While Applejack's character writing was pretty hit and miss throughout 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic', she is also out of the Mane 6 the pony that has the most interesting family. It is always interesting when we learn something new about any of the characters in any episode of the show, and we have that with the connection between Applejack and old friend Coloratura (term used for the highest register of a female voice in opera, most common in Bel Canto). Plus there is Lena Hall's guest turn.
"The Mane Attraction" is a big delight, a great penultimate episode for the season before the two parter finale "The Cutie Re-Mark" and a great (if slightly bittersweet) send off for writer Amy Keating Rogers. To me it is one of the best episodes of Season 5 and easily the best episode of both the season and of the show since "Crusaders of the Lost Mark", saying a lot as somebody who was underwhelmed by most of the episodes in between that episode and this (especially "What About Discord?", grrr!). Can completely understand why other fans consider it one of their favourite episodes.
My only issue with "The Mane Attraction" was the grossly irritating character of Svengallop. Am aware that the episode was satirising overbearing managers, but it goes so overboard with the obnoxiousness and everything negative about him without providing anything redeeming that one is at a loss at how Coloratura can be so oblivious when it's so blatantly obvious to everyone else.
However, the episode is beautifully animated. The spectacle at the final concert scene is a visual marvel. Speaking of that scene, that has to be my favourite one of Season 5 and one of my favourite endings of the whole of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic', just love the emotion and how good it makes me feel on each viewing. The music fits beautifully and the featured songs plays a big role in the story and are a big part of "The Mane Attraction's" appeal. "Magic is Right" is in the top 3 of the best songs of the season along with "We'll Make Our Mark" ("Crusaders of the Lost Mark") and "I'll Fly" ("Tanks for the Memories").
Coloratura is my personal favourite of the new supporting characters from Season 5. Very interesting character with an awesome and easy to relate to (apart from her obliviousness regarding Svengallop) personality, especially if a singer yourself like with me. Applejack is the most likeable she has been in a long time and would go as far to say that it is one of her best appearances ever on the show in one of the best Applejack-centric episodes. Just loved how honest and caring she was, as well as her want to help, while toning down the stubborness and aggression that has been seen in other episodes.
Writing is pitch perfect, very entertaining, poignant and honest with good insight into the industry. The story is always compelling and didn't feel too compressed or over-stretched to me. The moral is a beautiful one delivered with sensitivity. The voice acting is great, with a show-stopping turn from Lena Hall.
In summary, wonderful. 9/10
