[Season 4] Episode 8: Rarity Takes Manehattan.... by storm

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 find how sometimes too much generosity can be a bad thing. However, there are a FEW rules to go over before we can get started. First off, all content within this blog is expressly the opinion of its author. It does not, nor should it EVER, reflect 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?

Rarity Takes Manehattan is the 8th episode of season 4 and 73rd episode overall. Written by veteran writer Dave Polsky, the episode title was originally a reference to the 1984 Muppets Take Manhattan film as well as Leonard Cohen's song First we Take Manhattan. After traveling to Manehattan for a fashion competition Rarity has her generous nature called into question thanks to a rival competitor named Suri Polomare. Due to this she's driven to step her game up in the face of stiff competition. But what happens when her drive to succeed threatens her bonds with the rest of the gang. Will she win without losing what really matters to her? Or is this truly every mare for herself?

Whew doggies. Finally, another trip back to fashion central. This time, of course, we're getting to see a classic Broadway competition and even witness a characters broad leap from one perspective to another. And for once, I'm willing to admit the music numbers weren't half as bad. Well timed and equally reflective to the mood and tone of the scene. And we can't forget it was the first episode we get to meet Fluttershy's fashion equal Coco Pommel. Yeah. I said her full name. Come and get me Chanel. I dare you.

In terms of lessons I feel the best lesson here is that one should never be to generous. Often times, some ponies can easily take advantage of that generosity and use against you. It's best to consider who you should give too. But most of all, never let one mistake get between you and the people you care about. Especially when they're willing to give up so much for you without asking for anything in return.

Frankly, I think what made this episode best of all was that it finally put to bed all those judgmental types who usually saw Rarity as nothing more than another Suri Polomare. When fans were first introduced to Rarity in the first 3 seasons they saw nothing more than this fashion obsessed, pretty boy chasing, germaphobe who would sooner step on others to excel in life. Rarity Takes Manehattan best emphasizes her giving nature and shows how Rarity may seem prim and proper but deep down even she's willing to give her life's work away for the ponies who matter or for those who really need it. And even though she did almost ruin that for herself I think it's pleasant how she realized her mistakes in the end while keeping with the seasons theme. Keep that glow in mind people as it will play it's part later on in the season. Overall, this episode set out to make an impression and I feel it more than succeeded in it's goals. Which even more so proves that season 4 thus far has been, and always will be, the BEST season so far.

Alright! This concludes my review of Rarity Takes Manehattan. In the end, a well received episode for any and all Rarity fans and haters alike. I highly recommend this as it will question your views on certain characters. I give this episode a 10/ 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, reminding you to KEEP CALM AND BRONY ON!! PEACE!!