review, we put our knowledge to the test in a game of fact or failure. However, there are a few rules to go over before we get started. First off, all content within this blog is expressly the opinion of its author. It does not, nor should it ever, refllect the overall opinion of the fandom. Lastly, if any of you notice ANY mistakes, be it typos or otherwise, please don't hesitate to.let me know. With that said, let's begin. Shall we?

The Crystal Empire is the two - part  opener to season 3 as well as the 53rd and 54th episodes overall. Written by Meghan McCarthy, this two parter marks the only technical death in the series. When the Crystal Empire re - emerges after 1000 years Twilight is tasked with aiding in its safe return. But when an ancient evil arrives to reclaim its throne its a race against time to find the Crystal Heart. Can she save the day? Or will the evil king win?

Okay, so starting fresh season 3 and we already have our first hurdle. Frankly, things started kind of slow for this two parter. Though things did pick up towards the second half so thats a plus. And aside from too many music numbers, I'd say it was a pretty modest start.

I think the strongest lesson in this is that not all victories are about self worth. Sometimes you have to set aside your own ambitions to focus on the needs of others. It might not feel worth it at first. But in the end, not only are you helping someone else shine but you also shine a little brighter as well.

Overall I think both episodes were okay. It just took a while for the pace to really pick up. And I am a slight Sombra fan. I just hate how it takes at least 4 musical numbers to tell this story. That aand I learned a valuable lesson. Never let Rarity, or myself for that matter, near a Crystal ANYWHERE when things get serious. Oh yeah and nice spoiler alert at the end.

Alright! This concludes my review of The Crystal Empire. Not all that most viewers expecting since A Canterlot Wedding but worth recommending nonetheless. I give this two - parter a 9 / 10. Hope you guys enjoyed the review. Be sure to leave a like if you did. Also, don't forget to follow us for more updates. Got a suggestion for a review? Leave it in the comments section down below. This has been Culture Shock, your guide to all things cultural in Equestria and beyond, saying KEEP CALM AND BRONY ON!! PEACE!!