It Ain't Easy Being Breezies

On first watch, my expectations were very mixed before watching "It Ain't Easy Being Breezies". Part of me was interested, being a fan of 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic', someone that likes Season 4 on the whole and someone that loved what Season 4's "Filli Vanilli" did with Fluttershy, a character who deserved more credit at this point of the show. Part of me was nervous too, as the premise really didn't appeal to me, the least appealing of Season 4, and because a fair share of fans don't care for the episode.

Watching "It Ain't Easy Being Breezies" for myself for the first time on first airing, my opinion leant towards the "didn't care for it" opinion for similar reasons. Found quite a bit to like about it, but the flaws for me were glaring and a lot. Re-watching it again earlier this year (likewise with most of the show's episodes), my feelings haven't really changed all that much. There are worse episodes of the show than "It Ain't Easy Being Breezies", but as far as Season 4 goes to me it's one of the weakest.

"It Ain't Easy Being Breezies" has things to like sure. Much of the animation is terrific, especially the backgrounds for the Breezy Kingdom. The design of the world in terms of visual style is unique for the show. The music is dynamic with the action and has a lot of character without being over the top. The voice acting is great, especially from a remarkably nuanced Brian Drummond and Andrea Libman as Fluttershy. The moral is fantastic, very relevant and relatable handled sincerely (something that the show often, but not always, excelled at).

Fluttershy is very well developed here, one of her most interesting appearances of the season along with "Filli Vanilli" and she was easy to identify with and like. SeaBreeze was even better, not just a wildly entertaining character but also one that in his more emotional moments breaks the heart. Rarity continues to be my favourite of the Mane 6 from Season 4 ("Simple Ways" being the exception), she's funny but also caring. Spike showing genuine regret was one of his character high points of the season. Some of the dialogue is amusing and charming.

Did feel however that the rest of the Breezies were bland, and while the way they looked intrigued somewhat they did look weird at times. Outside of SeaBreeze, the Breezies lacked personality and their motivations struck me as vague. Most of the Mane 6 were underused, with Pinkie Pie also being annoying (shame as there were episodes in this season where she really shone in a good way, especially "Pinkie Pride"). Despite looking amazing, to me "It Ain't Easy Being Breezies" didn't do very well at fully immersing me into this great-looking world/kingdom and we don't learn much about it.

Apart from moments of amusement and charm, the writing was on the bland side here (SeaBreeze and the love he has for his family being the closest the episode gets to having heart) with the humour being too little and it felt a little too shoehorned-in and random to me. The story is thin in structure and plods in the too many stretches where there is not much development, the dull characterisation of the Breezies undermines the storytelling and conflicts badly too. Do agree with those that didn't like the episode about the ending, an aspect that even those that like it thought was a let down. It comes out of nowhere and is too convenient, and the role that Twilight plays at this point would have made a lot more sense if it was filled by Fluttershy. Others have described it as "toy commercial"-worthy, and cannot disagree sadly.

In summary, watchable but a lesser Season 4 episode. 5/10